Teens for New Orleans, a benefit concert on September 24, at the Old Stone House from 6-9 p.m., is really gathering steam. All proceeds from the event are going to the Jazz Foundation of America, which has set up an emergency fund for New Orleans musicians.

Cool and Unusual and their parents met last night for a major production meeting. A large group, we sat at the dining room table and went over all the production details: equipment, lights, load-in, line-up, food, security, clean up. There was a lot to go over and we managed to do it in a fairly efficient manner. The band is taking this rather ambitious endeavor quite seriously.

The line-up was determined early on: The Foundation Quintet, a jazz group, will open the show. Then Jake Gilford, comedian and M.C. will entertain the crowd followed by Modrocket, a grrrrl band  made up of students from NEST+M high school in Manhattan. Cool and Unusual is third up followed by Capsacicin (three members of StunGun). The show will end with Calibre, a band from Chappaqua, New York.

We also discussed signs, safety, ticket takers, hand stampers, trucking of equipment, and food set up and delivery. As one of the mom’s said, "It would have been so much easier to write a check. But this is really a great experience for all of us." 

That particular mom has been dubbed "momager" by her son in appreciation for her help in organizing this event.

If you are an individual or a business and are interested in donating baked goods, beverages, or other food items to the event please e-mail me: louise_crawford@yahoo.com Your help would be much appreciated.