Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — Hugh Laurie has lots of titles on his resume: award-winning actor, comedian, writer, director, musician and — perhaps most importantly here — devotee of 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.
WWL-TV reports 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 volunteers and the United Way to rehab Professor Longhair’s Uptown home — the only one he 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 fundraiser concert, and will be joined by New Orleans greats John Cleary, Mark Mullins, Alfred “Uganda” Roberts, George Porter and Shannon Powell.
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.”
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.
