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Enjoy an “Enchanting’ Evening of Music on May 16

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 beautiful sunset over scenic Bayou Bonfouca, and voilà! You have Some Enchanted Evening!

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal, the Slidell City Council, and the Slidell Commission on the Arts are pleased to present the 24th annual Some Enchanted Evening concert on Saturday, May 16 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. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

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.

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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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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Slidell Kicks Off Mobility Master Plan, Seeks Public Input on Future Transportation Needs

The City of Slidell has launched a Mobility Master Plan to guide future transportation improvements across all modes of travel, with multiple opportunities for the public to help set priorities.

This effort is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Grant Program, which supports projects that expand access to daily needs, reconnect communities, and advance equitable outcomes, with a focus on disadvantaged communities.

The Mobility Master Plan will evaluate existing transportation systems, identify gaps, and develop multimodal solutions aimed at reducing congestion and emissions, guiding future growth, and enhancing overall quality of life. The plan will cover the City of Slidell and surrounding areas and is scheduled to take place from November 2025 through fall 2027.

The final plan will document existing conditions, identify recommended projects and solutions, and outline funding and implementation strategies.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate in upcoming events:

  • Bayou Jam Pop-Up — April 26, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Heritage Park
  • Community Open House — April 30, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., City Hall
  • North Slidell Library Pop-Up — May 7, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., North Slidell Library
  • Slidell Farmers Market Pop-Up — May 9, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., City Hall Courtyard

More information about the Mobility Master Plan is available at bit.ly/Slidell_MMP, where residents can also complete an online survey. The survey includes budgeting and mapping exercises designed to ensure community priorities are reflected in the plan. Visitors can also sign up to receive email updates.

“The Mobility Master Plan will evaluate our existing transportation systems, identify gaps, and develop practical solutions for all modes of travel,” said Daniel McElmurray, Director of Planning for the City of Slidell. “Whether you drive, walk, bike, or use a golf cart, we want to hear from you.”

The Community Open House on April 30 will provide a one-stop opportunity for residents to learn about and provide input on several city initiatives. In addition to the Mobility Master Plan, information will be available on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan, the Vacant Commercial Property Assessment, and flood protection efforts.

Individuals requiring ADA accommodations, interpretation services, or other assistance should contact SlidellMMP@gmail.com at least seven days prior to an event.

Media Contact:
Slidell Mobility Master Plan Team
SlidellMMP@gmail.com

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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:

  • Saturday, May 17: Some Enchanted Evening with the Northshore Community Orchestra
  • Sunday, May 31: Audio Beach
  • Sunday, June 7: Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band

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
  • Saturday, May 17: Some Enchanted Evening with the Northshore Community Orchestra
  • Sunday, May 31: Audio Beach
  • Sunday, June 7: Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band

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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PUBLIC NOTICE: Public Hearing and Review on the City’s 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan

The City of Slidell invites public review and comment on the City’s 2026-2027 Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan.

As part of the public review process, the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan will be available for
review and comment on Thursday, April 30, 2026, 9am to 7pm during an Open House hosted by
the City of Slidell, which is being held in the Mayor’s Community Room, First Floor City Hall, 2055
Second Street, Slidell, LA 70458. A public hearing presentation will be held from 10:00am to
11:00am to discuss the overall performance of the CDBG program, past projects and the
proposed submission of the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan.

The 2026-2027 CDBG Annual Action Plan identifies the specific projects the City will fund with
Community Development Block Grant Funds. The CDBG funds allocated to the City of Slidell for
FY 2026-2027 are $207,801. The City proposes utilizing 80 % of the allocation received for project
activities within the COBG Target Area CT409 and 20% for Administration and Planning.
Proposed projects include but are not limited to public facility and infrastructure improvements;
creating partnerships; urgent need public facility and public service activities, fair housing
education and administration. No displacement of persons will occur.
All residents, particularly low to moderate income persons, are encouraged to attend the open
house and public hearing.

A draft of the action plan is available for review at the City of Slidell Planning Department from
8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) and on the City’s website at
www.mysllidell.com May 1, 2026, through June 4, 2026. To request a particular accommodation,
for inquiries about accessibility, comments, or to ask questions, email cdbg@cityofslidell.org,;
call 985-646-4320, or deliver written requests to CDBG, c/o Planning Department, 250 Bouscaren
Street, Suite 203, Slidell, LA 70458 24 hours prior to the meeting.

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Slidell’s Mixed Media Call for Artists

DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS HERE.

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal and the City of Slidell’s Commission on the Arts are inviting artists from across the Gulf Coast region to submit entries for the upcoming Mixed Media Juried Exhibition, an annual competition known for its creativity and diversity of artistic expression.

