Porter, Batiste and Stoltz Need Your Help

PBS, a band formed by bassist George Porter Jr., drummer Russell Batiste and guitarist Brian Stoltz, broke up late in 2009 after what Porter described as un-music-related bullshit. Back in January on Jam Cruise, Porter told us that he loved playing with those guys, but just couldn’t deal with all the headaches on the business side of things. Well, even though the band parted company, the troubles from those days continue as a site called SavePBS.org has been launched as the trio prepares to defend against a $500,000 lawsuit from their former management company, Highsteppin’ Productions LLC.

Here’s a description of the troubles from that website…

George Porter Jr., Russell Batiste and Brian Stoltz, individually and as members of PBS, LLC, need OUR help.

They have been sued by their former management company, Higsteppin’ Productions, LLC, owned by Phil Stepanian, for a huge sum of money (more than a half-million dollars, yes, that’s right, over a half-million dollars), which they do not have, cannot pay, and should not owe.

Both Porter and Stoltz have had to file for bankruptcy protection, and they risk losing their homes, assets, and life’s work. GEORGE MAY LOSE HIS ROYALTIES AND PUBLISHING RIGHTS! As y’all already may know, through their work collectively and individually with the Meters, the Neville Brothers, Doctor John and Allen Toussaint (to name just a few), these wonderful musicians have contributed an immeasurable amount to the cultural landscape of New Orleans, America and the world.

Porter, Stoltz and Batiste are asking fans to “chip-in” as the trio tries to save their homes, assets and royalties from being lost in the bankruptcy, and to also help cover the legal fees. According to the website, the band members will use all funds collected for those purposes. What isn’t clear from the website is why the members  of PBS are being sued. We’ve asked High Steppin’ Productions for a response and we’ll post it if we get one.

Would you consider donating to PBS’s legal defense fund?

UPDATE1: An article from the Massachusetts Lawyer’s Weekly back in June details some of High Steppin’ Productions’ claims.

[Hat Tip to Scott Gordon]