To say New Orleans is a city known for its rich music history would be an understatement. Whether it’s coming out of a neighborhood bar, a storied music venue or a second line marching down the street, we are constantly and contentedly accompanied by a 24-hour soundtrack. The preservation of such relies solely on another familiar and inescapable trait of The Big Easy: the musical mélange that is the next generation of New Orleans’ musicians.

One of the city’s best female-focused krewes will celebrate the next generation with a music, burlesque and dance party for a good cause. On Friday, December 8, the Camel Toe Lady Steppers will host their 13th annual “Toe-Down,” a benefit for the Roots of Music.

With over 50 members, the all-female marching Krewe touts its mission as a promotion of positive female energy. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit an educational organization spearheaded by Rebirth Brass Band’s snare drummer, Derrick Tabb. The Roots of Music aims to empower the youth of New Orleans through the influence of instruments, the marriage of music and community.

The performance roster features Water Seed, Alexis and the Samurai, DJ BLK, burlesque by members of Fleur de Tease and, of course, the Camel Toe Lady Steppers.

The event will be hosted at One Eyed Jacks (615 Toulouse St), with the prefaced proclamation “Let’s Get Weird,” and serves as a true display of some of New Orleans’ most offbeat entertainers giving back to their community the best way they know how.

Join the Lady Steppers and “get weird”, and you’ll be also lending a hand in ensuring that we will never lose that familiar soundtrack.