New Orleans will gather to honor one of its most beloved vocalists as “The First Lady of Song,” Germaine Bazzle, celebrates her 94th birthday with a special evening of music and community.

Set for Thursday, April 2, 2026, the birthday celebration will take place at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center (1225 N. Rampart Street) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Billed as “An Evening with Family & Friends for Germaine Bazzle,” the program will feature a lineup of standout local musicians and longtime collaborators, including Derek Douget, Herlin Riley, Peter Harris, David Torkanowsky, Ashlin Parker, Oscar Rossignoli, Simon Lott, Jason Stewart, Ricky Sebastian, James Jordan, Glandey, Jason Patterson, and more.

A revered educator and performer, Bazzle’s impact on the New Orleans music community spans generations. Known for her warmth, elegance, and unmistakable voice, she has mentored countless musicians while maintaining an active performance career well into her 90s.

A Xavier University-trained music educator, Germaine Bazzle began her career in the classroom before stepping into performance. While teaching in Thibodaux in the early 1950s, she was recruited to play bass with the Earl Foster Combo, launching a dual path as both educator and musician. After more than a decade teaching, she returned home to New Orleans’ Seventh Ward, where she transitioned into a full-time jazz vocalist, performing in Black-owned clubs across the city during the golden era of late-night live music. Though she didn’t initially set out to become a singer, Bazzle’s career evolved organically—and she has remained a dedicated educator alongside her more than 50-year legacy as an entertainer.

“One night, I decided I wanted to hear some good live jazz. I went to this club called Holly’s, and the drummer, the leader of the group that was going to perform, said, ‘Hey Germaine, you want a gig?’ I said, ‘When?’ He said, ‘Right now.’” She laughs. “That’s how it always happened with the performing. Still, it’s not the biggest thing in my life. I didn’t set out to do this, but I do it,” she told OffBeat in 1999.

The Germaine Bazzle celebration is presented with support from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, along with contributions from family, friends, and community partners.

Guests are invited to “come share her joy and love” for what promises to be a heartfelt tribute to a living legend of New Orleans music.