KEY TAKEAWAYS: The New Orleans Jazz Museum has launched an online fundraising auction that runs through noon Dec. 8. The ninth annual Improvisations Gala will take place Dec. 5, featuring a “Winter Lights” theme and performances by prominent New Orleans musicians. The event will debut the museum’s new stage and renovated grounds, funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration. General admission tickets cost $150, with proceeds supporting the museum’s educational programs and jazz preservation initiatives. The New Orleans Jazz Museum has launched an online auction ahead of its ninth annual Improvisations Gala on Dec. 5, a fundraising event that will also mark the debut of the museum’s new stage and renovated grounds. The gala, presented by The Herb Alpert Foundation, will take place from 8-11 p.m. at the museum and along the 400 block of Esplanade Avenue. This year’s theme, “Winter Lights,” will feature holiday-inspired decorations, live music, food and entertainment celebrating New Orleans’ cultural heritage. Proceeds from the gala and online auction will support the museum’s educational programs and initiatives, including efforts to preserve jazz history and provide resources for musicians, students and educators. The online auction opened in early November and will remain active until noon Dec. 8. Items available for bidding include a stay at The Cloe boutique hotel on St. Charles Avenue, a Louisiana crawfish boil experience for six at Clesi’s Seafood Catering and a self-guided tour for 10 at the New Orleans Storyville Museum. Additional auction items, including artwork and experiences, will be added throughout the fundraising period. Participants can register and place bids at 32auctions.com/ImprovGala2026. The event will also feature the Treasure Chest Key Challenge, offering participants an opportunity to win a diamond tennis bracelet valued at $4,500. Keys cost $50 each, with proceeds benefiting the museum. A patron preview party will take place from 7-8 p.m. Dec. 5, featuring the River Eckert Band, food from Messina’s Catering Events and early access to the museum grounds. Patron tickets cost $300. General admission tickets are $150 and include access to performances and gala activities from 8 to 11 p.m., excluding the VIP experience. The evening’s entertainment lineup includes Cha Wa, Sunpie the Louisiana Sunspots, Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, the Masakowski Family Trio, the Taipei Jazz Orchestra of Taiwan and the Treme-Lafitte Brass Band. The Danny Barker All-Stars, featuring Detroit Brooks, Mark Brooks, Freddie Lonzo, Herlin Riley, Greg Stafford and Dr. Michael White, also will perform. The gala will conclude with a performance by The Soul Rebels, joined by special guests Big Freedia, Fred Wesley, James Andrews, George Brown and Corey Henry. Additional entertainment will include second-line performances and appearances by local cultural groups, including the NOLA Chorus Girls, N’Awlins D’Awlins Baby Dolls and the Original Wild Tchoupitoulas. The Dec. 5 event will also showcase the museum’s new performance stage and improvements to its grounds, which were funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The upgrades are intended to enhance the museum’s ability to host performances and cultural programming. The gala committee is chaired by Val Grubb, Valerie Landry and Stacey Messina. Honorary co-chairs include Herb Alpert, Jon Batiste, John Goodman, Arthel Neville and Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser. The annual fundraiser supports the museum’s mission to preserve and promote jazz through exhibitions, educational programs and community engagement. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at nolajazzmuseum.org/gala. ...read more read less