The Lil’ Easy Backyard Party has only grown bigger and wilder in its third year, but it remains a labor of love for Poor House Bistro owner Jay Meduri.

Tucked inside a tent behind the Bistro, guests will step into a two-day bender of nonstop music, Po’ Boys, boundless beers and Hurricane cocktails. Meduri calls the bash this Saturday and Sunday a “very intimate party,” despite a crowd expected to number around 200. No doubt that’s because the event is held in honor of Meduri’s late mother, Sally, who passed away in 2012 from a stroke. The backyard gathering serves as a celebration of her life.

Profits from food and drink orders and a silent auction will help support the Stroke Awareness Foundation; tickets range from $40 to $100.

Thirteen artists will perform over the weekend, including Grammy-winning R&B soloist Raphael Saadiq and his mentor, gospel singer Roy Tyler, on Saturday. On Sunday, the lineup includes Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic, Soul of John Black and Kim Wilson’s Blues All-Stars. Meduri says the selection hits all types of New Orleans music, from harmonica blues and soul to boogie-woogie piano.

“Music is like food,” he says. “So, you don’t have to eat the same food all day. You want to switch your palate up.”

The presence of star players won’t detract from the warm, house party atmosphere, though.

“It’s one of my favorite venues in the South Bay,” says pianist Mitch Woods, who will be performing on Saturday. “We always have a fun crowd in San Jose. They’re real lively and like to dance and party with us.”

Many of the artists have their own family members who have suffered strokes, making the lineup a close-knit bunch beyond their passion for music.

“The event for stroke awareness is near and dear to me and my brother’s heart,” says Tommy Marsh, singer and guitarist of the band Crooked Eye Tommy, which also performs Saturday. “Our grandfather and aunt both died of strokes. We hope to raise a lot of money for something that’s very personal.”

Despite some somberness in the cause, Meduri says he’s sure his mother would enjoy such an event.

“She’d smile,” he says. “This was her house, too, so to have an event where a lot of family members live makes it special. I feel her presence.”

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