The New Orleans Jazz Museum and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser announce the return of the 9th annual Improvisations Gala on Saturday, December 5. From 8:00 to 11:00 p.m., guests will experience a lineup of live music and performances that make New Orleans unique.
This year's theme includes immersive art dedicated to mid-century modern fashion and New Orleans culture. The evening will also feature exhibitions, cuisine by Messina's Catering & Events, craft cocktails, fine wines, Abita beer, and dazzling lighting displays and art installations throughout the museum and surrounding grounds.
The Esplanade Avenue block will be transformed into a Winter Lights wonderland for the annual fundraiser. The event will include a Patron Party from 7-8 p.m with the gala following afterwards.
Featured performers include The Soul Rebels, presented by Le Bon Temps Roule; Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots; Sally Baby's Silver Dollars; Cha Wa; Mahmoud Chocki; the Danny Barker All-Stars with Detroit Brooks, Mark Brooks, Freddie Lonzo, Herlin Riley, Greg Stafford and Dr. Michael White; the Masakowski Family Trio; River Eckert; Mikayla Braun; the Treme-Lafitte Brass Band, and many other New Orleans favorites. The evening will also feature performances and appearances by the NOLA Chorus Girls, Kit Harris & N'Awlins D'Awlins Baby Dolls, Big Queen Mary K. Stevenson & The Original Wild Tchoupitoulas and Ritmeaux Krewe, among others.
To recognize the fifth consecutive year the gala has been presented by The Herb Alpert Foundation, Early Bird admission tickets will be available for $125 from September 1-30 – a $25 savings. Early Bird admission tickets include access to all performances, exhibits, food and beverages. Patron tickets are $300 and include admission to the one-hour preview party before the gala opens to all ticket holders.
The year’s Improvisations Gala will mark the debut of the New Orleans Jazz Museum’s new stage and revitalized grounds, made possible through improvements funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Proceeds from the Improvisations Gala will support the museum's educational programs and initiatives, helping ensure the history, culture, and music of New Orleans continue to inspire audiences of all ages.
The 2026 New Orleans Jazz Museum Improvisations Gala Committee is chaired by Val Grubb, Valerie Landry, and Stacey Messina. Honorary co-chairs include Herb Alpert, Jon Batiste, John Goodman, Arthel Neville, and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser.
For tickets and additional information, visit nolajazzmuseum.org
