BACKBEAT FOUNDATION AND THE LOUISIANA CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE LIVING PARTNER TO CLEAR THE AIR FOR MUSIC FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL BACKBEAT JAZZFEST SERIES LETS BE TOTALLY CLEAR
THE ROOTS OF MUSIC ALL-STAR BENEFIT
Featuring THE ROOTS OF MUSIC CRUSADERS, FREE AGENTS BRASS BAND, COMO MAMAS
Plus Ivan Neville, Big Sam, Anders Osborne, Terence Higgins
& Many More Special Guests
AT
The STUDIO AT COLTON THEATRE
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2009
Time: Doors open at 7:30pm
Place: The Studio at Colton Theatre, 2300 Saint Claude Ave, New Orleans
Tickets: Advance tickets are $20 available through www.backbeatpresents.com
Please join us on Thursday, April 23rd at The Studio at Colton for a special all-star benefit concert for The Roots of Music!
The Roots of Music is a free music education program for middle-school students in New Orleans run by Program Director Derrick Tabb of The Rebirth Brass Band, Band Director Lawrence Rawlins, and Instructors Shoan Ruffin, Allen Dejan, and Edward Lee. Through a hands-on music curriculum of history, theory, instrumental instruction, field trips and performances, The Roots of Music encourages middle-school children, ages 9-14, to develop their musical talents and skills, while providing them with a positive alternative to street life. The Roots of Music program is committed to preserving New Orleans’ musical heritage, provide the essential musical element in New Orleans national tourism campaigns and most importantly, getting kids off the streets.
The Roots of Music All-Star Benefit concert will showcase the talents of the program’s very own students in a performance by their marching band, The Roots of Music Crusaders. Joining The Roots of Music Crusaders for this special evening will be one of the newest and most happening brass bands in New Orleans, the Free Agents Brass Band followed by the raw, soulful, and powerful voices of Mississippi gospel singers The Como Mamas. Also unleashing their talents for the cause will be New Orleans’ funk legend Ivan Neville, trombone powerhouse Big Sam (Big Sam’s Funky Nation), guitar sensation Anders Osborne, the internationally known drummer of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Terence Higgins, and many more special guests. All proceeds will benefit The Roots of Music after school music program.
Put your dancing shoes on and come party for a cause on Thursday, April 23rd at The Studio at Colton Theater!
And remember, this year the Backbeat Jazzfest Series will be offering music lovers and the musicians they love smoke-free environments at all shows.
Advance tickets are $25 and can be purchased at www.backbeatpresents.com or www.ticketweb.com.
THIS WEEK AT THE OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART
THURSDAY
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ogden After Hours presents Michael Pellera with the NOCCA Quintet
SATURDAY
6 p.m. The Art of Southern Film: "Johnny Cash’s America"
SAVE THE DATES!
May 8, 2009 – Exhibition Reception – “Provocations: Tulane School of Architecture Thesis Projects 2009”
May 15, 2009 – 5th Annual Sippin’ in Seersucker
July 6-17, 2009 – Summer Camp @ the O: New Drama and Art Camp
July 20-31, 2009 – Summer Camp @ The O: New Drama and Art Camp
October 17, 2009 – O What A Night gala
Hotel Monteleone “Jazzy Jams” Concerts Kick off Friday, April 24
Carousel Bar & Lounge to be the Post-Jazz Fest Place for Live Music
NEW ORLEANS, La. – After a day of music and fun in the sun at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival fairgrounds, the nighttime place to be for hot jazz and cool drinks is the Carousel Bar & Lounge at the legendary Hotel Monteleone.
The hotel’s “Jazzy Jams” sessions feature locally-based, nationally-recognized musicians who give hotel guests and locals an intimate, yet fascinating taste of musical New Orleans. Hosted each night by local piano player, John Autin, the evening begins at 9 p.m. and goes until 1 a.m.
The Carousel Bar, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, has been home to an exciting array of musical acts over the years and continues to showcase the city’s most talented musicians and entertainers. Long a favorite of both locals and tourists, the Carousel Bar & Lounge is the only bar in New Orleans that revolves around the room and overlooks famous Royal Street through large fan windows. Originally installed in 1949, the 25-seat carousel bar turns on 2,000 large steel rollers, pulled by a chain that is powered by a one-quarter horsepower motor. While the bar always rotates at the same speed, visitors who have imbibed for a while often claim that the bartender has turned up the motor’s speed.
