French Quarter Fest kicked off the celebration nearly a month early, on March 22, with its annual gala fundraiser at New Orleans’ dazzling new venue, The Fillmore New Orleans.
Guests experienced a night with Grammy-winning trumpeter Nicholas Payton, a full open bar, dinner and a silent auction. A Tribe Called Gumbolia, a group of Mardi Gras Indians, second-lined throughout the event and took the stage for a powerful set. The Nayo Jones Experience entertained patrons at an exclusive private party before the event.
More than 600 guests had the opportunity to bid on auction prizes such as a Drew Brees signed football and Anthony Davis jersey donated by Chevron; a signed Blue Dog print by George Rodrigue; an Abita Pub VIP Experience; a “Tourist in Your Own Town” package (including experiences at the Omni Royal Orleans and the National WWII Museum); Bevolo Home Décor; an Evening on the Riverboat City of New Orleans package; a pair of Pepsi Beach Cruiser Bicycles; photography prints by Michelle Elmore; Jack Daniel’s Tanglewood Electric Guitar; hand painted original artwork by Simon of New Orleans; a French Quarter Fest 2019 poster signed by Ayo Scott; a French Quarter Fest 2011 poster signed by Pete Fountain, Connie Jones and Tim Laughlin; and The Revivalists at The Fillmore and HOB Foundation Room Membership.
Honorary Co-Chairs were Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Vice President Mark Hatfield
and Irma Thomas.
Event at a Glance
What: “French Quarter Festival Gala,” benefiting French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
When: Friday, March 22
Where: The Fillmore Hotel
Chimene Grant Saloy, Brenda Thornton, Sandra Dartus and Ann Wills
Leo Basile, Leah Brown and Teddy Graziano
