When the Krewe of Black & Gold was created in 2019, the goal was to celebrate New Orleans’ favorite football team while also celebrating the city’s culture, traditions and culture bearers. In 2024, the Krewe presented the Spirit of Louisiana Jazz Funeral and Second Line in New Orleans’ City Park in memory of those who passed during the pandemic when funerals were restricted, providing much-needed catharsis and closure for the loved ones who mourned their passing.

In 2025, The Krewe of Black & Gold, in partnership with the City of Slidell, will present The Spirit of Louisiana Katrina 20th Anniversary Commemorative Events in recognition of how far we have come after what then seemed like an insurmountable catastrophe.

It’s a testimony of resilience, recovery and rebirth.

The commemorative events will begin with a community gathering in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, featuring elected officials from the State of Louisiana, Parish of St. Tammany and City of Slidell in recognition of the many recovery teams and volunteers who played critical roles prior to, during and following Hurricane Katrina. The event is free and open to the public.

The Spirit of Louisiana Second Line will honor the many selfless individuals who have been part of the recovery and rebuilding. This includes city, parish, state and national government employees, elected officials, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS and healthcare workers, utility linemen, waste management teams, faith-based and community service organizations and volunteers, hospitality workers plus the media that worked around the clock to keep us informed. It’s an opportunity for the public to come out and show gratitude for these individuals’ and organizations’ service.

The second line, to be led by the Storyville Stompers, will begin at 5 pm. The procession will begin at City Hall, circle Municipal Square block and return to the auditorium. The community is welcome to join in the procession or cheer from the sidelines for the honorees. Free and open to the public.

Following the second line procession, a concert will be held in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, which was the last of the municipal structures to be rebuilt following the original auditorium’s post-Katrina demolition. The concert will feature the Bucktown All-Stars, which was the first band to perform in the City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Concert Series in the months following Katrina. The concert will also include a special appearance by Vince Vance, whose band performed the second post-Katrina Bayou Jam concert. The concert will be free and open to the public, with free tickets to be offered via an online ticketing service prior to the event.

For event updates, check back on our website or follow Krewe of Black & Gold on Facebook.

Optional: Krewe of Black & Gold

Founding Memberships available.

Only $25/VIP $50.

While all of the Spirit of Louisiana Katrina 20th Anniversary commemorative events are free and open to the public, the Krewe of Black & Gold is offering Founding Memberships, making it possible for individuals to support the efforts to bring this event to Slidell. Founding Memberships include an opportunity to offer a special online dedication to loved ones for as part of this Katrina 20th Anniversary Commemoration. Your donation helps make this event possible as we commmorate 20 years of resilience, recovery and rebirth. Founding Members also serve as event sponsors, and will receive one ticket per membership for VIP seating at the event concert, plus an opportunity to post a special dedication on this website and additional gifts. For more details, click the “Learn more about membership” link below.

Only 500 Krewe of Black & Gold Founding Member opportunities are available.

Title Sponsor

A FAN-BASED INITIATIVE COMING TOGETHER FOR THE GREATER GOOD