The New Orleans Jazz Vipers play infectious traditional jazz made for dancing; the award-winning ensemble was the first band to play at the renowned Spotted Cat Music Club, and they remain a crowd favorite from Frenchmen Street to Finland. 

The Vipers were founded in 1999 by alto saxophonist and singer Joe Braun (who grew up busking in Jackson Square alongside legends like Tuba Fats and “Uncle” Lionel Batiste), cornetist Jack Fine, guitarist John Rodi, bassist Clay Windham, drummer A. P. Gonzalez, and trombonist Genevieve Duvale. 

The New Orleans Jazz Vipers offer a spirited celebration of all things hot jazz ,with a repertoire ranging from Armstrong to Basie to Waller. They became a fixture at The Spotted Cat, quickly developed a national and international following, and began accruing a shelf load of awards. The band was performing at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 2005 when Katrina hit and the federal levees failed. The Vipers were one of the first bands to return to New Orleans, playing in Jackson Square and - without electricity - at the Cat. They recorded their third album a year later, “Hope You’re Coming Back;” Joe Braun’s title tune was featured in the HBO series, “Treme” and included in that show’s Grammy-nominated soundtrack.

The Vipers have evolved through the years, adding original tunes and, in 2009, splitting into two separate bands, The New Orleans Jazz Vipers and the New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings. Current members include Braun, Craig Klein, Earl Bonie, Steve Detory, Molly Reeves, and Mitchell Player. They tout an impressive alumni roster, including Robert Snow, Tom Saunders, Linnzi Zaorski, Oliver Bonie, Charlie Fardella, Bruce Brackman, Matt Rhody, Neti Vaan, Steve Yokum, Matt Perrine, St. Louis Slim, Kevin Louis, Dave Boswell, and Wendell Brunious.

In addition to touring around the world, the Vipers can be heard at home at festivals, dance parties, and regular weekly gigs at The Maison and the Starlight Lounge.