The Kickoff Concert
The Kickoff Concert – 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm – will include solo piano from Ellis Marsalis – and a set from an all-star quartet: Herlin Riley/drums, Mitchell Player/bass, Detroit Brooks/guitar and banjo, and trumpeter Will Smith – plus special guest Dr. Michael White – plus a screening of choice video segments with Danny and Blue Lu Barker by filmmaker Matt Martinez – and a short presentation by music journalist Gwen Thompkins about the revised edition (published in 2016) of Danny Barker’s autobiography, A Life In Jazz – also a special appearance by the Ellis Marsalis Kids – by admission – – 1901 Bartholomew Street 70117 – (504) 940-3400.
Event Performers

Dr. Michael White clarinet
Dr. Michael White
clarinet
Dr. Michael White is a jazz clarinetist, bandleader, composer, jazz historian and musical educator. Scott Yanow, a jazz critic, said in a review that White "displays the feel and spirit of the best New Orleans clarinetists."

Detroit Brooks Banjo
Detroit Brooks
Banjo
Detroit Brooks, famed session and touring guitarist of the New Orleans music scene, has the most recognizable face in the city.