Father to the first family in Jazz, which includes trumpeter Wynton and saxman Branford, pianist Ellis Marsalis put together a group of Crescent City all-stars to open this year's IAJE Conference in the birthplace of Jazz. Before his sons changed the face of Jazz, Ellis Marsalis was better known as educator himself; his former pupils (in addition to his sons) include Terence Blanchard, Donald Harrison, Harry Connick, Jr., Nicholas Payton and Kent and Marlon Jordan, among others. Ellis' IAJE musical gumbo included a number of tasty improvisers and styles, with added spice from vocalist Irma Thomas.

The New Orleans All Stars are...