NICKEL-A-DANCE: Tribute to Ronell Johnson with Craig Klein & Friends
Sun, Oct 04
|Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro
Known for his generosity, humor, and extraordinary musicianship, Johnson, /aka/ "Roobone" to those close to him, made a lasting contribution to the New Orleans jazz and brass band tradition, and was a regular featured musician at Nickel-A-Dance for many years.
Time & Location
Oct 04, 2026, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM CDT
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, 626 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
About The Event
Ronell Johnson was a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist specializing in Traditional New Orleans Jazz. While trombone was his principal instrument, he was also highly proficient on tuba, piano, and organ. Born and raised in New Orleans, Ronell began learning music on trumpet and piano at the age of six. His music career began at age 12, performing professionally on organ, piano, trombone, and tuba. International travels began at age 15, with several New Orleans bands including his own family band Coolbone.
While having learned from many great New Orleans trombonists, Ronell's style of playing was greatly influenced by legendary jazz trombonist James "Trummy" Young of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Band, and incorporates a technique of “tailgate” playing, developed by famed New Orleans jazz trombonist Kid Ory. He and his three older brothers, also professional musicians, are the great-nephews of Joseph “Kid Twat” Butler, who was the bass player with the legendary…