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Support the Preservation of Rare Jazz Fest Footage from the Michael Murphy Collection
CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO PRESERVE JAZZ FEST PERFORMANCES FOR GIVING TUESDAY
The Archive of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Joins in Global Giving Tuesday Movement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW ORLEANS (November 27, 2023) – The Archive of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation has launched a campaign to preserve more than 3,000 audio and video tapes; photography, and other materials in the Michael Murphy Collection dating from 1989-2009. This Collection is culturally significant with reach beyond the Gulf Coast and extends internationally. The Collection documents not just the music but also the street life, crafts, and food that make Louisiana an international destination.
The Archive’s collections include over 50 years of historic materials from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation. The cornerstone of the Collection is the recordings from the Allison Miner Music Heritage Stage and African, Folk, and Food Heritage stages. These sessions provide valuable information about Louisiana’s culture and its impact on the world. Additionally, the Archive collects art, ephemera, and materials from independent donors.
“This is a worldwide treasure, and we’re here to ask for your support to help bring that treasure to the world,” said Quint Davis, Producer and Director of the Jazz Fest.
Included in the Murphy Collection are more than 30 recordings of Jimmy Buffett’s Jazz Fest performances. These materials, which have been carefully inventoried for more than two decades, must now be digitized. Preserving the tapes will ensure the life of these legendary shows and the joy Jimmy created can continue for generations.
Today, the Foundation released a video with Quint Davis, Jazz & Heritage Archivist, Rachel Lyons, and Emmy Award-winning producer, director, and writer, Michael Murphy reflecting on the deep connection that Buffett had for New Orleans. Buffett’s strong affinity for the Crescent City is captured in his Jazz Fest performances.
“Jimmy combined musical styles to tell stories much like a troubadour or shantyman of years gone by,” said Rachel Lyons. “His music united and celebrated all sorts of folks including misfits, malcontents, and the masses in artful storytelling. At its core, it is a continuation of the New Orleans music tradition.” Watch the full video HERE.
Giving Tuesday is November 28th and is a global generosity movement driven by individuals, organizations, communities, and charities in countries worldwide. The impact of Giving Tuesday goes well beyond charitable donations. It inspires giving in all its forms from encouraging kindness to raising money for local non-profits and celebrating generosity. The movement is an opportunity for global unity through the power of generosity.
Music lovers all around the world are encouraged to join in the movement to preserve these precious recordings. To support the Archive’s efforts, donate on Facebook HERE, or on the Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s website HERE.
About the Jazz & Heritage Archive:
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Archive is an educational service that identifies, collects, preserves and makes accessible materials of cultural and historical significance to New Orleans and Louisiana as well as the records of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. The Archive’s collections include over 50 years of historic materials from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival — including the Allison Miner Music Heritage Stage and African, Folk, and Food Heritage stages. These sessions provide valuable information about Louisiana’s culture and its impact on the world. The Archive also houses collections of photos, posters, film footage, audio recordings, signs, business records, and other artifacts from events dating to the beginning of the Foundation in 1970.
About the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation:
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation invests proceeds from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell and additional funds that we raise for year-round programming in education, economic development and cultural enrichment. Education programs include the Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music, the Tom Dent Congo Square Lectures, the Class Got Brass competition for school brass bands, a youth audio workshop program, youth vocal workshops, and more! Economic Development initiatives include the Community Partnership Grants, the Catapult Fund accelerator program and Sync Up entertainment industry workshops. Cultural enrichment programs include the Jazz & Heritage Concert Series and annual Foundation Festivals: the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, Fiesta Latina, Congo Square Rhythms Festival, Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival and Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival. Importantly, these are free programs that the Jazz and Heritage Foundation has developed over many years to ensure that we give back to Louisiana. The Jazz & Heritage Foundation also owns radio station WWOZ 90.7-FM, the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, and the Jazz & Heritage Archive. To learn more about the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, please visit us online at www.jazzandheritage.org