The Great Southwest Toy Sleigh Ride for musicians’ children happened when the airline let NOmrf bring 200 pounds of toys home.
We also mailed many toys out to displaced musicians’ kids. With the extra toys, WWOZ DJ and drummer Bob French announced that parents could pull up out front of the studio while we distributed everything from skateboards to dolls from our truck. Bob’s now out of his FEMA trailer and we just delivered his new couch as a Saints game was starting.
We're pleased that Bob's about to move in to Habitat for Humanity's Musicians Village, couch and all.
Dr. John Giving his Grammy Certificate to Music Legend
Dr. John surprising Wardell Quezergue with his Grammy Certificate for "Dis, Dat and D'Other" at a Black Orchid benefit. REM’s Mike Mills and his former label-mate Jeff both took turns at bass, and Mike ripped out a surprise solo on “Little Liza Jane” with the NOmrf All-Stars.
"They didn't warn me about that," Mike said, laughing. "They said it turned out well, and if those cats liked it, then I must be doing something right.
"That was one of the more amazing evenings I've ever spent." (Keith Spera NOLA.com article).
Hosting the Katrina Anti-Versary 06
Offering an Anti-Versary on a hard event to celebrate but an impossible one to ignore. Our Fund hosted a 2-night benefit at the Howlin’ Wolf in New Orleans with a lineup of 9 of New Orleans’ finest bands including Twangorama (at left), Leah Chase, Woodenhead, Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove, Manwitch, Bob French's Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, Susan Cowsill, the Plowboys and James Andrews Band including Joe Krown and The Rev. Goat Carson. The Commemoration was covered by Reuters including a quote from the amazing Leah Chase who was happy for any occastion to "Get out of my FEMA trailor." The Howlin' Wolf generously offered its space. Former Tipitina’s MC and NOmrf Board Member Rickie Castrillo returned from Birmingham to MC for the first time since Katrina, and caught up with friends while staying in the NOMRF apartment.
Our Bloomington Benefits in NOmrf's Home Away from Home
WGLT-FM provided donated instruments all year, and bought bluesman Bryan Lee a Headstrong Amp to replace his amp that was ruined in the storm. Headstrong is auctioning off another Amp for the Katrina Anniversary.
And during Halloween Week, the McLean County Museum hosted its A. Renee Moonlight Masquerade (Article here).
It was great to be celebrating in our new home away from home. Thanks to Kelly's Bakery and Cafe for providing cuisine that actually had some spice Abita Beer for sending over their finest and helping us feel more at home than ever, and A. Renee for thinking of giving the Lincoln statue beads and balloons.
Wilco Meeting the NOmrf All-Stars On-Stage
New Orleans Musicians Relief, Inc. was one of two beneficiaries of Wilco's Auditorium Theater benefit in Chicago on Tuesday, Nov. 1. The Auditorium Theater generously donated its facility and Wilco has been an invaluable NOMRF supporter from day one. An amazing all-star band from New Orleans opened for Wilco. Musicians included Leroy Jones, George French, Craig Klein, Cranston Clements, Joe Krown, James Andrews, Alonzo Bowens and Brian Barberot. They've played with legends including Dr. John, the late great Gatemouth Brown, Harry Connick, Jr., and Pete Fountain. Funds raised from the show have dramatically increased what NOMRF can do for musicians. The New Orleans All-Stars played a second show at FitzGerald's in Berwyn, Illinois and kept the scorching sets going for hours. Both nights were a great example of why it's essential to preserve New Orleans music - the soul of the city.
Wilco donated a guitar that the entire band autographed. Proceeds went to NOMRF and the guitar sold for $2,000 by high bidder Jae Smearman. (Thanks Jay). See Guitar.
The Late Barry Cowsill’s Memorial
Purchasing replacement instruments for the New Wave Brass Band before they played Jeff’s former bandmate Barry Cowsill’s memorial second-line. Barry was lost to the storm. The city was kind enough to waive all fees so NOmrf just paid for the police escort.
And hearing siblings Susan, Bob, John and Vicki sing “Indian Lake,” and Jeff Beninato and Susan do “Chain You Down,” one of Barry’s wonderful originals, at Kerry’s Irish Pub in his memory. A uniquely Barry moment as he juggles bubbles is (HERE).
KBS Capturing Oulaboula Drumming and Leah Chase Singing
During Jazzfest, NOmrf showed the Korean Broadcast System the current state of New Orleans music.
Their broadcast included Leah Chase’s impromptu tune and Tony “Oulaboula” Basley (left with Kelvin) drumming in the Ninth Ward. He said, “We are a happy people. We’re just having a problem right now.” Leah's family's Dookie Chase's Restaurant will be open again soon.
That same week, NOmrf sponsored Waveland band Tree Logic for the Americorps volunteers who have been helping gut our homes along with volunteer groups like the Arabi Wrecking Krewe.
Greeting Liverpool musician Joe Topping in New Orleans 3 months after he walked from Chicago. And meeting the Voodoo Vixens who threw Joe a quality Wyndham welcome after his 1400 mile hike. Best quote: “I don’t like walking anymore. I’ve gone off walking.”
Joe helped NOMRF bring WGLT instruments to Alanzo Bowens of Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School Band. Alanzo as the music instructor Jerome from the Hot 8 who stays in the NOmrf Apartment.
While home, we also brought instruments to Lusher School, Leroy Jones. Hopefully Joe will make it back for the Anti-Versary. (Joe Topping Podcast)
History of the New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund
Our funds come straight from music lovers, and they go to individual musicians. NOmrf was founded by Jeff and Karen Beninato - Jeff grew up in the 9th Ward and played bass on Bourbon Street. He went on to perform with alternative band the dB's before becoming a producer, working recently with Twangorama. Four months after the levees failed, the NOmrf founders settled in the midwest.
Message From the Founder
If you think this tragedy is over think again. There are still families out there in corners of this country trying to figure out what they are going to do to get their lives back to some normalcy. There are so many musicians who were well known in New Orleans that are totally unknown where they are now. Imagine building your fanbase or your work base in your workplace and suddenly it all disappears.
So if whomever clicks can help in just a small way, every .99 Download is more help we can give to a musician and his or her family. And that would be a beautiful thing.
