“A performance by the Uptown Jazz Orchestra is a traveling street parade in the grand tradition of its hometown celebrations, from Mardi Gras to the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival,” wrote JazzBluesNews.com.
In addition to being a bandleader and the trombonist of New Orleans jazz royalty, Marsalis is a music producer, composer and educator. In 2000, he created Uptown Music Theatre, an organization that empowers young people through songwriting and music training.
Marsalis performed with his band in two previous “Up Close and Virtual” performances for the center — in November 2020 and February 2022. He also joined Michael Mwenso on an episode of “Meeting the Moment” in December 2021.
Pre-performance discussion
An informal moderated discussion, featuring State College jazz musician Rick Hirsch, will be offered at Eisenhower Auditorium one hour before the performance and is free for ticket holders. Seating for the pre-performance talk is available on a first-arrival basis.
Acknowledgements
Patricia Best and Thomas Ray plus Charlotte Zmyslo sponsor the performance.
Support is provided by the Robert and Sonia Hufnagel Endowment.
A grant from the University Park Student Fee Board makes Penn State student prices possible.
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