A diverse mix of musicians has signed on to participate in Musicians Bringing Musicians Home IV. The charity event will take place at New Orleans’ Tipitina's Uptown on December 4 and benefit Sweet Home New Orleans, a coalition of non-profit organizations that helps find affordable housing and provides rental assistance for Katrina-displaced musicians, Mardi Gras performers and other traditional New Orleans artists. Artists scheduled to appear include Will Oldham, Nicole Atkins, Hank Shocklee (Bomb Squad, Future Frequency), Alec Ounsworth (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit (Flobots) and Waterflow (Senegalese Hip-Hop Band Wageble).

“This year's retreat and benefit concert look to be amazing,” previous participant Jim James said in a statement. “Will Oldham is a Kentucky legend and one of the most inspired artists performing today. Hank Shocklee has produced some of the greatest music ever recorded and Nicole Atkins is one of the strongest new voices to arrive in quite some time. I’m sure it will be an evening of sheer delight and emotion as these artists and others from the NOLA music community and beyond will share the stage and bring the love.”

The Musicians Bringing Musicians Home IV concert will arrive at the end of a three-day activist retreat hosted by Air Traffic Control and the Future of Music Coalition since the Gulf Coast storms of 2005.  This retreat brings established and emerging artists from around the country to New Orleans to tour affected neighborhoods, visit with some of the city’s notable musicians and community leaders and participate in strategy sessions about how to integrate activism and philanthropy into their work as musicians. Past participants have included Steve Earle, Tom Morello, Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Boots Riley (the Coup), Nick Harmer  (Death Cab for Cutie), the Indigo Girls and the members of My Morning Jacket, among others.

“I feel so fortunate to be able to have come to New Orleans to learn and celebrate with fellow friends, artists and musicians from NOLA and around the country,” James continues.  It is so important for us to keep New Orleans and its rich musical heritage alive and on people's minds alongside the many other issues the world is dealing with right now. It’s hard to believe there are still countless unresolved situations from the damage and mismanagement of Katrina and other Gulf Coast storms. The good people of New Orleans deserve their due, as there are still so many wrongs to be righted and unfinished situations that need to be dealt with fairly.”

A number of special collaborations are expected. Admission is $12 and proceeds will go to benefit the work of Sweet Home New Orleans.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment 2.0!