Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes and Aurora Nealand: "Jazz a la Creole"
Schedule
Thu Mar 05 2026 at 03:00 pm to 04:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
419 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana 70130 | New Orleans, LA
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This program takes place at our French Quarter Visitor Center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130. Admission is free and open to the public, seating is limited and offered first come, first served basis.Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes and Aurora Nealand will be joined by New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Rangers to explore "Jazz a la Creole."
Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes is truly a Renaissance man. Known primarily for his work as a musician, Barnes is also a former National Park Service ranger (retiring after 30 years), ethnographic photographer, actor, author, former high school biology teacher, former pro football player (Kansas City Chiefs), and current Big Chief of the Northside Skull and Bones Gang Mardi Gras group. His engaging personality and deep knowledge, combined with his consummate musical talent and creativity, place him among New Orleans’ best-loved personalities.
With his band the Sunspots, Barnes developed his unique blend of zydeco, blues, and Afro-Cuban music he calls “Afro Louisiana.” He headlines at festivals and concerts around the globe with the band, and has released six CDs. His compositions are heard in Hollywood films, and he has had roles in commercials and in feature programs such as HBO’s “Treme.” Barnes has also toured as a member of Paul Simon’s band, including a 34-country tour with Simon and Sting in 2014-15.
Aurora Nealand is an accomplished saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist, composer, bandleader, and instigator. Whether playing with her traditional jazz band, The Royal Roses, dueting with ace pianist Tom McDermott, or forging experimental music with her Monocle project, Nealand brings impeccable musicianship, warm emotion, and an adventuresome spirit to any stage.
Nealand was raised in a Bohemian, music-loving family in California and Colorado, and only began studying formally when she attended Oberlin Conservatory. After a stint with the Jacques Lecoq School of Physical Theatre in Paris and time spent cycling across America, she landed in New Orleans in 2004, where she absorbed traditional jazz while performing in the streets. Post-Katrina, she joined the Panorama Jazz Band and did stints with the New Orleans Moonshiners and other trad bands.
She launched The Royal Roses in 2010, releasing an acclaimed tribute to Sidney Bechet recorded live at Preservation Hall. That same year she began making regular appearances on the HBO series “Treme.”
Over the past decade Nealand has stretched her musical curiosity in many directions, while still remaining rooted in the traditional jazz realm. She fronts the punkabilly band Rory Danger and the Danger Dangers, plays with Why Are We Building Such A Big Ship, collaborates with fellow experimental musician Helen Gillet (as The Jessicas), and writes original theatre pieces and film scores.
Photo of Sunpie playing the accordion courtesy of Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes.
See our full calendar of events at https://www.nps.gov/jazz/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
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Where is it happening?
419 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana 70130Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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