On Sunday, August 24, New Orleans musicians Allan Touissant (left), The Meters' Leo Nocentelli (center) and Walter "Wolfman" Washington accepted the Heroes of the Storm Award on behalf of Music Rising from the Friends of New Orleans at the site of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.
Emily Byram, Executive Director of the Friends of New Orleans, presented the award in honor and appreciation of all of the support Music Rising continues to do for the Gulf Coast State and the nation as a whole. A special presentation and concert was produced on the eve of the Democratic National Convention to bring awareness to the country for the work that still needs in the Gulf Coast Region.
Monday, August 25 marks the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the images that the nation watched as the disaster unfolded. The Friends of New Orleans brought together musicians from the Gulf Coast to perform at the convention and bring attention to the anniversary and the region. Music Rising was formed in 2005 and was co-founded by U2's the Edge, legendary producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz to aid the professional musicians of the Gulf Coast in replacing instruments lost or destroyed in the hurricanes. Since its inception Music Rising has aided over 2,700 musicians and over 50,000 students and churches. In its Phase II efforts, Music Rising has supported area schools and churchs in replacing instruments needed for music education in the classroom and church choirs. The campaign will soon announce Phase III of its initiative.
Photo Credit: Barry Staver Photography