Delfeayo Marsalis on Street Rhythms and the Spirit of Mardi Gras

In this episode, host Steve Roby sits down with acclaimed trombonist, producer, and educator Delfeayo Marsalis. A 2011 NEA Jazz Master and a member of New Orleans' legendary musical first family, Marsalis has earned a reputation as a "merchant of joy" and as a vital ambassador for the Crescent City's culture.

Delfeayo shares stories from his childhood in Kendall, Louisiana, where he shared a room with his father, Ellis, while his brothers, Branford and Wynton, shared another. He explains how his parents shaped his approach to the bandstand and his belief that music is not only what is on the page but also what you hear and experience. We also dive into the origins of the Uptown Jazz Orchestra (UJO)—a 14-piece ensemble founded in 2008 to preserve and advance the city’s street rhythms, swing tradition, and brass-band energy.

In this episode, we discuss:

The 10-Course Meal: Why Marsalis views his live performances as a diverse culinary journey, moving from high-energy funk to soulful ballads.

The Spirit of Mingus: The coincidental and "hip" origins of "Raid on the Mingus House Party," including its accidental connection to a famous superhero theme.

Sidewalk Sizzle: How a fan at a local gig provided the perfect title for a funky anthem that captures the heat of a New Orleans street.

Authentic Swing: Why the tradition of swinging is an essential, yet often overlooked, component of the modern big band sound.

Show Details & Tickets

Don't miss Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra performing "Uptown On Mardi Gras Day" at the SFJAZZ Center!

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Miner Auditorium, SFJAZZ Center

Tickets: Available at SFJAZZ.org

Official Website: www.dmarsalis.com

Uptown Jazz Orchestra: www.uptownjazzorchestra.com

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