George Porter Jr. will celebrate his 71st birthday at New Orleans’ The Maple Leaf on Wednesday, December 26. For the hometown date, The Meters bassist will be joined by two of his Runnin’ Pardners collaborators, keyboardist Michael Lemmler and drummer Terrence Houston. The three musicians often gig out in a trio configuration and Houston also plays with Porter in the current incarnation of the funky Meters. Doors for the celebratory show will open at 10 p.m.

For many years, Porter marked his birthday, which coincides with his wedding anniversary, with a big New Orleans show. After losing Ara, his wife of 50 years in 2017, he has scaled back the event, but he did perform at The Maple Leaf last year as well. Porter also recently confirmed a Foundations of Funk gig with his Meters partner Zigaboo Modeliste as well as special guests Eric Krasno, John Medeski and the Lettuce Horns, which is slated to take place on April 27 during Jazz Fest.