J.D. Hill, Harmonica/Organ (Blues, Funk)
Freddy Omar, Vocals (Latin, Funk)
Leader of Fredy Omar con su banda and named "King of New Orleans' Latin music scene".
"I'm excited about the future, about my new home, and about the new opportunities that will become available as we rebuild...I am especially honored that I will be living in the Musicians' Village and cannot wait to begin teaching music to the neighborhood children."
Peter “Chuck” Badie, Upright bass (Jazz)
Regularly plays traditional jazz around town, but is best known as the architect of New Orleans R&B sound. One of the original executives on Harold Batiste's musician-owned collective A.F.O. (All For One) Records. Had stints as a regular with Lionel Hampton, Sam Cooke, Dave Bartholomew, and Allen Toussaint's bands.
"Thank God for Habitat for Humanity."
Big Fine Ellen Smith, Vocals (Jazz)
Repertoire includes jazz standards, blues, rhythm and blues, and New Orleans party classics. Regular performer at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival.
"Living in Musician's Village has completely changed my life. From the moment I was given the key to my house a tremendous weight was lifted from my shoulders. I sit on my porch during the day and listen to the echo of nails being pounded into new wood and I feel like I'm hearing a symphony. I love my house. I love my neighbors. I love my neighborhood. I feel whole again."
Cherice Harrison-Nelson, Mardi Gras Indian
A teacher in the New Orleans public schools, Cherice Harrison-Nelson is an activist in preserving the city's unique culture. She's a third generation Mardi Gras Indian, the daughter of the late Big Chief of the Guardians of the Flame, Donald Harrison, Sr., and curator of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame. Harrison-Nelson was one of the first residents of the new Musicians' Village.
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Bob French, Drums (Jazz)
Leader of the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band for the last 30 years. The Original Tuxedos have the longest history (100 years) of continuous performance in New Orleans. Also hosts radio program on WWOZ-FM, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Station.
"I have been in my house for one month since moving in, and it has felt like heaven compared to the last two years of my life. I’m surrounded by friends and musicians and nice neighbors across the street. I have the security of having a house that's safe in good or bad weather. Thank you to Habitat for Humanity, Branford, Harry, and Mrs. Wilkins. I personally would invite anyone who needs a home to look into getting a house in the Musician's Village. There is no better deal."
Michael Harris, Vocals/Bass (Gospel, Jazz)
Performs with several jazz bands, including Bruce Sun Pie Barnes, Irma Thomas, and Frog Man Henry and sings in a 60-voice gospel choir, Shades of Music.
"Just as Hurricane Katrina is a life-changing event, so is Habitat for Humanity. Words cannot express heartfelt gratitude for Habitat and its legions of volunteers. Volunteering is a selfless act in which a person willingly gives their most precious asset...time. Every Habitat home is built with love."
Shamarr Allen, Trumpet (Jazz, Funk, Rock, Hip Hop)
Presently leads traditional jazz bands and his own funk and rock group, The Underdawgs. Also runs a weekly clinic at Sound Cafe in New Orleans where he teaches music to middle and high school jazz enthusiats.
"It feels great to be accepted into the Musicians' Village. This will put some much needed stability in my life. Being a part of something that has so many musicians in one place is a beautiful thing. It's like having the New Orleans music scene at your doorstep. I grew up in the Lower 9th Ward so the Musicians' Village will make me feel right at home. I am so excited!"
Calvin Johnson Jr., Tenor Saxophone (Jazz)
Studies music at the University of New Orleans and is involved in the community as a teacher at the Jewish Day School in New Orleans.
"Being accepted into the Musicians’ Village is truly uplifting. At a time in my life when nothing is stable, having a home in the village provides that “light at the end of the tunnel”. Habitat for Humanity is not just building houses, but they are also making them homes. Placing musicians in a community that consists of musicians from all walks of music is a sure plan for a flourishing, thriving, and lasting neighborhood. I am looking forward to becoming a part of this multi-generational community that is the Musicians’ Village."
Robyn Jones, Clarinet (Classical)
Principal Clarinetist of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and an active teacher and chamber musician.
"I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to own a home in the Musicians' Village, and be part of such a great community of talented musicians."
Troy Sawyer, Trumpet/Violin (Jazz, Classical)
Studied Jazz and Classical trumpet with August Floury at Southern University in New Orleans. Leader of his own band, The Troy Sawyer Band, and an illustrious composer, arranger, and producer as well.
"...the opportunity to purchase and own a house is a blessing from God..."
Lawrence "Keng" Harvey, Vocalist (Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop)
Local musician who has performed with many artists such as George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelics, Bill Summers, Kermit Ruffin, Calactic, and Iris May Tango. Wife, Kimberly, is a case manager with Catholic Charities and they are blessed with two daughters -- Darlin' Pearl and Divine Kumba.
"My family and I are natives and are committed to New Orleans and its culture. We will not only contribute to the volunteer efforts of rebuilding neightborhoods, we will continue to preserve our culture as well as the legacy of our city, which I believe is original and unique to the world. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, our sponsors, and every single volunteer. Your helping hands, thoughts, and prayers have worked."
As one of the many musicians who were nurtured by the vibrant cultural environment in New Orleans, I cannot overstate the importance of the Musicians’ Village. Please lend your support for those artists eager to call New Orleans home again, and for those in future generations who will be the beneficiaries of their knowledge.- Branford Marsalis
