Message of Support from Phyllis Mayronne

Hello from New Orleans! 

I learned of your organization when reading a review of Mick Burns' new book which appeared in the New Orleans Times-Picayune just before Mardi Gras. I had been looking forward to seeing Mick in New Orleans in November, but KATRINA happened, I evacuated to Birmingham, Alabama (my daughter and granddaughter live there) and have been living mostly out of a suitcase ever since because my home in Old Metairie was flooded even though is it NOT on a "flood plain". We were victims of faulty engineering of the flood wall at the now famous 17th Street Canal.    

You can tell Mick I loved the review and send congratulations on his bringing the project to fruition. I so look forward to getting a copy and reading it. Tell him my son's show did open Off Broadway on February 9 and I was there, also there for the blizzard! Harry's picture was on the cover of the ill-fated September issue of New Orleans Magazine and the whole issue can be read at neworleansmagazine.com. Some of the articles are very strange in retrospect. Harry's web site has a picture of part of my apres-Katrina gutted house. His site is harrymayronne.com and there is information about the show there, with links to other sites.  

Mardi Gras day yesterday was so beautiful and peaceful - and sad. I thought of all the happy years of our wild Mardi Gras parties in the Quarter, with the Olympia Brass Band playing in our little patio from 4 til 7 with people crammed in every corner, even in the trees and on the roof! Hot dogs, fried chicken and beer, A big tree fell on the roof during Katrina, but the place is basically OK, as is most of the French Quarter.

Your organization has a wonderful goal. Many New Orleans musicians will need all the help they can get, especially replacement of lost instruments. And HOMES, HOMES, HOMES. I wish you great success and know that all you are able to do will be so appreciated.                        

Sincerely,                                 
Phyllis Mayronne