NEW ORLEANS — It's opening day of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and trumpeter-composer Wynton Marsalis is set to take the stage.
The New Orleans native was expected to play Friday afternoon with the Jazz at Lincoln Center, the New York-based orchestra for which he serves as musical director.
Grammy-winning soul singer Irma Thomas is scheduled to participate in a tribute to the late gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, who performed at the first Jazz Fest in 1970. Jazz Fest veteran pianist Henry Butler is also on the bill.
But opening day isn't just about the veteran performers. It will also showcase the next generation of Jazz Fest regulars, like 18-year-old Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw and 23-year-old Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The New Orleans native was expected to play Friday afternoon with the Jazz at Lincoln Center, the New York-based orchestra for which he serves as musical director.
Grammy-winning soul singer Irma Thomas is scheduled to participate in a tribute to the late gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, who performed at the first Jazz Fest in 1970. Jazz Fest veteran pianist Henry Butler is also on the bill.
But opening day isn't just about the veteran performers. It will also showcase the next generation of Jazz Fest regulars, like 18-year-old Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw and 23-year-old Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
