Culture and resilience: How music has fostered resilience in post-Katrina New Orleans

Abstract

Music and musicians are integral to the culture of New Orleans. This research examines the resilience of a group of musicians after Hurricane Katrina. Resilience and vulnerability to the impacts of Hurricane Katrina were assessed using qualitative research methods employing ethnographic interview techniques. Data were analyzed using the Variable-Generating Activity (VGA) protocol. Research questions addressed themes of Risk Factors, Stress, and Mental Health; Protective Factors and Assets; Social Support; Connections to Community and Mentoring; and the Impact of Music Performance on Performers and Audience Members. The results, based upon interviews with 10 New Orleans musicians, reflect the important relationships between culture and resilience and provide an evidence base for disaster-relief work, community-based healing and practice, and interventions with at-risk populations.