“Fringe? It’s hard to define, but you’ll know

it when you see it. You’ll never see ‘fringe’ on TV. There’s

 a scrappiness and a passion to see the work presented.

No one is working with a big budget.”

That’s a pretty good description given by the Fringe Festival artistic director in New Orleans a number of years ago.

WHERE DID THE FRINGE FESTIVAL GET ITS START?

The “fringe concept” has been around a lot longer than any of us probably realize. The original fringe event was launched in 1947 (that’s 71 years ago). It began when eight theater companies (six Scottish and two English) appeared uninvited in Edinburgh and staged their own shows alongside the new Edinburgh International Festival.

This year THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE was held from August 3 to August 27, 2018. It is the world’s largest arts festival – and it transforms Scotland’s capital every August as thousands of performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows of all kinds. Audiences can enjoy theater, comedy, dance, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, musicals, opera – the list is endless.

TEN POINTS ABOUT THE NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL

ONE: In November, the NOLA Fringe Festival offers one gigantic, five-day, five-night celebration of the performing arts across the city

TWO: A rotating group of 16 performance artists review approximately 159 applications each year to select 24 of the ensembles included in the festival

THREE: There are over 70 local, national and international presenters of over 300 shows at more than 35 venues

FOUR: There’s something for everyone. Fringe features original plays, musicals, dance, puppetry, poetry, magic, comedy, cabaret and burlesque

FIVE: Go to ARCHITECT’S ALLEY where you can watch snippets of Fringe performances to help you decide what you want to see – and buy tickets. This is also a spot for everyone to get festival information

SIX: It’s possible to walk to Fringe venues in Marigny and Bywater. You can also ride a bike or go by car

SEVEN: All shows are general admission. Audiences are not allowed in until just before curtain time. Every show has multiple times and dates

EIGHT: There are FREE after parties where you can meet-and-greet the performers and discuss “all things Fringe” over a drink. And yes, there’s a walking parade – participants are encouraged to dress up

NINE: Fringe shows are short: all run an hour or less so it’s possible to hop around from show-to-show. You can buy single tickets, a six-show pass or an all-access pass

TEN: Every Fringe attendee needs an official BUTTON ($3.00) for entry as well as a ticket

Now, we’ve set you up for November. Let’s take a look at this month.

CLICK HERE to read our blog about “The Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival” that’s happening October 12th to14th.

TWO POINTS ABOUT THE STATELY RATHBONE MANSIONS

ONE: Each room has a flat screen TV, coffee maker, hair dryer, mini fridge and microwave

TWO: Every morning there’s a complimentary continental breakfast plus fruit and granola bars are available for guests around-the-clock

Shaun Nelson-Henrick