New Orleans Flowers Legacy

Yuri Catania, a distinguished visual artist, has bestowed the Office of Cultural Economy with an extraordinary gift in the form of a captivating portrait entitled "New Orleans Flowers Legacy." This remarkable artwork serves as a multifaceted celebration of the city's rich heritage, intricately weaving together depictions of cultural bearers, the roots of music, and the architectural gems that define New Orleans. At its core, the portrait is a testament to the enduring legacy of the city, encapsulating the profound power embedded in its cultural tapestry.  Through Catania's artistic lens, the portrait becomes a visual narrative, elucidating the unique and influential heritage that continues to shape the soul of New Orleans.

Thank you, Yuri Catania on behalf of the Office of Cultural Economy.

American Symphony Premiere 

Film Night Out (FNO) enthusiasts gathered at the Orpheum Theater for an exclusive screening of Jon Batiste's latest documentary, 'American Symphony,' followed by a captivating live performance from the celebrated artist himself. A New Orleans native, Jon Batiste rose to prominence in early 2022 as the most lauded artist of the year, amassing eleven Grammy nominations, including a coveted nod for Album of the Year. Amidst this pinnacle of success, Batiste embarked on his most ambitious project to date: the composition of 'American Symphony,' an original masterpiece reimagining classical traditions, incorporating a diverse range of musical influences for a landmark performance at the iconic Carnegie Hall.

However, this extraordinary trajectory takes an unforeseen turn when Batiste's life partner, bestselling author Suleika Jaouad, receives distressing news about the resurgence of her long-dormant cancer. In the intimate portrayal of 'AMERICAN SYMPHONY,' directed by the Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning Matthew Heineman (known for his work in 'Cartel Land,' 'The First Wave,' and 'Retrograde'), the documentary unfolds as a poignant portrait of two incomparable artists at a critical juncture, delving into a profound meditation on art, love, and the intricate nuances of the creative process.

Now available for streaming on Netflix

New Orleans Saints and Pelicans Production Team Wins Three Emmy Awards

The New Orleans Saints and Pelicans production team won three Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards voted on by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). Below are the categories and names of the winners:

• Sports Program Series – New Orleans Pelicans: The Squad
• Shaneika Dabney-Henderson, Shota Hashimoto, Jon Lavengetto, Jon Mahody, John Sebag, Chrys Sims
• Team Promotional Videos – Shaneika Dabney-Henderson
  Sports Editor – Jon Lavengetto

The Saints and Pelicans production team has totaled nine Suncoast Regional Emmy nominations since 2019 and three wins. This continues the legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Benson, who owned WVUE Fox 8 New Orleans from 2008-2017, winning five Emmy Awards during that span.

Congratulations to our Saints and Pelicans Production Team. 

The City of Illumination — Greenway Supernova

The City of Illumination — LUNA Fête X

LUNA Fête X — the 10th edition of the free annual light, art, and technology festival — featured an array of light-based sculptures highlighting local and international artists, live music, culinary favorites, the immersive LUMINARIUM: DAEDALUM experience, and more. The festivities also extended to the West Bank for the first time with new collaborations in downtown Gretna, such as video mapping projections, lantern puppet parades, and interactive installations.

The LUNA Fête Ball, Arts New Orleans’ annual fundraising event, helps light the way for Arts New Orleans’ programs throughout the year. This year’s gala featured light-up couture by local fashion designers Vanshawn Branch and Renée Johnson for a one-of-a-kind fashion show, light-up projections by local artists, delicious cocktails and cuisine, and music by DJ Legatron Prime.

FOC Concert Series: Ivan Neville 106th Prof. Longhair Birthday Concert

The Friends of Cabildo Concert Series is thrilled to showcase an unforgettable musical experience as Ivan Neville pays tribute to the legendary Prof. Longhair on what would have been his 106th birthday. This special event is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 16, at 7:00 p.m. and will take place at the historic New Orleans Jazz Museum, located at the Old US Mint. Prepare to be transported through the soulful sounds of Ivan Neville as he honors the iconic Prof. Longhair, immersing the audience in the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans music.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: nolajazzmuseum.org.

