NEW ORLEANS — Legendary New Orleans music venue and hotel, The Dew Drop Inn, celebrated its grand opening during ribbon cutting on Friday, March 1st.
WHAT: The historic Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge, which officially reopened its doors for the first time in over 50 Years, celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony before a weekend of live music performances from New Orleans music legends.
WHERE: 2836 Lasalle St, New Orleans, LA
WHEN: Friday, March 1 – 11am – 2pm
WHO: Notable guests in attendance included: Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Councilmember Lesli Harris, Senator Royce Duplessis, Curtis Doucette, Jr., Deacon John, Guitar Slim, Jr., Little Freddie King, State Representative Delisha Boyd, Mandie Landry, Warren Bell.
Images: LINK (Credit: Jafar M. Pierre)
EVENT RECAP: The historic New Orleans landmark, the Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge, which has been restored to its former glory as one of the country’s most culturally significant music venues and boutique hotels, officially reopened on Friday, March 1, 2024 in the Central City neighborhood. Owner Curtis Doucette, Jr. and the Dew Drop Inn team celebrated the historic moment with a ribbon cutting event, which welcomed local politicians including Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Councilmember Lesli Harris, Senator Royce Duplessis, among others, as well as notable local personalities, many of whom were connected to the storied space in the mid-20th century.
“The Dew Drop Inn is considered one of the most historic and culturally significant music venues in the United States, if not the world,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “I am so proud of how the Dew Drop Inn has sustained itself as an integral part of our city’s strong and renowned music legacy. The restoration and reopening of this historic site will serve as a catalyst in this neighborhood’s revitalization, while also creating a stronger economic safety net for our cultural community. My administration will continue to lead the way in preserving, protecting and embracing our culture that our residents and visitors both know and love.”
The event began with welcome remarks from retired local broadcaster, Warren Bell and a blessing of the space from Nana Sula, before Mayor Cantrell addressed the crowd of around 150 attendees, noting the significance of the Dew Drop Inn’s reopening for the city of New Orleans, and the sense of pride that she and many residents hold for such a momentous occasion. Owner Curtis Doucette, Jr. spoke of gratitude for the opportunity to revitalize the historic space, and the many people who helped shape the Dew Drop Inn, past and present.
”This project has been a testament to Black entrepreneurship,” says owner Curtis Doucette, Jr. “I’m proud to have the opportunity to revive one of the foremost Black-owned entertainment venues of New Orleans and create a space not only steeped in history, but one that becomes a nucleus for creativity and community, for everyone.”
After the official ribbon cutting and champagne toast sponsored by Home Bank, legendary New Orleans musician, Deacon John and the Ivories performed a lively rhythm & blues set, before guests received a tour of the newly restored space, including a historical museum, in the form of a vintage barber shop dedicated to former owner, Frank Pania, which recounts the Dew Drop Inn’s legacy from 1939 until it shuttered in 2005, through imagery and artifacts. Luncheon fare was provided by the dew Drop Inn’s executive chef consultant, Marilyn Doucette, founder of Meals from the Heart Café.
Notable guests in attendance included Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Councilmember Lesli Harris, Senator Royce Duplessis, Curtis Doucette, Jr., Deacon John, Guitar Slim, Jr. Little Freddie King, State Representative Delisha Boyd, Mandie Landry, Warren Bell. The ribbon cutting ceremony is followed by a weekend of live music performances from legendary New Orleans musicians including Irma Thomas, Partners N Crime, Herlin Riley and the Herlin Riley Quartet featuring Chucky C, the Dew Drop Legacy Revue Band led by musical director Ron Jones, DJ Raj Smoove, the New Breed Brass Band, Tony Boyd-Cannon, Mia X, Delfeayo Marsalis, Charmaine Neville, Quiana Lynell, and DJ Maxmillion.
About the Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge: Dewdropinnnola.com | @dewdropinnnola
The Dew Drop Inn is a legendary New Orleans cultural landmark in Central City, restored to its former glory as one of the country’s most historically significant music venues and boutique hotels. Once known as the South’s swankiest spot, the Dew Drop Inn hosted some of the most iconic Black musicians of our time from 1939 – the 1960s, including legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Marvin Gaye, and Etta James, among many others. The current revival is led by real estate developer and New Orleans native, Curtis Doucette, Jr., whose passion for historical Black culture and music led him to restore the beloved site, reimagining it as a destination that blends a historic 410-person music venue, stylish 17-room boutique hotel, restaurant and vibrant pool club. The Dew Drop Inn’s restaurant is helmed chef Marilyn Doucette, Curtis’ aunt and the founder of Meals from the Heart Cafe, a health-conscious New Orleans institution, serving the city for over 15 years – their collaboration harkens back to the Dew Drop’s history as a family-run destination with a distinctly New Orleans spirit. The Dew Drop Inn is currently open for hotel bookings. The restaurant will serve breakfast and lunch on weekdays and weekend brunch, with the bar open daily. Live music entertainment will take place Wednesday – Saturday nights.
For more information please contact press@dewdropinnnola.com.
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