By KEVIN CHIRI
Slidell news bureau
SLIDELL – A new Olde Towne night spot is hoping to offer something different for a unique crowd in the Slidell area.
Mike Pippins and Katie McBay, who both have experience in the entertainment industry, recently opened Maison Blues at 2144 First Street, offering locals a music venue that they say is for “the mature crowd.”
Maison Blues has live music every night from Wednesday through Sunday, opening at 4 p.m., and will have a variety of music that includes blues, jazz, easy listening, country, light rock and more. It is also a smoke-free establishment.
In a nutshell, Pippins said they will have a variety of different artists, from solo performers to full bands, in trying to make a night spot work that is for a crowd that isn’t looking for a crazy night of partying.
“We felt like Slidell didn’t really offer a place at night with live music that was for an older crowd, a more mature crowd, kind of the business group of people,” he said. “We want a place for people to sit down, have something to eat and drink, and really enjoy some great music, a little dancing, and a relaxing evening.”
Pippins has nearly 20 years of experience managing night spots in New Orleans, but has lived in Slidell nearly 20 years and kept looking for a place that he would enjoy in the evening, that wasn’t so much for the very young crowd.
“People in Slidell don’t want to go to New Orleans that much, especially if we have a great night spot here with excellent music,” he said. “That’s what we are offering at Maison Blues.”
Joining him in managing the club is McBay, who is originally from Los Angeles, and has extensive experience as a professional singer who spent time working on the Young and Restless TV show. She has lived in St. Tammany Parish for 26 years.
“I grew up in the entertainment business so I’m pretty familiar with all aspects of it,” she said. “I have co-managed night spots, restaurants and businesses offering entertainment so I think Mike and I will make a good team to bring something great to Slidell.”
Pippins said they are both interested in helping bring a spark to Olde Towne.
“We really want to help revive Olde Towne,” McBay said. “We see it as a diamond in the rough. This is an arts community so we will have local art on the walls of Maison Blues and do our part to help the artists in this area.”
Maison Blues serves a “Bistro style menu” of food.