Music Rising, the charitable organization founded in 2005 by U2’s The Edge and legendary producer Bob Ezrin, along with a host of music industry partners after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf South, has announced its effort to help musicians and cultural artists whose lives have been upended by the devastating fires that leveled the town of Lahaina on the beautiful island of Maui on August 8, 2023.
Musicians and cultural artists lost their homes, their livelihoods, their instruments and in too many cases their loved ones. The fires destroyed everything in their path including many places where artists performed. Music Rising is committing resources to Music Rising Lahaina to aid local musicians and cultural artists by replacing their instruments or providing financial support.
Applications are available for working musicians or cultural artists, including gig workers, who would like to apply for a replacement instrument or musical equipment or financial support. Approved applicants will be notified via email, text or phone.
Music Rising is also donating proceeds from the sale of official Music Rising merchandise to the Music Rising Lahaina effort through November of 2023. Anyone can help by purchasing Music Rising merchandise offered in the Music Rising store available by clicking on the STORE tab at musicrisinglahaina.org. Each item purchased will benefit those in need in Lahaina.
Music Rising Lahaina recognizes the rich musical heritage of the region and knows that music not only saves lives but brings things back to life.
Music Rising Lahaina is administered by the Positively Kai Foundation. The Musician’s Advisory Group includes Todd Hensley, Beamer, Jake Shimabukuro, Jeff Peterson and Joshua Kahula. Partners include Mana Mentors, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, the Guitar Center Music Foundation and MusiCares.
Music Rising was launched in 2005 following the catastrophic hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The organization’s mission was to rescue the musical culture of the Gulf South region of the United States in the aftermath by replacing musical instruments that were lost or destroyed in the deluge. Co-founded by U2’s The Edge and legendary producer, Bob Ezrin – along with a host of music industry partners – the organization provided instruments to thousands of musicians and students as well as to many churches, community and cultural programs in the Gulf Region and across the United States. Over the years, Music Rising has assisted thousands of musicians. The organization has helped schools, cultural organization and churches with replacement instruments. Tulane University’s The New Orleans Center for the Gulf South was given a Music Rising grant to develop the coordinate major “Music Rising – The Musical Cultures of the Gulf South.” Since then, Music Rising has continued to support schools and musicians in regions affected by natural and economic disasters. The massive fires that destroyed everything in its path in Lahaina gives rise to another effort Music Rising is committed to supporting. Music Rising Lahaina will help provide aid to many musicians and gig workers affected by this natural disaster. Music Rising is the recipient of a Gold Halo Award for Cause Marketing, a Billboard Humanitarian Award, a PRISM Award and the prestigious Jazz Foundation of America Medal of Honor. For more information visit musicrising.com
