September 29, 2012 (New York, NY) – Continuing in the tradition of “Down on the Bayou”, an annual benefit held during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival now in its fifth year, a collection of New Orleans’ most beloved artists will come together for a funk-filled jam session to benefit The New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation (NOMAF) for one night only in New York City. Mistress of ceremonies Christine Ohlman (Beehive Queen, Saturday Night Live) will host the event on Thursday, October 11th, 2012 and will sit in with members from The Radiators, Neville Brothers, James Brown Band, Joss Stone Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Leo Nocentelli Band, and many more. The evening is presented by the Jeffrey A. Altman Foundation & Shari Frank.NOMAF is most notably known as the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that shepherds the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, an innovative health service devoted to musicians and culture bearers, located in the heart of New Orleans.

This very special evening will take place at Beekman Beer Garden, 89 South Street at the South Street Seaport. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7:30 PM. Performers will include Dave Malone, Camile Baudoin, Reggie Scanlan, Frank Bua, Jr.(of the Radiators), Mean Willie Green (of the Neville Brothers), Jake Eckert (Dirty Dozen Brass Band), CR Gruver (Leo Nocentelli Band), Jeffrey Watkins (Joss Stone & James Brown Bands).

All of the net proceeds will benefit NOMAF’s fund to support the Herman Ernest Memorial Interfaith Health Screening Initiative, a community health collaboration with Tulane University Medical School.The program provides head, neck and mouth cancer screenings at no cost to musicians and is spearheaded by Dr. Paul Friedlander of Tulane Medical School. Early detection is critical to saving the lives of musicians who keep the music and culture of New Orleans alive. More information about this unique alliance can be found here: http://www.nomaf.org/hem_health_screening_initiative.php

The program was created by NOMAF in memory of Herman Ernest, the much loved “diesel funk drummer” who performed for decades with Dr. John. Mr. Ernest’s recent death from head and neck cancer was a shock to the music community in New Orleans, and the world over.

Special Event Schedule: 7:00 PM – Doors Open DJ Logic from Brooklyn
7:30 – 8:30 PM New Orleans Suspects
8:30 – 9:00 PM a word from the host Christine Ohlman Beehive Queen from Saturday Night Live
9:00 – 11:00 PM Fishead Stew with members of the New Orleans Radiators
11:00 – 1 AM DJ Logic