Last week, just two days shy of the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, entertainer Jamie Foxx brought some music and laughter to New Orleans with his ``Blame It'' tour.

Foxx joked with the enthusiastic crowd of thousands at the New Orleans Arena on Thursday. At one point he pulled women from the mostly female audience on stage to dance.

``I'm so happy to be here in New Orleans,'' Foxx told the crowd.

He performed songs from his latest album, Intuition, and tributes to Ray Charles and Michael Jackson, singing some of their hits.

At the end, Foxx said a portion of his concert proceeds would be donated to Make It Right, the organization launched by actor-activist Brad Pitt to rebuild homes in the city's devastated Lower Ninth Ward.

``This is just a drop in the bucket with what you guys really need out here, but it's a start,'' Foxx said. ``You are not forgotten. . . . Keep your hopes up. You guys are resilient.''

Though the amount of the donation was not disclosed, the concert drew 8,000 to 10,000 people, and ticket prices ranged from $40-$64, said New Orleans Arena spokeswoman Laurel Hess.

In a recent phone interview, Foxx said a little fun and laughter is just what New Orleans needs.

``When you laugh, it does something for you,'' Foxx said. ``You breathe.''