Culture bearers & community leaders

Desiree’ is a native New Orleanian whose life and work are deeply rooted in the rich cultural and musical traditions of the city—especially its enduring jazz legacy. Alongside her father, she helped curate one of the first exhibits at the New Orleans Jazz Museum in its early days, contributing to the preservation and celebration of the music that has shaped the soul of the city. This early experience cemented her lifelong commitment to honoring and sharing New Orleans’ cultural heritage.

Today, Ms Edwards serves as Executive Director of the Louis Armstrong Foundation, Inc., based in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she continues to champion arts, education, and community engagement. A woman of many talents, she is a successful author, licensed tour guide, dynamic actress, motivational speaker, and accomplished vocalist—each role reflecting her passion for storytelling and performance.

Her signature “Yes I Can Succeed” workshops have inspired students around the world, encouraging young people to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams with confidence. As a proud grandmother of three, Desiree’ embodies resilience, creativity, and the spirit of New Orleans—standing as a powerful example of how dedication and cultural pride can transform challenges into lasting success.

Craig Klein, a true New Orleans native, has been immersed in the city’s music culture since childhood, carrying forward the rich traditions of jazz with both passion and purpose. His trombone journey began in high school, inspired by the iconic sounds of Preservation Hall, setting him on a path that would connect him to generations of New Orleans musicians.

Over the years, Craig has been a driving force in the local music scene—joining the Pair-A-Dice Tumblers, co-founding The Storyville Stompers in 1981 and the Grammy Award-winning New Orleans Nightcrawlers in 1994, and helping shape the city’s brass band revival. In 1990, he began a 16-year run touring and recording with Harry Connick, Jr., before stepping away in 2006 to focus on Bonerama, an innovative brass ensemble known for its powerful, trombone-driven sound. The Nightcrawlers’ name itself was born spontaneously during a late-night recording session at Toulouse Cabaret—just one example of the organic spirit that defines Craig’s career.

Beyond the stage and studio, Craig is deeply committed to preserving and passing on New Orleans’ musical heritage. Through educational programs, performances, and community engagement, he shares the history, traditions, and living culture of jazz with students, locals, and visitors alike—ensuring that the music and its stories continue to inspire future generations.

Craig’s extensive discography spans more than 150 recordings, including his solo work New Orleans Trombonisms (2004) and Talkative Horns (2020), a heartfelt tribute to his friend and fellow trombonist Lucien Barbarin. Throughout his career, he has performed alongside legends such as Dr. John, The Neville Brothers, and Allen Toussaint, solidifying his place as both a steward and innovator of New Orleans music.