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First annual BLEND slated for Sunday, May 1, 2022

The Arts Council of Northeast Louisiana presents BLEND, from 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, May 1, 2022 at the RiverMarket in downtown Monroe.

The biggest party on the river will feature local men and women who cook in addition to selected restaurants all serving tastings of their best culinary creations, a silent art auction of some of the area’s finest visual artists, along with multiple music offerings.

Representing their respective cities, Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis and West Monroe Mayor Staci Albritton Mitchell will be joining the fun and showcasing their love of cooking while supporting the arts.

Ticket proceeds and a portion of silent auction profits benefit the Arts Council of Northeast Louisiana, its programs, and services.

This event is a BLENDing of the Arts Council’s historic Blend of the Bayou and its more recent North Delta Food & Wine Festival. BLEND centers around a wide array of delicious food and beverages prepared and served by prominent area professionals and businessmen who generously volunteer their time and talents in support of the Arts Council. This BLENDing also incorporates select local restaurants and wine and beer distributors.

Providing attendees an opportunity to view and bid on original artwork are some of our leading area visual artists. The BLEND Bayou Gallery silent auction was hugely popular with prior attendees and affords them the chance to bid and win unique original artwork to take home that evening. New to the BLEND Bayou Gallery will be a select number of artists demonstrating live paintings. These live paintings will also be available for bid.

A wide variety of beer tastings will be provided by Marsala Beverages and Choice Brands. Wine tastings along with soft drinks and water will all be available with a General Admission ticket.

VIP tickets are new this year. Individual VIP tickets provide a special open seating area in, addition to full pours of wine, beer and specialty drinks.

Three musical offerings will be entertaining attendees. Dan Sumner and Coco York will take the main center stage. Zach O’Neil will be entertaining on one end of the RiverMarket walk while Mason Howard will provide some smooth jazz stylings on the opposite end of the walk.

As you enter and stroll the RiverMarket walk, you’ll be greeted by members of the Parish Ballet troupe, Statuesque, as they perform their unique poses.

Good food, good drinks, good music, good friends, and great art…what more could you ask for, all coming together at BLEND. THE biggest party on the river.

General admission is $65 and VIP admission is $100. This event is for individuals who are 21 and older. A picture ID is required to receive a wristband/lanyard to consume alcoholic beverages.