PROJECTS
Through the end of 2024, the Foundation has given grants to 258 artists in sixteen rounds of Grant funding and was also the recipient of a grant to help produce the musical adaptation of Dan Baum’s book ‘Nine Lives’, a project by Paul Sanchez and Coleman DeKay. A total of over $975,827 has been rewarded in our history through grants, donations and special programs.
We will keep the information on all of our grant projects updated here, so please visit us often.
We also invite you to become a member of the Foundation to assist us in raising the funds to provide grants, and to receive regular updates on our activities. For information on applying for a grant from the Foundation, please see the Grants page.
2024 Round 16 Grant Recipients
Marc Paradis
The first of 37 projects receiving funding from Threadheads in 2024 is Marc Paradis to make an album of original music. From Marc: “I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been chosen to receive a Threadhead grant to help fund the recording of my debut solo album. Through my 23 years as a member of Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes I’ve been allowed to follow so many musical directions with my band mates, and that has always been a great source of fulfillment. But even with the artistic freedom the band has always enjoyed I still had songs of my own that simply weren’t a good fit for that project. With the help of the Threadhead Cultural Foundation I’m going to get a chance to explore and develop those songs and put together a recording of a different side of myself, something I’ve wanted to do for years. I am grateful and excited for this opportunity.” Get more background on Marc and JSDN go to www.johnnysketch.com
The Fire Weeds
A 2nd Threadhead Grant in Round 16 was awarded to Jaclyn Bethany to support a production by The Fire Weeds, a new female driven immersive theatre company based in New Orleans. From Jaclyn: “The Threadhead Cultural Foundation Grant supports our second production, Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? running January 5-14 at Big Couch New Orleans. The Fire Weeds is dedicated to producing new and classic theatrical works with women at the center. Their upcoming production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? looks at gender dynamics through the characters of Martha and Honey. This production explores a woman’s place in society in 1962, on the precipice of the second wave feminist movement.” For more on this exciting new theatre company go to www.thefireweeds.org
Lilli Lewis
Our 3rd Round 16 Threadhead Grant award goes to Lilli Lewis to launch a children’s book series featuring young black girls following their childhood passions. “Little Lilli loved pianos,” reads the first line of the flagship offering in a new children’s book series by Black Girls Love Press. The series features unique interests (e.g. music, computers, science, math, animals, photography) among young girls in order to encourage children to follow their dreams. Often, young Black girls are overlooked in many of these fields, and this series seeks to spark their imaginations. All of the characters are based on real people from or living in the Greater New Orleans area, with the first installment being based on folk, jazz and Americana singer, composer and lover of pianos, Lilli Lewis. To learn more about Lilli and her projects, please check out www.lillilewis.com
Christopher Hochkeppel
The 4th announced project funded by Threadheads goes to Christopher Hochkeppel for an EP of original music by his band Burris. From Chris: “I am SO excited and grateful to be a recipient of the 2024 Threadhead Cultural Foundation grant! As I enter my 10th year of living, loving, partying, playing, and struggling in this enchanting city I want to reflect on the past 5 years or so where I’ve fallen head-over-heels in love, witnessed all kinds of baffling and breathtaking things while playing on Frenchmen St, Bourbon St and beyond, struggled alongside the community during storms, political woes, environmental catastrophes, and learned a TON about myself and the people around me! I’m stoked to continue my vision with Burris in this recording project and to be able to spend the next few months capturing in song the many moments I’ve lived in New Orleans. I’m thrilled to involve my dear friends and colleagues in this album and maybe even bring in a few of my local heroes to share their amazing talents! To get more on Chris go to www.burrismusic.com
Bakey’s Brew
recording by the band Bakey’s Brew. From Bryan: “Bakey’s Brew is honored and excited to be included in this year’s grants awarded by the Threadhead Cultural Foundation. Will Brown, Dennis Aoun, Jake Kelston, Bryan Evans, and Ross Hoppe have been composing new music for our upcoming sophomore album over the past two years. Our band has always challenged our instrumental abilities and blended genres to create a unique sound, which has evolved significantly since our first album release. With our second album, we want to capture this new version of ourselves. We aim to share compositions that take listeners on a journey full of the unexpected, while bringing good-time vibes that keep the party going. We are eternally grateful to all of the Threadheads and look forward to embarking on this musical journey together!” FYI, “BAKEY” is an acronym using the last names of all five original members, plus “Brew” as a nod to Will Brown’s (lead guitarist) career as a master brewer and their unique blend of sounds! For more tidbits & to follow the band go to Bakey’s Brew
