Elders Sacred Talk Series with the Congo Square Preservation Society: Benny Jones and Zohar Israel

About this event

In 2023, NOMA and the Congo Square Preservation Society began collaborating on the Elders Sacred Talk Series, programs that celebrate the lives of prolific elder New Orleanians and provide visitors the opportunity

to learn firsthand about the impact they’ve had on the city. The Elders Sacred Talk Series complements the museum’s art making workshops and underscores the important role of storytelling in New Orleans.

For this Elders Sacred Talk program, join Benny Jones and Zohar Israel for a conversation, as well as a celebration honoring Big Chief “Al” & Big Queen Wanda Womble of the Cheyenne Hunters Mardi Gras Indian tribe.

This program is free with museum admission. No registration required.

Louisiana residents receive free admission to NOMA every Wednesday courtesy of The Helis Foundation. When you arrive at NOMA, check in at the admissions desk for directions to the Lapis Center for the Arts.

About the Speakers

Benny Jones

Benny Jones is a legendary snare drummer and a patriarch of the New Orleans brass band scene. He is the founder and leader of the Tremé Brass Band and co-founder of the Black Men of Labor Social Aid and Pleasure Club. Jones grew up in Faubourg Tremé and practiced playing drums on pots and pans. He was heavily influenced by the drummers in his family and neighborhood including his father, Chester Robert Jones, who played drums with the Eureka Brass Band among others; his brother, who played drums with a band on Bourbon Street; and, iconic drummers like Uncle Lionel Batiste, who also played with the Tremé Brass Band.

Before founding the Tremé Brass Band in the 1990s, he was a drummer with the Olympia Brass Band, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Chosen Few Brass Band. His current band is known for continuing traditional music styles and keeping traditional jazz funerals alive. He has dedicated his career to preserving, promoting and perpetuating the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans.

Zohar Israel

Zohar Israel, a native New Orleanian, is a multi-faceted artist and entrepreneur. His creative energies are expressed in his jewelry-making, sculpting, stilt-walking, costuming, and drumming. Additionally, he plays the kora, a classical African multi-stringed instrument. His art has been exhibited at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, The Neighborhood Gallery, Essence Festival and at the Contemporary Arts Center.

He is the founder of Free Spirit African Drum, Dance and Stiltwalkers, a company that has performed at festivals, schools, and universities. He and members of his company, which include his sons and grandchildren, have traveled widely, sharing their knowledge of traditional African cultures with audiences. “Baba Zohar”, as he is affectionately known, believes strongly in being the best he can at whatever task is at hand. He uses his art – whether it is sculpture, jewelry, drumming or playing the kora- to express his feelings about God, life and his people. The work he does in all these areas is crucial to preserving and promoting traditional cultures.

About Art Thrives

NOMA’s Art Thrives initiative presents creative aging programs designed to support visitors ages 55 and up. In addition to art-making workshops, courses, and opportunities for hands-on art- making, the Elders Sacred Talk Series is a platform for older adults to share their experiences with audiences of all ages.