GROOVE FOR GOOD: A CELEBRATION OF MUSIC AND COMMUNITY
ABOUT GROOVE FOR GOOD
The New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Announces “Groove for Good: A Celebration of Music and Community” hosted by Judith Owen and Harry Shearer at the New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 8 P.M. In support of the final phase of its highly supported Rebirth Initiative, this special evening of extraordinary music and community spirit will ensure the historic venue once again becomes a vibrant hub for music community and culture.
Enjoy live performances by Critically Acclaimed Singer-Songwriter & Pianist JUDITH OWEN (appearing with her Band members: David Torkanowsky, Jamison Ross, Lex Warshawsky, Ricardo Pascal and Kevin Louis), GRAMMY® Nominated Saxophonist, NEA Jazz Master DONALD HARRISON, Founding Member of The Headhunters; BILL SUMMERS, Acclaimed Trumpeter KERMIT RUFFINS, Renowned Drummer “King of Tremé” SHANNON POWELL, GRAMMY® Award Winner & GRAMMY® Nominated Songwriter & Producer JAMISON ROSS, GRAMMY® Nominated Drummer HERLIN RILEY, Acclaimed Vocalist TONYA BOYD-CANNON, DJ SOUL SISTER and more. Additional musical luminaries to be announced, in keeping with new leadership’s commitment to showcasing and supporting Jazz and Blues as the origin of American music and a new investment in sonic perfection. Supporters of The Jazz and Blues Markets’ mission can also expect exciting surprises as talented and emerging musicians with other not for profits are invited to the stage.
“Music has the power to connect hearts, lift spirits, and transform communities,” said Terrah Green, Chairman of the Board of the Jazz & Blues Market New Orleans. “Groove for Good” allows us to keep that magic alive — by not only presenting world-class artists but by also supporting both local emerging artists and the next generation of musicians.”
“We are profoundly grateful to Judith and Harry for bringing together so much extraordinary talent to showcase New Orleans’ and, really, America’s musical touchstones of Jazz and Blues. Their deep understanding, their generosity, and Judith’s own musical talents will make for a night to remember and a phenomenal kickoff to many years of epic artist collaborations and community engagement,” said Suzanne Bresette, Managing Director of the New Orleans Jazz and Blues Market.
This fundraising effort marks the final step in reimagining and restoring the New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market, a cornerstone of regional arts and culture. Funds raised will directly support essential community programs and continued capital improvements central to the Jazz & Blues Market’s mission of preserving Jazz and Blues while creating space and support for new generations of artists.
A Commitment to Community, Culture and Education
The Groove for Good Benefit will raise funds to support community-centered programming, including:
- Youth music, instruction, classes, workshops and mentorship programs for youth
- Community concert series and on-going cultural events
- The rebirth of our prestigious in-house orchestra The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, restoring one of the Jazz & Blues Market’s most cherished traditions
- Music industry vocational training and professional development
- Finalization of of a state-of-the-art recording and streaming facility to share performances with local, regional, national and global audiences, and provide local artists with recordings of their performances at no charge.
This next chapter reaffirms the Jazz & Blues Market’s long-standing commitment to spreading the joy, history, and innovation of jazz and blues to all.
Guests will enjoy:
- Live performances by Judith Owen and her Band, with special guests Donald Harrison, Bill Summers, Kermit Ruffins, Herlin Riley, Jamison Ross, David Torkanowsky, Shannon Powell, Tonya Boyd Cannon, DJ Soul Sister and more to be announced—and very special guests, Girls Play Trumpets TOO and New Voices New Orleans.
- Opportunities to meet and mingle with artists, sponsors, and community members
Special VIP Event from 6-7 P.M. will include complimentary wine and champagne provided by Partners Wine Marketing Group, gourmet bites provided by Le Moyne Bistro and music in the Lounge by DJ Soul Sister. VIP Tickets also provide premium table seating and special after show artist party.
Special thanks to additional supporters for this fundraising event, Partners Wine Marketing Group, Le Moyne Bistro and Tribaut Schloesser Champagne for elevating this event even further.
