ABOUT
THE FESTIVAL

One of the most sought-after musicians in the world, Donald Harrison brings his New Orleans roots back to New York for a new annual festival celebrating the infinite cross-genre connections the master has woven throughout his more than forty year career, named for his signature Quantum Leap Music concept (see 2010's Quantum Leap album). Harrison is no stranger to New York, as he spent significant time as a NYC resident in the 1980s and 1990s, not only shaking up the jazz scene, but influencing and collaborating with some of hip-hop's young golden era rising stars. Merging the best of both his worlds -- from New Orleans to New York, now from NOLA to NOFO -- presents infinite vibes at an intimate summer festival in Long Island's North Fork like no other. 

 

When we participate in all the music forms Harrison presents, we soon see how the places we can go are infinite, how we time-travel together,

"from roots to infinity," as Donald would say, whether in New Orleans or New York, today, yesterday, or beyond.  

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Bringing New Orleans (NOLA) to the North Fork (NOFO), the Quantum Leap Music Festival is a rare opportunity to experience more than two dozen award-winning musicians live from across the New Orleans roots music spectrum - in essence, the roots of American music, curated through the artistic lens of one of the most dynamic and respected jazz artists of our time – Donald Harrison, in the intimate summer setting of the oldest vineyard on Long Island. Paired with local vendors on-site offering a splendid taste of artisanal wines, beers, seafood and bar-b-que, this 4-day weekend is a soul-drenched journey through the past, present and future of jazz, and all its cousins. 

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After hosting a mini pilot festival in September of 2024, the Quantum Leap Music Festival is pleased to host its first full program in August, 2025. 

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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR STATEMENT:

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“At the Quantum Leap Music Festival, NOLA 2 NOFO and I present a wide stylistic range of New Orleans' greatest musical artists in their respective styles. One day may be a jazz, blues, funk, and soul-drenched, dance-oriented jazzy bounce hip-hop party. Another features traditional jazz and modern jazz with touches of soul, while yet another showcases zydeco, cajun, and other New Orleans music. This festival has something for everyone and will expose styles of music you may not have heard before, but you will leave loving. You can chill, dance, or party as the festival bridges aspects of many of your favorite festivals at the historic Borghese Vineyard & Winery in the beautiful setting of North Fork, Long Island.”  ~ Big Chief Donald Harrison Jr,  Festival Artistic Director 

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PRODUCER STATEMENT:  HOW DID THIS FESTIVAL COME TO BE? 

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"Twenty years ago, living in Greenport, Long Island, I had a dream of bringing New Orleans music to the North Fork. Late at night, listening to New Orleans radio station WWOZ online, I would make lists of all the New Orleans music I would love to listen to live in North Fork’s wine country. I even came up with the phrase “NOLA to NOFO” – New Orleans to the North Fork.
 

I had no idea where I’d host the festival, let alone how to organize one. 
 

Then, visiting New Orleans in 2023, I met renowned painter, teacher and musician Ronald Romanski. His painting of Donald Harrison Sr., Big Chief of the Guardians of the Flame Mardi Gras Indians, was prominently displayed in his studio. When I asked Ronald about the painting, he handed me a book written about Big Chief Donald Harrison Sr. and the Harrison family.  After reading the book, I asked Ronald if I could meet the Harrison family. Ronald introduced me to Donald Harrison Sr’s widow, Herreast Harrison, and daughter, Big Queen Cherice.

 

A few months later, I had breakfast with NEA Jazz Master, Donald Harrison Jr. and gifted him the iconic 1958 photo “A Great Day in Harlem.” During breakfast, I took a chance and shared with Donald my dream of creating a NOLA to NOFO music festival where I live, here in the North Fork. He loved the idea. Less than two years later, and he we are, inviting you to join us for the Donald Harrison Quantum Leap Music Festival presented by NOLA 2 NOFO."  

~ Ben, NOLA 2 NOFO Co-Founder and Festival Executive Producer