Peter Harris, the leading jazz bassist at Bayou Bar, has been honored as a 2024 Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association. This prestigious recognition acknowledges Harris’s unwavering dedication to preserving the rich history and vibrant culture of New Orleans’ jazz scene.

The Jazz Heroes List, established in 2011, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to their local jazz communities. Harris stands out as the sole Big Easy musician to earn a coveted spot on the 2024 Jazz Heroes List, alongside top jazz artists, activists, and advocates from across the country.

Since 2019, Harris has been instrumental in leading the music program at Bayou Bar, where he coordinates live jazz performances five nights a week at the intimate speakeasy. His efforts have transformed Bayou Bar into a premier destination for jazz enthusiasts, bringing together world-class musicians, local talent, and jazz lovers alike.

A distinguished jazz bassist who honed his craft under Ellis Marsalis, Harris continues to perform regularly with esteemed groups led by jazz luminaries such as Herlin Riley, Germaine Bazzle, Shannon Powell, and Jason Marsalis. Additionally, he shares his expertise through teaching roles at the University of New Orleans, Loyola University, Tulane University, Baton Rouge Community College, and various high schools.

Harris’s leadership and dedication have played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant jazz community at Bayou Bar, offering patrons an immersive experience of creative jazz in the heart of New Orleans. The Jazz Journalists Association proudly recognizes and celebrates Peter Harris as a 2024 Jazz Hero.

For more information about Bayou Bar’s live jazz program, visit Bayou Bar.