WHO: The Historic New Orleans Collection



WHAT: Concerts in the Courtyard Spring Series

Featuring Leslie Smith, Linnzi Zaorski, Freddy Omar, and Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys; cocktails for the spring series are sponsored by Sazerac Company



WHEN: March 20, April 16, May 15, and June 19

6:00–8:00 p.m.; rain or shine

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. In the event of rain, concerts are held indoors.



WHERE: The Historic New Orleans Collection

533 Royal Street, in the French Quarter



HOW: Admission is $10; free for THNOC members. Beverages included.

*Memberships begin at $35.00.



WHY: The Historic New Orleans Collection will resume its Concerts in the Courtyard series in March. These events celebrate the culture of New Orleans with live music and cocktails in The Collection’s beautiful French Quarter courtyard at 533 Royal Street. Admission is $10 or free for members of The Historic New Orleans Collection. (Household memberships begin at $35.)



The spring series includes four monthly events, starting with the music of Leslie Smith on March 20. A native New Orleanian, Smith has performed with a Who’s Who of New Orleans musicians, including Ellis Marsalis and Allen Toussaint. She has had a varied recording career, with multiple CDs in many different styles including jazz, R&B and gospel. She has performed at many New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festivals and other regional, national and international festivals, as well as at Lincoln Center. Leslie Smith is the daughter of the late photographer Michael P. Smith, whose work will be featured in a joint exhibition at The Collection and Contemporary Arts Center this spring.



Cocktails for the entire spring series will be sponsored by New Orleans’ own Sazerac Company, a leading U.S. spirits supplier, with the world’s most decorated distillery and a portfolio of award-winning brands. Founded in 1850, Sazerac has a long and rich tradition as an independent, family-owned, private company. In March, Sazerac will provide two products: Rain Organics Vodka and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka. Rain Organics Vodka is handmade from scratch in small batches at Buffalo Trace Distillery. It is distilled exclusively from organic white corn. Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, produced by Firefly Distillery, will also be available.



Mark your calendars for these upcoming Concerts in the Courtyard:

· April 16: Linnzi Zaorski with Sazeracs by Sazerac Rye Whiskey

· May 15: Fredy Omar with margaritas by Corazon Tequila

· June 19: Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys with cocktails by Buffalo Trace Bourbon



For more information, call (504) 523-4662 or visit www.hnoc.org.