Final Rehearsal For LOUIS: Ready To Perform In Santa Barbara
Marsalis wraps final LOUIS rehearsal in low-light, set for Santa Barbara May 17 Live Now!

Image: Instagram
On the third and final day of preparation, renowned jazz maestro Wynton Marsalis and his ensemble completed the last rehearsal for the live silent film soundtrack performance of LOUIS. The team ran a full-scale test under concert conditions with dimmed lights to ensure every element—from the screen’s readability to the timing of the live music—was in perfect sync. The anticipation is palpable as the performance gears up for its debut at The Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara on May 17.
Rehearsal Highlights
The rehearsal was carried out in conditions closely resembling those of the actual performance. Marsalis’s crew dimmed the stage lights to confirm that all low-light projections and texts were easily legible. This meticulous test is part of a series of rehearsals that have been ongoing as the ensemble fine-tunes their interpretation of both classic and original pieces. In a recent Instagram update, Marsalis noted, “Third and final day of rehearsal for LOUIS today. We ran a test in concert conditions—dimmed the lights to check the screen and make sure we could read everything in low light. We’re ready to start performing!” This statement underscores the precision and commitment of the team as they gear up for the live event.
Performance Prep And Tour Details
The excitement around the project is not confined to the rehearsal space alone. The upcoming performance in Santa Barbara marks the first stop of a tour that promises a unique blend of cinematic and musical artistry. Fans of Marsalis’s work can expect an immersive experience where the silent film LOUIS is brought to life by live jazz interpretations. The tour schedule, available on wyntonmarsalis.org/tour, reflects Marsalis’s dedication to merging visual storytelling with his signature sound. The Arlington Theatre, an iconic venue, will set the stage for this memorable concert experience.
Drawing from prior rehearsals documented on Marsalis’s Instagram, the project LOUIS has been developing over several intensive rehearsal days. Earlier posts revealed that the ensemble spent two days in San Rafael, aligning the live soundtrack cues with the moving images of the silent film. Those sessions featured not only original compositions but also nods to eminent jazz figures such as Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Moreau Gottschalk. The collaborative spirit spans across the team, with celebrated pianist Cecile Licad adding her extraordinary touch to the performances, ensuring that both classical and jazz traditions are honored.
The Jazz Maestro’s Legacy
Beyond the immediate excitement of the rehearsal, Marsalis’s storied career adds an extra layer of gravitas to the event. As documented in widely available biographical sources, Wynton Marsalis is one of the most influential figures in modern jazz. His precision, artistry, and tireless work ethic have set a benchmark in the music world. With numerous awards and accolades under his belt, Marsalis’s foray into synchronizing live music with silent film continues to push creative boundaries, marrying historical reverence with contemporary ingenuity. His approach to this project is a reminder of why both fans and critics hold his work in such high regard.
Stage Set For A Unique Experience
The detailed planning behind this production is evident in every test and rehearsed segment. The dimmed lighting not only creates the right mood for the audience but also ensures compatibility with the visual projections that accompany the performance. As Marsalis’s team checks every detail, from screen readability to acoustic balance, they reinforce the notion that a live performance is a carefully choreographed interplay of art and technology. This attention to detail is expected to translate into an experience that feels both intimate and expansive, capturing the magic inherent in live theatre and jazz performance alike.
Marsalis’s commitment is further underscored by his consistent social media updates. Whether it is the rehearsal in San Rafael or the upcoming stop in Santa Barbara, each post offers a peek into the exhaustive planning that goes into the production. The excitement among his followers is evident, and preparations continue at a steady pace as the performance date approaches.
For those following his journey, this final rehearsal is the culmination of weeks of hard work—a final test run before the curtain rises. With the musicians locked in and technical details resolved, all eyes now turn to The Arlington Theatre for what promises to be a thrilling live event. The LOUIS project exemplifies the spirit of innovation in live performance and stands as a testament to Marsalis’s unwavering dedication to jazz and the arts.
The live soundtrack performance of LOUIS is set to be a milestone for both the artist and his audience, blending tradition with a fresh perspective that only Marsalis can deliver.

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