The Vice President and General Manager of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, Alfred L. Groos, and Grammy-nominated, Billboard Award winner Irvin Mayfield are investing in the future of “America’s music”: jazz. This March, these two industry giants will premiere a world-class music destination rooted in the rich musical traditions that New Orleans is noted for.  Officially, the stylishly sleek new Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta will open on the site of the hotel’s former entertainment venue, “The Mystick.” 

Located in the heart of the historic French Quarter on world-famous Bourbon Street, Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse will present a Grand Opening Bash featuring a star-studded musical menu of performers headlined by the native son himself, Irvin Mayfield.  Music lovers and the general public are invited to experience all of the excitement surrounding this groundbreaking venture on Saturday March 21 from 8:00 p.m. to 12 Midnight.  For reservations, or to obtain details on all grand opening special events surrounding the new club, please call 504-553-2270.

“The Playhouse is where jazz lives and moves forward towards the future,” explains jazz trumpeter Irvin Mayfield. The new club is a direct reflection of Mayfield’s sense of adventure, style, creativity, and passion for his art form. The artist has fashioned the perfect platform to showcase New Orleans’ jazz legends and emerging young artists such as jazz vocalist Johnaye Kendrick, trumpeter Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown, and the eclectic style of musician Shamarr Allen. Future programming in the new club will also include cabaret ensembles and classic burlesque productions. 

The Royal Sonesta Hotel has certainly demonstrated a commitment to perpetuating the New Orleans’ culture. “Directly on the heels of hurricane Katrina, we created the highly successful Women in Jazz music series specifically as a vehicle to support our female jazz vocalists. The hotel wanted to do our share to help restore the heartbeat of our city, and music is certainly an important element of daily life here,” said Alfred L. Groos. “Our partnership with an artist of Irvin Mayfield’s stature and artistic accomplishments, propels that commitment to a level that is unprecedented in New Orleans,” he continued. “Al Groos and I are proud and excited about the opportunities that such a venture offers to both the local community and the visitor seeking an authentic New Orleans experience,” echoes Irvin Mayfield.

In preparation for this new partnership, the Royal Sonesta recently completed a major renovation of the location that will be the home of Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse.  The room speaks to the mood that the music of jazz evokes.  Classy, but playful, is the vibe that is mirrored in every aspect of the room’s detail. The result is a sexy, classic club that captures the essence a Bourbon Street nightclub at it’s finest. 
Irvin Mayfield has certainly established himself as one of the most decorated and recorded jazz artists of his generation. At the young age of 31, Mayfield has already forged a highly successful career as a versatile trumpeter, bandleader, composer, arranger, and recording artist.  Appointed by the U.S. Senate in 2003 as the Cultural Ambassador of New Orleans, Irvin Mayfield’s mission embodies his steadfast commitment to growing the only truly American musical art form, jazz, for audiences for generations to come.

Audiences will feel right at home at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta.  Now, more than ever, the hotel is “the” destination of choice for all visitors seeking an authentic music and travel experience in the city of New Orleans.