The 2022 Whale and Jazz Festival brings a familiar event to Gualala Arts on Saturday, October 8. In years past the festival has included a New Orleans-flavored bit of music, food and fun and this year is no exception. The “New Orleans Gala”, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. will once again bring inspired food and delightful music together for a special Saturday afternoon event. Tickets are $29 advance, $5 more the day of.

The menu will include an inspired selection of food options in the New Orleans Bayou Buffet. Included are a New Orleans Salad and homemade cornbread and more from the Bayou Buffet, as well as Outstanding Gumbo, Po boys, Muffuletta, and a Veggie option. Desserts, (which are not included in the ticket price) will include authentic pralines shipped from New Orleans, was well as Chef Paul Prudhomme’s family recipe Bread Pudding prepared locally, Banana Chocolate and more. Wine and beer are available at the no-host bar, including sparkling New Orleans Cherry Bouncers (with or without alcohol).

As in years past, music will highlight this year’s event with traditional New Orleans jazz, performed by the ever-popular “Barnebey’s Hot Four plus one”. The Sonoma-county group features Tom Barnebey, cornet, Robert Young, trumpet, Scott Anthony, banjo and guitar, Steve Webber, string bass, plus slide trombonist Glenn Calkins. The repertoire for the afternoon will include old favorites, the resurrection of some obscure musical gems from the golden age of jazz, and probably a few surprises for musicians and listeners alike, all in the tradition of the Big Easy. Those wanting to follow the rhythms with dancing will find themselves motivated by the toe-tapping and boot-stomping infectious beats of New Orleans pushing them onto the dance floor.

Come to Gualala Arts and join us for le Bonne Temps, a New Orleans Gala in the outdoor picnic area at Gualala Arts. After all, we all need and deserve a little extra joie de vivre these days!! Information is at GualalaArts.org. Tickets are available at Gualala Arts, Dolphin Gallery, and EventBrite.com.

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