Kermit Ruffins

Kermit Ruffins is a renowned jazz trumpeter and vocalist known for his New Orleans sound and engaging performances. After co-founding the influential Rebirth Brass Band in 1983, Kermit Ruffins established himself as a celebrated jazz trumpeter and vocalist known for his quintessential New Orleans sound and engaging performances. The Rebirth Brass Band, modeled after the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, quickly gained recognition through regular gigs at The Glass House and extensive national and international tours. Ruffins contributed significantly to the band’s repertoire with compositions including ‘Do Whatcha Wanna’ and ‘Put Your Right Foot Forward’ during his ten-year tenure, honing his skills as a performer and composer, and expanding his musical role to include vocals, drawing inspiration from figures like Louis Armstrong.

In 1992, Ruffins formed his own acclaimed group, the Barbecue Swingers, a traditional jazz quintet that has performed for over 25 years. This ensemble became renowned for its lively performances, often featuring Ruffins cooking barbecue for the audience during his sets, seamlessly merging his dual passions for music and culinary arts. The Barbecue Swingers held popular weekly gigs at Vaughan’s Bar in Bywater, the venue where his 2007 album, ‘Live at Vaughan’s,’ was recorded. Ruffins released his debut solo album, ‘World on a String,’ in 1993 on the Justice label, which included collaborations with musicians like Ellis Marsalis.

His most recent album, ‘A Beautiful World,’ was released in 2017. Ruffins remains deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of New Orleans, performing regularly in the city and on tour, and frequently participating in local ceremonies. He has also engaged in club ownership, operating Kermit’s Treme Speakeasy and briefly Ernie K-Doe’s Mother-in-Law Lounge, solidifying his multifaceted impact on the city’s vibrant music and entertainment landscape.