U2, Gibson Help Keep New Orleans Music Alive post-Katrina
By Gayl Murphy HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 8/14/07 — With the 2nd anniversary of the Katrina disaster looming large, “Music Rising”, one of the many aid efforts in the Gulf Region, has announced they’ll continue their commitment to rebuilding New Orleans…one trombone and guitar string at a time.
U2’s the Edge (a co-founder) says, their effort is making a difference, small as it is, but there’s still so very much more to do. “Music Rising was created to ensure that this unique music culture did not die out. And on this second anniversary of the Katrina disaster we will continue to support and stay focused on the needs of the musicians, schools and churches.”
With so many different rebuilding efforts still very much underway in New Orleans, many question the impact to those on the ground. According to Essence Magazine’s Editorial Director Susan L. Taylor, “The situation remains dire. Some 250,000 people are yet displaced throughout the nation, unable to return because they have no homes, no jobs nor the financial means to rebuild. Two years later, 70 schools in Orleans Parish are still closed. There are no mental health services and no hospitals to serve the uninsured poor. The $1.175 billion in federally appropriated funds for the Katrina rebuild and relief effort are being held up by FEMA.
At the onset, the “Music Rising” contribution was about supporting the replacement of instruments lost by professional musicians so they could regain their livelihood. Their next step now will be providing churches and schools with replacement instruments so their musical programs can once again blossom.
With so many bigger problems to address than music, isn’t this kind of relief just a tiny drop in the bucket? According the Edge, it’s all relative to whose bucket you’re talking about.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unique musical heritage that is New Orleans. So much has come from that part of America. From the birth of jazz, the roots of R&B and Rock ‘n’ Roll, to the traditional celebrations in the streets, New Orleans has provided all of us with so many traditions.”
Co-founded by U2’s the Edge, music producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz, “Music Rising” was set into motion in 2005 and to date has provided thousands of instruments and millions of dollars to strengthen the culture and communities of those areas hardest hit. To date, “Music Rising” has aided some 30,000 students and parishioners and over 2,500 professional musicians in providing instruments to 21 schools and 41 churches, allowing those music programs to resume. And say the founders, they’ll continue their efforts for as long as it takes.
http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/?p=1703
By Gayl Murphy HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 8/14/07 — With the 2nd anniversary of the Katrina disaster looming large, “Music Rising”, one of the many aid efforts in the Gulf Region, has announced they’ll continue their commitment to rebuilding New Orleans…one trombone and guitar string at a time.
U2’s the Edge (a co-founder) says, their effort is making a difference, small as it is, but there’s still so very much more to do. “Music Rising was created to ensure that this unique music culture did not die out. And on this second anniversary of the Katrina disaster we will continue to support and stay focused on the needs of the musicians, schools and churches.”
With so many different rebuilding efforts still very much underway in New Orleans, many question the impact to those on the ground. According to Essence Magazine’s Editorial Director Susan L. Taylor, “The situation remains dire. Some 250,000 people are yet displaced throughout the nation, unable to return because they have no homes, no jobs nor the financial means to rebuild. Two years later, 70 schools in Orleans Parish are still closed. There are no mental health services and no hospitals to serve the uninsured poor. The $1.175 billion in federally appropriated funds for the Katrina rebuild and relief effort are being held up by FEMA.
At the onset, the “Music Rising” contribution was about supporting the replacement of instruments lost by professional musicians so they could regain their livelihood. Their next step now will be providing churches and schools with replacement instruments so their musical programs can once again blossom.
With so many bigger problems to address than music, isn’t this kind of relief just a tiny drop in the bucket? According the Edge, it’s all relative to whose bucket you’re talking about.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unique musical heritage that is New Orleans. So much has come from that part of America. From the birth of jazz, the roots of R&B and Rock ‘n’ Roll, to the traditional celebrations in the streets, New Orleans has provided all of us with so many traditions.”
Co-founded by U2’s the Edge, music producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz, “Music Rising” was set into motion in 2005 and to date has provided thousands of instruments and millions of dollars to strengthen the culture and communities of those areas hardest hit. To date, “Music Rising” has aided some 30,000 students and parishioners and over 2,500 professional musicians in providing instruments to 21 schools and 41 churches, allowing those music programs to resume. And say the founders, they’ll continue their efforts for as long as it takes.
http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/?p=1703
