The long anticipated music education facility will open its doors for the first time with a gala concert featuring the Jordan musical family of New Orleans led by patriarch Edward “Kidd” Jordan at 8 PM. Advance tickets are sold out although a limited number will be available on a first come, first serve basis. WWOZ will stream the performance.
After nearly two years of renovations, the historic building, located at 1225 N. Rampart Street, is poised to become a state-of-the-art education and community center. It will be the permanent home of the Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music and will serve as the location for many programs and events produced by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. It also will be available for other community arts organizations for classes and events. The building has seven classrooms (including dedicated labs for piano and drums) and a 200-seat performance hall.
The Jazz & Heritage Center is named in honor of George Wein and his late wife Joyce, the pioneering festival producers who helped to launch the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (which is owned by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation) in 1970.
“George and Joyce Wein have done so much to benefit our community and our culture,” said Demetric Mercadel, president of the Festival and Foundation board of directors. “It is only fitting that we recognize their many contributions by having their names grace this wonderful new facility. This is a true testament to their legacy.”
“Kidd” Jordan will be joined onstage by his four musical children: Kent (flute), Marlon (trumpet), Stephanie (voice), and Rachel Jordan (violin).
PHOTO: JIM THORNS
