Posted on May 30, 2025
By Mandie Thompson
📚 A Night to Remember at the USA Marx Library
On May 29th, we were honored to attend the JAWSFest 2025 Book Launch Reception at the University of South Alabama’s Marx Library – Rodning Gallery. The event celebrated the release of Mr. Paris Makes a Mess: An Excelsior Band Murder Mystery by Willie Dinish III and Paula Webb, blending the magic of storytelling with the soul of live jazz.
✨ Book Launch Meets Jazz History
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from the authors, followed by a signing of their newly released murder mystery, which was loosely inspired by the historic Excelsior Band. This brass band, rooted in Mobile’s Mardi Gras traditions since 1883, added energy and authenticity to the evening by performing several songs live during the celebration.
👉 Grab the book here: Mr. Paris Makes a Mess on Amazon
🎺 Honoring the Excelsior Band
The Excelsior Band received signed copies of the book and took the time to meet with attendees, pose for photos, and reflect on their legendary journey. It was a powerful moment seeing fiction meet legacy, as the musicians held the book their stories helped inspire.
About the Band:
Formed in 1883, the Excelsior Band is known for leading Mardi Gras parades and performing traditional Dixieland jazz across the Gulf Coast. From weddings and conventions to funerals and festivals, they’ve remained a pillar of Mobile’s musical identity.
🔗 Learn more: excelsiorband1883.com
🛍️ Supporting the Arts Through Merch
We were proud to represent and sell Excelsior Band T-shirts, produced at cost to benefit the band directly. Every shirt sold helps preserve their musical legacy. Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative by visiting our booth!
🛒 Shop or donate: JAWSFestival.com Merchandise
📸 Event Highlights
Here are just a few standout moments from the evening:
- Engaging book discussions with authors and readers
- Live jazz by the Excelsior Band
- Smiles and sales at our merch table
- Community bonding over culture, music, and stories
Members of the Excelsior Band proudly holding their featured novel.
🎤 Upcoming JAWSFest Events
JAWSFest is just getting started! Don’t miss these upcoming shows:
🎶 Symone French and the Trouille Troupe
🕡 6:30 – 8:00 PM | 📍Marx Library Auditorium
🥁 LaDarrel Bell: Concert & Program
🕕 6:00 – 7:30 PM | 📍USA Marx Library Auditorium
Visit jawsfestival.com for the full lineup!
💜 Thank You for Celebrating With Us
Supporting the arts means more than buying a book—it’s about showing up, sharing stories, and lifting voices in our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported our booth, and danced to the rhythm of tradition.
🛍️ Shop all our bookish candles, shirts, and merch at: mandiethompson.com
#JAWSFest2025 #ExcelsiorBand #BookLaunch #JazzAndLit #MobileEvents #MandieThompsonAuthor #BookishMerch
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