The Greenwich Town Party (GTP) announces an all- star New Orleans-style celebration for its 2023 event. Curated by Ben Jaffe of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Eric Krasno, the “Preservation Hall Super Jam” will take place on Saturday, May 27 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park.
Featuring a lineup of musical luminaries such as Wyclef Jean, Trombone Shorty, Ivan Neville, Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, George Porter Jr., Raymond Weber, Tony Hall, Celisse, and Tank Ball, the Super Jam will showcase the diverse sounds and styles of the Big Easy. Preceding the main event, The Revivalists, Mavis Staples, and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will perform on the Main Stage, each bringing their own flavor of New Orleans music.
The GTP was founded in the spirit of the New Orleans Jazz + Heritage Festival and Spanish town parties. The event offers a day of music, food, fun, and community for Greenwich residents. Community and Senior tickets are available through an online lottery, which opens on March 22 and runs until April 7. Neighbor and Sponsor tickets are also available for purchase online.
Ray Dalio, Founder of GTP, explained the choice to focus on New Orleans music, “We have been thrilled by this music and tradition, so we are excited to bring the best of it to Greenwich this year. We know it will knock everyone’s socks off.”
As Greenwich anticipates the imminent musical extravaganza, the buzz surrounding this star-studded event is palpable. With a lineup boasting legendary names like the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Wyclef Jean, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, and a bevy of New Orleans luminaries, this concert promises to be a transcendental experience for jazz aficionados and music lovers alike.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, hailing from the cradle of jazz, New Orleans, brings with them a rich and storied history. As the torchbearers of traditional jazz, they possess an unwavering commitment to preserving the timeless sounds of the Crescent City. Their ability to interweave the old with the new has solidified their status as ambassadors of jazz culture, seamlessly melding the past and present into a tapestry of soul-stirring melodies.
Wyclef Jean, the multifaceted Haitian-American musician, producer, and former Fugees member, adds a distinctive f lair to the lineup. With his eclectic blend of hip-hop, reggae, and world music, Jean’s versatility and global appeal bring a unique dynamic to the evening, ensuring that the concert transcends the boundaries of jazz.
Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, a prodigy from the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, has become a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary jazz scene. His high-octane performances, marked by virtuosic trombone and trumpet playing, defy categorization as they straddle the lines between jazz, funk, rock, and hip-hop. With his band, Orleans Avenue, Andrews’ presence on stage is sure to infuse the concert with an infectious energy.
The Neville family, long regarded as New Orleans royalty, will be well- represented with Ivan Neville, Cyril Neville, and Irma Thomas gracing the stage. Ivan, the son of the legendary Aaron Neville, and Cyril, his uncle, are both consummate musicians with a powerful blend of funk, soul, and R&B coursing through their veins. Irma Thomas, the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” will captivate audiences with her emotive, gospel-infused voice that has been enthralling listeners for decades.
Bassist George Porter, Jr., a founding member of The Meters, will lay down his signature funk grooves alongside an all-star rhythm section comprising Raymond Weber on drums, Tony Hall on bass, and Eric Krasno on guitar. This formidable ensemble will provide the backbone for the night’s performances, driving the music forward with their exceptional musicianship.
Rounding out the lineup are the fiercely talented Celisse and the mesmerizing Tarriona “Tank” Ball. Celisse, a singer-songwriter and guitarist, is known for her electrifying stage presence and genre-defying sound that melds rock, blues, and soul. Tank, a charismatic poet and front-woman of Tank and the Bangas, brings her distinctive fusion of spoken word, soul, and funk, leaving audiences enthralled and eager for more.
In addition to the Super Jam, the GTP will also host a series of immersive and educational experiences celebrating the vibrant sounds of New Orleans. The Town Stage will showcase local bands, with the 2023 lineup to be announced next month.
Lottery submissions for Community and Senior tickets are accepted from March 22 through April 7, with prices at $85 and $25 per ticket, respectively. Neighbor tickets cost $500 per person, and Sponsor passes start at $1,500 per person.
Greenwich Town Party is a non- profit organization funded through private contributions and ticket sales. For more information, visit the GTP website.
