Thursday, May 24, Air Traffic Control and the Future of Music Coalition’s “Dear NOLA: A Concert for New Orleans” will return to the Blue Nile, showcasing a singular evening of performances by both local and national musicians.

Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs

The concert is the culmination of the two organizations’ artist activist retreat, which brings musicians annually from around the country to New Orleans to meet and discuss different ways to integrate activism and philanthropy into their work.

Proceeds from the concert will once again go to benefit New Orleans-based nonprofits Sweet Home New Orleans and the Gulf Restoration Network, two organizations with a legacy of commitment to preserving and protecting Louisiana’s cultural and natural environments.

The retreat was first organized in 2006 as a way to draw attention to the contributions of New Orleans musicians, and has since hosted close to 100 musicians, including Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Jim James and Patrick Hallahan (My Morning Jacket), Nick Harmer (Death Cab for Cutie), M1 (Dead Prez), Boots Riley (The Coup) and Damian Kulash (OK Go).

This year’s lineup will feature New Orleans’ own Bonerama and Sunpie Barnes performing with special guests Merrill Garbus (tUnE-yArDs), Jeanie Schroder (Devotchka), Elvis Perkins, Erin McKeown, Justin Poree (Ozomatli), Martin Perna (Antibalas, Ocote Soul), Lateef The Truthspeaker, Thao Nguyen (Thao And The Get Down Stay Down), and Spank Rock. Tickets can be purchased for $12 in advance at bluenilelive.com or $15 at the door.