Tonight the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance is hosting a special concert, “Jazz for the Ages.” The show brings together the young talents in the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Ensemble with older masters Dr. Michael White on clarinet, singers Banu Gibson and Phillip Manuel, and trumpeter Lionel Ferbos, New Orleans’ oldest working musician at the sprightly age of 98.

Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Ensemble

Tickets are $20 or $10 for students and seniors, and can be bought in advance here. The show starts at 7 p.m. in Roussel Hall at Loyola University.

Proceeds from tonight’s concert will go to River Festivals Foundation Inc., who produce the annual Old Algiers RiverFest. This year’s RiverFest takes place April 17 & 18, the weekend in between French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest. In addition to traditional jazz, gospel, brass bands and Mardi Gras Indian performances, the festival also includes local food and arts and crafts vendors, as well as children’s activities, all on the levee by the Algiers Ferry landing.

Tomorrow night there is also a second fundraiser for the 2010 RiverFest. Performing at Mardi Gras World on Friday will be Allen Toussaint, recently nominated for a 2010 Grammy and recipient of 4 of OffBeat’s 2009 Best of the Beat Awards, including Artist of the Year. The show will run from 7 – 10 p.m., and will feature two unveilings: this year’s official RiverFest poster, created by Margaret Slade Kelley, and a specialty drink by Old New Orleans Rum. In addition there will be catering from local restaurants and a silent auction that includes art, restaurant and hotel packages and more.

Tickets are $50 are can be ordered over the phone at (504) 606-6994.