re: Who are your favorite New Orleans jazz artists/bands?

For clarinet, give Evan Christopher a listen. Brass bands, try the Hot 8, Stooges Brass Band and the Dirty Dozen. . Trumpet, hard to beat Kermit but Irvin Mayfield (especially his recordings with the Latin group, Los Calientes; and the big band, New orleans Jazz Orchestra) is damn good. Delfeayo Marsalis has some great records out, and does a regular gig at Snug Harbor on Wed. nights with a big band. For vocals, got to go with John Boutte.
Also, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has issued some tremendous records lately; the new live one (St. Peter and W. 57th) and the benefit album (with numerous guest artists like Tom Waits, Steve Earle, Dr. John, etc.).