Matt Lemmler’s New Orleans Jazz Revival Band is on a mission to spread joy and spiritual communion through music. As part of this mission, the band will collaborate with Africa Brass Ensemble for a free “Jazz History Celebration” at the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park on the third floor of the Old U.S. Mint on Saturday, July 20.

Matt Lemmler's New Orleans Jazz Revival Band

Lemmler’s New Orleans Jazz Revival Band features such heavy local musicians as guitarist Steve Masakowski, drummer Johnny Vidacovich (both from Astral Project) and the bandleader’s brother, keyboardist Mike Lemmler (from George Porter Jr.’s Runnin’ Partners). The Africa Brass Ensemble has collaborated with some of New Orleans’ finest culturally driven ensembles, from Big Chief Victor Harris and the Fi Yi Yi Indians to the scintillating Afro-Cuban outfit Otra. Both share a passion and respect for the rich history of New Orleans music.

As Matt Lemmler sees it, the two bands were brought together by “ubuntu,” a southern African word that represents the vitality of a community’s spirit and the need to work together for a common purpose. For Lemmler, the act of making and witnessing music is all part of the same spiritual act: “Any time we play, it’s a religious experience, regardless of whether it’s a second line or a hymn. Music makes people dance, sing, clap, jump up and down. That is a very religious, spiritual experience, whether you know it or not, and it’s been part of our culture in New Orleans for 300 years.” Admission to this spiritual throwdown is free.