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Victoria Brand Selected as Official Poster Artist for White Linen and Lagniappe 2026

“Vintage Soda Shop” by Victoria Brand

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal and the members of the Slidell Commission on the Arts would like to congratulate local artist Victoria Brand for being selected as the official poster artist for White Linen and Lagniappe 2026.

Brand’s original artwork, “Vintage Soda Shop,” was selected to appear on this year’s event poster and will be featured on promotional materials.

“Congratulations to Victoria on this well-deserved recognition,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “She is an incredibly talented artist whose work beautifully captures the spirit and character of our community. I love that events like White Linen and Lagniappe give us the opportunity to showcase and promote the amazing local artists who make Slidell such a special place.”

Brand is a local artist and painter based in Slidell. Her work is known for its vibrant color, expressive detail, and illustrative style. Originally raised in Metairie, Louisiana, Brand relocated to Slidell following Hurricane Katrina and has since become an active part of the local arts community.

Brand discovered her passion for art at just nine years old and began teaching herself watercolor techniques in her early twenties. Her artistic journey has been deeply shaped by her faith, which continues to inspire her artwork. Working primarily in watercolor and acrylic, her works often reflect themes of hope, reflection, and connection through expressive visual storytelling.

Victoria Brand

An active member of the Slidell Art League, Brand regularly participates in local exhibitions. Her work has been featured throughout the region.

Brand will be selling signed copies of the official White Linen and Lagniappe 2026 event poster during the event.

The ninth annual White Linen and Lagniappe will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell. This annual celebration gives residents and visitors the opportunity to browse artwork while shopping at antique and boutique stores, listening to live music, and enjoying hot food and cold drinks in Olde Towne. Admission is free.

For more information about White Linen and Lagniappe, 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.

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WWII Veteran Baldo Albrecht Named Grand Marshal of Slidell’s Celebrate America 250 Golf Cart Parade

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal is proud to announce that 96-year-old Navy veteran and community leader Baldo Albrecht has been selected as the Grand Marshal of the City of Slidell’s Celebrate America 250 Community Golf Cart Parade, which will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 2 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell.

Mayor Randy Fandal and Mr. Baldo Albrect

The patriotic parade is part of the City’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and will feature decorated golf carts showcasing patriotic themes and everything that makes America unique, including sports, arts, entertainment, music, history, and pop culture.

“Mr. Albrecht represents the very best of the Greatest Generation,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “His military service, dedication to family, and lifelong commitment to his community make him an outstanding choice to serve as Grand Marshal for this special celebration of America’s 250th birthday. We are honored to recognize his contributions and have him lead our parade.”

Born in 1929, Baldo Albrecht is a member of the generation that helped shape modern America following World War II. He served four years in the United States Navy before continuing his military service in the Louisiana National Guard. As part of the post-World War II occupation forces, he was stationed in Hawaii and later on the Japanese mainland. During his service, he visited Hiroshima and witnessed firsthand the devastation left by the atomic bombing, an experience he describes as unforgettable.

After his military service, Albrecht built a successful career as an electrical contractor and later retired at age 70 as Maintenance Superintendent for St. Bernard Parish Government. He has also remained active in community service and has been a member of the Elks Lodge for ten years. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed his home in St. Bernard, and he and his family relocated to Slidell, the community they proudly call home today.

Albrecht and his wife, Barbara, were married on May 21, 1978, creating a large blended family that today includes eight children, 16 grandchildren, and 37 great-grandchildren. Barbara devoted 17 years as a homemaker and enjoyed a 30-year career as a professional florist. Beyond his military and professional accomplishments, Albrecht dedicated countless hours to mentoring young people through the Sprites Carnival Club, which he founded in St. Bernard Parish to teach children about the traditions and joys of Mardi Gras. As president for ten years, he helped generations of children learn to build floats, create decorations, and celebrate local traditions.

Participation in the Celebrate America 250 Golf Cart Parade is free and offers families, friends, businesses, and community groups a fun way to celebrate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“This will be a fun way for our community to come together and celebrate America’s birthday,” said Mayor Fandal. “We encourage everyone to come to Olde Towne for the parade and festivities and have a memorable Fourth of July in Slidell.”

