🎺 The Imperial Band, c. 1908 From parades to dance halls, brass bands like the Imperial Band carried the sound of New Orleans into the streets. Pictured here are some of the city’s most important early musicians, including “Big Eye” Louis Nelson Delisle on clarinet and Manuel Perez on cornet. Bands like this laid the groundwork for jazz—blending ragtime, blues, and improvisation into a sound that would define a city and inspire the world. ✨ On December 6, 2025, the Improvisations Gala will spotlight the legacy of Storyville and the music born in its shadow. 🎟 Early bird tickets: ImprovGala2025.eventbrite.com 🔗 Learn more: nolajazzmuseum.org/gala #ImprovisationsGala #StoryvilleHistory #JazzStartsHere #NOLAJazzMuseum