We've launched an exciting new project of our own! Introducing the Kickstarter app for iPhone!

Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on October 10, 2012.

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      Creator nancy pope on October 12, 2012

      Very excited to see this funded! Congratulations.

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      Creator Richard Barber on October 10, 2012

      Lee Barrios: Thank you for that question. I will post an update soon on how people who are interested can continue to support the completion and release of the film, and also how you can direct your support to The Roots of Music, a New Orleans band and music and tutoring program (featured in the film) that is making a huge difference in the lives of a lot of kids.

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      Creator Lee Barrios on October 10, 2012

      Can we continue to donate? I want to do more and so do others.

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      Creator Sarah Meredith on October 9, 2012

      i just watched the clip again and have goosebumps. pitched in a little more, and reposted on facebook. we are so close -- have no doubts now -- start the engines for that final push to distribute this film everywhere it needs to be...

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      Creator Constantine Dhonau on October 5, 2012

      Music is salvation for every man, woman and child; for those not only in the ghettos, but in suburbs too. Adversity finds it's way into everyone's life some way, and music is the novacaine that helps us through.

      This film will be a great testament to the power of music and life.

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      Creator Lesly Deschler Canossi on October 5, 2012

      Beautiful, cannot wait to see the final film. Bravo in advance!

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      Creator rodster on October 3, 2012

      I know first hand what kind of an impact music and marching band made in my life as a teenager. It provided such a wonderful, creative outlet for me as a kid and I have only the fondest memories of that time in my life. I'm grateful for the person I've become by being a part of that group of musicians! Best of luck!

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      Creator Lili Dwight on October 3, 2012

      I am donating because this is a movie that needs to get out into the world. We need to hear its story, its sorrow, its pure joy and the power of music. This is entirely selfish of me - I WANT TO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!
      And guess what? You do to! Please join me in helping to get this genius baby out into the world.

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      Creator Wendy Lesko on September 28, 2012

      I've seen a rough cut of this powerful film and hope you will join me in contributing to this Kickstarter campaign so this documentary can be completed! Watching the intense effort of these young musicians, seeing them practice marching together at sunset, absorbing the profound wisdom of their mentors....extraordinary story of hope against the dangers of the hood. Only 11 days to go so please watch the trailer and make a pledge!

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      Creator Phil Woodbury on September 23, 2012

      As soon as I saw this Kickstarter site I sent it to my friends who love New Orleans.
      Then I pledged more than I could afford.
      Then sent it to a lot more friends who care about music, kids, and saving this country's cultural treasures.
      I've spent several weeks in NOLA every year since the levees failed helping to rebuild, and absorbing the strands of history and culture that make this city unique and powerful. In 2009 met Wilbert Rawlins Jr., a sweet and powerful man, and learned more about him in Dan Baum's book Nine Lives: Life and Death in New Orleans.
      Music for these kids is not about listening to canned pop; it is a life force that connects them to their history, their city, their future. Please donate and spread the word.

      Phil Woodbury, Somerville MA

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      Creator Elisabeth Karlin on September 23, 2012

      The vibrant and captivating characters of THE WHOLE GRITTY CITY need to blow loud upon the world. I am so happy to chip in to make that happen.

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      Creator Joshua Zaret on September 23, 2012

      This is a film that MUST be completed and distributed widely. Every time I watch the trailer it brings tears to my eyes, to see the effect that a few dedicated people can have and the hope it brings. I feel so honored to support this great work.

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      Creator Robin Pennell on September 23, 2012

      I have lived in New Orleans for just about three decades. Two years after Katrina when I finally heard the sounds of the Warren-Easton High band rehearsing again in my neighborhood, I stopped my yard work and cried with joy and relief. Music heals.

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      Creator Sue McGuire on September 23, 2012

      I lve in Liverpool UK. I came to feel huge interest in N.O. through watching the Treme series and didnt know much about it before. I think their are some similarities in these two cities and their huge influence on and love for music. Please support this film.

