NPR - All Things Considered - Dr Ike Profile

Ponderosa Stomp Festival Returns to New Orleans

by Eve Troeh

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All Things Considered, May 2, 2007 · Ira Padnos is a New Orleans anesthesiologist with a massive record collection. Dr. Ike, as he's known, has been arranging free and low-cost medical care for his musical heroes - including Barbara Lynn and Lazy Lester - for a number of years. Six years ago, he decided to see what he could do to give their careers a boost.

Using his own money, Padnos launched the Ponderosa Stomp music festival, named for the Lazy Lester tune. Past events have featured, among others, Archie Bell, Sam the Sham, the Sun Ra Orchestra, Robert Jr. Lockwood, DJ Fontana, and Scotty Moore.

Last year, the festival was moved to Memphis as New Orleans rebuilt following Hurricane Katrina. Now it's back in New Orleans, with scheduled performances by Roky Erikson, Dale Hawkins, Little Jimmy Scott and others.

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