The New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival
A 6th Threadhead Grant in this round was awarded to The New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival which is a unique 3-day celebration of the art, music and local cultural relevance of homemade stringed instruments at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Over the past several years, it has become what Rock and Blues International Magazine has called “the World Cup of cigar box guitar events.” In the upcoming 9th annual edition, a score of exciting local and international acts will perform sophisticated tunes on amazing homemade guitars, basses, fiddles, diddley bows, and what-have-you. Solo musicians and groups will perform Blues, Jazz, Rock, Folk, Gospel, Classical and World music utilizing unique musical devices. For more info about this exciting and fun festival go to www.NewOrleansCBG.com
Dr. John Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy
.A 7th Threadhead Grant in Round 16 goes to Dr. John Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy to educate Kindergarten to Eighth-grade students about the vibrant music and art culture of New Orleans by integrating music, culture, dance, and technology through live events held during lunch. It will showcase presentations and activities inspired by local artists, celebrating genres such as Bluegrass, Brass Bands, Swing, and Zydeco. By collaborating with Art, Music, and Digital Literacy classes, the initiative offers a transformative learning experience, including creative activities and a Mardi Gras parade that connects students to their cultural heritage. Led by an experienced educator, the project seeks to develop engaging curricula not funded by school budgets that promote inclusivity, pride in cultural identity, and lasting memories related to local heritage. For more info go to www.discoveryhsf.org
Big Six Brass Band
The 8th announced Threadhead Grant this round goes to Big Six Brass Band for an album of original music. The band is a who’s-who of young brass band talent comprised of some of the city’s hottest young brass band musicians including current and former members of the Rebirth, Stooges, Hot 8, TBC, and Da Truth brass bands. From Clifton Smith of Big Six: “This Threadhead Cultural Foundation Grant will support the completion of our sophomore album, which consists of 12 original compositions. With a sound refined through the rigors of second-lining and numerous weekly club residencies over the years, we’ve developed a catalog of songs that regularly ignites audiences. This album documents the past five years of music-making since our debut album, bringing the sound of second-line Sunday to an eager international audience.” For more info on the Big Six Brass Band, you can click www.bigsixbrassband.com
Smitti Supab – Captain Buckles
A 9th Threadhead Grant in Round 16 was awarded to Smitti Supab to create an album of original music by Captain Buckles. From Smitti: “We are super stoked and immeasurably grateful to be one of the recipients of the Threadhead Cultural Foundation Grant! It is really special to be recognized, received, and trusted by such a wonderful, supportive and active community to produce a full-length album of music that truly represents our hearts and captures the chemistry of our band. An opportunity often only available to signed bands, we’re now able to authentically focus on our art and have more means to make it kick as much as possible. All of the sounds and grooves of New Orleans that we’ve been soaking up in our collective decades-plus experience backing local luminaries have been cooking for some time, and we’re excited to season it and serve it up in a fresh and inspiring way, the way only a band’s band can! Thank you, Threadheads, for sharing your fire with us. We look forward to continuing to share our fire with y’all and beyond!” To follow the project and the band check out www.captainbucklesband.com
The Walrus
Our 10th Threadhead Grant was awarded to The Walrus, a collaboration between Andre Bohren, David Pomerleau, Jonathan Pretus, and Felix Wohllebenthat. While the band has been together for over 10 years, prior to 2020 performances were limited to 2 or 3 times a year, mainly for private events. During the pandemic, the band was one of the first to perform a porch concert in June of 2020 and soon became an important source of joy and (safely) street dance parties in otherwisse dark pandemic times. From Jonathan: “We’re so excited to receive a Threadhead grand to help fund our album. The Walrus had always been a very remote side project for us, and since the pandemic, we’ve watched it somehow grow and get bigger and more active and actually turn into a real band. As we’ve dug further into these songs, we’ve found our own takes on songs that have been covered so many times and become a unit that doesn’t just regurgitate these classics, but has found a way to put our own unique imprint on them. We’ve been asked for years if WE had an album, and it didn’t make sense as, well, THE BEATLES have 12 perfect, readily available ones. But now, we feel like we have a reason to capture our own take on these songs, and want to show how the Beatles’ music has influenced New Orleans music, music that originally inspired them, in fact, and with the help of the THCF, we’ll finally get a chance to explore that relationship. We’re extremely grateful for this opportunity!” For more on The Walrus go to www.walrusnola.com
