As you probably know, FMC exists to improve the lives of musicians. This holiday season, we wanted to highlight our efforts in New Orleans, where too many artists are still struggling years after Hurricane Katrina drove many from their homes and communities.

Since the storm, FMC and our partners have been doing our part to make things better for Big Easy musicians. Each year, we bring a group of artists from around the country to New Orleans to witness community rebuilding efforts firsthand. Over the years, we've been honored to share in this important work with such amazing artists as brass sensations Bonerama, Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, the Nightwatchman, Street Sweeper Social Club), Mike Mills (R.E.M.) OK Go, Erin McKeown, Patrick Hallahan (My Morning Jacket), Kimya Dawson, Hank Shocklee (Bomb Squad, Public Enemy), Alec Ounsworth (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), Nicole Atkins, Wayne Kramer (MC5), and many more.

You can us help them keep up this important work by making a tax-free contribution to Future of Music Coalition.As you probably know, FMC exists to improve the lives of musicians. This holiday season, we wanted to highlight our efforts in New Orleans, where too many artists are still struggling years after Hurricane Katrina drove many from their homes and communities.

Since the storm, FMC and our partners have been doing our part to make things better for Big Easy musicians. Each year, we bring a group of artists from around the country to New Orleans to witness community rebuilding efforts firsthand. Over the years, we've been honored to share in this important work with such amazing artists as brass sensations Bonerama, Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, the Nightwatchman, Street Sweeper Social Club), Mike Mills (R.E.M.) OK Go, Erin McKeown, Patrick Hallahan (My Morning Jacket), Kimya Dawson, Hank Shocklee (Bomb Squad, Public Enemy), Alec Ounsworth (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), Nicole Atkins, Wayne Kramer (MC5), and many more.

All of these musicians have shown their commitment to assisting their fellow artists. And you can us help them keep up this important work by making a tax-free contribution to Future of Music Coalition.

In New Orleans, our musician friends come together to talk about strategies for advocacy on an array of issues. But the most important reason they join us is to help preserve the city's amazing musical culture. We've been proud witnesses to killer benefit shows, and enjoyed unique collaborations between artists like OK Go, Bonerama and Mardis Gras legend Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, who recorded an EP to raise money for New Orleans artists. Bands have donated signed merchandise, played house parties and more — all to ensure that New Orleans remains a beacon of American music for generations to come.

Community is important to us, and we know it is to you, too. Your contributions help us fight for vibrant and sustainable culture in New Orleans and beyond. To learn more about our mission and the other work we do on behalf of artists, click here.

Every time we go to New Orleans, things are a bit better. Thousands of dollars have been raised, all of which goes directly to helping New Orleans artists get back on their feet. Some musicians, like Al Johnson, have settled into new homes in the city where they've always lived and performed. But there's still a lot of work to be done. We need to keep engaging artists from around the country whose talents and energies will not only improve conditions in New Orleans, but in their own communities.

As a thank you for your support, we're offering limited edition Bonerama posters from the October 5, 2009 benefit show we for New Orleans musicians at the Rock & Roll Hotel right here in DC to those who give $100 or more. Donors contributing $250 or more will receive one signed by the band and special guests including Martin Perna, Erin McKeown, Nicole Atkins, Wayne Kramer and Mike Mills. Quantities are limited — this is a first come first served offer.

We at FMC care deeply about the future of music and the artists who will create it. Please join us in celebrating New Orleans' remarkable musical culture and make your tax-free contribution today.