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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

Get ready for the biggest Halloween party in Slidell! Vince Vance and the Valiants return to Heritage Park on Saturday, October 30 for the City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Halloween Bash from 5 to 7 p.m. Kids of all ages are encouraged to attend in their Halloween costumes. Admission is free!

“Vince Vance and the Valiants has become a Halloween tradition here in Slidell,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “Vince has been doing this for our community since 2005 and I invite everyone to come out and have a great time in Heritage Park!”

Vince Vance and the Valiants are a country, pop, and rock ‘n’ roll group from New Orleans. This year, they are celebrating their 50th anniversary of performing. The group is known primarily for the single “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, which charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts on six separate occasions. In 2005, Country Music Television proclaimed “All I Want for Christmas is You” the No. 6 Merriest Video of All Time.

Performances by Vince Vance and the Valiants are never short on entertainment, with costume changes, comic skits, and a vaudeville flair that make Vance’s shows unique and highly memorable. Vance is also widely recognized for his single “I am New Orleans,” a song composed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

The Bayou Jam Fall Concert Series concludes on Saturday, Nov. 6 with a patriotic concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra from 4 to 6 p.m.

Concert‐goers are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets to the park to enjoy the free concerts. While the event is outdoors, attendees should follow all state mandated health and safety protocols and wear a mask if they go indoors to use the restroom facilities. Please note that park regulations prohibit pets in the park as well as the use of skateboards, scooters, barbeque grills and glass items.

The Bayou Jam concert series 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 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; Chateau Bleu; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; State Representative Mary DuBuisson, District 90; Flatliners Entertainment; Dr. David Hildebrandt – Slidell Family Dentistry; Old School Eats Food Truck; Pizza Platoon; Roberta’s Cleaners; 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.

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.

The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Fall Concert Series continues on Saturday, October 9, with a performance by Cuisine starting from 5 to 7 p.m. in Heritage Park. Admission is free.

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

No matter what your musical taste, Cuisine serves up something for everyone. Their musical recipe blends in some 70’s horn rock with some sharp 80’s sound, throws in a pinch of 50’s rock and roll and adds some 60’s horn music. Cuisine performed at dances, parties, charitable events and even some venue’s that famed recording artist Benny Grunch would say “Ain’t dere no more!” Form more information about Cuisine, please visit their website at www.cuisinetheband.com.

The Bayou Jam Fall Concert Series continues on Saturday, Oct. 30, with the Bayou Jam Halloween Bash with Vince Vance and the Valiants from 5 to 7 p.m. Kids of all ages are encouraged to attend in the Halloween costumes for the biggest Halloween concert in the region! And the concert series concludes on Saturday, Nov. 6 with a patriotic concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra from 5 to 7 p.m.

Concert‐goers are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets to the park to enjoy the free concerts. While the event is outdoors, attendees should follow all state mandated health and safety protocols and wear a mask if they go indoors to use the restroom facilities. Please note that park regulations prohibit pets in the park as well as the use of skateboards, scooters, barbeque grills and glass items.

The Bayou Jam concert series 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 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; Chateau Bleu; CiCi’s Pizza; Mayor Greg Cromer; State Representative Mary DuBuisson, District 90; Flatliners Entertainment; Dr. David Hildebrandt – Slidell Family Dentistry; Old School Eats Food Truck; Pizza Platoon; Roberta’s Cleaners; 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.

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.