History and Mission

The New Orleans Arts & Cultural Host Committee (NOACHC) was created to promote, present and make accessible to the community-at-large, the arts and cultural heritage of New Orleans.  The Committee seeks to further its mission by working to improve and encourage arts education for young people, as well as promoting civic and social activities to both citizens and tourists in New Orleans.  Originally created in 1995 to assist the City of New Orleans in hosting the Essence Music Festival, the Committee supports and encourages the talents of New Orleans artists, musicians and entertainers.

The NOACHC recognizes that quality arts education for young people is the beginning of an appreciation for artistic expression; instills discipline and encourages the pursuit of excellence.  Through the Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp; the NOACHC seeks to address and augment the lack of arts education in schools by providing expert music instruction by jazz greats to young musicians who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in a program of this caliber.  The NOACHC also perpetuate America’s true and only art form in the City where it was created

In 2000, The New Orleans Arts and Cultural Host Committee became the chief fundraising entity for the Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp which was established by City government representatives.  The Committee was incorporated in 1999 and acquired 501 ( c) (3) status in 2000.  It also became the producer of the Jazz Camp and afforded donors tax deductions.  At this time, Jazz Camp is NOACHC’s primary focus.

Vaughn Randolph Fauria, Vice President

Vaughn Randolph Fauria is the Executive Director and President of NewCorp Inc., a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) specializing in small, minority, and women owned businesses.

Hon. Marlin Gusman, Secretary/Treasurer

Elected Sheriff of New Orleans for a third full term, is responsible for the Orleans Parish correctional facilities; the care, custody and control of inmates. As Executive Officer for the New Orleans Criminal and Civil Courts, he also oversees subpoenas, courtroom security, and the executory process. By invitation, he attended and completed the John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government.

Madlyn Bagneris, Scholarship Fund Chair

Madlyn Bagneris serves as a member of several social and state cultural boards. She is the retired Manager of Supplier Diversity and Second Tier Sourcing for Entergy Corporation, is a former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Social Services and the Executive Director of the New Orleans Recreation Department under Mayor Dutch Morial.

Winston Burns

Winston Burns is the CEO of Newburns Management Group, which he co-owns with his wife, Wendy, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Newburns operates stores inside New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong International Airport, Orlando International Airport in Florida, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport in Missouri, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Dulles International Airport in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

Davell Crawford

Davell Crawford is acclaimed as the “Piano Prince of New Orleans,” Crawford brings equal exuberance to both modern and classic jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, blues, gospel, soul, pop, American folk and touches of country-western. Growing up in New Orleans and presently residing there and in New York City plus spending many youthful days in Southwest Louisiana, Crawford’s influences run the gamut from Fats Domino to Sarah Vaughan, to Patsy Cline and even Liberace. In the tradition of those from the Crescent City who came before him, Crawford also believes in the art of entertainment. He has played extensively throughout the states and has toured many countries including Spain, Italy, France, Russia, Finland, Dominica, Brazil, Morocco, and Portugal among others. Cited as one of the few musicians committed to keeping the piano sounds of New Orleans alive, he stands as one of the most versatile and most documented young piano players in America today. He has kept true to the music while adding a little freshness and vitality.

Sidney Fauria

Sidney Fauria is the owner of S. J. Fauria & Associates, LLC and Construction Consultant.

L. Kasimu Harris

L. Kasimu Harris is a New Orleans-based artist and Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp alum whose practice deposits a number of different strategic and conceptual devices in order to push narratives. He strives to tell stories of underrepresented communities in New Orleans and beyond. Harris has shown in numerous group exhibitions across the US and two international exhibitions and has had eight solo photography exhibitions.

Jacques Morial

Jacques Morial has over a quarter century of experience in community organizing, capital finance, dispute resolution, strategic communications, political campaign management, public policy analysis and development. Jacques is a true music aficionado. In addition to supporting Jazz Camp since its inception, he is a supporter of musicians and works tirelessly to preserve the cultural heritage of New Orleans.

Johnathan Thomas

Johnathan Thomas is a native of New Orleans with roots in the entertainment industry. He began his career as an entertainer and  has since transitioned into working with entertainers and businesses in the industry.  He presently serves as CEO of Ascension Branding a company that provides full-service marketing and business solutions to artists, corporations, and non-profit organizations.