**Cutting Edge CE Awards Show: Honoring New Orleans Music and Culture**
The Cutting Edge CE Awards Show is a special evening dedicated to honoring the icons of New
Orleans music and culture. This event recognizes individuals whose daily activities, both
personal and professional, have improved our community, brought joy to our lives, and made a
positive impact on our city.
The presentation will take place on Friday, August 15, at 7:30 PM at the New Orleans Jazz
Museum, 400 Esplanade Avenue. Before the awards presentation, there will be a Cutting Edge
CE Listening Room session featuring performances by Rabadash Records artist, Serabee, and
singer-songwriter Drew Young. Additionally, the Roots Music Gathering will hold an oral
history, interviewing Danny Jones, the legendary recording engineer for Allen Toussaint's
SeaSaint Recording Studio.
The award recipients this year are George Porter Jr., Jimmy Ford, and the Celebrate Canal!
Coalition, all of whom bring fresh energy to New Orleans' arts and culture scene.
**Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: George Porter Jr.**
George Porter Jr. is a seminal figure in music, best known as the bassist for the legendary funk
group The Meters. His playing is among the most sampled worldwide. With each decade, Porter
has continuously evolved as a music leader. His performances at the Maple Leaf with his band,
George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners, are legendary and must-attend events for both locals and
visitors. He embodies the essence of a true New Orleans original—a bassist recognized globally,
whose mastery of the "pocket" has become the foundation of funk music.
We hope to enjoy his contributions to our musical landscape for many more years.
**Music Influencer Award Recipient: Jimmy Ford**
Jimmy Ford, a musician, bandleader, manager, and club owner, has significantly influenced
many artists and music professionals, from Professor Longhair to Richard Hell, the dB's, Gun
Club, Peter Holsapple, Iron Maidens, Won Ton Lust, Rhudabega, Cowboy Mouth, Bluerunners,
and his present group with his wife Sue, DiNOLA, among others. He began playing the club
scene in his mid-teens, became a club owner in his early twenties, and transitioned to the
national music management scene, traveling the world before returning to New Orleans to
establish Monkey Hill Records. Known for his signature appeal and good handshake, he has
consistently improved artists' careers. Jimmy Ford is a true original from New Orleans!
**Trumpet Award for Cultural Leadership Recipient: Celebrate Canal! Coalition**
Every city has its "Great Street," and for New Orleans, that is Canal Street. This street is home to
an incredible initiative focused on promoting, preserving, and celebrating our shared history:
Celebrate Canal!
The initiative was envisioned by the Celebrate Canal! Coalition, led by Sandra Thompson
Herman, who serves as President and CEO. She united a team of influential women leaders,
including Karen Nabonne Coaxum (Chair), Katelyn Reagan Denty (Executive Director), and
Laurie Guimont (Chief Strategist), along with board members Stephanie Burks (Vice Chair),
Nicole Ferrier (Secretary), Taryn Brown, Val Grubb, Tamica Lee, Sara Lewis, Jessica Serrano, and
Sylvia Vellino.
Celebrate Canal! aims to inspire us to remember our past while imagining a bright future. It
exemplifies effective leadership by improving the common good and fostering pride in our city.
Celebrate Canal! demonstrates what commitment to the public good looks like, and we
encourage everyone to engage in this mission.
The 33 rd Cutting Edge CE Conferences and Events extends heartfelt thanks to its 2025 recipients
for their invaluable contributions to New Orleans music and culture. Congratulations!
Cutting Edge Awards Night – Run of Show
New Orleans Jazz Museum
Friday, August 15, 2025
Presentation 7:30 PM
Doors open 4:30 PM
RUN OF SHOW
4:30 PM Doors Open
5:00 – 5:25 PM – Drew Young Performance
5:30 – 6:05 PM – Conversation with Danny Jones – Eric Cager interviewing
6:20 – 7:20 PM – Serabee Performance
7:30 – 7:20 PM - Presentations
7:30 PM - Close