The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series continues on Sunday, May 3, with a performance by Monster Crawfish at 5 p.m. in Heritage Park. Now celebrating its 23rd year, the Bayou Jam concert series offers residents and visitors premier musical entertainment in a family-friendly, outdoor setting. Admission to all concerts in the series is free to the public.
“Monster Crawfish was originally scheduled last fall, but due to inclement weather, the concert had to be rescheduled,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “We want to support them for their Bayou Jam concert, and I encourage everyone to gather their family and friends, head down to Heritage Park, and enjoy a great evening of free music and community fun.”
Bringing high-octane energy and a massive sonic footprint to every stage they hit, Monster Crawfish has solidified its reputation as one of the region’s premier variety bands. Boasting an expansive repertoire that seamlessly bridges classic rock, oldies, country, hip-hop, and today’s Top 40 hits, the group delivers a versatile, cross-generational appeal that keeps dance floors packed from the first note to the final encore. The band features the professional talents of Gary Fortier, Autumn Swanton, James Clark, and Chris Primm. These seasoned musicians all contribute powerhouse vocals to every performance. Their extensive resume includes headlining gigs at Treasure Chest, Silver Slipper, and Hollywood casinos, as well as cultural events like the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and the Abita Springs Crawfish Festival. Monster Crawfish provides a high-energy experience guaranteed to get the guests dancing and singing.
The Bayou Jam Spring/Summer 2026 schedule:
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, ice chests, and picnic baskets to the park. Concessions will also be available for purchase. In the event of inclement weather, the city will announce cancellation decisions by 1 p.m. on the day of the event. Updates will be posted on the city’s website, MySlidell.com, and on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page. For more information regarding the Bayou Jam concert series, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit MySlidell.com.
UPDATE (4/26/26, 11:30 a.m.): Due to this morning’s heavy thunderstorms, and more expected this afternoon, we’re canceling today’s Bayou Jam concert featuring Amanda Shaw. We know a lot of you were looking forward to it, and we were too. The good news is we’re working to reschedule for a later date. The safety of our staff, volunteers, crew, and performers always comes first. Thanks for understanding, and we’ll share the new date as soon as it’s scheduled.
The City of Slidell is tuning up for another season of music along the bayou as Mayor Randy Fandal announces the return of the Bayou Jam spring concert series. The festivities begin on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 5 p.m. in Heritage Park with a performance by Louisiana’s own fiddle sensation, Amanda Shaw.
Now celebrating its 23rd year, the Bayou Jam concert series offers residents and visitors premier musical entertainment in a family-friendly, outdoor setting. Admission to all concerts in the series is free to the public.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Amanda Shaw back to Bayou Jam,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “She is an amazing artist who truly embodies the spirit of Louisiana music. I encourage everyone to gather their family and friends, head down to Heritage Park, and enjoy a great evening of free music and community fun.”
Opening the series, Amanda Shaw brings over two decades of experience to the stage. She is a powerhouse of Louisiana music, blending deep-rooted Cajun influences with a high-energy mix of rock and pop. A violin prodigy since childhood, Shaw was raised in the vibrant New Orleans music scene. This unique upbringing allowed her to fuse classic fiddle techniques with the jazz, blues, and funk sounds of the city. By the age of 15, she had already secured a record deal with Rounder Records and appeared in Disney films, establishing herself as a versatile artist determined to redefine fiddle music.
Throughout her prolific career, Shaw has become a mainstay of American pop culture, performing on national stages such as the Today show and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Her music reflects a joyful intersection of her heritage, drawing from her father’s Louisiana roots and her mother’s Guatemalan culture. As she prepares for her latest project—collaborating with Dolly Parton’s longtime bandleader, Kent Wells—Shaw continues to push the boundaries of the Americana genre. Her work remains a dedicated celebration of community and tradition, ensuring that Louisiana’s unique musical legacy stays modern and forward-moving.
The Bayou Jam Spring/Summer 2026 schedule:
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, ice chests, and picnic baskets to the park. Concessions will also be available for purchase.
