The New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Relaunches with World-Class Enhancements and Performers
Evangeline Barber Ploof
October 2nd 2025
The New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market has officially reopened its doors at 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, marking a new chapter for one of the city’s premier music venues. With a mission to bring the most accomplished jazz and blues musicians to the stage, the non-profit has reintroduced itself as a state-of-the-art performance space meticulously engineered to rank among the top listening rooms in the nation.
A Legacy Anchored in Jazz Excellence
The Jazz & Blues Market continues to serve as home to the world-renowned New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO). Since 2002, NOJO has been a cultural mainstay, dedicated to preserving and advancing the city’s jazz legacy through performances, educational programming, and authentic community engagement. The relaunch solidifies the Market’s dual role as both a premier performance venue and a cornerstone of cultural preservation in New Orleans.
Interior Enhancements and World-Class Acoustics
The reopening comes with a host of interior improvements that elevate the venue into a superior listening environment:
- Sound Upgrade: A new full sound system from European manufacturer RCF provides unmatched sonic clarity, capturing every detail of live performances.
- Lighting System: A Chauvet Pro Rogue lighting upgrade enhances the visual atmosphere, complementing the music experience.
- Seating & Service: The addition of four-top table seating with beverage service throughout the show creates a more intimate and immersive experience, alongside existing theater and balcony seating.
- Bar Renovation: A fully renovated bar offers pre- and post-show service, expanding the venue’s social appeal.
- Ticketing System: An updated Ticketmaster system streamlines ticket purchases and reservations.
With these enhancements, the Market now offers not just music, but a fully realized sensory experience designed for both the casual listener and the devoted jazz aficionado.
Star-Studded October Lineup
The relaunch season brings with it an impressive roster of internationally recognized performers:
- October 2–3: Multi-Platinum-selling, two-time GRAMMY® Award-winner and nineteen-time GRAMMY® nominee Bob James Quartet.
- October 9–10: Jazz fusion pioneers, the two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning and eighteen-time GRAMMY® nominated band The Yellowjackets.
- October 11: Acclaimed saxophonist, singer, and composer Grace Kelly, known for her electrifying stage presence.
- October 18: Guitar icon Larry Carlton, four-time GRAMMY® Award-winner and nineteen-time nominee, performing Greatest Hits & Steely
- October 23–24: Legendary jazz guitarist and four-time GRAMMY® nominee Stanley Jordan.
- October 31: The soulful, two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer Lisa Fisher.
This robust schedule underscores the Market’s commitment to showcasing legendary talent while offering audiences a range of unforgettable musical experiences.
Leadership and Vision
Guiding the relaunch is Interim Manager Suzanne Bresette, a veteran music industry consultant and owner of Bresette & Company. With a background in launching and managing music venues—including her role in the buildout of Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club in Portsmouth, New Hampshire—Bresette brings both expertise and fresh vision. Since joining the Jazz & Blues Market in December 2024, she has led efforts in music booking, marketing, and strategy.
“We are thrilled to relaunch the New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market and showcase top-tier artists in a space that’s unlike any other,” Bresette said. “We believe both performers and audiences will enthusiastically embrace these major enhancements as we continue to fulfill the promise of uncompromising jazz and blues excellence in the great city of New Orleans.”
Commitment to the Community
As the Market reopens, NOJO is also strengthening its foundation to ensure long-term sustainability. Its mission extends beyond the stage: to grow the orchestra, expand performance opportunities for local musicians, and deepen educational programming for future generations.
“As we put the ‘new’ back into The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and the New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market, we remain mindful of our responsibility to the Crescent City, its residents, visiting guests, and the world-class artists who grace our stage,” Bresette said.
Beyond Performances
In addition to live music, the Jazz & Blues Market offers a versatile space for private events. With in-house theater and projection capabilities, a six-camera video system for livestreaming, and capacity for everything from weddings to corporate functions, the venue doubles as one of New Orleans’ most dynamic gathering spaces.