Galactic 

Galactic formed in New Orleans in 1994, bringing together drummer Stanton Moore, bassist Robert Mercurier, guitarist Jeff Raines, keyboardist Richard Vogel, and saxophonist Ben Ellman. From the start, they were committed to a New Orleans-rooted sound that drew on the Meters tradition while incorporating jazz improvisation, hip-hop, and rock energy.

Their early recordings on Capricorn Records established them as one of the most exciting live acts in New Orleans, and their reputation grew through relentless touring that exposed their high-energy performances to audiences across the country and eventually the world.

Galactic have demonstrated remarkable creative evolution over their career, collaborating with a wide range of vocalists — including Boots Riley, Trombone Shorty, Irma Thomas, and numerous others — to create records that speak directly to contemporary musical conversations while remaining unmistakably New Orleans.

They remain one of the hardest-working bands in New Orleans, performing regularly in the city and touring extensively. Their commitment to the city — demonstrated most powerfully in the years after Hurricane Katrina — has made them beloved figures in the community as well as exceptional musicians.