Dr. John heads HOB Benefit

DARK STREETS BRIGHTENS THE FUTURE
OF THE BLUES INITIATIVE AND N.O. FILM SOCIETY
A New Orleans Film Festival Closing Night Celebration

WHAT:
A concert and live music presentation featuring Dr. John & The Lower 911,
Chris Thomas King and performers and songwriters of the feature film DARK
STREETS - the Closing Night film of the New Orleans Film Festival on October
16th: Toledo, Bijou Phillips, James Compton, Tim Brown and Tony DeMeur. The
Blues Initiative, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to
local musicians, will receive a generous amount of all profits from this
benefit concert, as well as substantial profits from the upcoming DARK
STREETS theatrical release.

The New Orleans Film Society will also be a beneficiary of the DARK STREETS
concert.

"New Orleans musicians have given so much of themselves to the people of the
world, and have asked for nothing in return. It is my honor to be a part of
this project that will give hope and life back to those that have lost so
much," states Dr. John, homegrown musical legend who performs a song on the
DARK STREETS soundtrack.

Featured in the concert: Dr. John & The Lower 911; Toledo "the coolest cat
in Hollywood"; lead actress and singer Bijou Phillips (daughter of John
Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas). Executive music producer and composer
extraordinaire George Acogny (BLOOD DIAMOND) will attend the benefit concert
to take place at the House of Blues on the closing night of the annual New
Orleans Film Festival.

DARK STREETS is a unique, music-driven feast for the eyes and ears and will
be released in theatres by Samuel Goldwyn Films this fall. The 30's-era
blues musical features the first-ever score from BB King, as well as
original songs written by James Compton, Tim Brown and Tony Demeur,
performed by Solomon Burke, Aaron Neville, Etta James, Natalie Cole, Dr.
John, Richie Sambora, Marc Broussard and Chaka Khan. This film is dedicated
to the blues musicians of New Orleans affected by Hurricane Katrina, and
more recent storms.

WHEN:
Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Doors open at 9:30pm immediately following the Closing Night screening of
DARK STREETS Concert begins at 10:30pm

WHERE:
House of Blues - 225 Decatur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana

WHO:
The Blues Initiative is a non-profit organization with the singular focus of
providing relief to blues musicians displaced by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita
and Gustav. The Blues Initiative is embraced by the Louisiana Cultural
Economy Foundation, whose main goal is to forge public/private partnerships
that provide critical relief and recovery funds for artists and cultural
organizations.

New Orleans Film Society (NOFS) was founded in 1989 to engage, educate and
inspire through the art of film. It has grown into a major showcase of
local, regional, national and international films. In addition to the annual
Film Festival each fall, NOFS hosts special events throughout the year.