For years Johnny Vidacovich and George Porter Jr. have invited different
musicians to perform with them in a trio format at New Orleans’ Maple Leaf
on Thursdays (whenever feasible). Though its Christmas Day, the busy musicians will keep their
Thursday gig this week and perform before those fans looking for a way to
celebrate the holiday (and/or those going stir crazy at home). Over the years a number of familiar faces
have filled out the trio, including: Brian Stoltz, John Gros, Nicholas Payton,
Luther Dickinson and June Yamagishi, so there is no telling who will step
away from the tree for a surprise appearance. As previously reported,
Porter will celebrate his birthday the following day with an appearance at
the Howlin’ Wolf.