Don't Miss Ponchatoula's 3rd Annual Strawberry Jam'n Toast To The Arts Festival

"The Little Jazzy Fest On The Northshore"

March 22, 2003   9:30-6:30

Located in Historic Downtown Ponchatoula, LA

This year's festival will host many bands with genres of music including oldies, gospel, zydeco, blues, classical, jazz, alternative, rock, pop, country, and funk.  Also included will be a hands-on children's art stage where art teachers will show students how to do different artistic techniques.  Local dance studios will perform their routines on the festival's first Dance Stage.  Festival attendees will have the ability to stroll from stage to stage to hear this regions most popular groups.  On the way, they will have the sensation of viewing art created by this areas newest and favorite artists.  Set amongst a backdrop of the existing treasures in the numerous antique shops and topped of with food booths cooking local Louisiana favorites, this year's festival will again offer something for everyone to enjoy.

Featured this year will be the festival's first Music Industry Expo Center.  It will be an area where local bands, artists, promoters, producers, radio stations, recording studios, and anyone interested in networking this region into a music and arts center is invited to display their talents and meet with others with creative talents and similar goals.   It is our hope that this will forge new friendships and encourage other activities throughout the year so that we can keep building music and art in this region.  A feature in this hall will be Mrs. Barbara Cloyd who is the assistant booking agent for the open mic at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.  She will be meeting with folks in the Expo Hall on Saturday and then will give an educational workshop to the musicians of the region at Sugacane's Jazz & Blues on Sunday from 12-4.  Her topic will be teaching songwriting tips and also "how to navigate Nashville".

Opening ceremonies will begin at 9:30 at the Affiliated Therapy Stage and will feature Gina Tarajano singing "The Star Spangled Banner" followed by presentations by Senator John Hainkel, Representative Henry "Tank" Powell, and Mayor Julian Dufreche.  Carmel Foret will then be honored as the 2003 Northshore Regional Endowment For The Arts Life Achievement Award winner for her life long work and achievements in art and for her dedication towards this community and the region.