Due to health concerns, Sharon Jones & The Dap-King will no longer be headlining Boudin, Bourbon & Beer this Friday. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears will replace them at the top of the bill.
Jones called of her tour after she was diagnosed with bile-duct cancer back in 2013. The virtuoso soul singer initially beat the disease with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy, but her cancer unfortunately returned last year.
“It’s a battle with the type of cancer I have,” Jones told OffBeat in April of this year. “I haven’t had chemo in the last couple of months, but I just had another procedure taken care of and now I’m doing great. As long as the doctors tell me everything’s under control and I feel healthy, that’s the way it is… I’m gonna try to fulfill every show. That’s my goal and that’s what I’m looking forward to. Tell everyone to stay positive, and come see us when we come out. Don’t have me singing to an empty audience.”
Jones has cancelled a number of shows due to health issues in recent weeks, including a performance at the White House that was scheduled for October 3 (President Obama wrote her a letter wishing her a speedy recovery).
As previously reported, Boudin, Bourbon & Beer is an annual fundraiser and festival hosted by the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. The event will offer beer from Abita Brewery, bourbon from Buffalo Trace and boudin from over 60 locally and nationally renowned chefs. Southern rocker Anderson East, Nashville-based sextet Banditos, Cajun music makers (and OffBeat favorites) the Lost Bayou Ramblers and eclectic New Orleans ensemble the St. Claude Serenaders are also set to perform.
Tickets for the Boudin, Bourbon & Beer are still on sale.