Jason Marsalis Tickets

Jason Marsalis in Concert

As a member of one of jazz's most revered contemporary dynasties, Jason Marsalis has carved out a place among his field's greatest drummers. Born in New Orleans in 1977, he is the youngest of a group of preternaturally talented musicians, including trumpeter Wynton, saxophonist Branford, and trombonist Delfeayo.

Jason started early; his parents bought him toy drums at age 3, and he got his first real drum set at age 6. At 7, he started taking private lessons and sitting in with the jazz group of his father, pianist and music professor Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Soon after, he was touring with the band. 

Before long, Marsalis attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts high school, followed by Loyola University New Orleans, all while continuing to play gigs. During this time, the drummer became proficient in jazz, funk, fusion, Brazilian, and Celtic music. He played with numerous esteemed jazzers like John Ellis, Michael White, Shannon Powell, and pianist Marcus Roberts, with whom he would form a powerful bond, becoming a foundation of Roberts' celebrated trio. 

In 2011, along with his father and brothers, Marsalis was named one of the NEA's Jazz Masters, a distinction also held by musicians like Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis. He also appeared with his family at the White House and the Kennedy Center to do tribute shows for his father. 

In 2013, Marsalis recorded ‘In a World of Mallets' with the Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet — the album reached No. 1 on the CMJ radio charts and won an Offbeat Magazine Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. His second album with the ensemble, ‘The 21st Century Trad Band,' continued his exploration of jazz percussion and received critical acclaim. Marsalis tours both as a bandleader and a sideman, and currently has dates in December and February.