FAU’s Wind Ensemble in collaboration with the Jazz Band hosted an event to celebrate jazz music and the culture in New Orleans.

Along with the Jazz Band, faculty members talked about the history of how jazz grew in the city of New Orleans and turned into what it is today.

The speakers included FAU’s Director of Bands Kyle Prescott and professor of history Stephen Engle.

“Time for some jazz!” said Prescott as the event started.

The band was conducted by Prescott and Master’s student Dante Douglas. The song lineup included “Bayou Breakdown”, “Congo Square”, and “Second Line”.

Artistic Director of Jazz Ensembles Courtney Jones made an appearance and assisted in some of the music played.

The audience was a mixed group of community members, FAU staff, and a few students.

Members of the audience were seen swaying to the beat, tapping their feet, taking pictures, and of course eating — one of the event’s big attractions was the free food.

Jambalaya, rice, banana foster and plenty of beverages were offered for attendees to enjoy.

It was apparent how important jazz was to the speakers at the event. “Jazz is an expressive form of art,” Engle said.

The event took place Monday, Nov. 28 at the FAU University Theatre’s outdoor amphitheater area at 6:30 p.m.

Austin Van Luvender is a contributing writer for the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected]