Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra

LISTEN TO DELFEAYO MARSALIS & THE UPTOWN JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Founded in 2007 by NEA Jazz Master and Grammy Award-winning trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, the Uptown Jazz Orchestra (UJO) celebrates the rich musical traditions of New Orleans through energetic performances, spontaneous improvisation, and exceptional musicianship.

Marsalis formed the orchestra to preserve important jazz traditions, including riff-playing, collective improvisation, and New Orleans instrumental polyphony, while creating opportunities for young, homegrown musicians. Blending traditional, classic, and modern jazz compositions, UJO has become one of the premier large ensembles in the world, releasing three critically acclaimed albums and touring nationally and internationally.

Beyond the stage, Marsalis and UJO are dedicated to introducing younger generations to the history and cultural legacy of jazz. In 2008, Marsalis founded Swinging with the Cool School, an educational program designed to introduce students to live instrumental jazz. Since 2021, the orchestra has also produced the annual Jazz at Congo Square Festival, celebrating New Orleans culture through music, dance, poetry, and community.

With a sound that combines the sophistication of big band jazz with the infectious rhythms and spirit of New Orleans, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra deliver performances designed to get hands clapping, toes tapping, and audiences moving.