DECEMBER 6th

7 PM-11 PM

Storyville: Sounds of the Rising Sun

Step into Storyville at the New Orleans Jazz Museum’s 8th Annual Improvisations Gala presented by the Herb Alpert Foundation. One unforgettable night of nonstop revelry with music across five stages, burlesque, Baby Dolls, gaming tables, dazzling activations, food, cocktails, and an auction. This isn’t just another gala, it’s Storyville resurrected, and you won’t want to miss it.

Early Bird General Admission Tickets Available Now through September 30th Only!

Get Early Bird Tickets Now >

This year’s Improvisations Gala celebrates the legendary Storyville, New Orleans’ most infamous neighborhood, where music, nightlife, and culture collided at the turn of the 20th century. Though best known as the city’s red-light district, Storyville was also pivotal to the New Orleans sound, where musicians like Jelly Roll Morton, Buddy Bolden, and King Oliver shaped and improvised to carry the music to new audiences.

For one night only, the Jazz Museum transforms into a living Storyville. Guests will experience multiple stages of live performances, burlesque, gaming, and interactive activities that blend the history of New Orleans with today’s vibrant music scene.

VIP & General Admission

VIP BACKSTAGE EXPERIENCE

$300

PER PERSON

Elevate your evening with the
VIP Backstage Experience!

Savor exclusive food and beverage offerings
Mix and mingle with event sponsors and performing musicians
Lounge in a lush VIP area outfitted by ELEMENT with dedicated bars and food stations

GENERAL ADMISSION

$150

PER PERSON

Your General Admission ticket includes:

Five Stages of Entertainment including the sounds of New Orleans, Jazz International, and more
Performances and Interactive Experiences
Food & drinks all night

Early Bird General Admission: $125 (Exclusively before Tuesday, Sept 30th only! Limit of 4 tickets per order)

General Admission: Full-price tickets $150 available Oct 1 until sold out.

tickets are on sale now!

ENTERTAINMENT LINE UP FEATURES:

Every corner of the museum will come alive with music, performance, and spectacle.

Click Here for Full Line Up >

Dee Dee
Bridgewater

Detroit Brooks

James Andrews & the Crescent City Allstars

Kermit Ruffins

Tuba Skinny Band

Who Does the Gala Benefit?

The Improvisations Gala raises essential funds to support the New Orleans Jazz Museum’s educational programming, which includes our exhibitions and performances. By purchasing a ticket, you help preserve our city’s cultural legacy and sustain the future of New Orleans music.

Experience the magic of New Orleans at the Improvisations Gala, presented by the Herb Alpert Foundation. This year, we’re turning up the excitement with a star-studded lineup of New Orleans talent, exquisite local cuisine, craft cocktails, immersive exhibits and light installations. It’s no wonder the Improvisations Gala is called the “best party of the year!”

ONLINE AUCTION & TREASURE CHEST

Online Auction & Treasure Chest

Bid on extraordinary auction items, from once-in-a-lifetime experiences to luxury packages. The beloved Treasure Chest returns alongside big-ticket items revealed in late October.

Online Auction opens online Nov 1 and closes December 8th, two days after the Gala
Preview select auction items at the Storyville Exhibit Opening at the New Orleans Jazz Museum on November 13.

Donate Auction Items

Feeling Lucky?

Buy as many keys as you like!
Treasure Chest Key Challenge! These beautiful pave diamond earrings are stunning. One lucky attendee that purchased a key will discover their key unlocks the chest, holding a beautiful and unique piece of jewelry from Adler’s Jewelry of New Orleans.

Purchase your key >