Founded in 1898 and counting amongst its notable members the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Ellis Marsalis, Jr., Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia is the oldest and largest fraternal society in music. As part of its mission, the organization will put on special events in New Orleans next week to celebrate music and raise funds for a local organization.

Phi Mu Alpha will be in town for its 56th National Convention from July 17 through 22. During that time, 20 concerts will take place, one of which will donate proceeds from ticket sales to the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music. Performances will be comprised entirely of Sinfonia members.

Sinfonians describe themselves as sharing “a love of music that unites them as brothers with a common interest. The Fraternity teaches men to develop themselves and their art, not for the sake of art itself, but as a means of enriching the lives of others. Through a multitude of chapter, provincial, and national events, Sinfonia offers unlimited opportunities for performance, community music outreach, and other activities designed to develop a true appreciation for the power of music to uplift the soul.”

On Saturday, July 20, the Mahalia Jackson Theater will host the benefit concert, a ticketed event starring the 1898 Jazz Orchestra. According to organizers, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia’s premier big band features “members whose names dot the record books of Who’s Who in jazz history.”  Bincins Garcia will conduct and featured guest Andy Martin will star. This event begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are available here.

For more information on Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and next week’s full list of events, click here.