Mardi Gras comes to Westside with Tipitina on the stage at Velvet Music Rooms

The spirit of New Orleans will descend on Broad Street this Sunday when Tipitina return to the Midlands to perform in the Birmingham Rocks session at Velvet Music Rooms.

Jim Simpson, of Big Bear Music, which organises the regular gigs, explained that Debbie Jones and Justin Randall of Tipitina “are the real thing”.

He said: “Tipitina is a hugely talented combo that deliver the red hot and rocking New Orleans music of Dr John, James Booker, Professor Longhair and Fats Domino.

“Singer Debbie Jones is a powerhouse, rooted in Gospel, while pianist Justin Randall is quite simply the finest New Orleans style piano player outside of Louisiana.”

As well as live music, there will be other Mardi Gras-related activities, including a playlist of New Orleans jazz and blues artists, a slideshow and authentic Cajun meals on the Velvet Music Rooms menu.

Jim added: “It’s all guaranteed to take you on a sensory journey to New Orleans, that Land of Dreams.”

Birmingham Rocks is at Velvet Music Rooms, 200 Broad Street, from 6.30pm on Sunday 2 April. Admission is free.

LIVE MUSIC GIGS AT VELVET IN APRIL

Birmingham Rocks – Sunday evenings, from 6.30pm, free admission

  • Sunday 2 April – Tipitina
  • Sunday 9 April – Thomas Atlas
  • Sunday 16 April – Back On The Road
  • Sunday 23 April – White Tyger
  • Sunday 30 April – Blue 2 The Bone

 Henry’s Blueshouse – Tuesday nights, from 7pm, free admission

  • Tuesday 4 April – Roy Forbes’ Texas Rumble
  • Tuesday 11 April – James Oliver Band
  • Tuesday 18 April – Will Killeen Band
  • Tuesday 25 April – Melvin Hancox Band

ENDS

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