Voting is happening now, though the singers won’t take the stage until Feb. 21, at Opera Louisiane’s “Sing & Swing” gala.
The company’s annual fundraiser starts at 7 p.m. in the Crowne Plaza Executive Center, 4728 Constitution Ave., featuring live music by the Michael Foster Project, dancing, buffet dining and drink options and a silent auction filled with unique items and experiences.
But the stars of the show will be local favorites competing in the gala’s Celebrity Sing-Off.
On the playlist are Ralph Bender, Ava Sardi and Pablo Isaza and Deborah Todd.
“Last year’s winner was Bob Courtney,” said Paul Groves, Opera Louisiane’s general director. “He sang ‘Green Green Grass of Home.’ Each year, the winner comes back and does an encore performance, so Bob will be back with his Bobette backup singers to sing ‘Green Green Grass.'”
Pre-gala voting is easy by visiting Opera Louisiane’s website at operalouisiane.com. “Sing & Swing” immediately will pop up with the competitors’ photos. Choose a singer and click on his or her photo.
“This is a karaoke-inspired celebrity competition with a twist,” Groves said. “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about bringing the energy, having fun and supporting a great cause. The winning celebrity will take home the title, a trophy and an encore performance at next year’s ‘Sing & Swing.'”
As for the cause, all gala proceeds benefit Opera Louisiane’s operational costs and programs, including money raised from the silent auction.
“We have some interesting items in the silent auction, including two tickets in the general director’s box and dinner with the cast of a production at the Metropolitan Opera,” Groves said. “And then we have two tickets in the director’s box and dinner with the cast of a production at the Houston Opera. Richard Lipsey is also offering a duck hunting weekend at his private place in south Louisiana. Those are just a few of the great experiences and items we’re offering.”
And if that’s not enough, Opera Louisiane also is offering VIP tickets that include a cocktail hour before the gala, featuring a performance by Groves.
“I won’t be singing in the competition, but I will be singing some arias at the cocktail hour,” he said. “Catering for the gala will be done by the Crowne Plaza, and the dress is formal.”
Groves added that Opera Louisiane chose to stage its gala after Mardi Gras so it wouldn’t get lost in the season’s revelry.
“It gives everyone a chance to recover from Mardi Gras,” he said. “Then they’re ready for another celebration.”
Individual tickets are $125 and $225 for VIP and can be purchased at operalouisiane.com.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.theadvocate.com ’
