Take a Sentimental Journey in the French Market

July 30, 2019
America’s oldest and best loved public market writes its own history every day. With each new sunrise on Decatur Street, history repeats itself as it has for over 200 years: always the same, yet impossible to predict. This keeps it fresh and new every visit, and this summer is no exception.

While strolling down Dutch Alley this summer, you may be fortunate to hear harmonious voices that take you back in time. The Victory Belles are a delightful vocal trio performing a nostalgic tribute to our nation’s veterans singing the music of the 1940s, serenading audiences at The National WWII Museum and across the globe. This music brought hope and joy to our GIs and those on the homefront alike with USO show troupes, and the Victory Belles keep that tradition alive in rich, three-part harmony. Their repertoire includes all the treasured gems of the WWII era such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” and “Sentimental Journey,” plus other patriotic classics, including a musical salute to each branch of the United States armed forces. They're known for their red lips, 1940's garb, and the spirit of days gone by with their songs and entertainment reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters. "We're able to bring about one of the happier times and the nice memories from that period with the music that we choose to sing," says one of the Victory Belles, Hannah Rachal.

The Victory Belles will be performing for the French Market Summer Concert Series from 2:00-3:00pm on July 27 and August 31. Their uplifting show is free and open to the public at the wonderfully air-conditioned New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park located at 916 N. Peters Street. Open daily, the park provides a place to experience and share the cultural history, origin, and development of jazz in America.

If you miss them at the Jazz National Historical Park, you can catch the Victory Belles lighting up the stage at BB's Stage Door Canteen at the National World War II Museum located in downtown New Orleans. The museum calls them their living exhibit, as the audience is encouraged to interact with the Belles and watch them perform their matinee "Songs that Won the War." These official ambassadors of the National WWII Museum know how to get the crowd involved with the show, and you should see the smiling faces of veterans with lipstick marks on their faces!

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world--why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today, so that all generations will understand the price of freedom. It is a must-see on any visit to New Orleans.