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Future of Tipitina's on the mind of local musicians, music fans

Tipitina's is a landmark performance spot for local talent - both those who've made it big in the business and those who hope to some day.

NEW ORLEANS -- Friday Eyewitness News Investigator David Hammer confirmed that famed music venue Tipitina's is potentially going up for sale, and Saturday, we've learned that well-known local funk band Galactic is trying to piece together a deal to purchase the venue.

Tipitina's is a landmark performance spot for local talent - both those who've made it big in the business and those who hope to some day. The names of the places around the city that are goals for local musicians are easy to rattle off.

"Definitely the Maison, Snug Harbor, DBA," Emeka "Mecca" Dibia, a local New Orleans musician said.

As many know, the Crescent City is home to some of the most fabled music halls, but Tipitina’s is one held on a special pedestal. Musician Emeka Dibia known as Mecca on stage has played at some of them, but still working towards Tipitina's.

"I haven't gotten there yet, but definitely Tipitina's is a place I would love to perform."

The future of the venue is a little unclear at the moment as the current owner, Roland Von Kurnatowski is facing allegations that he has bilked investors and stiffed lenders for $2.8 million.

Yet in this time of uncertainty, the club's former operations manager, Robin Chambless holds out optimism.

"Yes and Robin would be more than happy to work with y'all again," she said in a not-too-veiled offer during an interview with Eyewitness News.

Chambless tells us she, and the current owner split ways after being at odds over management and finances, but despite leaving she's always cared about the venue. So when she heard local funk band, Galatic might be interested in keeping the venue alive, she was glad.

"I've known those guys since they were Galactic Prophylactic and excited about finally playing Tipitina's, little kids almost you know, they were in college."

Members of the band declined to confirm a deal was in the works, but our sources with direct knowledge of the situation tell WWL Investigator David Hammer that negotiations have been going on for some time, and other parties are also interested.

"I know Irma Thomas, Professor Longhair those people have performed there, and even to the millennial generation with Cool Nasty everybody looks forward to playing at Tipitina's."

And as discussion continues, the hope from some who have heard the latest is for the cultural tradition, and history of the venue to keep thriving.

Von Kurnatowski declined to confirm a deal was imminent or to say if Galatic is invovled, but did say that selling Tipitina's was an "open question."

To contact David Hammer, email him directly at dhammer@wwltv.com

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