Matt Leder

Earlier this year ITG member Matt Leder coordinated a "Tribute To New Orleans" concert. Matt received his BM (Jazz Performance) from East Carolina University and his MM (Jazz Studies) from the University of New Orleans (as a member of the Louis Armstrong Quintet). He is currently a member of Navy Band Northeast and transferred from Navy Band New Orleans in October of 2005.
Hurricane Katrina has had a huge effect on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region. Leder had the privilege of living in New Orleans for the past four years; he wanted to bring a taste of the Big Easy to the Northeast. He saw first-hand what happened to New Orleans and wanted to reflect on his experiences.

On February 19th, 2006 Leder put on "A Tribute To New Orleans" as part of the Navy Band Northeast Recital Series. The concert was held in Spruance Hall at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. The personnel for the concert included some local talent; Joe Mulholland on piano (Berklee Professor), Daniel Cordeiro on Drums, Tish Adams as the commentator and vocalist (Jazz Vocalist/Radio Announcer) and members from Navy Band Northeast: Carlos Serrano on Sax, Tony Carter on Clarinet, Chris Birkby on Trombone, Stan Dunlap on Vocal/Sound, and Colin Trusedell on Bass.

The program embraced the charm of New Orleans and provided a dedication to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Selections included both Traditional New Orleans Jazz and the modern sounds of today's New Orleans Jazz musicians (such as Terrence Blanchard, Nicholas Payton, Irvin Mayfield, and Wynton Marsalis). During the course of the concert a slide show of New Orleans both before and after Hurricane Katrina played as the backdrop. There were many people displaced from Hurricane Katrina and some even ended up in Rhode Island. Leder worked with Red Cross representatives to arrange for transportation to the concert for those that had been relocated.

The concert was well received and Leder has been approached to repeat the concert as a civilian to raise money for the Red Cross. A date and venue are in the works. It was Leder's hope when putting this program together that the concert would entertain, bring a taste of the Big Easy to the Northeast, and remind those relocated of home. Leder reminds us, "New Orleans is an important part of the music industry. New Orleans was nearly destroyed in September of 2005 and it is important to remember that this great city gave a uniquely American art form to the world. We must keep both traditions and the music alive."

Websites:
Navy Band Northeast
Navy Band New Orleans