View Full Version : Marva Benefit last Sunday
I'm still recovering from an amazing whirlwind weekend, some of the details of which have been posted in other threads, but I know a number of us were treated to an incredible five hours of music at the Marva benefit at RnB on Sunday that I think deserves its own thread. I am not exaggerating to say that it is among the best and most special five hours of music/musicians I've ever seen in my life. Perhaps most incredible and unique in my experience is that there was no break whatsoever in between acts. They just kept comin' up and providing non-stop, great music that had us on our feet dancing for five hours straight. I know I will miss some notables, but here is an attempt to list at least most of the oustanding musicians we saw:
George Porter, Jr. and his Runnin' Pardners
Amanda Shaw
Charmaine Neville (& band)
Bo Dollis (w/Bo jr.)
Ivan Neville
Cyril Neville
Trombone Shorty
Irma Thomas
The BMWs
Kirk Joseph
Tab Benoit
Shamarr’s guitarist (I don't know his name, but he's damn good, like a June Y. understudy)
Johnny Vidacovich
Anders Osborne
Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone
Monk Boudreaux
Tambourine Lady (of course)
It would be impossible for me to tell you the exact order in which they appeared or exactly who was on stage with whom at any point in time because they kept joining each other at various times. It was like a five-hour highlight. But some of the most memorable moments for me were:
* Amanda playing with GPjr and the Runnin' Pardners, with George and Amanda totally jamming together.
*Bo Dollis giving everything he had to sing his heart out to Marva (while playing with the BMWs), at which point Marva's family wheeled her up in front of the stage in her wheelchair, and she and Bo were crying together, while he sang and she said "thank you" repeatedly while weeping and smiling. I was a puddle for this.
*Irma--great as always, and such a pleasure to see.
*Ivan playing one set of keys while George leaned over and played his other set.
*Kirk as funky as ever, center stage and leading a few great tunes.
*A feeling-no-pain John Blancher telling a long, rambling story to introduce another Tab song.
*Meeting Margie Perez, who was passing around the jug collecting money for Marva. Margie is one of those people who you just know is an angel the minute you meet her.
*Tab, Monk, Cyril, George, Anders, Johnny V. and Jumpin' Johnny Sansone on stage together playing several songs. Unbelievable.
*John Blancher telling another nice story to introduce the last song of the night, Anders solo playing a great version of "Summertime in New Orleans." A real goosebump moment.
*Being greeted by and dancing with Charmaine who--like many, many others there--treated me exceedingly well, being the only Giants fan and still proudly wearing the gear. To my great surprise, it was probably the best place on Earth for a Giants fan that night. And I was very happy to be part of it.
I hope others will fill in any details that I missed. What a great life experience that was. And may God bless Marva. She's got a lot of special people pulling for her.
barry10016
10-20-2009, 06:49 PM
Sounds like a night for the ages. Nice Lit, thanks for sharing.
Lit, you've described the event as well as I possibly could. Just a wonderful evening of music!
Zydekitten
10-20-2009, 11:51 PM
Even by New Orleans standards, it was an amazing night and collaboration of music . . . I was ferklempt to say the least.
Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)
10-21-2009, 07:27 AM
Thanks Lit for the report.
Can't think of too much to add to Lit's description of the night. It was an incredible five hours of music.
Playing guitar most of the night was Brint Anderson, who was one of GP Jr.'s "Runnin' Pardners" for a long time, and has also backed Dr. John, Joe Krown, Art Neville, Earl King, Eddie Bo, Snooks Eaglin, Henry Butler and many others. His late 70's/early 80's Austin-based band Coupe de Ville played many shows with Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. I think he is an incredibly talented but under-appreciated guitarist....
http://www.brintanderson.com/index.htm
There was also a very capable horn section with Saxaphones, a Trumpet and a Trombone, although I didn't catch any of the players names.
DougNSharon
10-21-2009, 11:08 AM
I was technically in town for business, but I am so happy I could take time out to see this show. This was our first trip to the new RnB and it will be a night we will always cherish.
Only regret is that we missed most of the TH stars in the audience!
By the way, I saw Charmaine outside Snug Harbor on Monday night, gave her a big hug and thanked her for doing such a great job as MC. She said they raised a lot of money for Marva.
DougNSharon
10-21-2009, 11:25 AM
Not sure this is the best thread for this, but I just have to unload this past weekend's music from my head somewhere:
FRIDAY
Glen David at Hermes Bar in Antoines
Alex McMurray at d.b.a.
SATURDAY (and I "worked" this day!)
