Photo by Dave Vann

Galactic will headline a benefit concert for their longtime friend and former bandmate Theryl “Houseman” DeClouet. The multi-band bill will take place at New Orleans’ Tipitina’s on March 23. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Revivalists, Papa Grows Funk’s John Gros and June Yamagishi, and several unannounced special guests will perform during the night. Of special note, DeClouet will sing lead with Galactic during their set.

DeClouet relocated to Chicago after Hurricane Katrina took everything he owned. The goal of the evening is to assist DeClouet in his efforts to re-settle in his hometown of New Orleans.

DeClouet is the featured vocalist on Galactic’s first five albums (including Coolin’ Off and Crazyhorse Mongoose). This collaboration was an extension of a friendship started back in 1990, when Robert Mercurio and Jeff Raines met DeClouet at the legendary (and now defunct) Benny’s nightclub, well before the two had started Galactic. Houseman officially left Galactic in 2004.