Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation is launching Sync Up, an initiative to connect the independent musicians of Louisiana with professional music buyers from around the world who will be in New Orleans for Jazz Fest.
The project is the result of a partnership between the foundation and three agencies of the Louisiana state government: Louisiana Economic Development, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
“We have long known that many music business people from around the world come to Jazz Fest,” said Don Marshall, the Foundation’s executive director. “For us, the goal is to find the right way to leverage the festival’s impact for the benefit of the local music industry–especially our performing artists.”
Sync Up’s goal is to connect independent artists with festival promoters, who hire bands for well-paying live performances, and music supervisors, who select music to be licensed for use in films, TV shows, commercials, videogames and other visual media.
For festival promoters, the foundation will host a series of breakfasts on both Jazz Fest weekends that will feature panel discussions with visiting festival buyers, digital media distributors and others.
More info: jazzandheritage.org/syncup
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
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