For those wanting to take a spin and listen to some of the best music the city has to offer, the Jazzy Jams schedule* is as follows:
April 24 – Cindy Scott
25 – Lindsay Mendez
26 – Tom McDermott
27 – Don Vappie
28 – John "Papa" Gros
29 – Big Daddy ‘O’
30 – Theresa Andersson
May 1 – Mitch Woods
2 – Cherie Mannino
3 – Leslie Smith
Since 1886, the Hotel Monteleone, <http://www.hotelmonteleone.com/>www.hotelmonteleone.com, has proudly stood as one of the first landmarks in the famous French Quarter. The hotel is the Quarter’s largest full-service hotel, featuring 600 comfortable, luxurious guestrooms and suites. Hotel Monteleone is within walking-distance of some of New Orleans most famous attractions and is conveniently located eleven miles from the Louis Armstrong International Airport. Hotel Monteleone is a member of the Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, a three-time AAA Four Diamond award-winner, and has won the J.D. Power and Associates Upscale Hotel Award for “An Outstanding Guest Experience” for the past three years.
*About the Jazzy Jams musicians:
April 24 – Cindy Scott: Cindy is a classically trained flutist who discovered Jazz as an exchange student in Germany. Her singing carries the influences of well know jazz artists Sarah Vaughn and Karrie Allyson with a hint of Rickie Lee Jones.
April 25 – Lindsay Mendez: A day before her 14th Birthday, Lindsay signed her first record contract with RABADASH Records of New Orleans. She became the youngest musician to ever sign with the label. Nationally acclaimed pianist, Rabadash Records owner and Jazzy Jams host, John Autin, has teamed up with Lindsay on their first recording project.
April 26 -Tom McDermott: In 1984 Tom McDermott moved to New Orleans and found steady work as a solo pianist and later with jazz bands around town. >From 1990 through 1995 he played with the world-renowned Dukes of Dixieland. In 2005 he released a Brazilian-music masterpiece, Choro de Norte, recorded in Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans.
April 27 – Don Vappie: The Creole Jazz Serenaders is New Orleans premier classic jazz orchestras. Led by Don Vappie, their repertoire includes creole jazz from early years, as well as music from Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and many others.
April 28 – John "Papa" Gros: Papa Grows Funk, led by John “Papa” Gros, is a “who’s-who” of New Orleans best musicians, their tight grooves re-define the funk-jam band.
April 29 – Big Daddy ‘O’: Raised in New Orleans, Big Daddy ‘O’ started singing at the age of 19 on the streets of the French Quarter. For over thirty years he has been playing in roadhouses and bars in the delta area near the Louisiana/ Mississippi border.
April 30 – Theresa Andersson: Originally from Sweden, Andersson came to New Orleans in 1990 to play violin. She has performed and recorded with several legendary New Orleans Musicians, including Allen Toussaint, the Neville Brothers, the Meters and Betty Harris, and most recently performed on Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
May 1 – Mitch Wood: Mitch Wood and His Rocket 88’s have been called “the torch bearers of a great American Musical Heritage.” Their style is often described as Nouveau Swing.
May 2 – Cherie Mannino: Having performed in Los Angeles and all over New Orleans from Snug Harbor to the House of Blues, songstress, Cherie Mannino, has shared the stage with such legendary singers as Rosemary Clooney and Linda Ronstadt.
May 3 – Leslie Smith: Born in New Orleans, Leslie Smith started singing on the streets, quickly joined the ranks of the finest musicians in the Crescent City, playing in the premier music venues. She has performed and recorded with New Orleans’ finest artists including musical patriarch, Ellis Marsalis, and the legendary singer/composer, Allen Toussaint.
For more information about the Jazzy Jams lineup or about the Hotel Monteleone, please visit: www.hotelmonteleone.com.
LOUISIANA ARTWORKS PRESENTS
PHOTOGRAPHY: THE INDEX
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009, 7:00 PM
WHAT: The photograph literally reflects its subject, inscribing its trace onto a light-sensitive surface. This fact forms a unique connection between the photograph and that which it describes. This panel considers the indexical nature of photography by looking at contemporary projects in a discussion with photographers Jerry Spagnoli, Deborah Luster, duo Keith Calhoun and Chandra McCormick, and freelance curator Eva Diaz; moderated by photographer Stephen Hilger. To what extent does photography’s indexicality–its link to what is real–remain as the medium continues to evolve away from traditional photographic materials toward digital technologies?
