The great bluesman, soul singer and guitarist was born in Boothville, Louisiana on November 14, 1942. His given name was Charles Merick. His career began in the 1960s, but stalled during the disco years. He spent decades working on the Mississippi River on a tugboat. He reemerged on the New Orleans music scene in the 1990s with his debut album, “Born For You.” He performed sporadically around town including sets at the Rock ‘n’ Bowl and the Ponderosa Stomp.
Friday March 12, 2010, 8:45 pm
Rockie “The President of Soul” Charles Passes at 67
Los-Po-Boy-Citos to Open for Tower of Power
This evening, March 11, 2010, the local Latin groove favorites are scheduled to open for the legendary Tower of Power at the House of Blues. Tower of Power has a resume that stretches back nearly 40 years. They visit New Orleans every tour and never cease to put on a great show. Los-Po-Boy-Citos hasn’t been around even a decade, but they have improved considerably and are now regarded as one of the best dance bands in town. A brief anecdote about Tower of Power for your enjoyment- back in the heyday of Benny’s Bar, the group played a show at Tipitina’s. After the show was over the TOP horns showed up at Benny’s and sat in with whatever generic blues band was playing that evening. They were having such a great time that the jam didn’t end until nearly 5 AM.
Michael Franti to Play Solo Set
This afternoon, March 10, 2010, the leader of Spearhead has announced a solo acoustic performance outside of the New Orleans Arena prior to his opening set with his full band that precedes the John Mayer performance inside the arena. The event will also be a meet-and-greet opportunity. It begins at 4:15 PM near the gate on the Superdome side of the arena. The concert inside the arena begins at 7:30 PM.
Rod Hodges of the Iguanas to Sub for Johnny Sansone
Tonight, Tuesday, March 9, 2010, The guitarist/harmonica player/accordionist for the Iguanas will be substituting for “Jumpin” Johnny Sansone at Chickie Wah Wah. Sansone is off on another Blues Cruise, so Hodges (pictured- second from left) will join regulars Anders Osborne and John Fohl. The music starts at 8 PM. The three players will alternate songs while accompanying each other.
Helen Gillet Trio at Piety Street Recording
This evening, March 5, 2010 the cellist will present a concert and live recording of her new trio project featuring Tim Green on tenor saxophone and Conn-O-Sax and Doug Garrison on drums. The studio is located at Piety and Dauphine in the Bywater. The start time is 9 PM and they are asking a mere $10 to be part of history. Not only will your presence contribute to the creation of the music, it will be a great help for the funding of this worthy project. Helen has created a wonderful video and project description on her Kickstarter page <http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/helengillet/running-of-the-bells-improvised-cello-led-recordi-0> Please take a look, and if possible, become of a patron of the arts (no donation too small!)
