The 2005 humanitarian disaster that resulted from Hurricane Katrina will remain a dark national memory for the foreseeable future. This summer, Louisiana flirted with a nightmarish repeat when heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding that displaced thousands and killed 13 people.
To help provide relief for a region that can’t seem to catch a break, Gator by the Bay and the Bon Temps Social Club of San Diego (BTSC) are throwing a benefit concert at Tio Leo’s Mexican restaurant (5302 Napa St.) on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Some of San Diego’s best -- Euphoria Brass Band and the Bayou Brothers -- will perform (in addition to many more generous local musicians), and all proceeds from the $10 admission fee will go toward the Louisiana Musicians’ Flood Relief Fund.
Gatory by the Bay and BTSC have already donated $1,500, and the concert will feature a silent auction to raise even more money for Louisiana musicians affected by the floods. (That being said, I’m not sure how you can stay quiet when one item up for auction is a private house concert by the Bayou Brothers.)
“With such a catastrophic flood devastating Louisiana, we wanted to do our part and put something special together to help support Louisiana musicians in need,” said Peter Oliver, Gator by the Bay producer. “For the past 25 years, we have been celebrating Louisiana music and culture. When a sudden tragedy hit the community, we knew we had to lend a hand.”
It sounds like Gator by the Bay, the largest Louisiana-themed music and food festival on this side of the bayou, and BTSC, a nonprofit organization that sponsors Cajun and zydeco dance events, are providing San Diego with both a noteworthy musical experience and also an opportunity to do some good.
With any luck, the only flooding Louisiana will see in the near future is a flooding of generosity.
To see the full lineup and make an online donation, visit the Gator by the Bay website.
Rutger Rosenborg was almost a Stanford neuroscientist before he formed Ed Ghost Tucker. He is currently on a national tour with the Lulls, and he makes music on his own when he's not writing. Follow his updates on Facebook or contact him directly.
