October 29 at 8:00pm — 10:00pm
Come mix and mingle in one of the most fantastic renovations in the city! The Dew Drop Inn is a legendary music venue, bar, barbershop and hotel that hosted musicians like Ray Charles, Little Richard, Fats Domino, and many others in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. It was an incubator of rock n’ roll music and Black excellence. It was also a place of tolerance: Its owner, Frank Painia, was passionate about his musicians and patrons having the right to gather together in his space, no matter their color or creed – which led to his arrest in the 1950s. Drag shows were also a regular offering at the Dew Drop, as was the annual New Orleans Gay Ball, hosted by Patsy Valdalia at the club every Halloween. Though we’re gathering two days before Hallows Eve, we will embrace this spirit of tolerance, resiliency and fun, and celebrate the restoration of this amazing landmark! Developer Curtis Doucette will give remarks.
Your entry fee includes beer, wine and light bites. This is an affiliate event for the National Trust for Historic Preservation PastForward conference that is hosted by the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans.
