As one of the city’s legendary production managers, stage managers and soundmen, Michael Paz has had his finger on the pulse of New Orleans’ music scene for decades, but his most recent creation—Paz Fest, a charitable concert honoring the music of Joni Mitchell—came about through his mother’s love for a decidedly antiquated technology.

“My mother [Ruth] and father moved to Honduras in 1965,” says Michael now about the impetus for the all-star benefit concert, which happens again at ...