Improvisations Gala
New Orleans Jazz Museum 400 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
No doubt about it, you'll be out on the dance floor at the New Orleans Jazz Museum's annual Improvisations Gala, a night for all the city's famed creativity to ferment in one beautiful space—this year decked out in the dazzling theme, "Aquatic Gardens".
Sprawling through the Jazz Museum's galleries and campus, the event will feature cuisine from Messina's and desserts by La Madeleine, a silent auction and live painting, interactive light displays, access to exhibitions, and a star-studded live music lineup including local favorites Cimafunk, Little Freddie King, the N'Awlins D'Awlins Baby Dolls, Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, the Amina Scott Quintet, and more. A VIP Backstage Experience ($300) gets you access to exclusive food and beverage offerings, a private viewing area in front of the main stage, and access to a lush VIP area. 7 pm–11 pm. Tickets begin at $150 at nolajazzmuseum.org.