FoodMusicJustice.com

Backs to the wall following the economic devastation after the federal levee failures, New Orleans musicians are starting to organize.

This past Sunday, hundreds marched in a silent Second Line to draw attention to their plight. Always poorly paid, the post-levee failure world offers even slimmer pickings.

For a city that depends on music for its very survival (music is the key to tourism which is an important part of the city’s base), the city’s leaders give no thought to the source of the city’s music and the needs of the people who produce it. (more…)

The federal government took over the levees - and then let them fail.

The oil companies extracted tens of billions of dollars worth of oil and in the process chewed up the wetlands that shield New Orleans from the full effects of storm surges.

Now the federal government says it doesn’t have the money to make good on its promise to help residents rebuild.

On his recent “we’re doing a great job” visit to New Orleans, George Bush gave a speech in which he admitted the levees were a federal responsibility. (more…)

From Gordon Soderberg

I will be in the Lower Ninth Ward August 28th and 29th to clear debris and mow the weeds with my John Deere Tractor from lots that are being threatened with seizure via the New Orleans “Good Neighbor Plan” http://www.cityofno.com/portal.aspx?tabid=72.

If any of you would like to help, bring your weed eaters and mowers to Tennessee St. in the Lower Ninth Ward, drive toward the lake. (more…)

TOOTIE’S LAST SUIT

Free Showing, Sunday, August 26, 2007. 7 p.m. at the Treme Community Center, 900 N. Villere

Parade to the film beginning at the Montana home, 1633 N. Villere at 5 p.m. led by the Treme Brass Band and the Black Men of Labor.

Celebrate and honor Chief of Chiefs Tootie Montana at the New Orleans premiere of “Tootie’s Last Suit,” an award-winning film about the Mardi Gras Indian Culture.

Members of Mardi Gras Indian tribes will perform after the film. Food will be served.

VALLEY OF THE SILENT MEN SOCIAL & PLEASURE CLUB
22ND ANNIVERSARY PARADE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2007 - 1 P.M.

Start: Club Bali Lounge, 2500 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Out MLK to LaSalle. Right on LaSalle St. (more…)

Where’s the rebuilding money?

Two years later, the government has only managed to distribute 25% of what it promised

New Orleans isn’t the only city in America that depends on levees.

Sacramento, the capital of the country’s most populated state, does too.

Fact: Sacramento’s levees are in much worse shape than New Orleans levees were.

Click to watch the videos: The Weather Channel report

The Musicians’ Union and the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic are organizing a Musicians’ Silent Solidarity March for Sunday, August 26 at noon. The second line starts at Armstrong Park and parades to Jackson Square, but musicians are asked to carry their instrument, not play them to protest the second class treatment of musicians. Listen up! An email outlining musicians’ talking points listed the following five:

1. ALL New Orleans musicians should participate by carrying their instruments but not playing in order to demonstrate the stark void IF New Orleans’ musicians quit playing and/or leave the city for more lucrative career opportunities.

2. This march is a rallying cry to musicians to join together in solidarity to demand the respect afforded to other professionals since local musicians are considered “American Music’s greatest natural resource” and the back bone of the local tourist industry. Musicians have paved the way for New Orleans to enjoy a profitable tourist market and they must, therefore, be compensated for that reward by which New Orleans has profited for decades. We urge the city of New Orleans to respond to their professed love of our music by putting their money where their mouths are and paying us as professionals in order that we may continue to live and play in the city we love.

3. This musicians’ march is a reminder to New Orleanians of the rich heritage that all enjoy and many profit by. Therefore, musicians are an entity that the city should not only exploit, but actively support, by paying to listen to their gigs and buying their CDs. Tip jars = salaries. Pay musicians well.

4. This demonstration of solidarity is a reminder to musicians that they should not sell themselves and their fellow musicians short by taking low-paying gigs. They are the cornerstone of New Orleans and are worth a high price.

5. This march is a call to corporations, restaurants and ALL private citizens to take ownership of the rich musical heritage with which we have all been spoiled. To keep the music alive, they must respond to a moral call to support, preserve and enhance the viability of the musical professionals in New Orleans.

THE BACKSTREET CULTURAL MUSEUM PRESENTS

FUN SUNDAY

August 19

Backstreet Band
Fi-Yi-Yi Mardi Gras Indians
Drum Circle

Food, Drink and Fun

These events might be a good time to consider bringing your donations for the 23rd annual Back to School Picnic that benefits New Orleans school children (see letter bellow). It takes place on September, 1, 2007 at 1600 N. Robertson St from noon until 6 p.m.

Our goal is to provide approximately 250 school-aged children with school supplies needed for the coming year. We are asking that you support this event by providing a monetary donation or selecting items from the wish list below:

Notebooks Kleenex
Pencils Toilet paper
Pens Tooth brushes/toothpaste
Crayons Deodorant
Pencil Sharpeners Raincoats
Erasers Umbrellas
Scissors Children’s books
Tape Backpacks
Rulers Staplers/staples
Paper Coloring books
Three Ring Binders

All donations are tax deductible. For more information call the Backstreet Cultural Museum at 522-4806.

Dear Friends:

The Backstreet Cultural Museum, a community institution and 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, and the Fi-Yi-Yi Mardi Gras Indian tribe are proud to announce their 23rd annual Back to School Picnic for New Orleans school children. This event, which this year takes place on Sept. 1, is held to provide school supplies, health screenings, food, drinks and recreation for school children at the beginning of each school year.

The annual picnic provides these necessities to over 350 area children. It also serves to connect children with community leaders who speak with them on issues of nonviolence, drug avoidance and local cultural traditions.

We would greatly appreciate any support that you are able to provide to our school children and this event. Donations of money or supplies such as notebooks, pencils, pens, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant etc. would be sincerely appreciated. All donations are tax deductible.

Please send any donations to the following address:

Backstreet Cultural Museum
1116 St. Claude Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70116

Or contact Sylvester Francis at 504-522-4806

Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,
Sylvester Francis
Tax ID# 72-1488658