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Slidell’s 2023-2024 Cultural Season Kicks-off with White Linen and Lagniappe on August 12

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer and the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs are excited to announce the lineup of events for the upcoming 2023-2024 Cultural Season.

The cultural season kicks off with the seventh annual “White Linen and Lagniappe” on Saturday, August 12, 2023. This event will provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to browse artwork while shopping at antique and boutique stores, listening to live music, eating hot food, and enjoying cold drinks all throughout Olde Towne Slidell.

The evening will start with the opening of the new Antique Umbrella Alley at the corner of First and Erlanger streets. This vibrant display consists of over 80 brightly colored umbrellas suspended over First Street in the Antique District of Olde Towne. The large umbrellas will hang from suspension wires crossing the street creating a unique and tourist attraction for Olde Towne Slidell. This project was funded by the Slidell Historic Antique Association.

“The City of Slidell is proud to present an exciting cultural season that reflects the unique spirit and creativity of our community,” said Mayor Cromer. “We invite everyone to join us in Olde Towne for White Linen and Lagniappe to celebrate the new umbrella alley and all the arts, music, and culture of our beautiful city.”

As a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, Slidell is committed to nurturing and promoting the arts in all its forms. From art exhibitions and live performances to art festivals and community events, the upcoming cultural season will showcase local talent, attract regional artists, and engage residents and visitors alike in a dynamic array of cultural experiences.

Other highlights of the season include art exhibits in the George Dunbar Gallery at the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, the 20th anniversary of the Bayou Jam Concert Series with concerts held each fall and spring, Arts Evening Cultural Festival, Slidell Movie Nights, Some Enchanted Evening with the Northshore Community Orchestra, plus numerous holiday events including Christmas Under the Stars, the Olde Towne Community Golf Cart Parade, and the Holiday Concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra.

“We encourage all of our citizens to celebrate the arts in Slidell, as these events are all about family, friends, and neighbors coming together as a community,” said Alex Carollo, Director of the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs. “I would like to thank the Slidell Commission on the Arts, Mayor Cromer and city administration, Chief Fandal and the Slidell Police Department, our cultural season sponsors, and our community partners, whose support makes all of these free events possible for our citizens and visitors to enjoy.”

Cultural Season Sponsorships are now available, and any businesses or individuals that are interested in sponsoring should contact Alex Carollo at 985-646-4375 or acarollo@cityofslidell.org.

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

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Celebrate LSU Tigers Baseball and Slidell’s own Brayden Jobert on July 8

The City of Slidell is excited to announce that Saturday, July 8, 2023, will officially be Brayden Jobert Day in the City of Slidell. To commemorate this day, the city will host “Celebrating #6! Brayden Jobert and LSU Baseball Day” to honor Brayden and the Louisiana State University (LSU) 2023 Baseball National Championship team starting at 5 p.m. at the Northshore High School Gymnasium. Admission is free.

Brayden Jobert (photo courtesy of Faught Marketing)

“The City of Slidell takes great pride in recognizing local talents and their contributions to our community,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “Brayden Jobert has been an exceptional role model for our youth, and we are honored to dedicate this day to celebrate him and his fellow teammate’s achievements.”

Brayden, a native of Slidell, has exemplified excellence and sportsmanship throughout his baseball career. Growing up in Slidell, he played baseball at Slidell Bantam Baseball Association (SBBA) and Northshore High School. After graduating from Northshore, he attended and played baseball at Delgado Community College and Nicholls State before joining LSU’s team as #6 starting right fielder. His dedication, perseverance, and talent have made him an inspiration to aspiring athletes of all ages.

As part of the celebration, Brayden will meet with fans and sign autographs. A limited amount of special edition Slidell baseball cards will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Autographs are limited to one personal item (in addition to the baseball card) per person.

Northshore High School is located at 100 Panther Drive in Slidell. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and admission is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about this event, please call the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375, visit the City of Slidell’s website at MySlidell.com, and follow the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

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Olde Towne Slidell 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Show – Street Closures

In preparation for the Olde Towne Slidell 4th of July Summer Concert & Fireworks Show, the City of Slidell is announcing that several roads in Olde Towne will be closed in conjunction with the event.