Yoga In the Dome

The R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, NOLA Vibe Yoga, and Mark Berger are excited to bring you the third annual and only large scale yoga session in the Caesars Superdome Saturday, Dec.16 at 7:00 a.m. This session will take place ON THE FIELD of the Caesars Superdome!

When you register, not only are you securing your spot to get your morning zen in, but you will also receive:

• One complimentary ticket to the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
  Special event t-shirt
• Post event refreshments
• Free Parking in a TBD Garage

Participants will be treated to a fun and energetic session that is good for people of all skill levels. Do not delay signing up, space is very limited, and this event is expected to sell out!

For more information or to purchase a ticket, click here.

Make Your Own Glass Ornament

'Tis the season! On Saturday, Dec. 16, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., individuals are invited to join the festivities at the YAYA Arts Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day crafting their own blown-glass holiday ornament. Additionally, there will be a holiday sale where participants can shop with YAYA and acquire unique, one-of-a-kind gifts.

It's essential for everyone taking part in the workshop to don closed-toed shoes, as the glass studio may become quite hot. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothing for the duration of the event.

For more information or to register, click here.

2024 Summer Fun & Reading Challenge

The New Orleans Public Library Seeks a Local Artist for our 2024 Summer Fun & Reading Challenge. If selected, your original artwork will appear across the city, our social media platforms, and on our limited edition 2024 summer tote bag as well as promotional materials for the Challenge and the Library’s summer programs. The chosen artist will be compensated with an honorarium and credited in print materials and online posts.

Those interested should live in New Orleans or in Southeastern Louisiana, be 18 years or older, be able to register as a vendor with the City of New Orleans and be able to meet the tight deadlines for submission of both draft and final artwork. Upload three (3) digital examples from your portfolio by end of day on Jan. 5, 2024, along with any websites or social media related to your work. We are looking for an artist who incorporates fun, brightly colored art into a design that appeals to all ages, not just youth, but teens, adults, and seniors as well.

For more information, visit: nolalibrary.wufoo.com.

Up from the Streets Book Launch

Each year, One Book One New Orleans provides copies of our selected book, along with a curriculum we develop, to adult education programs throughout the city. The instructors in those programs then use these tools to help further their students' literacy skills.
Adult learners in the programs were invited to contribute pieces inspired by our 2023 selection, The Ones Who Don't Say They Love You by Maurice Carlos Ruffin, to a collection titled Up from the Streets. These are their stories, told in their words, about their lives, their neighborhoods, and their city.

RSVP today and join in celebrating the launch of Up from the Streets on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Main Library (219 Loyola). Contributors will read their pieces, followed by a book signing. All in attendance will receive a free copy of the book. Refreshments will be provided.
This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. The venue is accessible to members of our community with mobility limitations.

To RSVP, click here.

The Love Lounge ft. T-Ray The Violinist

The Love Lounge, New Orleans' premier live music and social experience, invites everyone to an evening of exceptional music with renowned eclectic-fusion violinist T-Ray The Violinist and Live Band. Welcoming lovers and friends alike, the event offers general admission and VIP tickets, each with 1 complimentary champagne to enhance the experience. The festivities unfold on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Ms. Keva Holiday Soul Christmas Special Live

Ms. Keva Holiday will perform at The New Orleans Jazz Museum's Balcony Courtyard concert series on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 5:00 p.m. for a Soul Christmas Special. Bring your blanket! Seats are not provided for outdoor programs.

Keva Holiday is a New Orleans native who comes from one of New Orleans well known musical families! She is currently the only female from the Nelson/Andrews family who leads a band. Ms. Holiday has a one if a kind and very unique voice that will wake the Ancestors! Holiday Soul is different from any other band that you will hear! The features dynamic drummer and a Key Bass player which gives the band its uniqueness. A multi genre band that features the powerhouse vocals of Ms. Keva Holiday is definitely a treat for all to see and hear!

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: nolajazzmuseum.org.

