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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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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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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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Street Closures March 28-29 for Olde Towne Events

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.

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Arts Evening 2026 Digital Map

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.)

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March 21 Olde Towne Street Closures for Arts Evening

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.

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32nd Annual Arts Evening to Bring Art, Music, and Culture to Olde Towne Slidell on March 21

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:

  • American Legion Post 374 – Artist Michele Maiaroto
  • Antiques & Art on First – Music by Two Peace Mild
  • Arcade on Carey
  • Audibert’s Bistreaux – Live entertainment by Fat City Swing. Artists Betty Baker-Kelly, Jake James, Omega Johnson
  • Brass Monkey – Music by Alpha Tribe
  • Bridge Street Ink
  • Camellia City Pizza – Music by Overboard
  • Camellia Wellbeing – Coach Chias Trucker Hat Bar with Anastasia, The Bread Company
  • Carolynn’s Wonderland – Artists Cher Levis, Paula Merrit Windham
  • Christina’s Therapeutic Touch – Artist CoCo Calderon
  • Crave 985 – Music by Audio Beach. Artist Joe Dean
  • Engel & Völkers – Artists Christy Gautreaux, Hannah Marks, Joshua Wichterich
  • Expo Signs – Arts Evening Poster Artist Charmaine Allesandro. Artists Cindy Bachemin, Connie Born, LaRisa Clevinger, Keith Delaune, Pat Lera, Matt Litchliter, David Miller.
  • The Golden Goat
  • Heidelberg’s
  • KY’s
  • Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien – Artists Elsa Baker, Lizzie Shelby D’Aquin, Charlotte Lowry-Collins, Lyba Murphy, Michael Reed
  • Luna Tequila
  • Old Town Soda Shop
  • Olde Towne Pizza
  • Olde Towne Slidell Main Street at Crippin Cottage – Music by SteveA. Artists Lori Anselmo, E. Robert Gallery Decor, The Happy Photo Booth, K.L. Smith Fine Art, Mosquito Mollie Insect Resin Art, Olivia’s Creations, Gina Reviere and STARC Art, Sweeties Creamy Pralines, Shana’s Kitchen, Olivia Yi
  • Olde Towne Tavern
  • Pontchartrain Investment Management – Music by Sara, Jim and Jeff. Artists Ray Farrell, Mary Rich, Mia Simmons
  • Roots Plants + Coffee – Slidell Art League, Swamp Sprouts Art
  • Rustic Wick
  • St. August Maison – Artists Linda Bickel, Phil Galatas, Ernest Robert, Krystal Shermack, Robin Veerkamp, John Wilson, Dustin Young
  • Slidell Museum – Leadership Northshore’s Team Trashformation
  • Tacos & Beer
  • Tres Co.
  • Triangle Square – Music by Highway Miles. Artist Wild Lily Designs
  • Whiskey and Ashe

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.

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