Classic rock and roll band STYX will present Sweet Home New Orleans with a $30,000 contribution before taking the stage at the Endymion Extravaganza at the Superdome. The band, formed in1968, is famous for the hit songs “Lady,” “Renegade,” “Come Sail Away,” and “Blue Collar Man” among others. Since Hurricane Katrina, STYX has been raising money to support the recovery of New Orleans’ musical culture.
Sweet Home New Orleans’ mission is to revitalize the music and cultural community within the neighborhoods of New Orleans. Styx’ contribution will enable SHNO to offer rental subsidies to professional musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, and Social Aid & Pleasure Club members. SHNO will help New Orleans’ tradition bearers close the gap between the pre- and post-Katrina cost of rental housing. Recipients of rental assistance from SHNO will also receive the benefits of Neighborhood Housing Services’ programs that teach “financial fitness” and foster homeownership.
According to Tommy Shaw of STYX: "When Katrina struck, STYX wanted to give our fans an opportunity to come together and offer a helping hand, so we created a link on our STYXworld.com website where donations could be made. We raised additional funds by selling a limited-edition series of autographed photographs of the band. Our fans trusted us to make their hard-earned dollars count, so it is with great pride that we will represent STYX fans everywhere with this donation to Sweet Home New Orleans. This program brings musicians home to New Orleans, and STYX is proud to support it."
About Sweet Home New Orleans:
Sweet Home New Orleans (SHNO) is an umbrella organization that connects musicians to an array of services, and provides direct assistance for housing. Local SHNO partners include the American Federation of Musicians Local 174-496, Arabi Wrecking Krewe, Neighborhood Housing Services, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, New Orleans Musicians Clinic, New Orleans Social Aid & Pleasure Club Task Force, the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame, New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund (Preservation Hall), Tipitina’s Foundation, and WWOZ radio.National partners include the Jazz Foundation of America and MusiCares.