Tipitina's Presents
Papa Plays The Nite Tripper - A John "Papa" Gros Tribute to Dr. John
Sat Oct 24 2026
9:00 PM (Doors 8:00 PM)
Ages 18+
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+ The Tin Men
- On sale soon
- Tue Sep 1 2026
- 10:00AM CDT
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“Sharing New Orleans with the world is my calling.” - John “Papa” Gros
New Orleans has its fair share of musical ambassadors; but few are more rooted in the cracked sidewalks and popping speakers of the Crescent City than John “Papa” Gros. Born and raised in the city, Papa Gros melds funk, rock, jazz, and blues to deliver a sound that is both innovative and unmistakably New Orleans.
Papa launched his career as a solo performer in the early 1990s, quickly gaining attention from marquee artists such as George Porter Jr. and Snooks Eaglin, both of whom brought him on board as a supporting musician. As he sat behind the keys, backing up some of the city’s most iconic musicians, he soaked in a lifetime of experience and continued to develop his craft. He released his solo debut, Day’s End, in 2004.
The next dozen years would be dedicated to leading and recording six albums with his band,
Papa Grows Funk. He returned to solo work with 2016’s River’s On Fire and cemented his legacy as a part of the direct lineage of New Orleans music with 2020’s Central City. The complete selfportrait of John “Papa” Gros has been revealed.
In keeping with the energy and spirit the Big Easy is known for, Papa Gros is a consummate live performer. His infectious band shows have been the highlight of festivals and venues across the U.S. and Europe, showcasing versatile musicianship, relentless grooves, and eclectic songcraft of the highest order.
Drawing on the full breadth and depth of his extensive catalog, Papa’s live performance marries style with substance, bringing that unique, can’t-put-your-finger-on-it magic of New Orleans and infusing the audience with a joyous energy few artists can match.
" John “Papa” Gros is a bedrock New Orleans artist, a keyboardist, singer and songwriter who
draws on funk, rhythm & blues and Americana songcraft; he also knows his way around the
Mardi Gras music repertoire about as well as anyone. " -The New Orleans Advocate. -
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Yolanda Robinson is the daughter of legendary gospel-blues singer, songwriter and Off-Broadway actress Topsy Chapman. After studying and playing with respected clarinetist and educator Alvin Batiste, Yolanda earned recognition among her peers as one of New Orleans’ finest female vocalists of jazz, blues, and gospel. Whether she is fronting the lauded Original Tuxedo Jazz Band with drummer Bob French or singing with her mother's group, Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony, Yolanda is known for her sultry, soulful vocal stylings.
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Jolynda "Kiki" Chapman has also made her own place in the jazz scene, as well as notable performances with musical theater giants like Harry Shearer, Melissa Etheridge, and Stanton Moore. Summoning her deep roots in gospel, combined with her rhythm & blues skills, Jolynda has the ability to create a musical environment unlike anyone else's.
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The Tin Men are America's premier sousaphone, washboard and guitar trio. They have been performing at home in New Orleans, around the USA and abroad since 2002, and in August 2015 have released their fourth CD, "On The Shady Side" which was produced by Mark Bingham. Like 2013's "Avocado Woo Woo", 2005's "Freaks For Industry" and 2003's "Super Great Music for Modern Lovers", the new CD finds percussionist/vocalist Washboard Chaz, sousaphonist Matt Perrine and Guitarist vocalist Alex McMurray exploring a truly eclectic array of North American Pop music from jug band to swing jazz to New Orleans R&B to Motown to Easy Listening to Heavy Metal and beyond. Through it all they put their own zany spin on the material and make it their own. Throw in a generous dose of McMurray's own songs, the precocious wit of Perrine's sousaphone and Washboard Chaz’s seemingly boundless charm and the result is what has been described as "One of the most interesting bands to emerge from New Orleans in years" (Offbeat Magazine)
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