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Slidell Heritage Fest celebrates on Saturday, July 1, in Heritage Park – Street and Park Closures

In preparation for Slidell Heritage Festival, the City of Slidell is announcing that Heritage Park, the boat launch and roads immediately outside of the park will be closed in conjunction with the event.

Heritage Park and the boat launch will close to the public at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, and will remain closed until 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 2. Both entrances to Heritage Park on Bayou Lane will be closed (from Palmettos to Pennsylvania Avenue) to traffic.

The Slidell Heritage Festival is presented by the Rotary Clubs of Slidell, the City of Slidell and The New Orleans Advocate | St. Tammany Farmer. The festivities will be held in Heritage Park on July 1 from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. There will be great food and drinks, live entertainment by Soul Revival, Amanda Shaw and Zebra and fireworks at 9 p.m.

Admission is $15 and kids 12 and under are free. All proceeds go to local charities. For more information, please visit their website at www.slidellheritagefest.org.

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‘Inspirations, Impacts, & Influences’ exhibit honoring George Dunbar opens July 14 at Slidell Cultural Center

Olde Towne Arts Commission (OTAC) and the City of Slidell are proud to announce the opening of an invitational exhibition, “Inspirations, Impacts, & Influences” at the George Dunbar Gallery in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall. The opening reception will be held on Friday, July 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free.

The concept for this exhibit is to pay homage to George Dunbar, the premier artist who brought Modern Art from New York to the Southeast in the 1950’s. Since then, Dunbar has encouraged these artists to push their own boundaries and to continuously follow their passions.

The artists include Dana Bordelon, Charlotte Lowry Collins, Lizzie Shelby Daquin, Matt Litchliter, and Martin Needom. The artists were chosen based on one commonality: their interactions with and appreciation for Dunbar, who is also the namesake of the gallery. This exhibition displays each artist’s unique views, as well as their intersections and divergences from each other.

An Artist’s Talk on Friday, July 14 at 6 p.m. will offer insight into the inspiration, impact, and influences for these artists. Both the opening and talks will be open to the public and is free of charge.

“We are excited to partner with OTAC to present this exhibit and bring together such a talented group of artists to honor George Dunbar,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We invite everyone to join us for the opening reception and artist’s talk.”

The George Dunbar Gallery is located in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, at 2055 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. To view the exhibit, call the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are available Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit will be on display July 17 – August 25, 2023. Admission is free.

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Slidell Veterans Fest held on Saturday, May 20 – Heritage Park and Boat Launch Closures

In preparation for Louisiana Veterans Festival, the City of Slidell is announcing that Heritage Park, the boat launch and roads immediately outside of the park will be closed in conjunction with the event.

Heritage Park will close to the public at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, and will remain closed until 6 a.m. on Sunday, May 21. Both entrances to Heritage Park on Bayou Lane will be closed to traffic and public parking will be unavailable within the park.

The Heritage Park Boat Launch will be closed at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 20 and reopen at 6 a.m. on Sunday, May 21.

The Louisiana Veterans Festival, presented by the East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity, provides an opportunity for families and friends to celebrate our veterans for their service. The festivities will be held in Heritage Park on Saturday, May 20 from 3 to 10 p.m. There will be great food and drinks, live entertainment and fireworks at 10 p.m. $15 general admission, veterans with a military ID and children 12 and under get in free. For more information, please visit laveteransfestival.com.

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UPDATE: Sugar Shaker Bayou Jam concert postponed due to weather

UPDATE: Due to the weather, we are postponing today’s Bayou Jam concert with Sugar Shaker concert. We will let everyone know about the new date soon.
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The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam concert series continues on Saturday, May 6, with the Bayou Jam debut of Sugar Shaker at 5 p.m. in Heritage Park Admission is free.

“Bayou Jam concerts are a great way to celebrate as a community,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We invite you to come enjoy a free concert in Heritage Park with your family and friends and start your Saturday night right here in Slidell!”

