Part time New Orleans residents Lenny Kravitz and Ani DiFranco anchored a strong musical line up that included Grammy winner John Legend and a special appearance by Mos Def. Add to that the impassioned performances of the Voice of the Wetlands Allstars and the many other New Orleans artists, and it made for a great day of music and activism. The event, put together in just ten days by Voodoo Music Experience and Essense Festival promoter Rehage Entertainment, showed that with a lot of heart for a good cause, anything is possible. The backdrop was Blane Kern’s Mardi Gras World and the Mississippi River. Over twenty of the area’s top restaurants provided food for participants.
While the music was the draw for most the cause took center stage. The most impassioned voice was blues musician Tab Benoit who gave interviews all the way up to time he had to join his fellow musicians on stage for their performance. Benoit and fellow activist Windell Curole pleaded for some of the seven billion dollars of Federal oil tax revenue to be given back to the state of Louisiana to combat effects of the oil spill and for preservation of the threatened wildlife and wetlands.
Many of our readers may take for granted the endless availability of seafood they enjoy. Did you know that 46 percent of shrimp and 50 percent of oysters come from the state? For hunters and fisherman imagine the impact that 2.5 million gallons a day of oil spill can have on the aquatic life and waterfowl. Seventy percent of Mississippi Valley migratory birds reside part time in Louisiana’s wetlands, which have been disappearing at a rate of one football field area every 30 seconds due to erosion. Add to this the impact of the spill and we could see these food items and jobs disappear before our eyes. You could be paying $50 for the next order of seafood that has cost $20. The chain starts here and it affects distribution jobs all over the country, as well. Word is that the oil itself could reach the east coast. Imagine the far reaching impact on the fragile balance of nature that exists in the sea and also affects all who depend on its byproducts.
The benefit raised over $300,000 and a documentary that aired on Fuse TV should add to contributions. These funds are being distributed directly to fishermen and others who’s livelihood has been directly affected by the spill.
For more information look up www.gulfaid.org and www.labucketbrigade.org
Also, www.forthebayou.org
