A longtime staple of the vibrant New Orleans music scene, Galactic will return to Tiptina’s to celebrate a decade of good times and great music. “We’ve all grown up together and learned so much,” bassist Robert Mercurio said. “We’re not only best friends – we’re like family.”

In addition to the two anniversary performances, several members of Galactic’s extended New Orleans family will join them on stage.

Former band member Theryl “Houseman” deClouet will sing with the band, along with frequent collaborator Tricia “Sista Teedy” Boutte.

New Orleans piano-funk wizard Jon Clearly will sit in, and Big Chief Bo Dollis will bring a team of Mardi Gras Indians for a traditional street beat jam.

Other guests slated to appear include Cyril and Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr. (of the original Meters), saxman Tim Green, and drummer Johnny Vidacovich (of Astral Project.) DJ Quicky Mart will open both shows to warm up the crowd for the dance party of a decade.

Galactic was born in the mid-‘90s, after two Washington D.C. punks ­ guitarist Jeff Raines and bassist Robert Mercurio ­ relocated to New Orleans and found themselves intoxicated by the sounds of the scene that nurtured The Meters, Professor Longhair, the Neville Brothers and Dr. John.

Armed with the rhythmic tradition of their adopted hometown, Raines, Mercurio, saxophonist Ben Ellman, keyboardist Rich Vogel, and drummer Stanton Moore have spent 10 years tearing through venues across the world, leaving hordes of die-hard Galactic junkies in their wake.