This weekend, acclaimed New Orleans-based future funk collective Naughty Professor will host a cast of special guests to help them record their forthcoming live album, due out in 2018. Their two night takeover of The Maple Leaf will feature legendary emcee Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) on Friday night, and up-and-coming blues/soul phenom Marcus King on Saturday, making each night musically unique.
Chali 2na appears on Naughty P’s most recent album, Identity, and even toured with the band in support of last year’s release. After this weekend’s reunion, they are slated to perform on Jam Cruise in January of 2018. “Chali has a vivid and unique energy that can’t be described but is undoubtedly infectious, and that energy manifests itself in his genuine love for artistry of all kinds,” says Naughty Professor drummer Sam Shahin. “That spirit combined with his continuous desire to expand his personal voice are things Naughty Professor will always relate to and why we will always welcome 2na to the stage, studio, and beyond.”
This weekend will however mark the first time the band will be collaborating with blues/soul prodigy Marcus King (The Marcus King Band). Paths crossed this year at The Revivalists frontman David Shaw’s Big River Get Down in his hometown of Hamilton, OH, and Marcus began to discuss the possibility of collaborating with Naughty Professor. “Sometimes the fires on stage begin from the burning of late night hotel parties on the road,” said Shahin of the first encounter, “Such is the case with Marcus, who shares our fiery passion and our burning desire to shred. We look forward to lighting up the stage with him on Saturday night.” Marcus will lend his vocal croons and soulful guitar skills on a variety of tunes throughout the evening, including some tracks off Naughty P’s Identity.
Both evenings will also feature local musicians Dexter Gilmore and Sam Kuslan. Doors will open at 10 pm, with the first set beginning at 11 pm each night. Pre-sale tickets can be found here and will be available at the door.
Naughty Professor On Tour
November 10 – New Orleans, LA – The Maple Leaf w/ Chali 2na
November 11 – New Orleans, LA – The Maple Leaf w/ Marcus King
December 29 – Charleston, SC – The Pour House w/ TAUK
December 30 – Charlotte, NC – Heist Brewery
December 31 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse w/ TAUK
January 17, 2018 – Miami, FL – Jam Cruise w/ Chali 2na