Tipitina's -- and its owners Galactic -- are asking the public for help

It’s official: Galactic has purchased Tipitina’s

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Galactic are now the owners of Tipitina’s, officially.

While the New Orleans funk band confirmed as much with a Tweet last week, an official press release makes it real.

“Galactic and Mary and Roland von Kurnatowski are excited to announce the band’s purchase and future stewardship of the legendary Tipitina’s nightclub,” said the release. The sale was reportedly in the works since the beginning of 2018 and comes on the heels of the news that one of Tip’s owners, Roland von Kunatowski, is facing legal issues relating to alleged embezzlement.

galactic

Photo by Melissa Stewart

“Our goal is to preserve, promote, and protect the future of New Orleans music, culture and heritage via the Tipitina’s venue and brand,” says Galactic’s Stanton Moore. “We’re so incredibly honored to be part of the team tasked to be the current caretakers of such a historic venue,” adds the band’s Ben Ellman. “My connection with the club started way before I was lucky enough to take the stage. My first job in New Orleans was at Tipitina’s as a cook in the (now defunct) kitchen. The importance of respecting what Tips means for musicians and the city of New Orleans is not lost on us. We’re excited for the future of the club and look forward to all the amazing music and good times ahead!”

According to the press release, the purchase of the venue does not include the Tipitina’s Foundation, launched by the von Kunatowskis. “We received multiple attractive offers for Tipitina’s,” said Mr. von Kurnatowski. “It was really important to us to ensure that this club, the icon that is Tipitina’s, end up in the right hands. We purchased the club in 1997 and have nurtured it ever since. We’re confident that Galactic is the right fit – that they will cherish Tipitina’s and take it to the next level while protecting all that makes Tips such an authentic American cultural venue.”

 Galactic will celebrate the new chapter in Tipitina’s history with a show on New Year’s Eve. In February, the band will release Already Ready Already via Tchoup-Zilla Records.