Beth Patterson & Seán Heely
Grant #11 was awarded to fund a duo CD by Louisiana native bouzouki player Beth Patterson and US National Scottish Fiddling champion Seán Heely. From Beth: “As a proud Louisiana native, I’m excited to commence this Louisiana-Celtic crossover duo project with Seán Heely, national champion in both Scottish fiddle and Gàidhlig (Gaelic) singing. I’ll be slinging my trusty tools of trade—namely my basses, Irish bouzoukis, and voice—while Seán will demonstrate his usual prowess on vocals, fiddle, and Celtic harp. This forthcoming album will feature some of our original co-writes, as well as traditional Celtic and Cajun numbers. We’ll also unveil some rare songs, previously unrecorded tunes written by fiddle legends of the past, and obscure harp pieces. The project will showcase the influence of Scottish and Irish culture in New Orleans and regions of Acadiana. Songs in English, French, and Scottish Gaelic will round out this eclectic record. This catalog is the result of strong friendship, road adventures, research quests, and no small amount of shared hilarity. We’ve invited some local musicians—characters all—to guest on the record and give it a colorful boost. Everyone is in for a wild and wonderful trip! My deepest thanks to the Threadhead Cultural Foundation.” Learn more about these artists at www.bethpattersonmusic.com and www.seanheely.com
Lawrence Sieberth
A 12th Threadhead Grant was awarded to Lawrence Sieberth to make a record of original music. From Lawrence: “Estrella Banda is Lawrence Sieberth’s group that performs his original compositions penned from his love for Latinesque music, Whether it be Afro-Cuban, Brazilian or Caribbean, he fuses these rhythmic vocabularies with his own musical innovation. This arm of his musical pursuits has led to collaborations with some of New Orleans’ finest musicians – Ray Mouton (guitars) Brian Quezergue (bass) Alexi Marti (percussion) Rick Sebastien (drums) Eric Lucero (trumpet) Rex Gregory (sax/flute) & Brad Walker (saxes). The band’s first CD was recorded live at Snug Harbor and the group has since performed at the N.O. Jazz fest in 2016, 2017 and 2024. From this and other recent performances has stemmed new compositions and the beginning of the band’s 2nd recording. In his endless pursuit of new talent, this new recording will also feature David Navarro (trumpet), Danny Sedownick (percussion) and Bart Plateau (flute). Having received the Threaded grant allows the group to finish the recording and will be available in 2025. Thank you for this.” To learn more about Lawrence and his music go to www.lawrencesieberth.com
The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company
The 13th Threadhead Grant this round goes to The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company for a production of Orpheus Descending, a play by Tennessee Williams that depicts the story of a small, generationally cursed town in the Deep South that is plagued by consequences of bigotry, misogyny, and cruelty. TWTC is the first professional year-round theatre company in the United States to focus on preserving the legacy of Tennessee Williams plays. Tennessee Williams plays a huge role in the cultural fabric of the New Orleans and attempts to introduce both local and international audiences to lesser known and rarely produced Williams plays, along with his more well-known plays. From Nick Shackleford: “As we enter our 2025 tenth anniversary season, we are very grateful for Threadhead’s continued support of The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans and our production of Orpheus Descending this March/April. Orpheus Descending touches on themes of race, persecution, repression, perseverance and the transcendence of art and music. The unbreakable human spirit is front and center. We thank Threadhead for their support of our local theatres and artists!” For more on this important project go to www.twtheatrenola.com
Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra
A 14th Threadhead Grant in Round 16 goes to Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra who will use Threadhead funds for targeted marketing and outreach for their new album ‘Living Free and Running Wild’ – a tribute to the slave revolt of 1811. They will work with Christi Yarema at Voodoo Creative and Shatikawa Griffin of Monsera Consulting to broaden their reach to younger listeners, educators, and social justice advocates. This seminal album amplifies the stories of African Americans who participated in the Louisiana slave revolt of 1811 and is a tribute to their sacrifices to aid in African descendants being included in the American democratic process. These stories – composed and performed by mostly African American, New Orleans musicians – deserve to be heard by as many people as possible. Outreach will include advanced mastering of music, investing in more dynamic artwork, creating a website redesign and highly targeted marketing/outreach. For more on this project check out www.theujo.org
Nolatet
