Building a Community

“Songs From the Heart” marked the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing efforts of New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity to secure housing and affordable home ownership. Event proceeds covered the cost to build a new New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity home.
Warner Music and Nonesuch Records sponsored the event. Bob Hurwitz, Nonesuch Records President, attended the event and spoke about how privileged and gracious he felt to be able to contribute to the rebuilding of New Orleans and to the creation of a Habitat home. New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity’s director, Jim Pate, also spoke at the event.

Recording artists Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell provided musical entertainment. Featured performances also included Dirk Powell, a Lafayette musician who tours with Joan Baez.

Special guests in attendance included Mohammad Jaham Al Kuwari, Ambassador to the State of Qatar, who donated $100 million toward relief in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans Habitat Board Chair Katie Crosby, Greg Beurman, Peyton and Barbara Bush, Cleland Powell, David Culpepper and others.

Chef Nathanial Zimet of Boucherie catered the event with hors d’oeuvres of pickled shrimp, andouille “pigs in a blanket,” a charcuterie spread and more. Dinner included beef bourguignonne, seared scallops and jerk chicken tamales.

Gifts of Randy Newman’s Harps and Angels, as well as Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell’s Old Yellow Moon, were given out. Approximately 250 attendees attended the event.
 


EVENT AT A GLANCE

What: “Songs From the Heart,” benefiting New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity
When: Wednesday, August 26
Where: Home of Danielle Kavanagh

 

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