Delfeayo Marsalis

In 2007, Grammy Award-winning trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis founded the Uptown Jazz Orchestra (UJO) to preserve jazz traditions, including New Orleans-style improvisation and polyphony. Recognizing a lack of young talent beyond brass bands, Marsalis created an orchestra to showcase traditional and modern jazz with authenticity. UJO has since become a leading large ensemble, releasing three acclaimed albums and touring globally. In 2008, Marsalis also launched "Swinging with the Cool School," an educational program introducing jazz to children, which later became an experimental music therapy at the New Orleans Children's Hospital. UJO now runs the annual Jazz at Congo Square Festival, celebrating New Orleans culture with live performances, food, and local arts. Marsalis continues to inspire the next generation through the rich legacy of jazz music.