Music Rising awarded for work at Democratic National Convention

On Sunday, August 24, 2008 fellow New Orleans musicians, Allan Touissant (left), The Meter's Leo Nocentelli (center) and Walter "Wolfman" Washington accepted the Heroes of the Storm Award on behalf of Music Rising from the Friends of New Orleans at the site of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Emily Byram, Executive Director of the Friends of New Orleans presented the award in honor and appreciation of all of the support Music Rising continues to do for the Gulf Coast State and the nation as a whole.

A special presentation and concert was produced on the eve of the Democratic National Convention to bring awareness to the country for the work that is still needed in the Gulf Coast Region.

Monday, August 25, 2008 marks the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the images that the nation watched as the disaster unfolded. The Friends of New Orleans brought together musicians from the Gulf Coast to perform at the convention and bring attention to the anniversary and the region.

Music Rising was formed in 2005 and was co-founded by U2's the Edge, legendary producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz to aid the professional musicians of the Gulf Coast in replacing instruments lost or destroyed in the hurricanes. Since its inception Music Rising has aided over 2,700 musicians and over 50,000 students and churches.

In its Phase II efforts, Music Rising has supported area schools and churches in replacing instruments needed for music education in the classroom and church choirs.

The campaign will soon announce Phase III of its initiative.

For more information on Music Rising go to http://www.musicrising.org/. Music Rising is administered by the Gibson Foundation. For information on the Music Rising Epiphone guitar go to http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ or http://www.epiphone.com/

Photo Credit:

Barry Staver PhotographyPhotographic Journalist & Pulitzer Prize Winner http://www.barrystaver.com/