In New Orleans, we take care of our own. Since 1998, no one has taken better care of the city’s musicians than the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, which provides quality health care and wellness services to those lacking coverage. On January 1 of this year, the NOMC non-profit organization lost its medicaid funding for health care programs for its musicians due to new State of Louisiana funding cuts. Last week, the NOMC continued its mission and held a blood drive at a benefit for bassist Doug Potter (who was severely beaten after a gig in the French Quarter in January and remains unconscious) and contributed $10 for every donor to a care fund in Potter’s name. This week, New Orleans’ top musicians are spearheading a fundraising effort on the NOMC’s behalf, to help raise funds necessary to fill the void left by the State cuts.

The Honey Island Swamp Band and many more of New Orleans finest musicians will perform at the Howlin' Wolf on February 13, 2014 for Shakedown II: A Benefit for the New Orleans Musicians Clinic. (Photo: Nunu Zomot)

Thursday night (February 13), the New Orleans Suspects, Bonerama, Ed Volker, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, the Honey Island Swamp Band, Tommy Malone, Tom Worrell playing a tribute to Professor Longhair w/members of Fess’ band, Andre Bohren performing a tribute to George Gershwin and more will take the stage at the Howlin’ Wolf for Shakedown II: A Benefit for the New Orleans Musicians Clinic. Tickets for the benefit concert are $20.00 in advance or $25.00 the day of the show. Advanced tickets are available online via TicketWeb. Doors for the show open 7:00 p.m., and the music will begin at 8:00 p.m. The Howlin’ Wolf is located at 907 South Peters Street (map).

Those who wish to contribute to the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic but are unable to attend Shakedown II can do so online at www.neworleansmusiciansclinic.org.