Photo by Dino Perrucci
As reported by New Orleans news outlet WWL-TV, famed venue Tipitina’s is experiencing financial uncertainty as owner “Roland Von Kurnatowski, faces a raft of lawsuits claiming he bilked investors and has skipped out on debts totaling at least $2.8 million.”
When asked for a quote by WWL-TV, Von Kurnatowski said, “My overall financial picture is good. Whether it’s time to sell Tipitina’s at this time is an open question.”
In a new advancement, funk mainstays and Tipitina’s regulars Galactic have been tapped as potential buyers of the venue. The band has performed at the venue since the ’90s, and recently used Tip’s to memorialize their late vocalist Theryl “Houseman” DeClouet.
According to WWL-TV, “Several sources associated with the club have said they hope Galactic buys Tipitina’s to keep it alive as a cultural touchstone on the New Orleans live music scene. Members of the band declined to confirm that the deal was in the works, but people with direct knowledge of the negotiations said it has been for some time and could be finalized soon.”
However, the sources add that there are quite a few potential buyers voicing interest.
Click here to watch Galactic perform “Gossip” live at Tipitina’s.
This story is still developing.
5 Comments comments associated with this post
Checkerboard
November 20, 2018 at 8:50 amI once had a meeting with ‘Roland’
I had to wash my hands and face afterwards. What a disgusting, self righteous gangster. This dude personifies privileged wannabe socialites with zero heart and hollow souls. The worst of the worst. Scum of the earth. I would rather have dinner with a Wookie.
Thomas
November 19, 2018 at 1:13 pmI made a point to be there on my only (so far) trip to New Orleans in Nov. ’92. The Ohio Players had the show that night, and all the lights in the place went out during “Love Rollercoaster.” The band never stopped playing. Later, after the power to the lights was restored, they announced they were going to play it again because somebody from the crowd had said “they wanted to SEE us play it,” LOL!
Jim
November 19, 2018 at 8:24 amA national landmark. It should be preserved. the problem with a band picking it up, is that bands don’t go on forever either. And when the band comes to an an end than what? It would seem to be a better deal for some young entrepreneurs, whose living would not be dependent on Tips being their only income to buy it. Might give it another 30-40 years of life. With perhaps a closely overseen manager taking a percentage being brought on. Is it trouble because of mishandling by latest management and owner or is it just not a viable business? The supposedly many lawsuits might show what’s what. Seemed always crowded when I have been there but only during Jazz Fest. A close look at the financial records is need.
Zeek fishhead
November 18, 2018 at 5:29 pmLong live Tips !! Rubbing on ol fess’s head is a must when you walk in the door. The Radiators should play there once a month !!!! Let’s Radiate !
Mike L
November 18, 2018 at 3:49 pmI’d love for Galactic or perhaps a few groups to come in and save Tips. It’s such a classic staple of New Orleans music and culture that frankly it should be landmarked. Some of my best nights in Nola have been there and it would be a shame if the club went out of business. Here’s to Galactic for hopefully saving the day!