DIMANCHE

by Mary-Devon Dupuy

No one understands better what an unexpected hurrication can do for business than the owners of Pensacola's renowned Flora-Bama, adding one more item to the short list of things that Perdido Key and New Orleans have in common. Residents of both cities know how devastating a hurricane can be to people’s personal lives, jobs, homes, and businesses. After Isaac, many of New Orleans musicians were jobless for weeks as they waited for their venues to reopen, and the Flora-Bama decided to come to their aid in the form of a fundraiser. They presented a check at Tropical Isle today, and all proceeds will go towards the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation. 

Flora-Bama’s GM Cameron Price said, “We feel sorry that Isaac stalled over New Orleans, and we want to do our part to help the musicians there.” Help they did, raising $3,500 for New Orleans’ artists on Friday and Saturday night of Labor Day Weekend. Flora-Bama Owner Candice Blake presented the check earlier today, and Tropical Isle Owner Pam Fortner said the two businesses’ partnership dates back to Hurricane Ivan.

“A lot of people love the Flora-Bama and they also love to come over here,” said Fortner. “We became really close after Ivan.”

The Flora-Bama’s musicians were out of a job for weeks after Ivan devastated most of coastal Flordia, and Tropical Isle employed the bar’s musicians while they awaited the return of their regular gigs. Once Katrina hit, the Flora-Bama was happy to return the favor.

“We we had Katrina, they did a lot of volunteer work,” Fortner said. “Some of our people went over and played for them, too.” The symbiotic relationship continued after Isaac, and Flora-Bama reached out to Fortner as soon as they could.

“They were very thankful that Isaac did not hit them—they called me and said ‘Pam, we’re having a big labor day weekend party, and now we’d like to help someone in New Orleans.’” Fortner decided that the New Orleans Musician’s Assistance Fund would be the perfect cause for such a fundraier.

“A lot of the musicians in this city don’t have insurance,” said Fortner. “This is really something that can help everybody.”

The donation is especially timely, as the Fund faced serious threats to its long-term health in the wake of the state's massive Medicaid cuts. Along with the New Orleans Musicians Clinic, the Fund provides comprehensive medical and social services to local musicians through their Gig Fund as well as their Emergency Fund. The nonprofit’s main priority is keeping the city’s musicians in New Orleans healthy, happy, and protected. You can read more on the organization and find out how to donate here.