Louis Armstrong Foundation, Inc.
2018 PARTY with a PURPOSE...
new orleans jass jubilee
New Orleans Jass Jubilee
New Orleans Jass Jubilee is a stage production about the women who led the Jass dance movement. Set in 1915, New Orleans Jass Jubilee explores the socio economic impact of the closing of the infamous New Orleans Red Light District better known as Black Storyville. The production is centered around Miss Cecilia Mahogany Poche, a young black Creole woman who throws a Jass Jubilee to celebrate her 25th birthday and to formally announce her engagement to “Bang” owner of the Jass Club 224. Rumors of the District closing come to light during the celebration filled with unexpected twist and turns. What starts out as an engagement dinner turns into an early 20th century reality show. This night is destined be remembered as one of the wildest nights in Jass history as we soon discover that it is the last night many of the first players and dancers of the Jass will ever play and dance the Jass together again in the city of New Orleans.
New Orleans Jass Jubilee showcases the women who led the jass dance movement in New Orleans circa 1915.
Why we are telling this story
In 1986, the 100th Congress of the United States of America passed Resolution 57 which declared Jazz as a rare and national treasure to which we should put our resources behind.
When Charles “Buddy” Bolden a black creole harnessed the free spirit of the creole people, he was living at 2309 First St. in New Orleans, La. This music later to be named Jass by fellow downtown musicians sent the creole people, the city of New Orleans, and by 1929 the world dancing. At the core of the Jass dance movement was the free spirited women of New Orleans. These women could interpret every note played with their body movements. They pulled from every form of dance that made its way to the Louisiana Colony.
In April 2018, as the city of New Orleans celebrated its 300th anniversary. Among the many celebrations throughout the city Jazz as it is now recognized was at the forefront of most events, however the women who led the jass dance movement were not.
The 100th Congress of the United States of America passed Resolution 57 which declared Jazz a rare and national treasure.
Robin Gabriel-Parson discuss the origins of New Orleans Jass and the cultural dance movement led by women.
History so far
New Orleans Jass Jubilee was originally written for stage in 1985 and performed in the city of New Orleans for a delegation of Japanese Jazz enthusiast as they blessed the city of New Orleans and the Louis Armstrong Foundation, Inc. with their 2nd installment of instruments, a gift from the citizens of Tokyo, Japan. On August 4, 2018 in honor of the Tri-Centennial celebration for the city of New Orleans, the Louis Armstrong Foundation, Inc. in partnership with St. Joe Lofts presented a condensed version of New Orleans Jass Jubilee as part the annual White Linen night in the city.
Why we need your support
New Orleans Jass Jubilee was designed to raise money for the Louis Armstrong Foundation, Inc. efforts to continue to fulfill its mission. While the core of the mission is to expose as many Louisiana natives and United States citizens to New Orleans jazz history, and the life story and humanitarian contributions of Mr. Louis Daniel Armstrong as possible, it also serves as a platform to showcase a wealth of talented dancers and musicians throughout the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan area. In short it provides work for artist dedicated to keeping New Orleans rich cultural traditions alive and much needed funding for its Jazz Education programs. We thank you for your support.
Who we are
(L-R) Robin Gabriel-Parson, Chanice Holmes, Tia Nicholas, Terreze Williams, Kendra Davis, Marisa Joseph, Desiree Edwards
(seated) Willie Miller.