Zydepunks at the French Market
Rockin' Doopsie -- unexpectedly -- at a performance across from Harrah's
Part of the Blues fest in Lafayette Park (Robert Belfour was amazing)
John Boutte at d.b.a.
Shamarr Allen at Irvin Mayfield's Playhouse
SUNDAY (also working)
Dave Alexander Band at Blues Fest
Marva benefit at RnB (Bo Dollis singing to Marva is now one of my favorite all-time musical moments)
MONDAY (exhausted from my working by now)
Glen David again at d.b.a.
Washboard Chaz at Apple Barrel
Jazz Vipers at the Spotted Cat
(AND!!! I met Tom Waits at LMF that afternoon!)
Total Admission: $5 each for Alex's show and as much as we could give at the Marva benefit; everything else was tips only
saturn
10-21-2009, 11:41 AM
Can't think of too much to add to Lit's description of the night. It was an incredible five hours of music.
Playing guitar most of the night was Brint Anderson, who was one of GP Jr.'s "Runnin' Pardners" for a long time, and has also backed Dr. John, Joe Krown, Art Neville, Earl King, Eddie Bo, Snooks Eaglin, Henry Butler and many others. His late 70's/early 80's Austin-based band Coupe de Ville played many shows with Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. I think he is an incredibly talented but under-appreciated guitarist....
http://www.brintanderson.com/index.htm
There was also a very capable horn section with Saxaphones, a Trumpet and a Trombone, although I didn't catch any of the players names.
I absolutely agree about Brint Anderson. Caught him last year at the Snooks tribute at RnB - wonderful.
duende
10-21-2009, 11:56 AM
Playing guitar most of the night was Brint Anderson, who was one of GP Jr.'s "Runnin' Pardners" for a long time, and has also backed Dr. John, Joe Krown, Art Neville, Earl King, Eddie Bo, Snooks Eaglin, Henry Butler and many others. His late 70's/early 80's Austin-based band Coupe de Ville played many shows with Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. I think he is an incredibly talented but under-appreciated guitarist....
I'll third that about Brint - I heard him in 2003 with the Runnin' Pardners, but I was really wow'd by his playing at the Tip's Quarter Slidemania show with Sonny, John Mooney, etc., etc. Yet, I still haven't made time to see what he does (for tips, probably) at Margaritaville. Maybe next time!
Not sure this is the best thread for this, but I just have to unload this past weekend's music from my head somewhere:
FRIDAY
Glen David at Hermes Bar in Antoines
Alex McMurray at d.b.a.
SATURDAY (and I "worked" this day!)
Zydepunks at the French Market
Rockin' Doopsie -- unexpectedly -- at a performance across from Harrah's
Part of the Blues fest in Lafayette Park (Robert Belfour was amazing)
John Boutte at d.b.a.
Shamarr Allen at Irvin Mayfield's Playhouse
SUNDAY (also working)
Dave Alexander Band at Blues Fest
Marva benefit at RnB (Bo Dollis singing to Marva is now one of my favorite all-time musical moments)
MONDAY (exhausted from my working by now)
Glen David again at d.b.a.
Washboard Chaz at Apple Barrel
Jazz Vipers at the Spotted Cat
(AND!!! I met Tom Waits at LMF that afternoon!)
Total Admission: $5 each for Alex's show and as much as we could give at the Marva benefit; everything else was tips only
Helluva workin' schedule! Man, that's not missing much. And speaking of tips, a clubowner (and a former motor patrolman) where I used to play had a unique way of padding the music act's take-home that probably hit his bottom line a bit: He'd come up about 20 minutes before the end of the performance, thank the band, thank the audience, then ask them to hold off on buying that last drink - and instead put that $$ in the tip jar for the band. Livers, musicians & other drivers on the road all benefitted!
SeeFood
10-21-2009, 02:14 PM
Not much to add here either Lit except WOW! John B likes bringing Anders up for that encore every time and it was a nice touch when Johnny Sansonne played along on harmonica. Agree w/ Frank on Brint and he is a local hero among other guuitarists. There were actually other musicians in the audience like Joe Krown and Margie who didn't even jump up onstage, but were just there to support. Will you be posting some of them pics anytime soon? Nice hanging with ya at the Square and the Dome too..
Not much to add here either Lit except WOW! John B likes bringing Anders up for that encore every time and it was a nice touch when Johnny Sansonne played along on harmonica. Agree w/ Frank on Brint and he is a local hero among other guuitarists. There were actually other musicians in the audience like Joe Krown and Margie who didn't even jump up onstage, but were just there to support. Will you be posting some of them pics anytime soon? Nice hanging with ya at the Square and the Dome too..
