Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Celebration with Kirk Andrés Wilson

We’re turning up the New Orleans flavor and soulful jazz vibes for one epic Fat Tuesday party. Kirk Andrés Wilson, an acclaimed jazz artist hailing from New Orleans, will lead the night with his band – bringing authentic Crescent City sound straight to Newport Beach. This is a ticketed event, so grab your tickets and laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll)!

A Night of New Orleans Soul – Food, Drinks & Music
Classic $7 Hurricane cocktails all night long!
Get ready to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of New Orleans right here in Newport Beach. Campus JAX is famed for its California-Cajun menu – a culinary journey from Lafayette, Louisiana to Orange County. Indulge in Cajun-Creole favorites like rich gumbo, spicy voodoo pasta, and our signature JACKshrimp with the legendary JACKsauce, all expertly crafted to transport you to the French Quarter. Sip on a $7 Hurricane and you’ll feel the Mardi Gras spirit in every corner.
While you feast on these authentic flavors, live music will electrify the atmosphere. Campus JAX is Orange County’s most intimate performing arts supper club, renowned for nightly live entertainment – and on this Fat Tuesday, we’re pulling out all the stops. Kirk Andrés Wilson and his band will serenade you with soulful jazz, blues, and R&B tunes dripping with New Orleans mojo. From upbeat Dixieland and Zydeco rhythms to bluesy grooves and gospel touches, Kirk’s repertoire covers it all. Close your eyes and you might think you’re on Frenchmen Street in NOLA, with a second-line parade about to roll by!
This Mardi Gras extravaganza at Campus JAX promises dinner, drinks, and a show like no other. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate Fat Tuesday with us – wear your beads (we'll supply if you forget), bring your friends! It’s not just an event; it’s a full-on Big Easy experience blending our unique New Orleans-inspired cuisine with the genuine Louisiana soul of Kirk Andrés Wilson’s music. Let the jazz and jambalaya warm your soul on March 17th. Secure your tickets now for a Fat Tuesday party you’ll be talking about until next Mardi Gras!

About Kirk Andrés Wilson
Kirk Andrés Wilson is a vibrant jazz artist and consummate performer born and raised near New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up immersed in the rich musical heritage of the region – from the soul of gospel (his family’s gospel group) to the swinging jazz of the French Quarter. This authentic upbringing endowed Kirk with a deep, soulful sound in every note he plays. His baritone voice and charismatic piano/guitar talent have been delighting audiences for years, often moving listeners of all ages to tap their feet and dance along.
Kirk’s musical achievements speak for themselves. His rendition of “What a Wonderful World” even soared to #9 on the Billboard Top 100 Singles chart, putting him on the national radar. His debut album “My Love” is distributed internationally, enchanting jazz and soul fans worldwide. A true showman, Kirk has performed for distinguished figures like the Governor of California and the Mayor of Los Angeles, and he’s shared the stage with music legends including Stevie Wonder and Ray Parker Jr.. He honed his craft with formal jazz studies (earning a full scholarship for double majors in piano and guitar) under mentors like the late Ellis Marsalis and Alvin Batiste, further blending academic mastery with his natural New Orleans feel.
On stage, Kirk Andrés Wilson channels the essence of New Orleans. His band became a regular attraction at Downtown Disneyland, where they wowed crowds with everything from ragtime and swing to Cajun and blues. Whether he’s delivering a fiery bebop solo or crooning a soulful ballad, Kirk connects with his audience on a personal level. His performances are often described as filled with “musical synergy and spirit of excitement” that leave audiences uplifted. As a composer and producer, he’s even lent his talents to Hollywood, contributing to film soundtracks (such as Will Ferrell’s Semi-Pro) and recording one of the theme songs for the 2028 Olympics.
In short, Kirk Andrés Wilson brings world-class talent with true New Orleans roots. His presence at Campus JAX on Fat Tuesday guarantees an evening of authentic jazz, blues, and soul – the perfect soundtrack to your Mardi Gras celebration. Kirk’s warm stage presence and masterful musicianship will make you feel like you’ve traveled to a lively Bourbon Street jazz club, all without leaving Orange County.

