Katrina victims still need our help

Mardi Gras was back this week, but New Orleans is not back -- not by a long shot. This scene is one of a series of photographs by Chris Jordan, portraits of loss in Katrina's wake.

People still need help. There are many ways to donate. Charity Navigator can help you find a legitimate one.

One that I can vouch for personally, which gets money right to New Orleans musicians with no red tape, is: NOLA Relief, c/o Marcia Ball Band,Box 2629, Austin TX 78768. (If you want your gift to be tax deductible, write your check to the Austin Community Foundation and send it to the same address.)

Marcia Ball, a Vinton, Louisiana native, has been able -- through the generosity of many people -- to help more than 50 musicians who have lost everything and are still unable to return to the city. Some are names you would recognize, and there are others whose music you've heard but whose names are not well known. The need is ongoing and will be for some time.

(Marcia will be at the Barrymore Theater in Madison later this month, by the way.)