One of the oldest jazz bands in New Orleans celebrates its 50th anniversary

Written By Alicia Vial

NEW ORLEANS — This summer, The DUKES of Dixieland are commemorating a half-century of musical talent and a commitment to preserving New Orleans jazz. One of the oldest bands in New Orleans, second only to Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The DUKES have performed all over the world and kept impressive company along the way.

The DUKES have played 24 symphonies and have 13 symphony charts of which four were premiered with the famed Boston POPS. The DUKES have recorded with a variety of musicians across genres, including The Oak Ridge Boys, Luther Kent and Moses Hogan’s Gloryland gospel group, which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2000.

They have 31 albums to their name, including two live from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Featuring a host of different talented musicians over time, The DUKES are one of the longest running acts at Jazz Fest with 46 appearances. The band has also appeared over the years on NBC’s Today Show, ESPN’s Monday Night Football and the HBO series, Treme.

“Over the last 50 years, our band has had a tremendous opportunity to do what we love, entertaining legions of music fans all over the world and in our own backyard in New Orleans where the world comes to visit,” said John Shoup, manager of The DUKES since 1974.

For a time, The DUKES had their own jazz club, DUKES PLACE, atop the historic Hotel Monteleone, through a deal they struck with the legendary Louis Prima. They also played a stint at Mahogony Hall.

With a repertoire of 400 songs, The DUKES have enriched the cultural history of New Orleans. Their impressive catalog and loyal fanbase have kept the band’s momentum at an all-time high as they continue to highlight the beauty and culture intertwined with the cultivation of jazz. These days, fans can enjoy The DUKES aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ’s dinner cruises, Tuesday-Sunday, 6-9 p.m.

For more information about The DUKES of Dixieland, visit dukesofdixieland.com.

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About The DUKES of Dixieland
Celebrating 50 years, The DUKES of Dixieland have performed New Orleans jazz around the world. Currently, they play Tuesday – Sunday, 6 to 9 p.m. on the Steamboat NATCHEZ and are available for private bookings.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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