About Dmitry Gorodetsky (Bass)
Joining Kirk on stage is Dmitry Gorodetsky on bass, anchoring the band with smooth and grooving bass lines. Dmitry is a Los Angeles-based bassist with an international pedigree – born in Russia and raised in the US – and a resume that reads like a who’s who of the music industry. By age 14 he was already playing professional gigs, and he has since become one of the most in-demand bass players around. Dmitry’s versatility spans jazz, funk, R&B, pop and beyond, which is why you’ll find him equally comfortable laying down funky Mardi Gras-style grooves or soulful R&B bass lines.
You may have heard Dmitry’s bass without even realizing it. He has toured or recorded with an array of superstar artists – from pop and R&B icons like Charlie Puth, Christina Aguilera, Lauryn Hill, and John Legend, to hip-hop legend Nas and soul divas like Ledisi and Fantasia. His massive list of credits also includes working with Wyclef Jean, TLC, Eric Benet, Rita Ora, and many more. In addition to global tours across Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, Dmitry has appeared on major TV shows (Good Morning America, The Ellen Show, The Voice, etc.) laying down the bass for millions of viewers.
On Fat Tuesday, Dmitry’s rich experience and deep pocket will bring authentic depth to the music. Whether it’s a walking jazz bass line or a funky second-line rhythm from New Orleans, he delivers it all with virtuosity and passion. Expect Dmitry’s bass to thump, groove, and make the whole room move. With his world-class talent on stage, the rhythm section will be unstoppable, ensuring that the Mardi Gras beats at Campus JAX are as tight as a New Orleans brass band.

About Alex Bailey (Drums)
On drums, Alex Bailey will be driving the Mardi Gras rhythms with explosive energy and finesse. Alex is an internationally renowned, GRAMMY®-nominated drummer and multi-instrumentalist, celebrated for his dynamic playing and musicality. Hailing from Kansas City and trained in the church from a young age, Alex brings a heartfelt groove to every performance. He was selected for the prestigious Gibson/Baldwin Grammy High School Jazz Band as a teen, earned a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, and graduated with a degree in Performance – so his technical chops are second to none.
In 2015, Alex’s career skyrocketed when he joined the band of legendary Grammy-winning bassist Marcus Miller. Touring globally with Miller, Alex has captivated audiences at major jazz festivals and venues around the world. He even played on Miller’s album “Laid Black,” which received a Grammy nomination. Beyond jazz, Alex’s versatility shines – he’s worked with artists across genres and even contributed to film soundtracks (you can hear his drumming on the Chadwick Boseman film Marshall).
On Fat Tuesday, Alex’s drumming will bring the heartbeat of New Orleans to Campus JAX. Whether it’s the infectious second-line parade rhythms, funky syncopated beats, or swinging jazz grooves, Alex can do it all. His style combines the solid pocket of an R&B drummer with the improvisational flair of a jazz virtuoso. Expect thrilling drum solos and a driving rhythm that will keep the crowd dancing in their seats (or in the aisles!). With Alex Bailey behind the kit, the band’s energy will be through the roof – perfectly capturing the joyous, celebratory spirit of Mardi Gras.
Don’t miss this powerhouse trio – Kirk Andrés Wilson and his band featuring Dmitry Gorodetsky on bass and Alex Bailey on drums – as they transform Campus JAX into a slice of New Orleans for one special Fat Tuesday night. Come for the incredible live music, stay for the mouthwatering Cajun cuisine and Mardi Gras cocktails, and revel in a soulful New Orleans atmosphere that only Campus JAX and these superb musicians can create together. This Mardi Gras event will be the ultimate Fat Tuesday experience in Orange County – we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Get your tickets now and let the good times roll at Campus JAX’s Fat Tuesday Celebration with Kirk Andrés Wilson’s band – an evening of music, food, and festivity you won’t soon forget.