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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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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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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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Tickets now available for Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast

The Pellegrine family

Purchase tickets here

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer is inviting the public to join him for the 11th annual Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast, presented by Community Christian Concern, on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 7:30 a.m. in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. Tickets are now available for $20.

This year’s guest speaker is Ryan Pellegrine, a musician with an inspirational story about faith, addiction, and redemption. 

“Ryan Pellegrine has an amazing testimony, and I can’t wait for him to share it with us,” said Mayor Cromer. “No matter what your faith is, all are welcome to attend this event. I know that we will all be inspired by Ryan’s story.”

To hear an inspirational song about his faith journey, listen to episode 61a of the Sweet Jesus podcast on Spotify.

The Slidell Municipal Auditorium is located at 2056 Second Street. Doors will open at 7 a.m. and the event will begin at 7:30 a.m. Seating is limited.

Tickets to the community breakfast are now available online at www.eventbrite.com. If tickets are not sold out in advance, they will be available for purchase at the door.

Event sponsorships are available for $100 and include two tickets plus acknowledgment in the program. For more information, please contact Debbie at Community Christian Concern at (985) 646-0357. 

For information about the Community Prayer Breakfast, please call the Mayor’s Office at (985) 646-4333 or visit the Eventbrite ticket page.

For the latest city news updates and information about upcoming events, visit the City of Slidell’s website at MySlidell.com and follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

Purchase tickets here

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Public invited to COVID-19 Time Capsule dedication at Slidell Museum on Dec. 6.

One hundred years from now, when St. Tammany Parish Citizens open the COVID-19 Time Capsule in the Slidell Museum, they will discover memorabilia and memories of the time that the citizens of today would rather forget, all focused on telling the stories of the emotional impact of the pandemic shutdowns. The time capsule will be sealed on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2:30 pm at the Slidell Museum, 2020 First Street in Olde Towne Slidell.
The public is invited to join St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper and Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer for the time capsule dedication. Attendees may bring letters to be added to the historic collection, which will include memos penned by elected officials, audio histories captured by St. Tammany Parish Public Library, letters from students of Pope John Paul High School, a myriad of publications featuring stories about the pandemic and its impact, and the artists’ exhibition book documenting the “Reinvention: Creatives Pivot in the Pandemic” exhibition held in August of 2021 in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall.
“While history books may capture the physical impact of the pandemic, it has been important to the ‘Reinvention’ artists, and others who have contributed to the time capsule, that the challenges and triumphs be shared as well,” said Kim Bergeron, curator of the art exhibition and event. “This time capsule will contain the good, the bad and the ugly, including showing the ways communities came together, how the internet became a vital lifeline to connectivity, and even how issues such as face masks and school and business shutdowns sparked controversies. These are all parts of our stories.”
The Reinvention exhibition and time capsule project has been presented by Artists & Causes arts advocacy organization and hosted by the City of Slidell. It was supported in part by a grant from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, and the time capsule was funded by St. Tammany Parish Commission on Cultural Affairs. Additional support for the event was provided by the Northshore Media Group (Edge of the Lake magazine, The Highway Radio and The Lake Radio,) Slidell Magazine, Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition and The Northshore Collaborative.
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Slidell’s Bayou Christmas on display Dec. 15-18 and Dec. 22-23

Slidell’s Bayou Christmas returns to Heritage Park! Come enjoy the festivities on Thursday, Dec. 15 through Sunday, Dec. 18 and on Dec 22 and 23.

This annual holiday event, sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Slidell and the City of Slidell, features live entertainment, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, an ice skating rink, kiddie rides, food and craft vendors, narrated Nativity scene created by artist Lori Anselmo, plus other special holiday surprises. Admission is free, but donations to the Boys and Girls Club are welcomed.

The lights will be on each night in Heritage Park from Dec. 15 to Dec 25.

 

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White Linen and Lagniappe 2022 Poster Artist – Keith Dellsperger

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer, the City of Slidell, and the members of the Slidell Commission on the Arts would like to congratulate Keith Dellsperger for being selected as the White Linen and Lagniappe 2022 Poster Artist. His art work, “Like This, Mommy?” will be featured on the White Linen and Lagniappe poster and on the cover of the August 2022 edition of Slidell Magazine.