Following the parade, the Olde Towne Merchants Association will host an Independence Day celebration on Cousin Street beginning at 4:30 p.m., featuring live entertainment, food and beverages, and fireworks at 9 p.m..

Applications are still being accepted for the parade. Completed registration forms must be submitted to the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs no later than Monday, June 29, 2026. Registration forms are available at MySlidell.com.

For more information about the parade, including the parade route, contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or culturalaffairs@cityofslidell.org.

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Community Invited to Celebrate City of Slidell Inauguration on July 1

The City of Slidell will officially begin a new chapter of leadership as elected and appointed officials take the oath of office during a public inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, and the public is invited to attend.

During the ceremony, the following elected officials will take the oath of office:

Mayor of Slidell

  • Randy Fandal

Slidell City Council Members-at-Large

  • Leslie D. Denham
  • Thomas S. Abney

Slidell City Council Members

  • Landon J. Washington, District A
  • Sean Fadely, District B
  • Megan S. Haggerty, District C
  • Nicholas “Nick” DiSanti, District D
  • Shawn Jones, District E
  • Thomas “Trey” Brownfield, District F
  • Tim Rogers, District G

Chief of Police

  • Thomas “Tommy” Williams

Mayor Fandal will deliver his inaugural address following the swearing-in ceremony, outlining his vision and priorities for the City of Slidell as the new administration begins its term.

“I invite all residents to join us for this special occasion as we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for the City of Slidell,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “This ceremony is an opportunity to come together as a community and look ahead to the future of our great city.”

The inauguration ceremony is part of the City of Slidell’s Celebrate America 250 series of events commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. The celebration begins with the Slidell Rotary Clubs’ Heritage Fest on Saturday, June 27, followed by the City of Slidell’s Celebrate America 250 Community Golf Cart Parade at 2 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell on Saturday, July 4. The festivities continue with the Olde Towne Merchants Association’s July 4th Music Festival at 5 p.m.and conclude with a Fireworks Spectacular beginning at 9 p.m. on July 4 in Olde Towne Slidell.

The Slidell Municipal Auditorium is located at 2056 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free and open to the public.

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Bayou Jam Concert Series Continues June 7 with Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal invites residents and visitors to enjoy another evening of free live music as the City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Concert Series continues on Sunday, June 7, with a performance by Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band at 5 p.m. in Heritage Park. Admission is free to the public.

“We are excited to welcome Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band to Heritage Park for another great Bayou Jam concert,” said Mayor Fandal. “I encourage everyone to bring a chair, relax along the bayou, and enjoy an evening of outstanding live music in Slidell.”

Award-winning musician Bobby Ohler has entertained audiences for more than five decades. Named St. Tammany Parish’s 2016 Musical Artist of the Year, Ohler began performing professionally at age 12 and later appeared on the nationally televised All American College Talent Show while studying music at Loyola University. Throughout his career, he has performed with legendary artists including KC and the Sunshine Band, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Gladys Knight, Tony Bennett, and Bob Hope. He was also a member of the Nobles, a popular local party band inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Fame.

Following a distinguished 45 year career in education, including 26 years as principal of St. Margaret Mary School in Slidell, Ohler now performs music full-time with the Harbor Band, entertaining audiences across the Gulf Coast with a diverse repertoire of jazz, pop, classic hits, and more.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, ice chests, and picnic baskets to Heritage Park. Concessions will also be available for purchase.

In the event of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be announced by 1 p.m. on the day of the event. Updates will be posted on the city website at MySlidell.com and on the City of Slidell Facebook page.

For more information about the Bayou Jam Concert Series, contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit MySlidell.com.

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Slidell’s Bayou Jam Concert Series Continues May 31 with Audio Beach

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal invites residents and visitors to Heritage Park on Sunday, May 31, for another evening of live music as the Bayou Jam Concert Series continues with a performance by Audio Beach at 5 p.m. Admission is free to the public.

“After a week of rain, we’re hoping for clear skies! We’re excited to welcome everyone back to Heritage Park for another great Bayou Jam concert,” said Mayor Fandal. “We encourage families and friends to come out, enjoy the beautiful weather, and experience another evening of free live music in Olde Towne Slidell.”

