Kanola Band & Kanola Jazz

Kanola Band is a joyful, high-energy 7-piece ensemble that brings the spirit of New Orleans to life. With bold brass, soulful vocals, and grooves that make it impossible to sit still, we cover everything from traditional jazz and second-line to funk, soul, gospel, and R&B. More than just a band, we share the stories and culture behind the music, honoring the Crescent City’s rich legacy while creating unforgettable moments of joy, connection, and celebration. Every show is a taste of New Orleans—full of heart, soul, and good vibes.

We aim to remind everyone that music is a universal language that connects us all. Kanola Band specializes in bringing joy and celebration to audiences as we engage their hearts, minds, bodies, and voices at different points in the show (when appropriate for the event).

Whether you're looking for a groovin' New Orleans band, a brass-filled second line, a straight-ahead jazz quintet playing standards, or a Roaring 20's "Great Gatsby" sound - we've got you!
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ABOUT KANOLA BAND - NEW ORLEANS VIBES
Laissez les bon temps rouler! New Orleans-inspired soul, brass, & grooves from jazz to funk. High-energy, authentic, unforgettable vibes!

Kanola Band is more than a band, it’s a musical journey through the heart of New Orleans. With deep reverence for the city’s unmatched cultural legacy, this high-energy ensemble brings to life the music that has defined the Crescent City for generations.

From early jazz and second-line brass to funk, soul, gospel, and rhythm & blues, their
repertoire spans over a century of New Orleans music - across genres, across decades. But they don’t just play the music. They bring it to life with stories, context, and insight. At every performance, audiences are invited not just to dance and celebrate—but to listen, learn, and connect. Each song is an opportunity to highlight the lives of the artists who made it famous, the neighborhoods that shaped its sound, and the cultural traditions that gave rise to it all.

Whether reimagining the soulful grooves of Fats Domino, channeling the joyful spirit of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, or celebrating the resilience of the Mardi Gras Indian tradition, Kanola Band is dedicated to spreading joy and honoring the deep roots of New Orleans music. Their concerts are equal parts celebration and education - designed to uplift audiences and remind us that music is not just entertainment; it’s a universal language that connects us all.

Check out their video to see show highlights and reviews!
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ABOUT KANOLA JAZZ - CLASSIC JAZZ BAND
Kanola Jazz Quintet delivers timeless jazz with style and sophistication. Featuring a lineup of top-tier musicians, the group performs classic standards from the Great American Songbook - from swinging bebop and cool jazz to elegant ballads. Whether creating the perfect backdrop for a cocktail hour or taking center stage in a listening room, the quintet brings warmth, class, and impeccable musicianship to every performance.

Kanola Jazz performs in multiple configurations. Below are the main groups, but they can vary depending on the needs of the event:

- FULL KANOLA JAZZ QUINTET: Trumpet, Vocals, Piano or Guitar, Bass, Drums

- INSTRUMENTAL QUARTET: Trumpet, Piano or Guitar, Bass, Drums
- INSTRUMENTAL TRIO: Trumpet, Piano or Guitar, Bass
- INSTRUMENTAL DUO: Trumpet, Piano or Guitar

- VOCAL QUARTET: Vocals, Piano or Guitar, Bass, Drums
- VOCAL TRIO: Vocals, Piano or Guitar, Bass
- VOCAL DUO: Vocals, Piano or Guitar

If you have your heart set on a saxophonist or some other musical configuration, they've got that too.

Check out their videos to see various configurations in action!
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ABOUT KANOLA'S 1920'S GREAT GATSBY STYLE BAND
Kanola Jazz Quintet transports audiences straight to the Roaring Twenties with the irresistible sound of hot jazz and swing. From the lively rhythms of the Charleston to the timeless elegance of Cole Porter and Duke Ellington, their music captures the sparkle and sophistication of the Jazz Age. Perfect for Gatsby-style parties and vintage-themed events, the quintet delivers an authentic 1920s soundtrack that keeps the champagne flowing and the dance floor alive.
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Kanola's two home bases are in Savannah, GA and Kalamazoo, MI, but they travel nationwide!

We are consummate professionals and will work to customize everything about our presentation to serve the needs of your event. We have a great deal of flexibility and will bring our expertise and experience to help you curate the perfect experience for your people!

For stage-based performances, we have a technical rider and a stage plot available.