TRIBUTE TO DR. LONNIE SMITH

Dr. Lonnie Smith came of age during the musical golden era in New York City of the 1960s. He was known for many years as a prominent player with George Benson and Lou Donaldson, among many others, and as a Blue Note Records artist. But he was also the proprietor of his own imprint, Pilgrimage Records, and perhaps most importantly, influenced and inspired countless musicians as a Hammond B3 Organ alchemist. 

Dr. Lonnie applied the deep, full, warm analog glow of the big B3 to music stylings that few, if any, had done before. A true virtuoso of his instrument and his craft, he traversed genre schools and was revered as a mentor by many artists who have been touched by his quiet focus and immense, inviting stretch. 

Smith became a close friend of Snug Harbor in the 1990s when he began performing regularly at the club. New Orleans Jazz Fest time always meant a few sold-out shows with The Good Doctor, but perhaps even more special were his intimate concerts at our little place not during Jazz Fest season, and all of the collaborations with several of our beloved New Orleans musicians, such as Donald Harrison Jr. and Joe Dyson. 

It so happens that Dr. Lonnie’s last live performance before his passing on September 28th, 2021, was here at Snug, during our traditional winter holidays series with Dr. Lonnie Smith & Friends on December 28th, 2019, just before the onset of the 2020 pandemic. 

Dr. Lonnie’s spirit will always have a special home here at Snug, and tonight, we honor his legacy with a night of organ-led music in homage to his influence, with members of his personal family and management in attendance. 

 

Rickie Monie – organ 

Joe Krown – organ 

Joe Ashlar – organ  

with 

Detroit Brooks – guitar 

Donald Harrison Jr. – saxophone 

Herlin Riley – drums   

Shows at 8pm & 10pm. 

Doors at 7:00pm & 9:30pm. 

Restaurant is Open 6pm – 10pm for dinner before or after your showtime. 

Advance Ticket-Holders can also make table reservations for dinner by Emailing info@snugjazz.com or calling the club at 504-949-0696 between 1pm – 7pm, after your tickets have been purchased online. 

Full Bar Open 6pm – Midnight for all, on show nights. 

All performances are currently sold at half the normal audience capacity, creating an even more intimate listening experience. Covid mandates are honored with masks required for all, and seating more distanced than our usual. Please be prepared to present a valid proof of Covid vaccination or negative PCR test dated within the past 3 days, with matching Photo ID for entry. No ticket refunds if due to lack of Covid prevention proof preparation. 

With the limited seating capacity, advance tickets are strongly suggested! Walk-up tickets will be sold only as seats remain.