JAZZ & HERITAGE GALA
The Ohio Players
The Annual Jazz & Heritage Gala
April 23, 2025
When
Wednesday, April 23, 2025: Patron Party at 6pm followed by the Gala from 7pm-10pm
Where
Generations Hall: 310 Andrew Higgins Dr. New Orleans, La 70130
Entertainment
Celebrate the night with a star-studded lineup at Generations Hall
Patron Party 6:00pm- 7:00pm with Mariachi Jalisco
Gala Heritage stage
Presented by Hancock Whitney
7:00pm-8:00pm: Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen featuring including Cornell Williams, Jamison Ross, Xavier Lynn, Nigel Hall, and Pedro Segundo
8:15-9:30: Heritage School of Music All-Stars
featuring Derek Douget, Andrew Baham, Ricky Sebastian, Michael Pellera, and Tonya Boyd Cannon.
gala ballroom stage
Presented by the Gia Maione Prima Foundation
7:15pm-8:15pm: Naydja CoJoe & the Lagniappe Section
8:15pm-8:30pm: DJ Raj Smoove
8:30pm-9:45pm: The Ohio Players
Plus performances from Kinfolk Brass Band, Nawlin’s Dawlins Babydolls, and many more celebrity appearances!
About the Gala
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Gala is a dazzling kickoff event to the renowned New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell, setting the stage for a celebration of music and culture. Held annually, the gala brings together musicians, artists, and supporters of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation for an evening filled with captivating performances, exquisite cuisine, and lively dancing. This fundraising event not only celebrates New Orleans but also supports the Foundation’s mission to promote and preserve the music and traditions of the state. Attendees have the chance to experience an unforgettable night that highlights the best of New Orleans’ artistic community, while contributing to educational programs and initiatives that benefit local artistans, musicians and the creative community. The gala also benefits the Foundation’s free music education program, the Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music. Ticket options include eight day access to Jazz Fest! Join us as we set the tone for the start of Jazz Fest!
2024 Jazz & Heritage Gala Recap
The Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music
Online Auction
The live auction at the Jazz & Heritage Gala is an exciting highlight of the evening, offering guests the opportunity to bid on a curated selection of exclusive items and experiences. From unique artwork and signed memorabilia to once-in-a-lifetime vacations and VIP access to events, the auction items reflect the unique culture and creativity of New Orleans. Proceeds from the auction directly support the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s educational programs and community initiatives, allowing participants to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the city while enjoying a thrilling and engaging experience. Proceeds will also support the Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music, which provides nearly 300 school-aged students free-of-charge lessons taught by the finest musicians and educators in New Orleans.
Gala Committee
The Gala Committee is comprised of members of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s Board of Directors. This event is proudly produced by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.
Caryn Rodgers-Battiste, Chair
Brittany Major Ridley, Chair
Julie Wise-Oreck
Kelly B. Dixon
Sponsors
Gala Ballroom Stage Sponsor
Gala Heritage Stage Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Additional support provided by:
Jazz & Heritage Star Sponsors
Culture Star Sponsors
Band Leader Sponsor
- alignED New Orleans
- Cox Communications
- Kim M. Boyle
- Caroline & Bob Brickman
- Erin Frankenheimer
- Greg & Alexis Guidry
- Klara and Daniel Hammer
- Frank & Gail Relle
- Resourcefull Consulting
- Julie Wise Oreck
- Frederick B & GailAnne Palmer
- WWOZ 90.7-FM
About the new orleans jazz & Heritage Foundation
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is the nonprofit organization that owns the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell. The Foundation uses the proceeds from Jazz Fest, and other funds, for year-round programs in the areas of education, economic development and cultural events. For more about the Foundation and what we do, visit us online at www.jazzandheritage.org.
About the Heritage School of Music
The Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music proudly provides free-of-charge lessons taught by the finest musicians and educators the city has to offer, reaching more than 300 school-aged students with dynamic music instruction and opportunity. It is the Foundation’s longest standing educational program and has expanded to include a Beginners program, the Vocal workshops that take place at NORD centers across the GNO area, and Audio Production Workshops. The school holds classes three days a week at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz and Heritage Center. The state-of-the-art facility has several classrooms, a recording space, and a performance hall.