One year after Hurricane Katrina, the Tipitina’s Foundation is a major force in the rebuilding process of the great city of New Orleans. Immediately following the aftermath of Katrina, the Tipitina’s Foundation got to work and reorganized to help
meet the immediate, basic needs of musicians who lost everything. They also began the important work of preserving the spirit of New Orleans and it’s music culture.
Folks from around the world (including the good people of New Haven) heard the call for help and contributions were made to help them with their mission.

“The Tipitina’s Foundation Mission

The Tipitina’s Foundation a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has worked diligently to uplift the music community of New Orleans. After Hurricane Katrina devastated the city, the Foundation responded by rebuilding New Orleans’ music culture. Initially, the Foundation addressed the immediate needs of our exiled musicians and allowed them to carry on with their lives. Now the foundation is using the legendary music club, Tipitina’s Uptown, as the center of its relief efforts by hosting a newly-opened Music Co-op Office that allows musicians to conduct their business activities during the daytime, free legal and accounting seminars, free music lessons for music students, regular Master Seminars, and help with housing information. An important aspect of the rebuilding process has involved finding replacement instruments for both professionals and music students alike. So far the foundation has given away over $500,000 of new instruments. Through these efforts, the Tipitina’s Foundation is saving the musical traditions of New Orleans.”

To contribute to the foundation’s contnued success, you can make a donation here.

Check out their website for more info on their progress:
[8/29/2006] Tipitina’s Foundation To Commemorate Katrina One-Year Anniversary By Delivering Over Half Million Dollars Of New Instruments To New Orleans Schools

www.tipitinasfoundation.org

Visit New Orleans, they miss you!

Personal note: I went to Jazz Fest 2006 and had the time of my life. The music and food was top notch all over town as were my accommodations at the Maison Dupuy. (Cheers to all the folks at the Maison Dupuy–Excellent! You were all great!) So many people throughout the city thanked us for “coming to visit their city” and this included random people on the street as well as waitstaff in the restaurants, hotel staff, cab drivers, and the list goes on and on. I look forward to going back next year.