WWOZ will host its 29th annual Piano Night at the House of Blues on Monday, May 1st. With a theme of “Back to the Roots,” this year’s event will return the celebration to its original concept.

Piano Night celebrates the music and piano style created by the legendary Professor Longhair and further developed by beloved New Orleans piano players like Allen Toussaint, Smiley Lewis, Fats Domino, Dr. John, and Eddie Bo. The party historically takes place on the Monday between the first and second weekends of Jazz Fest.

In keeping with tradition, this year’s Piano Night will feature a lineup of Longhair disciples: Ellis Marsalis, Marcia Ball, Joe Krown, David Torkanowsky, Tom McDermott, Josh Paxton, John Papa Gros, Tom Worrell, and Al “lil fats” Jackson.

“This piano style is as unique to New Orleans culture as its cuisine and the architecture of the French Quarter,” said Piano Night producer and pianist Joe Krown.  “It has weaved its way into all of the great post-war music that came out of our city and is a large part of what makes New Orleans music.”

Tickets for WWOZ Piano Night are now on sale.