In the event of inclement weather, the city will announce cancellation decisions by 1 p.m. on the day of the event. Updates will be posted on the city’s website, MySlidell.com, and on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.
For more information regarding the Bayou Jam concert series, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit MySlidell.com.
The City of Slidell is advising residents and visitors of several planned street closures in the Olde Towne area this weekend, March 28 and 29, 2026, to accommodate the Spring Olde Towne Street Fair and the Olde Towne Crawfish Music Festival.
To ensure the safety of vendors and attendees, sections of First Street, Second Street, Erlanger Avenue, and Bouscaren Street will be closed for the Street Fair starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, and will remain closed until 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 29. Additionally, sections of Carey Street and Cousin Street will remain closed to accommodate an ongoing movie shoot and the Crawfish Festival on Sunday, March 29. See the map for more details.
The Spring Olde Towne Street Fair, produced by the Slidell Antique Association, will run both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. One of Slidell’s largest events, the Street Fair features a wide variety of arts, crafts, and antique vendors, as well as food booths, live music, and photos with the Easter Bunny.
On Sunday, March 29, the Olde Towne Merchants Association will host the Olde Towne Crawfish Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event features live music from Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, Paper Chase, Sead, and Bag of Donuts. Attendees can also enjoy hot boiled crawfish, eating contests, crawfish races, and a special appearance by the St. Tammany Parish Fire District #1 Autism Awareness vehicle.
Parking will be available for visitors throughout the Olde Towne area. Motorists are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly and exercise caution while traveling through the district.
Check out everything that’s happening for Arts Evening 2026! Join us in Olde Towne Slidell this Saturday, March 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free!
(Save the picture on your phone and use it as a digital map and brochure for the event.)
In preparation for Arts Evening on Saturday, March 21, 2026, the City of Slidell is announcing temporary street closures throughout the Olde Towne district. To ensure public safety during the festivities, several streets will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Affected areas include portions of the following streets:
First Street
Erlanger Avenue
Bouscaren Street
Cousin Street
Carey Street
Robert Street
Please refer to the map for more information.
Mayor Randy Fandal invites the community to explore the works of over 50 artists showcased at more than 30 locations. The event will also feature live performances from eight bands, antique and boutique shopping, and various dining options at local restaurants.
Important Parking Information:
Residents and visitors are advised not to park within the closure area during the designated hours. For public safety, bollards will be positioned throughout Olde Towne. Any vehicles remaining inside the barricaded perimeter after 2:00 p.m. will be unable to exit until the bollards are removed at 10:00 p.m.
For more information about Arts Evening, please visit MySlidell.com or contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.
The streets of Olde Towne Slidell will come alive with a celebration of the arts during the 32nd Annual Arts Evening on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. More than 50 artists and eight bands and musicians will transform the historic district into an outdoor arts venue, offering art, live music, food and drinks, and unique shopping experiences for visitors.
“Olde Towne Slidell is the cultural heart of our community, and Arts Evening is a perfect showcase of the creativity and talent that make our city special,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “I invite everyone to come out, enjoy the music, meet the artists, and celebrate the arts in Olde Towne Slidell.”
Visitors will enjoy a vibrant mix of visual arts, live entertainment, fine and casual dining, a variety of drinks, and antique and boutique shopping throughout Olde Towne. They may also notice something a little unexpected – Christmas decorations.
“If you notice Christmas decorations in Olde Towne during Arts Evening, you’re not imagining things,” said Alex Carollo, Director of Cultural & Public Affairs. “Netflix is currently filming a Christmas movie in Olde Towne, and parts of the district will be decorated for the holidays, so visitors will get to experience a little holiday magic during this year’s event.”
Participating businesses include:
Live entertainment will fill the streets during Arts Evening, with eight musical acts performing throughout the district. Alpha Tribe will perform near Brass Monkey, Audio Beach will play near Crave 985, Fat City Swing will perform near Audibert’s Bistreaux, and Highway Miles will take the stage at Triangle Square. Overboard will entertain under Antique Umbrella Alley near Camellia City Pizza, Sara Jim and Jeff will perform at Pontchartrain Investment Management, SteveA will play a solo set near the Olde Towne Slidell Main Street booth on First Street, and Two Peace Mild will perform in the courtyard at Antiques & Art on First. The lineup features a diverse range of musical styles, from jazz and rock to pop favorites, ensuring there is something for every musical taste.
