Audrey Malone & Michael Evans, are pleased to announce the Oct. 15th release of “A HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER" by Grail Records. It features original Christmas songs sung by the duo. But just who is Audrey Malone? Although Audrey Malone was born in New Orleans, she calls Mandeville her home. She grew up in a musical family, and because of this, she feels blessed being around a wonderful blending of cultures.
Malone feels that, "New Orleans' melting pot of music has tremendously influenced her songs with its deep musical heritage. Music from Tipitina’s, The Neville Brothers, Louis Armstrong, Pete Fountain, and all the way to Ruby’s Roadhouse, Preservation Hall, Banu Gibson, Fats Domino, the Blue Room, New Orleans Symphony, N.O. marching bands and street musicians had a deep, lasting, rich influence on my childhood. I started to explore various styles... from jazz, blues, classical, gospel, country, bluegrass, cajun, zydeco, rock, and latin."
She attributes her mother, Dr. Gloria Coker, for enhancing her drive by having Audrey in instructional classes so she would properly develop her voice. Audrey started dancing, singing, art classes, and acting around the age of 5. She studied piano, clarinet, bass, guitar, and studied voice with Lucinda Harrington and Southeastern Louisiana University's Charmel Shrock.
In 1995, Audrey moved to Nashville to play upright bass and sing with a bluegrass group "The Calvins". They featured the late Jim Calvin, former New Christy Minstrel and his wife Royann Cooper Calvin of Covington, Louisiana. Audrey would play upright bass and sing with the two at a place called 5 Lakes in Bush, La. She says that was back in the day of the Abita Opry. Shortly after that Audrey found herself in Pigeon Forge playing bass with the Calvins. In Nashville she played the Long Hollow Jamboree (which was right down the street from Bill Monroe’s home place), Ernest Tubbs Midnight Jamboree, Bluegrass Legend, Bill Monroe, and after the Grand Ole Opry would let out at the Bellcove. Audrey sang and played with various other bands including: The Auditease - ROCKABILLY (Andrew Henderson, Kelly Bramberger) and Audrey Malone & the Rhythm Kings.
Which brings us to “A HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER” which Audrey feels is probably her best work ever? Although she admits, "It started out being my planned saving grace for the holiday season, but sometimes when you lose something you just may find something a little different. This is that something different. Because it has taken on a life of its own." Audrey is currently writing the music for a Broadway Musical.
Malone feels that, "Louisiana is like the very best melting pot of culture, music, and food. It is like a country unto itself. I cherish where I’m from and carry the music and memories with me. It is reflected in my music and lifestyle."
Art is alive and well in Slidell. One of the many art establishments is DuBuisson’s Art Corner, which is a new business, in an old building! The historic building, located on “the corner” of Robert and First Streets in Olde Towne Slidell, formerly housed Slidell Cleaners from 1939 until Hurricane Katrina in 2005 until all of the equipment in the cleaners was destroyed by 6 ½ feet of salt water.
Owned and operated by Joe and Rhoda Johnson since 1929, Slidell Cleaners was purchased by their nephew and his wife, Eric and Mary DuBuisson in 1982. They made a decision at that time to keep the business in the family and raise their two children, Scot and Marti, in Slidell. They both have been involved in the Olde Towne Merchants Association (currently the Olde Towne Slidell Association), the local organization that sponsors the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. They are also proud to be members of Slidell Noon Lions Club, the Camellia City Market, the East St. Tammany Chamber and Leadership Northshore, to name a few.
When they lost their business with Katrina the DuBuisson’s faced a major decision - what to do with the Olde Towne property. It would have taken half a million dollars to re-open the dry cleaning business so that was not an option. They began thinking of ways to keep the building, and offer something positive for the community.
