Music Rising, a charitable organization dedicated to aiding musicians in regaining their livelihood after a natural disaster, is accepting applications from individual musicians for financial aid due to loss of income from the pandemic. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2022.

Music Rising was launched in 2005 following the catastrophic impact of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The organization’s mission was to rescue the musical culture of the Gulf South by replacing musical instruments that were lost or destroyed in the deluge. Co-founded by U2’s The Edge and legendary producer, Bob Ezrin—along with a host of music industry partners—the organization provided instruments to thousands of musicians and students as well as to many churches, community, and cultural programs in the Gulf Region and across the United States.

Most recently, Music Rising has recognized the devastation the COVID-19 pandemic has wrought on musicians and musical communities. The organization hosted a Guitar Icons auction in December 2021 to benefit musicians in the Gulf South. The auction featured guitars and personal items from some of the world’s most prominent musicians, including Paul McCartney, Eddie Vedder, The Edge and Bono. Proceeds topped $2 million, all of which will benefit applicants to Music Rising.

The sale of $471,900 for Paul McCartney’s left-handed “Wings” Yamaha bass guitar broke the previous world record for the most expensive sale of a bass guitar sold at auction. The previous record was for Bill Wyman’s bass guitar in 2020 which sold for $384,000. Eddie Vedder’s smashed Fender Stratocaster which sold also beat a previous world record for a smashed guitar sold at auction.

“We are so thankful to all of the artists, supporters and bidders who helped make Guitar Icons an auction for the history books,” said Ezrin. “New Orleans musicians are the custodians of a unique music heritage, passing it down through the generations and influencing so many genres of music we enjoy. The proceeds from this auction will help musicians from the region who suffered financially through this pandemic.”

Since its inception, Music Rising has assisted more than 3,000 musicians.

To apply, visit the Music Rising website. For assistance, call the hotline at (504) 558-6108. Approved applicants will be notified by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation directly.