Juneteenth in NOLA
Celebrating Juneteenth, Afro District will be hosted by Dew Drop Inn on Saturday, June 20 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The party offers sunny pool-side vibes with nonstop music, incredible food, and ice-cold drinks. DJs will be spinning Afrobeats, dancehall, hip-hop, and R&B all day long. Held at one of the most iconic music venues in New Orleans history, there's no better place to get your groove on this June.
The Legend of Dew Drop Inn
Since 1939, Dew Drop Inn has been host to celebrations of
Black music and culture, but when Frank G. Painia opened a barbershop on
LaSalle Street, New Orleans had no idea it was going to become host of the most
iconic Black musicians of the mid-century. Painia started out cutting hair and
serving refreshments to the nearby Magnolia Housing Project. He eventually
expanded into the single story building next door, renovating the complex into
a single unit, where he opened the hotel and restaurant Dew Drop Inn.
The year the atomic bombs dropped in WWII, the Dew Drop Inn became a music
hall. It was quickly recognized as "the South's swankiest spot" by Louisiana
Weekly. With musicians such as Joe Turner (known as the boss of the blues), Chubby
Newsom, Earl King, and Allen Toussaint, it's no wonder. The Dew Drop Inn's
rising popularity made it a place to be, and Painia welcomed all people. Still
under the cruel grip of the Jim Crow Era, the owner was arrested for "disturbing
the peace" after a complaint was filed with the New Orleans Police Department that
the venue's audience was not in accordance with segregation laws.
This didn't stop the groove, and throughout the '50s and '60s,
stars from all over would travel to play the venue. Stars including Ray Charles,
James Brown, Irma Thomas,
Sam Cooke, Deacon John, and Little Richard all played at Dew Drop Inn. Little Richard even
released a song titled "Dew Drop Inn."
Frank Painia passed away in 1972, and the club closed amid
the desegregation of the city, but his inspiring and impactful legacy had
already cemented itself in New Orleans history. It was landmarked by the city in 2010 as one
of our most important music venues.
In 2024, the Dew Drop Inn was reopened under the ownership
of Curtis Doucette, Jr., who told
WGNO reporter Kenny Lopez "[the goal] is that we are creating a stage for
each musician to come and do what we did in the past." Now, the legendary Dew
Drop Inn has reinstated itself as a music venue, hotel, and pool club.
Join the Party
Ninety years later, Dew Drop Inn continues to serve its
community with music, refreshments, and a place to stay. Tickets for the Afro District event are available at about $25 for general admission with special pricing for lounger
reservations.