Threadhead Grant #15 was awarded to Nolatet to record their 3rd record of original material. Nolatet is the vibraphonist Mike Dillon, pianist Brian Haas, bassist James Singleton and drummer Johnny Vidacovich. From Brian: “We’ve been improvising together for a long time….some of us for almost 50 years. Between the four of us we’ve got enough fresh compositions for a few new albums; we are honored to receive a 2025 Threadhead Grant to make our third. The focus on this third album is re-translating our “classical chamber music meets free improv” approach into a rowdier, live setting with more group exploration. Thank you Threadhead for this opportunity. For more check out www.brianroyhaas.com
Deltaphonic
Threadhead Grant #16 has been awarded to Deltaphonic to record an album of original music. From Andrew Weekes: “For years Deltaphonic has envisioned an original collaboration album that integrates the sound and style of a New Orleans brass band with Deltaphonic’s guitar riff based blues rock and funk songwriting aesthetic. The goal of the album is to discover an uncharted niche in the New Orleans brass band sound by experimenting with new compositions, arrangements, and instrumentation while remaining true to the roots of the genre. The project will be managed and produced by Deltaphonic with instrumentation and guidance provided by members of the New Orleans brass band community. Thanks to the Threadhead Cultural Foundation for making this project a reality!” Get more info about Deltaphonic at www.deltaphonic.com
Deltaphonic
The 17th Threadhead Grant this round goes to Paul Sanchez to create a recording of original music. Paul has so much history with our group spanning the arc of Threadhead history and this project will assist him in breaking new ground again with songs written in the four years he was rehabbing his voice from throat and spine surgeries. From Paul: “My musical life post Katrina and the flood, after leaving Cowboy Mouth, was made possible by the generosity of the Threadheads. The songs I wrote with John Boutte were brought to life on Threadhead Records. My duet record with Shamarr Allen where, in his words, “we played old people’s music like you like and I’ll sing it. And young people’s music like I like and you sing it.” I learned a lot on that record. Thanks to the generosity of the Threadhead Foundation including me as one of this year’s grant recipients I have the chance to learn from Shamarr again as he produces my first ever jazz record featuring seven new songs I’ve written.” For more on Paul and his storied musical career go to www.paulsanchez.com
River Eckert
The 18th Threadhead Grant this round goes to River Eckert, a 15-year-old piano player born and raised in New Orleans, LA. From a very young age, River has been surrounded by music. Immersed in the styles of legends such as Professor Longhair, James Booker, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, Art Neville among others, he is passionate and dedicated to “carrying the torch” of the New Orleans piano tradition. Coming from a musical family, River began playing piano at the age of 3. Initially studying classical music, his teachers eventually encouraged him to explore blues and jazz, recognizing his natural ability to quickly grasp those styles. Now, at just 15-years-old, River sings and plays in both a solo piano and full band setting. He is rapidly gaining local and national popularity and has recently started recording his first studio album. River began recording his debut release in 2024 with a mix of Original Music and New Orleans Classics. Up to this point, River is joined by fellow musicians: George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Terence Higgins, John Fohl, Cornell Williams, Raymond Weber, Jake Eckert, Brad Walker, Roger Lewis, Jason Mingledorff, Michael Skinkus and Harry Morter Jr. The TCF funds will allow us to continue to record the audio and video for the remaining songs on this project. River will be bringing in additional guest musicians and adding more original compositions and classics to the project. The TCF funds will help us to bring this project to completion in 2025! To follow River on this amazing journey go to www.rivereckert.com
Sari Jordan
A 19th Threadhead Grant this round was awarded to Sari Jordan. Sari Jordan (they/them) is a 25-year old New Jersey-born, New Orleans-based vocalist, songwriter, and musician with a voice that shines in its raw honesty and playful boldness. They are inspired to make art when faced with contradictions about relationships, power, and love. Sari is honored to receive the Threadheads grant and looks forward to using funds to record their first full-length album, entitled Perfect Be the Enemy. “This album emerged as chapters of my story as it unfolded in the two years since I recorded my first project. My EP Sing to the Moon was so transformative and such a dense learning experience; I am so excited to get in the studio with an incredible team of people I’ve met through playing and experiencing music here in New Orleans. Several of these songs were written in cases where another local artist was so inspiring that I just had to pick up my guitar when I got home. This music community is so dear to my heart. Winning this grant means so much to me.” For more on Sari and this project got to www.sarijordan.com
Intramural Theater
