Two-Day Music Festival Will Benefit New Orleans Musicians Victimized By Hurricane Katrina

Artist lineup announced,

Gibson Guitars, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are sponsors

NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Ponderosa Stomp, the annual New Orleans roots music romp that draws music fans from all over the world, will find a temporary home in Memphis in 2006. The festival will take place May 9 & May 10 at the city's multi-level Gibson Factory. 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. In the wake of damage dealt by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Mystic Knight of the Mau Mau want to try to help musicians rendered homeless and jobless by these disasters. The event will return to New Orleans in 2007.

Tickets for the event, available at www.ponderosastomp.com, cost $40 per night, with music starting at 5 p.m. and running until at least 2 a.m.

According to Ponderosa Stomp promoter Dr. Ike, a full-time resident of New Orleans, “New Orleans and Gulf Coast 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 New Orleans tradition alive."

The internationally renowned Ponderosa Stomp exists to celebrate, pay tribute to, and teach the cultural significance of the unsung heroes and heroines of rock 'n' roll, rhythm & blues and other forms of American roots music while they are still alive. The Stomp festival and its year-round activities provide both a voice and career revival to overlooked sidemen, session musicians and other influential pioneers whose contributions have shaped American culture for over 50 years.

New Orleans and Gulf Coast-based artists confirmed to play this year's Ponderosa Stomp include Clarence “Frogman" Henry, Joe Clay, Jay Chevalier, Rebirth Brass Band, Willie Tee, Eddie Bo, Al “Carnival Time" Johnson, Rockie Charles, Tammy Lynn, Warren Storm, Lazy Lester, The Bad Roads, Barbara Lynn, Roy Head, Lil Buck Sinegal and Archie Bell. Memphis area-based artists confirmed to perform include Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana, Sonny Burgess, Hayden Thompson, Ace Cannon, Hi Rhythm Section, Travis Wammack, Willie Cobbs, Kenny Brown and the Bo Keys.

Among the other artists slated to perform at Ponderosa Stomp are The Nightcaps, Kenny & the Kasuals, ? & the Mysterians, Lady Bo, Billy Boy Arnold, Jody Williams, Deke Dickerson & the Eccofonics, Johnny Jones, Chick Willis, Clifton James, James Blood Ulmer, Betty Harris, Dale Hawkins, Dennis Coffey, Herb Remington and The Fabulous Wailers.

Early sponsors onboard for the event include Gibson Guitars and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Additional details regarding Ponderosa Stomp will be announced shortly. Updates and ticket information will be posted at http;//www.ponderosastomp.com . Tickets go on sale on January 20, 2006.

ABOUT PONDEROSA STOMP

Ponderosa Stomp is an American roots music festival dedicated to recognizing the architects of rock 'n' roll, blues, jazz, country, swamp pop, reggae and soul. Founded in New Orleans and produced by the non-profit Mystic Knights of the Mau Mau, a diverse group of music fanatics who have presented more than 40 concerts with over 150 musical legends in New Orleans, the Stomp presents fans of roots the music with the opportunity to see the last of the living legends. The Stomp itself has now become legendary in reviving careers and giving a new lease on musical life to many performers.

ABOUT THE MYSTIC KNIGHTS OF THE MAU MAU

The Mystic Knights of the Mau Mau is a cultural organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich history of American roots music. Through festivals, special events, concerts and outreach activities featuring musical living legends, it honors influential artists and educates audiences about their massive contributions to American culture.