The Louis Armstrong Ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel was the appropriate setting to feature the music of another New Orleans legend, Louis Prima.
Carlos Miguel Prieto, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Music Director, conducted the program, which included “Overture to Semiramide,” followed by the music of Louis Prima: “Sing, Sing, Sing;” “Angelina, Zooma Zooma;” “That Old Black Magic;” “I Wanna Be Like You;” “Just a Gigolo;” and “Sunday King of Love.” Darcy Malone was the vocalist.
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Foundation Louis Prima Award winners accompanied the LPO on the above songs; they included Brian Richburg Jr. on percussion, Madison Kerth as vocalist, Jeffery Miller on trombone, Glenn Hall on trumpet and Miles Berry on saxophone.
Food and beverages were designed by chef Mark Quitney of the Sheraton Hotel. Following the dinner, the NOCCA Jazz Big Band accompanied the ASCAP scholars to provide dance music.
Key auction items featured a suite on the 50-yard line of the Superdome for a Saints game, dinner for eight at Dr. Nia Terezakis’ home and a trip for two to New York City with tickets to the LPO performance at Carnegie Hall.
More than 250 attended to support the LPO’s educational programs. Notable attendees included Chair Jeri Nims, President of the Board of Trustees Bill Hess and LPO CEO James Boyd.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “Opus Ball – LPO Swings,” benefiting Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
When: Saturday, March 18
Where: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
