New Orleans students showcase their creativity with iPad and Mac
On a drizzly, overcast afternoon, all is quiet at the intersection of Bartholomew and Prieur streets in New Orleans’ historic Ninth Ward. The quiet neighborhood around the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music (EMCM) feel worlds away from the historic French Quarter packed with jazz clubs, bars, restaurants, and markets. At 3 p.m., the tempo begins to shift — slowly at first, as youth ranging in age from 8 to 18 file through the blue building’s front gate, instruments in tow. The hallways grow steadily louder with the sounds of laughter, footsteps, stray musical notes, and teachers greeting their students. The fledgling musicians begin cycling through their four classes for the day: piano, homework help, an instrument of their choosing, and coding — a required course that stems from the center’s ongoing partnership with Apple.
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Branford Marsalis Assumes Artistic Director Role at Ellis Marsalis Center for Music
The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music (EMCM) in the upper Ninth Ward is proud to announce the homecoming of the renowned saxophonist and composer Branford Marsalis. In addition to a distinguished career that continues to span performances worldwide with both his quartet and as a featured classical soloist, and his work as a composer for films, television and Broadway, Branford will now assume the prestigious role of Artistic Director at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music. Established in 2012, the Center uses music as the focal point of a holistic strategy to build a healthy community and deliver a broad range of services to underserved children, youth, and musicians from neighborhoods battling poverty and social injustice.
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EMCM Names Lisa Dabney as Executive Director
"As the daughter of a musician, the Center's work resonates deeply with me," said Lisa. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Center's committed staff and board, harnessing the power of music and culture to deliver the highest-quality programs and services to our community."
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Nonesuch Releases Randy Newman’s “Stay Away”: Proceeds from sales and streaming will benefit New Orleans’ Ellis Marsalis Center
Randy Newman’s new song, “Stay Away,” written as a PSA about COVID-19 safety for his local Southern California public radio station KPCC, is available to purchase digitally today, April 17, 2020, via the Nonesuch Store and iTunes; it is also streaming at Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and other services.
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Inquiries and Interview Requests
To access promotional photographs or other creative assets, please write to us at cloving@ellismarsaliscenter.org.
Members of the press who wish to request a staff interview or learn more about the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music or Musicians’ Village, please contact us using the button below.
Note: The Center does not accept messages or interview requests for Harry Connick, Jr. or Branford Marsalis.
Program Overview
Our Program Overview includes summary details about the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, a timeline of our history, an informational video, and descriptions of our programs for youth and adults.
Ellis Marsalis Center in the News
Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm With Robin Roberts
Robin Roberts visits New Orleans to explore the city's recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
Read MoreIn “Heartbeat of the Ninth Ward,” Two Generations of New Orleans Musicians Thrive
When Katrina struck New Orleans, bassist Michael Harris, who has played with Dr. John, Buddy Guy and Art Neville, had just come off a tour in Brazil. The house he was renting in the Lower Ninth Ward was destroyed. Mateo Smith, meanwhile, was not quite a year old when Katrina...
Read MoreNew Orleans musicians found a home here after Katrina. Now, it’s raising the next generation
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, many of New Orleans’ jazz musicians left the city to seek safety. With their exodus came a fear that the city’s musical culture and traditions could be lost. But a group of prominent musicians and producers got together to ensure that they could come home.
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