NEW ORLEANS – The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in the upper 9th Ward has announced the homecoming of saxophonist and composer Branford Marsalis. In addition to his active music career, he will assume the role of artistic director at the center.
Established in 2012, the center uses music as the focal point of a holistic strategy to build a healthy community and deliver a range of services to underserved children, youth and musicians from neighborhoods battling poverty and social injustice.
Located in the Musicians’ Village, the center is the living memorial to the late jazz pianist, educator and Marsalis family patriarch Ellis Marsalis Jr. The elder Marsalis spent the final 10 years of his life outlining his vision for the center and laying the foundation for its future. His son steps into this role beginning in 2024 and will shape its artistic trajectory, offer strategic insights, and steer the organization’s creative vision.
“My dad was a teacher, in music and in life,” said Marsalis. “After Hurricane Katrina, he envisioned a haven for the underserved musicians and children in his hometown of New Orleans. He spent the last decade of his life committed to turning that dream into a reality at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music. It is my honor to step into the role of artistic director at the center and to continue to drive its mission. I hope to make my dad proud.”