George Porter Jr. will celebrate his 72nd birthday at New Orleans’ The Maple Leaf this evening. The special Christmas performance will take place a day before his The Meters co-founder’s actual birthday. For the hometown show, which is being billed a “Funky Birthday” celebration, the bassist will be joined by his Runnin Pardners, as well as Erica Falls, Mia Borders, John Gros, Tony Hall, Khris Royal and Jeff Albert. Additional guests are expected. 

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 the past two years. 

In related news, Porter has also made his 2010 holiday EP, Christmas in New Orleans, available for free on SoundCloud.  In a note Porter explains, “It was a tribute to my mother. Tonight looking through stuff I found a copy of it and listened to it. After playing it a few times I decided that this Christmas I would like to put those songs up on SoundCloud as a free download for a few days, well as soon as I figure out how to upload it, lol. I should have it by tomorrow so go for it and I hope you enjoy every one of those five songs four originals songs and one traditional song. And Happy Holidays to each and everyone of you.”

Porter will close 2019 with a performance at New Orleans’ House of Blues on December 31 as part of the Foundation of Funk. In addition to his Meters rhythm section partner Zigaboo Modeliste, this version of Foundation of Fun will feature Eric Krasno and John Medeski. Erica Falls will open.