Starting at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4, part of Cousin Street (from First Street to Front Street), First Street (closed bollard area from Brass Monkey to Olde Towne Pizza), and Carey Street (closed bollard area from Restaurant Coté to the intersection of Carey Street and Cousin Street).

The Olde Towne Slidell 4th of July Summer Concert & Fireworks Show is presented by the Olde Towne Merchants Association. The festivities begin at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4 in Olde Towne Slidell. There will be great food and drinks, live entertainment and fireworks at 8 p.m.

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Slidell Heritage Fest celebrates on Saturday, July 1, in Heritage Park – Street and Park Closures

In preparation for Slidell Heritage 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 and the boat launch will close to the public at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, and will remain closed until 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 2. Both entrances to Heritage Park on Bayou Lane will be closed (from Palmettos to Pennsylvania Avenue) to traffic.

The Slidell Heritage Festival is presented by the Rotary Clubs of Slidell, the City of Slidell and The New Orleans Advocate | St. Tammany Farmer. The festivities will be held in Heritage Park on July 1 from 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. There will be great food and drinks, live entertainment by Soul Revival, Amanda Shaw and Zebra and fireworks at 9 p.m.

Admission is $15 and kids 12 and under are free. All proceeds go to local charities. For more information, please visit their website at www.slidellheritagefest.org.

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‘Inspirations, Impacts, & Influences’ exhibit honoring George Dunbar opens July 14 at Slidell Cultural Center

Olde Towne Arts Commission (OTAC) and the City of Slidell are proud to announce the opening of an invitational exhibition, “Inspirations, Impacts, & Influences” at the George Dunbar Gallery in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall. The opening reception will be held on Friday, July 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free.

The concept for this exhibit is to pay homage to George Dunbar, the premier artist who brought Modern Art from New York to the Southeast in the 1950’s. Since then, Dunbar has encouraged these artists to push their own boundaries and to continuously follow their passions.

The artists include Dana Bordelon, Charlotte Lowry Collins, Lizzie Shelby Daquin, Matt Litchliter, and Martin Needom. The artists were chosen based on one commonality: their interactions with and appreciation for Dunbar, who is also the namesake of the gallery. This exhibition displays each artist’s unique views, as well as their intersections and divergences from each other.

An Artist’s Talk on Friday, July 14 at 6 p.m. will offer insight into the inspiration, impact, and influences for these artists. Both the opening and talks will be open to the public and is free of charge.

“We are excited to partner with OTAC to present this exhibit and bring together such a talented group of artists to honor George Dunbar,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “We invite everyone to join us for the opening reception and artist’s talk.”

The George Dunbar Gallery is located in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, at 2055 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. To view the exhibit, call the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are available Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit will be on display July 17 – August 25, 2023. Admission is free.

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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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UPDATE: Sugar Shaker Bayou Jam concert postponed due to weather

UPDATE: Due to the weather, we are postponing today’s Bayou Jam concert with Sugar Shaker concert. We will let everyone know about the new date soon.
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The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam concert series continues on Saturday, May 6, with the Bayou Jam debut of Sugar Shaker at 5 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!”

Sugar Shaker has provided years of memorable performances for audiences across the world. Having been named one of New Orleans’ best bands by The Times-Picayune, The New Orleans Advocate and Offbeat Magazine, they are an ensemble band with their own individual style and personality. Their members have toured the world with Maroon 5, Marc Broussard, Kenny Chesney, The Walt Disney company and more. Their music spans decades of standards and classics to the current hits of today. Visit www.sugarshakernola.com for more information about the band and to hear samples of their music.

Concert‐goers are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets to the park to enjoy the free concerts. Pizza Platoon Convoy will be onsite selling pizza, snacks and cold drinks.

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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UPDATE: Witness Bayou Jam concert postponed to Sunday, April 30, due to rain

UPDATE: Due to the weather forecast of thunderstorms for this afternoon, we are postponing today’s Bayou Jam concert. Come on out to Heritage Park tomorrow, Sunday, April 30, at 5 pm for a free concert with Witness!

The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam concert series continues on Saturday, April 22, with a performance by Witness at 5 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!”
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.
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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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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