Leos of the world, unite: Gaynielle Neville throws her annual birthday party for all born under that sign this weekend at Café Istanbul. Conceived four years ago around her own birthday, Neville’s “LeoPalooza” has grown to an annual benefit event with members and guests of the Neville family.

“It started when I was talking with Amanda Shaw, who’s also a Leo, and we thought it would be great to celebrate Leo artists in New Orleans,” Gaynielle told us. “Then we decided it was good to have a party, but we should really do something for an organization that needs some help.” The first year’s proceeds went to the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, and this year the recipient is the Tekrema Center for Art & Culture, a non-profit dedicated to the perseverance of African and African-American art and culture through the performing and visual arts.

Gaynielle will perform with her own band, and other guests include the Caesar Brothers’ Funk Box—a local band inspired by the legacy of P-Funk and the Neville Brothers—and Deri Love, who also sings in Gaynielle’s group. And Neville-watchers might want to keep an eye on Rejected Youth Nation, featuring Gaynielle and her other half, Cyril Neville’s son Omari Neville, which adds a new ingredient to the Neville mix: Heavy, guitar-centered rock ‘n’ roll, though with a bit of funk influence. Check their music out here.

Cyril himself will be absent this year as he goes on the road this weekend, but you should be hearing more from him in weeks to come: His album Magic Honey is released September 10, and he’s posting regular updates, including preview songs to his Facebook page. Look for more on that album in September’s OffBeat Magazine.

 

Gaynielle Neville’s LeoPalooza 2013
Date: Saturday, August 17
Time: 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.  |  Doors 8 p.m.
Venue: Cafe Istanbul (New Orleans Healing Center)
2372 St. Claude Ave. (map)
Neighborhood:  Marigny / Bywater
Admission:  Unavailable
More Info: www.cafeistanbulnola.com/shows/gaynielle-nevilles-4th-annual-leopalooza