Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr. to Headline NBA All-Star Weekend Show

Date: 02.12.2008
Publication: Jazz Times
Author: Jeff Tamarkin

Branford Marsalis (pictured), Harry Connick Jr. and several other top New Orleans-based musicians are slated to perform during the NBA All-Star weekend, Feb. 15-17. Being billed as the first major event to commit to New Orleans post-Katrina, the programs will also feature Dr. John, Art Neville, Ivan Neville, Ellis Marsalis, Kermit Ruffins, the Rebirth Brass Band, Trombone Shorty, Allen Toussaint, Amanda Shaw, Jonathan Baptiste, Davell Crawford, Stephanie Jordan and Christian Scott. American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, who performed the national anthem at the Super Bowl last week, will sing the title track “Tattoo” from her self-titled debut album. Performances on all three nights will air live on TNT (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).

”New Orleans is a vibrant music Mecca and I’m proud to call this great city my home,” said Connick. “Branford and I are truly grateful to the NBA for its commitment to put New Orleans and our extraordinary musicians on a global stage for the whole world to see.”