Elf™ in Concert

Immerse yourself in the enchanting spirit of the holiday season with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra's magical presentation of Elf™ in Concert. On Friday, Dec. 22 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 23 at 1:00 p.m., experience the heartwarming journey of Buddy, who, after being accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler, embarks on a quest to find his true father in New York. Dressed in full elf uniform, Buddy's adventures unfold on a giant screen, accompanied by the live and captivating performance of John Debney's delightful score. This extraordinary event invites you to relive the timeless charm of Elf™ in Concert, where every note resonates with the magic of the season, creating an unforgettable celebration of joy and festive cheer.

For more information, visit: lpomusic.com.

Community Outreach Ticket program

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation announced this morning that applications are now open for Louisiana social service nonprofits and high schools to apply for the Community Outreach Ticket program.

The Foundation supports community involvement at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell by providing Jazz Fest tickets to organizations across Louisiana through the Community Outreach Ticket program.
Applications are currently being accepted until Monday, March 18, 2024 at 11:00 p.m.

For more information or to apply, visit: jazzandheritage.org.

2024 Congo Square Rhythms Food Vendor Application

The Congo Square Rhythms Festival will take place March 23-24, 2024 at Armstrong Park in New Orleans. The Congo Square Rhythms Festival celebrates the tremendous impact that the African diaspora has made on the rhythms, flavors, spices and food that we eat in Louisiana. Carnival-like food items will not be considered. Foods that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana are welcome. The food curation for this festival includes innovative Cajun and Creole foods, New Orleans “soul food” both traditional and contemporary interpretations and local favorite dishes.

Application Deadline is Monday, January 29th at 11:00 p.m.

For more information or to apply, visit: jazzandheritage.org.

Winterreise

The community is invited to attend the annual winter concert, presenting an enchanting evening of French-inspired chamber music featuring strings and winds. The event is pleased to welcome back esteemed violinists Maureen Nelson and Robyn Quinnett, along with the beloved clarinetist Christopher Pell. The concert is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 21, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

This event is open to the public, and attendance is free. A suggested donation of $25 is encouraged to support the continued success of the concert. The generous sponsorship for this event comes from the Jazz and Heritage Foundation, Christ Church Cathedral, and WWNO.

To get tickets for this event, click here.

Spring 2024 Class Registration is Open

The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music announces that Spring music class registration is NOW OPEN. The classes offered encompass a diverse range, including piano, strings, percussion, woodwinds, brass, voice, and dance. Additionally, the Center extends its curriculum to include classes in music production, computer coding, math, and audio engineering. Auditions are not mandatory, and beginners are warmly welcomed. The scheduled classes span from Jan. 8, 2024, to May 4, 2024. Interested individuals are encouraged to register now to secure their spot!

For more information or to register, click here. 

Home for the Holidays

The NOCCA Foundation, The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate, and the family of Daniel Price invite you to Home for the Holidays on Wednesday, Dec. 20. This annual concert event will be held at House of Blues New Orleans, located at 225 Decatur Street. Home for the Holidays is a night of spectacular art and music benefiting the Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists, which honors the memory of NOCCA alum Daniel Price (Visual Arts, 1993).

The fund was established following Daniel's death at the age of 28 while protecting his wife from an assailant. Daniel's fund is part of the NOCCA Foundation's Student Success Program, which provides NOCCA's young artists with year-round support for training, supplies, and college scholarships. Home for the Holidays kicks off with a patron party from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Gold- and Silver-level patrons will be treated to back-to-back performances by two New Orleans legends: Irma Thomas and John Boutte! 

For more information, click here.

NOLA Christmas Fest

Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, New Orleans’ most beloved indoor, family-friendly holiday attraction returns. Escape to an enchanting winter wonderland at NOLA Christmas Fest, presented by Coca-Cola. From the awe-inspiring holiday displays including a Gingerbread Village, Giant Wreath and Tree to a newly designed ice-skating rink, exciting Carnival rides, and delightful holiday entertainment, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Plans for 2023 include a 10-day event, Dec. 21 – 30, with two sessions offered most days – a morning timed entry and an evening one. Space will be limited for each timeframe so be sure to make your plans early!

For more information, visit: nolachristmasfest.com.