For Immediate Release: November 3, 2026
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM LAUNCHES ONLINE
AUCTION & UNVEILS WINTER LIGHTS THEME FOR DECEMBER 5 FUNDRAISER
Annual New Orleans Jazz Museum Gala proclaimed “coolest event of the season”
On Saturday, December 5, the 9th annual Improvisations Gala, presented by The Herb Alpert Foundation, will take place from 8-11 pm throughout the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
For one spectacular night, the entire 400 block of Esplanade 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 with incredible music, exceptional cuisine, signature cocktails, and engaging exhibits. It’s where the magic of the holiday season meets the soul of New Orleans.
The much-acclaimed online auction opened Sunday, November 2. The auction supports Museum programming and features unique offerings like a luxurious getaway at The Chloe boutique hotel on St. Charles Avenue, an authentic Louisiana Crawfish Boil Experience for six at Clesi’s Seafood & Catering, or a self-guided tour for 10 of the New Orleans Storyville Museum. And there’s more to come! Interested supporters should register at https://www.32auctions.com/ImprovGala2026 and visit the site frequently to discover additional experiences, art, coveted items, and more added daily until the auction closes at noon on Tuesday, December 8.
The Treasure Chest Key Challenge, also an Improv favorite, provides Museum fans an on-site opportunity to secure the winning key to take home a stunning ladies 10 kt yellow gold brilliant-cut diamond tennis bracelet approximately 4 carats, valued at $4,500, courtesy of French Quarter neighbor Joey DiFatta. Each key is $50 and pre-Gala purchases at https://bit.ly/2026improvgala before noon on December 1 comes with a chance to win two Patron tickets to Improv 2028.
The on-line auction is just the warm-up for the fabulous evening that will begin with a special 7–8 p.m. Preview Party for Patrons & Sponsors, featuring the River Eckert Band, passed hors d’oeuvres and more by Messina’s Catering & Events, craft cocktails, and early access to Museum grounds, as well as the Gala. Patron level tickets are $300 each.
From 8–11 p.m., General Admission ticket holders will witness an extraordinary lineup of New Orleans and international talent, including Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots, Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, Cha Wa, 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.
Gala participants will also be treated to an exciting closing performance with The Soul Rebels, presented by Le Bon Temps Roule, with special guests Big Freedia, Fred Wesley, James Andrews, George Brown, and Corey Henry. Throughout the evening, attendees will also experience performances and second lines with the NOLA Chorus Girls, Kit Harris & N’Awlins D’Awlins Baby Dolls, Big Queen Mary K. Stevenson & The Original Wild Tchoupitoulas, Ritmeaux Krewe, NOLA Lolas, and scores of other New Orleans artists and performers.
General admission tickets may be purchased at https://bit.ly/2026improvgala.for $150 each and include full access from 8-11 pm, except for the VIP Experience. Additionally, top level sponsors will enjoy the Preview Party and an exclusive VIP Experience all evening with a dedicated bar, lounge seating, desserts by la Madeleine, access to the Gala Buffet, and other perks.
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.
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. 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, The Artist CLEO, Anne Atkinson, AOS Interior Environment, The Berger Company, Inc., Chip Blondeau, Bryan Subaru, Chill Zone, Coca-Cola, Crescent Crown, Gulf Coast Bank, Deep Fried Advertising, Delta Personnel, William H. Donner Foundation, Element, Ferrand Cognac, Folger’s, Pam Davis Friedler, Jeremy & Patricia Gelbwaks, Giacona Corporation, Ryan Gootee General Contractors, LLC, Nate & Priscilla Gordon Foundation, Val Grubb Leadership Development Consultant, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Hotel de la Monnaie, la Madeleine, Casey Lipscomb, Loyola University New Orleans College of Music & Media, The Lupin Foundation, Carl Mack Presents, 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, Nuria Rowley, Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University, VenueApp, Julia & Cedric Walker, Cathryn Whitney, Lance Zaal, and numerous media partners and museum partners. Additional sponsors will be announced in coming weeks.
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.
To learn more or become a sponsor, visit https://nolajazzmuseum.org/gala
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Media Contacts:
Sandra S. Dartus Cheryl Lemoine
Improvisations Gala Team Improvisations Gala Team
307-699-2026 504-782-2410