Louisiana Humanities Center
"Professors" piano night series with Jesse McBride

WHO: Jazz piano series and interviews with local music artists

WHAT: "Professors" piano night series at La. Humanities Center

WHEN: Wednesday, May 13th at 7 pm

WHERE: 938 Lafayette Street, New Orleans, LA 70113

NEW ORLEANS -- In the vibrant musical history of New Orleans, there is
no more vital strand than the piano player tradition. From Gottschalk
to Jelly Roll, Fess to Harry Connick, Jr., the city's great pianists
have shaped the sound and image of the city, defining its style while
carrying on its collective memory. The "Professors" series is dedicated
to the celebration and exploration of the tradition in its present forms
and personalities.

The piano nights at the LHC consist of two sets by local piano players.
Between sets, renowned documentarian and WWOZ DJ David Kunian interviews
these modern day professors about their backgrounds, influences, and
insights into the New Orleans piano style. A short reception will
follow the second set.

The series continues on Wednesday, March 13th, at 7pm with Jesse
McBride. A graduate of the University of New Orleans' (UNO) music
program, where he studied under the watchful eye of Ellis Marsalis,
Jesse has performed with Donald Harrison, Jason and Delfeayo Marsalis,
Harold Battiste, Alvin Batiste, Stefon Harris, Carmen Lundy, Vanessa
Rubin, Wes Anderson, Tim Warfield, and Hannibal to name a few. He
currently leads The Next Generation, the collection of young New Orleans
jazz talent founded by Harold Battiste, and maintains weekly gigs at
Snug Harbor and Donna's Bar & Grill.

The Next Generation is "young band performing the music of their
mentors, from an era of their city's history that still cries out for
wider recognition." -Downbeat Magazine.

Admission is $5, free for students, and doors open at 6:45 pm. To make
reservations or for press inquiries, contact Brian Boyles at
504.620.2632 or boyles@leh.org


About the LHC:
Located at 938 Lafayette Street in the Central Business District, the
LHC is the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities' state-of-the art
learning center and meeting facility. Consisting of the Patrick F.
Taylor Auditorium and several smaller event spaces, as well as an
extensive collection of artwork from John T. Scott, the LHC seeks to
serve as a nexus for non-profits and cultural organizations of New
Orleans. For more information and booking, contact Brian Boyles at
504.620.2632 or boyles@leh.org.