Our #20 Threadhead Grant goes to Intramural Theater for a production of Timbuktu, USA which offers a refreshingly absurd portrait of American systems of power premiering at The New Marigny Theatre on Friday, January 24th and running through February 3rd. Inspired by the works of Sylvia Plath and Samuel Beckett, the play tells the story of Kelly Kilkenny, a decorated career politician who formulates a devious plot to attain the ultimate seat of power – the American presidency. The production, directed by company member Elizabeth Frenchie Faith, features Lauren Wells (The Bermuda Can Company), Jon Greene (Artistic Director – The Radical Buffoons), Benjamin Dougherty (Kingdom of Earth), and Becca Chapman (Co-Executive Director – Prescription Joy). Founded in 2015, Intramural Theater is a New Orleans-based theatre collective focused on physical and spatial experiments with original scripts. The Intramurals integrate live music, movement, sculptural, and visual arts to produce immersive, site-responsive works. “Intra-mural” translates to “within walls” – our central passion is finding walls within which whole worlds can emerge, and where intimacy and insatiable curiosity intersect. Latest works include The Bermuda Can Company (2024), The Trees (2024), CAVE (2023), and The Cuck (2022). For more on this innovative theater concept go to www.intramuraltheater.org/timbuktu
Caleb Tokarska
The 21st of 37 Threadhead Grants in Round 16 was awarded to Augusta, Ga native, Caleb Tokarska who sets out to record his debut, all original, full-length LP. Based in New Orleans since 2019, the album will showcase the wide variety of musicians Tokarska collaborates with in the Crescent City. From soulful grooves with an Americana sense of songwriting to weaving guitar harmonies and sincere vocals, he sets out to showcase all he’s gathered here in New Orleans in life and music. In the beginning of 2019 Caleb made the move to New Orleans. Starting with an appearance at Jazz Fest with local legend, John Boutté, Caleb has quickly established himself as a versatile musician and songwriter in the crescent city. Caleb has performed and/or recorded with members of Tedeschi Trucks Band, Widespread Panic, Aquarium rescue unit, The James Brown Band, as well as John Boutté, TBC Brass Band, and Russell batiste. For much more on Caleb and to follow this and his projects go to www.calebtmusic.com
Sam Friend
A 22nd Threadhead Grant in 2024 went to Sam Friend for an album of original music. This is a new project featuring Steve Walker on Trombone, Glen Finister Andrews on Drums, Doyle Cooper on Trumpet, Connor Stewart on Sax, Miles Lyons on Tuba and co-producing, with a guest appearance by James “12” Andrews. From Sam: “I haven’t really had a chance to write music in a traditional jazz context since the two albums I released with The New Orleans Swamp Donkeys before the pandemic. I’ll be working with Miles and Steve to put together a full album of new songs. When first visiting New Orleans in 2012, I was very lucky to have met James Andrews jamming one afternoon in Tuba Fats Square. We immediately hit it off musically and became friends and collaborators. I moved to New Orleans at the end of that year and was thrown into the fire with countless gigs and my first few JazzFest’s with James. In the time since, James and I only had a few opportunities to record together. This album is a chance to create some original compositions in a different setting than usual with some of this music’s greatest practitioners. Thank you to the Threadhead Cultural Foundation for helping to make this album a reality and for your continued support and encouragement! For more info about Sam and his music go to www.samfriendmusic.com
Zena Moses
The 23rd Threadhead Cultural Foundation Grant in Round 16 was awarded to assist in funding Zena Moses’ recording of three new tracks for her theatrical album, “Remember Storyville” – a tribute to all the artists, patrons, sex workers, and denizens that history has tried to erase. The tracks feature members of Zena’s band, the Rue Fiya Allstars, and include drummer Eugene Harding, trombonist Jeremy Phipps, bassist Darren Brazzley, trumpeters Chris Cotton and Ashton Hines and piano player Jake Gold. Zena will record, mix and master the songs with sound engineer Gio Blackmon at Bad Storm Studios in the Historic Treme District. To date 3 of the 6 songs for the EP (including the title track) have been produced and this project will produce 3 more: “Jasmine in the Wind” “That’s How the Music Do Ya” and “Sit Down, Big Daddy”. ‘Remember, Storyville’ is an original musical set in Storyville that sheds light on the forgotten and buried lives of those who walked her streets and includes cameos by famous personalities like Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, Lulu White and E.J. Belloq. Zena is a New Orleans native with a wide vocal range, unrestrained creativity, dynamic stage presence and evocative style that has captivated New Orleans audiences for nearly twenty years. Her versatility as a musician allows her to perform in a variety of styles including Funk, Soul, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Blues, Reggae and R&B music and she has performed with many acts like Higher Heights Reggae Band, Soul Project, Charmaine Neville and Friends, Brass-A-Holics, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Gravity A and The Original Pinettes Brass Band to name a few. For more on Zena check out www.reverbnation.com/RUEFIYA
Chris Adkins
