Evan Christopher, known for his contemporary approach to the venerable New Orleans clarinet tradition, presents a tricentennial-themed program. Special guests, in town for the Fest, include drummer/composer and Louisiana native Donald Edwards and 6-string cognoscente Matt Munisteri. Local stalwarts Paul Longstreth (piano) and David Pulphus (bass) complete the rhythm section for muscular, yet acoustic, renderings of classics and originals. Christopher, a 2018 nominee for "clarinetist of the year" by the Jazz Journalism Association, stands out for his dynamic exploration of traditional New Orleans music. Critics have recognized his commitment to extending his instrument's legacy as "a triumph, joining the present seamlessly to a glorious past" (THE OBSERVER, U.K.) and have remarked on his predilection for acoustic presentations coining his style "close-encounter music" (NEW YORK TIMES).