New Orleans holds a unique cultural place in the heart of America. It’s food, art, language and traditions are truly like nowhere else.  After the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina, the survivors faced not only the terrible struggle of rebuilding their homes and their lives, but also of keeping the culture they loved from being lost in the flood waters. As activists and musicians ourselves, this plight earned our support.

Sweet Home New Orleans is a group we’ve been working with on these projects, and they just sent us this update about their efforts and successes. Learn more about their organization at the link above, send a little cash their way here and learn how else you can show support here.

From Sweet Home New Orleans:

Thanks for Helping to Rebuild our Music Community

The “Musicians Bringing Musicians Home” concert series and projects arising from the retreats organized by the Future of Music Coalition and Air Traffic Control have generated nearly $90,000 for Sweet Home New Orleans since 2006.  Through the matching campaign launched at the last concert, the total impact of these contributions rises to well over $100,000.  Many participating artists have made ongoing commitments to our effort, donating their time and energy in a variety of ways:

• Nicole Atkins, the Indigo Girls, and others have blogged about their experiences in New Orleans
• Tom Morello brought his Justice Tour to New Orleans, and recorded a piece for MTV with SHNO
• Artists including Wayne Kramer, Martin Perna, and J. Tillman, have spread the word through the radio
• OK Go recorded an EP with Bonerama in New Orleans, and shared proceeds with SHNO
• Jon Langford dedicated proceeds of sales of his visual art (pictured at right) to SHNO
• My Morning Jacket dedicated proceeds of a picture disc to SHNO
• The Indigo Girls auctioned off a chance for an audience member to join them on stage and sing a song with them (pictured below)
• Many others have returned to New Orleans for recording projects, mentioned SHNO to national press, and quietly directed resources in our direction

The musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, and Social Aid & Pleasure Club members we assist benefit every day from these activities.  With your help, we’re making steady progress in revitalizing New Orleans’ cultural community.  We have a long road ahead, but artists are gaining ground in their traditional neighborhoods and holding their own through the recession.  You can see the details in our new State of the New Orleans Music Community report at www.sweethomeneworleans.org.

We can’t thank you enough for all of your support, from linking to our website to simply talking about New Orleans while you’re on the road.  Your devotion has accelerated SHNO’s growth as an organization, and improved the lives of hundreds of people who, in the wake our country’s worst disaster, persist in making some its most powerful music.

We’d love to hear from you.  You can reach us at info@sweethomeneworeans.org or call us at 504.943.9671.