• By JOHN WIRT
• Music critic
• Published: Feb 29, 2008

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NEW ORLEANS — Fats Domino, who’s been less reclusive in the years following Hurricane Katrina, appeared at the 80th birthday party staged in his honor at Tipitina’s Saturday night.

The smiling singer-pianist accepted proclamations sent from Mayor Ray Nagin and Gov. Bobby Jindal, waved to the sold-out crowd and posed for photos with his latest honors.

But when emcee Eric Paulson of WWL-TV asked Domino, who last performed in May 2007 at Tipitina’s, if he felt like performing a few classics such as “Blueberry Hill” or “Ain’t That A Shame,” Domino deferred.

“I’ll let you know when I’m ready,” he said softly into the microphone. “I ain’t ready yet.”

Political consultant and pundit James Carville took the mike to praise Domino and the Tipitina’s Foundation, which has donated more than $1 million for the purchase of musical instruments for New Orleans-area schools and helped rebuild Domino’s Lower 9th Ward home. Saturday’s all-star event was a benefit for the foundation.

“Everybody my age,” the 63-year-old Carville said, “who knows anything about music, knows that Fats is better than Elvis (Presley).”

Domino responded by moving both of his hands, palms forward, making it clear he didn’t agree. Taking the mike, he sang a few lines a cappella and said, “Thank you, Tipitina’s Foundation, and you wonderful people.”

After saying, “I’m ready for the party,” Domino exited the stage and didn’t appear again.

While Domino didn’t perform, Randy Newman, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint and Clarence “Frogman” Henry joined an all-star house band including classic New Orleans rhythm-and-blues sax man James Rivers, singer-guitarist Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Dirty Dozen Brass Band saxophonist Roger Lewis and singer-pianist Jon Cleary.

Cleary re-created Domino’s romping instrumental, “Swanee River Hop.” Working with an apropos three- and later four-piece saxophone section, the group also performed such non-Domino classics as Earl King’s “Those Lonely, Lonely Nights,” Smiley Lewis’ “She’s Got Me Hook, Line and Sinker” and “Little Liza Jane.” Drummer Shannon Powell sang lead for “Liza,” a jumping, call-and-response highlight that was a hit for another New Orleans piano man, Huey “Piano” Smith.

As the Domino-influenced Clarence “Frogman” Henry always does, he entertained the heck out of the audience with the likes of “Ain’t Got No Home” and “(I Don’t Know Why) But I Do.”

A delighted Toussaint followed at the baby grand, singing and playing an original tribute-song to Domino and Domino’s hit “I’m In Love Again.” Newman followed with Domino’s “Blue Monday,” his own “Dixie Flyer” and, the song that began a post-Katrina anthem, “Louisiana 1927.”

Dr. John’s numbers included Domino’s Bobby Charles-penned hit, “Walking To New Orleans” and “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” a song he recorded for the recent Domino tribute album.