A special evening honoring James Black (1930–1969), one of New Orleans’ most visionary drummers, composers, and educators. Though his life was tragically short, Black’s influence on modern jazz is immense. A founding member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 496, the first integrated musicians’ union in the South, Black was also a dedicated teacher whose ideas helped shape generations of New Orleans musicians.

Black’s innovative approach to rhythm and composition placed him at the center of the city’s most forward-thinking jazz movements of the 1950s and ’60s. He worked with an extraordinary roster of artists including Yusef Lateef, Eric Dolphy, Cannonball Adderley, Lee Morgan, Donald Byrd, Harold Battiste, Alvin Batiste, Ellis Marsalis, and Nat Adderley, helping bridge bebop, hard bop, and emerging modern jazz styles with a distinctly New Orleans sensibility. His compositions—complex, swinging, and harmonically adventurous—remain revered among musicians today.

This tribute features an all-star group of New Orleans masters deeply connected to Black’s musical legacy. Stanton Moore, a modern torchbearer of New Orleans drumming, channels Black’s innovative rhythmic language with power and precision. Pianist Lawrence Sieberth brings deep harmonic knowledge and a lifelong connection to New Orleans jazz history. Guitarist Steve Masakowski, a pioneering voice in contemporary jazz, adds his signature blend of sophistication and soul, while bassist James Singleton anchors the ensemble with fearless creativity and groove.

Together, these artists celebrate the enduring brilliance of James Black through his music, spirit, and lasting impact on New Orleans and the world of jazz. Expect a night of deep swing, bold improvisation, and heartfelt homage to one of the city’s most influential yet unsung innovators.