Trumpeter Nicholas Payton will join trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, heading a stellar band, for a celebration of the music of Louis Armstrong, tonight at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. Singer Kermit Ruffins will portray Armstrong in a semi-staged performance that brings together episodes from the legendary trumpeter's life with the songs for which he became so well known, including "What a Wonderful World" and "Mack the Knife." For ticket information, visit minnesotaorchestra.org.
Payton's Nonesuch debut, Into the Blue, is due out this coming Tuesday. You can pre-order the album now in the Nonesuch Store or by clicking here and download the album MP3s on release day for no additional cost.