Al "Carnival Time" Johnson. Photo: Greg Miles

Al “Carnival Time” Johnson is celebrating his 80th birthday at Cafe Istanbul

Pianist, singer and New Orleans icon Al “Carnival Time” Johnson is turning 80 years young next month, and you’re invited to his celebratory bash.

On Thursday, June 20, “Carnival Timers” will gather at Cafe Istanbul to toast Al’s milestone birthday. The voice behind the anthemic 1960s single “Carnival Time” will of course be in attendance, as will some New Orleans musicians who will perform. Cullen Landry and The Midnight Street Car are slated to take the stage, with others to be announced.

Al’s birthday celebration runs from 7 p.m. until…Cafe Istanbul is located at 2372 St. Claude Avenue.

For more information on the legacy of Al Johnson, read Jeff Hannusch’s 2013 profile for OffBeat.