Valerie Sassyfras, New Orleans’ own pop-star, is celebrating her birthday at The Drifter Hotel, and all are invited. The event is taking place on July 3, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

In April 2018, Ellen DeGeneres, the comedian and talk show host who grew up in Metairie, broadcast a video of Sassyfras dancing and performing her song “Girl’s Night Out” at a children’s Mardi Gras event in Confetti Park. From there, Sassyfras gained the attention of America’s Got Talent, which she auditioned for in March. 

Sassyfras and her late husband Johnny Donald formed their band, named Sassyfras after the band’s eclectic frontwoman, in 1988. Although Donald died in 2013, Sassyfras still pays tribute to him with her songwriting. “I never thought of music as a career before Johnny,” Sassyfras said in the May 2019 cover story for OffBeat. “I never had the confidence to get up in front of people and perform. But he gave me that confidence.”

Many have taken note of said confidence in Sassyfras’ performances. “The tenacity she has is the most I’ve seen in the majority of artists I’ve ever worked with,” said Adam Shipley, Sassyfras’ manager.

Kicking off Sassyfras’ birthday bash, DJ Sass is performing from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by the Sassyfras Set, from 8 p.m to 8:45 p.m. Finally, Sassyfras and the Sashay Dancers will end the night’s performances with a scheduled set from 9:10 p.m. to 10 p.m.

A pop-up food truck, hosted by the Spotted Tongue, will offer cuisine inspired by the flavors of the Philippines. Admission for the event costs $10. The Drifter Hotel is located at 3522 Tulane Ave.

For more information, click here.