New Orleans rock and blues legend, Top Principato and his band, take center stage at the 10th anniversary Mardi Gras benefit for United Way of Calvert County on March 13 at The Show Place Arena, from 7 pm to 11 pm.

“We feel really fortunate to have booked Tom, just coming off his European tour,” says United Way CEO Kelly Chambers. “His caliber and New Orleans-style are perfect for our event.”

Based in Washington, D.C., The Tom Principato Band includes frontman, Tom Principato, joined by Joe Wells on drums, Josh Howell on congos, and Steve Wolf on bass. Revered by guitar aficionados worldwide, a recent article in Guitar World crowned Tom Principato as “the great unsung hero of blues.” Principato has definitely carved an impressive niche of fans, both on the East Coast and in Europe .  His masterful guitar stylings and vocals have garnered him 23 "WAMMY” Awards from the Washington Area Music Association, steady appearances at renowned venues like The Birchmere, Ram’s Head, and Blues Alley, and an extensive European tour, which has included a performance on the famed German television music program “Ohne Filter” with Guitar Legend Albert Lee.

In a review of Principato’s “Raising the Roof” album, Down Beat Magazine, sums up his sound as a “diverse musical palette with blues, and complements of funk, jazz, latin, rock and New Orleans R&B.”

Principato’s 46 years of guitar playing began when he first picked up a Sears Silvertone guitar, a present from his mother when he was just 11 years old. He credits his parents’ extensive record collection, a singular devotion to mastering the guitar in his teen years, and his adoration of the great B.B. King as his major influences.

“I’ve often been pigeonholed as a blues artist, but I think that’s because B.B.’s soulful influence was always at the core of everything,” says Principato.

Principato gained national attention in the 1970’s, when he led the legendary band Power House. Since embarking on a solo career in the early 1980’s, he produced 11 solo albums and engaged in numerous collaborations, including performances with music legends, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Danny Gatton, and Chuck Leavell.

“I like performing with artists that have complimentary differences of tastes and influences,” says Principato.

Principato’s popularity and tour schedule continue to gain momentum, and a new project has captured his attention- an album of 100% original music with collaborators like the famed Memphis Horns, Sonny Landreth, and Willy Weeks. Principato says, “I made a concise decision with this record, that I want to raise eyebrows.”

Don’t miss a rocking performance by Principato that is sure to raise some eyebrows too at this year’s  10th Anniversary Mardi Gras celebration. Also in store are feats of daring and magic, New Orleans style cuisine and cocktails, an extensive live and silent auction, jewelry raffle, and more. To get your tickets for this gala event, benefitting 36 human service programs in Calvert County , visit www.unitedwaymardigras.com,  call (410) 286-0100 or visit any Ticketmaster location in Washington, D.C. or Maryland .