Jazz pianist Kristofer Tokarski moved to New Orleans to complete a Master's degree at the University of New Orleans. Shortly after moving to the Cradle of Jazz he embraced the early piano traditions of the Crescent City, as well as those of the northeast where he grew up. A keen interest in the music of Jelly Roll Morton (b. Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe), James P. Johnson, and Teddy Wilson, combined with his bebop roots, allowed Tokarski to develop an all-encompassing voice of his own, deeply rooted in the jazz piano tradition. Tonight he pays tribute to New Orleans music icon known as the pinoeer of 1920s jazz, Jelly Roll Morton , on what would have been the father of ragtime's 129th birthday. The Kristofer Tokarski Trio tonight features: Kris Tokarski - piano Tim Laughlin - clarinet Benny Amon - drums