VH1 Save the Music’s new Musically Mastered Menu Tour series will make a stop in New Orleans on Wednesday, April 20–just a few days before Jazz Fest.
VH1 Save the Music is a nonprofit dedicated to restoring the music programs of America’s public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music education. The series travels from city to city bringing a night of music and food to each new location in an attempt to raise funds and awareness for a the cause.
Musical duo R. City and local Chef Donald Link will host the event. The dinner fundraiser will take place at 7PM at the Calcasieu Ball Room, where there will be spicy menu consisting of Creole and Caribbean-influenced flavors, inspired by R. City’s origins and Chef Donald Link’s culinary background.
R. City is made up of brothers Theron and Timothy Thomas. Originally from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, the duo has produced tracks for Usher, R. Kelly, Juicy J, Chris Brown, Ciara, Justin Bieber, and Future as well as hits such as Rihanna’s “Pour It Up,” Nicki Minaj’s “The Night Is Still Young,” and Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop.”
Chef Donald Link is originally from New Orleans, where he has opened many of his own restaurants in the Warehouse District, including Herbsaint, Cochon, Cochon Butcher, Calcasieu and Pêche Seafood Grill. His first cookbook, Real Cajun: Rustic Home Cooking from Donald Link’s Louisiana, was awarded best American cookbook by the James Beard Foundation.
VH1 Save the music has donated over 51 million dollars worth of new musical instruments to 1,964 public schools over the last 18 years. The organization has also partnered with 21 Louisiana public and elementary schools, helping over 4,000 students. The Foundation is currently rebuilding music education programs for St. John the Baptist Parish in Reserve, LA. New Orleans will be the second stop of the tour.