Visitors can also enjoy Olde Towne’s thriving dining and bar scene throughout the evening. Participating establishments include Audibert’s Bistreaux, Brass Monkey, Camellia City Pizza, The Golden Goat, Heidelberg’s Bar, KY’s, Luna Tequila, Olde Town Soda Shop, Olde Towne Pizza, Olde Towne Tavern, St. August Maison, Roots Plants + Coffee, Tacos & Beer, Triangle Square, and Whiskey and Ashe. These venues will offer their regular menus along with special Arts Evening offerings, providing everything from casual to fine dining, craft cocktails, and specialty coffees.
This year’s Arts Evening Poster Artist, Charmaine Allesandro, will be selling signed event posters at Expo Signs. A New Orleans native, Allesandro is a retired registered nurse who dedicated 30 years of service to Children’s Hospital. Her artistic journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when she turned to acrylic painting as a source of solace and creative fulfillment. Her path as an artist has been shaped by personal trials and resilience, including undergoing treatment for breast cancer while her husband, Phil, was placed on the lung transplant list for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Although he received the gift of life in 2022, he sadly passed away two years later due to organ rejection. Now cancer-free, Allesandro has returned to her art with renewed passion and purpose. Known for her impressionistic style, she creates portraits and landscapes featuring bold colors, often hiding a small bluebird in her paintings as a tribute to her mother, “Birdy,” symbolizing love and loss. Her future work will continue to reflect themes of healing, perseverance, and compassion.
For more information about Arts Evening, contact the City of Slidell Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. Updates and details about City of Slidell events can be found at MySlidell.com or by following the City of Slidell, Louisiana on Facebook.
Mayor Randy Fandal and the City of Slidell are excited to announce the lineup for the 2026 Bayou Jam Spring/Summer concert series. The season officially kicks off on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 5 p.m. in Heritage Park with a headlining performance by Louisiana’s premier fiddler, Amanda Shaw.
The Bayou Jam concert series, now celebrating its 23rd year, offers residents and visitors musical entertainment in a family-friendly outdoor setting. Admission to all concerts in the series is free to the public.
“We are excited about the return of the Bayou Jam concerts to Heritage Park this spring,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “These concerts have become a wonderful tradition for our city, and we hope that everyone comes out to Heritage Park to enjoy some great music.”
The Bayou Jam Spring/Summer 2026 schedule:
Opening the series, Amanda Shaw brings over two decades of experience to the stage. She is a powerhouse of Louisiana music, blending her deep-rooted Cajun influences with a high-energy mix of rock and pop. A violin prodigy since childhood, Shaw was raised in the vibrant New Orleans music scene, far from the traditional Cajun heartland of Lafayette. This unique upbringing allowed her to fuse classic fiddle techniques with the jazz, blues, and funk sounds of the city. By the age of 15, she had already secured a record deal with Rounder Records and appeared in Disney films, establishing herself as a versatile artist determined to redefine what fiddle music can be.
Throughout her prolific career, Shaw has become a mainstay of American pop culture, performing on national stages like the Today Show and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Her music reflects a joyful intersection of her heritage, drawing from her father’s Louisiana roots and her mother’s Guatemalan culture. As she prepares for her latest project, collaborating with Dolly Parton’s longtime bandleader Kent Wells, Shaw continues to push the boundaries of the Americana genre. Her work remains a dedicated celebration of community and tradition, ensuring that Louisiana’s unique musical legacy stays modern and forward-moving.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, ice chests, and picnic baskets to the park. Concessions will be available for purchase.
In the event of inclement weather, the city will announce cancellation decisions by 1 p.m. on the day of the event. Updates will be posted on the city’s website, MySlidell.com, and on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.
For more information regarding the Bayou Jam concert series, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit MySlidell.com.
Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal and the Slidell Commission on the Arts are proud to announce that Charmaine Allesandro has been selected as the official Poster Artist for Arts Evening 2026. Her artwork, titled “Good Morning Bayou Liberty I,” will be featured on the official event poster and all publicity materials for the city’s cultural celebration.
“Charmaine’s artwork is truly beautiful. It perfectly represents the serenity, beauty, and nature of our community,” said Mayor Fandal. “I invite all of our residents and visitors to join us in Olde Towne on March 21 to celebrate this incredible talent and enjoy everything Arts Evening has to offer.”
The search for this year’s poster artist began in January, when artists were invited to submit their original artwork for consideration. The call for entries drew significant interest, resulting in over 30 submissions from 12 different artists. Following an initial review, the final selections were presented to the Slidell Commission on the Arts, where Allesandro was ultimately selected as the 2026 Poster Artist.
A New Orleans native, Allesandro is a retired Registered Nurse who dedicated 30 years of service to Children’s Hospital in various nursing management positions, as well as serving as the Executive Director of the Greater New Orleans Immunization Network.
Her artistic journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Seeking solace and creative fulfillment during a time of global anxiety, she turned to acrylics. Her path as an artist has been deeply shaped by personal trials and resilience. While undergoing treatment for breast cancer, her husband, Phil, was placed on the lung transplant list for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Although he received the gift of life in 2022, he sadly passed away two years later due to organ rejection.
Now cancer-free, Allesandro has returned to her art with renewed passion and purpose. Known for her impressionistic style, she creates portraits and landscapes that incorporate an array of bold colors. Viewers are encouraged to look for a hidden bluebird in her paintings – a touching tribute to her mother, “Birdy,” representing both love and loss. While she remains captivated by the beauty of nature, she looks forward to creating new pieces that reflect themes of healing, perseverance, and compassion.
“When I learned that my painting was selected as the Slidell Arts Evening poster for 2026, I was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude,” said Allesandro. “I have always loved Slidel
l and its beautiful bayous and wildlife. Being selected as this year’s artist is one of the greatest honors of my life. This recognition is not only validation of my art but an inspiration for me to continue my journey in capturing the beauty of nature that is all around us.”
The 32nd annual Arts Evening will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell. Recognized as one of the largest cultural festivals on the Northshore, this family-friendly event features over 80 artists displaying their works at more than 40 locations throughout Olde Towne. In addition to the visual arts, guests can enjoy live entertainment, fine and casual dining, and shopping at antique, boutique, and unique shops. Admission is free.
Charmaine Allesandro will be present during the event to sell signed copies of the commemorative poster. For more information about the artist and her work, please visit www.CharmNolaArt.com.
For more information about Arts Evening, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest news and events, visit MySlidell.com or follow “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.
There will be several temporary street closures in Olde Towne Slidell for the annual Mona Lisa and MoonPie parade on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The closures will affect multiple streets beginning at 2:00 p.m., with normal traffic resuming following the conclusion of the parade. The Mona Lisa and MoonPie parade will proceed through the streets of Olde Towne Slidell beginning at 7:00 p.m.
These temporary closures are being implemented to accommodate parade staging, increased pedestrian activity, and public safety operations in the Olde Towne area. Residents and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to find parking, enjoy Olde Towne shops and restaurants, and secure a viewing spot along the parade route.
“We’re implementing these closures to ensure the safety of both parade participants and spectators,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “We encourage residents to plan alternate routes and arrive early to enjoy the parade and everything Olde Towne has to offer.”
The Mona Lisa and MoonPie parade is one of Slidell’s oldest established parades and is recognized as the city’s first walking parade. Known for its whimsical and artistic flair, the parade features costumed revelers who walk the route, push decorated carts, and hand out the event’s signature treat, MoonPies. The 2026 parade theme is “Mona’s Myths, Legends, and Tall Tales,” which is expected to inspire creative walking krewes and elaborate cart designs, creating a unique, family-friendly Mardi Gras experience in the heart of Olde Towne.
For more information about the Mona Lisa and MoonPie parade, visit their website at MoonPieParade.com.
