Beth Arroyo Utterback and John Goodman
Fans of WWOZ donned their favorite festival attire in a virtual, worldwide gathering to celebrate WWOZ’s 40 years of broadcasting and Guarding the Groove.
Instead of the usual French Quarter gathering, which typically limited the sold-out tickets to a lucky 350 Guardians of the Groove, this year allowed patrons everywhere to tune in to WWOZ’s Facebook page, YouTube, WWOZ.org and a broadcast on 90.7FM. Streaming repeats throughout the evening allowed for the festival to reach different time zones around the country and around the world.
The talent lineup included Irma Thomas, Tank and the Bangas, John Boutté, Samantha Fish, Kermit Ruffins, Amanda Shaw with Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and Tuba Skinny.
The WWOZ Groove Gala Zoom Patron Party preceded the gala.
➺ Event at a Glance
What: “Groove Gala,” benefiting WWOZ
When: Thursday, September 3, 2020
Where: Virtual
Norman Robinson, Ashli Richard Morris and Charlie Steiner
Jeff Goldring, Samantha Fish and Bruce Wainer
Kermit Ruffins
Brittany Major and John Boutté
Tank and the Bangas
