ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
TROY ANDREWS
AIMEE BROWN
CLARE BUROVAC
Founder Trombone Shorty Foundation
Executive Director New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
General and Artistic Director New Orleans Opera Association
One of New Orleans’ most famous and busy musical ambassadors gives back to his hometown through the Trombone Shorty Foundation, which aims to inspire the next generation of players through music education, instruction, mentorship and performance opportunities. Each spring, the foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, Shorty Fest, draws fans who want to support the scene.
Brown leads a nationally recognized festival with an annual attendance of more than 7,000. All proceeds from the nonprofit event benefit culinary education in the city. “I love creating relationships with chefs. restaurateurs and winemakers,” she said. “Supporting their brands and mission is a huge passion of mine and I am so lucky to be able to do that on a daily basis.”
In 2020, Clare Burovac took over as director of the New Orleans Opera. Previously, she was director of artistic operations at the Portland Opera. Her current mission is to “enrich the lives of all people by producing opera of the highest artistic quality and providing education opportunities through traditional and innovative approaches.”
On Recording During the Pandemic: Although Andrews owns Buckjump Studio in the Lower Garden District, making his most recent album required extra planning. “We had too many people to do it at the same time in the studio,” he said. “It wouldn’t be safe. We had to break them up in sections: rhythm section, horns and singers. ... The most important thing is everyone stayed healthy.”
Education: Loyola University New Orleans (BA) Best Fest: “NOWFE, of course! It embodies everything great about our city.” On the Horizon: “NOWFE returns June 7-11 2023.” Hidden Gem: “Not so hidden anymore, but Banana Blossom. Absolutely incredible.” Passion: “Hanging out with my 6-year-old son.” Noprofit Cause: Café Reconcile
Education: Bowling Green State University (BM) Go-to Restaurant: “I have to give a shout-out to Mosquito Supper Club. It was an experience of a lifetime!” Advice: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” Nonprofit Cause: “No question: New Orleans Opera!”
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
TREY BURVANT
QUINT DAVIS
ASALI DeVAN ECCLESIASTES
VP of Studio Operations Second Line Stages
CEO Festival Productions Inc.
Executive Director Ashé Cultural Arts Center
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In 2008, Burvant created a film and television studio that has hosted projects from Oprah, Ryan Reynolds, Beyoncé, Leonardo DiCaprio and many other Hollywood A-listers. As an actor, he appears on screen (“Get Out”) and on stage. In addition, he is the producer of several feature films and leads the Louisiana Film Entertainment Association.
Davis is the producer and director of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, an epic annual event that debuted in 1970 and has since presented Louisiana music, food and crafts to a global audience. The two-weekend celebration attracts tens of thousands to the Fair Grounds Race Course each April and May. Local officials estimate an annual economic impact of $400 million.
Ecclesiastes is the author of two well-known TED Talks and was chosen as one of the city’s 300 most influential citizens for the New Orleans Tricentennial celebration. At the Ashé Cultural Arts Center, she runs the day-to-day operations. The Central City organization’s mission is to “use art and culture to support human, community and economic development.”
N EW O RLE AN S 5 00
HOSPITALITY
Education: Harvard University (MFA), College of Santa Fe (BFA) Best Fest: French Quarter Festival Advice: “Keep your head down and get it done.” Hobby/Passion: The New York Times crosswords Hidden Gem: Philly cheesesteak at Rainbow Grocery on Magazine Nonprofit Cause: NOVAC
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Best Fest: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Hidden Gem: “Can’t tell you that, otherwise it wouldn’t be a hidden gem ...” On the Horizon: “Jazz Fest 2023!” Hero: George Wein Proud Moment: Davis won a Grammy for his role as producer of Professor Longhair’s album “Houseparty New Orleans Style.”
Education: Vanderbilt University (BA) Highlight of Leadership: “Fulfilling the dreams of my ancestors by being unabashedly me and being of service to my community” First Job: “Canvasser for Sidney Barthelemy’s mayoral campaign when I was 12 years old” Poboy Pick: Vegan hot sausage with mustard, pickles, lettuce and cheddar
