Concert for a Cause

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More than 700 people gathered at Tipitina’s for the 10th annual “Instruments a Comin’” fundraising event. At 5:30 p.m. the free outdoor activities began with a battle of the bands featuring local talents such as the McDonough 35 Gospel Choir, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office “Band of Excellence” and Miller McCoy Academy. At 8:30 p.m., things kicked off indoors with performances by Galactic, Ivan Neville and Donald Harrison Jr. Along with the concert, the event featured live, silent and web-only auctions so people unable to attend cold still contribute.

Allen Toussaint introduced Cosimo Matassa and Dave Bartholomew, who were honored on the Walk of Fame at the event. Jimmy Glickman of New Orleans Music Exchange was also honored on the Wall of Fame for “tireless dedication to New Orleans, music, and our cause.”
The event, chaired by Roland and Mary von Kurnatowski, raised funds for the Tipitina’s Foundation and the recovery efforts in Japan. After Hurricane Katrina, the country pledged more than $15 million to help rebuild the Crescent City. Tipitina’s is working with Yoshio and Keiko Toyama’s Wonderful World Jazz Foundation, Swing Dolphins youth big band and Bright Kids music club. The Tipitina’s Foundation supports the city and state’s music communities. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office “Band of Excellence” and other local band programs were beneficiaries this year. Over the years, “Instruments A Comin’” has purchased more than $2.2 million worth of instruments used in 70 area schools by more than 4,000 students to increase youth participation in school music programs.

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