St. Peter Claver
Jazz Extravaganza: Economy Hall Revisited
“The Event Which Nobody Who Is Anybody Wants to Miss”
Looking for an evening of exceptional live jazz? Here’s a tip – go to church. While this might sound like unusual advice, the widespread affection New Orleans feels for its native musical language is evidenced as St. Peter Claver hosts a first-class production showcasing an impressive lineup of award-winning musical talent at the annual Jazz Extravaganza: Economy Hall Revisited.
The Jazz Extravaganza is a vehicle in which to generate funds to help alleviate some of the financial obstacles that prevent St. Peter Claver Catholic Central School from realizing its academic goals, pursuits, and vision. It is a glitzy, impressive evening of live jazz featuring a galaxy of musical excellence. Rooted in the heart of Tremé, the Jazz Extravaganza has all the trimmings of a stellar production — incredible guests, generous sponsors, fine art exhibit, Cigar Bar, Piano Bistro, and a beautifully decorated concert hall. According to Executive Producer, Mary Elizabeth Andry, the first seeds for this now well-established annual event were planted approximately ten years ago with inspiration from the church’s pastor, Rev. Michael Jacques.
“We were looking to put together something that was uniquely New Orleans – something the entire community could embrace”, Andry said. “This event is all about the children of the neighborhood and it is priced not to be a burden to anyone.”
With its Tremé neighborhood roots, St. Peter Claver is located in one of New Orleans most historic and musically fertile environs. It is not unusual for brass bands, jazz funerals and marching clubs to take to the streets in celebration in the largely African American neighborhood that lies adjacent to its more popular cousin, the French Quarter.
Few stages anywhere can boast lineups as impressive as the Jazz Extravaganza. Providing many notable high-energy performances were Grammy winners BJ Crosby, Donald Harrison, Jr., Nicholas Payton, Cyril Neville, Irvin Mayfield, and Michael Ward, Clyde Kerr, Jr. Kent and Marlon Jordan, James “Satchmo of the Ghetto” Andrews, and Kermit Ruffins to name a few.
Approaching its tenth year, this annual occasion enters the big time with talent worthy of an international setting and, hopefully, your support. And while the music is reason enough to attend; the fact that it benefits education is the reason for the Jazz Extravaganza.
Stay tuned for the announced date of the 10th Anniversary Celebration.
INFORMATION 504-822-8059 or JazzExtravaganza@nolastpeterclaver.com
