For Cindy Wood and Chris Songy, December 1 was intended to be a momentous day marking the 40th anniversary of their ownership of Vaughan’s Lounge, a beloved Bywater bar that has become a landmark for live music and lively Saints football game broadcasts. Instead the occasion will be marked as a fundraiser to assist the couple as they recover from a devastating house fire.
On Sunday, November 28, patrons will gather at the bar to support the owners who, according to a Facebook post for the event, “have created a community anchor that has fed us, entertained us, laughed with us, cried with us, and celebrated with us.”
On November 10, Wood and Songy’s home caught fire. There were no injuries but the house they owned in the Bywater for 36 years was badly damaged and most of the contents were destroyed.
Bands will perform throughout the afternoon:
1 pm | Lulu & The Broadsides
2 pm | Treme Brass Band
3 pm | Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet
4 pm | New Orleans Nightcrawlers
5 pm | James Andrews & The All-Stars
DJ Keith Hill and emcee Chuck Perkins will provide entertainment between sets.
Donations are accepted through a GoFundMe account. The event will be livestreamed. For more information, visit the Facebook page for the block party fundraiser. Vaughan’s Lounge is located at 4229 Dauphine Street.
