James Rivers has played on some of New Orleans’ most classic hits, and continues to please crowds today with his versatile repertoire and mastery of multiple instruments. He has also penned music for six Clint Eastwood films. Born in 1938 and raised in the historic Treme ne... Read more

Debbie Davis is a New Orleans institution, a songstress, ukulele master, and entertainer who has performed with an impressive roster of local music royalty: John Boutte, Paul Sanchez, The Pfister Sisters, the New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Tom McDermott, Alex McMurray, at the D... Read more

Haruka Kikuchi is one of the city’s most dynamic horn players, engaging audiences with her musicality, stage presence, and expertise on the slide trombone. Kikuchi was born in Japan, loved listening to all kinds of music, and excelled on piano and violin, but had her “aha” ... Read more

Doreen Ketchens honed her traditional jazz clarinet chops in the streets of New Orleans, and can still be seen as a street performer on Royal Street in the historic French Quarter with her band, Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans. Born in 1966 in the historic Treme neighborhood, Ket... Read more

Ben Jaffe is impossible to summarize in the space given here. The tuba and double bass player leads the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, is the creative director of the institution, is the Chairman of the Board of the Preservation Hall Foundation, and, as the New York Times put... Read more

Yoshitaka "Z2" Tsuji came to New Orleans from his native Osaka, Japan, and has impressed audiences since Day 1 with his huge talent as a pianist and composer. Tsuji, better known as Z2, gained fame as the pianist with Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, but has also e... Read more

Wendell Brunious embodies the spirit and history of everything that is New Orleans jazz: intensely qualified musicianship, deeply woven family ties, the sense that music is a conversation, and an unquestioned passion for the craft and the art. Brunious, who has been playing... Read more

Washboard Chaz, aka Chaz Leary, is one of New Orleans’ most beloved adopted musical sons, a consummate musician who delights crowds with his engaging voice and percussion prowess as part of the Washboard Chaz Blues Trio, the Tin Men, the Palmetto Bug Stompers, Washboard Rod... Read more

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