In May of 2008 the Olde Towne Arts Center was born! This was a place where artists could teach and sell their work. They felt this business would encourage cultural and business revitalization for the City of Slidell, and especially Olde Towne. During the Summer of 2009 the Olde Towne Arts Center, the Slidell Art League, and the City of Slidell joined forces to bring to the children of Slidell a totally new concept. They created Monet in the Making, a summer camp where children received instruction in charcoal drawing, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, jewelry making, sculpting, and photography, just to name a few. Because of the positive response of community, the DuBuisson’s saw a need to offer art to citizens of all ages and artistic backgrounds. At that time the Olde Towne Arts Center made a decision to pursue non-profit opportunities, and DuBuisson’s Art Corner was founded!
Mary and Eric, along with their daughter-in-law, Brianne, were pleased to take on the challenge of filling the gap for artistic interest in the community. Their business consists of art classes, special events, gallery, and art supplies. As artists are drawn to “the corner” they are continually expanding their offering of classes for children and adults. They offer everything from Pottery (wheel and hand building), Painting (acrylic or oil), to Scrap booking; as well as Creative Kids Night, and Creative Teens Night once a month. Mommy and Me classes are also offered to inspire even the youngest of artists!
Diane St. Germaine’s watercolor and monotype exhibit will be on exhibit until November 14th. On November 20th the gallery will be featuring the work of local celebrity, Dan Milham along with Andy Leonard. Dan’s artistic specialty is photographs of New Orleans, while Andy’s passion is woodturning. The DuBuisson’s look forward to other artists displaying their work in their gallery on November 7th for Slidell’s Arts Evening sponsored by the Cultural and Public Affairs Department.
They are located at 300 Robert Street, in historic Olde Towne Slidell. Their hours are 9 to 5, Monday through Friday, and by appointment. For more information or questions please visit their website, www.dubuissonsartcorner.com, or call 985-649-0555.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PLAYMAKER’S THEATRE
Auditions for "T'was the Night Before Christmas", directed by Renee Sibley, will be held at Playmakers Theater, 19106 Playmakers Rd., Covington, at 7 p.m., Oct. 11 & 12. School performances will be on December 9th & 10th at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and on Dec.11th at 10 a.m. Tickets are $3. Schools please call 985-893-1671 and leave a message. Public performances will be Fri. Dec. 11 & Sat., Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday. Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. General admission is $7. Reservations: 985-893-1671.www.playmakersinc.com.
"On Golden Pond" is showing November 6-22 on Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Adults-$15; Students- $10. Reservations: 985-893-1671.
LUKE’S BRISKET AND BROADWAY
John Giraud announces auditions for “Cole”, on Nov. 6, at 6:00 PM at Luke’s Brisket and Broadway. Cole show dates are Dec. 31, and runs through Jan. 23.
“Nuncrackers”, the Christmas Nunsense show, opens Nov. 20, and runs through Dec. 19th. Starring Grace Marshall as Mother Superior, this laugh a second comedy is guaranteed to delight all audiences and put you in the spirit of Christmas. For reservations please call985-781-6565.
CUTTING EDGE PRODUCTIONS
Cutting Edge Productions is proud to present Ed Graczyk’s “Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean”. Directed by Brian Fontenot, 5 & Dime tells the story of a group of women, all members of a James Dean fan club, who meet on the anniversary of his death in the small Texas town in which Giant was filmed. The cast includes: Sara Pagones, Dana Deris Fatic, Lisa Castro, Nicky Wilson, Myra Dufour, CC Falcon, Jared Lusher, Erin Fernandez and Lisa Crosswhite. “Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” opens November 6 and runs through November 21. Performances are 8pm Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $17.00 and reservations can be made by visiting www.cuttingedgeproductions.org or calling (985) 639-8294.
SLIDELL LITTLE THEATRE
“Godspell”- November 27 - December 20
One of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time, Godspell is based primarily on the Gospel According to St. Matthew. Featuring a sparkling, seminal score by Stephen Schwartz, Godspell boasts a string of recognizable songs, led by the international hit, "Day By Day." Reservations (985) 641-0324.