Shecky’s

New Orleans is known for three things: Mardi Gras, jazz and Hurricane Katrina. In the wake of Katrina’s devastation, New Orleanians and people from around the country and the world came together to support the city in its time of need. While Mardi Gras is back in full swing, the effort to revive and sustain jazz and the cultural arts in New Orleans is on-going. After all, the French Quarter is more than a place to catch beads; it houses some of the most historical jazz clubs in the world. Shecky’s recently sat down with Kashi Sehgal, who founded Music for Tomorrow (MFT) alongside actor Jude Law and her brother Kabir Sehgal to help preserve jazz’s legacy in New Orleans and around the nation.

Writer Doug Brinkley, actor Jude Law and musician Irvin Mayfield at a past Music For Tomorrow event.

Basically, MFT focuses on helping New Orleans jazz musicians find gigs. Through voluntary donations for using the organization’s booking service, Music for Tomorrow seeks to bring jazz musicians into the community and rebuild the ties between musicians and the city by allowing people to search and book bands for parties, shows and private events. Music for Tomorrow also raises funds by hosting Salons, based on the 1920′s idea of a jazz salon or speak-easy. These events bring together respected jazz big-shots for intimate, rocking shows that can be seen around the country. Check out the website for upcoming events>

Though efforts to rebuild New Orleans have garnered a lot of press, Sehgal’s organization, MFT, is a potent reminder that a city is as much about its culture and people as buildings and levees. After all, jazz is America’s first native art form and as Kashi reminds us it is, “the coolest, dirtiest form of music.” Be a part of history today when you support Music for Tomorrow.

GIRL TALK TIME: What do you think of Music for Tomorrow? Do you enjoy jazz  music? Why or why not?