Mela Levine Presents: BACKFIRE BELOW SEA LEVEL, The Album Fundraiser Gala
About this Event
New Orleans singer-songwriter Mela Levine's second album, Backfire Below Sea Level, tells the story of how her life plans shifted without warning and she became a musician overnight.
Join us for a whimsical 9-course fine dining tasting experience featuring Mela's favorite dishes, an exclusive first listen to her soon-to-be-released music, and an interactive scavenger hunt featuring prizes from Louisiana-based restauranteurs and retailers.
This is a delightfully inventive, immersive, and highly unusual culinary experience.
Look out! Expect the unexpected. After all, there's been a Backfire Below Sea Level, baby!
Event Details
Date: July 25th, 2026 A.D.
Time: 6:00 p.m. sharp
(Please be prompt so everything can backfire on time.)
Location: Beanlandia
3300 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70117
Admission: Mela's lucky number, $99.99
RSVP by: July 20, 2026 // Reservation Options:
Reservations may be made through Eventbrite OR to avoid Eventbrite service fees, you are also welcome to pay via Venmo (@MelaLevineOfficial), Cash App ($MelaLevineOfficial), or Cash (Contsct Event Organizer).
Age Requirement: 17+
Dress Code: *ALL BLACK ATTIRE WITH GOLD ACCENTS.* Give us your most glamorous, dramatic look.
So help me, Jesus: This is a semi-formal affair. If anyone arrives in New Orleans Saints attire—even if it's black and gold!—an additional $99.99 penalty surcharge will be required to get past security.
Please Note:
- Seating is limited, so reservations are required.
- All reservations are non-refundable.
- If you are unable to attend after reserving your spot, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your seat to someone else. Thank you.
Check-In: Please check in upon arrival with our Security Team. The dress code will be enforced at the door.
We look forward to amusing you. xox
Special Thanks to Our Wonderful Event Sponsors
Beanlandia
Elizabeth's Restaurant
Byblos Mediterranean
Habibi Lebanese Grill
Moon Swamp Records
Sesame the Opposum Shops
About the Artist
Mela Levine is a former professional firefighter turned singer-songwriter whose life changed dramatically after developing Multiple Sclerosis. The disease affected her ability to move, see, and breathe, yet for more than two years she struggled to find doctors who would believe her or help her.
Fearing that her body would give out before she fulfilled her lifelong dream of making music, Mela sprang into action to create her debut album, (2025). Against the backdrop of an increasingly unpredictable body and disintegrating spinal cord—which she jokingly refers to as her own personal "backfire"—she completed the record before receiving an official diagnosis or treatment.
Since then, her work has received support from Louisiana Entertainment, the Threadhead Cultural Foundation, and Crescent City Sounds.
Her upcoming second album, Backfire Below Sea Level, is a joyous concept album celebrating resilience, reinvention, and the music of New Orleans.
As a firefighter, Mela used to fight fires.
But now, she's backfiring...
Backfire Below Sea Level
Coming Fall 2026!
Listen now:
Follow her on Instagram:
Event Page Photographer: Alexis Interiano, Aries Photography NOLA
Makeup: Snoww Makeup Artistry
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 108.54
