Lake Charles, Louisiana - The first ever Nellie Fest will be held at Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park in Lake Charles on Sunday, April 7th from 1 to 5 pm.

This festival, which is free and open to the public, will honor Nellie Lutcher, a jazz legend born in Lake Charles after whom the park is named. The event will include live music, food trucks, vendors, and the unveiling of the park's mural.

Lutcher grew up in a family home on Enterprise Boulevard, and she went to Second Ward School. From a young age, she was passionate about music and was a member of New Sunlight Baptist Church. As a teenager, she joined her father's band, the Southern Rhythm Boys, and traveled with them on tour. Eventually, she moved to Los Angeles, California, where she found great success and gained worldwide recognition. Lutcher passed away in 2007 at the age of 94 in Los Angeles.

In 2007, the City of Lake Charles, with the backing of various community figures, such as District B Councilwoman Luvertha August, designated the section of Enterprise Boulevard between Interstate 10 and Broad Street as the Nellie Lutcher Memorial Parkway. This was later expanded in 2015 to be known as the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District, and in 2016, the State of Louisiana officially recognized it as a State Cultural District.

The festival will feature shows by Jairus Daigle, Street Side Jazz Band, and a unique performance by Leah Nicole, a stylist inspired by Nellie Lutcher. More artists will be added to complete the lineup.

There will be food trucks and various vendors at the event selling concessions and handmade items. The community is encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets and enjoy a unique cultural experience. Ice chests and pets are not permitted.

Nellie Fest is supported by Mayor Nic Hunter, former State Senator Ronnie Johns, Mack's Barbershop, Senator Jeremy Stine, Everyday Shell, Carolyn Woosley and Joy Pace, Architect Jeff Kudla, Cox Law Firm, and Partners in Parks.