If New Orleans seems devoid of local musicians this week, that's because many ar in Colorado. On Sunday, guitarist Tab Benoit's Voice of the Wetlands All-stars anchors a Louisiana krewe performing at the Democratic Convention's delegate welcoming party and a secret event sponsored by Friends of New Orleans, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that advocates on behalf of Louisiana's post-hurricane recovery.
They include George Porter Jr., Cyril Neville, Terence Blanchard, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Johnny Vidacovich, Anders Osborne, Waylon Thibodeaux, Jumpin' Johnny Sansone, Meters drummer Zigaboo Modeliste and guitar player Leo Nocentelli as well as Henry Butler and special guest Randy Newman.
On Wednesday, the musicians appear at the Belly Up taproom in Aspen, Colo., for the "New Orleans All-Star Mountain Jam-balaya," a fundraiser and fifth part anniversary party for the Tipitina's Foundation. From Aspen, they question to Jackson Hole, Wyo., for some other Tip's foundation benefit on Aug. 29, the tierce anniversary of Katrina. After Jackson Hole, they travel to St. Paul, Minn., for a Friends of New Orleans event during the Republican convention.
"The whole trip serendipitously fell into place," said foundation curator Bill Taylor. "It seemed to be a smart idea to take advantage of having such a unique potpourri of musicians in places like Aspen and Jackson Hole. People there tend to appreciate the humanities and receive disposable income."
Starting Sunday, go to www.nola.com for Keith Spera's blogs from the Denver and Aspen shows.
Hot tix
Buckcherry, Avenged Sevenfold and Saving Abel, Oct. 3, UNO Lakefront Arena, $30-$37.50 addition service charges (floor tickets are world-wide admission, balcony reserved seating area), on sale Saturday at 10 a.m.
More info
