Fred Kasten photographed by Tom Lowenburg

The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park presents Talkin' Jazz with Fred Kasten and guest Jenna McSwain on Thursday, June 8th at 2:00 PM CST.

This program takes place inside our third floor Performance Center, listening room. Admission is free and open to the public, seating is limited and offered first come, first serve.

Enjoy Jazz Music from home with the New Orleans Jazz Museum! Join the Jazz Museum online for our daily Live-Stream Concert Series, in which dynamic musicians perform live from the Jazz Museum! Tune in at 2pm on https://www.facebook.com/nolajazzmuseum/live to watch for free.

Fred Kasten

Fred Kasten is an independent contributing radio producer/host at WWNO. After working at WWNO for over 20 years as an on-air talent, producer, and program director, Fred retired from full-time work in May of 2007. Fred is a native of Mobile, Alabama, a graduate of the University of Alabama, and a long-time resident of New Orleans. In addition to his work at WWNO, Fred develops independent audio projects from a home studio, producing radio features, commercials, and podcasts. Fred also does marketing and media consulting for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Jenna McSwain

Jenna McSwain has been described by fans as "the hippest Disney princess," but she prefers to play the role of fairy godmother, guiding you into a world of your own joy and empowerment through her soulful songs. Born in South Carolina and planted firmly in New Orleans, her southernness resounds through each piano riff. After spending a decade studying jazz, both in schools and out, she released her first album. Now, almost a decade and two children later, she combines the sounds of her roots, both folk and soul, with the big beat of New Orleans in her upcoming EP, Enjoy Your Space, to be released in fall 2022. With a voice described by Offbeat Magazine as "polished but soulful" and killer piano technique, Jenna combines the skill of a seasoned musician with accessible lyrics to create songs that uplift and inspire.

McSwain has opened for Patti Austin, Ramsey Lewis, and the New York Voices, and has performed with jazz greats including Marian McPartland and Houston Person. After over a decade of accompanying other artists, playing in piano lounges and leading one of New Orleans' most sought-after wedding bands, she now turns her focus to creating uplifting experiences for audiences with her original music. In addition to performing, McSwain is a sought-after educator. In addition to coaching young artists at Loyola University New Orleans, she creates community through clinics such as "Mindfulness for Creatives" and "Songwriting for Mothers." Her most cherished role is mother to two children, Noah and Iris.