Music Rising Helps a Drummer Recover from Katrina

Sergio Yetta is a professional drummer and native New Orleanian. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, he often performed on Bourbon Street and was highly respected in the music scene for his playing versatility. When disaster struck, Sergio became one among thousands of Gulf Coast musicians who were displaced by the storm. He and his family lost their home along with a great deal of musical equipment.

In a guest post for our blog, Sergio recounts how Music Rising helped make it possible for him to continue playing drums for a living:

Sergio Yetta on Hurricane Katrina and Music Rising

Our disaster recovery was just that, a disaster. Upon assessing the damage to the areas of New Orleans I lived and played in, I was sent to Music Rising through the House of Blues. Music Rising was the only assistance we got throughout our ordeal. They not only helped, but also did in such a compassionate and sympathetic way. After listing everything lost to see what, if anything would be covered by insurance, we were able to estimate about $80,000 in lost equipment, which was defaulted by both insurance companies.

The only equipment not lost was a 1930's Gibson Acoustic that was my fathers, a 1978 Les Paul and thankfully my drums which were on a bus that weathered the storm; however, all of my recording equipment, mikes, several keyboards, drum kits, another 10 or so guitars, and my original recordings...all destroyed.

Thanks to Music Rising, I was able to get back on my feet upon moving to Nashville after the storm. If it weren't for the equipment they replaced, I would have never been able to get back into the music industry. They replaced a multi-track recorder, mics, headphones, etc which allowed me to learn the songs that resulted in gigs. I used them to rehearse material for auditions, which landed me live shows as a professional drummer. Since that time, I have had the honor of performing with several multi Grammy nominated and multi platinum artist.

My decision to stay in Nashville and not return to New Orleans is due to finances like so many others not able to return to their homes. The state of New Orleans and its musicians has changed in the last 4 years after the storm. I am terrible saddened by the talent that has been displaced and moved to other cities. Much of the local flavor is gone. I can only hope the city will flourish with amazing talent and livelihood as it once did.

Sergio’s wife, Shea, has a unique story of her own. After the storm, Sergio returned to the Yettas’ destroyed home and began collecting objects--“door hinges, knobs, armoire remnants, broken fragments of jewelry, old beads, glass and anything metal.” Taking these salvaged bits of “junk,” Shea delved into jewelry-making, creating beautiful, unique and personal pieces out of found fragments from her old home. Many of her designs are available for sale online at http://www.sheayettadesigns.com.

Sergio and Shea currently reside in Nashville, Tennessee. We at Music Rising feel honored to have played a role in helping Sergio continue making music. and we hope to do the same for many, many more. Thanks to the Yetta family for sharing their inspiring story!