About this Event
Experience the Heart & Soul of New Orleans: DA SOUL OF AMERICA TOUR 2026 "Return of Da Native Son" An Unforgettable Journey of Arts, Music, Education & Culture | October 23–27, 2026
Why "Return of Da Native Son"?
For FA-MLI, Inc. CEO and tour curator Torrence BRANNON-Reese, this journey is deeply personal. Born and raised in the vibrant, soulful Crescent City — New Orleans, the City That Care Forgot — Torrence carries his hometown in his heartbeat. It was on these very streets, in these very neighborhoods, that his artistic soul was first awakened, singing lead for the local, legendary a cappella group The Sensational Uptowners, alongside Jerome Alexander, the late Williams Charles, Herbert Maxwell Johnson, and Glen Jones. That harmony — of voices, of culture, of community — never left him.
Now, as a seasoned artist, educator, and cultural curator based in Los Angeles, Torrence returns home not just to visit, but to celebrate, to give back, and yes — to brag, proudly and unapologetically, about how dynamic, rich, and extraordinary New Orleans truly is. This tour is his love letter to the city that made him, and his gift to those who have yet to experience her magic.
Come walk where he walked. Hear what shaped him. Feel what never left.
🌟 More Than a Tour — A Movement. A Mission. A Community Fundraiser. 🌟
Every dollar invested in the Da Soul of America Tour directly fuels the life-changing work of FA-MLI, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Los Angeles youth and families through a comprehensive array of programs including youth mentorship, cultural education, arts enrichment, family support, and community empowerment. When you travel with us, you are not just feeding your soul — you are feeding the future of our community's most vulnerable and promising young people. This tour is one of our signature annual fundraisers, and your participation makes our work possible. Come for the culture. Stay for the cause.
Los Angeles, CA — FA-MLI, Inc. is proud to present the annual New Orleans, Da Soul of America Tour, an immersive cultural, historical, and educational experience happening from October 23–27, 2026 in the world-renowned, musically vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana.
This five-day curated experience provides travelers with a deep dive into Black history, music, cuisine, education, and culture, featuring visits to iconic sites and legendary establishments, as well as an exclusive Black College Tour to Dillard University, Xavier University, and Southern University.
What to Expect:
Black College Tour – Visit Dillard, Xavier, and Southern Universities, engaging with faculty, students, and alumni about higher education opportunities and cultural legacy.
Soul Food & Fine Dining – Enjoy the culinary brilliance of Chef Kandis's Yakkamein House, Dooky Chase, Commander's Palace, Soul Food Vegan, Mr. Ed's, Lil Dizzy's, and more.
Iconic Landmarks – Walk the French Quarter, Storyville, and Congo Square, the birthplace of jazz and African American cultural expression.
Historical Deep Dive – Tour the Whitney Plantation, the first museum dedicated to the history of enslaved Africans in Louisiana.
Swamp & River Adventures – Embark on a Mississippi River Cruise and a Swamp Tour to experience Louisiana's unique ecosystem.
Second-Line Celebration! – Take part in an authentic Second-Line procession, a cultural and musical tradition that embodies the spirit of New Orleans.
Investment in Your Culture, Your Community & Our Youth:
Cost: $2,800 per person (includes double-occupancy lodging, round-trip airfare, scheduled activities, ground transportation, one meal, a commemorative t-shirt, and an invaluable cultural experience).
Your investment directly supports FA-MLI, Inc. and our plethora of youth and community programs — from arts education and mentorship to family wellness and cultural enrichment. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every contribution we receive goes back into the community we love and serve. This tour is how we fund the work that changes lives. Thank you for being part of the mission.
Portions of this tour will be filmed for an upcoming documentary exploring the intersections of Black culture in New Orleans and Los Angeles.
Reserve Your Spot Today! Secure your place by visiting or contact Torrence BRANNON-Reese at 323-245-2133 / 323-864-2656 for more details
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Yakamein House (Original New Orleans Cuisine), 2800 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, United States
USD 2989.65
