Thursday, June 12, 2025

For Immediate Release

NEW ORLEANS (Thursday, June 12, 2025) - The 2025 Cutting Edge CE Music Business Sessions will showcase the essential skills and insights needed to advance the careers of musicians and music professionals. Attendees can network with industry professionals, gain valuable insights, and receive mentoring advice. 

It is crucial to have a team of professionals to help navigate the music and entertainment industry. Music professionals need collaborators beyond just fellow musicians. Even if your initial team consists of friends or family, having someone with industry knowledge to assist with negotiations and interpret the complexities of the entertainment world is important.

A vital member of a musician's professional team is their manager. The manager's skills, experience, and personality are key factors in determining an artist's success.

To address the emotional and logistical challenges of guiding artists' careers, Cutting Edge has chosen Reid Martin, Co-founder and CEO of Midcitizen Entertainment, as the Keynote Speaker for 2025, Friday, August 15 at 11:00 AM.

Reid and his team manage the careers of a diverse roster of artists, including Big Freedia, Tank and the Bangas, Pom Pom Squad, Tarriona Tank Bell, The Suffers, Sinkane, Kam Franklin, Anjelika Jelly Joseph, Alexis & the Sanity, Sweet Crude, Terrell Charbonneau, and IFE.

Reid will be joined by other music and entertainment professionals, including managers, engineers, producers, record label owners, A&R experts, songwriters, music placement specialists, and industry insiders.

The panel sessions will cover various topics, including the business of songwriting, advice from studio engineers and producers (highlighting important feedback you should consider), the challenges of music placement in film, television, and video games, and the role of music libraries in this process.

Reid Martin spent the earliest part of his career as a Tour Manager for international touring acts. During this era, he guided bands through Europe six times in addition to managing tours through Australia, Japan, China, Brazil, and South Africa, to name a few.

In 2014, Martin co-founded the 250 capacity music venue, Gasa Gasa, a major contributor to New Orleans’ independent music scene. He also began managing talent directly, developing a roster of local and regional acts signed to his umbrella, including reality star and LGBTQ icon, Big Freedia.

In 2018, Martin co-founded MidCitizen Entertainment, a boutique talent management firm which now oversees the careers of eleven artists across the greater New Orleans and New York City areas.

Alongside the development of MidCitizen, Martin has also remained a loyal and dedicated manager to Freedia, having facilitated collaborations with Beyoncé, Drake, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Diplo, Kesha, and more. The most notable of these collaborations is Big Freedia's appearance on Beyoncé's number one single, "Break My Soul", which earned Freedia a Grammy Award for “Best Electronic/Dance Recording” at the 2023 awards.

Now, with over a decade of experience working in the talent management space, Martin has been tapped to launch Imprinted Services: a company designed to help artists, managers, agents, and industry businesses grow by providing managed services and tools that simplify workflows, enhance productivity, and enable growth.

NEW ORLEANS (June 11, 2025) - Using the terms "seminal" or "groundbreaking" to describe an artist’s music can often seem excessive. However, when it comes to George Porter Jr., these terms feel entirely appropriate. For this reason, we are proud to present George Porter Jr. with the Cutting Edge CE Conferences and Events 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award presentation will take place on Friday, August 15, at 7:30 PM at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, located at 400 Esplanade Avenue, NOLA.

George Porter seems to have always been a part of our musical landscape. For six decades, he has been playing, touring, and recording, always accessible to his fans. His performances at the Maple Leaf with his band, George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners, are legendary and are must-attend events for both locals and visitors. It serves as a Mecca for those seeking to experience a true New Orleans original—a bassist known worldwide whose mastery of the “pocket” has become the foundation of Funk music. 

We were first introduced to George Porter as the bassist of the greatest Funk band of all time, The Meters, alongside Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli, Zigaboo Modeliste, and later Cyril Neville. Following The Meters from gig to gig was a cherished experience for many in the late '60s and early '70s.

