Leo Nocentelli, Ivan Neville, Eric Krasno and Friends Salute Fats Domino

Last night, the reclusive Fats Domino made his first New York appearance in several decades at a benefit celebrating the release of the star-studded compilation CD Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino at the Pink Elephant. Early in the evening, an all-star ensemble featuring Meters guitarist Leo Nocentelli, keyboardist Ivan Neville and his Dumpstaphunk bassist Nick Daniels, alto saxophonist Donald Harrison Jr., Soulive guitarist Eric Krasno and longtime scene drummer Adam Deitch played a mix of Meters originals and other New Orleans party anthems like "Look-a Py-Py."

After a short set, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented Fats Domino with the key to New York City, calling the piano player "an American legend." According to those in attendance, Bloomberg appeared loose, joking with Domino onstage like an old friend. Domino then offered his first New York performance in many years, running through an aborted version of "Blueberry Hill" with his all-star band, before fading into the wings while Nocentelli finished the song. He later returned with his peer Lloyd Price for a version of "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," a song the pair recorded early in the rock 'n roll era.

While big-name Fats Domino supports like Bruce Springsteen, B.B. King and Norah Jones didn't show, the gig did feature short spots from a few living legends including Toots Hibert and New Orleans producer Allen Toussaint. Profits raised from the event will benefit the New Orleans-based Tipitina's Foundation. Fats Domino will sign copies of the tribute album at New York's Border's Columbus Circle this evening.

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