A vintage photograph of a grand ballroom dance. Numerous couples dressed in early 20th-century formal attire, with men in tuxedos and women in gowns, dance under elaborate decorations featuring garlands and drapery. The atmosphere is festive and elegant.

Louisiana Purchase Centennial Ball (detail); 1903; silver gelatin print; by John N. Teunisson, photographer HNOC, gift of George Schmidt in memory of Blance Ernestine Mouledoux, 2002.104

18th Annual Bill Russell Lecture

A Tribute to John Robichaux

April 5, 2017, 6:30–8 p.m.

Williams Research Center
410 Chartres Street

Admission is $15; free for Caillot Circle, Jackson Society, Laussat Society, and Bienville Circle members of HNOC. Seating is limited.

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Bill Russell Lecture
A Tribute to John Robichaux

The Historic New Orleans Collection will present the 18th annual Bill Russell Lecture. “A Tribute to John Robichaux”—on Wednesday, April 5, at the Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street. The New John Robichaux Society Orchestra, led by Tom Hook and Wendell Brunious, will join forces with the Louisiane Vintage Dancers to recreate an evening of 19th-century entertainment. This year's lecture is sponsored by the Derbes Family Foundation.

In the 1890s, the John Robichaux Orchestra was the premier society orchestra of New Orleans. A native of Thibodaux, Robichaux (1866–1939) is considered to have been the most continuously active dance bandleader in New Orleans. From 1895 until 1927, his ensemble thrilled audiences with European dance music such as quadrilles, waltzes, and schottisches, as well as music for African American dances such as the cakewalk. Eventually such music would evolve into the ragtime that would in turn evolve into jazz.

Seating is limited; for reservations, call (504) 523-4662. Reservations will be held until 6:20 p.m. At that time, any unclaimed seats will be released to the public. To watch the event online, visit www.hnoc.org, www.wwoz.org, or WWOZ's Facebook page on the night of the performance.