On August 29th, Hurricane Katrina pounded the levees of New Orleans, and unleashed unprecedented devastation upon the city and its inhabitants, flooding its streets and leaving thousands without food, clothing or shelter.  More pointedly, Katrina’s fury threatened to destroy the heart and soul of the region:  its rich and vibrant music community.  Thousands of Gulf-area musicians were displaced as they fled the devastation.  Most lost their work, as music venues, restaurants and casinos closed.  Many also lost their beloved instruments, musical equipment, home-studios, irreplaceable scores and demo’s. 

“My house was 3 blocks from the….Levee break. My house took on over 10 feet of water and took with it every.......material possession I owned and every physical memory of my past. I also lost my musical equipment. My guitars, basses, amps, cabinets, cases, recording gear, microphones, pa, monitors, computer and all my recorded material from the last 15 years. The fact that (we’re) alive is enough for me to hold on too. My faith gives me strength. The French Quarter sustained little or no damage, so I will eventually go back to work. In the meantime…MusiCares… has helped me in many ways. Just talking to…. (MusiCares’ staff)….and having an understanding voice tell me its going to be ok helps…I thank you for the work that you do and for being there for all the musicians of New Orleans…” 

MusiCares understood the effects of this disaster in a unique way. Since our inception 16 years ago, it has been our mission to assist music industry people facing unexpected crises. We met this crisis with the authority and insight that comes from years of experience in assisting thousands of music industry clients. We quickly developed an application, approval and disbursement process specific to hurricane relief; and an initial donation of $1million dollars in partnership with The Recording Academy gave us the financial resources necessary to begin to assist the unprecedented numbers of applicants who applied for help. Within a two-month period, over 2000 Gulf-area musicians were assisted with more than $1.5 million in direct funds.  Their stories touched our hearts, and made us grateful to be of service.

“I looked at the FedEx and opened it.  Shocked by what I saw.  It was a letter…(from MusiCares)…with (grant money) inside.  I am still shaking my head.  In the middle of the array of emotions....... I get this incredible uplift of hope that I am so grateful for…..I know without your help this would not have happened.  You have done a very beautiful thing.  Thank you sincerely from my heart…..This is more help than I anticipated, but every bit will go to good use. As I said, this money is blessed, and will be spent in that way. Please know my heart is touched by you and everybody involved in this effort….”

MusiCares’ initial assistance provided funds for food and clothing, gasoline and other transportation expenses, crucial cell phone service, books and supplies for children entering new schools, medicines and other critical supplies. Notably, our next phase of assistance has begun, with our Music Rising program providing the means by which affected musicians can replace valued instruments and equipment lost in the disaster.  A separate application is available on-line, for those musicians seeking to apply for Music Rising funds.

“I received the check today and cannot thank you enough,.  This will go a long way toward replacing my equipment.  It is organizations such as yours that make us realize that there is always a ray of sunlight amid the darkest of times.” 

We are grateful to those who have shared their experiences with us, and we are honored to be a small part of their rebuilding process.