Bayou Blue students return to new dig
December 29, 2006Jan. 27
January 3, 2007
New Orleans clarinet player Tim Laughlin and his jazz trio will be in Thibodaux Jan. 14 as part of the Music at St. John’s Concert Series.
Laughlin (pronounced “Locklin”) has played with a who’s who among New Orleans’ greats: Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, Nicholas Payton, Terrence Blanchard, the Dukes of Dixieland and many others.
Born and raised in the Big Easy, Laughlin says of his hometown, “New Orleans needs me and I need New Orleans.”
Laughlin has traveled the globe sharing his cutting edge jazz sound. Critics have lauded his talents, saying his “musical form is always growing and changing.”
And landing Laughlin and his band for the St. John’s Concert Series continues the tradition of the January concert featuring jazz, organizers said.
“We are really excited to be able to attract such a musician as Tim,” said Julie Prado, president of the Concert Series. “He has played in all 50 states and Canada, as well as in Europe, the Far East, Central and South America and New Zealand. He recently returned from concerts in the United Kingdom and Switzerland.”
With 10 CDs under his belt, including last April’s release of “Live in Germany,” a collection of tunes from live sets with fellow clarinetists Jack Mahue and Tom Fischer, and the non-stop touring, Laughlin still manages to squeeze in other projects.
His clarinet licks can be heard on national television and radio, including the BBC in England, and in two Hollywood movies filmed in New Orleans, “Double Jeopardy” and “Runaway Jury.”
Most locals would have heard his smooth sound on WWL-TV’s “Spirit of Louisiana” campaign.
When Laughlin isn’t on the road performing, he teaches music clinics at regional schools. His pupils range from the elementary level through college.
In 2005, when Katrina ravaged the region, Laughlin and his band were performing at a festival in Paraguay, South America. They were devastated by what they saw on TV news.
At the U.S. State Department’s request, the band launched a month-long goodwill and “thank you” tour in Peru, Mexico, and Canada. Both countries provided aid to Katrina victims. The tour included public concerts, benefits and master classes in middle and high schools as well as several colleges, emphasizing the importance of New Orleans jazz. One benefit, in Merida, Mexico, raised $30,000 for the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts to replace instruments.
“If past jazz concerts are any measure, and with the well-deserved reputation of Mr. Laughlin, we expect a standing-room-only performance,” Prado said.
The concert will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 718 Jackson St. Admission for the 3 p.m. concert is $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for students under age 18.
