George Porter Jr., Russell Batiste and Brian Stoltz are in the midst of legal battles with their former management. as described on the website SavePBS.org, “They have been sued by their former management company, Highsteppin’ Productions, LLC, owned by Phil Stepanian, for a huge sum of money (more than a half-million dollars, yes, that’s right, over a half-million dollars), which they do not have, or believe that they owe.Both Porter and Stoltz have had to file for bankruptcy protection, and they risk losing their homes, assets, and life’s work. GEORGE MAY LOSE HIS ROYALTIES AND PUBLISHING RIGHTS! As y’all already may know, through their work collectively and individually with the Meters, the Neville Brothers, Dr. John and Allen Toussaint (to name just a few), these wonderful musicians have contributed an immeasurable amount to the cultural landscape of New Orleans, America and the world.”

Tonight in New Orleans at Howlin Wolf, they will be joined by many notable area musicians to help raise money for their legal defense. The Save PBS Throwdown will begin at 9:30 is slated to run until 2:30 with the current schedule below.

09:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Jermaine Quiz Entourage
10:30 p.m. – 11:15 p.m. Members of Funky Meters w/ Stanton Moore
11:30 p.m. – 12:15 a.m. Brian Stoltz & The I-12 Allstars
12:30 a.m. – 01:15 a.m. George Porter Jr & Runnin Pardners, w / Billy Iuso, Tracy Griffin, Amanda Shaw
01:30 a.m. – 02:30 a.m. All Star Jam w/ Members of Voices of Wetlands Band, & John Gros