NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Royal Sonesta New Orleans will host its annual signature event, The Greasing of the Poles, at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, with the 2024 theme “The R’evolution of Greasing,” a celebration of the long-standing and recently relaunched Restaurant R’evolution.
The 54th annual event was established in 1968 where The Royal Sonesta New Orleans decided to grease its support poles as a practical means to prevent overzealous revelers from shimmying up to the balcony.
Local New Orleanian, renowned actor, author and business owner Bryan Batt will serve as master of ceremonies as Greasing contestants compete for the sought-after title of 2024 Greasing Champion.
This year’s lineup includes Louisiana native and reality TV superstar Trishelle Cannatella (featured on the current season of “Traitors”); TikTok F&B trendsetter Triece Tabb, aka @BukuTriece; the beloved 610 Stomper, Dan “Maude” Sullivan; and social media personality known for her food and beverage content, Emily Smith, aka @fleurdelicious.
Serving on the judge’s panel for this year’s festivities will be owner andexecutive chef of Restaurant R’evolution, Chef John Folse; the HonorableSteve Bordner; Saints super fan Whistle Monsta, aka Leroy Mitchell; and Moët Hennessy USA Director of Trade Advocacy Liz Batsche.
Also included in this year’s festivities is the Krewe of Zulu, Krewe of NOMTOC and Queen Cherise of the Mardi Gras Indians; plus, performances by Leroy Jones and the Original Hurricane Brass Band, all-female marching group The New Orleans Pussyfooters, and all-male dance group 610 Stompers. The Merry Antoinettes will make a special appearance, as well as the 2023 Greasing of the Poles Champion, Brooke Laizer, and2022 champion Greg Kata.
In celebration of this cherished event, the hotel’s balconies will be dressed with a custom installation by Badass Balloon Co. and returning to cheers to this year’s annual event is the beloved global champagne house of Moët & Chandon.
WHEN: The 54th annual Greasing of the Poles will be held on Friday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m.
WHERE: The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, located at 300 Bourbon St., and via Facebook live-stream @RoyalSonestaNO.
