A TASTE OF NEW ORLEANS
A Piano-Driven Concert Celebrating the Rhythms, Stories, and Spirit of New Orleans
• Featuring former pianist of The Dukes of Dixieland (2013–2022)
• Available as a standalone concert or paired with a student
masterclass through Spread The Jam Foundation 501(C)(3)
• For Performing Arts Audiences
A Taste of New Orleans guides audiences through the traditions that shaped American music
• From early blues and stride piano to the infectious grooves of New Orleans R&B
• With the virtuosity and warmth of an artist who has lived this music for decades
• Cultural storytelling, genuine ensemble interplay, and a stage presence built for listening audiences
Available for concert season programming and select fill-in opportunities.
AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE
• Cultural storytelling woven throughout
• Virtuosic New Orleans piano performance
• Entertaining, culturally rich, and musically dynamic
• Engaging and personable — built for seated, listening audiences
PRODUCTION FORMATS
Designed to meet a range of venue sizes and budgets:
Solo Piano (60–75 minutes)
An intimate exploration of New Orleans piano traditions. Piano and vocals.
Quartet (75–90 minutes)
Piano, bass, drums, and horn — expanded rhythmic depth and ensemble energy.
Full Ensemble (5–6 Piece, 90 minutes)
A high-impact theatrical presentation culminating in a celebratory New Orleans finale.
Flexible technical footprint. Regional dates available.
IDEAL FOR
• Performing Arts Centers • Community Concert Series • Colleges & Universities
• Cultural & Jazz Programming • Municipal Arts Series • Listening Rooms
Featured Video
BIG JOE KENNEDY
He doesn't just play New Orleans piano — he brings the city with him.
With a foundation rooted in the blues and jazz scenes of Milwaukee and Chicago, Kennedy relocated to New Orleans in 2009 and went on to serve as pianist with the Dukes of Dixieland (2013–2022), performing for audiences across the country. Today he's a fixture at premier New Orleans venues including Mahogany Jazz Hall, The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, and The Carousel Lounge.
His concert program, A Taste of New Orleans, guides performing arts audiences through the traditions that shaped American music — from Traditional Jazz to the infectious grooves of New Orleans R&B — with the virtuosity and warmth of an artist who has lived this music for decades.
As founder of Spread The Jam Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Kennedy pairs concerts with a student masterclass — giving presenting organizations a single booking that serves both their concert series and their community engagement mission.
New Orleans jazz, brought to your stage and your community.
DOWNLOAD THE SPREAD THE JAM FOUNDATION ONE-SHEET FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BRINGING THIS PROGRAM TO YOUR AUDIENCES