Media Alert: Roundtables with Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Musicians, Artists to Discuss Importance of Louisiana's Culture in the Recovery Process

ROUNDTABLES WITH LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MITCH LANDRIEU AT THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

New Orleans, LA (PRWEB) April 24, 2007 -- Musicians and artists will discuss the importance of Louisiana's culture in the recovery process at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

WHEN:
     Saturday, April 28, 2007, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
     Saturday, May 5, 2007, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

WHERE: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Presented by Shell at the Fair Grounds Race Course: 1751 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans, LA. *The Office of the Lieutenant Governor's Hospitality Compound is between Congo Square/Louisiana Rebirth Stage and the Sheraton New Orleans Fais-Do-Do Stages. Entrance to the Fairgrounds requires ticket; Please contact Mary Lousteau (202.341.7227, ml@ mcopr.com) to confirm attendance and authorization for entry.

WHO:   
     •Lieutenant Governor Mitchell J. Landrieu
     •Angéle Davis, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism
     •Various artists, chefs, musicians, music, business, and design professionals
   
WHAT:
     Media availability for Lt. Governor Landrieu, Secretary Davis, and various members of
     Louisiana's Cultural Economy

WHY:    
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a time to celebrate the driving force behind Louisiana's economy: its culture. Since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, it has become clear that Louisiana's cultural economy -- arts, cuisine, design, film and music -- is reviving and attracting new business to the state. This past year has been a critical one for our state, and the Jazz Festival creates the perfect atmosphere for local artists to network over new business and celebrate their accomplishments.

Lt. Governor Landrieu has led several initiatives to help artists return home and re-launch their careers, and to promote our cultural attractions and destinations to potential visitors. Our leisure tourists and conventions are coming back as well. Lt. Governor wants to make sure the nation knows LOUISIANA IS BACK IN BUSINESS. In fact, the state is making great strides in the tourism and hospitality industry. A study commissioned by the Lt. Governor Landrieu from Mt. Auburn Associates, released in February, demonstrates that our cultural economy is rebounding:

Since Katrina and Rita:
     •Close to 2/3 of musicians have returned
     •160 performing arts venues have reopened
     •85% of art galleries have reopened
     •There are an estimated 1254 restaurants open in Orleans Parish

The Soul of America is alive. Come hear updates from the musicians themselves, other artists, and those dedicated to make sure they will survive.

Contact:
Jeanne Nathan: 504.218.4807 or 917.232.4522
http://www.crt.state.la.us/
                                                                        
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