As reported, the members of Galactic have purchased the famed New Orleans club Tiptina’s. The band issued a statement about their acquisition of the venue from Mary and Ronald von Kurnatowski.
“Our goal is to preserve, promote, and protect the future of New Orleans music, culture and heritage via the Tipitina’s venue and brand,” said Galactic drummer Stanton Moore. “We’re so incredibly honored to be part of the team tasked to be the current caretakers of such a historic venue,” added the band’s Ben Ellman. “My connection with the club started way before I was lucky enough to take the stage. My first job in New Orleans was at Tipitina’s as a cook in the (now defunct) kitchen. The importance of respecting what Tips means for musicians and the city of New Orleans is not lost on us. We’re excited for the future of the club and look forward to all the amazing music and good times ahead!”
“We received multiple attractive offers for Tipitina’s,” said Roland von Kurnatowski. “It was really important to us to ensure that this club, the icon that is Tipitina’s, end up in the right hands. We purchased the club in 1997 and have nurtured it ever since. We’re confident that Galactic is the right fit – that they will cherish Tipitina’s and take it to the next level while protecting all that makes Tips such an authentic American cultural venue.”
The note from Galactic mentions their purchase of Tipitina’s does not include the venue’s charitable arm, the Tipitina’s Foundation. Galactic will next perform at Tipitina’s on New Year’s Eve and will release a new album entitled Already Ready Already on February 8, 2019 through Tchuop-Zilla Records.
Photo by Melissa Stewart
