The DUKES of Dixieland in concert

In a special event concert of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 29th season, the world-famous “Dukes of Dixieland” from New Orleans will present a Mardi Gras extravaganza of jazz and brass on Jan. 23.

“The DUKES only accept about 30 dates a year to appear at much sought-after concerts in the USA and overseas, never straying long from their home base in New Orleans on the Steamboat Natchez,” said NFSO Maestro Jeffrey Rink. “So, we were thrilled to be able to book this wildly popular group for a jammin’ good time during Mardi Gras season to benefit the NFSO."

Unlike their Dixieland name, the DUKES play a range of New Orleans music, from Dr. John and Fats Domino to Huey Smith and Louis Prima, not to mention many of their own original tunes. With a repertoire of roughly 400 tunes, there is room for all of the above and still be the pre-eminent New Orleans band as well as official New Orleans Ambassadors. In addition to the "Mardi Gras" theme of the Jan. 23 concert with the NFSO, the Dukes of Dixieland also perform concerts around the world with themes of "Blues on the Bayou," "Symphonic Jazz," "Voodoo Revue," "Celebrating Satchmo," "New Orleans Jazz Legends" and "Back to Bourbon Street."

When not touring, the DUKES continue to work the dinner cruise on the Steamboat Natchez for 45 weeks a year, seven nights a week. They also find time to record (26 albums), produce three PBS television shows ("New Orleans Pops," "Salute to Jelly Roll Morton" and "Celebrating Satchmo," and stream one show a week, up to the internet. For more about The Dukes of Dixieland, visit dukesofdixieland.com.

Single tickets to the NFSO benefit concert with the "Dukes of Dixieland" are $37 each and available from the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box office.