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      Creator Christine Intagliata on September 21, 2012

      Everything comes together in this film: kickass music, an extraordinarily compelling story of children and hope, a New Orleans setting, and filmmakers of great talent and integrity. Everything is there but the funds to get it done. Let's move this story into theatres!

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      Creator Tara Faulkner on September 21, 2012

      The city of New Orleans is a national treasure, a place where magic, wonder and exuberant creativity are still alive and well -- in it's children most of all. I contributed $250 to this very worthy project because I believe whole-heartedly in the vision that inspired it. The children are our future. You can help the children of New Orleans live their best possible futures, while sharing their uniquely New Orleans' brand of magic, wonder and exuberant creativity with the world, by donating generously to The Whole Gritty City film project. Let's get this film finished and out to the world!!

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      Creator Rambo on September 21, 2012

      Looking forward to the film - it looks to be an excellent film on an immensely interesting and enjoyable subject!!

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      Creator Susan Krinsky on September 21, 2012

      I saw a trailer for this film quite some time ago and was immediately drawn to it. At the time, I didn't even know that I could be a backer. As soon as I found out that you needed additional funds to finish up, I jumped at the chance to support the film. I am honored to be a part of this project. Everything about it says "why I love New Orleans" to me.

611
Backers
$51,173
pledged of $50,000 goal
0
seconds to go

Funding period
Sep 10, 2012 - Oct 10, 2012 (30 days)

  • Pledge $10 or more

    118 backers

    When you support the film at this and every other level your name will appear on the website's supporters page and on the Facebook page (unless you ask us to keep your donation anonymous). And you will have our heartfelt thanks!

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2012
  • Pledge $20 or more

    46 backers

    The above PLUS "The Whole Gritty City" button

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $25 or more

    88 backers

    All the above PLUS a "The Whole Gritty City" poster

    Estimated delivery: Mar 2013
  • Pledge $50 or more

    70 backers

    All the above PLUS a video link when the DVD is released

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
  • Pledge $75 or more

    66 backers

    All the above PLUS a DVD as soon as released

    Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
  • Pledge $75 or more

    8 backers

    NEW REWARD! 8" x 10" color photo by cinematographer Andre Lambertson (see photos below). This is included in all the higher pledge packages except the $125 T-shirt.

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $125 or more

    37 backers

    All the above PLUS an all-cotton "The Whole Gritty City" T-shirt

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $126 or more

    5 backers

    Button, poster, video link, DVD - PLUS an 8" x 10" color photo by cinematographer Andre Lambertson (see photos below)

    Estimated delivery: Nov 2012
  • Pledge $150 or more

    7 backers Limited (23 of 30 left)

    SPECIAL NEW REWARD! 13" x 10 1/4" limited edition catalog: "Good Stuff to Look At", New Orleans artist Bruce Davenport Jr.'s 2012 show at VACANT Tokyo. Davenport creates striking artworks depicting the marching bands, and he appears in the film. Read more about him and see images in the project description. Catalog is 36 pages, 14 color plates. Introductory essay in English and Japanese. Signed by the artist. Please note, this limited-quantity reward is not included in any other pledge level.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $250 or more

    22 backers

    All the above PLUS 2 free tickets to the premiere in New Orleans or NYC (or theatrical screening in city near you) PLUS an on-screen thanks in the film's credits. Travel expenses not included.

    Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
  • Pledge $500 or more

    9 backers

    All the above PLUS an invitation to film party and music afterwards

    Estimated delivery: Apr 2013
  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    5 backers

    All the above PLUS dinner with director Richard Barber and co-director Andre Lambertson (expires in 1 year). (Also for large amounts it's possible to make tax-deductible donations through our fiscal sponsor. Please contact us directly at info@thewholegrittycity.com for that.)

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
  • Pledge $5,000 or more

    0 backers

    All of the above PLUS be part of our team with a special screen credit. Contact us at info@thewholegrittycity for details.

    Estimated delivery: Jan 2013