August 2007

August 27, 2007 13:49

Well, I have just heard from the International Musician (monthly newspaper of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada). I was interviewed for this magazine in February 2007 after playing a benefit concert from which the proceeds were directed to the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra and the interview is slated to be published and distributed next month. All that I can say is that I'm incredibly humbled: out of all of the magazines and newspapers in which I have been featured this one arguably has the largest readership of all, and being an industry magazine its readership is quite specific.

As the second "anniversary" of the nation's worst national disaster is upon us, I find it fitting to spend the next few weeks (as I can) posting articles about New Orleans and its recovery, with the articles focusing on the arts community.

Today, I found two articles, the first appearing in Yahoo!News and chronicling an event that took place this weekend as well as describing the plight of many of the musicians still living in New Orleans. The second, from The Los Angeles Times, is more in-depth, speaking about the myriad responses from artists who having survived Katrina, including Terence Blanchard's efforts (moving the Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz from USC to Loyola University).

It is safe to say - and this is an understatement - that there is continued work to be done, possibly more than we all realize now as two years later much of the news surrounding Katrina has disappeared. Those of us who were directly affected know that things are not all "back to normal" personally or collectively and yes, it will take a long time.

I invite you to stay tuned, keep reading, and do what you can to support artists, arts organizations, and traditions...

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