News

From Bourbon Street to Bourbon Country

A local synagogue is bringing four displaced jazz musicians from New Orleans to play various performances Friday, September 23 thru Sunday, 25, 2005.

The ensemble, led by the nationally renowned Dr. Michael White of Xavier University of Louisiana, will perform traditional New Orleans jazz, both revivals and original compositions.

Dr. White recently played at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis.  All musicians are revered in Jazz circles and considered national treasures.

Currently the musicians are scattered around the country, with most living in Houston and Baton Rouge.  Two of the musicians do not even have their instruments, having left them in New Orleans.  Guitar Emporium is providing a new banjo for the event and the University of Louisville is providing a double bass.

The Seelbach Hilton is donating their Rathskeller Room for the Friday night performance as well as accommodations for the musicians.

Meals are being donated by Makers Mark at their Bourbon House and Lounge, Volare Restaurant and A Little Peace Cafe.  Minute Man Press at Distillery Commons is donating printed materials.  Other sponsors include Desserts by Helen and Rich Travel.

The musicians’ travel and their appearances are being underwritten by Congregation Adath Jeshurun and the Stuart A. Handmaker L’Dor Vador Fund.

All of the proceeds from these events will go toward the musicians’ fees with the remaining funds donated to hurricane relief efforts of the American Red Cross and Mazon: A Jewish Response to the Hunger Relief Efforts for Hurricane Katrina.

Cantor David Lipp of Congregation Adath Jeshurun who organized this event: “The local business community is really supporting these musicians whose livelihood has been taken away by Hurricane Katrina.  The clubs in New Orleans are water-damaged and closed.  Even if just for one weekend, Louisville is giving them a place to play their music.”

Dr. White plays the clarinet.

Gregory Stafford on trumpet

Detroit Books on banjo

Mitchell L. Player, double bass

To make reservations for the Friday and Sunday events, the public can call (502) 894-9266 or e-mail orleansjazz05@aol.com.

Friday, September 23

            Traditional New Orleans Jazz

            Rathskeller Room, The Seelbach Hilton, 500 S. Fourth Street

            8:00 PM.

            Table seating $35 and $25 per person

            General admission $10 per person

            Cash bar

Saturday, September 24

            Selichot Jazz Jam

            Congregation Adath Jeshurun, 2401 Woodbourne Avenue in the Highlands

            8:45 PM

            Free and open to the public with donations for hurricane relief requested.

            Free parking; refreshments and worship after the performance.

Sunday, September 25

            Traditional New Orleans Jazz with John Gage

            Clifton Center, 2117 Payne Street

            3:00 PM

            General admission $15, Students/Seniors $10