I talked with Joe Krown. For you SF/Bay Area folks, Joe told me he & his trio will be playing Biscuits & Blues in San Francisco on November 18th. Sorry Doug n' Sharon, I forgot to mention this to you when I saw you that night. Anders did a great job on Summertime in New Orleans. Right after he finished it, a guy comes up to me and says he MUST have a copy of that song so I tell him there are two versions and he might as well buy both cd's. Right before the VOW All-Stars came on I thought I heard George Porter or someone say that Anders was missing in action. I was disappointed but just as they were beginning the first song, "We Make A Good Gumbo" I believe, Anders darts on stage, plugs in, and joins the fun.
funkkjunkie
10-21-2009, 09:21 PM
Awwww, sounds just fabulous, yall.
MaloGator
10-21-2009, 10:41 PM
Not sure this is the best thread for this, but I just have to unload this past weekend's music from my head somewhere:
FRIDAY
Glen David at Hermes Bar in Antoines
Alex McMurray at d.b.a.
SATURDAY (and I "worked" this day!)
Zydepunks at the French Market
Rockin' Doopsie -- unexpectedly -- at a performance across from Harrah's
Part of the Blues fest in Lafayette Park (Robert Belfour was amazing)
John Boutte at d.b.a.
Shamarr Allen at Irvin Mayfield's Playhouse
SUNDAY (also working)
Dave Alexander Band at Blues Fest
Marva benefit at RnB (Bo Dollis singing to Marva is now one of my favorite all-time musical moments)
MONDAY (exhausted from my working by now)
Glen David again at d.b.a.
Washboard Chaz at Apple Barrel
Jazz Vipers at the Spotted Cat
(AND!!! I met Tom Waits at LMF that afternoon!)
Total Admission: $5 each for Alex's show and as much as we could give at the Marva benefit; everything else was tips only
Nice job, Doug and/or Sharon. My favorite part by far is the meeting Tom Waits.
Thanks for filling in some of the blanks folks. I remembered Brint Anderson’s fine work (and you pointing him out to me NOLA), but I couldn’t remember his name. And in my mind’s eye I knew someone else was on stage with Anders for his “Summertime in New Orleans” finale, but I couldn’t remember who it was. Yes, Jumpin’ Johnny added a nice touch there now that I remember it…
In addition to Joe Krown and Margie Perez, Wardell Quezergue was also in the crowd. And Quint Davis was there too (in his Saints parka). In fact, by the time he got on stage to make a little speech, I was feeling no pain myself, and I said (to SeeFood I think), “Hey, I know that dude.” Seefood’s reply: “Um, yeah, I hope so. That’s Quint Davis.” Ok then, time for another water break…
Doug, that’s a helluva work schedule. I was hoping to see Alex at d.b.a. on Friday too, and I was also ticketed for Richie Havens at Howlin’ Wolf that night. But my plane was two hours late leaving New York and I didn’t get to my hotel until 1:00 a.m., at which point both shows were long over. With a full day of Blues & BBQ on Saturday, Michelle Shocked’s all-timer that night, and the legendary Marva benefit following the Saints game on Sunday, I can’t really complain about being deprived of outstanding music though. And I ran into that same Rockin’ Dopsie show on Saturday also. We must have been in the same orbit during that time; I left the B&BBQ for a short time when I discovered they ran out of cochon de lait and the other food lines were ridiculous. I looked up to see the Hilton a few blocks away, and the siren call of Drago’s char-grilled ersters pulled me away momentarily. While on my way there, I saw Dopsie on the street unloading his equipment from his car and I asked him where he was playing, and he pointed to that Piazza Italia or something like that. So when I finished up at Drago’s I stopped there and caught a few tunes of his too (I was the guy carrying two six-packs of Abita). Only in New Orleans can you inadvertently run into a festival while taking a break from another festival…
SeeFood, unfortunately I don’t know how to post my pics on line. We don’t belong to any on-line photo sites; all of our pics are on iPhoto on our home computer. If you want to text me your e-mail I will be happy to send them to you that way, but I have to warn you, sadly, that not many came out. It is a new camera for us and I still have not figured out which setting to use for photos in clubs like that, so most of them are too dark to see. (And many of the others are verrry blurry—I have no idea why…).
