Guitarist Detroit Brooks celebrates the late New Orleans jazz legend Danny Barker on what would be his 110th birthday with the annual Danny Barker Birthday Tribute at Snug Harbor on January 16. The performance commemorates the iconic guitarist/banjoist and his influence on New Orleans jazz musicians. Detroit Brooks will be joined by Barker’s sidemen and students alike, with a band lineup featuring Gregg Stafford, Dr. Michael White, Freddy Lonzo, Mari Watanabe, Kerry Lewis, and special guest bassist Yasushi Nakamura. 

Danny Barker was born into the musically distinguished New Orleans family, the Barbarins, in 1909. He began his career at a young age playing banjo in the street band the Boozan Kings, later taking up guitar as well. Throughout his career, Barker played and recorded with renowned jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Wynton Marsalis and Charlie Parker. Upon returning to New Orleans in 1965, Barker started and led the Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band, which grew very successful and kickstarted the careers of many esteemed New Orleans Jazz musicians. Today, Barker’s legacy remains strong, remembering him for his talent, mentorship of many young players, and impact on New Orleans Jazz and brass bands. 

The Danny Barker Birthday Tribute takes place during the Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival, which runs January 15-19. The birthday show is on Thursday, January 16 at Snug Harbor with performances at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets can be bought through Snug Harbor’s box office at (504)-949-0696 or on its website. 

More information on the Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival can be found here.