After his work with The Meters, George Porter formed the Funky Meters, which brought him new collaborators like Brian Stoltz and Russell Batiste Jr. He continued as the bandleader for his long-term project, the Runnin' Pardners (featuring George Porter Jr., Michael Lemmler, Chris Adkins, and Terrence Houston). Beyond his bands, his collaboration with producer and songwriter Allen Toussaint added another layer to George Porter's musical legacy. His bass playing can be heard on tracks by artists such as Patti LaBelle, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Buffett, David Byrne, and many more. His early studio work also included sessions with Earl King, Lee Dorsey, Johnny Adams, Irma Thomas, and the Lastie Brothers, to name just a few.

You can find George Porter Jr.'s official bio here.

Photo by: Steve Rapport

NEW ORLEANS (May 20, 2025) - The entertainment industry has never been more expansive. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and new media has fueled an insatiable demand for entertainment, described aptly as "like water from a faucet." However, this metaphor only addresses consumers and overlooks the concerns of those who create entertainment.

Entertainment Law provides the necessary framework to tackle opportunities, challenges, and conflicts regarding artistic ownership, career development, project financing, and the "right of publicity" for artists and athletes. Much of this is governed by contracts, agreements, statutory laws, and filing processes. As a result, entertainment lawyers play a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating their clients' interests, including managers, agents, accountants, and entertainment providers such as record labels, film companies, distributors, and publishers.

While AI and new media present exciting opportunities, they do not address the human dynamics of entertainment. The music industry is filled with legacy artists whose music—and their personal presence—have stood the test of time, continuing to perform at festivals and events around the world.

Additionally, the music industry has its own legacy terms that have been in place since its inception, such as "work-for-hire," but none are more iconic than A&R (Artists and Repertoire). The A&R representative was once considered the ultimate gatekeeper during the Golden Age of Record Labels. Their pivotal role in developing music, selecting artists, and managing record releases was essential to the success of both record labels and artists. Today, the A&R representative remains one of the most important figures on any artist's and manager's guest list.

We are honored to host our 33rd Cutting Edge Entertainment Law Seminar with keynote interviewee A&R expert Kim Buie.

As music industry veteran, Kim Buie has spent over 40+ years in the music business as Vice President of A&R for several companies including Island Records, Lost Highway, Capitol Records, Palm, MCA Records, Thirty Tigers, and most recently at New West Records. In her A&R career Miss Buie has been fortunate to work with men of vision and men who supported her artistic pursuits as much as they had to pursue commercial ones – allowing Kim to work with a diverse range of artists from The Secret Sisters, Caroline Rose, Ben Folds, Ryan Bingham, The Nude Party, William S. Burroughs, Lucinda Williams, Richard Thompson, JD McPherson, Pokey LaFarge, Tom Waits, Grace Jones, Etta James, Hayes Carll, Rodney Crowell, Drivin n’ Cryin, Allan Ginsburg, Michael Franti (Spearhead & Hiphoprisy), T Bone Burnett, The Nortec Collective, Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson and Freestyle Fellowship, to name a few.

Kim’s services includes:

• Evaluations of talent & material
• Reviewing songs
• Arranging co-writes as desired
• Selecting producers within client budgets
• Budgeting (for union and non-union sessions)
• Mastering suggestions
• Aiding or assembling credits
• Resources for art direction and packaging
• Resources for marketing

 33^rd Annual

CUTTING EDGE ENTERTAINMENT LAW SEMINAR

August 14, 15, 16, 2025

New Orleans

InterContinental New Orleans Hotel

Hot Topics and Current Treands in Entertainment Law

Covering

"AI – Publishing – Trademark – Film Agreements – Literary Publishing – Business Consideration - Transactional Issues"

Subject to change

Thursday, August 14, 2025

9:00 AM—10:00 AM          Professionalism—Avoiding Gaps, Mishaps, and Traps in Negotiations [Legal/ CLE 1.0 cr. hr.]

How do you get the most out of your negotiation? Ensure professional conduct and civility while negotiating with opposing counsel. How do you save a deal from going south?

