The drummer and one of the original members of the band War — the lengthy litigation over the ownership of the name continues — first played in New Orleans with vocalist Eric Burdon in 1969 and moved to the city in 1986. Having temporarily left War to pursue a college education, Brown calls his coming here during the mid-1980s his “second life.” New Orleans' multi-cultural mix and its soulful ambiance suited and continues to suit Brown's nature. He also credits the Big Easy with changing the way he approaches his instrument.

“I play totally different,” Brown, 63, declares. “I couldn't play certain things if I hadn't come to New Orleans. I've experienced more different styles of music here as it all came through New Orleans – right through the port. It made me more straight ahead in my playing – the basics, the foundation,” he adds. “I'm where I'm supposed to be.”

Besides Brown being a New Orleans resident and having been treated at Charity Hospital in the past, the Lowrider Band makes a good fit for the benefit concert because of its wide appeal in this city with its heartfelt funky, multi-stylistic and politically conscious music.

“Our music has always stood for the underdogs — the working class — because we are working class musicians,” Brown agrees pointing out tunes like “Why Can't We Be Friends?” and “The World Is a Ghetto.” “The musicians in band  have a lot of empathy; they give of themselves.”

The core of the Lowrider Band boasts four members of and significant contributors to War – Brown, harmonica player Lee Oskar, guitarist Howard Scott and bassist B.B. Dickerson.  All had a hand in the making of classic hits such as  “Cisco Kid.” Also onboard is New Orleans own, saxophonist Lance Ellis, who Brown calls “the fifth member of War” and who has performed extensively with the Lowriders. Filling out the band on keyboards is Telvis Ward.

Saturday night's appearance marks the first time the Lowrider Band has played in New Orleans since Katrina. Those who were at the show at the now defunct Ray's Boom Boom Room back in the spring of 2005 will remember the night as one big, dancing, funky love fest with the bandmembers obviously having as much fun as those in the audience. Brown says the other Lowriders were as eager as he to perform in New Orleans again and particularly in support of the resurrection of Charity Hospital. The gig is also special as the group, the members of which are all involved with various projects, only performs at very selective shows.

“When we come to play in New Orleans it's like playing at home in our living room,” the drummer says. “You can drop all of your big-shot attitudes. In New Orleans they want to know about your soul – your spirit.

“The city has a music of itself,” the drummer continues. “I tell people when they come into the city, to turn off the radio and roll down the windows.”

There's something reassuring when Brown says that at Saturday night's show, folks should “expect familiarity.” He believes that since Katrina, people cherish the familiar more than ever. He also feels that the Lowrider Band is in good position right now in its ongoing court battles to claim credit and royalties for its members' substantial contributions to the band War.

“It's very positive for us right now because we stuck together,” Brown asserts. “That's what New Orleans needs to do because the powers that be try to divide the people. We're going to rectify. If it's 50 cents they owe, we want our 50 cents. If it's $50 million, we want our $50 million. I'm a long distance runner. Right now, the Lowrider Band has been on a journey to meet our destiny.”

Brown says he was “flabbergasted” when he heard that there were plans to not reopen Charity Hospital and encourages folks to let their voices be heard.

“They should come out not to support the band but to save Charity Hospital,” he insists. “It's not only your hospital, it's your daddy and mama's hospital, your granddaddy's hospital, your great grandparent's hospital. Come out and save the damn hospital.”

Tickets to the Save Charity Hospital Benefit at the Howlin' Wolf are a mere $5, $30 VIP. DJ Captain Charles gets things going at 8 p.m. followed by an all-star band with Ian Neville, Tony Hall, Raymond Weber and John Gros. The Lowrider Band closes out the show.

Harvest the Music

The Harvest the Music free concert series continues this week with a great double bill of Grammy-winning, New Orleans Soul Queen Irma Thomas and the Professionals plus the hot jazz and funky sounds of trumpeter Shamarr and the Underdawgs on Thursday, September 24, 2009. The music strikes up at 5 p.m. at Lafayette Square (across the street from Gallier Hall) and things jump until 7:30 p.m. The aim of the series presented by the highly regarded Second Harvest Food Bank is to raise awareness of hunger as it raises money through the food and beverage concession stands that circle the park. Cash and food donations will also be accepted at the Second Harvest Information Booth. Great music and a great cause.

City Park Garden Party

City Park's Botanical Garden provides a lovely setting for the Wednesday evening Garden Party series that begins on September 23, 2009. It starts off impressively with a rare appearance by the Voices of the Wetlands All Stars. This cooperative group of some on Louisiana's finest musicians joined together in 2005 to bring attention to this state's diminishing wetlands. It includes Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Jumpin' Johnny Sansone, Waylon Thibodeaux plus special guests. The performances run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and admission is $10. No outside food or beverages are allowed. This week Antoine's will be providing food for purchase. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. The series continues with Paul Sanchez (Sept. 30), the Iguanas (Oct. 7) and closes big with the Andrews Family with Troy “Trombone” Shorty Andrews, James Andrews and Glen David Andrews.

This article was originally published in the September 21, 2009 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper