A Local Benefit For Musicians From "The Big Easy"

I received this nice bit of info from local Celtic artist, Lisa Boucher. This is a press release from her regarding a local benefit to be held at Mike n' Molly's on Saturday, October 8th from 5-8PM on behalf of the musicians of New Orleans.

The traditional Irish music scene in central Illinois will rally to aid New Orleans musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina on Saturday, October 8 in the beer garden at Mike 'n' Molly's, 105 North Market Street, Champaign from 5 to 8 p.m.

The event will feature a reunion of C-U favorites Mind the Gap, the band Bloomsday from Bloomington-Normal, and a lineup of other local musicians.

"One of New Orleans' most important industries and institutions is its music, yet musicians there were among the most economically vulnerable to the effects of Hurricane Katrina," said Lisa Boucher, an organizer of the event. "This is a way for regional musicians and
their fans to come together to help, and also to wake New Orleans while in good Irish fashion celebrating its hoped-for revival."

All proceeds from the event will go to the Tipitina's Foundation, a 501c(3) charitable organization formed in 2002 with the mission of uplifting the musical culture of New Orleans. Now it is saving it. Since its founding, the foundation has raised money to provide
instruments to underprivileged children in New Orleans classrooms, developed an internship program designed to teach students all aspects of music business, and opened a co-op business office providing business training and tools for New Orleans musicians. In light of the recent tragedy in New Orleans, the foundation has shifted its current focus to the task at handing of preserving and reconstructing New Orleans' cultural heritage. Its commitment is to
provide the New Orleans music community in exile with whatever resources they need to survive, including food, clothing, shelter, instruments, gigs and options for resettlement. For more information, visit www.tipitinas.com.

For up-to-date information on the Oct. 8 event, see: http://www.fpmrecords.com/events/bigeasy.html.