New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

Learn about New Orleans history and culture while observing a cooking demonstration by Chef Dianne Honoré.

Growing up in her family's Creole restaurant located in the culturally rich Tremé neighborhood, laid the foundation for Dianne “Gumbo Marie” Honoré's work as an award-winning Historic Interpreter, Creole culture activist, registered teaching artist and event producer. She founded the Black Storyville Baby Dolls™, the Amazons Benevolent Society™, and Unheard Voices of Louisiana™.  Annually on Mardi Gras Day, she masks as Big Queen of the Yellow Pocahontas Hunters Tribe for which she meticulously creates one-of-a-kind "suits" from thousands of beads and feathers.  She has curated numerous history-related music and food events, tours, and exhibits over several decades including the My Color, My People and Black Storyville tours, Creole food tours for Culinary Backstreets, and the Golden Crown exhibit and symposium celebrating the legacy of Big Chief Darryl Montana.

In addition to appearances on the Harry Connick, Jr show, Flip my Food, BET, and Good Morning America she hosted a live television show focused on New Orleans history and current events. She developed an "exhibit-store" called "Gumbo Marie" where rotating exhibits were curated on Louisiana history, classes held and locally crafted products were sold to support the exhibit space. Annually she produces "Baking for Breast Cancer" in conjunction with The Amazons Benevolent Society™ who raise funds for local cancer fighters. She also teaches beginner and advanced beading classes to senior adults at the Louisiana State Museum's Cabildo.

This program is free and open to the public.

As a Dutch and Surinamese vocalist, Zoë de Priester draws from her love for storytelling and the Great American Songbook to create authentic, heartfelt performances that honor the tradition of jazz while offering fresh, intimate interpretations. In the spring of 2026, Zoë graduated with a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of New Orleans, where she refined her skills and broadened her creative horizons within the rich musical landscape of New Orleans. During her studies, she worked closely with Quiana Lynell and Brian Seeger in weekly one-on-one sessions and studied with Cyrille Aimée, further developing her artistry as both a vocalist and storyteller.

Michael Pellara brings decades of virtuoistic piano sensibilities to every stage and classroom he graces. The long-time educator at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and Offbeat Lifetime Achievement Award winner is an accomplished composer and performer, with a repertoire that ranges from standards to his own tunes to tributes, such as his recent headlining homage to Bill Evans. His most recent release, the 2023 “Carnival,” is a celebration of the jazz piano form performed by a consummate artist.

This program is free and open to the public.

Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Composer, guitarist (6- and 7- string guitars, nylon, acoustic, electric), singer, music producer and arranger. Bruno Elisabetsky is originally from São Paulo, Brazil, and has lived and performed in Tel Aviv and Barcelona as well as being a sideman and music director on multimedia projects. He currently works from his own studio in New Orleans, LA, where resides.

This program is free and open to the public. 

Jazz vocalist Saskia Walker moved to New Orleans in 2019 from her hometown of Rome, Italy, to explore its vibrant musical landscape. She has since worked with many notable musicians in recording studios like Esplanade Studios, and live performances at the Spotted Cat and d.b.a. on Frenchman Street and the Maple Leaf uptown.

Dimitri Hanafin Reyes is a pianist and composer based in New Orleans. Originally from San Francisco, he earned dual degrees in Black American Music and Legal Studies in Business from Tulane University. Dimitri has performed at many venues around New Orleans and festivals including New Orleans Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, and JazzAscona in Switzerland. His original composition "Full Circle" was featured at Tulane's 2024 commencement ceremony. Dimitri continues to perform and collaborate within the New Orleans music scene.

Dane Harter is a bass player from Baton Rouge who has recently returned to the area after completing his Masters degree in music at Florida State University.

 This program is free and open to the public.

Carl LeBlanc is an American guitarist and banjo player. LeBlanc is most striking for his work in both avant-garde and traditional jazz—being the only musician to have worked and recorded with both famed Afro-futurist keyboardist/bandleader Sun Ra and Preservation Hall. LeBlanc was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in the Seventh Ward. He heard the city's brass band parades in his neighborhood when he was a child; but it was the Beatles's famous Ed Sullivan appearance which inspired him to take up the guitar.

Blending varying styles of  New Orleans tradition, namely Mardi Gras Indian and Second line style, LeBlanc has recorded seven solo albums during his career. During his career, LeBlanc has also performed with Fats Domino, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, the Dirty Dozen, Allen Toussaint, Bo Diddley, Ellis Marsalis Jr., James Rivers, Blind Boys of Alabama, and Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. LeBlanc continues preserving the legacy of New Orleans music tradition as an educator and composer.

This program is free and open to the public.

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At the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center 

Join us for an interactive drum & dance circle as we honor those who came before us. Play drums and learn about our cultural history and the legacy of Congo Square in New Orleans.

This drum circle is open to all ages. No experience required.

This program is free and open to the public.