Party at the Cabildo? Sounds intriguing… and the Louisiana Museum Foundation delivered when it hosted its annual Founders Ball, this year marking the debut of “Rodrigue: Before the Blue Dog,” which spotlights the early works of New Iberia-born artist George Rodrigue. These paintings poignantly illustrate Cajun life—landscapes, people and folklore—before Rodrigue’s Blue Dog fame.
Among the night’s highlights was the appearance of Diane Keogh, who portrayed the original “Evangeline,” a figure in many Rodrigue paintings. The Blue Dog, however, was omnipresent, with guests festively dressed in varying hues of blue, and assorted Blue Dog accents throughout, which started in the Cabildo entryway with David Torkanowsky performing on the Rodrigue-painted Steinway, on loan from the Sheraton Hotel.
The musical lineup also reflected Rodrigue’s roots and included Louis Michot, Jonny Campos and Corey Ledet, Les Frères Michot, The Holiday Playgirls, and Lost Bayou Ramblers. A silent auction featured 45 items including a Rodrigue original, a diamond ring from Adler’s, and culinary and hospitality experiences. Catering was provided by Dickie Brennan & Co., Stanley, Columns and Fives.
Among the night’s VIPs were Bill Goldring, who was honored for his philanthropic contributions, as well as the evening’s honorary co-chairs, Rodrigue sons André Rodrigue and Jacques Rodrigue with wife, Mallory Page Rodrigue, and special appearances by Veronica Rodrigue Redman (the sons’ mother) and Wendy Rodrigue Magnus (Rodrigue’s widow). The exhibition is on view at the Cabildo through Sept. 28.
Fun Fact: A special boudin buffet, along with an oyster bar from Fives, provided late-night snacks in the courtyard where partygoers, including Arcade Fire’s Win Butler and Regine Chassagne, were among those dancing to music from Lost Bayou Ramblers.
