Benoit Brings Wetlands Fundraiser To Woonsocket

Louisiana's 'Voice of the Wetlands,' Tab Benoit, a fan favorite. will kick off a fundraising weekend to benefit the state's coastline this Friday, June 17 at Chan's. The Prince of Cajun Blues is a first class guitarist and soulful blues singer with a repertoire that ranges from original blues to swamp pop classics.

In 1991, Benoit contributed two songs, 'Nice and Warm' and 'Bone Pickin' for a compilation record called 'Strike a Deep Chord: Blues Guitar for the Homeless.' He was immediately signed to Justice Records and became the break out roots Artist of the Decade.

Since his debut, Benoit has recorded with Junior Wells, Willie Nelson and James Cotton to name a few. He's had three Grammy nominations, fifteen solo recordings and a budding movie career. His latest album release in April 2011, 'Medicine' includes six of the most relevant roots musicians of today: Benoit on vocals and guitar,  Anders Osborne on guitar, Ivan Neville on Hammond B3, Brady Blade on drums, Corey Duplechin on bass and Michael Doucet on fiddle.  

But it may be Benoit's work as a wetlands activist for which he will most be remembered. In February 2010 he recieved the Governor's Award - Conservationist of the Year for 2009 by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. This award is presented annually to the person or organization deemed to have made the most outstanding contribution toward the protection and wise use of the states natural resources.

'Voice of the Wetlands' was established in 2004 by Benoit as a volunteer based non-profit, focused on educating people about the loss of the wetlands in southern Louisiana.  Benoit was born and raised in Houma, Louisiana, one of the many communities born of the wetlands. Benoit along with Reuben Williams, local artists and business leaders recognized the urgency to rebuild a sustainable Louisiana coastline.

Friday's show will be the start of a weekend fund raiser to benefit ' Voice of the Wetlands.' A donation of $60, half of which will go to the organization, will include both sets on Friday evening and a poster which values at $30, dinner and a golf tournament on Saturday at Valley Country Club.

For more information visit the artist's website at www.tabbenoitvowgolf.org