_Houseman, by Wesley Hodges_

During their set at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest over the weekend, Galactic welcomed both saxophonist Skerik and their former vocalist Theryl “Houseman” DeClouet to the stage.

DeClouet was the featured vocalist on Galactic’s first five albums (including Coolin’ Off and Crazyhorse Mongoose). The collaboration was an extension of a friendship started back in 1990, when Robert Mercurio and Jeff Raines met DeClouet at the legendary (and now defunct) Benny’s Bar. Houseman officially left Galactic in 2004.

Houseman, a New Orleans native, lost his house and belongings in Hurricane Katrina, and in the years since, Galactic and other artists have held benefit concerts to help him return to his hometown.

_Skerik, by Wesley Hodges_