Tipitina’s, in collaboration with producer Sonny Schneidau, is thrilled to announce A Tribute to the Queen – Irma Thomas, a special event honoring the legendary Soul Queen of New Orleans. The tribute will take place on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 9, at 10 a.m. CT, with a special presale available on October 8 through Tipitina’s website, using the code “SOULQUEEN.”
With a career spanning seven decades, Irma Thomas is one of New Orleans’ most beloved musical icons. Born in Ponchatoula, Thomas grew up listening to Mahalia Jackson and started singing gospel in church before venturing into R&B. Over the years, she has collaborated with legendary musicians, including Allen Toussaint, and won a Grammy for her 2007 album After the Rain. In 2024, Thomas performed as a guest with The Rolling Stones at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and headlined events such as the Newport Jazz Festival and SummerStage in NYC. She remains a role model and an inspiration to musicians and fans alike.
A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic (NOMC), which provides critical medical services to the city’s musicians and cultural workers. Founded in 1998, the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic provides comprehensive medical care and social services to local musicians, cultural workers, and their families. NOMC’s services are available to anyone 19 years or older, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, making it a vital resource for New Orleans’ vibrant cultural community.
This one-night-only tribute will showcase performances by Irma Thomas herself, alongside a star-studded lineup of female artists who will honor her legacy by performing her most beloved songs. Among the performers are Galactic, Ani DiFranco, Marcia Ball, Jelly Joseph, Erica Falls, Leyla McCalla, Joy Clark, Susan Cowsill, Gabrielle Cavassa, Sierra Green and Jolynda “Kiki” Chapman. Irma Thomas, joined by Galactic, will also preview songs from their forthcoming album Audience With The Queen, set for release in 2025.
The night promises an unforgettable experience, with George Porter Jr. as Musical Director. The house band will feature top musicians including Porter Jr., David Torkanowsky, Kyle Roussel, Chris Adkins, Terrence Houston, Tony Dagradi, Brad Walker, Tracy Griffin, Jeff Albert and Phillip Manuel. Radio personality Gwen Thompkins, host of Music Inside Out, will serve as emcee for the evening.
This tribute marks the sixth installment of Tipitina’s tribute series, produced by Schneidau and directed by George Porter Jr. Previous tributes have celebrated the likes of Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Earl King, and Fats Domino.
Learn more or purchase your tickets here.
