Hearing Associates and KCMR 97.9 FM proudly present The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass at the North Iowa Community Auditorium on the NIACC campus at 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 29, 2026.  This presentation is part of the 2026-2027 NIACC Performing Arts & Leadership Series.

The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is America’s premier large brass ensemble. A group that always reflects the diverse makeup of men and women in the American culture, RMPBB is dedicated to the notion that music is a gift to be enjoyed by everyone.

The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is a family owned and operated business that had its beginnings on the streets of New Orleans. On the advice of family patriarch Ellis Marsalis, the group created a concert format that breaks the usual barriers between genres and strives to create a connection between the audience and performers.

The sound of Rodney’s trumpet has reverberated throughout the world. Whether playing baroque piccolo trumpet or interpreting works commissioned especially for him, his artistry has been enthusiastically enjoyed inside of the United States and in such countries as France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, England, Brazil, Greece, Rumania, Japan, Taiwan, China, and Korea. Music critics have praised him from Fanfare Magazine, American Record Guide, Records International Catalog, and other international publications for his evocative interpretation, impeccable virtuosity, and beauty of sound.

A graduate of one of the world’s leading conservatories, The Curtis Institute of Music, Rodney Marsalis has worked under the guidance of world-renowned conductors such as Leonard Bernstein, Michael Tilson Thomas, Gerard Schwarz, James DePreist, Jesus Lopez – Cobos, and Christopher Hogwood.

Mr. Marsalis was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he began his musical studies at the age of six. When he was eleven years of age, he began taking classical trumpet lessons with his cousin, Wynton Marsalis. Referred to as a “trumpet prodigy,” his solo debut was at the age of fifteen with the New Orleans Symphony. After having won various solo competitions, he received national attention at the age of nineteen, performing as a soloist with John Williams conducting the Boston Pops Orchestra.

“No one plays absolutely beautifully all the time… unless you’re my cousin Rodney.” – Wynton Marsalis

To learn more about this performance, visit RMPBB.com.

For tickets to the show, call the NIACC Box Office at 641-422-4188.  Tickets may also be purchased online at www.niacc.edu/boxoffice.

The Broadway Sponsor for the 2026-2027 Performing Arts and Leadership Series is DR. TOM JOHNSTON IN MEMORY OF PATRICIA JOHNSTON.

Platinum Sponsors include: G.G. GEORGE FAMILY, JOYCE NIELSEN IN MEMORY OF JACK NIELSEN, MASON CITY CLINIC P.C., NSB BANK

Gold Sponsors include: CURRIES – ASSA ABLOY, FIRST CITIZENS BANK, FIRST STATE BANK OF BELMOND, THE HANSON FAMILY FOUNDATION & MBT BANK, HENKEL CONSTRUCTION, NORTH IOWA EYE CLINIC, SAM & DEB HUNT, SUKUP MANUFACTURING CO., DRS. DOUGLAS & MELISSA SUMMERFIELD, and
DRS. SANDEEP BHANGOO & SOLOMON ONDOMA OF NEUROSURGERY OF NORTH IOWA.

In-Kind Sponsors include: COUNTRY INN & SUITES, FOX 103.7, GLOBE GAZETTE, HEARING ASSOCIATES, KCMR RADIO, KGLO AM, KIMT-TV, and VISIT MASON CITY

Jared Barnes

NIACC Performing Arts & Leadership Series Director

Phone: (641) 422-4253

Email: jared.barnes@niacc.edu

Website: www.niacc.edu/pals

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The mission of North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is to enrich lives through comprehensive educational opportunities, a commitment to learner success, community engagement, and leadership. Founded in 1918, NIACC is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa. With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation. Become a NIACC Trojan today at https://www.niacc.edu/apply-mkt/.