A Tribute to Ellis Marsalis Jr.

Name: A Tribute to Ellis Marsalis Jr.
Start: 2025-09-06T20:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-09-06T22:00:00-05:00
Location: 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112-2501, United States

Schedule

Sat Sep 06 2025 at 08:00 pm to 10:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112-2501, United States | New Orleans, LA

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra proudly invites you to an unforgettable evening honoring the life and enduring legacy of the legendary Ellis Marsalis Jr. This special concert will feature the world premiere of a new composition by acclaimed New Orleans composer Roger Dickerson, with special guest performances by Branford Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, and Jason Marsalis.
Proceeds from the evening support LPO’s education and community engagement programs, including LPO Academy, Soul Strings, Musical Storytimes, and other vital initiatives that bring music to thousands of students and families across the region.
Notes from Composer Roger Dickerson:
“Haven Sketches” weaves together many strains of personal memory and experience—an exciting time it was, circa 1962—when Ellis Marsalis opened his own jazz club in the Shrewsbury area of Jefferson Parish. With a bit of interior reshaping, the ex-family home of the Marsalis’s at the corner of Shrewsbury Road and River Road became The Music Haven. “Swinging at the Haven”—a tune Ellis penned at the time—set the tone for the new jazz venue. My two movement score sketches aspects, personal memories I still have of the Music Haven—memories of its ambiance, clientele, musicians, artists and avid listeners.. My score weaves it all into a circa 17 minutes fabric of personal expression in sound. Of course, some melodic and rhythmical mannerisms—typically heard in the refined, modern jazz expressions of the Music Haven—are drawn upon, but they are merged/fused within the orchestral phrasing and colors, enabling the musical narrative that flows throughout this symphonic “Haven Sketches.” And—yes, there exists a few measures of mourning—for the loss of a dear friend,
‘A Cosmic Dream’, the 2nd movement, is a song of romance—and praise—to the Divine. Ellis and I often entertained thoughts—long, unending discussions, over the years—about what personal connections to the Creator truly meant. We felt the connection. And, we knew we were souls—no doubt about it. It is after realization of the contact, that “The Divine Romance” begins—that Khalil Gibran’s lyrical poetry sings. The design of the ‘A Cosmic Dream’, and its song of romance, is intended, here, to evoke joy—elicit then, greater joy—reciprocating to an ever-new-inner-spirit of joy. All, devotion, praising—and romancing the Divine. A 1963 solo ballad for piano by Ellis was titled…“After.” Soprano Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is particularly suited, this evening, as the featured soloist for the requirements of the 2nd movement. The subtle qualities and expressive nature of Branford's artistry and tone are unique—and key to projecting the spiritual energy of the song of romance in this cosmic dream.
An added note about the Music Haven venture—that singular high point (1962) during Ellis Marsalis’ early professional life. While, unfortunately, it was short-lived—an ephemeral dream come true—the Music Haven enabled a surfacing of Ellis’ musical talent in a grand manner—and provided a bold venue featuring his music and his cutting-edge jazz quartet. The venture also launched original compositions which became the main tracks in the production of Ellis Marsalis’ first professional jazz album. It is, however, Ellis Marsalis’ discovery of giving service to the community’—and dedication to its educational institutions—that have led us here, tonight, to celebrate the memory of this great spirit of New Orleans, Ellis Marsalis, and his musical contributions and cultural legacy.