Ellis Marsalis returns to Nicholls for trio concert

In celebration of Black History month, Nicholls is set to host a performance by the famous New Orleans jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. on Feb. 7.

This will be the second year in a row that Nicholls holds the event. Shane Anderson, the head of the music department at Nicholls, said he is hoping to see another full house.

Anderson said, “Marsalis enjoyed coming and meeting our students so much that he wanted to come back again. It has been great to have him be a part of our celebration.”

Making up the performance trio will be Ellis Marsalis and his two sons.

According to the National Public Radio’s jazz profiles, Marsalis was born in New Orleans and started in the music business in the 1940s. By the 1980s he was a well-known name in jazz.

He has recorded over 20 albums on his own and went on to educate new musicians.

The History Makers said he was recognized as having a significant impact on jazz music as being a performer, a composer and an educator. He was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

The concert will take place in the Mary M. Danos Theater located in Talbot Hall starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $20 at the door.