Speakers:

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM       Sports Law Updates: NCAA and Amateurism [Legal/ CLE 1.0 cr. hr.]

·      NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) Rules & Agreements

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM        Litigation:

• The Drake v UMG 
• Copyright Litigation Roundup [Legal/ CLE 1.25 cr. hr.]

This panel will provide an overview of current litigation.

Speakers:

12:45 Break

1:15 PM – 2:30 PM           Representing high-value Sports and Entertainment Clients, Agreements, Rights To Publicity [Legal/ CLE 1.25 cr. hr.]

·     Protecting Rights is sports memorabilia in the Digital Era

·     Protecting Against Deep Fake Voice and Likeness-Generated AI

·     Essential deal points when representing artists,

·     Re-record clause

·     Options vs. Record Release Periods

Speakers:

2:45 PM – 3:45 PM            The impact developing technologies have on the consumption and exploitation of Entertainment media. The role of influencers, the Internet, and shortened attention spans.  [Legal/ CLE/Business 1.0 cr. hr.]

·    Influencers' impact on traditional movies & TV and visa-versa

·       Stars with large online following

·       Apps, social media scripted episodes, film short dramas

·       Audiobooks

This panel will discuss various forms of content creation, licensing, representation, and marketing of Book Publishing.

Speakers:

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM           Trademark & Copyrights Essentials: Avoiding and Resolving Disputes, Limitation on Damages (Nealy case) Hot Topics and New Developments Avoiding and Resolving Disputes. What's in a name? [Legal/ CLE 1.5 cr. hrs.]

Covering

·     Trademark Office Updates (filing system, cost, strategy structure)

·     How to Protect Trade Dress

·     Protecting Rights is sports memorabilia in the Digital Era

·     Remedies in Trademark Litigation

Speakers:

Friday, August 15, 2025

9:00 AM—10:00 AM         Ethical issues for the Transactional Lawyers - Vernon P. Thomas Ethics Presentation [Legal/ CLE 1.0 cr. hr.]

This panel will cover the rules of professional conduct.

Speakers:

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM      Understanding Narration and Voice Acting Agreements:

·     Important Clauses

·     Union (SAG-AFTRA) or Non-union

·     Creative Contribution

·     Professional Representation [Legal/ CLE 1.0 cr. hr.]

Speakers:

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM                    AI Protections - Updates to AI and Generative AI Intellectual Property Issues [Legal/ CLE 1.25 cr. hrs.]

Covering:

·      Deepfakes

·      Rights to Publicity

·      Ownership: Bifurcation of Copyrights Registration

·      Licensing Rights for Generative AI

·      Neighboring Rights

This panel will cover understanding AI and Data Rights, current legislation, and case law. The discussion will include AI involvement in the Metaverse (Web3), NFTs and art/music generation, and the legal implications of generative AI.

Speakers:

1:15 PM—2:00 PM            Conversation on the A&R's Changing Role in Today's Entertainment Industry [Legal/Bus CLE .75 hrs.]

Interviewee: Kim Buie, SVP, A&R Consultant 

2:15 PM – 3:30 PM           Represent Legacy Artists "Where the Money in Music Comes From" Trends in Music Publishing, Assets Management, Estate Planning [Legal/ CLE 1.25 cr. hr.]

3:45 PM – 5:15 PM            CONTENT + MONEY + TARIFFS Film Finance and Distribution in the New Global Marketplace [Legal/ CLE 1.5 cr. hr.]

This panel will cover the impact of incentive financing, tariffs, and essential deal points between parties in the film process. Covering agreements between a production company and a producer, investor, or distributor. These agreements may cover what happens at any stage of the film process, before, during, and post-production.

Speakers:

Saturday, August 16, 2025

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM          Legal Practice Management: Do's and Don'ts of Court Procedures [Legal/ CLE 1.0 cr. hr.]

Court rules and decorum have never been more critical for all parties and their clients.

Speakers:

10:15 AM – 11:45 AM        "The Increasingly Complex World of Synch Licensing" [Legal/ CLE 1.0 cr. hr.]

