NEW ORLEANS – Will Samuels, co-owner of Lakeview’s Pizza Nola, announced a series of multi-day, Facebook live broadcasts of select Uptown Mardi Gras parades, beginning Friday, Feb. 17, to support victims of the New Orleans tornado.
“'Grasnado' originally was designed to be a fun, informal multi-camera broadcast to show viewers the sights and sounds of Carnival through local eyes,” said Samuels. “After the events of the tornado that recently devastated homes in New Orleans East we decided to add a fundraising component in support of those who need assistance.”
“Grasnado” will be presented on Pizza Nola’s Facebook page via Facebook Live and will originate from the Best Western Plus St. Charles Inn on the heart of the Uptown parade route. Samuels will be joined by co-hosts Cait Gladow and Carolyn Scofield, as well as a rotation of New Orleans notable guests throughout the parade season. The trio also will broadcast live from Endymion at a house near Carrollton and Orleans Avenues.
“One of the goals of our broadcasts is to present a unique picture of the many aspects of Carnival including learning about Mardi Gras Indians, Carnival Balls, costuming, sub-krewes, food and drink, collectibles and behind-the-scenes of a Mardi Gras parade,” Samuels said.
Each broadcast will have a certain theme and selected guests in the hopes of providing a comprehensive picture of Carnival beyond what is normally presented through the media.
In addition to the Carnival themes, each broadcast day will present an opportunity for viewers to donate to a specific charity that is providing relief for victims of the tornado, which recently struck New Orleans East. Beneficiaries will include Second Harvest Food Bank, SBP (formerly the St. Bernard Project), the Greater New Orleans Foundation and United Saints. A web address and link will be provided during the broadcasts for viewers to contribute directly to the charities.
“Grasnado” is a production of Pizza Nola LLC and Zevcorp Media Ventures.
Pizza Nola is located at 141 W. Harrison Ave., in Lakeview, and is open daily with dine-in and carryout service as well as delivery to 70124, 70005 and beyond. On Fridays through Sundays, the restaurant offers a full breakfast (including delivery) from Bawk beginning at 7:00 a.m. Throughout Carnival, Pizza Nola offers king cakes from Dong Phuong bakery.
