It’s not surprising that people like to go to the House of Blues to see their favorite musicians perform. On Dec. 21, however, more than 300 showed up not only to enjoy music, but to raise funds for a good cause: the Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists. Price was a talented NOCCA alumnus who was murdered in San Francisco in December 2003 while protecting his wife from an assailant. His memorial fund provides scholarships for outstanding visual arts and music students at the NOCCA/Riverfront so they may pursue higher educational studies in a fine arts discipline.
The benefit concert, “Home for the Holidays,” featured New Orleans musicians, some of whom are NOCCA graduates, and included Shannon Powell’s All Stars with John Boutte and Kermit Ruffins, Conun Pappas and the NOCCA/Riverfront jazz combo, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews and Orleans Avenue, Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, and Kirk Joseph and Backyard Groove. Those who attended the patron party also dined on a buffet dinner catered by the House of Blues.
This year, the event raised $10,000 through ticket sales, the sale of commemorative “Home for the Holidays” posters, giclées of Price’s works and a silent auction.
Sarah Abbot Price with Steve, Kathy and Christopher Price
Sally Perry, Lorna Williams and Oley Sassone
Dr. Ralph Lupin and Pam Halter with Steve and Tracy Price
Steve Gleason and Jackson Knowles
