Take Me To The River

A New Orleans All-Star benefit for the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival

Blues to Green brings the heartbeat of NOLA to Springfield with a rare all-star ensemble that captures the spirit, soul, and cross-generational power of New Orleans music. Inspired by the award-winning documentary and album, this live concert unites some of the city’s most celebrated musicians—including Cyril Neville, Omari Neville, Ian Neville, Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr., Jelly Joseph, Robert Mercurio, Joe Ashlar, Brian Richburg Jr., and project director Martin Shore. Together, they create a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends funk, R&B, brass-band fire, soul, and Mardi Gras Indian tradition into a single electrifying night.

Charles Neville—who spent his later years in Western Massachusetts and became closely connected to Springfield through the Jazz & Roots Festival—features prominently in the Take Me to the River film and album. His voice, presence, and iconic saxophone work are woven into the fabric of the project, making this concert not only a celebration of New Orleans music but a meaningful tribute to an artist who helped shape our local cultural community. In honor of that legacy, HOPE will host a free public screening of Take Me to the River: New Orleans the week before the concert, giving audiences a deeper look at the stories, collaborations, and traditions behind this extraordinary musical family.

On stage, this world-class lineup delivers the signature TMTTR experience: legendary artists performing side-by-side with rising stars, improvising across genres and generations, and bringing the joyful, communal energy that defines New Orleans. With Cyril Neville’s unmistakable voice, Omari and Ian Neville carrying the next chapter of a storied musical lineage, Bo Dollis Jr. representing the Mardi Gras Indian tradition, Jelly Joseph’s powerhouse vocals, and the deep groove engine of Mercurio, Ashlar, and Richburg, the music becomes more than a concert—it becomes a living, breathing celebration of heritage.

This special performance also serves as a benefit for the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival, which has remained free to the public for more than a decade. Founded by Kristin Neville to uplift community, culture, and connection through world-class music, the festival has become a cornerstone of downtown Springfield. By purchasing a ticket to Take Me to the River: New Orleans, you’re directly supporting the continuation of this beloved tradition. Join us for a night of extraordinary artistry—and help ensure that Jazz & Roots stays free, vibrant, and accessible for years to come.

You may also like the following events from HOPE Center for the Arts:

• Next Thursday, 11th December, 07:00 pm, Take 6 at HOPE Center for the Arts in Springfield
• This month, 20th December, 07:00 pm, Blind Boys of Alabama in Springfield
• Happening on, 16th January, 07:00 pm, The String Queens in Springfield