Sugar Shaker has provided years of memorable performances for audiences across the world. Having been named one of New Orleans’ best bands by The Times-Picayune, The New Orleans Advocate and Offbeat Magazine, they are an ensemble band with their own individual style and personality. Their members have toured the world with Maroon 5, Marc Broussard, Kenny Chesney, The Walt Disney company and more. Their music spans decades of standards and classics to the current hits of today. Visit www.sugarshakernola.com for more information about the band and to hear samples of their music.

Concert‐goers are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets to the park to enjoy the free concerts. Pizza Platoon Convoy will be onsite selling pizza, snacks and cold drinks.

The Bayou Jam Concert Series is produced by the City of Slidell Department of Cultural & Public Affairs with the assistance the departments of Parks & Recreation and Public Operations. These Olde Towne Slidell Main Street and Louisiana Cultural District events are sponsored by the City of Slidell’s 2022/2023 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Edge of the Lake Magazine and the Lake 94.7; Plus+ Publications; The Slidell Independent; Slidell Magazine; Slidell Savings Magazine; Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner; Silver Slipper Casino; Councilman Bill and Laura Borchert; Lori’s Art Depot; Purple Armadillo Again; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; P. David Carollo, Attorney At Law; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; Old School Eats Food Truck; Roberta’s Cleaners; and Slidell Historical Antique Association.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For City of Slidell news and events, please visit MySlidell.com and sign up for our e-news updates, and follow us on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.

In the event of inclement weather, please check the city’s website or Facebook page for the latest information. Cancellation decisions will be made by 1 p.m. on the day of the event.

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UPDATE: Witness Bayou Jam concert postponed to Sunday, April 30, due to rain

UPDATE: Due to the weather forecast of thunderstorms for this afternoon, we are postponing today’s Bayou Jam concert. Come on out to Heritage Park tomorrow, Sunday, April 30, at 5 pm for a free concert with Witness!

The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam concert series continues on Saturday, April 22, with a performance by Witness at 5 p.m. in Heritage Park Admission is free.
“Bayou Jam concerts are a great way to celebrate as a community,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We invite you to come enjoy a free concert in Heritage Park with your family and friends and start your Saturday night right here in Slidell!”
The schedule for the Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series 2023:
• The New Orleans Mystics with special guest Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. – Saturday, April 22, 5 p.m.
• Witness – Saturday, April 29, 5 p.m.
• The Sugar Shakers – Saturday, May 6, 5 p.m.
• Northshore Community Orchestra – Saturday, May 13, 5 p.m.
Concert‐goers are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets to the park to enjoy the free concerts. Concessions will not be sold this season.

The Bayou Jam Concert Series is produced by the City of Slidell Department of Cultural & Public Affairs with the assistance the departments of Parks & Recreation and Public Operations. These Olde Towne Slidell Main Street and Louisiana Cultural District events are sponsored by the City of Slidell’s 2022/2023 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Edge of the Lake Magazine and the Lake 94.7; Plus+ Publications; The Slidell Independent; Slidell Magazine; Slidell Savings Magazine; Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner; Silver Slipper Casino; Councilman Bill and Laura Borchert; Lori’s Art Depot; Purple Armadillo Again; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; P. David Carollo, Attorney At Law; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; Old School Eats Food Truck; Roberta’s Cleaners; and Slidell Historical Antique Association.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For City of Slidell news and events, please visit MySlidell.com and sign up for our e-news updates, and follow us on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.

In the event of inclement weather, please check the city’s website or Facebook page for the latest information. Cancellation decisions will be made by 1 p.m. on the day of the event.

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Enjoy an ‘Enchanted Evening’ with the Northshore Community Orchestra on May 13

It’s the perfect recipe for an enchanting evening. Enjoy a picnic with family and friends, sprinkle in some great music by the Northshore Community Orchestra, add a gorgeous sunset over scenic Bayou Bonfouca and voilà! You have “Some Enchanted Evening!”

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer, the Slidell City Council, and the Slidell Commission on the Arts are pleased to present the 21st annual “Some Enchanted Evening” concert on Saturday, May 13, in Heritage Park. The concert begins at 5 p.m. Admission is free.

