NOLA VII Artist-Activist Retreat and benefit concert

ATC and FMC brought together musicians, and music business persons and representatives of various donors and foundations from around the nation for a three-day retreat in February. The purpose of the 2011 retreat was to inform the attendees about the vital work that Sweet Home does in providing services to New Orleans’ music and cultural communities and the efforts of the Gulf Restoration Network, based in New Orleans, to inform and guide the recovery and restoration of the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana’s fragile coast and all Gulf Coast communities in the wake of the 2010 BP drilling disaster. Emphasis was placed on informing the attendees of the enormous volunteer, financial and other needs of both organizations in assisting New Orleans and the Gulf Coast communities in recovery from the twin disasters of Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill, and restoring them to stronger and more sustainable positions than ever before.

On the evening of the final day of the retreat, the musician attendees together with some of New Orleans’ finest local musicians performed at the Blue Nile, with the proceeds going to Sweet Home and the Gulf Restoration Network. A great time was had by all and the culture, the spirit and, most of all, the music of New Orleans acquired new devotees, who will carry the story of this City and the Gulf Coast wherever they go in the world.

If you would like more information on Sweet Home New Orleans, Gulf Restoration Network, Air Traffic Control or Future of Music Coalition, please contact Susan Clade or the organizations via their websites: www.sweethomeneworleans.org; www.healthygulf.org; www.atctower.net; and www.futureofmusic.org.