The NOLA Jazz Band began playing together for an initial gig at The Basement of The Des Moines Social Club March, 2015. It became so popular it is now an ongoing event. Since then band has taken the midwest by storm in a little over a years time.
The bands monthly “New Orleans Jazz Party” occurs every First Friday of the month at "The Basement" playing to packed and many times sold out shows. Starting in 2017 the band will also be playing regularly at "NOCE" Des Moines new jazz and blues club. All band members have a common love for the sound and “feel” of both traditional and current New Orleans based music – real, gutsy, raw, heartfelt, and entertaining.
The NOLA Jazz Band has played alongside a number of well-known traditional jazz and music groups including Davina & The Vagabonds from Minneapolis, Sony recording artist Bria Skonberg from New York City, and Dom Flemons of The Carolina Chocolate Drops.
Individual band members have shared the stage with Vincent Gardner, Maynard Ferguson, Benny Goodman, Kurt Elling, and many other well know jazz artists. NOLA Jazz Band members have also been inducted into the Iowa Jazz Hall of Fame, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The band had a busy 2016 summer festival schedule playing the Mainstage of The Des Moines Arts Festival (5th Largest Arts Festival), Lakeside Dixieland Festival, Galena Arts Festival, featured band for 2016 Jazz in July finale, and opening act for the Des Moines Jazz Festival September, 2016. Appreciative audiences, musicians, promoters and positive word of mouth has created a busy performance schedule and continued demand for their music as they build their reputation regionally and across the US.