Supporting Powell & His Family
Widely-loved and highly-talented jazz musician Shannon Powell has recently faced a devastating medical crisis that has halted his music career and resulted in increased financial burdens. In an effort to support the musician, the New Orleans Jazz Museum will host a fundraiser in honor of Powell, which will include live music and plenty of opportunities to support one of NOLA's most beloved drummers.
Taking place on September 3 at the museum, the event will run from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with donations and proceeds going to support his journey of recovery.
About Powell
New Orleans native and legendary musician Shannon Powell is known locally as the "King of Tremé." Having begun his musical career when he was only 6 years old—playing drums at Fairview Baptist Church—Powell has delighted the New Orleans' community with his artistic skills since he was a child. Playing professionally alongside Danny Barker's Jazz Hounds, touring and recording with Harry Connick Jr., and selected as a mainstay at Preservation Hall, his accolades are impressive and speak to his expertise as a drummer and jazz artist. What sets Powell apart is his ability to radiate joy on stage and inspire audience members to "let loose," especially during his annual performance at Jazz Fest's Economy Hall Tent.
Sadly, in early August 2024, a devastating crisis hit Powell and his family: he suffered from a life-threatening stroke and then a heart-attack. Miraculously, Powell survived and remains in recovery. However, with medical bills piling up and Powell being unable to work, his wife, Lucritia, started a GoFundMe page in the hopes of gaining support and donations from the New Orleans' community.
The Shannon Powell fundraiser, a facet of the New Orleans Jazz Museum's "Live! From the Jazz Museum Balcony" series, is a fantastic opportunity to give-back to someone who is in need and further support a cornerstone of the New Orleans' music scene. The Powell family thanks the community for its outpouring of love, kindness, and support during this trying time. In order to spread awareness and further aid Shannon Powell, his family has asked people to share his story and support in any way possible.
