“Marty Hurley was always about Excellence!” – Former Asst. Band Director Arthur Hardy
Alumni, families, and friends of Brother Martin and Marty Hurley gathered together at Tipitina’s-Uptown on Thursday, May 31, 2018, for a great night of music and excellent entertainment at the 4th Annual ‘Marty Gras’ Benefit Concert in honor of legendary drummer and former Brother Martin Band Director, Marty Hurley. This concert series was sponsored by Brother Martin High School and Dave’s Pharmacy – Anna and David Jouandot ’78.
The doors opened at Tipitina’s to the sound of the Brother Martin Stage Band and Drumline kicking off the event along with an introduction by Arthur Hardy. Following the performance, members of the Alumni Drumline, that included Stanton Moore ’90, energized the crowd and prepared them for a great lineup.
Director of Development Kenny Spellman ’84 commented to Moore that “since we are here, we need to create unique and amazing experiences for our students and fans.” On Thursday night Stanton Moore ’90 with George Porter, Jr. & Ivan Neville and Friends, drum legend Johnny Vidacovich ’67 SA, Peabody featuring Chris Bailey ’86 and the Bucktown All-Stars created that “amazing experience” by performing their hearts out on stage. In addition, Moore, Porter, and Neville created a special moment by joining forces with our Brother Martin Stage Band for their rendition of “Cissy Strut” by the Meters. Keith Spera ’85 from The New Orleans Advocate also was on hand to introduce Moore following with a special performance by Vidacovich.
After an 11-year hiatus, Peabody captured the audience’s attention with their music for a memorable show. In addition, Emcee Mark Romig ’74 organized a live auction that featured a Brother Martin Bandsman Nutcracker by Tim Napier, artwork by Brian Spellman ’00, Sugar Bowl tickets, and dinner for six by the Culinary Crusaders. The night concluded with a strong performance by the Bucktown Allstars and by alumnus and former guitarist David Connick ’88 and Brother Martin faculty member Tom Leggett.
Thank you to all the supporters who attended Marty Gras 2018!
For further questions about Marty Gras or the Marty Hurley Band Endowment, please contact the Brother Martin Alumni Office at 504-284-6700 or via email alumni@brothermartin.com.
About the Marty Hurley Band Endowment:
The Marty Hurley Band Endowment (click here to donate) honoring Marty Hurley is established in the St. Aloysius Century Foundation to support Brother Martin High School. Musician, composer and master teacher, Marty Hurley served for 37 years in service to the students at Brother Martin as Band Director. Under Mr. Hurley, the Brother Martin Band was a model of excellence, continually achieving superior ratings at LMEA festivals. The purpose of the endowment is to provide financial support for Brother Martin in an area most important to him during his years at the school – the instrumental music program.
Marty Gras Sponsors
Main Sponsor:
Dave’s Pharmacy- Anna and David Jouandot ’78, David ’03, Josh ’15
Gold Sponsor:
Mrs. Marty Hurley (Paulette Purser)
Crimson Sponsors:
Chase ’08, Chris, and Jan LaBure
Romaguera Photography- Ralph, Sr. ’67 SA, Ralph ’90, Ryan ’92
Kaki, Randy ’77, & Riley Smith ’16
Brian Spellman ’00
Crusader Sponsors:
Tiffany and Bill Accousti
Dawn and Michael Bujol
Culinary Crusaders
Happy Italian Pizzeria
The Napier Family
Pigeon Caterers of New Orleans- Dean Pigeon ’06
Ray Fransen’s Drum CenterDonors:
Anthony Calcagno ’78, Dr. Earl Fox ’65 SA, John Laudun, The Napier Family
Marty Gras
