In 1986, a group of local young adults came
together to solve issues within the New Orleans community. They later formed a
nonprofit, nonpartisan, and civic organization known as the Young Leadership
Council. This organization helps develop leadership through community service
in the mission of bettering the city while retaining young professionals in the
area.
One of YLC's most successful projects is a
free concert series called Wednesdays at the Square. Traditionally a 10-week
series, the Wednesday concerts held in Lafayette Square were one of the first
casualties of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. But, according to their press
release, YLC is proud to announce the return of the much-loved event with a "half-concert
series" of Wednesday at the Square in Lafayette Square. Pending the approval
from the City of New Orleans, the Young Leadership Council will host four
concerts on October 20, October 27, November 3, and November 10 of
2021. Stay tuned for the band lineup announcement.
According to the Executive Director of YLC
Lindsey Jakiel Diulus, "In order for New Orleans to recover from the COVID-19
pandemic, we need to understand our impact on the local economy. Every attendee
at the Square is supporting restaurant pop-ups and food trucks, independent
artists, designers, and entrepreneurs, musicians, and gig workers."
For this
fall series, The Young Leadership Council will continue to partner with AOS
Interior Environments, one of the largest FF&E contractors in Louisiana and
Mississippi for more than 44 years. CEO of AOS Interior Environments Shelby
Russ stated, "We are honored to support the Young Leadership Council in
bringing back free live music back to Lafayette Square. WATS not only plays an
important economic role in reigniting our Downtown Development District, but it
also plays a critical cultural role in reminding us what it means to love New
Orleans."
The
Young Leadership Council created their very own website, ylcwats.com, in dedication to
the return of YLC Wednesday. Let's help revitalize New Orleans and make music
together again. All food and beverage
proceeds benefit YLC's community projects and positively impact the Central
Business District. See
you on Wednesdays!