The 24th recipient of a Threadhead Grant this round is Chris Adkins to record and release an album of original music that is heavily informed by his experiences performing New Orleans Funk, R&B, blues and roots music. Chris is perhaps primarily known as the guitarist for legendary bassist and Grammy Award winner George Porter Jr.’s band for the past 6 years and has toured all over the U.S. as well as overseas in England. They also hold down a regular Monday night residency at the famed Maple Leaf Bar on Oak Street. Prior to working in George Porter Jr.’s band he toured extensively with 6X Grammy Award nominee Maria Muldaur, including recording with New Orleans icon Danny Barker’s guitar on Maria’s tribute to New Orleans singer Blue Lu Barker. Chris first came to New Orleans when the great music program at the University of New Orleans awarded him Full Graduate Assistantship to be Steve Masakowski’s guitar student and teaching assistant. A few years after graduating with a Master’s Degree he was hired as an Adjunct Professor of Guitar and has been teaching there ever since. From Chris: “I am very honored to be a recipient of a Threadhead Grant. This grant will help fund the creation and promotion of my debut album of original music. I’ve been incredibly inspired by the many musicians I’ve had the honor to play with and learn from. They have certainly impacted my musicianship and songwriting. I look forward to sharing this music with the New Orleans community and music lovers all over. Thanks so much for the support!” Learn more about Chris at www.chrisadkinsmusic.com
Dayna Kurtz
The 25th Threadhead Grant this round goes to Dayna Kurtz for a record of new original material, recorded with several different Louisiana based bands and musicians that are chosen to suit the nature of the songs. From Dayna: “Even before I moved to New Orleans in 2013, every time I came to visit for a few weeks I found myself wanting to play with most of the bands I saw. And lately I’ve found the songs I’ve been writing have been a little bit all over the place stylistically, some are absolutely songs for my local band, (Lulu and the Broadsides), but some are more contemplative, and I was thinking it would be wonderful to record them as a trio with me on guitar, and Johnny Vidacovich and James Singleton as a rhythm section, another is a bizarre Weimar cabaret sort of thing I’m hoping to collaborate with Panorama Brass Band on, one is an old timey gospel tune. Some songs are still being written, and I just love having local bands in mind while I’m doing it. So far, I have songs recorded by Lulu and the Broadsides (of course), and The Valparaiso Men’s Chorus in the can. I’m so appreciative to have the mental space and funding to help make this vision happen, thanks so very much to the Threadhead Foundation.” Over the past 3 decades, over the course of a career that’s taken her around the world and back again, internationally lauded “songwriter’s songwriter” Dayna Kurtz has intermittently dived into her crate digger’s curated repertoire of largely obscure soul and R&B gems, as well as penned originals designed to sound as though they’d been unearthed from the same record hound’s favorite crypt, all caressed with the rich, rough and smoky vocals the Washington Post once described as a “…deep hued garnet of lifeblood and beauty.” The New Jersey native and longtime NYC resident has been living in New Orleans for more than a decade, and she seems to have found the natural habitat in which she can finally double down on her secret calling, fronting Lulu and the Broadsides with a roster of legendary New Orleans sidemen co-founding with her, including James Singleton (Astral Project), Robert Maché (Continental Drifters), Glenn Hartman (New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars), and the late Carlo Nuccio. For more on Dayna click www.daynakurtz.com
The Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival
The 26th Threadhead Grant goes to The Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival, held annually in New Orleans, commemorating the legacy of NEA Jazz Master Danny Barker. This year’s event takes place March 18-23 at locations around town and culminates with 3-days of live music at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Barker, a renowned musician, educator, and author, had an indelible impact on the cultural fabric of New Orleans. The festival, which has been celebrated each year in March for over a decade, encapsulates the essence of New Orleans’ rich heritage, emphasizing the importance of the banjo and guitar in music history. The festival’s operations involve collaboration with various local entities, including the New Orleans Jazz Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, educational institutions, and music venues like Tipitina’s and Snug Harbor. Sponsors and partners play a vital role in funding and supporting the festival. Its diverse program schedule and accessible ticket pricing make it an inclusive event for a broad audience. The Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival not only celebrates the musical heritage of New Orleans but also actively contributes to its preservation and evolution. Its cultural and economic impact on the city is profound, making it a crucial event for sustaining the vibrant jazz culture for which New Orleans is renowned. The festival stands as a testament to Danny Barker’s enduring legacy and the unbreakable spirit of New Orleans’ musical community. www.dannybarkerfestival.com
BlackAmericana Fest
