The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council presents BLEND, from 5-8pm Sunday, April 30, 2023, at the RiverMarket in downtown Monroe.
The party on the river features local men and ladies who cook in addition to selected restaurants all serving tastings of their best culinary creations, a silent art auction featuring some of the area’s finest visual artists, along with exciting music.
Ticket proceeds and a portion of silent auction profits benefit the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s programs and services.
After a successful “BLENDing” of the Arts Council’s historic Blend of the Bayou and its more recent sister event the North Delta Food & Wine Festival in 2022, the Arts Council returns in 2023 with its second edition of BLEND. The event centers around a wide array of food and beverages prepared and served by prominent area professionals and business owners who volunteer their time and talents in support of the Arts Council. This BLENDing also incorporates select local restaurants.
Blend of the Bayou debuted in 1997 and is the granddaddy of arts fundraising events of its type in north Louisiana. Several of the original 16 volunteer cooks that first year are still part of the now over 25 individuals who cook and they aren’t ready to lay their utensils down just yet.
Over the years several younger cooks have joined the ranks and are carrying on the tradition. Attendees have an opportunity to view and bid on original artwork by some of our leading area visual artists. The Bayou Gallery silent auction is hugely popular with attendees and affords them the chance to bid and win unique original artwork to take home that evening.
Music is an integral part of BLEND. We’ll announce our music line-up for BLEND 2023 very soon.
Marsala Beverages and Choice Brands will both be providing select beverages to quench your thirst as you enjoy the unique view of the Ouachita River. Additionally, select wines and specialty drinks along with soft drinks and water will also be available.
Food, drinks, music, friends, and great art…what more could you ask for? All for one ticket price coming together at BLEND.
Latest information and updates are available via the Arts Council’s Facebook page and website at www.nelaarts.org/nela-arts-events/
DATE: SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2023
LOCATION: RIVERMARKET Downtown Monroe
TIME: 5:00-8:00PM
TICKETS: $75 per person; $100 day of.
Early-Bird pricing March 1-March 15 = $60
IDs required upon request. All guests must be 21+ to enter. Sorry, no one under the age of 21 is permitted to attend BLEND, including toddlers and infants. Wristbands provided must be worn to be served alcoholic beverages. The Arts Council urges all adults to consume alcoholic products responsibly. Ticket purchasers grant permission for any photos or videos bearing their likeness to be used for any and all legal purposes. Tickets are non-refundable.