Welcome, Neighbors

Steve Masakowski is a guitarist and an Astral Project bandmate of Vidacovich and another Big Easy legend. He has played in concert with Woody Shaw, Jimmy Smith and Dianne Reeves and has recorded with Reeves, Mose Allison, "Red" Tyler and Rick Margitza. He has received two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and numerous grants from the state of Louisiana.

Timmy Wells plays guitar and sings for both adults in nightclubs and casinos and kids in schools.

Versatile bassist Aaron Anthony can provide a bottom-end for a variety of genres, and what's more, he's a licensed gestalt therapist. He's offering free therapy for displaced musicians.

Louisiana Philharmonic member Dmitri Vychko is a cellist and a pianist and is offering lessons in both. His wife, Irina, is a classical pianist and she too is offering lessons. Email them at dvychko71@aol.com.

Helen Gillet is another cellist who can play both European classical and North Indian classical.

Jack Locke is a guitarist who can play blues, rock, folk, anti-folk and funk. He had a steady gig at New Orleans coffeehouse Fair Grinds. His Web site is www.jacklocke.com.

Joe Lilly is the drummer in the Zydepunks, New Orleans's only "Cajun Irish Breton klezmer Slavic zydeco" band. Greg Harbar, give this man a call. His e-mail is awareofvacuity23@hotmail.com.

Lucius R. Weathersby is an assistant professor of music and African studies at Dillard University, a concert pianist and organist, and also a conductor and composer. He is seeking concerts and work in academia, where he also has experience in administration. His e-mail is lucweather@aol.com.

Tanio Hingle is the leader of the New Birth Brass Band. For more information about him, see below.

Beginning this week, the benefit shows and other music-related events will be coming fast and furious. Here is a partial rundown -- check back here for updates. Go to at least one or two and give generously.

ONGOING

The Buzz 94.5 FM is taking paid requests, and the proceeds are being given to storm victims. The more offbeat the request, the more it will cost you, so pony up the big bucks and force 'em to play you some William Shatner or something. And if you're in a local band and want to hear the Buzz play your stuff, now's your chance to engage in the same payola the big boys use to keep you off the air.

Thursdays and Sundays, at Sammy's at 2016 Main, New Orleans' own New Birth Brass Band will play at 5 p.m. (Thursdays) and 8 p.m. (Sundays). The New Birth is the official band of the New Orleans Saints (they play in the stands at all home games) and incorporate Mardi Gras Indian chants, hip-hop, traditional Dixieland jazz and funk into the sort of music that is the soul of the Crescent City. Back in December, when the band played at Under the Volcano, I predicted that they would rattle the fillings out of your teeth, and they can pretty much do just that. Do not miss these shows! (And note, as of press time bandleader Tanio Hingle was still missing a trumpet, a trombone and a marching bass drum with mallets, so if you have any of those, please contact him at the number below.)

The series could start as early as September 8 and will probably start by September 15. Call the club at 713-751-3101 or check the Web site at www.sammysat2016main.com for more info. (To book the New Birth at your own club, private party or football game, call Hingle at 504-723-4801.)

Late-breaking news: Trumpet player-singer Kermit Ruffins, the one man other than Dr John who embodies New Orleans music in the minds of most Americans right now, will play both Thursday and Sunday at Sammy's with the New Birth. (That's Ruffins in the recent New Orleans ad campaign you've seen on TV.) Also, the various scattered members of Ruffins's former band -- the Rebirth Brass Band -- are all making their way to Houston. (Members of the Little Rascals Brass Band are also in town and will play with the New Birth at some of these shows.) Bryson Neville of the Neville family will also be there. For all New Orleans shows, there is a minimum contribution of $5 and a suggested donation of $20. Sammy's will be Tremé, Texas, for the next few weeks, so like we said, don't miss it.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Tiki Bay Bar & Grill -- 2651 Highway 146 S. Business in Baytown, 281-837-6700. New Orleans honky-tonk singer Kim Carson and local singer-songwriter Mark Zeus will co-host a jam session benefiting displaced musicians.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Club Roxy, 5351 W. Alabama at S. Rice, 713-850-ROXY. Hurban superstars Frankie J, Baby Bash, Natalie, Play-N-Skillz and Rob G and the SWAT Click will perform a benefit for the American Red Cross's Katrina relief effort. No cover -- $20 donation to the Red Cross. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Cosmos Cafe, 69 Heights, 713-802-2144. New Orleans Happy Hour, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Plan to have dinner, or just stop by for a few drinks. Cosmos has a great dinner menu and a full bar. New Orleans musicians will be playing and accepting donations. No cover, heavy tipping is encouraged.