Find Marie Laveau on Historic Bayou Rd. this Friday, September 10, 2010

Marie Leveau

Travelers looking for local culture and experiences while in New Orleans have a fantastic opportunity this Friday to learn about the real Marie Laveau.  Time, mysticism, and imagination have shaped Marie Laveau into the shadowy, mysterious "Voodoo Queen" that many have come to know.  However, missing from the lore, are tales of Marie Laveau the philanthropist; Marie Laveau the nurse; and Marie Laveau the civil rights activist.

On Friday, September 10, the Redstar Galerie will celebrate the birth and formal (or true) legacy of one of the most renowned New Orleanians during "The  Many Faces of Marie Laveau."

The event will feature appearances by Priestess Miriam Chamani, Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes, and the N' Fungola Sibo West African Dance Company, as well as original (or specially commissioned) artwork from several local artists.

Jerry Gandolfo, curator of the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, believes it's important to understand Laveau from a historical context.

"As the fantasies of perception, have slowly eroded the facts, everyone from the movie makers, to the story tellers, to the present day would-be voodoo queens, has claimed Marie Laveau and tried to 
reshape her into all manners of villainess and heroine," said Gandolfo, who will be on hand to provide insight about Laveau's cultural and historical significance.

"All in all Marie Laveau was a most wonderful woman.  Doing good for the sake of doing good alone, she obtained no rewards, oftentimes meeting with prejudices and loathing; she was nevertheless diligent and did not lag in her work.  She always had the cause of people at heart and was with them in all things."

The Many Faces of Marie Laveau takes place this Friday, September 10 from 7:00 p. m. 'til 10:00 p. m. at the REDSTAR Galerie located on 2513 Bayou Road.  To reach the Galerie by public transport, take the #91 bus.  Get off at Broad St.  Bayou Rd parallels Esplanade Ave.

Even though the event does not begin until 7:00 p. m., 411 NOLA encourages you to come earlier to explore the eclectic shops and restaurants on Bayou Rd.:

• The Community Book Center offers a wide variety of books, artwork, greeting cards, and special novelty items centered in African culture.  (504) 948-7323.
• The Domino Sound Record Shack sells new and used records of most times in addition to cassettes, music-related books, and more.  (504) 309-0871
• The King and Queen Emporium International offers handmade bath and beauty products as well as CDs and Afro-centric gift items.  (504) 949-7115.
• The Spot NOLA offers a variety of oils, incense, accessories, beauty aids, T-shirts, crowns, wraps and cultural clothing.  (504) 952-6175.
• The CoCo Hut is a Caribbean hole-in-the wall restaurant serving outstanding Jerk fish, chicken and more.
• There are many other retailers and restaurants in the vicinity.  Click here for more info.