The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents its 23rd Annual Jazz & Heritage Gala at Generations Hall on the evening of April 27, 2023. Come celebrate Jazz Fest with us while enjoying wonderful cuisine, music, and company.
The Don "Moose" Jamison Heritage School of Music will benefit from the proceeds. More than 300 school-aged youngsters receive engaging music instruction and opportunities thanks to the Heritage School of Music's free lessons from the best musicians and teachers the city has to offer.
Irma Thomas will be honored at the Jazz Fest Gala this year as the Champion of Culture
Irma Thomas, a living legend, is regarded as the undisputed Soul Queen of New Orleans. Blues, R&B, gospel, pop, you name it, Irma can sing anything. She is a devoted supporter of several non-profit organizations in and around New Orleans and one of our city's most cherished and enduring musical ambassadors. She is a global icon, a Grammy Award winner, the first Guardian of the Groove of WWOZ and a current station board member. Since 1974, she has performed at every Jazz Fest, playing on several stages.
Born Irma Lee, referred to as the "Soul Queen of New Orleans," was born in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Thomas started working as a server at the Pimlico Club in New Orleans, occasionally performing with the band's frontman Tommy Ridgley. In the spring of 1960, she released her sassy first song, "You Can Take My Husband (But Don't Mess with My Guy)," and it swiftly rose to number 22 on the Billboard R&B chart. After signing with Chess Records, Thomas went to Rick Hall's famed Fame studio in Muscle Shoals to record "Cheater Man" in 1967. Irma Thomas has been a blessing to the globe over the years, especially to the people of New Orleans. Because of this, Jazz Fest Gala is honored to present her with the Champion of Culture Award from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation at the Gala this year.
Live Music will also include Deacon John Moore, Erica Falls, Kermit Ruffins and more. We hope to see you there as a Jazz & Heritage Gala Patron or Sponsor. Take advantage of this chance to reserve your place at the Gala and a Gala Pass for Jazz Fest 2023. Tickets can be purchase here for the event.
