The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation (LAEF) and WBGO’s Kids Jazz Concert Series present world-renowned Jazz/Blues Vocalist Catherine Russell in Who is Louis Armstrong?, an entertaining, engaging and informative, family-friendly program, at The Newark Museum of Art this Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 1:00 pm. As the daughter of Luis Russell, Louis Armstrong’s longtime musical director, Catherine offers a personal connection to Armstrong’s revolutionary sound.
The free, not “for kids only” concert is also a program of New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s (NJPAC) annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival.
Russell is a native New Yorker, born into a musical family. Her father, Luis Russell was a legendary pianist/composer and bandleader; and Louis Armstrong's long-time musical director. Her mother Carline Ray, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, toured with the all-female swing orchestra "The International Sweetheart of Rhythm" in the late 1940s. She also worked with pianist/composer Mary Lou Williams.
“We are thrilled to once again join WBGO to bring jazz history to life for a new generation. Having Catherine Russell share the stories and songs of Louis Armstrong is an incredible gift. Through her father, she bridges the past and the future of this American art form in a way nobody else can,” said Jackie Harris, LAEF Executive Director.
By presenting Louis Armstrong’s messages of joy and inclusion is an up close and personal way to inspire the next wave of thinkers and creators to learn about, and maybe even perform, this great music,” added Kids concert producer, WBGO co-founder and NEA Jazz Master, Dorthaan Kirk.
WBGO’s Monifa Brown, host of Saturday Evening Jazz (6:00 – 10:00 pm), will serve as MC for the Kids Concert on Saturday.
