New Orleans Supergroup to Debut at French Quarter Festival

Loyola University stage to spotlight musical legacy with young artists

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:09pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of a vintage saxophone, with the instrument's intricate metal textures and shiny surfaces filling the frame in dramatic, high-contrast lighting, conceptually representing the evolution of New Orleans' iconic sound.The New Orleans Legacy Coalition's performance at the French Quarter Festival will spotlight the city's rich musical heritage through a modern, textural lens.New Orleans Today

A new band of second-generation New Orleans musicians, the New Orleans Legacy Coalition, will make their French Quarter Festival debut this week. The group includes recent Loyola alum Michael Mullins, 16-year-old piano talent River Eckert, and Omari Neville, son of Grammy Award-winner Cyril Neville. Their mission is to carry forward the tradition of artists like the Neville Brothers, the Meters, and Allen Toussaint, while evolving the sound for a new generation.

Why it matters

The New Orleans music scene has a rich legacy that has influenced generations of artists. This new supergroup aims to honor that legacy while bringing a fresh perspective to the city's iconic sound, helping to ensure it continues to thrive.

The details

The New Orleans Legacy Coalition will perform on the Loyola Esplanade stage at the New Orleans Jazz Museum during the French Quarter Festival on Friday, April 17. The stage is sponsored by Loyola University New Orleans and provides performance opportunities for students and alumni, as well as hands-on experience in live event production.

  • The New Orleans Legacy Coalition will make their French Quarter Festival debut on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • The Loyola Esplanade stage has been a part of the French Quarter Festival for the past three years.

The players

Michael Mullins

A recent Loyola alum and the son of Bonerama's Mark Mullins.

River Eckert

A 16-year-old piano talent and the son of guitarist Jake Eckert.

Omari Neville

The son of Grammy Award-winner Cyril Neville.

Loyola University New Orleans

The university that sponsors the Loyola Esplanade stage at the French Quarter Festival, providing performance opportunities for students and alumni.

French Quarter Festival

A four-day event featuring more than 300 performances across 20 stages and food from over 70 local restaurants.

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What they’re saying

“We feel some sort of duty to proliferate it. It inspired us so much throughout our lives. It informed who we are as musicians today.”

— Michael Mullins, Musician

“It's a beautiful spot. People, locals, come and set up their chairs and come and dance. It becomes like a block party vibe.”

— Jonathan McHugh, Chair in Music Industry Studies at Loyola

What’s next

The New Orleans Legacy Coalition's performance at the French Quarter Festival on April 17 will be a highly anticipated event, showcasing the next generation of New Orleans musicians and their commitment to honoring the city's rich musical legacy.

The takeaway

The New Orleans Legacy Coalition's debut at the French Quarter Festival represents the continued evolution of the city's iconic sound, as a new generation of musicians works to preserve and build upon the musical traditions that have defined New Orleans for decades.