Legendary Musicians Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew to be honored with Music Tribute at the Historical Carver Theater

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Legendary Musicians Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew to be honored with Music Tribute at the Historical Carver Theater
Vegas style show one more step in the effort to revitalize the once booming Treme music scene

New Orleans, La. - Historically speaking, there may not have been a stronger musical partnership than the one that existed between Antoine "Fats" Domino and Dave Bartholomew. The iconic collaboration would sell over 65 million records and rack up over three dozen top 40 hits. Yet, despite the staggering numbers and the longevity of their careers, there was no venue in the duo's hometown that was dedicated solely to preserving the quintessential New Orleans sound. Actor, director and co-creator Lucky Johnson decided to change that with "Walking to New Orleans", a "Vegas Style" musical tribute to the New Orleans natives.

"This is a labor of love that is long overdue because I want to make sure that subsequent generations of musicians can experience the same profound impact from these musical legends that I did," Johnson said. "It took months of research, countless auditions and numerous conversations with family members to ensure that this tribute contained the authenticity and credibility worthy of two men who literally forever changed the face of music."

In an effort to maintain the integrity and historical accuracy of such an undertaking, Johnson enlisted the help of HBO Music Director and CEO of Bang'n Records Don Bartholomew, a fellow actor on the critically acclaimed series "Treme" and the son of Dave Bartholomew.

"It never ceases to amaze me when I hear the reverence in the voices of even the greatest musicians when they talk about the impact my dad had on their careers," the younger Bartholomew said. "The musicians who were influenced by my dad reads like a who's who in the music industry and my goal is to keep his legacy alive so that new generations of musicians will be educated on the significant role he played in Rock and Roll history."

The "Vegas Style" show, which debuts to the public on August 20, 2015 will be held every Thursday through Sunday at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm and all ages are welcomed to attend. Ironically, it will be held at the historic Carver Theater in the heart of Treme, America's oldest black neighborhood and at one time a major hotbed for live music in the Big Easy.

"Choosing a venue in a neighborhood literally and figuratively wiped out by Hurricane Katrina was not a decision we took lightly," said co-creator Vince Caruso. "To bring a show of this magnitude to Treme epitomizes the New Orleans revitalization efforts."

The show is a tribute to Domino and Bartholomew's music but it doesn't use impersonators. Instead nearly a dozen of the best musicians in the country take to the stage to recreate the infectious sounds, strides and boogie-woogie piano techniques that in the 1950's would outsell every rock and roll pioneer other than Elvis Presley.

Anchoring the ensemble are Al "Lil Fats" Jackson and Shamarr Allen. Jackson is a master of New Orleans rhythm and blues but is best known for his stunning tribute to the legendary Fats Domino. He has fans all over the world but none bigger than the Fat Man himself. He met Domino in 1997 and the two have been fast friends since, occasionally playing the piano together at Fat's home and sharing their love of music.

Allen is a music prodigy who is considered one of the most prolific trumpet players not only in New Orleans but in the entire country. His career accomplishments are highlighted by performances with Patti LaBelle, Lenny Kravitz and Harry Connick Jr., touring with Country Music legend Willie Nelson and recording with Ray Price and R.E.M.

Prior to the grand opening, a private premier will take place on Wednesday August 19, 2015. The extravaganza will be open to the media with scheduled attendees including Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew as well as numerous actors, celebrities, politicians and dignitaries. While the premier is an invitation only event, 50 tickets will be sold to the public for $100 each on a first come, first served basis. Happy hour starts at 6:00 pm with free wine and beer followed by the premier performance of "Walking to New Orleans."

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_{About The Carver Theater
The Carver Theater is a 16,000 square-foot facility located at 2101 Orleans Avenue in the heart of the Treme. The recently renovated venue is less than 10 blocks from the French Quarter, seats over 500 people and boasts state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment.}