A new 5k run replete with costumes and brass bands will raise money Saturday afternoon to support local high school music programs, and an array of legendary New Orleans musicians will participate in a benefit concert afterward to preserve the family home of Professor Longhair — all presented by the Tipitina’s Foundation. Eric Paulsen and our partners at WWL-TV took at detailed look at Fess’ legacy and the effort to restore his home:
The full news release for the two events follows:
Tipitina’s Foundation Presents
The 1st Annual “Rhythm and Blues 5K Run” and
Fess’ House Party “New Orleans Style”:
A Benefit to Renovate & Preserve the Family Home of Professor Longhair
When: Saturday, September 29, 2012
Where: At Tipitina’s Uptown, 501 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans
Time: 5K Race begins at 5:00 p.m. with a post-race party afterwards
Doors Open at 8 p.m. and benefit concert will begin at 8:30 p.m.
The Tipitina’s Foundation, in partnership with the New Orleans Track Club, is proud to announce the 1st Annual “Rhythm & Blues 5k Run” on Saturday, September 29 at 5:00 p.m. Participants will take off from Tipitina’s (corner of Napoleon and Tchoupitoulas) and will run to the beat of New Orleans high school marching bands playing instruments donated by Tipitina’s Foundation along the route, and end the event with food and refreshments at a post-race party on the neutral ground in front of Tipitina’s. Costumes of famous musicians and musical groups are encouraged and awards will be given for the best costumes. Proceeds from the 5K Run will go toward providing New Orleans area high school marching band programs with uniforms, particularly the standard shoes that are required to march. Links for registration and more information will be available at www.runNOTC.org and www.tipitinasfoundation.org
With generous support from The United Way and Project Homecoming, the Tipitina’s Foundation is also hosting a benefit concert after the race. 100% of the proceeds will go towards renovating and preserving the family home of Professor Longhair on Terpsichore Street in New Orleans.