Celebrate the Legacy: Join Us for an All-Star Tribute to David Lindley!
David Lindley stands as one of the most remarkable sidemen in music history, and the time has come once again to honour his exceptional contributions. GP Presents is thrilled to collaborate with the talented roots guitarist Papa Mali and former Lindley drummer Wally Ingram at the vibrant Chickie Wah Wah club in New Orleans during the Jazz & Heritage Festival for a night dedicated to Lindley’s music.
A Musical Genius Remembered
known affectionately as “Mr. Dave,” Lindley was a virtuoso on a multitude of string instruments, particularly renowned for his lap steel slide guitar skills. His diverse talents as both a musician and vocalist made him the go-to sideman for iconic artists such as Jackson Browne, Warren Zevon, Ry Cooder, and Bonnie Raitt.His innovative slide guitar techniques have left a lasting impact on musicians like Ben Harper and Sonny landreth, who shared heartfelt tributes and cherished memories of Lindley in GP‘s November 2024 tribute feature.
A Night of Celebration and Remembrance
Lindley was not only a celebrated sideman but also the founder of the groundbreaking world rock band El Rayo-X. He spent countless hours touring with his Twango Bongo duo alongside Ingram. This tribute will feature a lineup of Lindley’s songs,with the rhythm provided by reggae and blues maestro Papa Mali. Coincidentally, this event also marks Papa Mali’s birthday, making it a festive occasion filled with familiar faces from his vibrant New Orleans community, now a cherished annual event.
Honoring a Musical Legacy
Following Lindley’s passing on March 3, 2023, Mali and Ingram quickly transformed Papa’s birthday celebration into a tribute to Lindley at the newly renovated Chickie Wah Wah. GP Presents joined the effort in 2024, bringing together a community of Lindley admirers to celebrate his extensive musical repertoire.
Featured Artists and Performances
The 2026 tribute will showcase an impressive array of guest artists, including Bernie Larsen from El Rayo-X, Jordan Zevon performing his father Warren Zevon’s classics alongside pianist Jordan Summers (wild Honey Orchestra), dan “Lebo” Lebowitz (ALO), the Iguanas, Dave Easely, and talented musicians like Kota Kato and Lorenzo Piccone, with more artists to be announced.
Lindley’s mastery extended across various instruments,including the violin,banjo,mandolin,dobro,and bouzouki. He was particularly celebrated for his hawaiian-style slide blues, a style that Piccone will honor by playing lap steel on a Weissenborn.
Musical Highlights
Among Lindley’s most iconic performances is his electric lap-steel slide work on Jackson Browne’s “Running on Empty,” and also his signature track ”Mercury Blues” with El Rayo-X. Here’s a classic live performance of Lindley delivering “Mercury Blues” with El rayo-X back in 1981.
El Rayo-X was one of the pioneering rock bands to incorporate heavy reggae influences, a legacy that Papa Mali has continued through his work with the Killer Bees and his expansive solo career, characterized by cosmic, rhythmic blues.
Personal Reflections
“Wally and I have a history that dates back to the early ’80s when we were both involved in reggae bands,” Mali reminisces. “He introduced me to Lindley,and my first encounter with Mr. Dave was the day after I witnessed a legendary performance by him and Ry Cooder at Jazz Fest in May 1994.”
“Wally later began collaborating with Dave,and he always made it a point to greet me and discuss guitar techniques. I once asked him to sign a vintage ’60s Airline guitar, to which he humorously replied, ‘Why would you wont to mess up this perfectly nice guitar?’ But he graciously obliged.”
“Wally and I are committed to continuing this annual tribute as long as artists and fans keep supporting it.”
Join the Celebration!
If you’re in New Orleans during the second weekend of Jazz Fest, which takes place in early May, don’t miss the chance to honor david Lindley. Come out to see Papa Mali, Wally ingram, and an unbelievable lineup of musicians celebrating his music across a variety of stringed instruments.
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Win Tickets to the Tribute!
Want to win a pair of tickets to the David Lindley tribute in New Orleans? Simply send an email with “Lindley Tribute” in the subject line, along with a brief sentence about yourself and why you’d like to attend.
Providing a phone contact is greatly appreciated for confirmation purposes.
Winners must arrange their own transportation to Chickie Wah Wah in New Orleans, Louisiana, on sunday, May 3, and secure their own accommodations in the area.
Good luck!
Event Details
Guitar Player Presents: David Lindley Tribute at Papa mali’s Birthday Bash
Date: Sunday, May 3
Location: Chickie Wah Wah
Address: 2828 canal Street, New Orleans, LA
Phone: (504) 541-2050
Doors open at 10 PM, show starts at 10:30 PM; Ages 21+
Free Martin strings for attendees!
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