It seems that during the annual hurricane season, New Orleans and the French Quarter delight in providing lots of distractions to benefit both local musicians, restaurateurs, artists and many charities. As reported through newsletters and other print publications, there is no lapse in activities during the most humid months of the summer. It is important to note that these events have an altruistic bent and encourage participants to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while raising a glass of refreshment to toast the arts, food and music scenes.
White Linen Night 2022
White Linen Night is an annual celebration of New Orleans’ longstanding and ever-growing art scene. Benefiting the Arts District’s non-profit organization and hosted throughout the Arts/Warehouse District, White Linen Night features an evening filled with exclusive performances and exhibitions, gallery showings, and more. The title sponsor this year was Fidelity Bank.
This year, White Linen Night was held on Saturday, August 6.
With more than 20 participating galleries, live music and art installations, special giveaways, delicious bites, cocktails, and much more, White Linen Night is an opportune time to experience the Arts/Warehouse District. In addition to the gallery showings along Julia Street, White Linen Night hosts a number of specialty events that you won’t want to miss out on throughout the day.
Free and open to the public, the Julia Street Block Party is the best way to kick off your White Linen Night experience. Immerse yourself in all there is to offer between the 300-600 blocks of Julia Street. Immerse yourself in the more than two dozen local restaurants and bars, plus live music and art installations.
Red Dress Run 2022
If you’ve ever wondered why so many people are dressed in red dresses in New Orleans on the second Saturday in August, look no further than Red Dress Run.
A charity “run” in New Orleans, Red Dress Run is hosted by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers. This local drinking club hosts the world’s most unique running event. All locals and visitors attend this annual event dressed in red attire—specifically, dresses.
This event involves a two-mile run beginning at Crescent Park in the Bywater. Locals and visitors were served lunch at 11:30 am, along with lots of live music. All participants must be 21 or older. You don’t have to be a member of the New Orleans Hash House Harriers to participate, but registration is highly encouraged, as 100% of the proceeds go to local charities.
Red Dress Run was held August 13th, 2022, at 9:00 am.
Red Dress Run starts at Crescent Park in Faubourg Marigny/Bywater and continues through the neighborhood. The starting event is located at 2300 N Peters Street. Festivities typically trickle into the neighboring French Quarter throughout the early afternoon into the evening
And after that long day, another event took place in the evening a few blocks down the street.
Dirty Linen Night 2022
This free event was held 6:00-9:00 pm on Saturday August 13th on Royal Street from the 300 block to the 1100 block. Galleries and shops were open late, and served drinks to purchasers of wristbands.
Scene By Rhys Fine Art, at 1036 Royal, participated and looked forward to welcoming all to peruse the beautiful art and inspiring story of Emilie Rhys. The artist was present to celebrate the night, answer any questions about her art and life, and sign copies of her book. (see Scott Yanow’s most recent review of Emilie’s book in the July issue of The Syncopated Times). Purchase of wristbands—which included access to specialty drinks, wine, beer, and water at all participating shops—were available on Saturday at tents located in the 500, 700, and 900 blocks, starting at 4 pm. Local musicians provided the many sites with entertainment along the route.
There was no entry fee simply to view the art.
Continuing with the combination of arts and music, the New Orleans Jazz Museum announced their next big event:
Improvisations Gala 2022
The New Orleans Jazz Museum will host the 5th annual Improvisations Gala on site at 400 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans on Saturday, December 3rd.
Experience an Evening of Variations with an exciting mix of the finest local and national musical talents, New Orleans cuisine and cocktails, a dazzling Sound Collage lighting installation, exhibits and jazz-related arts installations throughout the historic Jazz Museum complex.
Patron Party: 7–8 PM
Improvisations will kick off at 7:00 p.m. with an exclusive Patron Party, featuring cuisine, cocktails, and a private performance.
Gala General Admission: 8–11 PM
General Admission for the Gala will begin at 8:00 pm. In addition to a brilliant celebration of the finest in local music, guests can walk amongst a dazzling showcase of illuminated installations, sculptures, and dance performances as part of The New Orleans Jazz Museum’s Sound Collage experience.
All funds raised by the Improvisations Gala directly support the Jazz Museum’s education programs and expansion initiatives.
“The New Orleans Jazz Museum celebrates the history of jazz, in all its forms, through dynamic interactive exhibits, multi-generational educational programming, research facilities, and engaging musical performances.
“The Jazz Museum enhances New Orleans’ ongoing cultural renaissance by providing diverse resources for musicians and music lovers of all languages and nationalities. We fully explore America’s quintessential musical art form in the city where jazz was born.”
For ticket information, contact info@nolajazzmuseum.org
New Orleans Museum Month
New Orleans Museum Month is a collaboration between museums of all sizes across the metro area. It offers museum members the opportunity to visit all participating institutions, free of charge, using their current membership throughout the month of August.
Travel back in time at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, get inspired at Contemporary Arts Center, see through a new perspective at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, and so much more. Many museums will also have limited-time exhibitions on display, and feature local musicians at many scheduled events throughout the month and year.
Free entrance to participating museums during Museum Month was limited to 2 people per membership, regardless of membership type (including group or family memberships).
Twenty-two museums are participating in 2022:
Beauregard-Keyes Historic House and Gardens
Gallier House
Hermann-Grima House
The Historic New Orleans Collection
Louisiana State Museum
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
New Orleans Jazz Museum
Confederate Memorial Hall Museum
Contemporary Arts Center
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
The National WWII Museum
Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
Longue Vue House and Gardens
Louisiana Children’s Museum
New Orleans Museum of Art
Pitot House
Ashe Cultural Arts Center
The Backstreet Cultural Museum
New Orleans African American Museum
Studio Be
Newcomb Art Museum
Any visit to New Orleans should always include a “museum” visit – be sure to access their websites for current exhibits and your favorite musicians that may be headlining a scheduled event.
After 48-1/2 years, Shelly Gallichio is a retired Real Estate Associate Broker in Tucson, Arizona and despite growing up in Chicago, fell in love with the clarinet and the New Orleans sound at the age of three—she intends to spend the next 48-1/2 years seeking that sound! Reach her at shellygallichio44@gmail.com
