Perhaps best known as the bassist for The Meters, George Porter, Jr. is one of the progenitors of the modern funky New Orleans sound. During the course of a career spanning more than four decades, Porter has worked with a galaxy of stars including Paul McCartney, Jimmy Buffett, David Byrne, Patti LaBelle, Robbie Robertson, Tori Amos, Taj Mahal, Ryan Montbleau and Mickey Hart. In the early days, Porter accompanied seminal New Orleans artists, such as Allen Toussaint, Earl King, Lee Dorsey, Johnny Adams, Irma Thomas and The Lastie Brothers. Porter also leads his own long-term project, the Runnin’ Pardners, which is best known for fusing rock, funk, jam band riffing and second line swing into a two-stepping, finger-popping, rolling good time.

 

Whether seen on HBO’s Tremé series or during one of their famous Tuesday night gigs at The Maple Leaf, the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band represents an authentic New Orleans institution. Formed in 1983 by the Frazier brothers, the band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to performing for thousands on festival stages all over the world. While committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands, Rebirth has also extended its repertoire into the realms of funk, hip-hop, soul and rock to create a signature polyglot sound. These days, when one can hardly swing a bead necklace around one’s head without hitting a brass band, Rebirth remains the undisputed leader of the pack.