Dominic Massa /EyewitnessNews
Email:dmassa@wwltv.com|Twitter:@DMassaWWL
NEWORLEANS- Hugh Laurie has lots of titles on his resume': award-winning actor (famous for eight years on TV as Dr. Gregory House), comedian, writer, director, musician and - perhaps most importantly here devotee of local music icon Professor Longhair.
Next month, Laurie will perform at an all-star fundraiser at Tipitina's to benefit the ongoing campaign to restore the family home of one of Laurie's musical idols, Professor Longhair.
In recent years, Laurie has explained his love for New Orleans music, and Professor Longhair in particular. His 2011 album, 'Let Them Talk,' was partly recorded in New Orleans and formed the basis for a PBS 'Great Performances' special broadcast last year.
Laurie even includes a version of Professor Longhair's classic 'Tipitina' on his newest CD, 'Didn't It Rain.'
The 'Fess Fest' musical fundraiser on Nov. 7 is being organized by the Tipitina's Foundation, which has spent the past several years working with volunteer groups and the United Way to rehab Professor Longhair's Terpsichore St. home, the only home the music icon ever owned.
Plans call for a portion of the renovated home to serve as a museum to 'Fess' and the New Orleans music he gave birth to.
Laurie will be behind the piano and provide vocals at the Nov. 7 concert, and will be joined by New Orleans greats Jon Cleary, Mark Mullins, Alfred 'Uganda' Roberts, George Porter and Shannon Powell.
Also performing at 'Fess Fest 2013' are the teen musicians from Tipitina's Internship Program, under the musical direction of Donald Harrison Jr., who will also be playing saxophone with the headlining band.
For ticket information on tickets for the Nov. 7 concert, click here.
