Southern Rep Hosts BACKSTAGE BASH 3/20

Southern Rep Theatre is very excited to announce that two of New Orleans' favorite local musicians and showmen, Trombone Shorty and Kermit Ruffins, return to Southern Rep to perform with their bands at the annual BACKSTAGE BASH, Saturday, March 20th, 2010.

The "glimpse behind the velvet curtain" themed event takes place on the third floor at The Shops at Canal Place and also includes tastings from top chef's menus, plentiful drinks, and an auction filled with local delights and money-can't-buy opportunities.

The evening begins with the Premiere Patron Party at 6:30 p.m. at the Westin Hotel, with special guests from the New Orleans' Theatre World and hors d'oeuvres from local renowned chefs. Patrons also receive reserved table seats for all the Bash Happenings.

At 7:30 p.m., the Bash starts near the Saks Fifth Avenue entrance. Main Event party-goers will enjoy unlimited drinks and samplings from the best and most unique NOLA eateries. There will be an auction featuring original work and jewelry, in-demand sports team items, gourmet dining experiences, and more. Kermit Ruffins and The Barbecue Swingers are first up, promising a swinging start to the Bash. An extraordinary musical talent at just age 24, Trombone Shorty and his band Orleans Avenue, are scheduled later in the evening at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Tickets: $125 individuals/$250 couples for the Premiere Patron Party; $50 individuals/$90 couples for the Main Event Bash including unlimited food & drink; and $30 after 9:30 p.m. at the door only for Bash Crashers which includes live music and two free drinks.

Born to the streets of Tremé and educated at NOCCA, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, a bandleader since age 6, has earned glowing reviews from the likes of Wynton Marsalis ("...I'm his biggest fan") both for his jazz artistry and as leader of the funk/rock/hip-hop band Orleans Avenue. The charismatic musician has mastered both trumpet and trombone and took home top honors at the 2008 Big Easy Awards for Best Male Performer. Crowds can expect virtuosity and exuberance from Orleans Avenue which includes Michael Ballard, Pete Murano, Dan Oestreicher, Joey Peebles, and Dawyne Williams. For more on Trombone Shorty, visit www.tromboneshorty.com.

Kermit Ruffins is a New Orleans native trumpeter, bandleader, singer/songwriter, often compared to Louis Armstrong. He needs little introduction to NOLA audiences, as he and his band, The Barbecue Swingers, have played hot jazz served up with a side of smokin' barbecue since 1992. The recipient of many kudos (multiple Offbeat Best of the Beat and Big Easy Awards including "Entertainer of the Year"), Ruffins was featured on CNN's international New Year's Eve show and at last year's NBA All-Star Game.

Southern Rep celebrates its 23rd season as the region's premiere professional theatre, continuing to produce bold world and regional premieres under the artistic leadership of Aimée Hayes, with Managing Director, Marieke Gaboury. Proceeds support Southern Rep's Mainstage productions; Educational programs such as free student matinees, $10 student rush tickets and Academy SRT; "Free Night of Theatre"; as well as providing an artistic home to new works in development in the New Play Bacchanal.

Southern Rep continues to show that it is staging the most important, challenging, and downright mesmerizing pieces of theater New Orleans audiences are graced to experience. - Theodore P. Mahne, The Times-Picayune Lagniappe

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