Artist Lawrence Cumbo was asked by Dr. John to take a photo in 1998 in New Orleans that would be a tip of the hat to the famous Art Kane photo “A Great Day in Harlem.” Sixty-three Louisiana artists were assembled on Louis Armstrong’s birthday in Armstrong Park. The photo included New Orleans great Allen Toussaint and Ernie K. Doe among others. In a film about the photo by Cumbo Dr. John is interviewed and says “I think that’s a hysterical (historical) pitcher (picture) because a lot of dem cats ain’t here with us no more.”

Cumbo recently reprinted the photo for all involved, since sadly he found that many had lost their prints to the floodwaters of Katrina. He also allowed a limited edition of the print on t-shirts to be made. All of the shirt sales money goes to the New Orleans Musicians Clinic (nomaf.org) We organized some suppliers and with the generosity of Hanes and The Ink Kitchen sponsors, Mirror Image printed the shirts and the clinic can keep every dime raised.

NOMAF Chair Bethany Bultman, Dr. John and photographer Lawrence Cumbo.