JAZZ ROOM presents Grammy-Winning Evan Christopher’s Clarinet Road Featuring Don Vappie

CONTEMPORARY EARLY NEW ORLEANS JAZZ

The JAZZ ROOM presents New Orleans Jazz like you’ve never heard it, from clarinet virtuoso Evan Christopher. 

Evan Christopher is recognized as one of the most distinguished ambassadors of his instrument. With Clarinet Road, Evan and friends explore the full range of possibilities of their respective instruments within the New Orleans tradition. Emphasis on the Afro-Creole roots of the city’s culture anchors Clarinet Road’s dynamic presentations.

Check out our interview with Christopher here: New Orleans music is, and is not, jazz

FEATURING

Evan Christopher on Clarinet
Evan Christopher combines virtuosity, immaculate taste and enthusiasm with a commitment to exploring the full range of possibilities in the New Orleans clarinet tradition. His highly personal approach strives to extend the legacies of early clarinet heroes such as Sidney Bechet, Barney Bigard and Omer Simeon. Critics remarking on his dynamic expressiveness have coined his style “close-encounter music” (NEW YORK TIMES) and have called his respect for the music of New Orleans, “a triumph, joining the present seamlessly to a glorious past.” (THE OBSERVER, UK).

David Torkanowsky on Piano – Enjoy a taste with Big Greaze w/David Torkanowsky
As a piano player and band leader and part of New Orlean’s new guard, David Torkanowsky is equally comfortable pushing the edges of jazz, funk, blues and rhythm and blues.  Torkanowsky’s five-decade musical career began before he was born: his father was maestro of the New Orleans Symphony and his mother was a flamenco dancer. 

Don Vappie on Guitar, Banjo & Bass – Enjoy a taste with Way Down Yonder In New Orleans with Don Vappie
As musician, composer, and educator, Vappie is the winner of the 2022 American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame, In the world of tenor banjo, few musical voices are as unique as Don Vappie. In addition, he has received awards for his contributions to the preservation of New Orleans Creole Culture through music and film. He has produced 7 of his own albums, co-produced and starred in a PBS documentary, performed as a featured artist with orchestras on movie and television soundtracks, and at concerts and festivals around the world.

Darrian Douglas on Drums – https://www.darriandouglas.com/
Darrian Douglas has fashioned a successful music career with jazz groups throughout New Orleans and New York City. Darrian spent 4 years in New Orleans playing with the Ellis Marsalis quartet, is bandleader for The Session, has performed in over 30 festivals worldwide, and has shared the stage with Wynton Marsalis, Victor Goines, Irvin Mayfield, Jazzmeia Horn, Jessie McBride, Bob Cranshaw, and more.

The JAZZ ROOM provides a casual and intimate setting with tables and a full bar, reminiscent of the classic jazz rooms of yesteryear.

Thank you to our JAZZ ROOM contributors:  South Arts, Knight Foundation, Arts & Science Council, North Carolina Arts Council, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Alice L Walton Foundation, Ford Foundation, and the Infusion Fund.