A blend of New Orleans natives and local musicians will rock the Tralf Music Hall on Friday, March 4 at the 4th Annual Music is Art “Big Easy in Buffalo Mardi Gras Jam.”
The lineup for this event includes Lousiana native and concert headliner Tab Benoit, New Orleans’ “7th Ward Griot” Carl LeBlanc, and Buffalo’s own The Heavenly Chillbillies. The yet-to-be-announced student winner of Music is Art’s battle of the bands is slated to open up the jam session. While Benoit and LeBlanc will be playing music rooted deep in the bayou, the Heavenly Chillbillies will be showcasing “booze-infused blues and Americana” for the crowd.
“The mission of The Big Easy in Buffalo series is to bring some of the best musicians from Louisiana to Buffalo so our community and local students get a chance to experience this unique and important culture,” said Music is Art Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk.
During the day of the concert, Tab Benoit and Carl LeBlanc will be working together with local students. The goal of this concert series is to help educate Buffalo students and audiences about Louisiana’s music scene. Artists who have performed at past events have included included the Ellis Marsalis Trio, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Marcia Ball, Jon Cleary, Eric Lindell and Terrance Simien.
“It’s so incredible to give local kids the chance to learn from some top quality, world touring musicians, while at the same time opening their minds to music they might not otherwise hear,” Music is Art Founder and President Robby Takac added. “The Mardi Gras Jam brings The Big Easy to Buffalo, and we can’t wait for people to party with us on March 4.”
The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will run until 11:30 p.m. Tickets will be $23 in advance or $25 at the door. To order tickets presale, call 1-800-745-3000, click here or stop by the Tralf box office. The Tralf is located at 622 Main Street.
This event is being sponsored by The Buffalo News, New Era Cap Co. and the Niagara Regional Coalition. For more information on the event, visit the Music is Art website or check out the Facebook event page.
Sarah Maurer
I moved to Buffalo to attend Canisius College in 2007 and began writing for Buffalo Rising as a journalism intern in 2010. Working with Newell and meeting numerous entrepreneurs, activists and everyday folks who were working to make their city better made a huge impact on my decision to stay here. After witnessing all the positive development and grassroots initiatives happening in neighborhoods throughout the city, I was inspired to pursue a term of service in AmeriCorps and a career in Buffalo's non-profit sector. I currently work in the housing department at the Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center of WNY and am excited to be a part of their ongoing efforts to revitalize the Broadway Fillmore neighborhood. I also volunteer as the project coordinator for Artfarms Buffalo. I continue to write for Buffalo Rising because I love having the opportunity to stay connected to those working toward positive changes for the Queen City.