The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band has had numerous members in the name’s 101-year history, but only four leaders. It was founded by Oscar “Papa” Celestin, and for years, drummer Bob French has led the band – a title he inherited from his father, Albert “Papa” French. Tonight, the elder French, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease, will pass the leadership and drum throne to his nephew, Gerald French.

Bob French

The band plays Mondays at Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, and tonight at 7, there will be a ceremony including a proclamation from the City of New Orleans, and it will be followed at 8 by a performance of the band, which features Gerald French, pianist Larry Sieberth, trumpeter Andrew Baham, vocalist Yolanda Windsay, bassist Richard Moten, trombonist Lucien Barbarin, banjoist Detroit Brooks and clarinetist Tom Fischer.