“Some Enchanted Evening” is the perfect family event for both the young and young at heart. A celebration of family, friends and fellowship, this event encourages the community to come together to enjoy timeless music from the Northshore Community Orchestra.

The Northshore Community Orchestra is the only symphony orchestra in St. Tammany Parish where both youths and adults can make learning and performing music a lifelong endeavor. The orchestra was established in 1987, and has operated continuously ever since. The orchestra performs several full orchestra concerts as well as some smaller group ensembles throughout the year, with genres including classical, jazz, pop, folk, ethnic, traditional, movie themes, and Broadway hits. Each year, the orchestra typically performs for Slidell’s Patriot Day ceremony and Christmas and spring concerts.

The members of the orchestra come from Slidell, St. Tammany Parish and from surrounding parishes in the Greater New Orleans area and south Mississippi. The members represent a diverse assortment of backgrounds such as students, medical professionals, engineers, skilled tradesmen, scientists, homemakers, members of the military, educators, and retirees. Though our student members typically begin with us around late middle school or junior high age, currently our youngest member is just 9 years old, and our oldest is in his 80s. Some of the orchestra’s musicians are family members who play together – spouses, parents, children, and siblings.

The orchestra’s conductor since 2006 has been Mrs. Susan Messina, a Slidell native who has a master’s degree in music from Southeastern Louisiana University, and over 30 years experience as a music educator. She has served as a band director at several area schools, and currently teaches private lessons on a wide variety of instruments at Christy Music in Slidell.

Guests are encouraged to bring their ice chests, picnic baskets, blankets, and chairs to enjoy a picnic in the park. On-site catering from participating vendors will also be available for a nominal charge.

Some Enchanted Evening is brought to you by the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs, its Commission on the Arts and the city’s 2021/2022 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Edge of the Lake Magazine; Lake 94.7; Plus Publications; The Slidell Independent; Slidell Magazine; Slidell Savings Magazine; Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner; Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert; Lori’s Art Depot; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; P. David Carollo, Attorney-at-Law; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; State Representative Mary DuBuisson, District 90; Pizza Platoon; and the Slidell Historic Antique Association.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For the latest information about City of Slidell news and events, visit MySlidell.com or follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook and Instagram.

In the event of inclement weather, please check the city’s website or Facebook page for the latest information. Cancellation decisions will be made by 1 p.m. on the day of the event.

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Arts Evening 2023 Postponed Due to Weather

After consulting with several weather sources, speaking with the US National Weather Service New Orleans Louisiana, and talking with many of the bands, artists and Olde Towne business owners, we have made the decision to postpone Arts Evening 2023. This is due to the almost 90% chance of severe thunderstorms (with lightning, wind gusts and possible hail) forecast for Saturday night.
This was not an easy choice to make, and there are many factors to consider. Number one is public safety and our concern for the artists, bands and businesses who will be setting up and preparing for Arts Evening in the middle of a thunderstorm.
The Slidell Big Shot: Zulu 2023 Big Shot Meets Slidell Royalty Mardi Gras Costume Exhibit opening reception will continue as planned on Saturday, April 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 2065 Second Street next to Slidell City Hall in Olde Towne. Please join us!
As for the Arts Evening plans, we will shift over all of the artists and bands to White Linen and Lagniappe on Saturday, August 12. Please save the date and we hope that you will be able to join us!
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The New Orleans Mystics with special guest Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. kick-off spring Bayou Jam concerts

