"The guy's a legend," Apfelbaum said. "He played on [The Rolling Stones'] Exile on Main St. He's just a living legend. The fact that he's still out there performing is incredible."
Assistant Professor of Music Stephen Hopkins also sang Dr. John's praises.
"The album that I know of is Gris-Gris. There's some great tunes on there," Hopkins said before breaking into a selection from Dr. John's debut album.
The New Orleans native has been busy in the past year between touring extensively and recording the Grammy-nominated album Sippiana Hericane. The album was just one of Dr. John's charitable actions toward victims of Hurricane Katrina. In addition to donating the proceeds from his album to the New Orleans Musicians Clinic, the Jazz Foundation of America and the Voice of the Wetlands, he performed tributes at last year's Super Bowl and Grammy Awards.
Apfelbaum said Dr. John's loyalty to his hometown is common among artists from that region.
"I think when any New Orleans musician goes out now, that's still at the forefront of what they're thinking about," he said.
Beyond his charitable connection to his hometown, Dr. John, who has also been known as Mac Rebennack and "The Night Tripper," also maintains a cultural connection with his hometown of N'awlins, Apfelbaum said.
"Everything he does is sort of flavored with that New Orleans kind of vibe," Apfelbaum said. "Even when he's blues-oriented he still has that New Orleans flavor."
Although New Orleans is not necessarily a blues-heavy city anymore, Hopkins said Dr. John still incorporates the style of New Orleans into his music.
"[Blues] is one aspect of New Orleans sound," Hopkins said.
"New Orleans is more famous for its jazz. Talk about a cultural gumbo. He's a representative of one aspect of New Orleans sound."
Apfelbaum said the style of this particular show will be an upbeat one.
"He'll be with his full band, so it should be extra funky," he said.
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