UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium to welcome New Orleans jazz ensemble Tuba Skinny

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium is set to kick off its 2026-27 Kenan Auditorium Presents season with a performance by New Orleans-based traditional jazz ensemble Tuba Skinny.

Tuba Skinny will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, bringing its blend of traditional jazz, blues and other American roots music to Wilmington.

The ensemble draws inspiration from the streets and musical traditions of New Orleans, combining early jazz with jug band music, spirituals, country blues, string band music, ragtime and New Orleans R&B.

The band has built an international following over more than a decade, releasing 12 albums and touring throughout the world.

Its current lineup includes Shaye Cohn on cornet, Barnabus Jones on trombone, Todd Burdick on tuba, Craig Flory on clarinet, Gregory Sherman on guitar and vocals, Max Bien-Kahn on banjo, Robin Rapuzzi on washboard, and Erika Lewis on vocals and bass drum.

While the group has gained recognition for its traditional jazz performances, Tuba Skinny’s repertoire spans a broad range of early American musical styles.

The band also continues to perform as street musicians, maintaining its connection to the New Orleans communities where its musical journey began.

According to the group, busking allows its members to perform for people from different backgrounds while keeping their shows spontaneous and connected to the community.

Tuba Skinny’s performance at Kenan Auditorium is open to both longtime jazz fans and those new to the genre.

Tickets are available online through the UNCW Arts website.