Audio Beach was formed in 2001 after a group of friends performed together at a backyard crawfish and shrimp boil and decided to continue playing music together professionally. Band founder and leader Mario Sperandeo named the group Audio Beach, and over the past two decades, the band has performed hundreds of shows across the Gulf Coast region. Sperandeo began playing piano by ear at the age of four and later taught himself guitar after repairing an instrument he found discarded in a trash can in 1980. Today, he continues to perform as a musician, singer, songwriter, guitarist, bassist, and producer. Throughout his career, he has shared the stage with musicians including Slidell legend Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Randy Jackson of Zebra, and Michael Ray of Kool & the Gang.

Audio Beach has become a longtime favorite at community events throughout the region, including Arts Evening in Olde Towne, White Linen and Lagniappe, Mardi Gras balls and parades, Gulf Coast festivals, casinos, and music venues. Audio Beach performs all music live without prerecorded tracks and features Mario Sperandeo on guitar and vocals, Bill Stavis on drums and vocals, Dylan Caillouet on bass and vocals, Terry Boutwell on guitar and vocals, and guest musician Scott Lebell on keyboards and vocals.

Remaining concerts in the Bayou Jam series include Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band on Sunday, June 7, and “Some Enchanted Evening” featuring the Northshore Community Orchestra on Sunday, June 14.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, ice chests, and picnic baskets to Heritage Park. Concessions will also be available for purchase.

In the event of inclement weather, cancellation decisions will be announced by 1 p.m. on the day of the event. Updates will be posted on the city website at  MySlidell.com and on the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.

For more information about the Bayou Jam Concert Series, contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit MySlidell.com.

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City of Slidell Announces “Celebrate America 250” Golf Cart Parade in Olde Towne on July 4

Download the registration form here

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal invites the public to participate in the “Celebrate America 250” Community Golf Cart Parade in Olde Towne Slidell on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 2 p.m.

The patriotic parade will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and encourage participants to showcase their creativity by decorating golf carts in patriotic themes or anything that celebrates American culture, including sports, arts, entertainment, music, history, and pop culture. Participation in the parade is free and offers families, friends, businesses, and community groups a fun way to celebrate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“This will be a fun way for our community to come together and celebrate America’s birthday,” said Mayor Randy Fandal. “We encourage participants to decorate their golf carts, show their patriotic spirit, and help make this a memorable Fourth of July celebration in Olde Towne Slidell.”

Even those who do not participate in the parade are encouraged to come out and enjoy the festivities. The Olde Towne Merchants Association will also host an Independence Day celebration on Cousin Street beginning at 4 p.m., featuring live entertainment, food and drinks, and fireworks. Additional event information and the finalized parade route will be announced soon.

Completed parade registration forms must be submitted to the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs no later than Monday, June 29, 2026, either by email at culturalaffairs@cityofslidell.org or by mail to P.O. Box 828, Slidell, LA 70459. Participation is limited to the first 100 golf carts to submit registration forms, and late entries will not be accepted.

For public safety reasons, side-by-side vehicles and all-terrain vehicles will not be permitted in the parade. Participants may hand out items such as beads, plastic cups, individually wrapped candy, stuffed animals, plastic toys, and similar throws, but items with hard edges or sharp points are prohibited. Lewd or profane costumes, decorations, music, language, or throws will not be allowed.

The registration form can be found on the City of Slidell’s website at MySlidell.com. For more information, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or culturalaffairs@cityofslidell.org.

 

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Mixed Media Exhibit Opens at George Dunbar Gallery Featuring Artists from Across the Gulf South

Artists, their families and friends, and members of the community gathered at the George Dunbar Gallery on Friday, May 8, for the opening reception of Mixed Media, an annual juried exhibition showcasing artwork created with two or more mediums.

Nina Dunbar

This year’s juror, Nina Dunbar, had the difficult task of curating the show from 120 entries submitted by artists across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Texas. Due to gallery space limitations, roughly 70 percent of the entries could not be accepted for display, making the final selection highly competitive.

“Congratulations to all the artists! The talent on display in this gallery is outstanding!” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “I would like to thank Nina Dunbar for serving as our juror, and I’d also like to encourage all of our residents and visitors to come view the exhibit.”

