Free Fridays continue at one local club, an offshoot band that some think is better than the main group and an important benefit.
Tipitina’s is helping young people who may be a little tight on cash during the slow, slow summer with their Foundation Free Fridays series. Tonight, Flow Tribe is the headliner. I have written about them before, so suffice it to say they one of TVD’s favs.
The opening act is Daria and the Hip Drops, though not as well known yet, this band is one to watch for sure. I saw them at TVD’s favorite record store, the Louisiana Music Factory, and was quite impressed.
Daria plays the steel pan; an instrument not commonly seen in these parts. Her band plays original music that is influenced by a wide variety of genres including reggae. She did an e-interview some time back that you can read here.
Saturday night, Good Enough for Good Times plays at D.B.A. This group features two members of Galactic and their sound is more stripped down than that of the hip-hop inflected funkateers. They are a four piece that really grooves.
Charmaine Neville has been a fixture on the local scene since she was a youngster. She holds down a steady gig at Snug Harbor and livens up visitors looking for something fun to do on a Monday night. She is also a regular at benefits for musicians requiring assistance for medical expenses and other needs.
Now the shoe is on the other foot. She is being treated for a rather unusual disease that is affecting her brain. Though treatment is going well, she has some major bills to cover on a musician’s salary.
So the community is rallying around her on Sunday for a benefit on the West Bank. It is scheduled from noon until 6 PM and many members of her extended family are playing in addition to heavy hitters like Davell Crawford, Kermit Ruffins and Dr. John. Details here.
