Heroes Wear Tie-Dye Blood Drive & Block Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Heroes Wear Tie-Dye Blood Drive & Block Party Celebrates Lifesavers, Artists, & Music

New Orleans, LA – June 2, 2025 – The Maple Leaf Bar is proud to announce the upcoming "Heroes Wear Tie-Dye" Blood Drive and Block Party, scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 8th, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This vibrant event will be held on the 8300 block of Oak Street in the Carrollton neighborhood of Uptown New Orleans and promises to bring families and friends together for an afternoon of love and support for the community.

In addition to the blood drive, the block party will offer a range of engaging activities for attendees of all ages. Live music performances by local artists will fill the air from the outdoor stage featuring JB3 (Jelly Biscuit Trio), the School of Rock Student Band, as well as special performances from Andre Bohren and River Eckert on the Piano on a Truck. Several local tie-dye artists will have their art on display for purchase & children's activities will include a pop-up glitter and face paint studio, as well as crafting, bubbles, & an interactive rhythm station.

The "Heroes Wear Tie-Dye" Blood Drive and Block Party was inaugurated in honor of Joe Cooper, a local tie-dye artist hero whose life was saved by a selfless act of blood donation after he was injured protecting his wife, beloved WWOZ host and jazz singer Leslie Cooper. Our first drive was able to raise enough blood to send to Texas in the aftermath of the tragedy in Uvalde, further demonstrating the power of collective action and compassion.

This year’s festivities will include a celebration of life second line honoring dearly departed tie-dye artist Pauly of the Jammin’ on Tie-Dye & Maple Leaf families, whose artistry adorns our event poster. Additionally, we’ve partnered with Grace at the Green Light to accept donations of clothing and shoes for our unhoused neighbors.

Recognizing the ongoing need for blood donations, particularly during the summer months when supplies tend to run low, the "Heroes Wear Tie-Dye" Blood Drive and Block Party is now an anticipated annual event. Join us as we honor artists, celebrate love and music, and contribute to a cause that directly saves lives. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

For further information, contact events.mapleleaf@gmail.com

Below is the link to the Blood Center to schedule a time:

https://www.tbcdonors.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/55173