DISTINGUISHED FACULTY OF THE LOUIS ARMSTRONG SUMMER JAZZ CAMP FAMILY
Jackie Harris, Founder and Executive Director

Executive director of the New Orleans Arts and Cultural Host Committee, Harris is also the founder and director of the Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp. She has spent the past 25 years providing convention planning, festival/music production, program administration, coordination, and event management services to clients both domestic and abroad. Her experience includes a near ten-year tenure at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival which was followed by her appointment to lead the city of New Orleans’ Music and Entertainment Commission, a position held for eight years, marked with tremendous success in re-positioning New Orleans as an entertainment Mecca and marketing its rich cultural legacy as the “Birthplace of Jazz.”

 

NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison, Jazz Camp Artistic Director

NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison Jr. assumed the role and title of the Armstrong Jazz Camp in 2022.  New Orleans born, Harrison is a cultural activist, saxophonist, composer and educator. As a saxophonist, Harrison is the recipient of the 2022 A. B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship for Jazz Advocacy. He is well known for his hard-swinging improvisational style and the creation of “Noveau Swing,” a blend of jazz with R&B, hip-hop, rock and soul. His dedication to preserving the music and culture of New Orleans has been crucial to assuring its important legacy survive. He has also mentored young world-renowned jazz artists from New Orleans and beyond including Jon Batiste, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and Esperanza Spaulding.

He has also served as artistic director and educator for Tipitina’s Foundation’s Internship Program. Harrison studied at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts with Ellis Marsalis, Jr. before attending the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has performed and recorded with distinguished musicians such as  Ron Carter, Billy Cobham, Miles Davis, Lena Horne, Eddie Palmieri, the Notorious B.I.G. as well as with the Cookers. Harrison is the son of the late New Orleans folklorist Donald Harrison, Sr., who was known for his involvement in local Mardi Gras Indian traditions.  Both Are Mardi Gras Indian Chiefs. “I am excited for the opportunity to be able to help guide this next generation of musicians,” said Harrison.

Visit:  https://donaldharrison.com/big-chief-donald-harrison

 

ekjordanEdward “Kidd” Jordan, Jazz Camp Artistic Director Emeritus

The late Edward “Kidd” Jordan served as artistic director and was a co-founder of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp. Mr. Jordan served from the camp’s inception until his retirement in 2021. He has recorded and performed with a lengthy list of artists including Guitar Slim, Ray Charles, Ornette Coleman and Aretha Franklin. His influence on improvised music is permanent through his virtuosity as an artist, performer and educator.

The scope of Kidd Jordan’s contribution and accomplishments could complete a book. He is recognized internationally as a master of jazz improvisation. The French Ministry of Culture endowed him as a Knight (Chevalier) of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1985. France granted him their highest artistic award for his impetus as a visionary educator and performer. His legacy is established in his children, artists Rachel, Stephanie, Marlon and Kent, jazz camp students and alumni who have become successful performers.

Flutes, Big Band & Large Ensembles

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Electric Bass, Big Band & Large Ensembles, Alumni

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Andrew Baham
Trumpet

Kelly Dixon
Second Line Dance

Norman Dixon
Second Line Dance

Dwight Fitch
Piano

Beronna Jordan
Swing Dance

Stephanie Jordan
Vocals

T J Norris
Trombone

Chris Severin 
Acoustic Bass

Don Vappie
Guitar