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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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City offices closed April 7 in observance of Easter holiday

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

In observance of the Easter holiday, city offices will be closed on Friday, April 7. for Good Friday and will reopen during regular hours on Monday, April 10, 2023.

Essential personnel will remain on duty, should an emergency arise. If Slidell residents experience problems with their water or sewer service, they should call the City Services 24-hour emergency hotline at (985) 643-6140.

 

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‘Slidell’s Big Shot: Zulu Big Shot 2023 Meets Slidell Royalty’ Mardi Gras Costume Exhibit opens April 15 during Arts Evening

The City of Slidell is honored to host “Slidell’s Big Shot: Zulu Big Shot 2023 Meets Slidell Royalty” a Mardi Gras costume exhibit featuring Zulu Big Shot 2023 Terrance McGuire’s Zulu Big Shot costume. His wife Hyacinth’s costume will also be on display, along with other Zulu memorabilia.

The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club was formed in 1909 and the Krewe is known for their colorful floats and elaborate costumes. Their signature throw, hand-painted coconuts, are highly sought after each year. Zulu’s Big Shot character was created in the 1930’s by member Paul E. Johnson. The role of the Big Shot is to one-up the King, by throwing more elaborate parties and wearing flashy clothing. The Big Shot is second only to the King.

Mardi Gras costumes worn by Slidell Mardi Gras royalty will also be on display. The costumes are on loan from the Slidell Mardi Gras Museum, from the collection of museum curator Bonnie Vanney.

“Terrance is the first Zulu Big Shot from Slidell and we are honored to have the opportunity to display his costume in the City of Slidell,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “I would like to thank Terrance and his family, Bonnie Vanney and the Slidell Mardi Gras Museum, and the staff of the Dept. of Cultural & Public Affairs for putting together this exhibit for our citizens.”

The opening ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. in conjunction with the City of Slidell’s 29th annual Arts Evening, a large art block party featuring artists, live entertainment, fine and casual dining and unique shopping opportunities in Olde Towne Slidell. Both events take place on Saturday, April 15, 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

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Salad Days Student Art Exhibit now on display at City Hall

Salad Days are here again!

After a few years off due to the pandemic, the Salad Days Juried Exhibition of Student Art returned this year with an opening reception and award presentation on Friday, March 10. The 32nd annual exhibit, featuring the works of St. Tammany Parish students from kindergarten to 12th grade, is currently on display in the George Dunbar Gallery Gallery at the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall.

“We are incredibly blessed to have so many talented students here in St. Tammany Parish and I would like to congratulate all the Salad Days artists,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “I invite everyone to come to City Hall and see these amazing works of art.”

This year’s juror is Victoria Allen, an editorial illustrator, artist and art teacher. A former Salad Days student, Allen started painting when she was young and had work accepted into local and regional exhibits. Her more recent work has been showcased, recognized, and received awards in numerous exhibitions and competitions both statewide and nationally. Allen graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design, and then worked in New York City as an illustrator with Imaginary Forces. In 2020, she received her Master’s in Mass Communication and Certificate in Strategic Communications from Louisiana State University. She now works as a Social Media & Creative Strategist for TILT advertising agency in Baton Rouge and is also an Adjunct Professor of Visual Communication at LSU Manship.

Salad Days entries are divided into four age categories. First, Second, Third and Honorable Mentions are awarded in each category.

Category A (5 – 8 years old)

  • 1st Place – Laura Chin, Flamingo
  • 2nd Place – Matthew Landry, Blue Jay
  • 3rd Place – Jack Tomasich, Monet of Flowers
  • Honorable Mention – Dru Chagnard, The Lost Alligator
  • Honorable Mention – Laura Chin, Springtime Bears

Category B (9 – 11 years old)

  • 1st Place – Ashley Mannin0, Blue and Me
  • 2nd Place – Owen Davenport, The Wolf and the Starry Night
  • 3rd Place – Aaliyah Atamanyuk, Pretty in Pink
  • Honorable Mention – Albert Bernard Jr., The Prince of Rails
  • Honorable Mention – Dylan Landry, Bruce the Moose
  • Participating artists – Joseph Bordes, Amelia Chin, Rhyan Higginbottom, Morgan Roberts, and Olivia Yi

Category C (12 – 14 years old)

  • 1st Place – Hana Wall, To See Clearly
  • 2nd Place – Hana Wall, Cursing Imagination
  • 3rd Place – Max Stark, Tiger
  • Honorable Mention – Melanie Clapp, Dog
  • Honorable Mention – Cambrie Roger, A Glimpse of Peace
  • Participating artist – Camille Hicks

Category D (15- 18 years old)

  • 1st Place – Zoe Boudreaux, Fishy Business
  • 2nd Place – Abigail Gumpert, Misery Loves Company
  • 3rd Place – Connor Carollo, Chess with Grandpa
  • Honorable Mention – Kaiden McKleroy, Apres la nuit
  • Honorable Mention – Ella Steele, Serendipity
  • Participating artists – Kate Marks, Nhi Nguyen, Alexis Cierra St. Romain, Rylie Richards, and Isabella Vindell

The Slidell Cultural Center is located at 2055 Second Street, on the first floor of Slidell City Hall. Gallery Hours are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12 to 4 p.m. Gallery viewings are by appointment only by calling the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at (985) 646-4375. Same day appointments are available. Admission is free.

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St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Sunday, March 12 – Olde Towne Street Closures Announced

In preparation for the Olde Towne Merchant Association’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, several streets in the Olde Towne area will start closing at 6:00 a.m.

For public safety, any vehicle that is left parked along the parade route after 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 12, will be towed at the owners expense.

