Music, Film and Pottery: The Arts at the Center of Efforts to Alleviate Hunger and Homelessness in New Orleans

(from WLAE Video on Vimeo)

In April 2013, New Orleans Artists against Hunger and Homelessness (NOAAH) celebrated the 75th birthday of one of its founders, Grammy Award winner Allen Touiissant, as part if its annual benefit concert. The event was made into a full-length documentary film entitled A Tribute To Toussaint. The film will premiere on Wednesday, April 30, 7:00 p.m. at the Seventh Annual Sync Up Cinema Conference Film Screening at The New Orleans Museum of Art. The documentary also features performances by renown artists Elvis Costello, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Jon Cleary, Cyril Neville, Joe Stampley and Joe Henry. Documentary interviews include Jimmy Buffett, Robert Plant, and Cyndi Lauper.  The event is Free and open to the public.

2014 Benefit with Empty Bowls Project
NOAAH's annual fundraiser this year will be a little more low key (but there will still be music! And Allen Touissant will also be there!).  The event will be held in conjunction with the New Orleans Empty Bowl Project on Sunday, May 11, at Rock-n-Bowl, 3000 South Carrollton Avenue,from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Empty Bowls is part of an international grassroots effort to fight hunger.

Admission is $30 and includes a complimentary bowl and bowling. Performing will be The Hot 8 Brass Band, recent Grammy nominees and featured in the HBO series (see video below). There will be a cash bar and food provided by Kajun Kettle and Southern Hospitality.

A silent auction will feature bowls glazed and signed by guest artists, including Allen Toussaint who will attend the benefit. Earth and Fire Studio in New Orleans was instrumental in coordinating potters from the region who have donated the 300 bowls for the May 11 benefit.

Click here for more information and tickets