Ponderosa Stomp 2006 Takes Refuge in Memphis

Press release
Source: conqueroo / Cary Baker

Ponderosa Stomp, the annual New Orleans roots music romp that draws music fans from all over the world, will change its location to Memphis next year. The festival will take place May 2 & May 3 in a venue to be announced. The money raised will be split between the New Orleans Musicians Clinic and a special fund to be administered by the Mystic Knights of the Mau-Mau - producers of the Stomp - to directly help New Orleans and Gulf Coast musicians. Due to the economic damage of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Mystic Knight of the Mau Mau want to try to help musicians rendered homeless and jobless by these disasters.

According to Ponderosa Stomp ringmaster Dr. Ike, "New Orleans and Louisiana musicians have played a major role in the development of American music. Without them, such musical forms as jazz, blues, R&B, rock 'n' roll, Zydeco and Cajun music would not exist as we know them. Katrina and Rita have greatly affected the ability of these musicians to make a living and continue the rich traditions of Louisiana music. The Mystic Knights of the Mau Mau seek to raise money to help out the musicians so they can keep the tradition alive."

Artists tentatively scheduled to appear at Ponderosa Stomp 2006 include Dale Hawkins, Billy Lee Riley, Sonny Burgess, ? & the Mysterians, Billy Boy Arnold, Lady Bo, Scotty Moore, D.J. Fontana and many more to follow.

Early sponsors onboard for the event include Santa Fe National Tobacco Products and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Additional details regarding Ponderosa Stomp will be announced shortly.
Updates will be posted at www.ponderosastomp.com.