The 27th Threadhead Grant awarded this round goes to BlackAmericana Fest, who with the support of the Threadhead Cultural Foundation presents Southern Nights, an intimate Americana songwriter series celebrating storytelling, community, and the rich musical roots of New Orleans and the Mississippi River Delta. Curated by Dusky Waters, each night features sets by incredible women songwriters, followed by a special “superset” where all the artists come together to honor the songs of their musical heroines. Join us at the Saturn Bar for four unforgettable evenings on January 30, February 12, March 27, and April 10, 2025. The full artist lineup includes: Chloe Marie, AJ Haynes, Dusky Waters, Schaefer Llana, Teena May, Crys Matthews, Arsène DeLay, Bon Bon Vivant, and BreAnna. Tickets can be purchased at www.thesaturnbar.com
Joe Krown
The 28th Threadhead Grant this round goes to Joe Krown to record a tribute album to the New Orleans piano style. From Joe: “In 2023 I released a CD called “Tribute”. It was partially funded by a TCF grant. It was a solo project that was paying tribute to the original New Orleans piano players that created the unique style of New Orleans R&B music. This style started with Professor Longhair in the late 1940s and branched into all of the New Orleans music that came after him. The CD pays tribute to Professor Longhair, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John and James Booker and their music. In the summer of 2023, I put together a band to support this CD, the “Joe Krown Trio +1 featuring Papa Mali”. I enlisted Casandra Faulconer on bass and Eric Bolivar on drums. We have been playing together for the last year and half and have developed a great chemistry. We’ve played Jazz Fest, the Crescent Blues & BBQ Fest, French Quarter Fest and we’ve taken it on the road to FL, TX, North Carolina, South Carolina and more. I plan on using this TCF grant to record this band and to do a follow-up to the “Tribute” CD. It will be a similar CD that will pay tribute to the New Orleans piano players and their music mixed in with a few originals. “Tribute” and this new project is my attempt at trying to keep this style from fading.” Keep up with Joe at www.joekrown.com
Cassie Watson Francillon
The 29th Threadhead Grant this round goes to harpist Cassie Watson Francillon who will complete and produce an album of new, original music. The songs will explore historical contexts of early New Orleans jazz, restorative hymns, AfroFuturistic themes, via compositions and elements of improvisation on harp, percussion, voice, electronics and more. The project prioritizes sonic liberation and ancestral charge, connecting the themes of New Orleans with Haitian lineage and Black American themes of resistance, transformative love and growth. This grant will assist in costs of recording, mixing and promotion. Cassie is a modern visionary harpist fusing folk, jazz, classical, modern & avant-garde music on concert harp. Born and raised in pre-gentrication Brooklyn, New York, she relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana in 2012 after attending Hunter College. Having studied privately under harpists Gabriella Pinto, Brandee Younger, Mia Theodoratus and Patrice Fisher, she composes, teaches, and has served on the board of the New Orleans Chapter of the American Harp Society. A multifaceted performer, she can be found in both traditional and innovative settings, private engagements and public productions, which include residency at Cathedral Peter and Paul, Studio BE, New Orleans African American Museum and the Marigny Opera House where she directed, produced and performed the sold-out production the Eternal Harp of Björk in 2019. Find out more about this innovative artist at www.cassandharp.com
Louisiana Landmarks Society
Our 30th Threaddhead Grant this round goes to Louisiana Landmarks Society to support its upcoming Spring Fling music series. The music series will be held at the historic c.1799 Pitot House, 1440 Moss Street, along beautiful Bayou St John. Louisiana Landmarks Society is the operator and caretaker of the Pitot House and is always seeking ways to expose more people to the Pitot House, its history and culture. The Spring Fling Series will be three consecutive Tuesday evenings: March 25, April 1 and April 8 from 5:30 to 7:30. Bring your lawn chairs and come take in delightful sounds from talented local musicians. Refreshments available for purchase and the series will be family friendly to help children learn about the pitot house and feature children’s activities. $10 suggested donation at the door. For more info on Louisiana Landmarks Society go to www.louisianalandmarks.org
Mark Carroll
The 31st of 37 Threadhead Grants this round was awarded to Mark Carroll for the purpose of making a record of 9 original songs. Originally from Massachusetts, Mark lived in Vermont, California, Oregon and New Mexico before making a home in Louisiana. A 70 year old lifelong musician and woodworker, his first instrument was clarinet for 8 years and guitar player for the last 58 years. His band the Sub-Urbans was hired to perform for the World Cup Soccer Games in Los Angeles for a series of shows. Mark came to New Orleans in April 2015 looking for inspiration one of the first musicians he met was Paul Sanchez who immediately invited us to sit in at Chickie Wah Wah that night. He has played French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest with Paul Sanchez including with his wife Carmela Rappazzo and her bands on guitar and lap steel. From Mark: “To say it’s been a long time coming would be an understatement. Thanks for making a distant dream come true. And big shout out to Martin Masakowski, Chris Beroes-Haigis, Matt Rhody, Joe Cabral and the ineluctable Andre Bohren for their help in pushing the rock uphill.”
