Tony Testa

Hometown:  Fort Lauderdale, FL

I went to college at: Florida Atlantic University

My college activities: FAU's Jazz Ensemble and Hoot/Wisdom Recordings which was our student run record label. 

My advice for college: Get involved with school as much as possible and say yes to every positive opportunity that comes your way. Time flies by so live your best life and don't squander your college years! 

My favorite New Orleans restaurant: French Quarter Fest. It highlights our local musicians and food, giving the best experience for New Orleans life. 

My favorite New Orleans activity:  I love to walk around in the French Quarter, trying new food and listening to live music.

My favorite New Orleans tradition: Mardi Gras!

My favorite New Orleans food: All of it.

My favorite Mardi Gras parade:  My first Mardi Gras year, I had the privilege of getting invited to the Bacchus Ball. It was an incredible experience dressing to the nines and seeing all of the floats and the marching bands come through the convention center. For the finale, the band "Chicago" closed out the party! 

My favorite Louis Armstrong quote: As Louis Armstrong famously asked, "Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?" I sure do! The first time I visited New Orleans was my senior year of high school. Our high school football team was playing against a Baton Rouge team at the Superdome. I was in the Jazz band at the time, and we got to come up and tour the city. I had the unforgettable experience of performing live at the Jazz Museum in the French Quarter. Since that trip, I knew I always wanted to come back. After so many visits, I've finally made New Orleans my home.