Last night, New York’s Sullivan Hall hosted a private, open bar party for Pandora. The show had a Mardi Gras theme and featured an opening set by the New Orleans band Big Sam’s Funky Nation. The evening’s headliner was a special band put together by the club that featured a first time pairing of George Porter Jr. (bass), Marco Benevento (keyboards), Will Bernard (guitar), Big Sam Williams (trombone) and Big Sam’s MILK (drums). New Orleans standards dominated much of the night’s setlist, though the group also offered a cover of Elton John’s “Bennie & The Jets” (with Porter on drums)

Marco Benevento will open for Dr. John at Sullivan Hall this evening. His band will feature The Slip’s Andrew Barr (drums) and Ween’s Dave Dreiwitz.