The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation will be launching a series of free monthly concerts, the first installment of what promises to be an exciting addition to the city’s landscape. As the venerated nonprofit responsible for Jazz Fest, NOJHF’s latest venture kicks off Saturday, September 16 at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. The 2017-2018 season will include 13 monthly events running through next July, all of which will feature hometown musicians performing in an eclectic mix of styles. The inaugural concert will feature James Rivers and his band, the James Rivers Movement.

Don Marshall, Executive Director of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, says of the new concert series “New Orleans musicians have a well-deserved reputation for being among the best in the world. We want to showcase their talents in a beautiful setting with appreciative audiences.”

Admission will always be free, and no tickets or advance registration are required; there is no reserved seating. The concerts will begin at 8 p.m. and will consist of two sets, with the second set starting at 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for all shows. The exceptions are the shows on April 28 and May 5, during Jazz Fest, which will have sets at 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. The full 2017-2018 concert schedule is as follows:

Saturday, Sept. 16   The James Rivers Movement
Saturday, Sept. 30   OTRA & Rumba Buena
Saturday, Nov. 4      Derek Douget, Stephen Riley and Ed Petersen
Saturday, Dec. 2      Leroy Jones
Saturday, Dec. 9      Helen Gillet and Leyla McCalla
Saturday, Feb. 17    Astral Project
Saturday, March 10 Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet
Saturday, April 7     Doreen Ketchens
Saturday, April 28   Donald Harrison
Saturday, May 5      Naydja CoJoe, Nayo Jones and Mykia Jovan
Saturday, May 26    Jesse McBride & Next Generation
Saturday, June 9      Troy Sawyer and the Elementz plus Calvin Johnson & Native Son
Saturday, July 14     Kyle Roussel Organ Trio