Eagle Saloon. Photo by Marissa Altazan

Eagle Saloon Announces Stacked Fundraising Concert

The Eagle Saloon Initiative will host a special fundraiser for the second phase of this historic venue’s restoration project. Schedule for this Friday, June 17 at New Orleans’ Maple Leaf Bar, the event will mark the organization’s second benefit show of 2016.

A variety of prominent New Orleans artists will perform at the concert, including Nicholas Payton, Christian Scott, DJ Soul Sister, Ivan Neville, Joe Dyson, Nesby Phips, PJ Morton and Roland Guerin. Payton, a Grammy-Award winning musician, will serve as the night’s musical director, while former WWOZ programming director Dwayne Breashears will be the master of ceremonies.

There will also be a silent auction on site to raise additional funds for the project.

As previously reported, the Eagle Saloon Initiative has been working to bring back the historic Eagle Saloon. Originally constructed in 1850, the building eventually became a hotspot in the early jazz age, frequently playing host to jazz pioneers like Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong. Many of the equally historic buildings around the bar came down as the neighborhood was redeveloped over the course of the 20th century, but the Eagle Saloon still stands, albeit in disrepair.

Last month, the organization announced that it would begin the first phase of its restoration project, which involves a multitude of repairs and renovations aimed at stabilizing the building.

This week’s fundraiser will raise money for the second phase of the project. Dubbed Milestone Two, this next phase will put together programming for the Youth Outreach initiatives that will be based out of the building’s third floor.

Tickets for the show are currently on sale for a starting price of $30. However, those that would like to donate more can add extra dollars to the price of their purchase.