This unique exhibition highlights artwork that incorporates two or more mediums, offering artists an opportunity to showcase innovative and interdisciplinary pieces.

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.

The competition is open to artists 18 years and older residing in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Each artist may submit up to three works, with a flat entry fee of $25. A total of $600 in awards will be presented for first, second, and third place, as selected by the juror.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, April 27, 2026, and artists will be notified of acceptance by Thursday, April 30, 2026. Complete entry details are available in the official prospectus, which can be obtained from the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs (250 Bouscaren Street, Suite 304) or downloaded from the Cultural & Public Affairs section of the city’s website at www.myslidell.com.

Selected works will be exhibited in the George Dunbar Gallery, located within the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall (2055 Second Street) in Olde Towne Slidell. The exhibition will open on Friday, May 8, 2026, with a public reception and awards presentation from 6 to 8 p.m., and will remain on display 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.

For more information, please contact the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375 or visit www.myslidell.com. Follow the City of Slidell on Facebook for updates on this and other upcoming events.

DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS HERE.

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City Offices Closed April 3 for Easter Holiday

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal and the members of the Slidell City Council would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter!

City offices will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2026, in observance of Good Friday and will resume normal operations on Monday, April 6. Residents experiencing water or sewer emergencies should contact the 24-hour City Services hotline at (985) 643-6140.

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City of Slidell Announces Winners of the 35th Annual Salad Days Juried Exhibition of Student Art

On Friday, March 27, 2026, student artists from across St. Tammany Parish were joined by family and friends in the George Dunbar Gallery at the Slidell Cultural Center for the opening reception and awards ceremony of the 35th annual Salad Days Juried Exhibition of Student Art.

Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal with Joshua Wichterich, Salad Days 2026 Juror

“Dania and I were blown away by the creativity and talent on display showcasing exceptional young artists from all over St. Tammany Parish!” said Slidell Mayor Fandal. “Thank you to Joshua Wichterich for serving as the juror and making some very difficult decisions. And a special thanks to all the student artists and their parents and art teachers who support them.”

This year’s call for artist for Salad Days drew a significant number of entries, with 80 artists submitting a total of 174 works. Due to limited gallery space, only roughly 30 percent of the entries submitted were selected for the final exhibition.

The 2026 juror was Joshua B. Wichterich, an award-winning artist, illustrator, author, and founder of Blue Wing Press. Wichterich has illustrated more than 60 children’s books, and his work has been featured in numerous City of Slidell exhibitions, including the 2024 show All in the Family. He was also recently selected as the White Linen 2025 Poster Artist.

A dedicated advocate for the arts and youth, Wichterich frequently contributes to the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. He previously collaborated with the museum and local students on a butterfly art installation that debuted in 2025. Deeply involved in the community, he has served as a judge for the Louisiana Wildfowl Carvers and Collectors Guild and is a member of the Rotary Club of Slidell, the Ozone Camellia Club, and the Leadership Northshore Class of 2026.

“These are the future artists and leaders of Slidell. St. Tammany Parish is filled with amazingly talented youths,” said Wichterich. “Growing up in Slidell, I was once standing in the shoes of these young artists. I hold immense respect for their courage, tenacity, and talent. It was an honor to be a juror for Salad Days and stand as an artist along with them.”

The exhibition features works from a diverse group of talented students, including: Aaliyah Atamanyuk, Lalana Atkinson, Nolee Autin, Reese Benedic, Preston Berel, Mylah Boston, LaVetra Brown, Frances Case, Ella Grace Chadwick, Laura Chin, Emma D’ Antoni, Jack Doss, Anne Ekenta, Isabel Farry, Alyssa Gaudet, Laurelyn Glass, Jillian Grimley, Lilly Claire Hatt, Charlotte Hill, Shannon Hoitenga, Andie Ingraham, Jolie Rae Jacob, Brynleigh Ann Jones, Chloe Landry, Dylan Landry, Olivia Loomis, Ashley Mannino, Kinzly McNeese, Violet Navarro, Ruby Paganuzzi, Adrian Palermo, Christian Pastoret, Grace Roberts, Max Roth, Kimber Rush, Ella Ryan, Jacob Sharp, Madison Silcox, Alexis Smith, Gabrielle “Matt” Spadoni, Hadley Stroud, Clara Tullis, Harriet Wells, Olivia Yi, and Madeline Zeringue.

