Musicians in Southeast Louisiana

More Musicares Information

2005-09-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

I asked Musicares for information and just received this response:

Hello Pershing.
Please visit http://www.grammy.com/musicares/index.aspx?comp=MusiCares for more information and to complete an online application. Our offices are working diligently to keep up w/ requests.

Thank you,
Brett Bryngelson
Senior Coordinator
MusiCares
3402 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Toll Free: (800) 687-4227
Ph: 310.392.3777
Fx: 310.392.2187

Quote of the day

2005-09-15T06:10:00.000-07:00

New York Times 9/15/3005:

"Something good has got to come from this disaster," he said. "That's God's plan." Then he added: "And you can tell people we're available and looking for work."

New Orleans pianist, singer, and writer Eddie Bo

Hire a musician...

2005-09-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

The national news is beginning to move onto other stories. However, not much will change anytime soon for the displaced. It’s vital we keep these musicians in mind over the next several months. If you’re in club owner in South Louisiana, Utah, Paris, …wherever, book a New Orleans area band…

A Grand Thought...

2005-09-10T15:27:00.000-07:00

There have been, and are, a lot of concerts scheduled for relief. Some are specific to helping musicians. What about this thought:

A concert held in Baton Rouge, or Lafayette, or Houma, that would feature major artist being backed up by some of the very talented local bands. For example- When Percy Sledge works in the Southeast Louisiana area he uses the Blue Eyed Soul Revue almost exclusively- because (as he says on stage) they play his songs right. There are at least a dozen ‘cover’ bands in and around New Orleans (who are now displaced) that could nail an Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Joe Cocker, James Brown, Paul McCartney, you-name-an-artist song or two. The stars wouldn’t have to fly in their band. The local band would need little or no rehearsing (these guys have played these songs as long as those guys). The local economy would benefit greatly by having these stars around. And most importantly, awareness of helping local musicians would be enhanced- exactly what needs to happen.

Musicares... cares!

2005-09-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

A few posts down I expressed concerns about how Musicares would get the money directly to the affected musicians. Since the post, I’ve pasted some info directly from Musicares (see a few posts below) which does expound upon the process- and it was good to see it. Further, some have written expressing their complete confidence in Musicares. Read this comment:

“Not to worry! I'm a member of the Recording Academy here in Los Angeles and I can assure you that Musicares has been around for years--it is our pre-existing charity, supported primarily by Academy members for musicians in crisis, whether it be family illness, earthquake, or, in this case, Katrina. Some of the other theatrical unions have sister charities too--such as the Writer's Guild, the Screen Actor's Guild and The Director's Guild, all of which support the Motion Picture Fund-- a charity aiding actors, writers or directors in crisis and their families.I was frustrated myself with the lack of detailed info--it's because the website links were set up for the longterm and they're still getting organized. But don't worry, they are extremely reputable and backed by some very wealthy people.”

All the best--

"Make it Funky!"

2005-09-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

New Orleans film to have muted opening
MICHAEL CIDONI
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES -

With Bonnie Raitt, Aaron Neville and Ahmet Ertegun serving up love letters to its subject, the documentary "Make It Funky!" offers a cause to celebrate. But there will be no flashy premiere for the film, which starts a theatrical run this weekend at Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Instead, Friday night's showing of the movie that pays homage to New Orleans' music was to be free and open to the public, with attendees being urged to pass the hat for musicians displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Additional benefit showings were being considered.

The movie - scheduled for release on DVD Sept. 27 - is the work of New Orleans-based multimedia producer Michael Murphy, who told Associated Press Television News that the timing of the film's release is purely coincidental, that the debut was long on the books.
Murphy should be basking in the glory of receptive film festival audiences and some solid early reviews. But he's simply road-weary.

Murphy said he evacuated New Orleans just before Katrina hit, making an 18-hour drive to the first airport where he could hop a plane that would get him to Southern California, where he has family and a second home. Murphy said he is unsure if he has an inhabitable home left in New Orleans.

In the meantime, he has "Make It Funky!" - which now seems to serve greater purposes: as a record of some things that may be gone for good, and as a plea to rebuild what Murphy said is an international treasure.

"The way it's worked out ... this film can make people discover the importance of that city and that culture, and how that city has culturally enriched the lives of people all over the world for years, millions and millions of people," he said. "Well, there's a debt now. We've got to pay that back."

Murphy plans to return to New Orleans in about two months - and says there's little doubt he'll restore what remains of his home, and rebuild the rest.

