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Under the Radar Foundation Benefit Features CJ Chenier and Delfeayo Marsalis on November 23rd

  
In spring 2007, Twin-Cities philanthropist Barbara Applebaum Portnoy established the Under the Radar Foundation as a conduit of resources to support people and issues “that the media has forgotten.” The foundation kicked off its work in November 2007 with a sold-out benefit at the Dakota Jazz Club, raising $43,000 for victims of Hurricane Katrina, including those served through the local Sabathani Community Center. The benefit brought to town Zydeco legend C.J. Chenier and featured a surprise cameo appearance by Dr. John. Chenier returns for the 2008 benefit on November 23rd, “Laissez Le Bon Temps Roulez II” (Let the Good Times Roll II), this time joined by Crescent City’s own Delfeayo Marsalis. Hosting (and also performing) will be renowned Minneapolis vocalist/musician J.D. Steele.

This year’s fundraiser will support New Orleans’ Uptown Music Theatre and the Twomey Center for Peace Through Justice as well as two St. Paul music programs, the High School for Recording Arts (HSRA) and Walker West Music Academy (WWMA).

The mission of the Uptown Music Theatre is to expose children and adults to meaningful stories through an entertaining medium. Each musical production presents a moral crisis that teaches young people about finding common ground to achieve a peaceful resolution and draws inspiration from folklore, American history, literature and the distinctive cultural traditions of New Orleans. Using the ancient art of storytelling, performances address modern concerns and give voice to under served communities. Since 2000, UMT has commissioned one original musical production each year.

A middle brother of the Marsalis Clan, Delfeayo is known in the jazz community as a Grammy award-winning producer and modern trombonist. Delfeayo began playing trombone at age 13 and his style includes influences of Jack Teagarden, Tyree Glenn, J. J. Johnson and Curtis Fuller. “The trombone is a natural extension of my personality,” says Delfeayo, “trombone players are always cool and their role in the jazz band is to keep everyone connected.” Marsalis began his career as a producer at 17. Now, 100 or so productions later, he’s shifted his emphasis to performance, touring with his quintet in support of his latest recording, Minions Dominion, featuring the legendary percussion master Elvin Jones. Over the past two years, Marsalis has performed several times in the Twin Cities at the Dakota and Orchestra Hall. He will present a clinic and perform with students from the HSRA as part of the November 23rd benefit.

The 2008 Under the Radar benefit will feature a live and silent auction, a special menu reflecting New Orleans cuisine and some of the most exciting entertainment to appear on the Dakota club stage this year. Festivities begin at 5:30 pm (dinner service at 6:15 pm). Individual tickets are $150; booths are available for $500 (party of 3) or $650 (party of 4), and table sponsorships are $2500 (party of 10); tickets include three-course dinner.

For information/reservations call 612-220-5601.

The Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant in located at 1010 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis; www.dakotacooks.com; 612-332-1010. More about the Under the Radar Foundation at www.undertheradarfoundation.org