Today’s post is by Future of Music Coalition’s Alex Maiolo, project manager for our Health Insurance Navigation Tool (HINT) program. Alex is also a musician based in North Carolina. Photo credit: Olivia Hjermitslev.]

Ever been to a show that just completely blew you away on all levels? I just attended one. Even better, I got to perform at it.

On Friday, May 28, The Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, North Carolina hosted “Thank You Friend: A Tribute To Alex Chilton.” Local musicians from the area’s legendary scene hit the stage at 8pm, playing ten-minute sets(!!) up ’til 11:30 to remember Chilton’s music and raise money for Future of Music Coalition’s Health Insurance Navigation Tool (HINT) project. I’m always proud to represent HINT on behalf of FMC. And I was equally delighted to take part in honoring Chilton, one of my all-time favorite artists whose work with Big Star influenced more musicians than you can shake a Telecaster at, myself included.

Remember back in March 2010 when we told you about FMC’s “Taking the Pulse” survey, which aimed to find out how many musicians currently have health insurance, how they’re covered, and if not, the reasons why?

Well, we’re done crunching the numbers and we’ve published the study. You can read the executive summary and the full report here.

“Taking the Pulse” found that, of the 1,451 respondents, 33 percent said they do not have health insurance. This is nearly twice the national average of 17 percent uninsured, as estimated by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Back in March 2010, music lost one of its greats when Alex Chilton of Big Star passed away. Chilton’s legacy lives on through his influence on acts like R.E.M., Cheap Trick and Wilco. His music has also made an impact on a number of North Carolina artists, many of whom will come together on Friday, May 28 at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, NC to celebrate Chilton’s life and music. read more

Yesterday, we told you about FMC's Billboard Op-Ed about the possible impacts of health care reform on musicians. read more