Gigs for Displaced Musicians

2005-09-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

A note from Logan Kleinwaks:

I have just opened a free website to help New Orleans musicians displaced by Hurricane Katrina find work, http://www.nolagigs.org/. The site is essentially a searchable database of gigs being offered to the musicians by venues across the country. Since the site is so new, there are only a few gigs currently listed. I am trying to contact venues to make them aware that they can list employment offers on the site. Once there are a reasonable number of listings in the database, I will publicize the site to the musicians and groups aiding them. If you know any venues that would like to help employ New Orleans musicians, or if you have suggestions of how to grow the database, please contact me. The more listings there are in the database, the more useful the site can beto musicians. This site is completely free to use, does not have commercial advertising, and I do not benefit financially from it. It is simply my way of trying to help the musicians and music culture of New Orleans.

Thanks very much and best regards,Logan Kleinwaks
logan@NOLAgigs.org

WWOZ

2005-09-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

WWOZ has been the heartbeat of roots music of New Orleans and the surrounding area for years. There may not be an organization in the city that cares more about the music- and the musicians.

Add the link below to your favorites list. Concerts for musicians will be posted as they are announced. Also, encourage folks at some of these events to hire Southeast Louisiana musicians.

http://www.wwoz.org/music_give.php

Another Resource for Musicians affected by Katrina

2005-09-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.bluesforkatrina.com/

Feel free to ask the question- “How will the money get to the musicians affected?”.

Direct help to musicians

2005-09-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

My personal web site http://www.pershingwells.com/ has (for almost 10 years) been dedicated to the music, art, and inspiration of South Louisiana. The information on this page is specific to musicians. Hopefully you've considered donations to the American Red Cross and other relief agencies to help everyone affected. There are more direct ways to help musicians. Please consider buying music from artists in and around New Orleans. The above web site has a plethora of links where you can do just that.

In particular is Louisiana Cajun Stuff located in Houma, Louisiana (For folks outside of Louisiana, Houma is about 45 miles from downtown New Orleans). These guys have a huge selection of Cajun/Zydeco/Swamp Pop/New Orleans music:

Louisiana Cajun Stuff

Another is the Louisiana Music Factory in New Orleans. According to the web site, the building survived but inventory is limited because they cannot physically get to it. This is even more of a reason to buy something from them:

Louisiana Music Factory

Your purchase directly helps these two businesses affected by Katrina and directly helps the artist. I urge you to consider it.

Information from Musicares becomes available

2005-09-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

How We Help: Hurricane Relief Assistance may include funds for basic living expenses such as shelter, food, utilities, cell phones and transportation; medical expenses including doctor, dentist, hospital bills and medication; clothing and toiletries; musical instrument and recording equipment replacement; relocation costs; school supplies for students; cell phone service; insurance payments and more. Applicants may also be referred to other resources, as needed.
How To Qualify: Five years professional experience in the music industry and loss of livelihood or housing due to effects of Hurricane Katrina
How To Apply: Click here to open our downloadable application. (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
How You Can Help: Spread the word about our efforts. If you know of someone affected by this disaster, encourage them to contact us or give us a call and we will reach out to them. Let music people know that we are here to help.
For More Info: Call us toll-free at 877 . 626 . 2748

Before you donate...

2005-09-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

Two posts down I have information on MusiCares Foundation and the GRAMMY Foundation. It's seems reputable... it's the Grammys... but I wrote to them a day ago simply asking the question "how would the donations your asking for get to the musicians" and as of this writing I have not gotten a response. I searched for a press release on their web site and found nothing. ...maybe they're very busy... and I hope so. But it's not encouraging. It's proper to ask the question and it's proper to get the answer. I encourage anyone who reads this to ask the same question: "What is the process of getting the donations directly to the musicians?"

Some resources for musicians out of work because of Katrina

2005-09-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.zydecoroad.com/
http://www.savenolamusic.org/resources.html
http://tiannahall.com/SHONOF (Employment and Relocation aid for musicians displaced by Katrina
http://www.theleaf.com/hurricanesupport.php
http://www.jazzfoundation.org/new_orleans.php
http://www.playsjazz.com/
http://www.wwoz.org/music_help.php

This what this site is all about

2005-09-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

I found this information just this morning and I’m waiting to hear from these folks on how this program will work (what is the direct process of getting help get to the musicians). Once I get a response, I will post it.
_________________________________________________
Academy Statement On Hurricane KatrinaThe Hurricane Katrina disaster has been devastating, profound and life altering for its victims, their families, friends and the nation. This is the time when we must come together and take care of those who need our help. Therefore, The Recording Academy, the nonprofit organization that is the voice of thousands of music makers nationwide, along with its MusiCares Foundation, which provides a safety net of critical services for music people in crisis, is committing an initial donation of $1 million for music people affected by Hurricane Katrina.
The MusiCares Hurricane Relief Fund has been set up so these people in crisis can get help. Assistance includes basic living expenses such as shelter, food, utilities, transportation; medical expenses including doctor, dentist and hospital bills, medications; clothing; instrument and recording equipment replacement; relocation costs; school supplies for students; insurance payments and more.
Along with this donation, each of The Academy's 12 regional Chapters will designate local programming that will continue the fundraising efforts to help the thousands of music people whose lives and livelihoods have been impacted by these tragic events. The Recording Academy, The Latin Recording Academy, MusiCares Foundation and the GRAMMY Foundation also have created a matching fund with their employees to help ensure that music continues to be the thread that brings people together and helps us all heal. We encourage the industry and the world to help in any way they can.
https://www.grammy.com/Donations.aspx?comp=MusiCares

