Friends, fans, and collaborators of Walter “Wolfman” Washington will celebrate the late New Orleans musician on January 8th at Tipitina’s. The lineup for concert raising money for Wolfman’s end-of-life and funeral costs will feature local favorites Galactic, Ivan Neville, Washington’s own The Roadmasters, and more.
Wolfman passed away on December 22nd, 2022 at age 79 following a private battle with tonsil cancer. Throughout his six-decade career, Wolfman told the story of New Orleans through his unique blend of blues, funk, and jazz. He left his mark throughout the Crescent City, recording a pair of live albums—including one with The Roadmasters—at the local Maple Leaf club where he held weekly residencies.
For the Wolfman tribute concert at Tipitina’s, The Roadmasters will play with Leo Nocentelli, Mem Shannon, Jon Cleary, and more to be announced. Also set to appear are Little Freddie King, Johnny Sansone Band, Ricci Krown Trio, John “Papa” Gros, and The Tin Men. The show is set to run from 5–11 p.m. and will also be livestreamed on nugs.net. Tickets are on sale here.
Friends and family have also organized a GoFundMe to cover the significant medical bills from his illness and a proper funeral befitting of a New Orleans luminary. A funeral will occur today, January 4th, at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home at 3827 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119. Viewing is from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and the service is from 2–3 p.m. followed by a jazz procession to St Louis Cemetery at #3 3421 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119.