News Summary
Local musician Sean Hunter shares his experiences during Hurricane Katrina at a young age and the impact it had on his journey to becoming a performer in Las Vegas. Reflecting on his past, Hunter discusses how the memories of New Orleans and his love for music led him to find resilience amidst chaos, ultimately shaping his identity and career in the vibrant Las Vegas music scene.
Las Vegas – As the world commemorates the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s devastating impact on New Orleans, local musician Sean Hunter reflects on his unique experiences during that tumultuous time. At just nine years old, Hunter found himself in the eye of the storm, literally, as he rolled through the airport on Heelys amidst a scene of desperation and chaos. This moment in his life would ultimately shape his future, leading him down a path to becoming a musician in Las Vegas.
In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Hunter’s father worked at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, providing the family refuge as they navigated through the storm’s consequences. Within the airport, Hunter witnessed countless individuals affected by the hurricane who had been left without shelter, sleeping on cots or even on the floor. The conditions were harrowing, marked by the absence of running water and electricity, which forced Hunter to make do with the limited resources available. Showers were a challenge, requiring him to clean up in a janitorial closet, a stark contrast to the carefree childhood moments he would typically have enjoyed.
As Hunter and his family subsisted on Vienna sausages, they not only weathered Hurricane Katrina but also Hurricane Rita in the following weeks, eventually relocating to Maryland. Throughout this time of displacement and uncertainty, he began to experience a mix of emotions ranging from sadness over the loss of his hometown to an emerging happiness as he discovered his passion for music.
Missing New Orleans inspired Hunter to explore the art of music further, particularly after being motivated by a statue of Louis Armstrong he encountered daily. This serendipitous inspiration led him to learn the trumpet, and shortly after his family settled in Maryland, he returned to New Orleans to immerse himself in the local music scene. Joining St. Augustine’s Marching 100 youth band, he honed his skills and grew more dedicated to music, even under the physically demanding conditions of intense summer band camps.
After spending a couple of years in Louisiana, Hunter relocated to Las Vegas to live with his mother, marking a significant change in his life and career. His commitment to music continued as he prepared for an audition at the prestigious Las Vegas Academy. He underwent his examination on May 18, 2012, and was flown the next day for the audition. Hunter’s transition to Las Vegas marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that focused on his passion for music.
For the past 13 years, Hunter has made Las Vegas his home, all while continually engaging with music. He currently performs with a band, securing gigs at high-profile venues such as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and ARIA Resort and Casino. Hunter often draws fascinating parallels between the vibrancy of New Orleans and the energy of Las Vegas, describing both cities as 24-hour environments filled with a unique party atmosphere.
As Sean Hunter reflects on his journey from the chaos of Hurricane Katrina to the lively music scene in Las Vegas, he views music as the vital link connecting his past and present. It serves as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of art, illustrating how, in the face of adversity, new path can emerge. The memories from that fateful day in New Orleans not only shaped Hunter’s identity but also instilled in him a profound appreciation for life and creativity through music.
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Additional Resources
- KTNV: Las Vegas Trumpet Player Reflects on Hurricane Katrina Experience
- Las Vegas Optic: NMHU Sues FEMA over Wildfire Compensation
- News 3 Las Vegas: Las Vegas Native Finds Purpose in Air Force Service
- Las Vegas Sun: Couple Reflects on Decade After Hurricane Katrina
- Good Morning America: Vegas Lights and Country Nights
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Katrina
- Google Search: Hurricane Katrina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Katrina
- Google News: Hurricane Katrina Impact
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Katrina Music
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
