As we previously reported, the Last Waltz Ensemble has announced that it will perform two nights at Smith’s Olde Bar later this month as a benefit for the Ricky Keller Foundation. A number of guest performers will join in as well for the two performances in Atlanta on November 24 and 25. On both Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th the Dirty Dozen Brass Bands Efrem Towns will appear along with Rick Richards (Georgia Satellites), Tommy Talton (Cowboy, Gregg Allman), Benji Shanks (Captain Soularcat), Mimi Holland and many others. The Saturday show also will feature contributions from Bruce Hampton and Caroline Aiken. The Last Waltz Ensemble, named after the Martin Scorsese documentary, celebrates the vibe, energy and music of The Band.

Ricky Keller, who passed away in 2003, was a longtime Hampton collaborator, as well as the conductor of the Zambiland Orchestra and a co-founder of Project Z with Jimmy Herring and Jeff Sipe. The Rickey Keller Foundation seeks to couple funding with established organizations that work with special needs children. The Foundation operates with the mission to secure one-on-one lessons for children who show musical aptitude but who are facing financial difficulty. The Ricky Keller Foundation will allow Ricky’s presence as a spirited teacher and motivator to be perpetuated by those most in need of the transformational power and magic of music in their lives.