Partnership between New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO), The New Orleans Hornets and Irvin Mayfield's I Club will Enhance the Musical Game

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
Media Contacts:
Ann Wills for Irvin Mayfield's I Club
504-299-7168
awills@keatingmagee.com

Lindsey Mitchell, New Orleans Hornets
504-593-4830
lindseym@hornets.com

"INSPIRED TO PLAY"
Partnership between New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO), The New Orleans Hornets and Irvin Mayfield's I Club will Enhance the Musical Game
Experience for all Hornets Fans
Local Music Performances to Bring Even More Pride to the Hive

NEW ORLEANS (December 20, 2011) - The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO), the New Orleans Hornets and Irvin Mayfield's I Club, today announced the "Inspired to Play" partnership which will help promote New Orleans music while enhancing the game night experience for all Hornets fans.

Starting with the team's preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 21, the Hornets will feature a house band featuring a rotating core of local music artists who will play throughout each game on a dedicated courtside stage known as the "Irvin Mayfield's I Club Stage". Fans will also see pre-recorded messages and performances by local artists on the Arena's video screens during the games.

The official start of "Inspired to Play" will take place at the opening game against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, December 28, and will feature a special introduction from Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and Artistic Director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO), Irvin Mayfield. After performing the national anthem, Mayfield will introduce the band to kickoff player introductions with an original Hornets "theme song" written especially by him for The Hornets. The band will also perform during the halftime show that same evening.

"It continues to be our goal to build a team that our city can be proud of and that includes providing the best game entertainment in the NBA," said Hornets President Hugh Weber. "What better way to accomplish that goal than utilize the talents of world-class artists right here in our community? We are excited to celebrate each game night with the artistic and cultural richness that makes this one of the most livable and loveable cities in the world."

NOJO is recruiting New Orleans musicians (musicians must be from New Orleans or currently living here) to create a database of 300 songs (existing and original) that will be used for in-arena music during the Hornets games and even local radio and TV broadcasts.

"Music is the #1 brand of New Orleans; our culture fosters the environment that will keep such a great NBA team here," said Mayfield. "Our goal is to enhance the musical experience at Hornets games by investing in the musicians - both young and experienced - who make this city great."

After each Hornets home game, fans will also receive complimentary entry into Irvin Mayfield's I Club with the presentation of their game ticket from that evening. The I Club is located inside the JW Marriott® New Orleans at 614 Canal Street. It is open nightly, Wednesday through Saturday, with live music starting at 8:00 p.m.

Musicians interested in participating, should contact Stephanie Mayne, Director of Programming at NOJO at 504-862-3531 or smayne@thenojo.com.

About New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra is a performing-arts organization whose goal is to strengthen the business of Jazz through performances, touring, recordings, education and media platforms. Founded in 2002 by trumpeter, composer, arranger and bandleader Irvin Mayfield, NOJO's mission is to inspire freedom and culture in the individual and the global community by creating authentic, engaging Jazz experiences, while celebrating the origins and transforming the future of Jazz. For more information, please visit www.TheNOJO.com.

About Irvin Mayfield's I Club at the JW Marriott Hotel
Irvin Mayfield's I Club is an upscale, luxurious destination that delivers true New Orleans music and a sophisticated night on the town for discerning guests. Located in the former Henri restaurant, the bi-level music venue attracts a diverse mix of The Accomplished, both locals and visitors, from the worlds of business, art, politics, media, fashion, sports and celebrity. With top-tiered musical talent, fine food, exquisite beverages, and stellar service, the I Club delivers a uniquely memorable, world-class experience. For more information call Irvin Mayfield's I Club at (504)-527-6712 or visit www.iclubneworleans.com.

###