Connie Jones is a master trumpeter and cornet player as well as a member of the French Quarter Festival's entertainment committee. 

Connie first picked up a bugle while in military school, and he began playing trumpet when he was 10 years old. When he was just 18 years old, Connie got his professional start playing traditional New Orleans jazz on Bourbon Street.

Connie turned 75 this March. He still plays a few gigs each week, and he's come out of retirement to help book the traditional music acts for The French Quarter Festival. Last year, Connie came out with a duet album with Tom McDermott highlighting his imporvisational talents, called Creole Nocturne.

Connie Jones & his French Quarter Festival All Stars open up this year’s French Quarter Festival for the 9th year in a row on Friday, April 17 at 11 a.m. at the Jackson Square Stage.  Amongst others, Connie will be joined by Pete Fountain, his long-time friend and musical colleague.