Birdfoot Festival
Recognized for its fresh approach and “youthful, rule-bending style” (The Times-Picayune), Birdfoot Festival (2012-2023) was recognized in New Orleans and beyond for its imaginative programming, its collaborative and musician-responsive ethic, and its diverse audiences. Founded by Artistic Director Jenna Sherry on the principle that the dynamic musical culture of New Orleans—characterized by intimate settings and a relaxed yet engaged listening culture—had something to offer the future of classical music, Birdfoot was an ongoing experiment in bringing chamber music to life so that it spoke to the pains and joys and lived experiences of audience members.
Over twelve years, the festival presented over 160 concerts and events, including a “Listening Pilgrimage” in 2023 that took pop-up concerts to beautiful and environmentally significant outdoor locations around New Orleans. Birdfoot’s programs additionally included an award-winning Young Artist Program and partnerships and collaborations with organizations including New Orleans Public Radio and The Descendants Project.
Birdfoot came to an end in 2023 amid rising operational costs and economic challenges that outpaced available funding.
Listen
Birdfoot Backstage, the radio version—an exploration of the connections between music and ecology.
Jenna speaks with Diane Mack on New Orleans Public Radio’s Inside the Arts (2019)