Get ready for another exciting season of great concerts in Heritage Park when the City of Slidell’s popular Bayou Jam fall concert series returns on Saturday, April 22, with a performance by The New Orleans Mystics with special guest Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. at 5 p.m. Admission is free.
“Bayou Jam concerts are a great way to celebrate as a community,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We invite you to come enjoy a free concert in Heritage Park with your family and friends and start your Saturday night right here in Slidell!”
The schedule for the Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series 2023:
• The New Orleans Mystics with special guest Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. – Saturday, April 22, 5 p.m.
• Witness – Saturday, April 29, 5 p.m.
• The Sugar Shakers – Saturday, May 6, 5 p.m.
• Northshore Community Orchestra – Saturday, May 13, 5 p.m.
The New Orleans Mystics is a versatile singing group that performs a wide variety of genres, including oldies, Motown, top 40, R&B, disco, jazz, rock and more. They are still true to their original rhythm and blues roots, entertaining crowds numbering in the thousands around the world. Formed in 1972, The New Orleans Mystics wow audiences with their high energy choreography, incredible voices and dazzling outfits. For more information, visit theneworleansmystics.com.
Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. is a zydeco musician and vocalist from New Orleans. Considered to be the best rub board player in the world, he is a charismatic and electrifying stage performer. His dancing, splits, and audience participation antics make his performance exciting and keep listeners involved and dancing. Dopsie, Jr. has performed around the world and has appeared at the most prestigious music festivals and fairs at home and abroad. For more information, visit rockindopsiejr.com.
Concert‐goers are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets to the park to enjoy the free concerts. Concessions will not be sold this season.

The Bayou Jam Concert Series is produced by the City of Slidell Department of Cultural & Public Affairs with the assistance the departments of Parks & Recreation and Public Operations. These Olde Towne Slidell Main Street and Louisiana Cultural District events are sponsored by the City of Slidell’s 2022/2023 Cultural Season Sponsors, including Edge of the Lake Magazine and the Lake 94.7; Plus+ Publications; The Slidell Independent; Slidell Magazine; Slidell Savings Magazine; Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner; Silver Slipper Casino; Councilman Bill and Laura Borchert; Lori’s Art Depot; Purple Armadillo Again; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; P. David Carollo, Attorney At Law; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; Old School Eats Food Truck; Roberta’s Cleaners; and Slidell Historical Antique Association.

For more information about this event, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. For City of Slidell news and events, please visit MySlidell.com and sign up for our e-news updates, and follow us on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.

In the event of inclement weather, please check the city’s website or Facebook page for the latest information. Cancellation decisions will be made by 1 p.m. on the day of the event.

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Street Closures in Olde Towne on April 15 for Arts Evening

In preparation for Arts Evening on Saturday, April 15, 2023, the City of Slidell is announcing that several streets in Olde Towne Slidell will be closed to traffic during this event.

Streets will be closed on April 15 from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. Streets affected include areas of First Street, Erlanger Avenue, Second Street, Bouscaren Street, Cousin Street, Carey Street and Robert Street. Access to the U.S. Post Office in Olde Towne will not be obstructed.

Mayor Greg Cromer invites citizens to come view the works of over 50 artists and arts organizations that will be on display at over 30 locations throughout Olde Towne during Arts Evening, plus live entertainment from 8 different bands, antique and boutique shopping, and casual and fine dining at participating locations.

Citizens should not park within the Arts Evening street closure area on Saturday, April 15 from 2 to 10 p.m. For public safety, bollards will be placed throughout Olde Towne and any vehicles left inside the bollards will not be able to leave Olde Towne until 10 p.m. when the bollards are removed.

For more information about Arts Evening, please visit the city’s website at MySlidell.com or call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

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Arts Evening highlights arts, entertainment, shopping and dining in Olde Towne Slidell

UPDATE:

