NEW ORLEANS, LA. (Guthrie Foundation) -
Cyril Neville, Willie Nelson, Todd Snider are all on board for
Arlo Guthrie & Friends: Ridin on the City of New Orleans - Bringing Back the
Music - Benefiting Victims of Katrina - if you can't jump on board you can help from your station by going to the Guthrie Foundation website.
Cyril Neville joins the benefit concerts at the Vic in Chicago, Ill. Dec. 5 and the Lincoln Cultural Center in Kankakee, Ill. Dec. 7.
One of the four Neville Brothers, Cyril Neville was the youngest, born on January 10, 1948, in New Orleans, LA. Cyril picked up his love of music from his parents and his older brothers. Whether you listen to Cyril Neville's music or soak it in live, prepare to be both educated and entertained.
Willie Nelson with his harmonica-playing sidekick Mickey Rafael joins in in New Orleans at Tipitina's on Dec. 17. Arlo and Willie share the honor of recording the definitive versions of Steve Goodman's song "City of New Orleans."
The iconic Texan is the creative genius behind historic recordings like "Crazy," "Hello Walls," 'Red Headed Stranger' and 'Stardust.' Willie's career has spanned six decades. He's earned every conceivable award and honor to be bestowed a person in his profession. He has also amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist.
Nashville songwriter, Todd Snider meets the Train and plays the Memphis concert on Dec. 13 at the New Daisy.
'Todd Snider is proof that not all songwriters lack a sense of humor - Todd Snider might be the only singer alive whose between-song patter is more entertaining than his songs. That's not a rip on Snider's songwriting ability, which is impressive." -Steven Hyden
Arlo & Friends will start at The Vic Theatre in Chicago on Dec. 5 and arrive in New Orleans to perform at Tipitina's on Dec. 17th. Arlo, his son Abe with his band, Xavier, and daughter Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, will hold seven concerts along the route. Some of Arlo's friends will step aboard along the way, including Guy Davis, Ramsay Midwood, Kevn Kinney with Drivin' n' Cryin', The Burns Sisters, John Flynn, Gordon Titcomb, and now Willie Nelson, Cyril Neville and Todd Snider riding on this 'southbound odyssey.'
Focusing on small clubs and venues, Arlo and friends will work with manufacturers and arrange to bring donations to New Orleans. They will help to facilitate the restoration of the musical infrastructure in New Orleans and the surrounding area. MusiCares, The Recording Academy's safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need, will help distribute 'the gear,' along with Tipitina's Foundation.
'When I think of New Orleans, I think of music,' Arlo said in a public note a few weeks ago. 'New Orleans is the city that truly began America's contribution to the history of music worldwide. (Sebastian, Fla.) When I wonder what they might need in New Orleans to get back on their feet, the stuff that gets ruined under water, I think of all the sound boards, the cables, the lighting, the microphones, the instruments.'
'I am determined to help restore all of those little places and bring the music back as soon as possible,' he continued 'I contacted Amtrak to help us take today's City of New Orleans from Chicago all the way down to New Orleans.'
At www.GuthrieFoundtion.com you can both purchase concerts tickets and contribute financial support to the cause.
Arlo Guthrie & Friends: Ridin' on the City of New Orleans (Bringing Back the Music - Benefiting Victims of Katrina) in partnerships with Amtrak, Gibson Guitar, MusiCares, Tipitina's Foundation, Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment, a variety of music related companies, and you will help keep this American cultural treasure alive.
