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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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Monster Crawfish to Perform at Slidell’s Bayou Jam Concert Series on May 3

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:

  • Sunday, May 31: Audio Beach
  • Sunday, June 7: Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band
  • Sunday, June 14: Some Enchanted Evening with the Northshore Community Orchestra

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.

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Amanda Shaw Kicks-Off 2026 Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series

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:

  • Sunday, April 26: Amanda Shaw
  • Sunday, May 3: Monster Crawfish
  • Sunday, May 31: Audio Beach
  • Sunday, June 7: Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band
  • Sunday, June 14: Some Enchanted Evening with the Northshore Community Orchestra

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.

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Slidell’s Mixed Media Call for Artists

DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS HERE.

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal and the City of Slidell’s Commission on the Arts are inviting artists from across the Gulf Coast region to submit entries for the upcoming Mixed Media Juried Exhibition, an annual competition known for its creativity and diversity of artistic expression.

This unique exhibition highlights artwork that incorporates two or more mediums, offering artists an opportunity to showcase innovative and interdisciplinary pieces.

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.

The competition is open to artists 18 years and older residing in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Each artist may submit up to three works, with a flat entry fee of $25. A total of $600 in awards will be presented for first, second, and third place, as selected by the juror.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, April 27, 2026, and artists will be notified of acceptance by Thursday, April 30, 2026. Complete entry details are available in the official prospectus, which can be obtained from the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs (250 Bouscaren Street, Suite 304) or downloaded from the Cultural & Public Affairs section of the city’s website at www.myslidell.com.

Selected works will be exhibited in the George Dunbar Gallery, located within the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall (2055 Second Street) in Olde Towne Slidell. The exhibition will open on Friday, May 8, 2026, with a public reception and awards presentation from 6 to 8 p.m., and will remain on display 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.

For more information, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit www.myslidell.com. Follow the City of Slidell on Facebook for updates on this and other upcoming events.

DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS HERE.

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