The Krewe of Black & Gold: origin

The Krewe of Black & Gold took roots in 2019, and the organization was planning its inaugural event until those efforts were thwarted by COVID-19. As shutdowns led to postponement of that event and the tragic losses of so many lives, followed by devastating hurricanes with additional losses, it became evident that a change of the initial plans was needed. What resulted was the Spirit of Louisiana Jazz Funeral and Second Line, an authentic New Orleans jazz funeral and second line honoring those who have perished during the shutdowns when funerals were restricted. The event was held at City Park in New Orleans in May of 2024.

The Spirit of Louisiana Katrina 20th Anniversary Commemoration will take place in Slidell, Louisiana on August 30, 2025. Sponsorship opportunities in support of this event and those being honored are now available. Additionally, individuals who wish to support the effort and show gratitude to those being honored by this event may do so by joining the Krewe of Black and Gold as a Founding Member. Your generosity helps toward bringing these events to the city. 

The one-time membership donation is $25 for a Founding Membership or $50 for a VIP Founding Membership, all of which will be utilized toward compensation for the musicians plus event production. Only 500 Founding Members’ opportunities are available, so early confirmation is strongly encouraged.

As a Founding Member, you’ll receive the following member benefits:

• Founding Member’s Krewe of Black & Gold deluxe, custom-cast coin (limited edition of 500)
• Listing in online member directory (optional)
• Opportunity to add a complementary online dedication for the Spirit of Louisiana Second Line
• One ticket for VIP sponsorship seating at the Spirit of Louisiana concert featuring the Bucktown All-Stars with special guest Vince Vance. Tickets must be reserved at the link below. 
• Opportunity to purchase limited edition Krewe of Black & Gold merchandise
• The pride of being part an official member of the Krewe of Black and Gold, the organization presenting this commemorative event

VIP Founding Members receive deluxe membership packages

All gifts from Founding Member’s package plus:

• Founding Member’s deluxe lapel pin
• Krewe of Black & Gold Founding Member’s second line hankie
• VIP listing in online member directory (optional)
• Priority listing of online dedication for the Spirit of Louisiana Second Line 

After completing your membership application, please reserve your free VIP concert ticket via this link no later than Thursday, August 28. Limit one VIP reservation per member. Your admission bracelet can be picked up at Will Call in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium lobby from 3:30 to 5:50 pm the day of the event. The name on your ticket reservation must match your membership name. ID may be required. Additional General Admission tickets may be reserved when securing VIP seating, but only the VIP ticket provides seating in the reserved seating section. VIP member may opt to sit in General Admission seating if desired.

A one-time membership donation of $25 Founding Member or $50 VIP Founding Member

Our inaugural event, the Spirit of Louisiana Jazz Funeral & Second Line, was held on Saturday, May 25, 2024 amidst the moss-draped oaks of New Orleans City Park’s Festival Grounds.

The 2025 events commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina will be held in Slidell, the Louisiana city hardest hit by the massive storm, and that event is free and open to the public. Must be reserved via link above.

While Founding Members are provided lifetime membership, some future special events and opportunities for members will be ticketed to cover event costs.

Want to give a Founding Membership as a gift?

Upon completion of your checkout, you will be redirected to a confirmation page with a printable .pdf gift certificate that you can present to your recipient in person or via email.

Thank you for your support of our mission to celebrate authentic Louisiana culture!