User:LazarusSutton/sandbox

The two historical parks that are found in Gert Town are Lincoln Park and Johnson Park. They are adjacent to each other and are located near Earhart Boulevard, where Carrollton Avenue intersects. From 1902 to 1930 both parks were considered to be amusement parks where local families gathered. These amusement parks consisted of a skating rink and hot-air balloon rides available on occasional weekends. However, in present time, Lincoln Park is now known as Larry Gilbert Stadium where youth sports are held. Johnson Park has now transitioned to Cuccia-Byrnes Playground, where annual youth activities are fund-raised. In the early 1900's Lincoln and Johnson Park designated for the African American population. Although the parks did only seem to be of recreational purposes, their main attractions were for entertainment, jazz music specifically. Both parks have had great significance in terms of jazz music in New Orleans and the genre of music in entirety.

Famous jazz musicians who performed at Lincoln and Johnson Park were Buddy Bolden, Bunk Johnson, and Freddie Keppard. Many other featured performances were done by the orchestra of John Robichaux. The most notable performer of the parks was Buddy Bolden, who often battled against other musicians at Lincoln and Johnson Park. The contributions of the parks to Gert Town and jazz music still remain in how jazz music evolved using a unique improvising style, which was first exhibited at Lincoln and Johnson Park.