Michael Paz is a New Orleans music engineer, producer, tour and production manager. In May 2000, Paz organized a special concert at the Howlin’ Wolf for PazFest I, a fundraiser for The Ruth Paz Burn and Pediatric Hospital in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Named in honor of his mother Ruth, a U.S. native who dedicated her life to helping the underprivileged children of Honduras, the hospital is an offshoot of The Ruth Paz Foundation, a nonprofit organization that has provided life-changing medical care and support to Honduran children and their families for more than 30 years.
The memorable night in 2000 helped fund the $1.5 million hospital which broke ground in 2004 and was completed in August 2010. A PazFest I CD was released and still raises money for the foundation.
Seventeen years later, PazFest IV will celebrate the music of Joni Mitchell as the festival series continues to support the ongoing successful work of the hospital.
“My mother was an incredible guardian for the children of Honduras,” said son Michael, “and I am honored the musicians of New Orleans would come together for this important cause.”
Paz recently announced the festival lineup for Amtrak Presents PazFest IV, an all-star musical tribute to Joni Mitchell, on Sunday, Sept. 3, at the Civic Theatre New Orleans, 510 O'Keefe Ave., from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Artists will include:
• A Celebration of Joni Mitchell featuring Kimberly Ford, from Santa Barbara, California
• Sean Ardoin
• Dirk Billie
• Tonya Boyd-Cannon
• Fatsy Cline
• Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band/ Flecktones)
• Renshaw Davies
• Debbie Davis
• Enid, from Ottawa, Canada
• Jahida Esperanza, from Colorado
• Phil DeGruy with Emily Robertson
• Henley Douglas, Jr.
• Christina Friis, from Denmark, with Larry Sieberth
• Cary Hudson
• Deacon John with Sonny Schneidau
• Cassie Krebs
• Krewe de Groove
• Dayna Kurtz
• Tommy Malone
• Jim McCormick
• Alex McMurray
• Chuck Mitchell (Joni’s ex-husband)
• Judith Owen
• Matt Perrine
• Paul Sanchez
• Harry Shearer
• Leslie Smith
• Kevin Stylez
• Brandon Tarricone
• Bryan Thomas
• Joshua Thomas
• Joe Tullos with Randy Ellis and Kevin Aucoin
Paz said there will also be some surprise guests.
A concert preview will be held at The Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s Ogden After Hours music series on Thursday, Aug. 31, at 925 Camp St., from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., that will also benefit The Ruth Paz Burn and Pediatric Hospital.
Three of the acts playing PazFest IV – Krewe de Groove, A Celebration of Joni Mitchell featuring Kimberly Ford, and Joshua Thomas with a special guest appearance by the legendary folk artist Chuck Mitchell – will host an evening of Joni Mitchell music at The Little Gem Saloon on Friday, Sept. 1, at 445 S. Rampart St., at 8:00 p.m.
Chuck Mitchell, who started performing in Detroit in the 1960s, met and married the former Joni Anderson. They performed together in Detroit till they divorced in 1968. Rolling Stone eventually dubbed singer, songwriter and legendary composer Joni Mitchell “one of the greatest songwriters ever.”
The Ruth Paz Burn and Pediatric Hospital delivers burn wound management care to children in Honduras, reducing the overall pediatric morbidity and mortality due to burns. It also meets the excess demand for pediatric surgeries, decreasing the waiting periods at the regional level.
Paz said The Ruth Paz Foundation is financed predominantly through private funds.
Tickets for PazFest IV are $25 each and are available in advance here