Talkin’ Jazz with Fred Kasten: In Concert with Mark Braud at 419 Decatur St

Park Event · New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park · Aug 27, 2026 · 3:00 PM–4:00 PM

Talkin' Jazz with Fred Kasten: In Concert with Mark Braud Thursday at 3:00 pm At the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center 419 Decatur St, New Orleans.

Talkin' Jazz with Fred Kasten: In Concert is a captivating blend of interesting talk and great music featuring top jazz artists in New Orleans, hosted monthly by award-winning radio producer and interviewer Fred Kasten. This event will be a mix of interview and live performance.

Fred Kasten

Fred Kasten is an independent contributing radio producer/host at WWNO. After working at WWNO for over 20 years as an on-air talent, producer, and program director, Fred retired from full-time work in May of 2007. Fred is a native of Mobile, Alabama, a graduate of the University of Alabama, and a long-time resident of New Orleans. In addition to his work at WWNO, Fred develops independent audio projects from a home studio, producing radio features, commercials, and podcasts. Fred also does marketing and media consulting for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mark Braud

Mark Braud has been described as “the quintessence of the New Orleans spirit,” and the veteran trumpeter and vocalist indeed offers energetic, fresh spins on traditional New Orleans grooves. Born into a musical family (his uncle is the legendary trumpeter Wendell Brunious), Braud honed his chops in the city’s brass bands and studied at the University of New Orleans under Ellis Marsalis. He joined Harry Connick’s band in 2001, touring, recording, and performing in Connick’s Broadway show and his syndicated TV show, “Harry.”

Today, Braud is best known for his association with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which he led for eight years, and continues to perform with today. He has played with an all-star list of contemporary musical luminaries, ranging from the Marsalis family and the Treme Brass Band to the Foo Fighters, Mos’ Def, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Erykah Badu, and Tom Waits. He’s also appeared in movies and television shows such as “A Tuba to Cuba” and “NCIS: New Orleans.”

This program is free and open to the public.

Source: National Park Service (public domain).