Big Freedia To Headline Free Historic Job Registration Concert In New Orleans

Big Freedia is set to headline what’s being called a landmark concert in New Orleans, marking the first-ever mass registration of women for clean economy jobs in U.S. history. Scheduled Sept. 27 at the Saenger Theatre, the free event will also feature special guest Ani DiFranco and Leyla McCalla.

An announcement explains that the event “will connect women with high-paying skilled trades careers in growing sectors that are critical to building Louisiana’s clean economy, including clean energy, historical preservation, construction, film and entertainment, tourism, and more.”

Organizers are expecting over 2,600 attendees for the event led by The Descendants Project, “a local organization focused on mobilizing the Black descendants community of Louisiana’s River Parishes, and Blanchard House Institute, a national leader in urban revitalization and community development.”

Tickets are free to folks who sign up at https://www.tradesforce.org/events/nola to learn more about local careers and training.

“Women are stepping up in skilled trades and other key roles to build the clean economy we envision for Louisiana,” Joy Banner, co-founder of The Descendants Project, said in a statement. “This event is about connecting women with opportunities, training, and support to lead in building a stronger, more resilient future for our communities.”

Jaha Cummings, the Founder of Blanchard House Institute, added, “Our vision for Louisiana’s future is about more than just jobs — it’s about creating an economy that reflects our culture and invests in the people who make it vibrant. This event is the beginning of a new conversation about what’s possible when women take the lead in building our state’s future.”

Today’s announcement notes that the “historic concert coincides with North America’s Building Trades Unions’ (NABTU) annual Tradeswomen Build Nations event, which is expected to bring over 5,000 women to New Orleans over the weekend to celebrate their roles in America’s skilled trades workforce.”

News about the event follows last week’s announcement that Lil Tecca will be headlining a free event on Sept. 17 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre in Royal Oak, Michigan, that will mark the first-ever mass registration of youth for clean jobs in U.S. history.