Liuzzapalooza

We provided all the production for the 2011 Liuzza Palooza event yesterday. This place was packed. Entertainment included Paul Varisco/Luther Kent, Rockin’ Dopsie, and The Creole String Beans. Put on by The Taste Buds, the event was a huge success and raised money for Liuzza’s owner, Michael Bordelon, who was severely injured by a drunk driver. HUGE thanks to Greg Reggio!!!

New Orleans, a diverse city of food, music and fun has a rich tradition of family-owned restaurants. Liuzza’s on Bienville in Mid-City, co-owned and operated by New Orleans native Michael Bordelon, is the quintessential neighborhood place. Since 1981 Mike, his mother, sister and other family members have provided locals and tourists alike with great food and great company. Like many Mid-City businesses, Liuzza’s was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina, sustaining over nine feet of water. Michael’s vision and sweat restored the restaurant from the ground up and brought back this great New Orleans establishment.

Tragically, on February 5th of this year as Mike headed home after work, he was involved in a violent car crash. While waiting at a red light on Canal Street a drunk driver traveling 80 miles per hour slammed into the back of his car, ramming it into an iron gate. Mike, hospitalized for nearly a month, was in a coma for a week while in the intensive care unit. Three weeks after the accident he was transferred to another hospital for physical therapy and faces many months if not years of rehabilitation in dealing with his traumatic brain injury. Michael’s insurance has maxed out and the drunken driver (an eight-time DWI offender!) only had $25,000 worth of coverage which has yet to be collected.

Friends, family, co-workers, and customers are all praying for Mike’s recovery, but want to do more. To that end, The Taste Buds are hosting a fundraiser of festival proportions, showcasing Louisiana Seafood, local music, and our own brand of fun. Titled LiuzzaPalooza 2011, proceeds from the event will be used to pay for Mike’s rehabilitation and expenses related to his hospitalization.

LiuzzaPalooza 2011 will take place across the street from Liuzza’s on Bienville on Sunday, May 15, 2011, from 11am to 5pm. To give you a small idea of what we have in store, Rockin’ Dopsie has generously committed to perform at the festival, and several other talented musicians are interested in performing. Additionally, top chefs and restaurants from the New Orleans area will be donating time, talent, and treasure to make this a culinary celebration. Finally, The Taste Buds will be on hand, giving live cooking demonstrations throughout the day featuring the world’s best, fresh Louisiana Seafood and other local ingredients.