Join us for a live performance and educational program held by LaDarrel Bell, 2025 Arty Award Winner and drummer for the Excelsior Band. Bell has prepared a special evening of tunes paying tribute to the value of women’s imprint in the realm of jazz. Musical highlights will include some of her favorites, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone, along with pieces that assisted her along her journey from Mobile’s Dunbar Magnet School to her spot in the legendary Excelsior Band.

LaDarrel is a proud Mobile native whose passion for music has shaped countless lives. She began her journey as a percussionist at Dunbar Creative and Performing Arts Magnet School. From there, her talent flourished through mentorships with Excelsior Band and E.B. Coleman Orchestra musicians. As a band member of Murphy High School marching band, LaDarrel performed in Alabama’s 1999 inauguration parade for Alabama Governor Donald Siegelman and the Limerick and Dublin Ireland’s 2000 St. Patrick’s Day parades!

Awarded a music scholarship, she continued her education at Faulkner State Community College and later receiving an additional music scholarship at Tennessee State University, where she was a proud member of the Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands, TSU Wind Ensemble, TSU Pep Band, and TSU Percussion Ensemble. Her talent led her to perform at NFL Tennessee Titans halftime shows as well as performing with the Nashville Symphony during their presentation of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess!

Returning to Mobile, her passion for music took on a new purpose of giving back. As a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with the Mobile Parks and Recreation Department, she helped establish Mobile’s first inclusive therapeutic youth marching band, Magnolia Breeze Youth Ensemble, offering music and dance opportunities to youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over the past 15 years, she has taught and mentored over 300 students, using music to empower and uplift.

In addition to teaching music, LaDarrel has performed with The Original Brass Band, The Olympia Brass Band, and The Gulf Coast Jazz & Blues Orchestra. She is the first female drummer to perform with the Excelsior Band, Mobile’s historical and National Endowment for the Arts Award recipient jazz band. As a dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Evangelic Church, she also serves as the drummer for four choirs, including our Trinity Male Chorus, Trinity Youth Choir, Trinity Gospel Choir, and Trinity Combined Choir.

On April 9th, 2025, LaDarrel was the Musical Artist recipient of an Arty Award presented by the Mobile Arts Council.

Admission by donation. The first 50 concert registrants will receive a free 2025 swag bag! Reserve your seats today!