Jason Marsalis / The 21st Century Trad Band

About the Project

Drummer Jason Marsalis and the 21st Century Trad Band w/ additional local jazz legends will partner with the Congo Square Preservation Society, New Orleans Jazz Museum, Jazz and Heritage School of Music, Ellis Marsalis Center, and New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts in the Congo Square Roots of Jazz Residency.  The project centers on three-weeks of sessions within Living Classroom fieldtrips, museum jazz labs and performances at Congo Square within Louis Armstrong Park to explore the roots of Bamboula and Second Line rhythms.

Residency Location

New Orleans, LA

About the Artist

From a tender young age, it was clear that Jason Marsalis had what it took to be great. Jason is the son of pianist and music educator Ellis Marsalis and his wife Dolores, and the youngest sibling of Wynton, Branford and Delfeayo. Together, the four brothers and their patriarch Ellis, comprise New Orleans venerable first family of jazz.

He started taking Drum Lessons at the age of 6 years old with New Orleans legend James Black and studied at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCA) He has toured with Marcus Roberts. Co-Founded Los Hombres Caliente,      Dr Michael White, John Ellis, Snarky Puppy, Bela Fleck and so many more. In 2009, the Marsalis Family received the NEA Jazz Masters Award and performed at the White House. On vibes, he recorded  ""Music Update"" and ""World of Mallets"" that went #1 on the CMG Jazz Charts. He was dedicated to  playing drums with his father Ellis Marsalis.

With each passing year Jason Marsalis continues to grow and develop as both a composer and performer. With a fire in his heart and a passion for the music, his will to swing has never been more resolute. The maturity and the command he possess over his music is clearly evident to those who have heard or seen him.