After 5 years and more than $1.5 million, the Robert E. Nims Jazz Walk of Fame is set to open this Monday, August 25 at ceremonies to be held at the Henry "Red" Allen Algiers Ferry Landing at 10:30am. A statue of Louis Armstrong created and donated by Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World is to be unveiled as part of the occasion. The Robert E. Nims Jazz Walk of Fame features 60 French Quarter-style lamps that honor deceased jazz legends. At the Grand Opening, 15 of the interactive lamps, which feature audio vignettes telling the story and playing the music of the honorees, will be operational. Another 16 vignettes are to be added within the next few months. The walk was built with funding from federal, state and local funds including a private donation by Ms. Jeri Nims.

The LMC and New Orleans Jazz Centennial Celebration worked with the Orleans Levee District, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Louisiana Economic Development, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, the Algiers Economic Development Council, the New Orleans City Council and more to fund and build the project. Boh Brothers is contributing a concrete pedestal for the Armstrong statue. The grand opening ceremonies are open to the public and there is no cost to visit the walk since pedestrians are not charged to ride the ferry. The Robert E. Nims Jazz Walk of Fame is a one-of-a-kind memorial to jazz and will serve as an educational resource and tourist destination. Plans call for expanding the walk down river and including the rich history of other musical genres such as gospel, r&b, country, Cajun, zydeco and more.