The Uptown Jazz Orchestra

The Uptown Jazz Orchestra was formed in 2008 to bring the traditional riff and blues sounds to school students in the New Orleans area. Under the direction of trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, and anchored by Dirty Dozen Brass Band founder Roger Lewis on bari sax, UJO sings and swings with confidence and soul…all night long! Performing blues and standards that combine riff-playing, spontaneous arrangements and the New Orleans secondline groove, the Uptown Jazz Orchestra keeps the old school jazz traditions alive. Members of the orchestra range in experience from young students attending New Orleans area universities and the prestigious New Orleans Center for Creative Arts to respected music industry veterans. UJO boasts guest appearances by instrumentalists like Herlin Riley, Davell Crawford, Branford Marsalis and Ellis Marsalis, as well as surprise visits by dancers, singers and grand marshals during any given set.