The vibrant rhythms of New Orleans are a little quieter these days as the city’s beloved musician, Shannon Powell—known as the “King of Treme”—faces a life-threatening medical crisis. On August 4th, Powell suffered a hemorrhagic stroke followed by a heart attack, leaving him in a critical but stable condition. Now, his family and friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign and a fundraiser at the New Orleans Jazz Museum to support his long and arduous road to recovery.
On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the New Orleans Jazz Museum will host a special fundraiser for the city’s beloved drummer Shannon Powell as part of the “Live! From the Jazz Museum Balcony” series, presented by the Positive Vibrations Foundation. The event will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jazz Museum. This gathering will feature live music, offering the community a chance to come together and support Powell on his road to recovery. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly toward covering his medical expenses and ongoing care.
Powell’s medical emergency occurred unexpectedly as he was on his way to run errands. Miraculously, he was able to pull over safely, avoiding further harm. His wife, Lucritia Powell, rushed him to University Medical Center, where a dedicated trauma team discovered the severity of his condition. The stroke, which caused bleeding in his brain, was compounded by a subsequent heart attack, leaving his heart function severely impaired and resulting in congestive heart failure and multiple blood clots.
Currently surrounded by his loving family, Powell is in recovery, but the road ahead is daunting. As the primary provider for his household, Powell’s inability to work has created a significant financial burden. A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover the loss of income, extensive medical expenses and the long-term care necessary for his recovery.
Powell has been a cornerstone of New Orleans’ music scene, inspiring drummers and musicians worldwide with his talent and passion. As he faces this challenging journey, the community is rallying to offer support. The Powell family has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers and contributions during this difficult time.
The campaign, organized by Lucritia Powell, aims to ensure that Shannon receives the care he needs without the added stress of financial strain. Those wishing to contribute can do so through the GoFundMe page, and the Powell family encourages everyone to share Shannon’s story to help spread awareness and support.
King of Treme
