Blast Off: A Futuristic Flashback Featuring Star-Studded Cast of Talent 

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The New Orleans Jazz Museum Improvisations Gala, presented by the Herb Alpert Foundation, takes place on Saturday, December 2 from 8-11 pm, preceded by a Patron Party. Amidst space-themed art installations, the 6th annual fundraiser promises to be a cosmic experience headlined by the incomparable Jason Neville Funky Soul Band & Special Guest Mr. P. Funk “George Clinton”, sponsored by James Douglas Hislop.

The “interstellar” line-up for the evening will also feature the Dixie Cups & James Andrews with the Crescent City All-Stars, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, Mahmoud Chouki & the New Orleans All-Stars, Gallatin Street Records artist George Brown Band, Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, People Museum, international performers Hibriduz from Honduras and the Dominican Republic’s ensemble, Primero Caribe.  The New Orleans Jazz Ambassadors, an on-going educational initiative of the New Orleans Jazz Museum will greet guests. Additional talent will be announced in coming weeks.

The Improv Gala will take place throughout the historic Jazz Museum complex at 400 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans.  Messina’s Catering and Events will provide lavish food fare, complemented by craft cocktails, wine, beer, and other beverages.  Attendees will also experience interactive art installations and light displays by the Krewe of Vaporwave and other visual artists created for the Museum’s Sound Collage event, current exhibitions, space-themed art installations, and more.

Tickets are $300 per person for the Patron Party and VIP Backstage Experience and $150 per person for General Admission, available at  Improvisations Gala 2023 Tickets .  Patrons and sponsors will receive the added benefit of a one-hour private pre-party with passed hors d’oeuvres, featured servings by New Orleans renowned restaurants, and exclusive perks, including access to a VIP Backstage Experience throughout the evening.

Back by popular demand will be the Online Auction with one-of-a-kind items, unforgettable experiences, and unique collectibles and adventures. Bidding will open October 4 online at https://nolajazzmuseum.org/gala and will close on December 4. The Treasure Chest Key Challenge is also returning, allowing one lucky attendee the opportunity to purchase the key that unlocks the chest holding a beautiful piece from Adler’s Jewelry of New Orleans. 

The 2022 Improvisations Gala was record-breaking with 1,200 music and culture aficionadas in attendance. Highlights of the evening may be viewed here.

New Orleans Jazz Museum Executive Director Greg Lambousy is predicting that the 2023 Improvisations Gala will be otherworldly. Lambousy states, “The Improv Gala has established itself as ‘one of the best parties of the year’ and our reputation as a destination event continues to grow.  With dynamic talents like the legendary George Clinton and the Dixie Cups, and rest of our extraordinary line-up this year, the Gala will indeed be an astronomical evening and a true cultural showcase.”   

All proceeds for the Improvisations Gala will support the Jazz Museum’s Education Center and related programming, such as the Jazz Ambassadors Student Bands and Jazz International, while directly benefitting the Museum, musicians, students, and educators – working together to share the history of Jazz and to secure its future growth and development.

Co-chairs for the 2023 Improvisations Gala, presented by the Herb Alpert Foundation, are James Douglas Hislop, Dr. Thomas LaVeist and Bridget LaVeist, and Valerie Landry. Herb Alpert, Jon Batiste, Randy Fertel, John Goodman, Wynton Marsalis, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and Dan Pritzker serve as Honorary Co-chairs.

For additional information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://nolajazzmuseum.org/gala.