NEW ORLEANS – On Saturday, Dec. 6, the 8th annual Improvisations Gala, presented by The Herb Alpert Foundation, celebrates Storyville: Sounds of the Rising Sun with an evening organizers say will be reminiscent of the sights and sounds of the historic red-light district that played a pivotal role in the birth of jazz. The event will include exhibitions, fashion, food by Messina’s Catering & Events, craft cocktails, fine wines, Abita beer and more from 7-11 p.m. amidst dazzling lighting displays and art scapes.
The much-acclaimed online auction, sponsored by New Orleans Auction as a community partner, opened on Saturday, November 1. The auction supports Museum programming and features unique offerings like a New Orleans Pedalbarge Party Boat Tour on Bayou Bienvenu for 24 people, an After Hello Matchmaking Session, a private Eco Tour for 6 on Admire Nola, a Crawfish Boil Experience for 8 at Clessi’s Seafood & Catering, and more. Interested supporters should register at https://www.32auctions.com/ImprovGala2025 and visit the site frequently to discover new items until the auction closes at noon on Dec. 9.
The Treasure Chest Key Challenge is also an Improv favorite and provides Museum fans an opportunity to purchase the winning key to take home a stunning 18K white gold and diamond heart pendant, courtesy of Adler’s Jewelry. Each key is $50 and purchases before November 15 come with a chance to win two VIP Experience tickets to Improv 2027.
This is just the warm up for the Dec. 6 Improvisations Gala that will feature more than a dozen performances on multiple stages, including the legendary Bobby Rush, presented by Land of Dreams, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tyler’s Revisted with David Torkanowsky & Herlin Riley, Kermit Ruffins, James Andrews & the Crescent City All-Stars, Tuba Skinny, Detroit Brooks & the New Orleans Ladies, featuring Rechell Cook, Dane Ruffins, Naydja CoJoe & Sharon Martin, Mahogany Jazz Hall presents Mahogany Hall Allstars with Pop-Up Burlesque, Audrey LeCrone Trio, Treme Lafitte Brass Band, LPO Ensemble with Dominican Strings of Gocessa, Törngren Quartet from Sweeden, the NOCCA Jazz Ensemble, and scores of other incredible talents will be performing, along with NOLA Chorus Girls, Kit Harris & N’Awlins D’Awlins Baby Dolls, Big Queen Mary K. Stevenson & The Original Wild Tchoupitoulas, Ritmeaux Krewe, NOLA Chorus Girls, Pussyfooters and others.
New this year, in keeping with the Storyville theme, will be the addition of fashion and gaming – both important to the exciting reputation of the city’s legendary Storyville district, once the red-light heart of jazz and a wellspring of creative inspiration— a reminder that beauty and rebellion often dance hand in hand. The evening will feature a continuous showcase of culturally inspired fashions by MagdaleneParis, ricRACK, DeAndre Beverly, Polo Silk, and others, expertly presented by models from ChicNouvelle and New Orleans Fashion Week. Roulette, blackjack, and craps will also add a new dimension to the Improvisations experience with gaming for fun and pleasure. Each winning hand is for the benefit of the New Orleans Jazz Museum
Museum Executive Director Greg Lambousy says that “music and fashion have always shared a rhythm.” He is thrilled to incorporate fashion into the Improv mix, celebrating those who transform cloth into culture, rhythm into design and history into art. According to Lambousy, “Fashion in New Orleans is both archive and innovation. Designers and creators draw upon a rich cultural history that spans neighborhoods, generations, and genres. At the Improvisations Gala, we honor this living legacy.”
Illuminating the evening and adding to the dynamic experience, Monica Rose Kelly will exhibit her Storyville-inspired video mapping projections on the historic building. Inside, Marcus Brown will provide creative projections to recreate the infamous Hilma Burt boudoir with a focus on Jelly Roll Morton. Throughout the complex, Shimeon Greenwood and NOAV Consortium will also provide projections and lighting installations. Additionally, patrons will have the chance to visit the Jazz Museum’s new exhibit, The District: The Music & Musicians of Storyville, that opens Nov. 13.
Tickets to the Dec. 6 Improvisations Gala, presented by The Herb Alpert Foundation, are $150 for general admission, which includes full access to performances, food and beverage, exhibits and other activities. VIP tickets are also available for $300 and feature an exclusive VIP Experience with elevated food and beverage offerings, lounge seating, dedicated bars and food stations, and additional perks. Additional information and tickets are accessible by visiting https://nolajazzmuseum.org/gala.
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, Chip Blondeau, Bryan Subaru, JP Morgan Chase, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (Louisiana Blue), Bo and Dana Cooper, Crescent Crown, William H. Donner Foundation, Element, Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar, First Fidelity Group, Pam Davis Friedler, Giacona Corporation, Ryan Gootee General Contractors, LLC, Nate & Priscilla Gordon Foundation, Jeremy & Patricia Gelbwaks, Gulf Coast Bank, Meaghan Hardcastle, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Hotel de la Monnaie, Land of Dreams, Jessica LeBlanc/CPA Realty, Casey Libscomb,The Lupin Foundation, Messina’s Catering & Events, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Chamber, New Orleans Storyville Museum, Omega Production Resources, Positive Vibrations, PSBA, Presson Productions, Provosty & Gankendorff, LLC, Glenda Ribelin, Eduardo Rodriguez MD, VenueApp, Catherine Whitney and numerous in-kind sponsors and media partners. Additional sponsors will be announced in coming weeks.
The 2025 New Orleans Jazz Museum Improvisations Gala Committee is chaired by Claus Sadlier, Valerie Landry, and James Moore. Honorary co-chairs include Herb Alpert, Jon Batiste, Francis Ford Coppola, Randy Fertel, John Goodman, Wynton Marsalis, Arthel Neville, and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.
To learn more as plans develop or become a sponsor, visit https://nolajazzmuseum.org/gala