New Orleans musicians

From the incomparable J. Scales comes word of the deliverance of the members of two outstanding New Orleans bands: Zion Trinity and Mother Tongue. The members of both groups, however, have lost nearly everything, and need the help of fellow musicians and music-lovers to make it to the next phase of their recovery. To assist to Zion Trinity, buy their CD, "Eyes on Zion" (featuring the incomparable J. Scales on bass), and/or send donations to:

ZION Trinity
c/o Melody Friday
2258 Wild Turkey Court
Decatur, GA 30035

To help their colleagues in Mother Tongue (Dorise Blackmon, Michaela Harrison, and Tanya), send your contribution to:

Fundraiser for Dorise, Michaela, and Tanya
c/o E. Christi Cunningham
1335 Jefferson St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20011

Click here to purchase Mother Tongue's CD.


From a member of Zion Trinity:

September 3, 2005

Andaiye [made contact] today after many days of concern and prayer....she's dry and still at her home at 1555 Gentilly in New Orleans....she's unable to move anywhere because there are no more accommodations at the Superdome and the water level is still high where she is.......she's dry and well at home and waiting for the water to receed so she can drive out to safety - when the van dries out...Thank you for your thoughtfulness and the tremendous outpouring of love...Trisha is well in Dallas with her husband and will have the baby at the end of October ...Their area was hit the hardest, so they've lost their home, which is under 22 feet of water...My area, as i understand it, is under 15 feet of water, so I won't know my damage until I return home...

My vehicle is lost (under water) and as we all know Sister Andaiye - QUEEN OF FAITH - said her house was marked for the passover...the water only reached the porch level with no water inside.....Once I reconnect with Andaiye, Ali and Sam, we'll restart our lives in Atlanta temporarily until our precious New Orleans opens up...I am now in New Jersey with my family and will move on to Atlanta where my Friend Melody has agreed to house us..Andaiyes' mother was airlifted to a hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana, and is well. and out of ICU...

We ARE SOOOOO GRATEFUL to be alive.......life is precious ......possessions can be replaced...We will have a powerful story to tell once this is over...ZION Trinity loves everyone and we appreciate greatly all the love shown....Please continue to be in prayer for the safe return of Andaiye and her family...GOD IS SO MERCIFUL AND WE ARE BLESSED .....One in Love and Light - Sula Janet

And from the entire trio:

September 4, 2005

ZION Trinity is safe. Sula is in New Jersey with her sister and learned that Sister Andaiye and her family were airlifted out of N.O. last night (Sunday). They've arrived safely in San Antonio, Texas, and, as you know, we will not be able to return to N.O. any time soon.

We've all lost everything material but praise God for life and the safe return of our sister.

On Thursday, Oshun will fly to Atlanta where my friend, Melody, has agreed to give housing to me and mine. Andaiye will be in Plano, Texas, with her mom and family until we can meet again in Houston or another part of Texas in the coming weeks.

Trisha and Shawn will be in Houston where she will deliver her baby in five weeks. We have quite the praise story to tell and are so grateful for the love from everyone. Keep praying for us, okay? We will rebuild and have our losses replaced tenfold in Yahweh’s name!!!

One In Spirit -
sula, oshun and andaiye
ZION Trinity

The women of Mother Tongue speak to us through E. Christi Cunningham, a friend in Washington, DC. They recently put together a killer CD, “Sister,” which features a version of Jobim’s “Agua de Beber” that will just slay you. Brazilian Portuguese with a New Orleans twist. The album also includes some tasty originals, as well as more familiar pieces. The sound is a cross between Tuck and Patti, Sweet Honey and DeeDee Bridgewater. Your purchase of the CD is strongly recommended.

3 September 2005

I am writing to request monetary donations for Dorise Blackmon, Michaela Harrison, and Tanya – survivors of hurricane Katrina.

We know them now as Mother Tongue, a successful trio that has appeared on BET, at the Essence festival, and at New Orleans Jazzfest; shared the stage with artists like Meshell N’degeochello and Sweet Honey in the Rock; produced and released a debut CD entitled “Wonderwomen”; and performed in venues across the United States.

But before Mother Tongue, for more than a decade, they, individually, were active and generous participants in communities in D.C., in general, and the women’s community, in particular. Their contributions include teaching in the D.C. public schools, providing HIV/AIDS research, counseling, and education, organizing and hosting WITL poetry readings, providing entertainment at June’s Annual Black Pride Cookout and Sistah Summerfest, and offering love, advice, and laughter.

They continued to demonstrate their commitment to uplifting communities even after leaving D.C. by teaching in public schools in New York and New Orleans, teaching at an HBCU in New Orleans, organizing a conference on traditional spiritual healing practices at NYU, working with underprivileged youth, opening their homes to friends and strangers alike, and making positive music.

Now Dorise, Michaela, and Tanya need our help. Their homes were located near Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans. They lost almost every material thing in the hurricane and subsequent flooding – their houses, jobs, clothes, recording equipment, original recordings – everything.

They need financial assistance to support them immediately and in the coming months. Please help. (See address above.)

In addition, they have CDs for sale and are available for performances at social events www.mothertonguemusic.net

Thank you.

Peace,
christi