World Music Community Fundraises for Katrina Victims

Several efforts are underway in the world music community to raise funds for the Hurricane Katrina survivors. World music industry veteran Tom Frouge is planning a fundraising event in Albuquerque (New Mexico) that will include Louisiana musicians. In Carrboro (North Carolina), Tess Mangum Ocaña, at the Arts Center, is working on a similar event, with the participation of the roots and world music artists who live in the Durham-Chapel Hill area.

In light of the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and
Mississippi, Putumayo World Music is donating all of its proceeds from its albums New Orleans and Mississippi Blues to relief efforts in the area through the end of the year.

“Putumayo World Music has a long history of contributing to charitable efforts in various quarters of the world. The rich musical traditions captured on New Orleans and Mississippi Blues are a testament to the strong character of the people and their unique cultural legacy. The necessity for redevelopment of these regions is imperative to preserve the heritage that has influenced virtually every aspect of our culture and arts – from jazz to rhythm and blues to rock and beyond.”

World Music Central will continue information about other initiatives from the world music community.

Links to relief organizations:

American Red Cross

Catholic Charities USA

America’s Second Harvest.

Episcopal Relief & Development.

Louisiana Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals.

gbgm-umc.org/umcor, United Methodist Committee

National Voluntary Organizations Active in
Disaster

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Salvation Army

national.unitedway.org, United Way Hurricane Katrina Response Fund.