<span>The New Orleans Saints formally teamed up with The Young Leadership Council (YLC) this morning at the announcement of the YLC's 10th Annual YLC Wednesday at the Square concert series lineup.
The Saints have stepped up as the title sponsor of the popular event this year and will have a strong presence throughout the concert series through player appearances, Saintsations appearances and the team's official mascots, Gumbo and Sir Saint. Saints Owner/Executive Vice President Rita Benson LeBlanc attended this morning's press conference and told the assembled members of the media and community of the team's involvement.
"The Saints are committed to the total health of our community, which includes cultural initiatives throughout the region, and the Wednesday at the Square concerts provide an outlet for everyone in our area to get together and enjoy themselves," said LeBlanc. "Our club and the Young Leadership Council will be holding what us ultimately a weekly, free festival at Lafayette Square with great food and great entertainment, and we invite everyone to come out and have fun while celebrating living in New Orleans."
This year's lineup of musical acts will feature a vibrant blend of both national and regional bands such as Letters to Cleo, Trombone Shorty, Galactic, Marcia Ball and Amanda Shaw. "We are thrilled to celebrate the series' 10th anniversary," said Amy Boyle, Executive Director of the YLC. "It's amazing how far this event has come. We're talking about an event that started with a few hundred people per week and has become a rite of Spring in New Orleans. The fact that the hometown favorite New Orleans Saints are on board as our title sponsor is lagniappe."
The concert series runs every Wednesday (rain or shine) from April 1-June 17 at 5:00-7:30 in Lafayette Square just off Poydras Street between St. Charles Avenue and Camp Street across from Gallier Hall.
YLC Wednesday at the Square features one music stage with performance by two different bands each week. There is food and drink from some of New Orleans' most popular names, including Plum Street Snoballs, plus beer from Abita Brewing Company along with cocktails, soft drinks and more refreshments. Artists from New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast will also be on hand in the Artist Village selling glass art, handmade jewelry, ceramics, high art photographs, and other various items.
YLC Wednesday at the Square has made it easier to purchase food and beverage tickets this year, as fans can avoid the lines and pre-purchase tickets on-line at www.wednesdayatthesquare.com.
To celebrate 10 years of free concerts, YLC Wednesday at the Square will sponsor 10 Ticket Giveaways. Follow YLC Wednesday at the Square at www.twitter.com/WedatTheSquare to get exclusive tips on where the tickets can be found. The first hint will be posted March 12, 2009.
YLC Wednesday at the Square
2009 Schedule
April 1 Bucktown All-Stars Soul Rebels
April 8 Ivan Neville's DUMPSTAPHUNK Shades of Praise
April 15 Jeremey Davenport The Preservation Hall-Stars
April 22 Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers Jake Smith
April 29 Marcia Ball Marva Wright & the BMW's
May 6 Big Sam's Funky Nation The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker
May 13 Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys Honey Island Swamp Boat
May 20 Letters to Cleo MaryAnne Marino
May 27 Bag of Donuts The Figs
June 3 Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue John Boutte and Paul Sanchez
June 10 The Boogie Men Dr. Gonzeaux
June 17 GALACTIC Hot 8 Brass band
To receive weekly updates on the series, fans can sign up for YLC Wednesday at the Square emails at www.wednesdayatthesquare.com.
