2013 NOLA RAW Awards

This past Thursday I went to support a friend Tarrah at her art show. It was the second session of the RAW Awards, awarding talented young adults from cities all over the US for achievements in art. in The show was held at the Eiffel Society towards the Quarter on the Saint Charles. It was a culmination of different artists from around New Orleans including visual artists like herself, hair and clothing designers, photographers, musicians, poets, etc. There was to be one winner from each category (hair, make-up, clothing, music, visual art, etc.) and each winner was guaranteed a trip to Los Angeles to help further their careers. This was such a great opportunity for people in New Orleans trying to get national recognition for their art.
At the show, I noticed familiar artists to New Orleans like one spoken word poet in particular. I forgot his name, but he goes to Dillard University and performed the same powerful poem at Loyola/Tulane/Dillard's "Take Back the Night" for awareness on sexual abuse.
My favorite performers were definitely the members of the local band "Tank and the Bangas". Their style was a meadly of funk, jazz, soul, hip hop, and rock. It was incredible the way the lead singer could belt out notes.

Local artists "Tank and the Bangas" performing an original song at the NOLA RAW Awards (2013).

I wish I remembered the artist's name, but I was also in a painting that night... Random, but it truly showcased the ability that New Orleanian artists have seeing he was able to create a full on beautiful painting during the duration of the awards show (this wasn't even the finished product). I'm the little guy by the stage with the beard and his hands in his pocket.