Roland von Kurnatowski Sr., known for his role in real estate and the New Orleans music scene, died on September 1, 2019, at age 68. His life was marked by notable achievements and controversies. He tragically died in a hunting accident on his farm in Carriere, Mississippi. Von Kurnatowski significantly impacted New Orleans’ culture as the former owner of Tipitina’s. However, his career was also tainted by legal issues and accusations of financial mismanagement.
Tipitina’s: A New Orleans Icon
Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. oversaw Tipitina’s, one of New Orleans’ most well-known music venues, for almost twenty years. Tipitina’s, opened in 1977, has been a cornerstone of New Orleans’ music scene, hosting many well-known performers. The legendary history of the club was preserved and improved during Von Kurnatowski’s ownership tenure. After years of stewardship, he sold the club to the New Orleans band Galactic in 2019, ensuring Tipitina’s would continue under dedicated musicians.
Real Estate Ventures and Contributions
Former owner of Tipitina’s, a well-known music venue in New Orleans, Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. was a real estate developer. In addition to making major contributions to the New Orleans music scene, he was involved in some real estate ventures. Some salient features of his real estate endeavors and contributions are as follows:
Real Estate Ventures
Tipitina’s Music Club: In 1996, Von Kurnatowski acquired a majority stake in Tipitina’s. He owned it for about twenty years before selling it to the band Galactic in 2019.
Orpheum Theater: He had an ownership interest in the theater and helped restore it following Hurricane Katrina.
Commercial Real Estate Projects: Von Kurnatowski was involved in several commercial real estate projects in Louisiana, including building apartments in Shreveport and an entertainment venue near New Orleans Lakefront Airport.
Bond Fund One (BF-I): Through BF-I, intended to trade US Treasury bonds but allegedly diverting funds to his real estate investments, he was charged with running a Ponzi scheme.
Contributions
Tipitina’s Foundation: To support local music and provide school instruments, Von Kurnatowski and his wife Mary founded the nonprofit Tipitina’s Foundation. The annual Instruments A’ Comin concert was held at Tipitina’s, and the foundation gave more than 5,000 instruments to schools.
Community Development: Among the many community development initiatives he worked on was the reconstruction of South Shore Harbor, which is close to Lakefront Airport.
Volunteerism: Von Kurnatowski was well-known for his volunteer work, especially in the New Orleans music community. He forgave debts owed to the Tipitina’s Foundation in exchange for millions of dollars in donations, free rent, and utilities.
Legal Issues and Controversies
Fraud Allegations: Via a string of real estate transactions, he was allegedly accused of defrauding his sister and two nephews.
Allegations of a Ponzi Scheme: He was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme through BF-I, which resulted in multiple lawsuits, and allegedly lost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Legal Battles: Von Kurnatowski was involved in a number of legal battles, including a lawsuit brought by his sister and nephews regarding a botched real estate transaction.
Legacy
Influence on New Orleans Music Scene: Through Tipitina’s Foundation, he supported local musicians and gave instruments to schools, making a major contribution to the city’s music scene.
Community Recognition: Former Mayor Mitch Landrieu commended him for his dedication to the New Orleans culture via the Tipitina Foundation.
The Hunting Accident
Von Kurnatowski’s tragic and unexpected death opened a poignant new chapter in his complicated life story. He passed away in a hunting accident on his farm in Carriere, Mississippi, on September 1, 2019. This unanticipated turn of events took aback everyone in his network, from real estate colleagues to music enthusiasts.
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FAQs
What is Tipitina’s?
Founded in 1977, Tipitina’s is a legendary New Orleans music venue. It continues to be a vital part of the city’s dynamic music scene and has played host to many well-known musicians.
What was Bond Fund One?
Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. oversaw Bond Fund One, an investment fund. Despite its stated dedication to trading U.S. Treasury bonds, it allegedly engaged in fraudulent activities by diverting funds to von Kurnatowski’s real estate investments.
Who owns Tipitina’s now?
As of 2019, the band Galactic, based in New Orleans, owns Tipitina’s after buying it from Roland von Kurnatowski Sr.
How has Galactic influenced Tipitina’s since acquiring it?
To uphold Tipitina’s legendary reputation while bringing fresh vitality and inventiveness to the venue, Galactic has worked hard to preserve its status as a major hub for New Orleans’ music scene.
Conclusion
Roland von Kurnatowski Sr. lived a life of controversy and triumph, making major contributions to real estate and music while facing court cases and fraud accusations. His legacy is proof of the difficulties in achieving success and upholding integrity in the face of bold endeavors. Von Kurnatowski’s work will always be ingrained in the cultural and physical fabric of New Orleans, reflecting a life that was as influential as it was controversial.