Dunbar, a Slidell native with more than 30 years of experience as a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, and arts advocate, served as the juror for this year’s exhibit. The daughter of George Dunbar, she holds a Master of Arts in Arts Management from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Art Education from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. She currently serves as Deputy General Director of Opera Santa Barbara and is the principal of Change | Practice | Play, a consultancy focused on strategic planning, development, and grant writing for nonprofit organizations. Throughout her distinguished career, Dunbar has held leadership roles with organizations in California, Arizona, and Louisiana and has contributed to numerous public art initiatives across the United States and internationally.

This year’s exhibit features artwork by Connie Born, Dean Born, Carolyn Busenlener, Mary Christopher, Moira Crone, Tanya DiMaggio, Kaylin Duong, Stacey Farrell, Charles Gudaitis, Gene Guidry, Carol Hutcherson, Linda Lawrence, Christin Margaret (Zelenka), Laya Marie, Hannah Marks, Shayla Matthews, Lil Range, Lionel Reese Jr., Elvira Rizaeva, Joey Roberts, Mia Simmons, Kevin Walgamotte, John Wax, J.R. Welch, and Colleen Wright.

Congratulations to our winners:

• 1st Place: Charles Gudaitis – “Castings (3D Painting No. 29)”
• 2nd Place: Dean Born – “All Things in Balance”
• 3rd Place: Kaylin Duong – “Grandparents Garden”

Honorable Mentions:

• Tanya DiMaggio – “Leica” and “Yellow Tulips I”
• Kaylin Duong – “Grandma’s Kitchen”
• Carol Hutcherson – “Pollution”
• Joey Roberts – “Maji Safi”

Mixed Media is currently on display at the George Dunbar Gallery in the Slidell Cultural Center, located at 2055 Second Street inside City Hall, through June 25. Admission is free.

Gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment.

Please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 to schedule your visit. Same-day appointments are usually available.

Juror Nina Dunbar, Charles Gudaitis, Mayor Randy Fandal

Juror Nina Dunbar, Dean Born, Mayor Randy Fandal

Juror Nina Dunbar, Kaylin Duong, Mayor Randy Fandal

Juror Nina Dunbar, Mayor Randy Fandal, Carol Hutcherson

 

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NEW DATE! Enjoy an ‘Enchanting’ Evening of Music on Sunday, June 14

UPDATE: 5/7/26, 3:00 PM: Due to a scheduling conflict, Some Enchanted Evening with the Northshore Community Orchestra has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. The press release below has been updated.

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal, the Slidell City Council, and the Slidell Commission on the Arts are pleased to present the 24th annual Some Enchanted Evening concert on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. The concert begins at 3 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.

The Slidell Municipal Auditorium is located at 2056 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Concessions will be available for purchase.

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.

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City of Slidell Announces Opening Reception for Mixed Media 2026 on May 8

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal and the Slidell Commission on the Arts invite the public to attend the opening reception for Mixed Media 2026 on Friday, May 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the George Dunbar Gallery, located in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall.

This dynamic exhibition showcases innovative artwork created using two or more artistic mediums, highlighting the creativity and versatility of artists from across Louisiana and the Gulf South. The exhibit features works by local and regional artists from Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Texas.

Nina Dunbar

Serving as juror for this year’s exhibition is Nina Dunbar, a Slidell native with more than 30 years of experience as a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, and arts advocate. Dunbar holds a Master of Arts in Arts Management from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Art Education from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. She currently serves as Deputy General Director of Opera Santa Barbara and is the principal of Change | Practice | Play, a consultancy focused on strategic planning, development, and grant writing for nonprofit organizations. Throughout her distinguished career, Dunbar has held leadership roles with organizations in California, Arizona, and Louisiana, and has contributed to numerous public art initiatives across the United States and internationally.

Mixed Media 2026 will remain on display from May 11 through June 26, 2026. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. Same-day appointments are available by calling the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

Admission to both the opening reception and exhibition is free and open to the public.

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CANCELLED: Bayou Jam concert with Amanda Shaw to be rescheduled due to weather

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.
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