Off to New Orleans!

OK Go and Bonerama at Musicians Bringing Musicians Home III. Photo by Chhaya Kapadia.

It's that time of year again (we're not talking about the Holidays, but yes, they're happening too).

Thanksgiving leftovers having been (mostly) consumed, FMC staff are off to New Orleans for our annual Artist Activism Camp and the "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home IV" concert event.

MBMH IV is the rockin' finale of the fourth three-day activist retreat hosted by FMC and Air Traffic Control since Katrina wracked the region in 2005. Artists from around the country converge on New Orleans to tour affected neighborhoods, visit with the city’s notable musicians and community leaders and participate in strategy sessions about how to integrate activism and philanthropy into their musical lives and careers.

This year's concert takes place on Thursday, December 4, and features Will Oldham (Bonnie “Prince” Billy), Nicole Atkins, Hank Shocklee (Bomb Squad, Future Frequency), Alec Ounsworth (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit (Flobots) and Waterflow (of Senegalese hip-hop band Wageble). The concert benefits Sweet Home New Orleans — a coalition of non-profit organizations that helps find affordable housing and provides rental assistance for Katrina displaced musicians, Mardi Gras performers and other traditional New Orleans artists.

If you're in the area, head to Tipitina’s Uptown (501 Napoleon Ave) at 9pm, and join the celebration. Get advance tickets here. If you can't make it, keep your eyes right on this space for updates from the Big Easy!