Suggested Donation $3.00.
WHEN: Panel Discussion will take place on April 28th, 2009 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.
WHERE: Louisiana ArtWorks
725 Howard Avenue, New Orleans, LA
(at the corner of Carondelet Street, just off Lee Circle)
WHO: Moderator Stephen Hilger, Photographer
Panelists:
Jerry Spagnoli
Deborah Luster
Keith Calhoun & Chandra McCormick
Eva Diaz, PhD, Freelance Curator
This program is made possible by the Joan Mitchell Foundation and a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council through the Louisiana Division of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
InterContinental New Orleans Partners with SRI Entertainment & Active Music
To Host Jam Session in the Lobby Lounge
Featuring Artists from the "Friends and Family Celebrate Ella’s Birthday" Concert What: The InterContinental New Orleans, in partnership with SRI Entertainment and Active Music, will host a free live jam session in the hotel lobby lounge.
From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. local jazz musician John Royan will be playing in the lobby lounge and will be joined throughout the evening by various artists playing at the "Friends and Family Celebrate Ella’s Birthday" concert.
Artists participating in the jam session at the hotel may include:
– Maria Muldaur – Sophie B. Hawkins
– Evie Sands – James Moody
– Kim Hoyer – David Somerville
– Sally Kellerman – Terry Gibbs
– Dawn Bishop – Billy Vera
– Paul Williams – Haylee
When: Thursday, April 23rd 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: 444 St. Charles Ave., Hotel Lobby Lounge
Background:
"Friends and Family Celebrate Ella’s Birthday" Concert
The "Friends and Family Celebrate Ella’s Birthday" Concert is a one-time-only benefit concert paying homage to America’s "First Lady of Song" – Ella Fitzgerald. The concert will take place at historic Generations Hall on Fitzgerald’s 92nd birthday, Saturday April 25th, during the first weekend of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
The show will reunite nearly all of the world class vocalists and musicians who appear on Ray Brown Jr.’s album "Friends and Family".
The event – headlined by Ray Brown Jr., Ella Fitzgerald’s son – is being presented by SRI Entertainment in association with non-profit Active Music, and will raise money for America’s Wetland Foundation. There will also be a free "People’s Concert" at Heritage Park on Friday April 24th immediately following the conclusion of Jazz Fest’s opening day.
Jazz Fest’s ‘Outside the Tent’ Exhibit to Showcase 2009 Crafts Participants
Opening Reception to be Held Wednesday, April 15, at the
Jazz & Heritage Gallery
1205 N. Rampart St.
6 pm to 8 pm
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell will present the first-ever "Outside the Tent" exhibit, showcasing the amazing artistic talent scheduled to take part in the 40th anniversary Festival. "Outside the Tent" will kick off with an opening night reception on Wednesday, April 15. from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Jazz & Heritage Gallery (1205 N. Rampart St.).
The exhibit will remain on display through Friday, May 1.
The Gallery’s regular opening hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The exhibit will offer Jazz Fest fans an early opportunity to view the spectacular artwork that will be part of the upcoming Festival, slated for April 24 – 26 & April 30 – May 3, 2009 at the Fair Grounds Race Course.
"Outside the Tent" will feature the unique talent and craftsmanship of local craft participants, while the work of all artists taking part in the Festival will be available for review.
Open to the public, the opening night reception will be a festive evening celebrating the wealth of talent presented by the Festival in a gallery setting.
Annually attracting hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world, Jazz Fest boasts four unique crafts areas; the Congo Square African Marketplace, Contemporary Crafts, Louisiana Marketplace and Folklife Village.
For information about the "Outside the Tent" exhibit or the opening night reception, please contact Kelli Welch at (504) 410-4100 or at craftsadmin@nojazzfest.com.
NOWFE OFFERS A BALANCE OF WINE & FOOD
Seminars and special events to tempt all levels of wine and food lovers NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – The 18th annual New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) brings together the best in local food with over 1000 wines, May 19 – 23, 2009. Inspired by world-class, local ingredients and culinary talent, NOWFE will present wine dinners, food and wine seminars, and many special events during its five-day extravaganza.
