The Lamar University Friends of the Arts will present Le Grand Bal 2019, March 30, co-chaired by Rusty Chemino and Dean Terrebonne. The theme of the event is New Orleans Inspires LU, and the evening promises to be filled with Southern elegance and a twist of the Crescent City.
The evening will begin with a silent art auction at the Dishman Art Museum with a White Linen Night theme based on the annual event held every year in the Arts District in New Orleans. Patrons will then go to the Setzer Student Center for a social followed by a Commander’s Palace style celebration for dinner.
No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a visit to the French Quarter, so in celebration of the beloved Vieux Carré, guests will dance the night away with sounds from Still Cruisin’.
“For many years Rusty and I have enjoyed the White Linen Night event in New Orleans, and our favorite restaurant is Commander’s Palace,” Terrebonne said. “We wanted to share these experiences with patrons of this event and introduce a less formal attire, but not casual — thus, changing up the dress code this year to Southern elegance.
“We thought it was a perfect fit with the art portion of the evening at the Dishman. It is our desire to raise as much funds as possible to benefit the fine arts students and provide an enjoyable and memorable evening for all who are able to join us.”
Each year, Le Grand Bal committee members select an artist honoree, as well as honorees recognized for their contributions to the arts. This year’s contributing honorees are Sandy and Joseph Fertitta, and the featured guest artist nominee is musician Gary Weldon. The Fertitta’s have long been contributors to the fine arts in the Beaumont area where they share their talents to help make our community a better place.
Weldon graduated from Lamar University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in music. He is an accomplished musician and sought-after performer on trumpet and harmonica.
Individual tickets are $250 and are on sale now.
All proceeds benefit the fine arts programs in the College of Fine Arts and Communication.
For more information, visit www. lamar.edu/legrandbal.