Whether it's an independent, major studio or documentary film, a Netflix special, a broadcast television series like "The Masked Singer" or the Grand Theft Auto VI or Fortnite video games, getting a song or record placed in any audiovisual medium has become a complex negotiation involving upfront fees, multiple options, UGC permissions and "backend royalties." This panel covers all aspects of the increasingly complex world of "Synch" licensing, where knowing the business and the various types of licensing agreements and fees, as well as industry standards and what you should or should not ask for, is essential for success

Speakers:

https://cuttingedgenola.com/entertainment-law-seminar/

2025 Entertainment Law Seminar Speakers (Subject to change)

• Stephanie Adwar, Esq., Adwar Ivko, New York, NY
• Jeff Brabec, Esq., Senior Vice President Legal and Business Affairs, Board member The MLC, co-author "Music, Money, and Success," Adjunct Professor USC
•  Todd Brabec Esq., former ASCAP Executive Vice President, co-author "Music, Money and Success," Adjunct Professor USC
• John F. Bradley, Esq. Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Rico Brooks, CEO, Adella Thomas Management
• Kim Buie, A&R Expert, Nashville, TN
• Brian Caplan, Esq., Reitler Kailas & Rosenblatt, LLP
• Darryl Cohen, Esq., Cohen, Cooper Estep & Allen, Atlanta, GA
• David Dalia, Esq., New Orleans, LA
• Judith DeFraites, Esq., New Orleans, LA
• Tom DeSavia, SVP A&R, Concord Music Publishing
• Stephen J. Easley, Esq., Law Office of Stephen J. Easley, Esq.
• Edgar "Dino" Gankendoff, Esq., Provosty & Gankendoff, LLC, NOLA 
• Charles Driebe, Esq., Blind Ambition Management, Atlanta, GA
• Kimberly Haynes, Esq. Haynes Johnson, LLC, Baton Rouge, LA
• Tate Henshaw, CFP, ARC Business Management, Atlanta, GA
• Tim Kapple, Esq. Well & Mills, Los Angeles
• Jessica Kaye, Esq., Kaye & Mills, Los Angeles, CA
• Scott Keniley, Esq., Keniley Kumar, Atlanta, GA
• Peter A. Koziol, Esq., Assouline Bertowe, Boca Raton, FL
• Kevin Mills, Esq., Kaye & Mills, Los Angeles, CA
• Michael Olsen, Esq, Counsel, LLP, San Francisco, CA
• Eugene Radcliff, Esq. Baton Rouge, LA
• Nadine Ramsey, Esq., New Orleans, LA
• William Ramsey, Esq., Ramsey Law Firm, New Orleans, LA
• Stan Soocher, Esq., Editor-in-Chief, Entertainment Law & Finance, Professor Emeritus, College of Arts & Media, University of Colorado Denver
• Christophe Szapary, Esq., Provosty & Gankendoff, LLC, New Orleans, LA
• Vernon W. Thomas, Esq. Thomas Law Firm, New Orleans, LA
• Charlotte Towne, Esq., Charlotte Towne Law, Miami, FL
• Brittney Trigg, Esq., BTRIGGLAW, PLLC, Miami, FL
• Suzette Toledano, Esq., Toledano Entertainment & Arts Law, New Orleans, LA
• Gregg R. Zegarelli, Esq., Zegarelli Technology & Entrepreneurial Ventures Law Firm, Pittsburgh, PA

The entertainment industry faces many challenges. Its various segments (music, film, games, sports, media, fashion) each face career and legal complexities. But no segment is as challenging or complex as the music business. "Hot Topics and Current Trends" in the music business speaks to understanding custom/precedent, gaining knowledge, and securing connections. With these, an artist, lawyer, or professional may gain the influence needed to move from one market level to another.

