A variety of New Orleans musicians will join forces for a benefit concert/blood drive in support of the victims of last week’s mass shooting in Orlando. The event will take place from 3pm to 8pm at The Sugar Mill on Friday, June 24.
The Stooges Brass Band, Mia Borders, Robin Barnes, Arsene DeLay & The Bayou Saints, Khris Royal, Tarriona “Tank” Ball (of Tank & The Bangas) and Tonya Boyd-Cannon are all set to perform at the fundraiser, which is billed as NOLA Beats for Orlando. Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips (Philip Anthony), Derek Penton-Robicheaux and Jeffrey Palmquist will also be on hand as special guests.
In addition, there will be drag performances, food trucks, a balloon release and more.
Attendees are asked to make a donation of $5 or more at the door, with all proceeds going to the OneOrlando Fund. In a generous move, Ochsner Health System has confirmed that it will donate $10 to the fund for every person that donates blood at the event.
NOLA Beats for Orlando is one of many tributes to the victims of last week’s Orlando attack that have taken place around town. For instance, this past Saturday’s New Orleans Pride Parade included a memorial march that celebrated the lives of the victims.