Professor Longhair’s home on Terpsichore Street has been fully restored. Overseen by Project Homecoming, the Tipitina’s Foundation, and the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, the restoration project is aimed at cementing Professor Longhair’s place in New Orleans history.
Pat Byrd and Ardell D. Hilliard, Professor Longhair’s daughter and grandson, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at the house on Friday, February 21, at 2 pm. The Stooges Brass Band will provide musical accompaniment for the event, keeping music in the air as a tribute to the man who redefined and revitalized a musical style unique to New Orleans.
Professor Longhair's House at 1738 Terpsichore Street was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
While Professor Longhair has long been immortalized at Tipitina’s, the iconic Uptown music hall itself named after a Professor Longhair song, the “Fesstoration” of his home is seen as a major step to securing his overall reputation among the greats of New Orleans music.
“The renovation of Professor Longhair’s historic family home is both a testament to our storied past and an investment in the future of our city’s culture,” Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a press release. “Along with the Tipitina’s Foundation, the United Way, and Project Homecoming, the City of New Orleans is proud to play a role in ensuring that his home stands as a monument to his legacy and that his contributions are never forgotten.”
Tipitina’s founding member Steve Armbruster initially spearheaded the effort to restore the home, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
The Tipitina’s Foundation, Project Homecoming, and the United Way joined forces to complete the renovation, which involved more than 140 volunteers from around the country. The City of New Orleans Office of Community Development provided funds through the HOME program, allowing the extensive renovation project under the oversight of architect Rick Fifield to be completed in a little over a year.
Immediately following the ceremony, guests are invited to tour the home, which will become the primary residence for Professor Longhair’s daughter and grandson, as well as a Fess shrine, which will display artifacts from the late musician private collection for public viewing. The public is invited to attend.
Professor Longhair House Restoration Ribbon Cutting
1738 Terpsichore Street
Friday, February 21, 2014
2 pm to 4 pm
