Wine Gala Aug. 9 to benefit Swine Palace’s 2012-2013 season celebrating Louisiana’s Bicentennial

The public is invited to share a summer night of fine wines and hors d’oeuvres on the Reilly Theatre stage, while also celebrating Louisiana’s Bicentennial and Swine Palace’s upcoming 2012-13 performance season. Swine Palace will hold its annual Wine Gala benefit event on Thursday, Aug. 9, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Reilly Theatre, located on Tower Drive. A champagne reception will precede the event, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample an assortment of 24 excellent champagne and wine varietals, as well as delicious food and live music. There will also be a raffle for $5 per ticket, with the winner receiving an instant wine cellar – 25 bottles of summer’s finest wine varietals, valued at more than $650.  Also, last year’s popular “mystery envelopes” are back, filled with wonderful gifts ready for bidding and provided by some of Southeast Louisiana’s finest hotels, arts organizations, restaurants, spas, businesses and more. Live musical entertainment will be provided courtesy of The Brad Walker Quartet. Headed by LSU alum Brad Walker, this exciting New Orleans-area band showcases a blend of original modern jazz, choice jazz standards and fresh takes on contemporary pop and indie music. Swine Palace’s Wine Gala is sponsored by The Fresh Market, B&B Staff Tenders and Lance Hayes Flowers. A limited number of tickets to the Wine Gala are available at $50 each, and can be purchased through the Swine Palace website at www.swinepalace.org. All ticket proceeds support Swine Palace’s 2012-13 season, with productions celebrating Louisiana’s bicentennial.