I'm a Brass Roots Movie Backer!

I'm very happy to be finally backing this documentary.  It's the first of its kind to tell the story of New Orleans modern brass bands.  For me, that story is a key part of the lifeline of the city, and it's a very important one to tell.  That story helps preserve and continue the music culture of New Orleans. 

These guys will donate all of their raw footage to universities and organizations for educational purposes.  They'll also direct proceeds from the film to The Roots of Music, the ever growing, successful, and awesome after school music education program for kids in New Orleans. 

Click on the link, learn more about its value, and donate what you can. 

Brass Roots: The Untold History of New Orleans Brass Bands







Links:

www.brassrootsmovie.com
www.brassrootsmovie.com/blog
www.facebook.com/brassrootsmovie
www.twitter.com/brassrootsmovie

Henry Rollins: Uncut in New Orleans

My dear friend Max just made me aware of this documentary, so here I am checking out Henry Rollins reporting on the healing and suffering of New Orleans three years post-Katrina. I remember that fire in me of years past listening to Henry with Black Flag, and now that fire stirs in the context of my New Orleans connection. It powers an outward evolution of my relationship to the city that brings me back in deeper with my friends there, and the city's people, causes, and life.



Henry Rollins Uncut: New Orleans
Next on IFC
Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 8:00 AM EDT
Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 2:15 PM EDT

Henry Rollins Uncut: New Orleans Episode Details
IFC Episode Synopsis
2008 | 55 min. |

Three years after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, Henry Rollins ventures to New Orleans to examine the city’s current condition first hand. Avoiding the tourist centers, Henry is overwhelmed by the lack of progress being made in the surrounding areas. In his search for answers, Henry instead discovers a fresh slate of devastating problems that now threaten this community post-Katrina. Even as tourism approaches pre-storm levels, tens of thousands of residents find themselves dealing with the depression of a city still living with the wreckage of the levee’s breach and current victimization by a surge in violent crime. Through exclusive interviews with author Jed Horne (Editor of leading New Orleans newspaper, the Times Picayune, during Katrina), city officials like Cecile Tebo (Mental Crisis Coordinator, NO Police), and Jim Bernazanni (FBI), it becomes glaringly obvious New Orleans still needs help. Henry’s stage performance at the legendary Tipitina’s music venue is thus a tribute to the people of New Orleans who continue to persevere. Henry also has the opportunity to meet with music legend Irma Thomas, the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” who explains how the music community has been affected and the role they continue to play in the aftermath.

Find out more at the official site.



Check out clips 1-5.