The Snug Harbor Jazz Club petitions that recently passed jazz legend Ellis Marsalis be honored in the renaming of Washington Square on historic Frenchmen Street. Mr. Marsalis was the father of modern jazz in New Orleans, teaching and influencing countless musicians over five decades and literally fathering four major jazz stars. He performed at the Snug Harbor, a half block from the park, for over thirty years before dying from Corona virus April 1st.

Located at 700 Elysian Fields Avenue on three acres of land, Washington Square Park is lined with grandiose oak trees, a walking path and a playground for the community’s youth. This plot of land comes at the end of one of the city’s most musically rich stretch of street. Known around the world for its culture and music, Frenchmen Street has been home to some of the country’s most revered jazz performers including Allen Toussaint, Harry Connick Jr, Mose Allison, Kermit Ruffins, the Neville Brothers, Branford, Wynton, Delfeayo & Jason Marsalis and of course Ellis Marsalis Jr.

*It was previously found in research that Washington Square Park was named after the locally formed Washington 141st Field Artillery Regiment, however, we have now come to learn it was actually named after George Washington. We still believe this park should be renamed after a member of the community who has done amazing work for the culture and people of New Orleans. For his impact, Ellis should be remembered.