Legendary New Orleans drummer Johnny Vidacovich’s recording career includes collaborations with greats such as Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Johnny Adams, Alvin “Red” Tyler, George Porter Jr., and Irma Thomas. Vidacovich is bringing his talents to the University of New Orleans to kick off the spring 2024 season of Jazz at the Sandbar on March 6.
 
Vidacovich is the first of eight performers who will continue this UNO tradition of Wednesday night gigs that started more than three decades ago. The series will be presented each Wednesday night at 7 p.m. for eight weeks, featuring a different respected jazz artist.

Jazz at the Sandbar, established in 1990 by the late music faculty member Ellis Marsalis, pairs seasoned professional musicians with UNO jazz students on the bandstand in front of a live audience at the Sandbar, located inside The Cove.

The performances are free to UNO students and employees, as well as students from any school with a student ID. For anyone else, suggested admission is $10.

Here is the full spring 2023 lineup:
•    March 6: Drummer Johnny Vidacovich
•    March 13: Guitarist and Alum Davy Mooney
•    March 20: Pianist Victor Campbell
•    April 3: Vocalist Phillip Manuel
•    April 10: Saxophonist Roderick Paulin
•    April 17: Artist-in-Residence Drummer Shirazette Tinnin
•    April 24: Trumpeter and Vocalist Jennifer Hartswick
•    May 1: Jazz Studies Faculty Concert: Brent Rose, Brian Seeger, Victor Atkins, Amina Scott, Peter Varnado and Special Guests