“THE BIG BEAT,” A Fundraiser for the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra on April 19.

Grammy Award-winning Irvin Mayfield and The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) are pleased to announce “THE BIG BEAT,” Jazz’s first major fundraising event in the City of New Orleans, on April 19, 2012 at the JW Marriott from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. THE BIG BEAT celebrates the tradition of percussion and drums from which Jazz evolved and will raise funds that are essential to its advancement.

THE BIG BEAT features an exciting lineup of live music including the 18-piece Big Band with Irvin Mayfield and special guest Cyril Neville, a presentation by legendary percussionist Bill Summers, and a drum showcase with iconic New Orleans drummers Herlin Riley, Adonis Rose, Shannon Powell, and Jason Marsalis. JW Marriott Executive Chef Chuck Subra will present a special menu crafted exclusively for the occasion.

The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra is also pleased to announce the inaugural presentation of six Congo Square Awards, which recognize the outstanding contributions of New Orleans drummers and percussionists who have continued and influenced the Congo Square legacy that gave birth to Jazz.

Tickets are available at http://thebigbeat.eventbrite.com/ or by contacting Michelle Ameno, NOJO Director of Development at 504.444.3527 or mameno@thenojo.com.  Please visit www.TheNOJO.com for more information.

All proceeds from THE BIG BEAT will directly support the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, which is the first and only performing arts institution committed solely to the development of an industry for Jazz in the city that created it. Amongst its performance and community programs, NOJO is the first and only organization to present a local, ticketed Jazz concert series in the City of New Orleans.  Through a partnership with the University of New Orleans, NOJO commissions artists and provides year-round music education to New Orleans youth with its Saturday Music School and Project Prodigy Programs.