Home Music Galactic Owns Tipitina’s: Performing Live At Legendary New Orleans Club

Galactic Owns Tipitina’s: Performing Live At Legendary New Orleans Club

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Legendary New Orleans music venue Tipitina’s was purchased this week by local funk group Galactic. The band will continue to operate the venue that was opened by a group of local music fans in 1977 to as a performance space for local piano icon Professor Longhair.

The club takes its name from Professor Longhair’s tune “Tipitina.” The renowned musician was a regular performer at the venue until his death at age 61 in 1980. Roland Von Kurnatowski took over ownership of Tipitina’s in 1996 and soon after the group first known Galactic Prophylactic began playing regularly at the club. Galactic will celebrate New Year’s Eve this December 31 with a performance at Tipitina’s.

“We’re so incredibly honored to be part of the team tasked to be the current caretakers of such a historic venue,” Galactic’s Ben Ellman stated. “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!”

This edition of Sunday Cinema revisits officially posted video footage of Galactic’s performance at Tipitina’s during Jazz Fest in 2010. Below are clips of “Gossip” and “Heart Of Steel” featuring Cyril Neville on vocals and “Balkan Wedding”:

Gossip

Heart Of Steel

Balkan Wedding