THE BOURBON STREET
EXTRAVAGANZA
 
Interview with event producer
Chuck Robinson

(exclusive to SouthernDecadence.net)

 

 

Chuck Robinson, producer of The Bourbon Street Extravaganza

THE BOURBON STREET
EXTRAVAGANZA
is the free outdoor concert
on Saturday 8/31/19 at the
corner of Bourbon and
St. Ann Streets in the
French Quarter.

Here is part of an interview
with the producer of the event,
Chuck Robinson, as we countdown
to the 15th anniversary of
the concert.

Chuck is the owner of
Napoleon's Itch, which serves as
the backdrop for the event.
 

 

 
 Chuck, what is the history and mission of
  The Bourbon Street Extravaganza?
 
In 2003, with the current acquisition of The Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Napoleon's Itch was created as a part of the initial hotel renovation, at the corner of Bourbon and St. Ann Streets.

Southern Decadence 2004 was fast-approaching. The mission was simple: to create a concert on Bourbon Street with famous artists, attracting all lifestyles, free to the public, and suitable for all (including families).

This was at a time when the City and the Archdiocese were advocating that Southern Decadence be shut down, with growing concern that the event had become "too decadent."

We responded with a televised interview, clearly stating our mission, which was ultimately embraced by all.

   
 Has it worked?
 
Absolutely.  2019 is The Bourbon Street Extravaganza's 15th year.

Southern Decadence, now in its 48th year, ranks in the top-five annual events in the City of New Orleans, and is considered to be the largest LGBT festival in the South.

The City estimates that in 2018 Southern Decadence attendance increased to  approximately 250,000 participants.  The event's economic impact is reported to be in excess of $275 million in taxable revenues to the City and State.

   
 

Deborah Cox at The Bourbon Street Extravaganza

 

Deborah Cox taking the stage
at last year's performance.

   
 Who are the performers this year?
 
We are currently finalizing our amazing lineup, and it will be announced shortly.
   
 Is the concert still free to the public?
 
Yes, it is a free concert. 

Our agenda is clear.  We know that our loyalty is to the thousands who come to New Orleans for Southern Decadence.  We are acutely aware that they have choices for how to spend their Labor Day weekend.

We are firm in our philosophy that one can't always take from the community being served, and it is an obligation to give something back.

   
 Who pays for the production of
   the concert?
 
Napoleon's Itch.  Period.

The production cost last year was close to six figures.  We do not solicit or accept financial contributions from anyone.  This is the only way that we can guarantee the original mission of the Extravaganza, without influence. 

I must add that the Bourbon Street Extravaganza has greatly benefited from the support of my life partner Ron Julian.

SouthernDecadence.net has helped to promote the event for 15 years.  And our friends at The Bourbon Pub / Parade have provided production and technical support, particularly in the critical formative years of the Extravaganza.

Additionally, my dear friend Bobby Revere has provided counsel since Day 1. 

   

 Details of this year's concert are HERE.

   

 

 

Got a question?  Check our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Or email us at
info@southerndecadence.net

 

Southern Decadence web site contents are Copyright 2019 SouthernDecadence.net

Please read our copyright policy on the Press and Media page regarding the use of this material.


 

 

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