Ever since the influx of New Orleans residents to Chattanooga and surrounding areas during Hurricane Katrina Mike Dougher has wanted to help support the rebuilding effort. Now, he has done something about it by working with the Tipitina’s Foundation to produce a Sept. 6 benefit.
On that Thursday evening Mr. Dougher, manager of Rhythm and Brews, will welcome The Legendary JC’s, a soulfully funky powerhouse rhythm and blues band to his venue. The show is free but donations will be accepted for the benefiting organization at the door.
Donors will get their name entered into a raffle with prizes that include a pair of Widespread Panic tickets, Legendary JC’s merchandise and a few donated by the Foundation, and gift certificates from North Shore Grille, Hennen’s Steak House, Big River Grille, and Blue Water Restaurant.
“We have known Adam Shipley, (Music Director of Tipitina’s Foundation) for years and have always respected his work. We also love New Orleans and its musical heritage, so when the opportunity came up to donate our time for such a great cause we could not turn it down,” says guitarist Brian Chodorcoff.
Founded during the aftermath of Katrina, with the mission to “restore Louisiana’s irreplaceable music community and preserve the state’s unique musical cultures,” the Tipitina’s Foundation is making an immediate positive impact on the local economy. The Foundation has distributed $1.5million in aid and signed up more than 1,000 musicians in their cooperative music offices.
The Foundation’s efforts are vital to the careers of many throughout the state. In the city of New Orleans, the leisure and hospitality industries account for roughly 63,000 jobs and 35 percent of sales taxes. The organization helps to replace damaged instruments and sound equipment, arrange and subsidize gigs or provide transportation. Tip’s Foundation also provides health care and housing for sick and displaced artists. An estimated 60-70% of musicians are still displaced.