New Orleans Vibe

Legendary jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis will perform with his quartet on Thursday (Nov. 12) at 7 p.m. in Dixon Hall on the Tulane uptown campus. The perennially popular event, which is free and open to the community, is part of the Lagniappe program.

The Lagniappe program will present a free concert with Ellis Marsalis and his quartet on Thursday (Nov. 12). Marsalis received an honorary degree from Tulane in 2007.

"For most students, the vibrant and unique culture of New Orleans plays a part in their decision to attend Tulane," says Trina Beck, director of Newcomb-Tulane College programs. "Once they're here, though, they often can't find the time to get out and experience it."

The Lagniappe program ensures that an education in New Orleans includes at least some education about New Orleans. The concert is sponsored by the Newcomb-Tulane College Office of Cocurricular Programs as part of the Lagniappe program, designed to add "something extra" to the Tulane experience by introducing students to the city's music and culture.

Beck says many students appreciate the opportunity to see musicians like Marsalis on campus. She adds that a large number of community members usually attend as well.

"They realize what a great opportunity it is to hear such a legend for free," she says.

According to Beck, Marsalis tends to deliver not only on his musical talents, but on his story-telling abilities as well.

"Marsalis entertains the crowd with stories and anecdotes in between songs, including some that involve his famous sons, Wynton and Branford," Beck says. "He also takes questions after the concert, and I think it really starts to give students a better sense of how tightly woven the jazz community is into the fabric of New Orleans culture."

Marsalis taught music for a number of years at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and at the University of New Orleans. He received an honorary doctorate degree from Tulane in 2007.

For more information contact Jennifer Groves or call 504-314-2801.

Catherine Freshley received a bachelor of arts in economics and English from Tulane in May 2009.