IMPROVISATIONS GALA RETURNS TO THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
Early Bird Tickets on Sale for Annual Showcase of Music & Culture
NEW ORLEANS – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the New Orleans Jazz Museum announce the return of the 9th annual Improvisations Gala on Saturday, December 5, featuring an extraordinary lineup of New Orleans musicians, performers, artists and cultural traditions.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Gala will once again be presented by The Herb Alpert Foundation, whose continued support has helped advance the Museum’s mission of preserving, celebrating and sharing the rich history and cultural legacy of jazz. In celebration of the Foundation’s milestone commitment, an Early Bird Special is being offered on general admission tickets September 1-30 for $125 – a $25 savings! Tickets are available now at https://bit.ly/2026improvgala.
Visitors and locals alike are invited to attend the 9th Annual Improvisations Gala, an unparalleled evening celebrating the music, culture, and creative spirit of New Orleans. Attendees will enjoy music across multiple stages, captivating performances, second-line parades, exceptional cuisine, signature cocktails, engaging exhibits, and more—all surrounded by dazzling lighting displays and immersive art installations.
For one spectacular night, the entire 400 block of Esplanade Avenue will be transformed into an enchanting Winter Lights wonderland, where shimmering lights, frosted elegance, Mid-Century Modern fashion, holiday-inspired art, and iconic New Orleans culture come together in a one-of-a-kind, multi-sensory celebration. It’s where the magic of the holiday season meets the soul of New Orleans.
The evening will begin with a special 7–8 p.m. Preview Party for Patrons & Sponsors, featuring the River Eckert Band, passed hors d’oeuvres and a party buffet by Messina’s Catering & Events, craft cocktails, and more.
From 8–11 p.m., Jazz Museum supporters will witness an extraordinary lineup of New Orleans and international talent, including Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots, Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, Cha Wa, Mahmoud Chouki, the Danny Barker All-Stars featuring Detroit Brooks, Mark Brooks, Freddie Lonzo, Herlin Riley, Greg Stafford, and Dr. Michael White, the Masakowski Family Trio, Taipei Jazz Orchestra of Taiwan, Mikayla Braun Duo, and the Treme-Lafitte Brass Band.
The evening will culminate with The Soul Rebels, presented by Le Bon Temps Roule, with special appearances by James Andrews and Big Freedia. Throughout the evening, guests will also experience performances by the NOLA Chorus Girls, Kit Harris & N’Awlins D’Awlins Baby Dolls, Big Queen Mary K. Stevenson & The Original Wild Tchoupitoulas, Ritmeaux Krewe, and scores of other fabulous New Orleans artists and performers.
“There is no place in the world that celebrates music, culture and the spirit of community quite like New Orleans, and the Improvisations Gala captures all of that in one unforgettable night,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “The New Orleans Jazz Museum tells the story of the music that helped shape Louisiana and the world, while giving new generations the opportunity to experience it for themselves. I’m proud to be part of this celebration and invite everyone to come enjoy the music, the culture and the magic of New Orleans.”
More than a party, the 2026 Improvisations Gala is an investment in the future of the city’s musical culture, supporting the musicians, students, and educators who carry the legacy of jazz forward. The annual event provides a showcase for the boundless creativity, innovation, and improvisational spirit that continue to define New Orleans.
All funds raised through the Improvisations Gala directly support the New Orleans Jazz Museum’s educational programs and initiatives, helping preserve the history of jazz while inspiring its continued growth and evolution.
Early Bird general admission tickets will provide access to all performances, exhibits, food and beverages. Patron tickets will also be available for $300, allowing admission to the one-hour preview party before gates open to all ticket holders.
Additionally, top level sponsors will enjoy an exclusive VIP Experience all evening with a dedicated bar, lounge seating, desserts by la Madeleine, access to the Gala Buffet, and other perks.
By popular demand, Treasure Chest Key sales for a ladies 10 kt yellow gold brilliant-cut diamond tennis bracelet approximately 4 ctw, valued at $4,500, courtesy of Joey DiFatta, will again be offered at https://bit.ly/2026improvgala and at the Improv Gala. The annual fundraiser will also feature an On-Line Auction with unique experiences, art, coveted items, and more, that runs November 1 through December 7.
The December 5 Improvisations Gala, presented by The Herb Alpert Foundation, will debut the Museum’s new stage and revitalized grounds funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
“We are also looking ahead to the construction of our state-of-the-art Education Center, designed by renowned acoustician John Storyk of WSDG,” said Executive Director Greg Lambousy. “We are deeply grateful to Herb Alpert and his extraordinary team for their on-going generosity and commitment to music education. In recognition of his vision and transformative support, the Education Center will now be named the Herb Alpert Education Wing.”
All funds raised by the Improvisations Gala directly support the Jazz Museum’s educational programs and initiatives. Ticket sales and sponsorship ensure the continuation of valuable programs that bring the magic of jazz to life for the community and beyond.
In addition to The Herb Alpert Foundation, sponsors currently include Adkerson Family Foundation, Angel Wings Foundation New Orleans, Anne Atkinson, AOS Interior Environment, Chip Blondeau, Chill Zone, Coca-Cola, Crescent Crown, Deep Fried Advertising, Delta Personnel, Element, French Quarter Festivals, Inc., Pam Davis Friedler, Jeremy & Patricia Gelbwaks, Giacona Corporation, Ryan Gootee General Contractors, LLC, Nate & Priscilla Gordon Foundation, Val Grubb Leadership Development Consultant, Gulf Coast Bank, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Hotel de la Monnaie, The Lupin Foundation, Messina’s Catering & Events, New Orleans Chamber, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Storyville Museum, Omega Production Resources, PSBM, Premium Parking, Presson Productions, Provosty & Gankendorff, LLC, Glenda Ribelin, Eduardo Rodriguez, MD, VenueApp, Viking, Julia & Cedric Walker, Cathryn Whitney, Lance Zaal, and numerous media partners and museum partners. Additional sponsors will be announced in coming months.
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.
Visit https://nolajazzmuseum.org/gala to learn more as plans develop or to become a sponsor.
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Media Contacts:
Sandra S. Dartus Cheryl Lemoine
Improvisations Gala Team Improvisations Gala Team
307-699-2026 504-782-2410