New Orleans opens a new $9 million centre dedicated to jazz

A newly re-fitted complex dedicated to jazz is opening in New Orleans in the name of one of America’s greatest jazz impresarios and his late wife. The new George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Centre, a former funeral home, has had a $9 million renovation. The building spans 12,500 square feet and boasts seven class rooms including piano and drum labs. It has a concert hall with 200 capacity and a recording facility for both audio and video.

89 year old George Wein is an American jazz promoter regarded as, "the most important non-player in jazz history.” He also founded the long running Newport Jazz Festival which takes place every summer in Newport, Rhode Island. His link with New Orleans is recognised as Mr. Wein is the first producer of the extensive annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (known as Jazz Fest.)

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation is dedicating the new Centre to George Wein this week with concerts.