Symphony sets off two-part fundraiser with concert and gala
Sounds of Mardi Gras music will kick off a night of revelry for the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra’s two-part fundraiser Feb. 1.
The night will begin with the “Mardi Gras: The Sounds of New Orleans” concert at RiverView Theater followed by the “Boots, Beads & Bling” gala at Eldorado Casino.
“I think the uniqueness about this event is that it takes a different approach to Mardi Gras. You have your traditional purple, green and gold décor, but we have taken a Cajun approach by adding Boots & Bling,” Julia Foley, owner of APEX Events, said. “Then following a traditional New Orleans flambeaux down the street to continue the party with the Lacour Trio with all of their Cajun flavor will top off the night. It won’t be your typical fundraiser. It will definitely bring all the elements of music, food and raucous fun!” The first part of the symphony’s celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. at the RiverView Theater with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. At 7:30 p.m. the SSO performs the Willis-Knighton MasterWorks Series “Mardi Gras: The Sounds of New Orleans” featuring the nationally renowned trumpeter, Byron Stripling.
Stripling is the Columbus Jazz Orchestra artistic director and trumpet virtuoso. His accomplishments include soloing with Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, Seattle Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Utah Symphony and the American Jazz Philharmonic. He has also been a featured soloist at the Hollywood Bowl and performs at jazz festivals throughout the world.
“The concert with Byron Stripling will be amazing and set the tone for a great night of partying,” Foley said. “He is an extremely talented trumpeter with strong ties to Louisiana. His music will get people out of their seats.”
Tickets for “Mardi Gras: The Sounds of New Orleans” begin at $19 and include a complimentary cocktail at intermission in the Symphony Club. Concert tickets are sold separately from the “Boots, Beads & Bling” gala.
At 9:30 p.m., parade by foot or trolley to the Eldorado Casino for the “Boots, Beads & Bling” gala. Free shuttle services begin at 6:30 p.m. The shuttle starts at Regions Bank parking garage at the corner of Milam and Market streets.
Guests will dine on a “bountiful banquet suited for Kings and Queens,” and can place participate in a specialty silent auction.
“[The silent auction] will feature high end items such as fine wine – including one bottle that takes two men to carry – art, unique trips and fine jewelry from Lee Michaels,” Lois Robinson, executive director of the symphony, said.
Individual “Boots, Beads & Bling” gala tickets are $150. Several sponsorship packages are available, which includes a table for 10 with premium seating. To purchase a sponsorship package and for all other ticket information, call the symphony at 222-7496.
Formed in 1948, the SSO is Louisiana’s oldest continually operating professional orchestra, and Robinson said it has become an integral part of the cultural life of the region.
“All great cities have a symphony orchestra as an integral part of the cultural fabric of life,” she said. “It adds tremendously to the vitality of our community and contributes to the education of our youth.”
Robinson said by attending the fundraiser the community is helping “to keep this proud tradition alive.”
The SSO’s annual fundraiser is a major factor in the profitability of the nonprofit organization. The event takes on a different theme every year. Last year’s theme was “Symphonic Seasons,” based on the “Four Seasons” by Vivaldi.
“It provides crucial general operating support for our season of concerts, including bringing world-class guest artists to Shreveport, and our educational programs,” Robinson said.
Tickets purchases may be made at www.shereveportsymphony.com or by calling at 222-7496.
–Tiana Kennell
