Scene from a previous Laurel Street Palooza

Laurel Street Palooza returns as Kings and Queens Jazz Brunch

The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge will celebrate 16 years of bringing local music, performances, cuisine and visual arts to Baton Rouge this Sunday, Jan. 17, with its annual Laurel Street Palooza—but don’t expect the typical street party usually associated with the event. This year, the palooza will be toned down into a Jazz Brunch, honoring past Palooza Kings and Queens while still helping to raise funds in support of the city’s cultural evolution.

Under the guidance of Arts Council President and CEO Renee Chatelain, who has since been evaluating its programs and meeting with community leaders to ensure high quality and new ventures for the council, this year’s Jazz Brunch may seem more intimate than past parties, but it remains just as celebratory at heart. In the meantime, Chatelain says she plans to use the saved time and money to make next year’s event better than ever.

The menu for the noon brunch includes chicken and sausage paella, oven-roasted smoked brisket of beef, fried catfish fingers with cocktail sauce, grilled vegetables, chicken and mushroom crepes, and beignets with coffee. Guests can also expect an open bar and fried gumbo bites as hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and entertainment provided by the David Hinson Quintet featuring Judy Davis.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 225-344-8558 or by visiting artsbr.org.