A legendary New Orleans lineup brought the house down at the 20th annual “Home for the Holidays” concert to benefit The Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists.
Held at the House of Blues on Dec. 21, the event attracted the city’s top musical talents: Irma Thomas and John Boutte performed at the patron party, while Kermit Ruffins, Rebirth Brass Band, Flagboy Giz and DJ Raj Smoove were on stage for the main event, creating a joyful tribute to the city’s artistic heart and a beloved NOCCA alumnus.
Gralen Bryant Banks emceed the evening as performers lit up the stage for a sold-out crowd. The event also featured a silent auction which included a private dinner for 10, complete with wine pairings, prepared in-home by NOCCA’s Culinary Arts faculty and students. Another auction highlight was a striking drawing by artist Sean Friloux, capturing the magic of the Frenchmen Art Market.
Hosted by the NOCCA Foundation, this year’s concert celebrated two decades of transforming tragedy into triumph. Daniel Price, a gifted artist and graduate of NOCCA and Benjamin Franklin High School, was killed in 2003.
“‘Home for the Holidays’ was dreamed up by the Price family 20 years ago as a way to turn a profound tragedy into a celebration of Daniel’s life and a legacy of support for NOCCA’s young artists,” said NOCCA Foundation Executive Director Adonis Rose. “We’re excited to continue honoring Daniel’s legacy and further support our mission of investing in young artists and developing programs that encourage educational excellence and artistic innovation.”
Fun Fact: The event has raised more than $700,000 in scholarships for NOCCA’s top visual art and music students since it started in 2004.
