Legendary bassist George Porter Jr. celebrated his 78th birthday on Christmas day at New Orleans’ iconic Maple Leaf Bar. Porter, whose actual birthday falls on December 26th, took the stage alongside his longtime backing band, the Runnin’ Pardners, featuring Mike Lemmler on keyboards, Terrence Houston on drums, and Chris Adkins on guitar.
As a founding member of The Meters, Porter helped create the blueprint for New Orleans funk, contributing to a sound that has influenced generations of musicians and remains foundational to the city’s musical identity. His groove-heavy bass work became synonymous with the genre itself.
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The birthday celebration marks another milestone in what has been an active year for the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, who continues to tour extensively and recently released a new instrumental album, Porter’s Pocket. Porter will close out 2025 with a New Year’s Eve performance at The Venice West in Venice, CA, bringing the Runnin’ Pardners with him to ring in 2026.
George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners – Porter’s Pocket
Watch George Porter Jr.’s 78th birthday show at New Orleans’ Maple Leaf Bar below. Scroll down for a full list of his upcoming tour dates. Find tickets to his New Year’s Eve celebration and other shows here.
George Porter Jr.’s 78th Birthday Celebration – Maple Leaf Bar – New Orleans, LA – 12/25/25
George Porter Jr. Tour Dates:
Dec 31 – The Venice West – Venice, CA
Jan 30 – The Get Down – Portland, OR
Jan 31 – Olympia Funk Fest – Olympia, WA
Feb 5 – Vilar Performing Arts Center – Beaver Creek, CO
Feb 7 – Jam Cruise – Miami, FL
Feb 18 – Garcia’s Chicago – Chicago, IL
Feb 19 – Garcia’s Chicago – Chicago, IL
Feb 25 – Antone’s – Austin, TX
Feb 27 – Cervantes’ Other Side – Denver, CO (with The Breaks ft. Eddie Roberts, Stanton Moore, Robert Walter)
Feb 28 – Cervantes’ Other Side – Denver, CO (with The Breaks ft. Eddie Roberts, Stanton Moore, Robert Walter)
Apr 10 – Sweet Water Music Hall – Mill Valley, CA
Apr 11 – Sweet Water Music Hall – Mill Valley, CA