'Ain't easy' in the Big Easy, struggling New Orleans musicians protest

Accompanied by a hearse, a procession of professional New Orleans musicians marched through the famed French Quarteron Sunday, carrying their instruments in a silent protest about the dismal state of the city's music scene.

Wednesday will mark two years since Hurricane Katrina devestated the city, but the local music community — considered one of the defining characteristics of vibrant New Orleans — continues to struggle and suffer, the musicians said.

"It ain't easy to be in the Big Easy," Deacon John Moore, president of the local musicians union, told those who gathered to watch the march, which began at Louis Armstrong Park.

"Our musicians are suffering. We hate to come out here and beg, but we have no alternative at this point."

Several dozen musicians carrying trombones, trumpets, guitars and drums took part in the silent procession.

According to Moore, the city was previously home to more than 3,000 professional musicians and music teachers. Two years later, there are fewer than 1,800, with many unable to afford to return and others having to commute into the still-damaged city.

Officials estimate that less than two-thirds of the pre-Katrina population has returned to New Orleans.

With many live music venues still closed and other cash-strapped businessesnot offering their stages as often, musicians are being forced to accept drastically reduced wages simply to survive, Moore added.

He cited members forgoing the union's minimum scale wage or choosing to be paid in tips alone so that they can score any gig possible and keep working.

"The local music economy has forced local musicians to live in survival mode, 'a little something is better than nothing,' "Moore said."That's how you live when your back's against the wall."

Without help, New Orleans could lose its musical heritage, the musicians said.

The goal of Sunday's march was to raise public awareness about the situation and remind people to support New Orleans music, from buying albums by local artists to leaving tips after watching live performances.

The musicians are also urging municipal and state governments to offer tax breaks and other incentives in an attempt to entice businesses to hire more musicians.