Mardi

New Orleanians are known more for music than for athletic prowess, but this weekend’s 5K combines both in the name of charity. If you’re looking for something to do with your Saturday evening, head to Tipitina’s by 4pm tomorrow to register for their Rhythm and Blues 5K Run, a fundraiser to restore Professor Longhair’s childhood home. 

Don’t worry, participants can costume as their favorite musician, and they’ll have plenty of music along the route to keep them energized.  Of course, there’s an after party at Tip’s following the 5K, with music from Dr. John, George Porter Jr., and more .   

Starting a 5:00pm, runners will take off from Tipitina’s, at the corner of Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street. The course is an out-and-back along Tchoup, and participants will run to the beat of New Orleans high school marching bands playing instruments donated by Tipitina’s Foundation along the route. In keeping with the theme, costumes of famous musicians and groups are encouraged.

Mardi Gras wouldn’t be half the fun without the powerful beats and harmonious horns of our city’s marching bands, and the Tipitina’s Foundation will donate proceeds from the run to local high schools for their music programs. Funds will provide our local marching band members with uniforms, particularly the standard shoes required to stomp down the route.

The first 500 to finish the race will receive medals imprinted with the city’s water meter logo, but those who aren’t in tip-top shape still have a fighting chance at an award. Participants are strongly encouraged to costume themselves as their favorite local musicians, and the best disguise also wins “Best Individual Musician Costume.” Groups that coordinate their outfits will have a chance to win the “Best Musical Group Ensemble,” award.

After the race, Tip’s will host the benefit concert “Fess’ House Party New Orleans Style,” featuring Dr. John, Ellis Marsalis, Jon Clearly, and more. George Porter, Jr. will be leading the house band for the night. Proceeds from the concert will go towards restoring the Fess family home, which eventually hopes to feature a museum dedicated to the legendary New Orleans piano man.

Tipitina’s Programs Manager Emily Menard said choosing to participate in the fundraiser was a no-brainer for the local music venue.

“Being Tipitina’s, we wouldn’t exist without Professor Longhair,” said Menard. “Our history and the essence of who we are is shaped by his music.”

Although Menard noted that historic preservation isn’t usually on the bar’s agenda, she said Tip’s simply “couldn’t just let his home go away.”

“Our future kids will look back on this, and so many musicians’ legacies have fallen away,” said Menard. The after party boasts a lineup of musicians like Jon Cleary, Dr. John, and Ellis Marsalis. “All these great musicians were heavily influenced by Professor Longhair,” said Menard.  

Runners and preservationists, it’s not too late to register. Find all the information about the big race on the event’s flyer. Interested parties can buy tickets to the after party at the Foundation’s website for only $35. Patron tickets are available for $80 and include light food, an open bar, balcony access, and a Tipitina’s goody bag complete with a commemorative event poster.

Some of the content in this article was taken from Brad Rhines' article in NoDef, "Feet for Fess"