George Porter Jr. will celebrate his 69th birthday with a show at the Maple Leaf on Monday, December 26, which happens to be his actual birthday.
A bonafide legend of New Orleans music music, Porter is best known as the bassist for funk pioneers The Meters. He will close out his 69th year on this planet with The Porter Trio, a project that finds him joined by keyboardist Michael Lemmler and drummer Terrence Houston. Music is set to begin at 10pm.
In addition to commemorating his birthday, Porter will also host a pre-50th anniversary celebration for himself and his wife, Ara. That gathering will take place at 8pm in Frenchy Galleries, located right across the street from the Maple Leaf.
As previously reported, Porter was just nominated for a Best of the Beat Music Award in the Best Bass Player category. He took home three awards at last year’s event: Best R&B/Funk Band or Performer, Best R&B/Funk Album and Best Bass Player. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement in Music Award in 2012 as well.
Porter’s birthday isn’t the only one people will be celebrating at the Maple Leaf in the coming weeks. The Uptown New Orleans venue will host birthday shows for Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the late James Booker this Saturday, December 17.