Many of New Orleans' best known musicians are planning to gather for a musical tribute to Lionel Batiste, the 81-year-old vocalist and bass drummer with the Tremé Brass Band who died last Sunday.
Kermit Ruffins, Deacon John, Michael Ward and Rockin' Dopsie are among the musicians expected to attend the tribute at Sweet Lorraine's Jazz Club on Friday at 7 p.m.
The organizers of the memorial say proceeds will pay Batiste's outstanding medical bills and funeral costs.
Batiste, known as "Uncle Lionel," was with the Tremé Brass Band since it was formed in 1995 and had played bass drum since childhood. He was often featured in the HBO series Treme playing the big drum in his band.