Next week, musicians and prominent community members of New Orleans will join forces to roast one of the city’s most decorated musicians, all for a good cause.

“The Roast of Derrick Freeman” will celebrate Freeman, the virtuoso percussionist, vocalist, pianist, songwriter and music industry veteran. He’s a 2019 candidate in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year Campaign, and his roast is an effort to raise money and awareness for and about blood cancers. The candidates who raise the most money win a local title and go on to compete for national honors in the Campaign. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Serving as roast master is Dirty Coast owner Blake Haney. He’ll be joined by roasters Sunpie Barnes, Nigel Hall, Arsene DeLay, Debbie & Johnny Vidacovich, members of the Soul Brass Band, Robin Barnes, Eric “Benny” Bloom, and the Who Dat’s from section 645. There will also be performances from Stanton Moore, Ben Ellman, The Soul Brass Band, Nigel Hall, Sunpie Barnes, Arsene DeLay, Robin Barnes, Pat Casey, Jamie Bernstein, and Joe Gelini.

Ticket prices range from $15 to the All-Star Jam, $50 for both the roast and the Jam and $500 VIP tables (these include four reserved seats, complimentary bites and beverages, plus exclusive bar access during the roast and access to the Jam).

Food donors for the event include Bywater Bakery, Central City BBQ, Jacques-Imo’s and Rouses.

The roast of Derrick Freeman takes place Thursday, April 18 at Tipitina’s. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The roast begins at 7 p.m., followed by the Jam at 9:30 p.m.