After consulting with several weather sources, speaking with the US National Weather Service New Orleans Louisiana, and talking with many of the bands, artists and Olde Towne business owners, we have made the decision to postpone Arts Evening 2023. This is due to the almost 90% chance of severe thunderstorms (with lightning, wind gusts and possible hail) forecast for Saturday night.
This was not an easy choice to make, and there are many factors to consider. Number one is public safety and our concern for the artists, bands and businesses who will be setting up and preparing for Arts Evening in the middle of a thunderstorm.
The Slidell Big Shot: Zulu 2023 Big Shot Meets Slidell Royalty Mardi Gras Costume Exhibit opening reception will continue as planned on Saturday, April 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 2065 Second Street next to Slidell City Hall in Olde Towne. Please join us!
As for the Arts Evening plans, we will shift over all of the artists and bands to White Linen and Lagniappe on Saturday, August 12. Please save the date and we hope that you will be able to join us!
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Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer invites you to join the City Slidell for the 29th annual Arts Evening on Saturday, April 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell.
One of the largest cultural festivals on the Northshore, Arts Evening features over 50 artists displaying their works at over 30 locations in Olde Towne Slidell. In addition to the artwork, there will be live entertainment; antique, boutique and unique shopping; fine and casual dining and surprises on every corner of Olde Towne. Admission is free.
“Arts Evening is one of Olde Towne’s biggest nights, and I invite you to bring your family and friends to Olde Towne and join us for a great night of art and entertainment in Slidell,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “I would like to thank all of the Olde Towne restaurants and businesses who participate during this event.”
The festivities kick-off at 5 p.m. with the opening of the “Slidell’s Big Shot: Zulu Big Shot 2023 Meets Slidell Royalty” Mardi Gras costume exhibit at 2065 Second Street, next to Slidell City Hall. The exhibit will feature costumes worn by Terrance McGuire, the 2023 Zulu Big Shot and a Slidell resident, and Zulu memorabilia. Mardi Gras costumes worn by Slidell Mardi Gras royalty will also be on display.
Artists will be displaying their works at many locations throughout Olde Towne:
  • Borchert Law at Notting Hill: John Paul Duet, Elsa Baker, Barbara Shaw, Len Heatherly, and Solange Ledwith with Swamp Girl Glass
  • Dellsperger Studio: Connor Carollo
  • Green Oaks Apothecary: Eva Eaton, Amanda Douglas with Amanda Douglas Designs, Tristen Rolling with Swamp Sprouts, Jessica Moody, Jordan Smith, Jessica Little, Jena Smith Pendarvis, David Guastella with David Guastella Art, Nancy Gaines with Backyard Pottery, Mandi Jackson with Henna By Mandi, Ty Anderson, Crimzen Hart with CrimZen, Sharon Winstine with Bayou Rose Designs, Amber Ryan, Brittany & Maleigh Ballard with Bee & Lee, Stephanie Caranna with Indigo Graffiti Designs, Anita Van-Scooter Westmoland with Rock Candy, Tee Cee with Cultivating Culture, and Ashley Faciane with Heal.th.eory
  • Heidelberg’s Bar: Frankie Muller, David Schmit
  • Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien: Oksana Fogg, Nell Landry, Amelia Mimms, Martin Needom, Katie Case, Charlotte Collins, Colleen Marquis, and William Blackwell
  • Olde Towne Hatchet House: Tiffany Neal
  • Roots, Plants & Coffee: Deborah Thompson and Pete Karzenzia
  • Slidell City Hall Community Meeting Room: Andree’ Maduell, Kevin Walgamotte,  Jerry Speer
  • Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall: Salad Days Juried Exhibition of Student Art
There will be plenty of live entertainment throughout Olde Towne Slidell:
  • 8Track from 5 to 7 p.m. at Slidell City Hall
  • Band of Brothers from 5 to 9 p.m. at the corner of Cousin and First streets
  • Missi and Ray (from Witness) from 7 to 9 p.m. at the corner of Erlanger and First streets
  • Northshore Community Orchestra Jazz Ensemble from 5 to 7 p.m. on First Street by Green Oaks Apothecary
  • Ozone Music Songwriters Showcase from 5 to 9 p.m. at the corner of Robert and First streets
  • Sara, Jim and Jeff from 5 to 7 p.m. on First Street by Pontchartrain Investment Management
  • Uke Box Hereauxs from 5 to 7 p.m. on First Street by Dellsperger Studio
Food and drinks will be available for purchase at many of Olde Towne’s finest establishments, including
  • Bistro 55
  • Brass Monkey
  • Deanasco’s
  • Electric Avenue
  • Heidelbergs
  • K.Y.s
  • The Maple Room
  • Old Town Soda Shop
  • Olde Towne Hatchet House
  • Olde Towne Pizza
  • Restaurant Cotè
  • Roots Plants and Coffee
  • Tacos and Beer
  • Whiskey and Ashe
For more information about Arts Evening, call the department of Cultural Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit MySlidell.com. A digital brochure with more information will be posted several days before the event.
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