Wynton Marsalis with Cecile Licad and All-Star Jazz Ensemble

Centrum is thrilled to welcome Wynton Marsalis as our featured artist for the 2025 Benefit Concert & Gala Dinner. Marsalis is an internationally acclaimed musician, composer, bandleader, and educator.  At this special event, a 13-piece jazz orchestra led by Marsalis and featuring classical pianist, Cecile Licad, will perform to a silent film, Louis. A modern reimagining of early silent film, the movie is set in 1907 New Orleans where 6-year-old Louis navigates the colorful intricacies of life in the city and acquires his first cornet. Following the film, Marsalis will be joined on stage by jazz composer and bassist, John Clayton, who will curate a conversation with Wynton about his eminent career, lifelong dedication to arts education, and the multi-generational legacies their two families share.