UnknownNEW ORLEANS (press release) – French Quarter Fest kicks off the 2020 festival season on Friday, March 6, 2020, with its annual gala fundraiser at New Orleans’ state-of-the-art entertainment venue, The Fillmore New Orleans. Evan Christopher and David Torkanowsky will perform at the 7 p.m. patron party that precedes the gala. Gala guests will experience a night with New Orleans’ bilingual pop band Sweet Crude and Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band. Sweet Crude’s unique style of French and English lyrics are punctuated with pop-rock tunes from the six-piece band, and no band exemplifies the essence and soul of New Orleans like Rebirth Brass Band. The gala will feature a full open bar, dinner, and a silent auction. The night’s entertainment is a prelude to the full suite of Louisiana music at the festival.

2020 honorees include musician Walter “Wolfman” Washington, OffBeat Magazine publisher Jan Ramsey, and Vance Vaucresson of Vaucresson’s Sausage. French Quarter Festivals, Inc. will also honor the late Earl Bernhardt and Tropical Isle for years of support and commitment to the French Quarter community.

The gala serves as a fundraiser for the non-profit French Quarter Festivals, Inc. and provides fans with a direct way to support the organization. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at frenchquarterfest.org/gala. Gala tickets are $155 or fans can upgrade their experience by purchasing VIP Patron tickets for $250. In addition to single tickets, tables are available for local businesses and team leaders who want a way to support the free French Quarter Festival and provide employees or important clients with an unforgettable VIP experience.