For those not in, or around New Orleans- as I am

2005-09-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

It’s unfortunate that some won’t get what this is all about. Many musicians (who make a living at it) are out of work and lost everything. Because they live here, they know what this cause is about. Life must go on. Yes, it’s a tragedy in New Orleans but if you’re alive, you need to start living. This is a place to share thoughts about how to get the guys who made it out back to work.

Thanks for the comment Shane.

Who were those cats on Bourbon Street?!

2005-09-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

Street musicians and unsigned recording artists make up a large majority of the population of musicians. These musicians also make up the majority of bands you hear (or did) on Bourbon Street and other bars in and around New Orleans. I’m very happy the Neville’s are ok and I’m just as happy that people like Bobby Cure (Bobby Cure and the Summertime Blues), Walter Floyd (Kingsroe), Michael Vice (the Blue Eyed Soul Revue, Ned Theall (the Boogie Kings) and other bandleaders are reported safe as well. These bands (among many others) have been working in the City for twenty, thirty, or more years. Many folks love them just as much as they love Dr. John.

There is a list of the popular New Orleans musicians that have been confirmed as safe. http://www.voy.com/60649/17108.html However, it’s not very comprehensive.

How you can help on a more personal level

2005-09-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

The livelihood of those who live (lived) in New Orleans and other affected parishes have been dramatically affected. The disaster will have a tremendous impact the economy of surrounding parishes. The best thing any of us here can do is get back to work as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, for too many, it just won’t happen.
Hopefully you've considered donations to the American Red Cross and other relief agencies. If you live outside of South Louisiana here are some other things you can do to help in a more direct way:

Purchase music from local artists and encourage your friends to do the same. Here are some links:

Drew Rice
Angela Portier
Tim Dusenbery
Natalie Wells
TFC (Thibodaux Family Church)
Crawdiddy
Martin Folse (link coming soon)

All of the above are clients of Digital Sac-a'-Lait Productions and all are based in Southeast Louisiana (very near New Orleans).

If you have written a song or songs and have thought about getting your material professionally arranged and produced consider Digital Sac-a'-Lait Productions. A multi-media presentation is forthcoming. A reference list and samples of work are available immediately.

Note to other artists in this area. Send a link and it will be posted.

THE DAY THE MUSIC DIDN'T DIE

2005-09-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

The music of southeast Louisiana is our legacy. It nourishes our body and soul as much as crawfish, king cake and Community Coffee. It is our past, our present and our future.

Karen

...motivation

2005-09-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

My motivation is to start an "awareness campaign" about the many musicians who used (I hate that past tense thing…) to play Bourbon Street, gigs in the French Quarter, the casinos, and every juke joint in New Orleans and the metro areas... Some are part-time musicians and hold day jobs (if they lived in the 'City', it would be a double whammy). Many are full-time musicians. It's a tough gig already but when something of this magnitude happens it seems beyond tough... it's scary. I'm not talking about the Harry Connicks' or Aaron Nevilles' who have work around the world. (Don't even take this as a shot at these guys, I respect them immensely and know they will do their part). I'm talking about taking care of the local bands and singers who you would hear when you walked into a bar in the Quarter or at Tipitina’s or on the Gulf Coast at one of the casinos or at any little dive that would become your favorite juke joint.   These folks need all of your support.  And the best way to support them is to get them back to work.

…the ugliest has yet to come-  when the water goes and the process of counting the lost begins.

But for those of us who have survived and even more- those of us who were simply inconvenienced by lack of electricity, life must go on.

I suggest that we celebrate life by continuing to ‘pass a good time’ (as the Cajuns say) and pray (or whatever you want to call it) for the fallen, hurt, and displaced in the quiet times of our day.  Actually, both can be done at the same time…

pwells@sw.rr.com

Music matters

2005-09-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

There will be concerts in the coming days/weeks/months to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina- and this is a very good thing. I would encourage the stars who draw the crowds to use some of the now-displaced musicians from New Orleans and the surrounding area. I live in Houma, LA (about 45 miles southeast) and my livelihood as a producer/guitarist has been severly impacted. It's very important (in my opinion) to not allow the backup and street musicians of this area to be among the forgotten.