Smack-dab in the middle of Jazz Fest weekends, the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic will celebrate its 20th birthday on Wednesday, May 2. With two decades of valuable service to the community, the Clinic has every reason to party. Since 1998, the local health service has provided affordable, holistic medical care to the city’s musicmakers. They offer a range of low-cost services including their health clinic, mental counseling, dental care, and physical therapy. The services’ mission statement is “to keep music alive by sustaining New Orleans musicians and tradition bearers in body, mind and spirit.” The Clinic prides itself on ‘Keeping New Orleans Musicians Alive’ by providing comprehensive health care to the city’s biggest cultural asset.

The “Birthday Woot Down” will be at the Maple Leaf Bar on Oak Street, from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, May 2. Bassist Charlie Wooton, along with Eric Struthers, Jermal Watson, Tom Worrell and other special guests will play a benefit concert to bring awareness and raise funds for the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic. This special day will in fact a triple-celebration: 20 years of the Clinic, the 70th birthday of Robert Jr. Whitall (Big City Rhythm and Blues Magazine Editor-in-Chief), and the 300th birthday of New Orleans!

A $20 cover will be collected at the door.