Doreens Jazz New Orleans to Perform in Hattiesburg

The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music Connoisseur Series presents famed musicians of Doreen's Jazz New Orleans, Friday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. in Marsh Auditorium on The University of Southern Mississippi's Hattiesburg campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Doreen's Jazz New Orleans is a group whose primary interest is spreading the culture and traditional music of New Orleans all over the world, through performances and education. Doreen Ketchens, the leader of the group, has been called “Queen Clarinet”, “The female Louis Armstrong,” and “Lady Louie.”

Ketchens has performed with Ellis Marsalis, Jon Faddis, Trombone Shorty, Al Hirt, Dorothy Donagan, The Black Crows and Jennifer Warrens, to name a few. She has opened for such names as Macy Grey and Dr. John. Her husband, Lawrence, plays the tuba, valve trombone and piano with the group. He sometimes plays the sousaphone and drums simultaneously. He also arranges and produces music.

In addition to being superb performers, Doreen and Lawrence are outstanding educators. They regularly perform in schools around the United States and the world, educating students of all languages, spreading the culture and music of New Orleans before and after Katrina. As part of their Hattiesburg visit, they will be in area schools.

“I am particularly excited about her K-12 outreach because it is always my objective to bring inspiration to our young people and young aspiring artists” said Kimberley Davis, event coordinator. “They need to be made aware of their possibilities – ‘real life' examples of it and with someone who is willing to be up close and personal with them.”

Doreen's Jazz New Orleans has represented New Orleans and the United States around the world, performing in Africa, Asia, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Europe, Mexico, Russia and the United States. They have performed for four United States presidents, including Bill Clinton, George Bush Sr., Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter. The band also boasts 23 volumes of CDs and 3 DVDs.