NEW ORLEANS (Jan. 20, 2006) – The Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans’ oldest French Quarter hotel, continues its exciting “Louis Prima Night” with the daughter of the famed “swinger,” Lena Prima. Prima will headline the Wednesday night tribute to her late father with “Louis Prima: That’s My Dad” on Feb. 22, 2006, at 8 p.m. in the Queen Anne Ballroom.

“We’ve had such an incredible response to our decision to bring back the heart and soul of a New Orleans native,” said Andrea Thornton, director of sales and marketing. “That the daughter of Louis Prima wants to get in on the act both honors and excites us for a night to remember.” Lena’s high-energy show, direct from the Sahara Hotel and Casino, features Prima classics including “That Old Black Magic,” “Jump, Jive and Wail,” “Pennies from Heaven,” and “Sing, Sing, Sing.” Rare video footage including Louis Prima’s Ed Sullivan Show performances, a 7- piece orchestra, and heartwarming stories of growing up as the daughter of a legend round out the 90-minute show. “I’m so excited to go back home and be a part of reminding people what’s unique about New Orleans and bringing my dad’s music back to the city he loved,” said Prima. “I hope that people who come out will get the same great feeling I do when I hear his songs and maybe even learn something new about my dad.” Lena’s mother, Gia, first performed on stage with Louis in 1962. They were married on Feb. 12,1963. Lena Prima was born on November 14, 1963. Her younger brother Louis Prima, Jr. was born on Father's Day, June 16, 1965. Gia and the rest of the Prima family toured with Louis until he fell ill in the autumn 1975.

A Las Vegas native, Lena still considers New Orleans a home away from home. She attended elementary school in New Orleans and eighth through tenth grades in Covington. She first began performing the tribute to her father in 2000, and today she continues to perform across the country with a show that has been acclaimed one of the most captivating live shows out today.

“When I listen to old recordings of my dad’s, there’s a distinct style in the music that is pure New Orleans. His style was New Orleans,” added Prima. “You can’t fake that sound, and I’m amazed and thankful that I can perform in his honor in his city.”

As a bold, talented, ambitious youngster, Louis Prima rose from the rank-and-file of musicians in the now acknowledged great training ground of New Orleans in 1934 and headed for the "Big Time" in the city of New York. Prima died 27 years ago this past August, but not before performing some of his final shows at the Monteleone’s Skylite Room.

Every Wednesday night since Jan. 18, the Hotel Monteleone has hosted tributes to Louis Prima, along with some of the original members of Prima’s swing band. Martinis and Italian tapas (hors d' oeuvres) are served, and the hotel has special $5 parking rates.

“Our goal was initially to bring back the glory days of the past as we all work toward rebuilding our cultural and economic future,” explained Thornton. “The result has been an immense excitement for the role New Orleans has played in American culture and will play again.”

There is no cover charge for this special performance by Lena Prima, but there is a two-drink minimum from the Carousel Bar. She will also be hosting a special performance for the media and hotel guests from 6 to 6:20 p.m. before performing her complete show at 8PM.

For more information on these events, contact the hotel events staff at 1-800-535-9595.



About Hotel Monteleone

Since 1886, the Hotel Monteleone (www.hotelmonteleone.com) has proudly stood as one of the first landmarks in the famous French Quarter. The hotel is the Quarter’s largest full-service hotel, featuring 600 comfortable, luxurious guestrooms and suites. Hotel Monteleone is within walking-distance of some of New Orleans most famous attractions and is conveniently located 11 miles from the Louis Armstrong International Airport. Hotel Monteleone is a three- time AAA Four Diamond award-winner, and has won the J.D. Power and Associates Upscale Hotel Award for “An Outstanding Guest Experience” for the past three years.



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