{"id":230,"date":"2025-05-30T16:06:59","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T16:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mandiethompson.com\/?p=230"},"modified":"2025-05-30T16:06:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T16:06:59","slug":"%f0%9f%8e%b7-jawsfest-2025-book-launch-brass-bands-community-spirit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mandiethompson.com\/?p=230","title":{"rendered":"\ud83c\udfb7 JAWSFest 2025: Book Launch, Brass Bands & Community Spirit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Posted on May 30, 2025<\/strong>
By Mandie Thompson<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udcda A Night to Remember at the USA Marx Library<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On May 29th, we were honored to attend the JAWSFest 2025 Book Launch Reception<\/strong> at the University of South Alabama\u2019s Marx Library \u2013 Rodning Gallery. The event celebrated the release of Mr. Paris Makes a Mess: An Excelsior Band Murder Mystery<\/em> by Willie Dinish III and Paula Webb, blending the magic of storytelling with the soul of live jazz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2728 Book Launch Meets Jazz History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>. This brass band, rooted in Mobile\u2019s Mardi Gras traditions since 1883, added energy and authenticity to the evening by performing several songs live during the celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49 Grab the book here<\/strong>: Mr. Paris Makes a Mess on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfba Honoring the Excelsior Band<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Band:<\/strong>
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\u2019ve remained a pillar of Mobile’s musical identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udd17 Learn more: excelsiorband1883.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udecd\ufe0f Supporting the Arts Through Merch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We were proud to represent and sell Excelsior Band T-shirts, produced at cost<\/em> 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\uded2 Shop or donate: JAWSFestival.com Merchandise<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcf8 Event Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are just a few standout moments from the evening:<\/p>\n\n\n\n