Happy Birthday, Irma Thomas!

Singer songwriter Irma Thomas, known as the "Soul Queen of New Orleans", was born on February 18, 1941, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. She got her start as a teen singing in a Baptist church choir, and later sang at New Orleans’ Pimlico Club where she worked as a waitress … until she was let go for spending more time singing than waiting tables! Pimlico Club bandleader Tommy Ridley helped her land a record deal, and in 1960 her record “You Can Have My Husband (But Don’t Mess with My Man)” reached number 22 on the Billboard R&B chart. Thomas went on to collaborate with legendary New Orleans songwriter and producer Allen Toussaint, and later recorded “Break-a-Way” which was a huge radio hit in New Orleans. She also recorded “Time Is on My Side”, a cover of which became a massive hit for the Rolling Stones. Hurricane Camille hit, and Thomas relocated to California in 1969, ultimately returning to New Orleans in 1976. She and her husband opened the Lion’s Den club in New Orleans, where she headlined regularly while also accelerating her live schedule, including touring Europe. In 2007, Thomas won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album for After the Rain. In 2008, she released Simply Grand, featuring preeminent piano players Dr. John and Ellis Marsalis. While she may not have achieved the commercial success of some of her contemporaries like Aretha Franklin, her talent is undeniable, and she has ascended to the pantheon of great American soul artists. Irma Thomas is one of New Orleans’ greatest musical ambassadors and has certainly earned the title of Soul Queen of New Orleans. Happy Birthday, Irma!

Photo by: ETownHall

31st Annual Mardi Gras at the Original Farmer's Market in Los Angeles!

L.A.’s favorite Mardi Gras celebration features Cajun and Zydeco bands galore, down home Southern cookin’, the Mutti Gras Pet Parade, bead throwing and much more. Join in the 31st annual Mardi Gras celebration all day on Saturday & Sunday, February 22 & 23, & Fat Tuesday, February 25, 6-9pm

Happy President's Day!

Photo by: Stephen Oliver

Long Beach, California hosts its annual Mardi Gras Celebration on 2/15/2020!

Join in on the fun at the annual Long Beach Mardi Gras Celebration at Shoreline Village and Rainbow Harbor on Saturday, February 15, 2020! This free community event is an afternoon of live music, bead throws, a parade, novelty acts and more. Join folks of all ages in dressing up, dancing, and making merry. All are welcome and participation is FREE!!

Dead in the Dome featuring George Porter, Jr. in Wisdome.LA on 2/14 & 2/15

Wisdome.LA & Kentyah present Dead In The Dome - a special immersive Valentine's Day exploration of the music and art of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead featuring an All-Star cast!! Experience the mythical Grateful Dead Album “Infrared Roses” performed live from beginning to end by an all-star cast including original producer Bob Bralove, plus Grateful Dead core family members Tom Constanten, Steve Kimock, George Porter Jr., Wally Ingram and Papa Mali on vocals. Enjoy a unique performance by Grammy Lifetime-Achievement Award winner and godfather of funk bass, George Porter, Jr, in a 35,000-square-foot, five dome complex equipped with 360-degree planetarium-like projection technology, located in the Arts District in downtown Los Angeles. Jam out to a mind-bending array of 360-degree VR format custom visuals using Jerry Garcia’s original art and the work of renowned Burning Man visionary artist and Grateful-dead VJ, Android Jones. Join 500 other Los Angeles Grateful Dead Fan's in massive dome theater for one of LA's best Dead events!

Celebrating the Birthday of Earl King

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Earl King (Earl Silas Johnson) was born in New Orleans on February 7, 1934. King started playing guitar at 15, entered local talent contests, and met his idol, Guitar Slim, at one such contest at the Dew Drop Inn. In 1954, King toured with Guitar Slim's band, representing himself as Slim, after an automobile accident had sidelined Slim.King ultimately became a regular at the Inn, and made his first recording in 1953 as Earl Johnson. In 1955 his hit song “Those Lonely, Lonely Nights” reached number 7 on the BillboardR&B chart. The legendary Dave Bartholomew invited King to record for Imperial Records in 1960, and it was there that he recorded his signature songs “Trick Bag” and “Come On”.

While King did not record for much of the 1960s, he was very productive producing and songwriting for local labels, including the iconic “Big Chief” recorded by Professor Longhair. He recorded a few tracks for Motown Records in the mid-1960s, and in 1972 he recorded the album Street Paradewith Allen Toussaint and the Meters, which was ultimately released in 1982. King appeared on the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 1976, recorded the album That Good Old New Orleans Rock ‘n Roll, released in 1977. His 1986 album Glazedwas nominated for a Grammy Award. He released two more albums in the 1990s featuring such luminaries as Snooks Eaglin, George Porter, Jr., and David Torkanosky. King performed off and on locally until his death. 

Earl King passed away on April 17, 2003, just a week before the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. And in typical New Orleans style, his funeral was held during the festival with many musicians in attendance, including Dr. John, Aaron Neville, and Leo Nocentelli. On this day we remember one of the greats of New Orleans Blues!

Photo by: Masahiro Sumori