Whitney White Linen Night

It has been called the "SoHo of the South" and every summer during the first Saturday evening in August, the Warehouse Arts District centering on Julia Street shows why it has earned that nickname.

For three hours on that first Saturday evening in August, four blocks of Julia Street are closed to vehicular traffic and a huge, festive, uniquely New Orleans-style block party known as Whitney White Linen Night kicks off. The event is free and open to the public.

Centuries ago, when New Orleanians who ventured outdoors in the hot summertime had to get where they were going on foot, on horseback or in open carriages, they devised ways to lessen the effects of the summer heat. One of them was wearing white linen clothing. Men wore white suits and hats to reflect, rather than absorb, the sun's rays, and women wore white dresses and hats for the same reason.

In the early 1990s, owners of the art galleries, centered primarily on or near Julia Street, brainstormed about ways to attract potential art buyers into the area. They came up with the idea of reviving the old summertime white linen tradition and the first White Linen Night was held in 1994. Its success took off from there and the event has grown steadily in popularity and attendance ever since.

Sponsored by Whitney Bank, Whitney White Linen Night will be held this year on Saturday, August 2nd. In the closed-off 300 to 600 blocks of Julia Street, stages are set up for live entertainment featuring some of New Orleans' top bands. Immediately following the three-hour block party, the nearby Contemporary Arts Center, hosts its annual Whitney White Linen Night party with live music, refreshments, and more art work on display. There is no required dress code for the event but everyone is encouraged to wear as much white attire as they can.

For more information about Whitney White Linen Night and the post-party call the Contemporary Arts Center at (504) 528-3805 or visit: http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/festivals/artfestivals/whitelinen.html