Music Maker Relief Foundation has created the New Orleans Musicians Fund program as a heartfelt response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina on the lives of musicians in the Gulf region. Many artists have lost their homes and livelihoods and must now rebuild or relocate. Grants are being dispersed for basic living expenses such as food, housing, medical care, transportation and instrument replacement. Our staff is helping artists connect with FEMA, the Red Cross, Social Services and other nonprofit granting and service agencies. We also offer assistance with relocation, booking gigs and passport replacement. At present a few artists have begun to rebuild their homes or have moved back into undamaged apartments. There is still very little work for musicians in New Orleans so most artists have to relocate for now and rebuild their careers elsewhere. Many have left shelters and the homes of family members to new cities and states where they are finding housing and seeking employment. Most would like to return to New Orleans as soon as it is feasible, others will seek futures in their newfound homes. Music Maker has been inundated with requests for aid and has doubled the number of recipient artists we serve since the storm. To help these musicians we plan to raise $500,000 for our New Orleans Musicians Fund. This money will help some artists rebuild their homes, other artists to relocate and refurnish and many more with some immediate financial relief and instruments replacement. Our donors have been very generous. We truly appreciate the events organized by supporters around the world. Benefits for this cause have been held in Australia, Canada, France, England, and throughout the United States. The largest of these events was held on October, 28th in Baltimore, MD where Legg Mason Funds sponsored the Benefit for the Bayou concert raising considerable funds and awareness of the New Orleans Musicians Fund. We feel very fortunate to have had the trained staff in place and financial resources to be of assistance in this time of crisis. We cannot possibly convey how thankful and appreciative all the musicians have been of whatever help we can offer, their unbroken spirits have been an inspiration to us. We are dedicated to helping these musicians return to New Orleans. The musicians of this City are heralded throughout the world and with our help they will be back to inspire future generations . |
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