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THE BOURBON STREET
EXTRAVAGANZA
is the free outdoor concert
on Saturday 8/31/19 at the
corner of Bourbon and
St. Ann Streets in the
French Quarter.
Here is part of
an interview
with the producer of the event,
Chuck Robinson, as we countdown
to the 15th anniversary of
the concert.
Chuck is the owner of
Napoleon's Itch, which serves as
the backdrop for the event.
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Chuck,
what is the history and mission of
The Bourbon Street Extravaganza? |
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In 2003, with the current acquisition of The Bourbon Orleans
Hotel, Napoleon's Itch was created as a part of the initial
hotel renovation, at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets.
Southern Decadence 2004 was fast-approaching. The
mission was simple: to create a concert on Bourbon Street with
famous artists, attracting all lifestyles, free to the
public, and suitable for all (including families).
This was at a time when the City and the
Archdiocese were advocating that Southern Decadence be shut
down, with growing concern that the event had become "too
decadent."
We responded with a televised interview, clearly
stating our mission, which was ultimately embraced by all.
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Has it worked? |
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Absolutely.
2019 is The Bourbon Street Extravaganza's 15th year.
Southern Decadence, now in its
48th year, ranks in the top-five annual events in the City of
New Orleans, and is considered to be the largest LGBT festival
in the South.
The City estimates that in 2018 Southern Decadence attendance increased to
approximately 250,000 participants. The
event's economic impact is reported to be in excess of $275
million in taxable revenues to the City and State. |
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Deborah Cox
taking the stage
at last year's performance. |
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| Who are the performers this year? |
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We are currently finalizing our amazing lineup, and it will be
announced shortly. |
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| Is the
concert still free to the public? |
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Yes, it is a free concert.
Our agenda is clear. We
know that our loyalty is to the thousands who come to New
Orleans for Southern Decadence. We are acutely aware that
they have choices for how to spend their Labor Day weekend.
We are firm in our philosophy
that one can't always take from the community being served, and
it is an obligation to give something back. |
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Who
pays for the production of
the concert? |
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Napoleon's
Itch. Period.
The production cost last year was
close to six figures. We do not solicit or accept
financial contributions from anyone. This is the only way
that we can guarantee the original mission of the Extravaganza,
without influence.
I must
add that the Bourbon Street Extravaganza has greatly benefited
from the support of my life partner Ron Julian.
SouthernDecadence.net has helped to promote
the event for 15 years. And our friends at The Bourbon Pub
/ Parade have provided production and technical support,
particularly in the critical formative years of the
Extravaganza.
Additionally, my dear friend Bobby Revere has provided counsel
since Day 1. |
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Details of this
year's concert are
HERE. |
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Got a
question? Check our
list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Or email us at
info@southerndecadence.net
Southern Decadence web site contents are
Copyright 2019 SouthernDecadence.net
Please read our copyright policy on the Press
and Media page regarding the use of this material.
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