【San Ramon】A Night of Legends in New Orleans (Sat 7/25 - 8 pm)

Doors open: 8:00 PM
Show: 8:30 PM

Join us for a joyful evening celebrating the spirit, rhythm, and soul of New Orleans jazz — the music of the city where jazz was born.

New Orleans was the first great jazz capital of the world, home to legendary artists such as Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Earl “Fatha” Hines, Barney Bigard, and many more. Led by pianist Larry Vuckovich, this special program pays tribute to that rich musical legacy with a lively mix of classic New Orleans favorites, deep groove, and expressive improvisation.

New Orleans jazz is known for its strong rhythmic phrasing, infectious energy, and powerful sense of swing. While many selections are played at medium and faster tempos, some of the most beautiful and challenging moments come in the slower tunes — even super slow tempos — where the groove must remain deep, expressive, and alive. In the hands of master musicians, these slow tempos create a dramatic rhythmic pulse and emotional intensity that bring the music fully to life.

For this performance, Larry Vuckovich and his quartet will explore both the traditional feeling and the modern possibilities of New Orleans jazz. The music may be interpreted with fresh harmonies and a modern jazz sensibility, but always with respect for the original warmth, rhythm, and feeling of the New Orleans tradition.

The evening will feature classic New Orleans selections including “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans,” “Basin Street Blues,” “Tin Roof Blues,” “Baby Won’t You Please Come Home,” “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans,” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

The quartet features the unique and versatile multi-reed player Noel Jewkes, who will perform on soprano saxophone, clarinet, and trumpet — a key instrument in the early sound of New Orleans jazz. The lineup also includes John Wiitala on bass and Leon Joyce on drums, bringing a powerful, swinging groove to this night of legends.

Artist Lineup
Larry Vuckovich — Piano
Noel Jewkes — Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Trumpet
John Wiitala — Bass
Leon Joyce — Drums