Funk Monkey Featuring Arsene DeLay
he 32nd Threadhead Grant this round goes to Funk Monkey Featuring Arsene DeLay to put out their 2nd album. In 2013, Bonerama’s Greg Hicks and Bert Cotton brought together a few friends willing to commit to building something special, something different than the other popular groups they’ve played with. Greg’s powerful trombone and Bert’s tasty guitar are complemented by some of the Big Easy’s finest – Jason Mingledorff (Papa Gros Funk) on sax, Rik Fletcher (Smilin’ Myron) on keyboards, David Pomerleau (Johnny Sketch) on bass, and Eddie Christmas (John Cleary) on drums. From Greg Hicks: “We are pleased to announce the long overdue studio recording of Funk Monkey featuring Arsene DeLay! 7 years and 100’s of shows together, and it’s time to document this music for everyone to hear. Arsene’s soulful vocals have added a new dynamic to our funky groove. Many thanks to The Threadhead Cultural Foundation for the grant, which will give us the opportunity of recording, editing and pressing (Vinyl!) this project!” For more on Funk Monkey go to www.facebook.com/funkmonkeymusic
Lyrica Baroque
Our 33rd grant award in this round of Threadhead Grants goes to Lyrica Baroque, an organization which is dedicated to uniting the Gulf South communities through chamber music. A trio of musicians who began in 2009 performing in the French Quarter has grown into an organization using classical chamber music as a catalyst for uniting all people through artistic excellence. In 2015, an expanded group of musicians along with several educators and community activists formally established Lyrica Baroque, achieving status as a nonprofit organization and defining their mission with collaborative programming as the foundation. Core values include a deep belief that classical chamber music performed at the highest level of artistic excellence has the power to ignite, uplift and heal communities, exposing each of us to our innermost selves and humanity. This grant helps fund Creativity Day, a day-long program for youth ages 5-15 studying instrumental playing, who have had little to no exposure to classical chamber music. The project supports educators to help expand their curriculum, offering resources and support in order for their students to experience collaborative music making and exciting performance opportunities. Creativity Day speaks directly to preserving, promoting and disseminating the cultural heritage of New Orleans and the surrounding areas of Louisiana through access, opportunity and collaboration. The event blends the talents and passions of local musicians from many genres in a way that is inclusive, explorative and creative. It exposes young people to chamber music who maybe have not been exposed to it, and allows space for learning about new musicians, composers and creators. For more on this great program go to lyricabaroque.com/
Charles Brewer
The 34th of 37 Threadhead Grants this round goes to Charles Brewer to produce an instrumental guitar trio (Guitar, Bass and Drums) double album titled Songs Written While in College. The material would document to vinyl the original music written while attending the Jazz Studies program at the University of New Orleans from 1998 to 2004. The double album package would open to reveal a chalk board with all liner notes written in a legible chalk style font. The style of the music would be jazz fusion with a heavy emphasis on Improvisation. Charles is a lifelong New Orleans musician playing professionally since 1985. I’ve studied with Ricky Sebastian, Johnny Vidacovich, Herlin Riley, Lenny White, Troy Davis, Steve Masakowski, Ed Petersen, Victor Atkins, Chris Severin and Bill Huntington. He recently can be found performing Jazz Brunch at the Atchafalaya restaurant with Phil DeGruy and Cranston Clements and also recent performances at the Basin Street Rooftop leading my Trio.
LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana
The 35th of 37 THCF Grants this round goes to LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana to produce Louisiana Queer Arts, a three-day event highlighting the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to Louisiana’s rich culture of visual arts. The event will start June 20th, 2025 and will feature artists, photographers, and filmmakers. In addition to panel discussions and film screenings, visual artists will have an opportunity to exhibit, discuss, and sell their art. Most of the artists participating in the program are young, up and coming artists struggling for visibility. The program is designed to promote the cultural heritage of New Orleans by highlighting the cultural contributions of the queer community. These contributions are often overlooked and underrepresented. It will also give exposure to artists who desperately need visibility. This exposure will be ongoing as we plan to video record the event and post it on our organizational website. For more on this important program go to lgbtarchiveslouisiana.org/
Black Men of Labor
The 36th of 37 Threadhead Grants this round goes to the Black Men of Labor to assist in production of their upcoming XXX Noir Experience which will be held from October 23 – 26, 2025, at various locations throughout the city of New Orleans. The Black Men of Labor is a Community Development entity with over 30 years of Community Engagement using New Orleans Traditional Jazz music to engage residents around Health, Financial Fitness, Workforce Development and Social Justice. The Black Men of Labor was founded in 1994 by Fred J. Johnson, Jr., Benny Jones, Sr., and Gregory Stafford with a mission to educate, preserve, and perpetuate African and African-American culture, while creating sustainable economic opportunities to break the cycle of generational poverty in New Orleans. The Noir Experience is an annual event celebrating New Orleans African-American culture and jazz music with a Jazz Concert and Gala at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel New Orleans. The BMOL Jazz Legacy Honors featuring a night of elegance, celebration, and community spirit. The gala honors seven unique local individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to jazz and the African-American community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience live jazz performances, enjoy fine dining, and network with like-minded individuals who appreciate the cultural heritage of jazz. For more info click www.thebmol.org
The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and Assistance Foundation
The 37th and final grant this round gives a lil nod to that history. From Operations Director Martha Braun: “The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and Assistance Foundation will use a grant from Threadheads to facilitate a workshop series, ‘Improving Health Through Music.’ Its purpose is to increase the health literacy of the musicians, culture-bearers, and creative professionals in the Greater New Orleans area by using music therapy and story circles as the mediums. The topics discussed will be cancer awareness, education and resources along with the therapeutic value of music therapy, as an adjunct therapy with chemotherapy infusions. Our patient advocates will lead the story circles on their medical journeys, and Music Therapists will define and demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of music therapy. Future workshops will be hosted at local houses of worship, thanks to the efforts of a local health-equity coalition composed of the NOMC & AF team and higher learning institutions: Dillard University Office of Community Engagement, Xavier College of Pharmacy, LSUHSC, and local houses of worship.” For more on this and other programs being offered by NOMC&AF go www.neworleansmusiciansclinic.org