"Wine is the heart of NOWFE, and food is the pulse," states Joyce Godbold, NOWFE Executive Director. "Our ever-popular wine and food seminars are what NOWFE is all about- showcasing our acclaimed local chefs while creating exciting discussions about the latest trends in the wine world." On Wednesday, May 20th over 30 chefs from some of New Orleans most celebrated restaurants will create 5 course dinners paired with many of the world’s best wines at wine dinners around the New Orleans area (for a full listing of participating restaurants and wineries please visit www.nowfe.com), followed by the newest event, FEASTiVAL – featuring wine notables and celebrity chefs on Thursday, May 21st. The Grand Tastings (Friday, May 22nd & Saturday, May 23rd), featuring 75 New Orleans restaurants and over 1000 vintages, will bring the extravaganza to a close. Specialized and intimate wine and food seminars will take place throughout the week, as well.
NOWFE’s wine seminar series will inform, inspire and challenge the palate of both the novice and expert connoisseur, with in-depth information from leading experts in the wine world. “In addition to the educational aspect of NOWFE, we strive to provide exciting and entertaining events, including VINOLA, our premium wine tasting event added two years ago,” says Godbold. Riedel will sponsor VINOLA and attendees will take home a Riedel glass as a special gift. Returning again, the Krewe of Cork—a Mardi Gras style group of wine lovers who gather to celebrate wine, food and fun—will parade during the Royal Street Stroll.
visit www.nowfe.com for more information.
W French Quarter Hosts
Backbeat CD Release Party & Courtyard Concert
For voracious music lovers looking for something to quench their appetite for live music in between festivals look no further. W French Quarter and the Backbeat Foundation announced a special concert celebrating the release of the compilation CD of artists featured in the Backbeat Jazzfest Series 09’ (including Soulive, Rotary Downs, Grupo Fantasma, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, and Marco Benevento). This event will feature performances by Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Anders Osborne and other special guests in the W French Quarter Courtyard on Tuesday, April 21 from 6 – 9pm.
This evening is sponsored by W French Quarter Hotel, Tobacco Free Living, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Jim Beam, Don Q, Sauza, and NewOrleans.com. Entry fee is $20 and includes a copy of the CD, specialty drink open bar and tasty bites from Jacques-Imo’s. Proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Backbeat Foundation.
Space is limited, please RSVP to <info@backbeatfoundation.org
DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS
MICKEY & MINNIE’S MAGICAL JOURNEY at the UNO LAKEFRONT ARENA
WHO: Disney On Ice
WHAT: Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey
WHEN: Show Times:
Thursday, April 30
7:00 pm
Friday, May 1
10:30 am and 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 2
11:00 am, 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Sunday, May 3
11:00 am, 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
WHERE: UNO Lakefront Arena
6801 Franklin Avenue
HOW: Ticket Prices: $15, $22, with a limited number of VIP and Rink side seating available.
WHY: Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they travel to four exciting destinations all in one fun-filled ice production! Pack your bags and get ready for globe-trotting adventures in Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey performing at Lakefront Arena. Audiences will be transported straight from their Lakefront Arena seats into the magical worlds of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Lilo & Stitch and Peter Pan in this passport-to-adventure spectacular created for the entire family!
2009 French Quarter Festival Kickoff Party!
Join us for the kickoff to festival season in New Orleans – French Quarter Festival’s T.G.I.F. ‘Thank Goodness it’s Festival!’ party comes home to beautiful, historic – and FUN – Pat O’Brien’s, in the heart of the French Quarter.
Special musical guest this year is Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington and the Roadmasters. Local legend Dr. John was quoted as saying "Since I first heard The Wolf, I thought that he was one of the hippest guitar players and singers! …I think "Doin’ The Funky Thing" is crucialchronic FUNK at its best!"
Enjoy great music, cocktails, and incredible food, at the most ‘fest’ive party of the year! Founded 1933, Pat O’Brien’s says that the main reason for its success is the fervor New Orleanians have for the place. "Even though millions of people visit Pat O’s every year, locals are the reason the doors stay open" says Shelly Oechsner Waguespack, Vice President. "Locals are the heart and soul of what we are all about… passion for fun and life."
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ORDER TICKETS:
Call 504.522.5730 or 800.673.5725
