Whether seen on HBO’s Treme or at their legendary Tuesday night gig at The Maple Leaf, Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band is a true New Orleans institution. Formed in 1983 by the Frazier brothers, the band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to playing festivals and stages all over the world. While committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands, they’ve also extended themselves into the realms of funk and hip-hop to create their signature sound. “Rebirth can be precise whenever it wants to,” says The New York Times, “but it’s more like a party than a machine. It’s a working model of the New Orleans musical ethos: as long as everybody knows what they’re doing, anyone can cut loose.” In the wake of the sometimes- stringent competition amongst New Orleans brass bands, Rebirth is the undisputed leader of the pack, and they show no signs of slowing down.  

Zahria Sims is a young saxophonist, composer, recording artist and bandleader who discovered her love for music at an early age. Zahria’s love for music and songwriting is a reflection of her upbringing; both her parents are musicians well versed in the gospel genre. Zahria is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and she is now based in New Orleans, Louisiana. She has immersed herself in the rich culture and musical heritage of the city and is excited about the future of its musical climate and how she will take part in that story. Zahria graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a degree in Music Industries. At Loyola, she participated in the Jazz Band, Contemporary Ensemble, and Concert Band. She has performed at major events and festivals such as New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the National Fried Chicken Festival, Gentilly Fest and performs a weekly residency at the Jazz Playhouse with a local band, Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Zahria founded The Zahria Sims Collective in 2019, an ensemble that focuses on Black American Music, which incorporates aspects traditionally associated with Jazz, Funk, Soul, and R&B. They play regularly in the Greater New Orleans area and are preparing to release their debut album. Sims leads her band while recording and performing with various bands as a freelance saxophonist throughout New Orleans and surrounding areas. Zahria has opened up for artists such as Kenny Garrett, Arturo Sandaval, and has performed and been mentored by artists like Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson, and Emmy and Grammy award-winner Michael Esneault and performed with the likes of Matt Wilson, Camille Thurman, Tia Fuller, Quiana Lynell and many more. Zahria was selected and performed as a member of the 2020 JEN Conference “Sisters in Jazz” Collegiate Combo, under the leadership of Tia Fuller. Sims recently completed a 10-day tour in Israel which she considered an impromptu blessing and an opportunity of lifetime. Sims serves as an assistant instructor at the Birch Creek Performing Arts Center in Door County, Wisconsin for their Jazz Summer Workshop. As an artist, performer, composer, educator, and band leader, Zahria is fulfilling her dream and purpose spreading joy, love, and peace through music.