The following includes:

• Complete Schedule: 33rd Cutting Edge Entertainment Law Seminar
• Music Business Topics 
• Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp
• NewWorks Artist Showcase

Free to the public

• NewWorks Artist Showcase Festival performance allows artists' music to be their best publicity.
• The Roots Music Gathering is "still committed to the Roots" and will host oral histories, lecture demonstrations, the Ultimate Sideman Presentation, and panel discussions on roots music.
• Workshops for Creatives "Creators House" provide creative entrepreneurs with hands-on assistance from experts.

Cutting Edge uses its forum to produce and promote new activities throughout the year.

***Coming Soon***

Keynote Speaker

REID MARTIN



Co-Founder Midcitizen Entertainment

2025 Music Business Topics



• Songwriting Essentials
• Techno-tainment
• Better Recording for your next album
• Concerts in the Metaverse – What does it mean for indie artists
• Influencers and the Artist Song
• Event Production
• Touring and Management
• Get your Synch Rights Straight
• What are DSPs (Digital Service Providers) and Digital Distributors, and what do they do to earn the artist's money

Applications close - July 1

NewWork Artist Showcase (open to the public)

A band's best publicity is performance. Bring on the Bands! Play for the professionals. These artists can also attend panels and network at the conference, and become eligible for the Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp…

• Selected artists presented in local venues
• Apply HERE

New Orleans: Cutting Edge CE Conferences and Events has organized the Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp from August 21 to 24 as a prelude to the conference. It is designed to complement the Conference activities. The Camp is a result of our collaborations and consultations with Michael Dixon from Soda Rock Music, the multiplatinum-selling songwriter Jim McCormick (2021 Country Music Song of the Year nominee), Stephen Easley, Esq. from Buddy Holly Foundation, and Lilli Lewis, songwriter and advisor. Expanding to encompass additional segments of the creative sphere, we are partnering with DAWn Audio to produce:

Producers Cohort: Beat Makers

writing collectively and remotely

powered by DAWn Audio

The Camp is by invitation only; an interested songwriter can email us HERE.

More on the Cutting Edge Songwriters Camp is coming soon.

Roots Music Gathering – Cutting Edge is Still Committed to the Roots!

Roots Music, as used here, means music, its history, and cultural practices that reflect communities' traditions. The Roots Music Gathering is about the world communities that, like New Orleans, produce music as a part of their cultural expression. We recognize sustaining cultural activities in an in-demand neighborhood is the new struggle of Cultural Bearers. This year honor artists, businesses, and legacies contributing to our shared musical journey. 

• Oral Histories
• Presentations
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Music Influencer Award
• Trumpet Award
• Community Service Award

Coming soon! Panel sessions and presentations. Look for additional events and songwriter activities.

Important information and dates

Interested in being a Sponsor email HERE

Interested in Speaking? Have a panel idea? June 1 deadline. Email HERE

Artist Showcase Application ends – July 1

Rates Increase – May 27

Conference hotel rates - $99 access HERE

Cutting Edge occurs August 13 – 216, 2025, at the New Orleans InterContinental Hotel and venues throughout Downtown New Orleans.

Register

On Friday, May 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., the New Orleans Jazz Museum, in collaboration with the Dillard University Ray Charles Program in African American Material Culture, proudly invites you to a special panel discussion and live performance exploring the legacy of the Chitlin’ Circuit—a vital network of performance venues that fostered African American artistry and resilience during the era of segregation.

From juke joints to legends, join us for an unforgettable evening of music, culture, and storytelling, featuring a special guest performance by James Andrews—the "Satchmo of the Ghetto" and a true torchbearer of New Orleans' rich musical heritage. Known for his electrifying trumpet playing and magnetic stage presence, Andrews carries forward the spirit of the Chitlin' Circuit, blending traditional jazz, brass band rhythms, and street-funk soul into a sound that embodies the heart of the Crescent City.

