Brought To You By The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame
Dozens of Musicians Rallying to Benefit Louisiana Music Hall of Fame at Baton Rouge’s TEXAS CLUB November 16
“Louisiana Music Homecoming II,” a four-hour benefit concert for The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame (LMHOF) featuring a long list of prominent Louisiana music greats, is taking shape for Thursday, November 16th at the famous Texas Club in Baton Rouge, organizers have announced.
“If you think of a Farm Aid type benefit celebrating and promoting the broad scope of Louisiana music then you have an idea of what this will be like,” says LMHOF Executive Director Mike Shepherd.
Citing the mission “Preserving Louisiana’s greatest renewable natural resource,” Shepherd says the program will feature several theme music sets highlighting rock, country, New Orleans R&B, Swamp Pop and the sounds of Acadiana as the backdrop of inductions. The show will feature cameo performances by current LMHOF members, artists who will be inducted during the event, plus friends and potential future honorees. The nonprofit Louisiana Music Hall of Fame is recognized by the State of Louisiana as its official music honors and recognition organization.
Performers will include current or pending LMHOF members: Laine Hardy, Chase Tyler, Boogie Long, Gregg Martinez, Eddie Smith, Debbie Traylor, Tareva Henderson, Joey Decker, Bryan Romano and Reuben Martinez – and the list is growing. “You just never know when something like this gets rolling. My phone won’t stop ringing,” Shepherd adds.
Confirmed Louisiana honorees of note include Faron Young, King Floyd, Tony Joe White, Barbara George, Dr. Isaac Greggs, Alvin Batiste and Brenton Wood. Perhaps the most famous “unknown” inductee is veteran saxophonist Plas Johnson, who recorded the title song for The Pink Panther. Perhaps the most surprising inductee is Keith Thibodeaux, better known as “Little Ricky,” the drum playing son in the iconic TV series I Love Lucy.
One set of inductees certainly raises eyebrows – artists who got their first big break or were deeply influenced by their early experience in Louisiana. These include Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Ray Charles, plus Wolfman Jack and George Carlin, who both had their start as radio deejays in the Bayou State. “Make no mistake, Louisiana made a deep impression on these music greats,” Shepherd notes.
During set changes Shepherd says there will be “unplugged” performances, short video presentations and brief speakers on behalf of LMHOF and Louisiana music. “There won’t be long breaks with dead air, I promise you,” he noted.
Shepherd believes a music show induction format is far superior to some other events that feel more like stuffy awards dinners. “The artists really appreciate being recognized in the setting where they earned their stars,” Shepherd explains.
“There’s also a camaraderie among the artists that shows like this bring together. Over the years we’ve had many of our honorees and supporters offer to come perform on behalf of The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, so the “homecoming” concept came from that outpouring of support,” he adds.
Proceeds from the program will be devoted to continuing the LMHOF mission and making more inductions possible.
Shepherd reverently says it’s special that the artists themselves get involved with support. “This is an opportunity for them to participate and reconnect with old friends while helping us realize our goals to create more physical exhibits and expand programs to educate and to promote the revival of our state’s music industry. Now, we need the people to come out and show their appreciation to advance our mission.”
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and are now available through TicketMaster and at the door at Texas Club, located at 456 N. Donmoor Ave. in Baton Rouge. Shepherd adds that longtime owners Mark and Mike Rogers will also be inducted as music industry leaders who have supported many rising talents from the state.
For more information about The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame please visit www.LMHOF.org or the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/groups/64299968001. For LMHOF sponsorships, exhibiting or other inquiries, email mike@lmhof.org.
