If there is one thing that is characteristic of New Orleans and Louisiana, we support our own. Local musicians are well-known for stepping up to the plate to help others in times of trouble through appearances at benefit concerts.
On October 10, Dr. John, Colin Lake, Kristin Diable and more will perform at the Howlin’ Wolf (907 S. Peters St) at a concert for the families who live in Shell Beach, Louisiana (if you’re not familiar with Shell Beach, it’s at the southeastern end of Lake Borgne in St. Bernard Parish, right next to Hopedale, and is big hub for oyster fishermen in Louisiana).
Cross erected in Saint Bernard Parish at Shell Beach in memory of those who lost something, or everything, in the wake of Katrina. (Photo: Paulinespiratesandprivateers.blogspot.com)
Unless you travel by boat, there’s only one bridge that serves the community. Hurricane Katrina’s devastation lodged a huge oyster fishing boat against the bridge. It was only removed just a few months ago. So the area has been very hard-hit economically and physically.
Last year RHB Productions organized the first Save Shell Beach benefit concert to raise funds for family fisheries at Campo’s Marina. The fisheries had been destroyed the previous summer by Hurricane Isaac and $27,000 was raised at the concert to re-build one of the oldest family-owned fishing businesses in Louisiana. This year, the organization aims to expand on this success by continuing efforts to raise awareness for Louisiana’s endangered coastal environments through – you guessed it – Louisiana music.
Musicians like Dr. John certainly more than embody the spirit of Louisianians, many of whom live on and/or make their livings from the coastlines, bayous, lakes and rivers of the state. Our relationship with water is an important part of our cultural make-up. Our huge coastline and lakes are the source of much of our famous seafood; our waterways inspire our laid-back lifestyle and the funky music we groove to.
Dr. John’s music in particular fuses these elements, and has made him a worldwide musical icon. Yet the younger generation of artists like slide guitar phenom Colin Lake, or bluesy folk-pop songstress Kristin Diable now carry the torch for the Louisiana Gulf Coast. They will influence what the future of south Louisiana will look, feel and sound like through the message in their music and the impact it has on the next generation.
Hosted by Glen David Andrews, the second annual Save Shell Beach concert on Thursday night will unite several generations in support of maintaining our fisheries with a line-up that also includes the Honey Island Swamp Band and the Dana Abbott Band in addition to the Doctor, Lake and Diable. Doors are at 7 p.m. and tickets are $40. Or, arrive early at 6 p.m. for an old-fashioned Louisiana oyster roast where a $75 VIP ticket will get you all-you-can-eat oysters with the Treme Brass Band and a reserved space during the main show. All ticket proceeds benefit the United Commercial Fisherman’s Association.
For more information, call 504-373-6317 or visit www.facebook.com/saveshellbeach.