Entries were divided into four age categories, with awards presented for first, second, and third place, along with honorable mentions:

Category A (Ages 5–8)
• 1st Place: Jolie Rae Jacob, “Walks with Marty”
• 2nd Place: Frances Case, “Moonlight”
• 3rd Place: Preston Berel, “Jet”
• Honorable Mention: Jolie Rae Jacob, “Sea Turtle’s Garden”
• Honorable Mention: Jack Doss, “The Forest Deer”

From L to R: Frances Case, Joshua Wichterich, Jack Doss, Jolie Rae Jacob, Mayor Fandal, Preston Berel

 

Category B (Ages 9–11)
• 1st Place: Ruby Paganuzzi, “A Day At Sea”
• 2nd Place: Laura Chin, “Orange Dreamsicle”
• 3rd Place: Christian Pastoret, “Suspicious Pelican”
• Honorable Mention: Lilly Claire Hatt, “Midnight Bloom”
• Honorable Mention: Ruby Paganuzzi, “Rainbow City”

From L to R: Ruby Paganuzzi, Joshua Wichterich, Lily Claire Hatt, Mayor Fandal, Christian Pastoret

Category C (Ages 12–14)
• 1st Place: Shannon Hoitenga, “Lotus Dream”
• 2nd Place: Ashley Mannino, “Dream a Dream”
• 3rd Place: Ella Grace Chadwick, “My…Mom”
• Honorable Mention: LaVetra Brown, “Fish”
• Honorable Mention: Ashley Mannino, “Home, Sweet Home”
• Honorable Mention: Olivia Loomis, “Sunning Wood Duck”

From L to R: Ella Grace Chadwick, Joshua Wichterich, Shannon Hoitenga, Mayor Fandal, Olivia Loomis, Asley Mannino

Category D (Ages 15–19)
• 1st Place: Jillian Grimley, “Waiter”
• 2nd Place: Violet Navarro, “A Lovely Long Bridge”
• 3rd Place: Andie Ingraham, “Childhood Memories”
• Honorable Mention: Chloe Landry, “Envy”
• Honorable Mention: Jillian Grimley, “Legs”
• Honorable Mention: Alexis Smith, “Cathedral”
• Honorable Mention: Aaliyah Atamanyuk, “Mirror, Mirror On the Wall”
• Honorable Mention: Jacob Sharp, “Hecatomb of Terror”

From L to R: Max Roth, Grace Roberts, Aaliyah Atamanyuk, Lalana Atkinson, Mylah Boston, Joshua Wichterich, Emma D’Antoni, Mayor Fandal, Charlotte Hill, Isabel Farry, Andie Ingraham, Chloe Landry

The George Dunbar Gallery is located inside the Slidell Cultural Center at 2055 Second Street, inside City Hall. Gallery hours are by appointment only, Monday through Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or by special request. Admission is free, and same-day appointments are often available. To schedule a tour, please call the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375.

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Seward Johnson Sculpture Now On Display in Olde Towne as Part of Parish-Wide “Art Imitates Life” Exhibition

The City of Slidell is proud to announce the arrival of its newest “residents” at Carey Street Park. As part of the Art Imitates Life public art exhibition, the city is now hosting “Time for Fun,” a life-sized painted bronze sculpture by world-renowned American artist Seward Johnson.

“Time for Fun” by Seward Johnson

The sculpture, which depicts a turn-of-the-century couple sharing a dance, will be on display in Olde Towne Slidell from April 2026 through April 2027. On loan from the Seward Johnson Atelier, the piece is celebrated for its remarkable realism, capturing a familiar, everyday moment that invites passersby to step into the scene and become part of the art.

“We are honored to host such a world-class piece of art right here in Olde Towne Slidell,” said Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal. “Please join me in welcoming our new ‘residents’ and extending a big thank you to the Covington Public Art Fund and Lisa Condrey for their vision in bringing this parish-wide public art project to life. I’d also like to thank the generous sponsors who made this project possible. This is a great example of how our Northshore communities can work together for the betterment of all our citizens and visitors.”

The Art Imitates Life exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Covington Public Art Fund and the communities of Abita Springs, Mandeville, Madisonville, and Slidell. The year-long event features 15 of Johnson’s iconic sculptures placed strategically throughout St. Tammany Parish to enhance the cultural landscape and encourage residents and visitors to discover the artwork while exploring the Northshore’s charming downtown districts and gathering spaces.

The Covington Public Art Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the community’s cultural landscape by raising funds to support the installation and display of public art throughout the parish.

The exhibition is made possible through the generous support of local sponsors, including Arena Collective, Aimee and Michael Bell, CJ Ladner Insurance Agency, David Fennelly, Red River Bank, Norma and Todd Richard, Carlos Sanchez, Southern Hotel, and Visit the Northshore.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the sculpture at Carey Street Park, located at 2302 Carey Street. When sharing photos of the sculpture on social media, please use the hashtags #ArtImitatesLife, #OldeTowneSlidell, #CovingtonPublicArtFund, and #VisitTheNorthshore.

For more information about the artist, please visit www.sewardjohnsonatelier.org.

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