News briefs in New Orleans this week include a new  Little Freddie King mural, Tank and the Bangas’ big TV performance, the rescheduling of JAMFEST and 72-year anniversary of gospel band, The Legendary Famous Rocks of Harmony.

 

Tank and the Bangas appear on The Today Show; Reunited with First Lady Michelle Obama

Tank and the Bangas stopped in the Big Apple early in the morning November 14, to perform on The Today Show. They played “Communion in My Cup,” featuring The Ton3s (previously known as The Hamiltones), the fifth track on their latest and Grammy-nominated studio album Red Balloon.

Tarriona “Tank” Ball told OffBeat the experience was “Pretty cool but very early! I can’t believe everyone’s energy is so on so early in the morning.”

Former First Lady Michelle Obama was also there to see the band.

We knew Michelle Obama was going to be there,” Ball said, “This was our second time meeting her, actually. She came to see us at the Library of Congress. She’s amazing with a glow around her. Rich spirit. She loved the performance, she told us her favorite song from us is ‘Human.'”

 

Little Freddie King Mural appears on Frenchmen St.
A Little Freddie King mural appeared on the corner of Frenchmen Street and Chartres Street earlier this week. It was made by a traveling artist known as Ian the Painter from North Carolina. Little Freddie King just received OffBeat‘s Best of the Beat award for Lifetime in Music Achievement.

 

JAMFEST Rescheduled due to weather
Due to weather concerns, JAMFEST has been rescheduled to the following Saturday, November 26.

JAMFEST celebrates local music, arts and food in New Orleans. Artists slated to perform are Buko Do Choro, New Orleans Klezmer Allstars Trio, Monty Banks, Kings of Brass, Dave Jordan, & Holograham, John Boutté and Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph. To learn more about the event and its origins, visit our story.

 

The Legendary Famous Rocks of Harmony celebrate 72 years
The Legendary Famous Rocks of Harmony will celebrate 72 years of “singing God’s praises” at their annual anniversary program this Sunday, November 20.

The Legendary Famous Rocks of Harmony are best known for opening the Gospel Tent at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for many years, and for their performances at the Gospel Brunch for the House of Blues. Lead singer Andrew Jackson Sr. also hosts a radio segment at KKNO 750 AM every Saturday morning.

The group began as several brothers from the Jackson Family in Centreville, Mississippi and as brothers began to find work in New Orleans, they came together as the Rocks of Harmony in their home church, New Hope Baptist Church. They’ve continued the family tradition with sons and close family friends joining the remaining two original members.

The doors to the program open at 2:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 3:00 p.m. The program will be held in the New Hope Baptist Church Educational Building. Tickets are $10 in advance and at the door. Six other guest groups will perform as well.

For more news briefs in New Orleans, visit OffBeat‘s online news page.