This includes sections of:

  • Bouscaren St.
  • First St.
  • Erlanger Ave.
  • Fremaux Ave.
  • Teddy Ave.
  • Front St.
  • Carey St.
  • Cousin St.
  • Robert St.
  • Brakefield St.
  • Guzman St.
  • Bryan St.
  • Cleveland Ave.
  • Bilten Ave.
  • Mayfield Ave.
  • Old Spanish Trail
  • Lee St.
  • College St.
  • William Tell St.
  • Ciruti St.

Please refer to the parade route map to see the affected streets.

The Slidell Police Department will begin closing down streets along the parade route to vehicular traffic at a later time. Please do not congregate in the streets until all the streets are closed.

 

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Olde Towne Streets closed March 18 for Elite Fishing Block Party

In preparation for the Elite Fishing Weigh-in event and Block Party on Saturday, March 18, several streets in Olde Towne Slidell will start closing at 8:00 a.m. This includes sections of Bouscaren, First and Cousin streets.

The City of Slidell is happy to partner with Elite Fishing Series, Louisiana Northshore and Olde Towne Slidell Main Street for this event on Saturday, March 18, from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission is free.

Once bollards are in place, any vehicle that is inside the perimeter will not be able to exit Olde Towne until after 6 p.m., when the bollards are removed. Once bollards are in place, no vehicles will be able to enter or leave the closed off areas in Olde Towne.

For more information about this event, please visit https://eliteredfishseries.com/tour-stop-2/

 

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Slidell hosts George Dunbar documentary screening on March 16

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer is inviting the community to join him for the public screening of George Dunbar: Mining the Surfaces, a new documentary from WLAE-TV, on Thursday, March 16 at 6 p.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. The screening is presented in partnership by George Dunbar, WLAE, Olde Towne Arts Commission, and Olde Towne Slidell Main Street. Admission is free.

The documentary features world-renowned artist George Dunbar and covers his expansive career as an artist.

“George has made Slidell his home for many years and his inspiration can be seen throughout our community,” said Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer. “He 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 hope that everyone joins us March 16 to celebrate George.”

From WLAE-TV: “From the early days of Abstract Expressionism in New York, working with giants like Franz Kline and Willem de Kooning, showing with the former, his body of work has run like a river through the varied series and mediums over time. George Dunbar’s love of New Orleans, his inspiration derived from the landscape here, his place in the rise of modern and contemporary art in the area, and his rare approachability as an artist of voluminous contribution, are the substance of this long overdue documentary on the man and his work.”

The Slidell Municipal Auditorium is located at 2055 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. Doors open at 5:45 and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free.

For more information about City of Slidell news and events, please visit MySlidell.com and the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook.

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City offices closed Feb. 20-21 for President’s Day and Mardi Gras

In observation of President’s Day and Mardi Gras, city offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20, and Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Offices will reopen during regular hours on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023.

Essential personnel will remain on duty, should an emergency arise. If Slidell residents experience problems with their water or sewer service, they should call the City Services 24-hour emergency hotline at (985) 643-6140.

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USAF Band of the West performs free concert on Feb. 23 in Slidell

Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer invites the public to join him on Thursday, February 23, at 6 p.m. for a concert featuring the United States Air Force Band of the West Velocity Jazz Ensemble. The concert will be held at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium and admission is free.

The USAF Band of the West is a musical organization with an outstanding record of achievement. The Airmen assigned to the band are highly-trained professional musicians who have dedicated themselves to serving their country through music.

The USAF Band of the West travels more than 125,000 miles annually and provides hundreds of performances to military and civilian audiences throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Puerto Rico. The organization is made up of the large ensembles Concert Band, Ceremonial Marching Band, Dimensions in Blue, and three popular music groups, Warhawk, Top Flight, and Velocity. Small ensembles within the unit include Freedom Brass, Gateway Brass, Spectrum Winds, Nightwatch, Mission Winds, and protocol combos. This diversity enables the USAF Band of the West to perform practically any style of music from classical and country to marches and mambos.

The USAF Band of the West has performed for presidents, heads of state, and dignitaries from around the world earning an outstanding reputation among America’s military bands.

The USAF Band of the West has a long lineage in the United States Air Force. The band was created on October 1st, 1941 at Moffett Field, California and moved to Enid Army Airfield soon after. With the birth of the United States Air Force in 1947, the band moved to what eventually became Lackland Air Force Base. The band was inactivated in 1955 but reactivated in 1959. The title “Band of the West” was used for years until May 1st, 1997 when it was granted official status.

The Slidell Municipal Auditorium is located at 2056 Second Street in Olde Towne Slidell. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Feb. 15, 2023 proclaimed “Safe Path to School” Day

February 15, 2023, is “Safe Path to School” Day in the City of Slidell, Louisiana to commemorate the one year anniversary of the passing of Emma Savoie, an elementary student who was struck by a vehicle at a Slidell area school last year. Mayor Greg Cromer held a press conference with St. Tammany Parish Public School System Superintendent Frank Jabbia, Dr. Andrew Pizza with Slidell Memorial Hospital, and Emma’s parents, Brent and Amy Savoie, the founders of the Emma Bell Foundation and the Safe Path to School Task Force. The goal is to bring awareness to a new public safety initiative for student safety and to increase safety protocols for students when travelling to and from school and while on the school campus.

After the tragic passing of Emma Savoie, an elementary student who was struck by a vehicle at a Slidell area school last year, the Safe Path to School Task Force was created by Emma’s family with the mission of bringing awareness of student safety by suggesting infrastructure changes to school parking lots, school zones, and public streets as well as school processes addressing students moving throughout the school grounds.

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