Since the tragedy of Katrina, The Jazz Foundation of America has helped to save some 1,100 displaced musicians across almost twenty states. They have helped them to find homes, jobs and with instruments to keep their music alive, according to a press release.
Dr. Michael White, noted New Orleans bandleader/historian said, "The Jazz Foundation has been a lifesaver to so many musicians from New Orleans, giving them the opportunity to work and earn money with dignity. They've done more to help the New Orleans musicians then any other group that I know of."
The Jazz Foundation of America reports that the case load has doubled since Katrina and their small staff is working 18-20 hour days as a result.
Hearing of this, a number of celebrities have joined the Board of Governors, such as Danny Glover; and Dick Parsons is on their Board of Advisors. Other celebrities that have helped support the Jazz Foundation have been and Bill Cosby, Elvis Costello, Whoopi Goldberg, Quincy Jones, Bonnie Raitt and Chevy Chase.
Rodney Rollins, musician, New Orleans resident and Hurricane Katrina survivor added, "It's hard for people to imagine what it's like to go through something like this, and to then start over with nothing. The Jazz Foundation was there for us every time ... they made it all possible. I don't know what we would have done without their help. The light is coming back after so much darkness, darkness I thought would never end, and now everything's going to be all right. I am overwhelmed ... and so very, very grateful."
Not only has the foundation helped in the post-Katrina aftermath, but they there to help musicians after 9/11 when all sources of revenue were no longer there.
If you'd like to help in The Jazz Foundation of America effort, here is there contact info:
Wendy Oxenhorn
The Jazz Foundation of America
212-245-3999 Ext. 27
917-991-6198 cell
WendyOxenhorn@aol.com
Check these Katrina sources out:
Project to search for the truth on what's happening in New Orleans
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