The fourth annual White Linen and Lagniappe takes place on Saturday, August 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Olde Towne Slidell. This family-friendly event features an evening of art, live entertainment, fine and casual dining, cool drinks, unique shopping and lots of lagniappe. Several bands will be playing during the event, including Witness and Audio Beach. Many of Olde Towne’s offices, restaurants, bars, shops, and stores will be open during the event to showcase their businesses.

This collaborative event is hosted by the City of Slidell, Olde Towne Slidell Main Street, Slidell Historic Antique Association and the Olde Towne Merchants Association.

Slidell artist Keith Dellsperger’s passion for creating art started at a young age while taking classes at David School of Art in Metairie. He attended all four years of art classes while at East Jefferson High School and continued his fine arts studies at Delgado Community College where he majored in Commercial Art. When he started a family, he had to put art aside to start a career, but thankfully he returned to art in 2009 and has been painting ever since.

Dellsperger serves on Slidell’s Commission on the Arts and is a past president of the Slidell Art League. His work has been displayed in numerous art exhibitions where he has won several awards, and his art has been featured on the cover of Slidell Magazine several times. In 2019, Dellsperger and his wife Kelly, both displayed their art work in their joint exhibition “All in the Family” at the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall.

“I am truly honored to have been selected as the 2022 White Linen and Lagniappe poster artist. This year is extra special due to the fact that this event is returning to Olde Towne Slidell. It seems like it’s been gone for a lifetime since the pandemic began,” said Dellsperger. “With all that the City of Slidell does in the name of culture, I truly believe that our city does not get all the recognition and accolades it deserves for being a cultural community. I love being a part of the Slidell art community along with many other talented artists, and I hope that everyone comes out to Olde Towne Slidell to enjoy this event.”

During White Linen and Lagniappe, Dellsperger will be selling signed copies of the event poster at Dellsperger Studios, located at 1920 First Street in Olde Towne Slidell.

White Linen and Lagniappe is sponsored by the City of Slidell’s 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; In Memory of Ronnie Kole; Silver Slipper Casino; Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert; Home Instead; Lori’s Art Depot; Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency; Purple Armadillo Again, LLC; P. David Carollo, Attorney-at-Law; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; State Representative Mary DuBuisson, District 90; Dr. David Hildebrandt – Slidell Family Dentistry; Old School Eats Food Truck; Pizza Platoon; Pontchartrain Investment Management; Slidell Historic Antique Association; and Tanya Witchen – Engel & Völkers Real Estate.

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.

 

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A ‘Retrospective’ of the art of George Dunbar opens Friday, March 18, at Slidell Cultural Center

The City of Slidell, the Olde Towne Arts Commission (OTAC) and the City of Slidell’s Commission on the Arts are proud to announce the upcoming Arts Evening exhibition, “George Dunbar: A Retrospective” opening on Friday, March 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall.
This is the first solo exhibition for Mr. Dunbar, Slidell’s premiere artist. His work is in the collections of the British Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Whitney Museum, as well as prestigious galleries from New York to New Orleans. The Retrospective exhibit will include quintessential works from his private collection, including rare pieces from his early decades and recent figurative works.
“Mr. Dunbar is a world-renowned artist and we are honored that he is displaying his works here in his hometown of Slidell,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “George was an integral part of creating the Slidell Commission on the Arts and the city’s Cultural Affairs Department, designing the gallery for the original Slidell Cultural Center, and creating a rich cultural atmosphere here in Slidell. I know that our citizens are grateful for the numerous artistic contributions that he continues to make in our community.”
Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artist at the opening reception. The exhibit will also be open during Arts Evening from 5 to 9 p.m. on March 19.
The Slidell Cultural Center is located at 2055 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. The exhibit will remain on display through April 22. Gallery Hours are Mondays through Fridays, from 12 to 4 p.m. To view the exhibit during gallery hours, call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs to make an appointment at (985) 646-4375. Admission is free.
For more information about George Dunbar, please visit his website at GeorgeDunbar.com and his site at Callan Contemporary at callancontemporary.com/artists/george-dunbar/biography.
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