Sunday Jazz extravaganza celebrates New Orleans-style at Word of South

The Word of South Festival of Literature and Music will celebrate its fourth annual Sunday jazz extravaganza with an electrifying series of performances, showcasing the revolutionary sounds of New Orleans-style jazz from some of the most exceptional musicians in the industry.

The lineup features two musical sets followed by a panel discussion on the historical significance of New Orleans music, before culminating in a final set to round out the afternoon.

Each year, I try to curate these performances around a specific theme, showcasing influential figures, distinctive styles, or groundbreaking innovations from the music’s rich history. This year’s theme takes listeners on a journey back to the roots of jazz, celebrating its origins in the beloved city where this legendary music was born.

To capture the essence of the style, this year’s lineup showcases guest artists with deep ties to the city and its rich musical legacy. We’ll be featuring trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, drummer Herlin Riley and bassist TJ Norris, as well as Leon Anderson and other local world-class jazz musicians.

Marsalis, a Grammy-winning producer, trombonist, composer, and NEA Jazz Master, has built a prolific career dedicated to music, theatre, and education. Born and raised in New Orleans, he comes from a distinguished lineage of jazz legends, infusing his sound with the depth and vibrancy of the city's iconic styles and traditions.

In addition to leading his own bands and releasing original music, he has toured with legendary artists such as Ray Charles, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones, and Slide Hampton.

New Orleans native and drummer Herlin Riley is a legend himself, delivers an authoritative style of melodic percussion, deeply rooted in the rich creative heritage of the Crescent City. Emerging from the rhythmically dynamic era of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, Riley has worked with everyone from Wynton Marsalis to Ahmad Jamal. It’s been said that he's one of the last of his kind, and it’s true.

A master of both trombone and bass, TJ Norris brings New Orleans soul to life, fusing the city's musical traditions with a contemporary flair in his group, TJ Norris and the Wednesday Night Revival. Norris holds Jazz Studies degrees from both Florida A&M University and Florida State University, and we welcome him back to Tallahassee.

Come join us Sunday, April 6, from 12:45-5:15 p.m. in the AC Marriott Hotel ballroom at Cascades Park! You don’t get to see jazz legends like these often, and a trumpet player named Scotty Barnhart might sit in on a set or two himself.

Multiple Grammy winner Scotty Barnhart is the director of the Count Basie Orchestra and teaches at Florida State University.

If you go

What: Word of South, a festival of literature & music, showcasing authors and musicians from around the country

When: Violent Femmes with Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 4 (sold out); other events from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Saturday, April 5; and 12:45-6 p.m. Sunday, April 6

Where: 10 stages in and around Cascades Park

Details: Visit wordofsouthfestival.com