“Masters of the Reed” is the theme of the annual Big Beat gala presented by Irvin Mayfield and his New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. The 18-piece group will perform a tribute to Pete Fountain, featuring its clarinetist Evan Christopher, and a tune in honor of Harold Battiste written by and featuring saxophonist Ed Petersen. The “Congo Square Awards” will honor more than a dozen local reed players including Charlie Gabriel, Donald Harrison, Eric Traub, Harold Battiste, James Rivers, Kent Jordan, Kevin Harris, Rickey Paulin, Roderick Paulin, Tim Laughlin, Tom Fischer, and Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson; and the late Edmond Hall and Ralph Johnson will be inducted into the “Hall of Heroes.” In addition, the “Blues Hero” Awards will be given to non-players who have enriched the music community, including NOLA.com’s Keith Spera (formerly of OffBeat) and WWOZ’s David Freedman.

The 2013 Big Beat Gala takes place at the Royal Sonesta April 18

The event will happen in the Grand Ballroom of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, the Bourbon Street spot that also houses Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse club.  Proceeds will benefit the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and its efforts “to develop an industry for Jazz in the city that created it.”