The piece "Professor Longhair Square" is an homage to Henry Roeland Byrd, the great New Orleans musician commonly known as "Professor Longhair" or "Fess". The plaza, with benches, palms, and sculpture, all designed by David Tureau is located on the neutral ground outside of Tipitina's, the club that was "Fess's" musical home.
"Fess" was a synthesizer of African-Caribbean and American jazz rhythms, and this plaza celebrates that mix through Tureau's choice of materials and design. The plaza is in the pattern of a map of the world, referencing the global influence of "Fess'" music. It is made of colored and stained concrete in shades of pink and aqua blue and is surrounded by Canary Island date palms, both chosen to represent the strong influence of the Caribbean on New Orleans culture. The sculpture itself is made of photo-etched bronze plates creating multiple images of "Fess" at his piano. The plates are welded in bas relief with the music from "Go to the Mardi Gras", one of Byrd's most famous compositions.
It is the first musical memorial in New Orleans dedicated to an African-American rhythm and blues artist, and the first to honor Henry Roeland Byrd.
