New Orleans’ musicians union, the American Federation of Musicians Local 174-496, will team up with the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) and the New Orleans Musicians Clinic (NOMC) to distribute ear protection to audience members during this week’s French Quarter Festival.

As part of the operation, volunteers from the NOMC will be handing out free earplugs during select performances at the Jackson Square Stage on each day of the festival (April 6 – 9). That includes sets from Ellis Marsalis, Banu Gibson, the Uptown Jazz Orchestra and Leroy Jones & New Orleans Finest.

The New Orleans chapter of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) boasts nearly 500 members, including Louisiana Philharmonic performers, composers and musicians spanning a wide range of genres. The AFM itself began in 1896 with a charter from the American Federation of Labor (AFL). The organization currently represents 80,000 artists and is dedicated to improving the working conditions and wages of its members.

As previously reported, this year’s French Quarter Festival will kick off on Thursday, April 6 and will feature a headlining set from Aaron Neville, plus performances by hundreds of other Louisiana artists. You can check out our comprehensive “A to Z” guide to every act at the festival.

Here’s when you can pick up free ear plugs (all sets at Jackson Square Stage):

Thursday, April 6, 2017: Ellis Marsalis/ 5:30-6:45pm

Friday, April 7, 2017: Banu Gibson/ 12:45-2:00pm

Saturday, April 8, 2017:  Uptown Jazz Orchestra/ 5:20-6:45pm

Sunday, April 9, 2017: Leroy Jones & New Orleans Finest/ 12:45-2:00pm