Instruments A Comin' | 04.27 | New Orleans

Words & Images by: Dino Perrucci

Instruments A Comin' :: 04.27.09 :: Tipitina's :: New Orleans, LA

Theresa Andersson & Big Sam :: 04.27 Tip's

Immediately following the first weekend of Jazz Fest, New Orleans welcomed the 8th Annual "Instruments A Comin'" benefit. If you're not familiar with the event it is always held the Monday between weekends of Jazz Fest at Tipitina's. While the music lineup traditionally makes it one of the best nights of the year, this event is really all about the cause. The Tipitina's Foundation works year round in its mission to "uplift the musical community of New Orleans & Louisiana and to insure that every child has the means to play music." On this special night, all of the proceeds from the concert, as well as the silent auction, go towards instruments for local schools. To date Instruments A Comin' has generated over a million dollars worth of instruments to insure that the musical heritage of New Orleans stays alive.

As always, the evening began outside on Napoleon Avenue with several marching bands. Roots of Music with Derek Tab (Rebirth Brass Band), L.E. Rabouin High Marching Band and Carver High Marching Band all strutted their stuff for the early crowd.

Inside the night got started with Donald Harrison Jr. and the T.I.P. Interns. I cannot say enough about what Mr. Harrison means to this program and how much he continues to give of himself to these very lucky students. T.I.P. or the Tipitina's Internship Program offers a small number of internships to New Orleans based high school musicians. These kids get to improve their skills in performing, recording, producing and other facets of the music business.

The rest of the lineup featured a cast of New Orleans finest including Rebirth Brass Band, Galactic with special guests Theryl "Houseman" DeClouet, Zigaboo Modeliste and Corey Henry, The Chilluns (featuring Annie Clements of Sugarland, Cranston Clements of Twangorama, Dave Malone of The Radiators, Johnny Malone, Darcy Malone, Spencer Bohren and Andre Bohren of Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes), Ivan Neville, Ian Neville, George Porter Jr. and Russell Batiste, Soul Rebels, Big Sam's Funky Nation with special guest Theresa Andersson, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Ave and Walter "Wolfman" Washington & the Roadmasters.

Another annual part of the event is the induction into Tipitina's Walk of Fame. This year the honor went to Galactic. Long time local favorites, Galactic have played countless sold out shows at Tipitina's, including many New Year's Eve and Lundi Gras shows. With a heartfelt introduction from MC David Kunian and a pop of the champagne bottle Galactic became forever enshrined in the lore of Tipitina's.

The music itself provided many highlights - Galactic and Houseman reunited, Stanton and Zigaboo on double drums and a roof raising set from Rebirth Brass Band, among them. With so many great choices during Jazz Fest this show always stands out for not only the top talent but for the great cause it benefits. More so in New Orleans than most other places, music is passed down from generation to generation. The mission of keeping instruments available to the children who want to learn is crucial to the future of New Orleans and its unique culture.

It's not too late to donate to the Tipitina's Foundation here.

Roots of Music Marching Band

L.E. Rabouin High Marching Band

L.E. Rabouin High Marching Band

L.E. Rabouin High Marching Band

George Washington Carver High Marching Band

Galactic inducted into Tipitina's Walk of Fame

Galactic inducted into Tipitina's Walk of Fame

Galactic inducted into Tipitina's Walk of Fame

Donald Harrison Jr. & The T.I.P. Interns

Donald Harrison Jr. & The T.I.P. Interns

Donald Harrison Jr. & The T.I.P. Interns

The Chilluns

The Chilluns

The Chilluns

Dave Malone with The Chilluns

Galactic

Galactic

Zigaboo Modeliste with Galactic

Theryl "Houseman" DeClouet with Galactic

Ivan Neville

Nocentelli, Ian Neville, Batiste Jr., Porter Jr.

Ian Neville & Russell Batiste Jr.

Big Sam

Big Sam's Funky Nation

Big Sam

Theresa Andersson

Rebirth Brass Band

Rebirth Brass Band

Rebirth Brass Band

Soul Rebels Brass Band

Soul Rebels Brass Band

Trombone Shorty

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Walter 'Wolfman' Washington

Walter 'Wolfman' Washington

Walter 'Wolfman' Washington

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