Stars Celebrate Bobby Charles


When Bobby Charles passed away last January, friends quietly worried that didn’t seem to be any musical tributes to the Louisiana songwriting legend forthcoming. A few months later, they finally arrive. Last weekend, he was the subject of a panel in the Alison Miner Music Heritage Stage, and on Sunday there was a celebration of Charles’ career at the Cabildo. Tonight, Lil’ Band o’ Gold brings his music to life with some all-star guests at the House of Blues’ Parish.

The Lafayette swamp pop supergroup debuted their tribute to Charles at Festival International last weekend, but this time they’ll be joined by musical guests that admired Charles. Rumored to be among them are his long-time friend Dr. John, Elvis Costello, Jon Cleary and Shannon McNally, who sang as a part of the Bobby Charles tribute show at Jazz Fest in 2007 when he couldn’t make the show.

[NOTE: Another version of this story with erroneous information briefly appeared online yesterday. We apologize for any confusion.]