If you like heat and great music, consider a visit to New Orleans this weekend for the annual Satchmo JazzFest.

“Satchmo” of course was the great Louis Armstrong, a native son of New Orleans whose genius helped make jazz “modern.” Even decades after his death, it’s hard to listen to his big sound and shimmering lines without getting chills.

The festival goes from August 2 to August 5th and features great music and programming for kids.

If I were in New Orleans, I’d be checking out my favorites the Soul Rebels and the Panorama Jazz Band on the 4th and Rebirth, Treme, Algier’s, Trombone Shorty and Kermit Ruffins on the 5th. Talk about an embarrassment of riches.

Lots of participatory music workshops for kids on both days plus a puppet show on Sunday.

Good stuff at the Old Historic US Mint at 400 Esplanade Avenue on the border between the French Quarter and the Faubourg Marigny.

Check it out.