DDD:September 11, 2009 Newsletter Content

What's Up Downtown September 11, 2009

		Canal Place Theater to Undergo $4 Million Upgrade; Ownership Transfers to Local Hands Fans of independent and foreign films will soon enjoy a newly updated old favorite when the Canal Place Theater unveils a $4 million face lift early next year. The Downtown theater, located in the Shops at Canal Place, has been entertaining New Orleanians for 21 years. In addition to the cosmetic overhaul, the upgrade will include the addition of a fifth screening room with larger, reclining leather seats, trays for food and drinks, and an all-digital movie experience. These changes mark a transfer of ownership, from Los Angeles-based Landmark Theaters to New Orleans-based Southern Theatres group. "We are excited that the theater will now be in local hands," says Canal Place owner and DDD Commissioner Darryl Berger, Jr. "This meshes perfectly with Canal Place also being in local hands. This is particularly important because the new theater has a high-end food component and locals know what New Orleanians and her visitors want." Berger adds, "The continued public and private reinvestment in Canal Street, Canal Place, and the surrounding area bodes well for the future of Downtown New Orleans. Especially during these difficult economic times, the fact that New Orleans continues to enhance its services and quality-of-life offerings speaks volumes about its future."

		Homeless Organizations Focus on Downtown Expressway Encampment On Tuesday, August 25, Greater New Orleans Unity for the Homeless and the Homeless Assistance Collaborative helped approximately thirty homeless individuals living under the Pontchartrain Expressway find a safer, more permanent home. That same day, Downtown cleaning contractor Block-by-Block was on site to lend a hand and provide pressure washing and trash and debris removal. "The DDD believes the best approach to alleviating homelessness in Downtown New Orleans and beyond is to provide permanent supportive housing, a method that has been proven effective time and time again. It is the most cost-effective, practical, and compassionate solution and the DDD will continue to work with organizations such as Unity for the Homeless to champion permanent supportive housing as the leading response to homelessness in New Orleans," says DDD President & CEO Kurt Weigle.

		Restaurant Domenica Opens in High Style at the Roosevelt Hotel Domenica means “Sunday” in Italian and Chef John Besh's new restaurant in the newly re-opened Roosevelt Hotel is as warm and inviting as a traditional Sunday supper in a rural Italian village. This rich heritage has been soaked up by Executive Chef Alon Shaya, who immersed himself in the culture by living and working with culinary artisan families in northern Italy, learning their methods and absorbing their traditions. For more information, or to make reservations, visit www.domenicarestaurant.com.

		Harvest the Music Fall Concert Series Begins Thursday, September 17 With Performance by Eric Lindell Kicking off its second year, the popular Harvest the Music Fall concert series will feature singer-songwriter Eric Lindell in concert on Thursday, September 17 at 5:00 p.m. in Lafayette Square Park. The concert series, sponsored by the DDD, benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana. This year's lineup also includes performances by Irma Thomas, Anders Osborne, The Radiators, Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, and Blues Traveler. For more information, visit www.harvestthemusic.org.

		Young Leadership Council Presents: Saints at the Square! On Friday, September 11, two days before the New Orleans Saints season opener in the Superdome, the Young Leadership Council and the Saints are teaming up for a pep rally and free concert in Lafayette Square. Much like the YLC Wednesday at the Square concert series in the spring, fans will be entertained by live music, have a chance to meet Saints players, and purchase food and beverages from some of New Orleans' best eateries. Favorite local musical acts Benny Grunch and The Iguanas will entertain fans from the stage. The event is scheduled to run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., rain or shine. For more information, visit www.youngleadershipcouncil.org.

		Good News Bites! New Orleans' 3rd Annual Seafood Festival returns September 25-27 at Harrah's Fulton Square in Downtown New Orleans. Festival attendees can sample dishes from famed local restaurants including Acme Oyster House, Arnaud's, Cafe Giovanni, Drago's Seafood, Ernst Cafe, Galatoire's and more. Proceeds will benefit the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation in its continuing efforts to offer greater access to culinary education and arts. Project 30-90, the "green" music festival held at the new RiverCity Plaza at Mardi Gras World on September 5, was a great success. In spite of rain, great performances were given by Ghostland Observatory, Benjy Davis Project, and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, to name a few. The DDD's VIP "Green Room" at Project 30-90 included a solar-powered light show and featured a "Taste of Downtown," with food provided by stellar Downtown restaurants Cochon, Herb Saint, Cafe' Adelaide, Palace Cafe', and Mulates. Studio-E Salon, located in the 600 block of Canal Street in the heart of Downtown, is encouraging customers to bring in any professional, salon brand product, opened or unopened, during the month of September to receive a credit towards the purchase of any Kerastase product. Proceeds from the summer special benefit Project Lazarus, the oldest and largest residential facility providing assisted living to people with AIDS in the Gulf Coast region. Fidelity Homestead Savings Bank and Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company were ranked second and 35th, respectively, in the American Banker trade journal's list of community banks with the nation's largest first mortgage portfolios. Both banks are based in Downtown New Orleans. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is seeking volunteers on Saturday, September 19 for International Coastal Cleanup Day. The Aquarium's education department will spearhead cleanup of the Algier's Point levee. Last year, nearly 400,000 volunteers collected 6.8 million pounds of trash in 42 states and 104 countries! Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival will be back in Lafayette Square for its fourth year on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18.

		*Here's a Little Bit More of What's Up Downtown* This Week...** Inaugural New Orleans Burlesque Festival A weekend long celebration of one of New Orleans' most beloved art forms will take place this weekend, September 11-13, at several Downtown venues. The New Orleans Burlesque Festival will showcase the New Orleans of the 40's and 50's while dazzling audiences with unparalleled burlesque entertainment. The nightly shows will include classic striptease, live jazz music, comedy and song. Ogden After Hours Features Louisiana Crossroads - Mitch Reed, David David Doucet & Jimmy Breaux Each Thursday evening the Ogden Museum of Southern Art welcomes members and guests to Ogden After Hours for live music, drinks, and art. On Thursday, August 27, guests will enjoy entertainment by the Louisiana Crossroads. Special Performances of "The Kingfish" Will Honor Huey P. Long at the Roosevelt Hotel The Roosevelt Hotel has extended the run of "The Kingfish," celebrating former Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long. Now playing in the hotel's Orpheum Room, the production will continue every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. through October 18. Actor John "Spud" McConnell stars as Huey Long. Enjoy!

For more information on any of the articles featured in What's Up Downtown, or to submit an item for consideration, contact Lauren Hotard at lhotard[at]neworleansdowntown.com.