Take the youngest Neville Brother, add a bunch of spirited kids and cook with a roomful of drums, and you’ve got the second Sticking up For the Children’s Music and Arts Day. It takes place in the Atrium of the New Orleans Healing Center, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 10.

Percussion masters Cyril Neville and Yonrico Scott first came up with the idea in April 2013 and pitched it to WWOZ, the first event was held on May 25, 2013. The first Sticking Up For the Children’s Music and Arts Day drew more than 100 supporters; and more than 60 pairs of decorated drumsticks were donated, which the kids promptly put to use.

This Saturday’s event will feature some of New Orleans most celebrated drummers including  Neville, who recently contributed to Trombone Shorty’s next album and has a new solo effort due; Alfred “Uganda” Roberts, for many years Professor Longhair’s percussionist and a performer at the forthcoming Voodoo Music Experience; Alexey Marti, who played at the Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival, March 23-24, and many more. New Orleans drummers and musicians will also be collaborating to lead a youth drum circle.

Children will be able to decorate drumsticks that will be donated and sold to fund free art classes in New Orleans and around the world and also to fund two orphanages and schools, The Foyer Espoir Pour les Enfants in Delmas, Port au Prince and The Youpi Youpi Fondamental School in Cayes, Jacmel. The drumsticks have been signed and donated by multiple local drummers including: Idris Muhammad, a retired funk player who recently released his autobiography, Inside the Music: The Life of Idris Muhammad, as well as contributor, Evan Christopher, who recently collaborated with pianist, Eli Yamin to create Louie’s Dream: For Our Jazz Heroes.

 

Sticking Up For the Children’s Music and Arts Day

Date: Saturday, August 10

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Venue: The New Orleans Healing Center ( The Atrium)

2372 St. Claude Ave.

Neighborhood: Marigny

Admission: FREE

All Ages