The Musicians'
Clinic & The Blood Center Community Blood Drive Series are hosting weekly
summer blood drives at a different temporarily closed live-music venue every
week, every Saturday in June, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The blood drives are being
held in hopes of giving back to New Orleans as hurricane season approaches and a
blood supply is needed.
"Clubs and
venues are such an important part of New Orleans's cultural ecosystem, so while
they remain essentially shuttered, we figure we should do some good and help
collect blood at a time when New Orleans really needs it," said Erica Dudas,
the managing director of New Orleans Musicians' Assistance Foundation, which is
the community health nonprofit behind the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic, a 22-year-old
medical service for local musicians in New Orleans.
The venues
will change each week, starting at Tipitina's on June 6, then moving to The
Howlin' Wolf on June 13, followed by Snug Harbor & d.b.a. on June 20, and
ending with Ashe Cultural Arts Center on June 27. To sign up to donate blood,
go toneworleansmusiciansclinic.org/blooddrive.
"The
musicians, fans, and those who take care of them are what makes New Orleans the
most magical place on earth," Howie Kaplan, owner of the Howlin' Wolf,
said. "While we may not be open for live shows, hosting the Blood Center
is even more important. Many of our performers count on the Center and the
Musicians' Clinic to help. I'm proud that during this time, we're able to
assist in some way."
Donations
will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. All donors will be required to schedule
their donations in advance, so staff and donors can practice social distancing.
"When The
Blood Center reached out, their idea was to find one venue
that could accommodate a large amount of blood donors while keeping everyone
safe and adhering to social distancing policies," Dudas said. "But we knew that
with hurricane season approaching, we could do more. So, we called on some of
the venues we work closely with in New Orleans and asked for help. Within a few
hours Tips, Howlin' Wolf, Ashe, Snug, and d.b.a. were all on board."
Many of
New Orleans's beloved artists, such as DJ Soul Sister; Derrick Freeman, the leader
of the Soul Brass Band; and Stanton Moore, have created playlists for backdrop
at the donating venues, in place of the live music we all miss.
The Blood
Center is a nonprofit organization that is a primary supplier of blood and
blood components for more than 50 areas throughout Southeast Louisiana and Southern
Mississippi.
For more
information, call 1-(800) 86-BLOOD or visit TheBloodCenter.org.For information regarding the New
Orleans Musicians Clinic, visit neworleansmusiciansclinic.org.
