Olde Towne Alive block party set for Friday

It’s block party time again in Olde Towne Slidell.

The Olde Towne Alive event on Friday promises to be bigger and better this month, according to Main Street Program Manager Marina Stevens.

“It will run from Robert Street all the way to Fremaux Avenue, and we’ll have more activities for kids,” said Stevens. “There will be a rock-climbing wall, games and contests, so please bring the little ones.”

TiJonne Reyes, a Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee, will offer contemporary jazz and rhythm and blues vocal stylings from the main stage at First and Robert streets. She will be backed by her band, ForPlay, with Bobby Ellis on piano, Pat Salvatore on saxophone, Al Arthur on bass and Ray Zanders on drums.

Reyes began her singing career as a teenager doing backup vocals on a Louie Prima recording. From there she went on to become a vocalist for the original Vince Vance and the Valiants.

She has been the lead vocalist for several bands over the years and has performed with many orchestras and in numerous venues, such as the Blue Room in the Fairmont Hotel, Storyville Jazz Parlor in the French Quarter, cruise lines, casinos and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Admission is free, thanks to sponsors Dish on First, The Continental and the Slidell Historic Antique Association.

The Continental will also host a “Hollywood Wrap Party” to toast the completion of a feature film “Chess,” in which several scenes were shot in Olde Towne. Sponsored by International Wine and Spirits, this event will run from 6-8 p.m. The Continental is located at 2144 First St., and admission is $10. Proceeds will go to the Pediatric Foundation of the Northshore.

In addition, there will be a sneak preview of the opening exhibit for the Olde Towne Arts Center, also at First and Robert streets. Called “Eyes on Olde Towne,” the juried exhibition will feature more than 50 artists presenting a visual interpretation of the Olde Towne Historic Preservation District.