Finally, I can’t emphasize enough how much all the amazing times I had this past weekend were enhanced by virtue of the fine company of some great THs: NOLA, ZK, SeeFood, Amyloves, Mr. Amyloves, IrishNMS, Gumbo, Windowman and Paul Sanchez (plus a brief hello to Baconwrapped). Your hospitality was very much appreciated; y’all sure do know how to make a guy traveling solo from the Northeast feel instantly at home. Now I can’t stop trying to figure out how to get back there asap. Thanks again.
Only in New Orleans can you inadvertently run into a festival while taking a break from another festival…
Classic.
sharon_loves_fats
10-22-2009, 09:01 PM
Classic.
Heehee, I was just about to quote the same line... glad I read all the way down first...
Another thing I should mention is how much the Marva benefit drove home, once again, the vital function served by the New Orleans Musicians Clinic. Irma in particular talked about the importance of the NOMC for most of the musicians in town, and how they never know whether they're going to be the next one who needs to use it, because for the most part none of them have (or can afford) decent health insurance. Very sad. But also made me feel good that our THR efforts go to support that particular cause. And seeing the condition Marva was in really underscored the point.
Orleansnj
10-23-2009, 06:36 PM
Another thing I should mention is how much the Marva benefit drove home, once again, the vital function served by the New Orleans Musicians Clinic. Irma in particular talked about the importance of the NOMC for most of the musicians in town, and how they never know whether they're going to be the next one who needs to use it, because for the most part none of them have (or can afford) decent health insurance. Very sad. But also made me feel good that our THR efforts go to support that particular cause. And seeing the condition Marva was in really underscored the point.
You know - I think of this almost every time I go to the doctor - that I have health insurance. I know how fortunate I am, and even though I have it I worry about the bills that may come in etc. I can't imagine adding that kind of stress (worry about bills) while being sick - or worse, choosing not to get a test or procedure done because you can't afford it.
It would be amazing if every person in the house at a show of one of these performers put a single dollar bill in a jar and gave it to NOMC. Can you imagine how much money would be collected? Holy cow. The crowds of people who pile into the venues - wow.
You know - I think of this almost every time I go to the doctor - that I have health insurance. I know how fortunate I am, and even though I have it I worry about the bills that may come in etc. I can't imagine adding that kind of stress (worry about bills) while being sick - or worse, choosing not to get a test or procedure done because you can't afford it.
It would be amazing if every person in the house at a show of one of these performers put a single dollar bill in a jar and gave it to NOMC. Can you imagine how much money would be collected? Holy cow. The crowds of people who pile into the venues - wow.
Couldn't agree more Michele!
Imagine Jazz Fest contributing a buck from every ticket sold....
Orleansnj
10-23-2009, 06:45 PM
Couldn't agree more Michele!
Imagine Jazz Fest contributing a buck from every ticket sold....
holy crap...that would be cool - huh. Even if it was 10 cents on each ticket. (but I like the dollar idea a lot :))
I'm thinking even more grassroots.....like each musician who has benefitted just having a jar and making a statement. a dollar - it's not a lot - but the power of those dollars together. I know that musicians often work for tips and I would hate for that to interfere with their ability to get paid. They need food on the table etc. as well..... But I think people at a performance would get it.
I think of the nights I've been at d.b.a and anywhere else on Frenchmen, or the Maple Leaf or everywhere. If people, both locals and out of towners, really understood that the health insurance thing for a musician doesn't happen- and the NOMC is filling a LARGE need in the city - I think people would open their wallets wide.
I can tell you that people were definitely digging into their pockets many times over at the benefit to put money in the jug. I think those are great ideas.
In terms of perspective on health care costs, ever look at the statements you get from your insurance company to tell you what they paid? As but one example, the few hours I spent in the hospital for the surgery on my eye a few months ago cost almost $25,000.00! I was stunned when I read that statement. And I don't think the surgeon himself was even part of that amount! I can't imagine trying to pay for decent care without insurance.
Orleansnj
10-23-2009, 07:01 PM
[QUOTE=Lit;289081
In terms of perspective on health care costs, ever look at the statements you get from your insurance company to tell you what they paid? As but one example, the few hours I spent in the hospital for the surgery on my eye a few months ago cost almost $25,000.00! I was stunned when I read that statement. And I don't think the surgeon himself was even part of that amount! I can't imagine trying to pay for decent care without insurance.[/QUOTE]
Exactly - my EOB just came for a cat scan with/wo contrast that I had recently....I nearly shit a brick when I saw that it was over a thousand dollars. 25k for the hospital and you didn't even stay overnight. That's a lot of nights at the Ritz in New Orleans and probably a good two years at some of the places that we really stay at ! (ha ha)