Come experience an immersive journey through food, music, and life on the road as we honor the legends who built a movement from the margins—shaping American music and culture as we know it.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, May 23, 2025

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116

Event Highlights:

• Panel Discussion featuring Zella Palmer (Director & Chair, Dillard University Ray Charles Program) and Jon Pult (Jazz Historian & Dillard University Food Studies Professor), moderated by Eric L. Cager (Director of Cutting Edge Music Business).
• Live Performance by James Andrews, blending traditional jazz with personal narratives and food memories.
• Pop-up Tastings inspired by the dishes and diners of the juke joints and the Chitlin’ Circuit.

Presented in partnership with the Dillard University Ray Charles Program and the Council of Independent Colleges.

Gratefully,



Taslya Mejia

International Relations Manager

New Orleans Jazz Museum

Cutting Edge would like to thank our Friends and Supporters: Mayor LaTonya Cantrell, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, Louisiana Seafood Board, Tito's, Beatbox Beverages, Showpass, Clerk of Civil District Court Chelsey Richard Napoleon, New Orleans City Council, Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy, New Orleans Tourism and Culture Fund, New Orleans & Company New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, New Orleans Jazz Museum, Ashe Cultural Arts Center. Industry: American Federation of Musicians Local 174-496, Recording Academy Memphis Chapter, WeGet Artists, ReverbNation. New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, 2112 Music Incubator Chicago, gitmit, Entertainment Law Section of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Rabadash Recording Studios, We The Collective, New Orleans Jazz Museum, Henry Turner, Jr. Listening Room Foundation, The McKinley Studios, Media: Music Connection Magazine, OffBeat Magazine, New Orleans Agenda, BreakThru Media, Shive Magazine Business: SignsNow, Richards Disposal, Metro Service Group, InterContinental New Orleans Hotel and our Recent Past Venue Partners, House of Blues, Hi Ho Lounge, Santos Bar, Cafe Istanbul, The Art Garage, Allways Lounge, Buffa's, Sidney's Saloon, Carnaval Lounge, New Orleans Jazz Museum, and Julius Kimbrough's Prime Example Jazz Club, Sweet Lorraine Jazz Club, Zony Mash, The Goat, Ashe Cultural Arts Center.

Our Special Thanks to our speakers, filmmakers, and artists who always give so much to everyone in attendance and New Orleans.



Eric L Cager

Scottsdale, Arizona (May 17, 2025) —The 2025 Scottsdale Jazz Festival commemorated the 14th Annual International Jazz Day with an unforgettable three-day celebration spearheaded by Doc Jones, the festival's founder and producer, in partnership with Scottsdale Arts. The weekend-long events drew fans, families, and artists from across the country to honor jazz’s rich history and transformative power.

A Weekend of Culture and Celebration

• Thursday, April 24: The festivities began at the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West with a special tribute to Russell "Big Chief" Moore, a trailblazing Native American jazz trombonist who performed with Louis Armstrong. The event paid homage to Indigenous contributions to America’s most excellent musical art form.

• Friday, April 25: Attendees gathered for the Scottsdale Jazz Festival Premiere Party at Kierland Resort After Dark. Now in its fourth year, the stylish event fused elegance with live jazz, setting the tone for a weekend of high energy and cultural engagement.

• Saturday, April 26: The celebration culminated in Old Town Scottsdale with the 7th Annual Scottsdale Jazz Festival, featuring world-renowned jazz artists, emerging local talent, and student ensembles. Hosted by Doc Jones and Scottsdale Arts, the day-long event brought together thousands to experience the spirit and soul of jazz.

A Legislative Vision for Jazz in Arizona

Doc Jones now turns his focus toward policy. He will return to the Arizona State Capitol to champion House Bill HB2013, legislation that would designate April 30th as International Jazz Day in Arizona.

“Jazz is more than music — it’s a movement. By officially recognizing April 30th, we are saying Arizona values creativity, culture, and the power of music to unite,” said Doc Jones.

In addition to this legislative push, Doc Jones continues to work on Jazz Town USA. This $10 million affordable housing project aims to provide working artists and musicians long-term stability.

By Danae Columbus | Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp New Orleans 2025

NEW ORLEANS, LA (May 12, 2025) - Aspiring young musicians are encouraged to apply for the 31st annual Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp, where they will have the opportunity to study with world-class professionals.

