Performances by:
Lost Bayou Ramblers & Papa Mali
• 6pm - DJGreg Hammond (Soul Happening) & Noel Waggener (Heavy Light Records)
• 6:30 - Lost Bayou Ramblers
• 7:15 - State Rep. Mark Strama
• 7:30 - Heather Paffe - Environmental Defense Fund
• 7:40 - Lost Bayou Ramblers
• 8:30 - Brandi... [read more]

Performances by:
Lost Bayou Ramblers & Papa Mali
• 6pm - DJGreg Hammond (Soul Happening) & Noel Waggener (Heavy Light Records)
• 6:30 - Lost Bayou Ramblers
• 7:15 - State Rep. Mark Strama
• 7:30 - Heather Paffe - Environmental Defense Fund
• 7:40 - Lost Bayou Ramblers
• 8:30 - Brandi Clark - Austin Eco Network
• 8:40 - Raffle Winners
• 8:45 - Papa Mali & Friends

On Friday July 23rd the Hotel San Jose and Jo’s Coffee will host the Gulf Coast Disaster Relief benefit. As we face the worst environmental catastrophe in American history right in our backyard, Austinites are looking for ways to get involved and this event is one opportunity. A few brief facts about the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster:

• Even with BP’s collection efforts, over 1 million gallons of oil are gushing into Gulf waters daily - the spill will have its most direct effects on the Louisiana coastline and its fragile ecosystems, including one of the most productive coastal wetlands in the country.
• Nearly one-third of the nation’s seafood is harvested in Louisiana waters.
• There are over 6,400 registered fishermen in the greater New Orleans area alone, many whose families have been fishing for generations. The oil spill will impact the livelihoods of these fishermen and their families, as well of those who depend on the fishing and tourism industries.
• The environmental and economic affects will linger for many years.
With the goals to raise money, promote awareness of issues relating to the oil spill and alternative energy, and to give frustrated citizens a voice while having fun, the benefit will include a Louisiana style shrimp boil prepared by Perla’s Executive Chef Larry McGuire, live musical performances by Los Bayou Ramblers and others, political and educational speakers, and resource booths for non-profits working in alternative energy and other relevant causes. All proceeds from the event will go to two organizations on the ground doing amazing work in the Gulf – the Greater New Orleans Foundation Oil Spill Fund and the Gulf Restoration Network.
About the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Gulf Oil Spill Fund:
• 100% of all donations to the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund go directly to organizations working tirelessly in the affected areas.
• Short term efforts: The fund has already provided a $50,000 grant to the Seedco Financial Southeast Louisiana Fisheries Assistance Center which provides financial and job resources to area fisherman, and continues to financially support other local organizations doing emergency relief work in the area.
• Long term goals: The fund will help address the long-term economic, environmental, cultural effects of the disaster, and strengthen coastal communities against future environmental catastrophes by investing in solutions
• Learn more at www.gnof.org