Fall 2008

UNO Jazz Studies student Martin Masakowskiwas in Kobe Japan participating in the second annual Kobe/NewOrleans Jazz Exchange Program. Martin and pianist Sullivan Fortner, both graduates of  NOCCA participated in a variety of activities including the Kobe Next Jazz Competition,a jazz jam session with young Japanese musicians, tour of the city of Kobe, and a parade.  Additionally, the two young musicians participated in a cultural exchange festival at a Vietnamese Catholic church and performed Japanese drums. Masakowski and Fortner conducted live radio and tv interviews and were featured in two newspapers. Promotional posters were displayed across the city. The New Orleans musicians were eloquent in their speaking to the press and in their playing.  The duo performed beautifully and were very well received at the jazz competition.

Updated June 18, 2009