Financial Help for New Orleans Musicians: Inside Harmony Street Society

How Alison Edmonson Is Helping Artists Build Financial Stability and Sustainable Careers

Introduction

In a city where music defines culture, community, and identity, many New Orleans musicians face a hidden challenge behind the stage—financial instability.

From navigating 1099 income to managing taxes without guidance, independent artists are often left to figure out complex financial systems on their own.

That’s where Alison Edmonson and Harmony Street Society are changing everything.

Harmony Street Society is a New Orleans-based nonprofit providing free financial services, tax assistance, and education for musicians and artists—helping creatives not just survive, but build sustainable careers.

Why Financial Support for Musicians Matters

Most artists operate as independent contractors, meaning they are responsible for:

• Filing and paying their own taxes

• Understanding deductions and compliance

• Managing inconsistent income streams

  
  

Without support, this can quickly lead to:

• Tax debt

• Financial stress

• Limited long-term career sustainability

For many, the issue isn’t lack of talent—it’s lack of access to the right resources.

Meet Alison Edmonson: CPA & Advocate for Artists

Alison Edmonson, CPA and Co-Founder of Harmony Street Society, has dedicated her work to solving this exact problem.

Alongside her husband Jim, she founded the organization in 2021 to support the creative community in New Orleans—ensuring artists have the financial foundation needed to thrive.

Her work goes far beyond accounting.

Alison is known for helping musicians:

• Resolve complex tax situations

• Become compliant after years of confusion

• Build systems for long-term financial stability

She’s not just managing numbers—she’s helping artists reclaim control of their lives and careers.

Free Tax Help for New Orleans Musicians

One of the most impactful aspects of Harmony Street Society is that their services are completely free to musicians.

These services include:

1. One-on-One Tax Assistance

Helping artists:

• File back taxes

• Resolve IRS issues

• Reduce or eliminate tax debt

2. Financial Planning for Independent Artists

Creating systems that support:

• Consistent income management

• Budgeting and savings

• Long-term stability

3. Education & Workshops

Through initiatives like “Lunch and Learns” and “Ask-a-CPA,” musicians learn:

• How to handle 1099 income

• How to stay compliant year-round

• How to treat their artistry as a business

4. Access to Resources & Relief

Connecting artists with:

• Grants and funding opportunities

• Financial relief programs

• Additional support networks

  
  

How Harmony Street Society Helps Independent Artists Thrive

Harmony Street Society isn’t just solving short-term problems—it’s creating long-term change.

Their work has helped musicians:

• Clear overwhelming debt

• Receive refunds and financial relief

• Rebuild their financial confidence

• Continue pursuing their careers sustainably

This impact extends far beyond individuals.

When artists are supported financially, the entire New Orleans music ecosystem becomes stronger.

The Business Side of Music: What Every Artist Should Know

Financial literacy is one of the most overlooked aspects of building a successful career in music.

Whether you’re just starting out or actively performing, understanding your finances is essential.

This includes:

• How to price yourself as a performer

• How to manage 1099 income

• How to stay tax compliant

• How to build a sustainable career

At Lunascend, we work closely with artists navigating both performance opportunities and long-term growth.

👉 Explore artist resources and opportunities: https://www.lunascend.com/contact

For Event Planners: Why This Matters Too

Behind every unforgettable performance is an artist managing both their craft and their livelihood.

Supporting organizations like Harmony Street Society ensures that the talent you book is not only exceptional—but also supported, sustainable, and set up for long-term success.

At Lunascend, we curate world-class live entertainment for luxury weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations, working with artists who are building meaningful, lasting careers.

👉 Explore our roster of live entertainment: https://www.lunascend.com/talent

👉 Book live entertainment for corporate events and weddings: https://www.lunascend.com

Supporting the Future of New Orleans Music

Harmony Street Society is doing essential work—but they can’t do it alone.

Because their services are free, they rely on community support to continue helping musicians across New Orleans.

When you support this organization, you’re helping:

• A musician clear life-changing debt

• An artist build financial stability

• A creative continue their career

• A city preserve its cultural legacy

👉 Learn more or donate: https://harmonystreetsociety.org/

Final Thoughts

We celebrate musicians for the culture they create, the energy they bring, and the stories they tell. But behind that, there are real challenges—ones that often go unseen.

Alison Edmonson is doing the work to make sure artists are supported not just creatively, but financially and sustainably. And that kind of work doesn’t just impact individuals—it protects the future of music in New Orleans.