Symphony Space Announces Source Project New Orleans Music and Film Series

Symphony Space, one of New York's best-loved cultural destinations, is pleased to announce the return of SOURCE PROJECT from December 13 - 19, 2017, with a focus this season on the music, culture, and history of New Orleans.

Andrew Byrne, Symphony Space's Artistic Director, says,"New Orleans is a musical and cultural powerhouse, celebrated as the birthplace of jazz and much more. I'm fascinated by the rich history and diverse voices of the Big Easy, and was thrilled to dedicate this year's Source Project, our annual exploration of sources of creative influence, to this American mecca for music, art, storytelling, pageantry, and a unique collaborative spirit."

Opening the series is The Big Easy on the Hudson, a blowout evening of music evoking a New Orleans parade atmosphere. The Hot Sardines with guest New Orleans trombonist/vocalist Lucien Barbarin (Preservation Hall Jazz Band and HARRY Connick Jr. band) headline, alongside performances by virtuoso jazz pianist Aaron Diehl in a Jelly Roll Morton tribute, Evan Christopher's Clarinet Road featuring guest vocalist Sasha Masakowski, and a parade led by Grand Marshal Ricky "Dirty Red" Gordon (Dec. 13, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre).

Making his Symphony Space debut, New Orleans-based trombonist/vocalist David L. Harris and his quartet explore a world where modern jazz meets the sultriness of the blues, in an evening filled with passion, groove, grit, and plenty of swing. "The old and the new are perfectly content to mix and mingle in Harris' music. It's that acceptance of both that makes (him) a standout." -All About Jazz (Dec. 14, Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater).

Storyville Stomp: Last Night in Storyville - an immersive, multi-stage Jazz Age experience captures the sights, sounds, and ambiance of a single night in the famed New Orleans red light district, and includes musicians Aurora Nealand and The Royal Roses, Jon-Erik Kellso's Mahogany Hall Pleasure Society Jazz Band featuring vocalist Mara Kaye, Dennis Lichtman's Hottet featuring blues stylist Queen Esther, blues singer Blind Boy Paxton, and ragtime and stride pianist Dalton Ridenhour in three different locations within Symphony Space. Other performers include tap dancer DeWitt Fleming Jr., Gaby Galore & Her Sugar Shakers, burlesque queen Poison Ivory, Phonograph DJ MAC, and Lillian Lorraine & Her Lovely Ladies (Dec. 16, Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater level).

SOURCE PROJECT also features a documentary film series on New Orleans music and culture with Les Blank's classic ode to the city Always For Pleasure (Dec. 17); Bayou Maharajah, a portrait of tragic pianist GENIUS James Booker (Dec. 17); Faubourg Treme: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans (Dec. 19); and The Whole Gritty City, a look at the world of New Orleans marching bands (Dec. 19).

SOURCE PROJECT was conceived by Symphony Space's Artistic Director, Andrew Byrne. The Big Easy on the Hudson and Storyville Stomp are presented in partnership with the New York Hot Jazz Festival, Shanghai Mermaid, and Rolling Fork Music. Storyville Stomp is hosted by Juliette Campbell, founder of Shanghai Mermaid, in celebration of the time-traveling cabaret's 10th anniversary. For more information on SOURCE PROJECT, visit symphonyspace.org.

FEATURED EVENTS AT-A-GLANCE

Wed., Dec. 13 (7:30 pm): The Big Easy on the Hudson with The Hot Sardines featuring Lucien Barbarin; Aaron Diehl; Evan Christopher's Clarinet Road with Sasha Masakowski; and Ricky "Dirty Red" Gordon

Thur., Dec. 14 (7:30 pm): David L. Harris: Blues I Felt

Sat., Dec. 16 (7:30 pm): Storyville Stomp: Last Night in Storyville with Aurora Nealand and The Royal Roses, Jon-Erik Kellso's Mahogany Hall Pleasure Society Jazz Band with Mara Kaye, Dennis Lichtman's Hottet with blues stylist Queen Esther, blues singer Blind Boy Paxton, and more.

Sun., Dec. 17 (6 pm): FILM: Always For Pleasure (dir. Les Blank)

Sun., Dec. 17 (7:30 pm): FILM: Bayou Maharajah (dir. Lily Kleber)

Tue., Dec. 19 (7 pm): FILM: Faubourg Treme: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans (dir. Dawn Logsdon)

Tue., Dec. 19 (8:30 pm): FILM: The Whole Gritty City (dir. Richard Barber)
Followed by Q&A with Richard Barber

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