34 DECEMBER 2017 • FOGHORN New Orleans Welcomes a New Music Venue New Orleans will soon have a new music and entertainment venue on the Mississippi. The newly repurposed Riverboat Louis Armstrong (formerly the City of Evansville, which was operating in Evansville, IN since 1995) is currently un- dergoing renovations in Morgan City, LA. Riverboat Louis Armstrong fulfills a dream of Warren L. Reuther, Jr., president and CEO of Hospitality Enterprises New Orleans, which owns and operates the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen and New Orleans Paddlewheels, a PVA Vessel member. He recalls hearing and reading about Louis Armstrong when Louis was 14-18 years old going to the river with his trumpet, hopping on one of the Streckfus Steamers as a deckhand, and scurrying to sneak among the jazz musicians for a chance to play his trumpet with them. Reuther explains, “Jazzing on the river is what we want to recapture on the Mississippi River in New Orleans.” While its emphasis will be on jazz, the Riverboat Louis Armstrong will offer New Orleans locals and visitors alike opportunities to enjoy music of all genres, from traditional jazz to contemporary pop, and from classical to rhythm and blues on four decks of entertainment. “Jazz music is such an important reason why people visit New Orleans from all over the world, and until now, there has really been no venue big enough that allows visitors to experience large scale music on the Mississippi River in MEMBERNEWS 1.800.777.0714 toll free www.merequipment.com 8-500kW Marine Generators // Pull harder in the harshest marine environments // More copper & premium corrosion resistance // Superior motor starting & low operating temps // Better fuel economy & longer engine life // Easy to service & worldwide dealer support // Proudly made in America Let MCM manage your insurance so you can focus on your voyage MCM is a leading independent insurance brokerage based in the Pacific Northwest. Our marine practice group has more than 100 years of combined experience placing insurance and managing the marine industry’s unique risks. Whether we’re working with vessel operators, builders, repair facilities or suppliers, we create specialized solutions that meet each client’s needs. EMpLoyEE BEnEfits | ExECutivE BEnEfits | REtiREMEnt pLans insuRanCE advisoRy | pRopERty & CasuaLty Contact Damon L. Nasman at (206) 262-6375 or email damon.nasman@mcmnw.com www.mcmnw.com