Theater group keeps parish's culture alive

In November 2005, a group of St. Bernard Parish residents created the Voices Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the culture and history of the area in the wake of Hurricane Katrina through theatrical productions. The organization also has dedicated itself to education by financing several scholarships each year.

In an effort to continue its scholarship program, and perhaps raise enough money to create a few more opportunities for high school seniors, the Voices Foundation will hold a fundraiser next week in Chalmette.

"The two scholarships we already give are for just the arts in general, but we kind of want to get more specific so we put together this fundraiser to offer more specific scholarships, whether it be for music or for singing," said Ronda DeForest, a Chalmette resident and Voices Foundation board member.

Next week's fundraiser will take place Oct. 29 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Buccaneer Villa North Swim & Tennis Club, 8330 Patricia St.

Two bands will be featured that evening -- School and the Gang, led by Chalmette High School band director Jason Rusk, and Christabel and the Jons, a national touring group from Tennessee known for its sultry blend of blues, folk and Southern swing.

Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the door. The event is open to the public. A cash bar will also be available. For more information, call 504.301.8770.

"I think it's a win-win situation for whomever comes because it's great entertainment, and it's hanging out with great people," DeForest said.

The Voices Foundation's first project, "The Voices of Louisiana," was a comedic play that took audience members from Columbus' discovery of the New World to the negotiations of the land deal of all time: the Louisiana Purchase.

That endeavor was so successful, with shows selling out in various venues across the country, that in 2006 Voices began offering scholarships to enable young artists and performers to continue their studies in the arts....