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IMPROVISATIONS GALA RETURNS TO THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
For Immediate Release: August 28, 2026
IMPROVISATIONS GALA RETURNS TO THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
Early Bird Tickets on Sale for Annual Showcase of Music & Culture
The 9th annual Improvisations Gala at the New Orleans Jazz Museum will once again be presented by The Herb Alpert Foundation, for the fifth consecutive year. To celebrate this milestone commitment, an Early Bird Special is being offered on general admission tickets September 1-30 for $125 – a $25 savings! Tickets are available now at https://bit.ly/2026improvgala.
Join us for the 9th Annual Improvisations Gala, an unforgettable evening celebrating the music, culture, and creative spirit of New Orleans. Enjoy music across multiple stages, captivating performances, second-line parades, exceptional cuisine, signature cocktails, engaging exhibits, and more—all surrounded by dazzling lighting displays and immersive art installations.
For one spectacular night, the entire 400 block of Esplanade Avenue will be transformed into an enchanting Winter Lights wonderland, where shimmering lights, frosted elegance, Mid-Century Modern fashion, holiday-inspired art, and iconic New Orleans culture come together in a one-of-a-kind, multi-sensory celebration. It’s where the magic of the holiday season meets the soul of New Orleans.
The evening begins with a special 7–8 p.m. Preview Party for Patrons & Sponsors, featuring the River Eckert Band, passed hors d’oeuvres and a party buffet by Messina’s Catering & Events, craft cocktails, and more.
From 8–11 p.m., Jazz Museum supporters will enjoy an extraordinary lineup of New Orleans and international talent, including Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots, Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, Cha Wa, Mahmoud Chouki, the Danny Barker All-Stars featuring Detroit Brooks, Mark Brooks, Freddie Lonzo, Herlin Riley, Greg Stafford, and Dr. Michael White, the Masakowski Family Trio, Taipei Jazz Orchestra of Taiwan, Mikayla Braun Duo, and the Treme-Lafitte Brass Band.
The evening culminates with The Soul Rebels, presented by Le Bon Temps Roule, with special appearances by James Andrews and Big Freedia. Throughout the evening, guests will also experience performances by the NOLA Chorus Girls, Kit Harris & N’Awlins D’Awlins Baby Dolls, Big Queen Mary K. Stevenson & The Original Wild Tchoupitoulas, Ritmeaux Krewe, and scores of other extraordinary New Orleans artists and performers.
The 2026 Improvisations Gala celebrates the boundless creativity, innovation, and improvisational spirit that continue to define New Orleans. More than a celebration, the Gala is an investment in the future of the city’s musical culture, supporting the musicians, students, and educators who carry the legacy of jazz forward.
All funds raised through the Improvisations Gala directly support the New Orleans Jazz Museum’s educational programs and initiatives, helping preserve the history of jazz while inspiring its continued growth and evolution.
Early Bird general admission tickets will provide access to all performances, exhibits, food and beverages. Patron tickets will also be available for $300, allowing admission to the one-hour preview party before gates open to all ticket holders.
Additionally, top level sponsors will enjoy an exclusive VIP Experience all evening with a dedicated bar, lounge seating, desserts by la Madeleine, access to the Gala Buffet, and other perks.
By popular demand, Treasure Chest Key sales for a ladies 10 kt yellow gold brilliant-cut diamond tennis bracelet approximately 4 ctw, valued at $4,500, courtesy of Joey DiFatta, will again be offered on the ticketing site and at the Improv Gala. The annual fundraiser will also feature an On-Line Auction with unique experiences, art, coveted items, and more, that runs November 1 through December 7.
The December 5 Improvisations Gala, presented by The Herb Alpert Foundation, will debut the Museum’s new stage and revitalized grounds made possible through Economic Development Administration-funded campus improvements. “We are also looking ahead to the construction of our state-of-the-art Education Center, designed by renowned acoustician John Storyk of WSDG,” said Executive Director Greg Lambousy. “We are deeply grateful to Herb Alpert and his extraordinary team for their extraordinary generosity and commitment to music education. In recognition of his vision and transformative support, the Education Center will now be named the Herb Alpert Education Wing.”
All funds raised by the Improvisations Gala directly support the Jazz Museum’s educational programs and initiatives. Ticket sales and sponsorship ensure the continuation of valuable programs that bring the magic of jazz to life for the community and beyond.
In addition to The Herb Alpert Foundation, sponsors currently include Adkerson Family Foundation, Angel Wings Foundation New Orleans, Anne Atkinson, AOS Interior Environment, Chip Blondeau, Chill Zone, Coca-Cola, Crescent Crown, Deep Fried Advertising, Delta Personnel, Element, French Quarter Festivals, Inc., Pam Davis Friedler, Jeremy & Patricia Gelbwaks, Giacona Corporation, Ryan Gootee General Contractors, LLC, Nate & Priscilla Gordon Foundation, Val Grubb Leadership Development Consultant, Gulf Coast Bank, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Hotel de la Monnaie, The Lupin Foundation, Messina’s Catering & Events, New Orleans Chamber, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Storyville Museum, Omega Production Resources, PSBM, Presson Productions, Provosty & Gankendorff, LLC, Glenda Ribelin, Eduardo Rodriguez, MD, VenueApp, Viking, Cathryn Julia Walker, Whitney, Lance Zaal, and numerous media partners and museum partners. Additional sponsors will be announced in coming months.
The 2025 New Orleans Jazz Museum Improvisations Gala Committee is chaired by Val Grubb, Valerie Landry and Stacey Messina. Honorary co-chairs include Herb Alpert, Jon Batiste, John Goodman, Arthel Neville, and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.
Visit https://nolajazzmuseum.org/gala to learn more as plans develop or become a sponsor.
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Media Contacts:
Sandra S. Dartus Cheryl Lemoine
Improvisations Gala Team Improvisations Gala Team
307-699-2026 504-782-2410
Sdartus51@gmail.com clemoine@vivanola.com
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Sandra S. Dartus
- August 30, 2026
- 307-699-2026
- Send Email
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