Rainbow Media, Fuse and MSG Networks are making the House of Blues in New Orleans the place to be for CTAM Summit attendees on Oct. 19.
That's when they will host "Voodoo, Blues & Zuzus," a one-night party celebrating the Crescent City's musical traditions and cultural heritage, while benefiting the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music.
JD & The Straight Shot, fronted by Cablevision CEO Jim Dolan, will serve as master of ceremonies, along with Don Draper himself, Jon Hamm, who plays the creative ad genius on AMC's three-time Emmy winner for best drama, Mad Men.
All 2010 CTAM Summit attendees are invited to attend the Big Easy blowout from 9 p.m. (CT) to 1 a.m., featuring legendary New Orleans musical icons and local flavors from some of New Orleans favorite chefs - zuzus is Creole for sweets or desserts.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival producer and director Quint Davis will line four stages with scheduled appearances by such Big Easy legends as: Jon Cleary, Walter Wolfman Washington, Rockin Dopsie, Jr., Luther Kent, BeauSoleil, Greg Stafford Jazz Hounds, Voodoo Authentica, Lost Bayou Ramblers, TBC Brass Band, New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians and Second Line Allstars. There will also be a special performance by The New Orleans Hornets Honeybees dance team.
To honor this celebration of New Orleans' renewal, a donation from Rainbow, Fuse and MSG Networks and Hamm will be made to the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music at Musicians' Village.
"I am deeply grateful to Cablevision and MSG for their continued support of New Orleans musicians," said Marsalis in a statement. "Musicians' Village became a reality in the Upper Ninth Ward because they so graciously provided the seed money to us way back when the city was still under water. And now they are here again five years later with more support. Thank you, thank you - you are true friends."
Cablevision and Madison Square Garden teamed with Davis in September 2005, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, to organize the "From The Big Apple to The Big Easy" concerts at MSG and Radio City Music Hall, which raised nearly $9 million, part of which was used to help break ground on Musicians' Village.
The House of Blues party will also feature delectables from Kajun Kettle Foods, Brocato's Eat Dat, Ms. Linda's Catering, Cottage Catering, Lil' Dizzy's Café, Loretta's Authentic Gourmet Pralines and La Divina Gelateria,
The evening's frolics will extend to a costume contest and those donning their Mardi Gras best will be eligible to win a special prize. For those who lack the gumption to wear the garb, masquerade masks and costumes will be provided.
All CTAM attendees will be asked to show their Summit badges for entry into the event.
"This is going to be a crazy New Orleans night. We're thrilled to bring the cable industry together for an evening that celebrates this culturally vibrant city and features its rich heritage," said Josh Sapan, Rainbow Media President and CEO, and Mike Bair, MSG Media president. "With its support of emerging local talent and music, the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music is a terrific organization supporting the city's ongoing revitalization efforts and we're proud to honor their efforts and the great city of New Orleans."
