The New Orleans Jazz Museum’s annual fundraiser, Improvisations Gala, commemorates the fifth anniversary of the “Evening of Variations.” This year’s Gala returns to the Museum on Saturday, December 3, and will encompass the entire block of 400 Esplanade Avenue from 8-11 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Herb Alpert Foundation,
This year’s line-up includes Irma Thomas, Galactic featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Mahmoud Chouki, Aurora Nealand, Shake ‘em Up Jazz Band, Opera Creole with Trumpet Mafia, Tim Laughlin, the Detroit Brooks Quintet, Victor Atkins, the Treme Lafitte Brass Band, plus international composer, performer, conductor Łukasz L.U.C Rostkowski.
Performing on five stages throughout the evening, patrons will be treated to the first-ever “Social Improvisations Production,” a dynamic, roving musical performance with Trumpet Mafia, Opera Creole, the Next Generation Jazz Band, Hibriduz, Orchestra Nacional de Jazz de Mexico, the New Orleans Chorus Girls, Dila Que NOLA, N’Awlins D’Awlins Baby Dolls and Big Queen Mary K. Stevenson and the Original Wild Tchoupitoulas.
The Improvisations Gala will provide food by Messina’s Catering & Events, a PJ’s Coffee and beignet station, an array of specialty cocktails, wine courtesy of Dorignac’s, and other beverages. A “Sound Collage” will transform the historic architecture into a playground of light, art, and music with illuminated installations, digital sculptures, video-mapping projections, art animated by technology, and musical performances in the courtyard and around the historic Mint building where the Jazz Museum is housed.
The Gala will be preceded by a Patron Party, presented by Jack Leahy & Martha Murphy, from 7-8 p.m. in the Barracks Street Courtyard, and will feature the Germaine Bazzle Band with Charlie Gabriel, and food from Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Galatoire’s, Acme Oyster House, and Dickie Brennan & Co. Catering & Events, passed hors d’oeuvres by Messina’s Catering & Events, and cocktails provided by Beam Suntory, Casamigos, Dorignac’s, and Abita Beer. Sponsors and patrons will also have exclusive access to a special VIP Lounge, sponsored by the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, where additional performances, culinary selections by la Madeleine, a Boston Harbor Distillery whiskey tasting, full bar, and designer décor by Element will provide a relaxing venue throughout the evening.
Tickets are $300 per person for patron level and $150 per person for general admission. As an added value to all Gala supporters, premium parking will offer a parking discount to its lots surrounding the Jazz Museum. The special parking code will be provided to ticket purchasers when check-in instructions are sent via email. Cocktail attire is encouraged; all guests must be 21 years of age or older.
In addition to the annual Improvisations Gala, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is hosting an online auction available now through December 5 with more than 100 great items available.
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser joins Herb Alpert, Jon Batiste, Randy Fertel, and Dan Pritzker as Honorary Improvisations Gala Co-Chairs. “The New Orleans Jazz Museum has become one of the foremost attractions of our city and state,” said Nungesser, “And, the potential is unlimited, particularly once the recently announced expansion funded by the federal Economic Development Administration is completed.”
Executive Director Greg Lambousy says “All proceeds from Improvisations will further enhance exhibits, cultural programming, events and the Jazz Museum Education Center. This allows the Jazz Museum to globally promote jazz as one of the most innovative, historically pivotal musical art forms through highly-interactive exhibits, as well as to support ongoing musical and educational programming for a new generation of musicians. We are especially fortunate this year to be the beneficiary of a $100,000 matching grant from the legendary artist, Herb Alpert, which enhances the value of sponsorship, ticket sales and auction revenue.”
For additional information on the annual Improvisations Gala or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please visit this link.
