Join Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer for a Holiday Concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium.

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 Some Enchanted Evening and Christmas 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 open at 6:30 p.m. and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free.

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.

11/28/23 UPDATE: Due to the forecasted inclement weather for this weekend, the city has rescheduled several of the events. The Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular with Vince Vance and the Valiants has been rescheduled for Friday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. in Heritage Park and the Olde Towne Slidell Community Golf Cart Christmas Parade will now roll on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. The press release below has been updated.

The City of Slidell is thrilled to announce upcoming holiday events that will enchant residents and visitors alike, marking the beginning of the festive season on December 3. From the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular featuring Vince Vance and the Valiants to Christmas Under the Stars and the Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular with Vince Vance and the Valiants
Kicking off the celebrations on Friday, December 8, at Heritage Park, the Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacular will feature the return of Vince Vance and the Valiants at 6 p.m. The King of Christmas will be performing all your favorite holiday songs, including his perennial hit, “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite holiday costumes and join in the festive spirit. Admission is free.

Christmas Under the Stars
For a magical experience, Griffith Park transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas Under the Stars. The park will be adorned with holiday lights and decorations, including life-size Christmas villages created by artist Lori Anselmo. The addition of  the new “Nightmare Before Christmas” and Disney-inspired cottages adds an extra touch of enchantment. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance in the park on Saturday, December 9, from 6 to 8 p.m., providing an opportunity for kids to visit and take photos in the gazebo. Admission is free.

Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade
On Sunday, December 3, the fourth annual Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade will roll through the historic Olde Towne, commencing at 5 p.m. Led by the Slidell Sync Lawn Chair Brigade, the parade will feature creatively decorated golf carts, with Santa and Mrs. Claus riding on an antique fire truck, spreading magical cheer throughout the community. The parade route can be found on the city’s website at MySlidell.com and the “City of Slidell” Facebook page.

All of these exciting events are made possible by the City of Slidell’s Commission on the Arts and the generous support of the 2023 Cultural Season Sponsors. The city’s departments of Cultural & Public Affairs, Parks & Recreation, Public Operations, Keep Slidell Beautiful, and the Slidell Police Department are working together to ensure the success of these celebrations.

For more information, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit the city website and Facebook page.

Come be a part of the audience on Thursday, Nov. 30, when WGNO ABC 26 broadcasts live from Christmas Under the Stars in Griffith Park for the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. news!