“Over the last three decades, more than 2,500 students have improved their skills and built lifelong relationships at the Jazz Camp,” said Jackie Harris, executive director of the camp and the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation. “Through our new partnership with NOCCA and the offer of additional scholarships this year, prospective students have a real opportunity to get a leg up for the future.”

The Jazz Camp will begin on Monday, June 2, and continue through June 20, 2025, at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), located at 2800 Chartres Street. Tuition varies for in-state, out-of-state, and returning students, and more scholarships are available this year. Students applying for full or partial scholarships must be recommended by their music teacher. Auditions will not be required for this year’s camp.

For more information or to register, call (504) 715-9295 or email jazzcamp@louisarmstrongjazzcamp.com.

Classes at the Jazz Camp traditionally include instruction in woodwinds, brass, piano, electric and upright bass, drums, strings, vocals, large and small ensembles, big band, hip hop, as well as swing and second-line dance. Students must be enrolled in the Jazz Camp as an instrumentalist or vocalist to qualify for the hip hop course. They must also be between the ages of 14 and 21 and be invited to participate.

New Orleans-born NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison Jr. serves as the camp’s Artistic Director. Legendary jazz drummer, bandleader, clinician, and author Mike Clark will serve as the 2025 Artist-in-Residence.

A California native, Clark was among the founders of the distinctive East Bay Sound emerging from Oakland in the 1960s. He set the rhythms for Herbie Hancock’s acclaimed group, The Headhunters, in the 1970s and completed a two-year stint with Phil Collins’ British jazz/rock fusion band, Brand X. As a jam band leader in the 2000s, Clark brought together cross-generational talents and special guests, including Charlie Hunter, Skerik, Robert Walter, DJ Logic, Les Claypool, George Porter Jr., and Bill Summers. He also worked with Snoop Dogg, George Clinton, and Killah Priest on Platinum and produced three releases for spoken word artist Tony Adamo.

During the pandemic, Clark hosted numerous online drum clinics and released an acoustic jazz-style album of Beatles tunes with Michael Wolff and Leon Dorsey. He is a founding member of the online interview series The Stick People. Most recently, Clark continues to tour and co-leads the world-famous Headhunters with Bill Summers. His latest album, The Stuntman, features Donald Harrison Jr.

Jazz Camp faculty members include Donald Harrison Jr. (saxophone), BlaqNmilD (hip hop), Darrell Lavigne (piano), Dwight Fitch (piano), Brian Quezergue (electric bass), Chris Severin (upright bass), Jonathan Bloom (percussion), Herman Lebeau (drums), Don Vappie (guitar), Roderick Paulin (saxophone), Marlon Jordan (trumpet), Andrew Baham (trumpet), Breonna Jordan (swing dance), Kelly Dixon and Norman Dixon Jr. (second-line dance), and Stephanie Jordan (vocals).

The late Sir Edward “Kidd” Jordan was one of the camp’s co-founders and served as Artistic Director Emeritus. Jackie Harris, the camp’s other co-founder, was executive director of the Music and Entertainment Commission of New Orleans during Mayor Marc Morial’s administration. The camp was presented by the Music and Entertainment Commission until 2002. Since 2023, the New Orleans Arts and Cultural Host Committee has assumed responsibility for presenting and fundraising for the program.

The Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp is sponsored by the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, along with the New Orleans Arts and Cultural Host Committee, ASCAP Foundation, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Goldring Family Foundation, Cox Communications, Gia Maione Prima Foundation, Hon. Freddie King III, New Orleans City Council, City of New Orleans, Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, Arts Council of New Orleans, Greater New Orleans Foundation, Ruth Fertel Foundation, Kent & Christine Jordan, Preservation Hall Foundation, Newburns, Mark & Kara Samuels, Newell Usdin Fund, Thomas Rieke, Marlin and Renee Gusman, Dr. Michael White, Michele A. Brierre, Kirk & Holly Groh, Jackie Harris, and Jacques Morial.