FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Anne Robichaux, The Historic New Orleans Collection
(504) 598-7137 | anner@hnoc.org

Sarah Chambless Federer, Gambel Communications
(504) 324-4242 | sarahc@gambelpr.com

533 Royal Street | 400-410 Chartres Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

 *** MEDIA ALERT *** CALENDAR LISTING ***

WHO: The Historic New Orleans Collection with support from AOS

WHAT: Concerts in the Courtyard

DATES: Friday, April 17, with Evan Christopher's Clarinet Road
White wine, beer and soft drinks will be available, as well as Ramos Gin Fizz cocktails provided by Kingfish Kitchen and Cocktails.

TIMES: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Concert is held from 6 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St., in the French Quarter

HOW: Admission is $10, free for THNOC members,* and includes three beverages. Guests must be 21 or older to enter. In the event of rain, visit www.hnoc.org or call (504) 523-4662 for updates.
*Memberships begin at $35 per year.

WHY: Concerts in the Courtyard, The Historic New Orleans Collection's popular outdoor music series, continues Friday, April 17, with a performance from Evan Christopher's Clarinet Road. Now in its eighth year, Concerts in the Courtyard offers a fun, casual and affordable way to kick off the weekend.

All concerts this season will feature a bar serving white wine and beer. In addition, Kingfish Kitchen and Cocktails-sponsor of THNOC's exhibition "From Winnfield to Washington: The Life and Career of Huey P. Long"-will provide Ramos Gin Fizz cocktails (a favorite of Long's) at the April and May concerts.

Admission to each show is $10, free for THNOC members and includes three beverages. Shows are held at 533 Royal St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the concerts are held from 6 to 8 p.m. THNOC's museum shop and first-floor exhibition galleries will offer extended hours during the event. For more information, call (504) 523-4662 or visit www.hnoc.org.
Mark your calendars for the rest of the spring 2015 series, which will include performances by Banu Gibson on Friday, May 15, and Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses on Friday, June 12.

About the band
Evan Christopher's style blends contemporary and early jazz and strives to promote the legacies of early Creole clarinetists such as Sidney Bechet, Omer Simeon and Barney Bigard. Christopher moved to New Orleans from his native California in 1994, but then in 1996 he moved to San Antonio, Texas, to perform with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band.

Christopher returned to New Orleans in 2001 and began pursuing a master's degree in musicology at Tulane University while touring internationally and producing his "Clarinet Road" series of CDs (STR Digital). In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Christopher relocated to Paris at the invitation of the French Embassy's Cultural Services division, where he formed his group, Django à la Créole.

Since returning to New Orleans in 2008, he actively advocates for the cultural workforce and music education. During a brief teaching stint at the University of New Orleans, he formed an ensemble that performed with guest mentors such as Lucien Barbarin and Marcus Roberts.

On Friday, April 17, Christopher will be joined by Joe Ashlar (keyboard), Roland Guerin (bass) and Shannon Powell (drums).

About series sponsor AOS
The spring 2015 season of Concerts in the Courtyard is sponsored by AOS, a full-service provider of contract commercial office furniture, modular interior construction and storage solutions based in New Orleans. AOS is the largest furniture, fixtures and equipment contractor in Louisiana and Mississippi and has been partnering with their clients and the architectural community to create beautiful, functional and productive spaces for more than 38 years. AOS's collaborative approach to workplace design results in precise solutions carefully attuned to each client's purpose. For more details, visit www.thinkaos.com.

About the cocktail sponsor Kingfish Kitchen and Cocktails
Kingfish Kitchen and Cocktails is a popular casual French Quarter restaurant that salutes the Huey P. Long era. The Kingfish menu embodies new Louisiana cuisine brought to fruition by Chef Nathan Richard. Head Bartender Chris McMillian's skill and expertise combine to create a unique Louisiana-centric dining experience. Kingfish is located at the corner of Chartres and Conti Street, and is the exhibition sponsor for The Historic New Orleans Collection's exhibition "From Winnfield to Washington: The Life and Career of Huey P. Long." For more details, visit www.kingfishneworleans.com.


Capacity is limited and the event is designed for a standing audience. Outside chairs, food and beverages are not permitted on the premises. In the event of rain or inclement weather, visit www.hnoc.org or call (504) 523-4662 for updates.

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