Galactic, arguably the most popular New Orleans band in the contemporary galaxy, celebrates its tenth anniversary on September 9 and 10 at Tipitinas’s, augmented by a universe of guest stars, ranging from retired vocalist Theryl “Houseman” DeClouet to Allen Toussaint to DJ Quickie Mart.

Bassist Robert Mercurio, who founded the band with childhood friend, guitarist Jeff Raines, while a Tulane undergraduate, was interviewed at OffBeat headq...