Darlings, 
Don't you just love the weather these past few days? I hope it continues throughout the Carnival Season.
I am still looking for a space in the French Quarter to move Casell-Bergen Gallery. Fortunately, I made a deal to stay until March 8, so keep your eyes open and your fingers crossed that I will find a suitable place. And, once again I repeat, if anyone knows or hears about anything suitable in or near the French Quarter, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!
This past week was another busy one for me. A few fun events took me away from work and watching the Olympics on TV.
One of them was the 2014 New Orleans “Go Red for Women” Luncheon at the Sheraton. I was one of the models along with many other civic activist women and heart disease survivors. I modeled a gorgeous red gown from Chatterbox, along with beautiful jewelry. It was so much fun and for great cause. 2014 New Orleans Go Red for Women Luncheon
The next event that I was invited was the fabulous
NBA's Wives BTB (Behind The Bench) "Touching a Life" Luncheon at Harrah's Casino. I heard it was fabulous. I got into a taxi and the traffic was so bad that I just got off and went back to the gallery which needed me more.
On Valentine's Day, I could not think of a better way to spend to spend the evening than at the New Orleans Opera's presentation of Massenet’s “Cinderella.” The opera was all in French with English subtitles. The cast included a few of our talented New Orleanians, most notably soprano Angela Mannino, who played one of the stepsisters (Noe'mi). The King was performed by Jacob Penick. The Master of Ceremonies was Taylor Miller who, by the way, will perform on March 12 at the Royal Sonesta's Round Table Luncheon and in the March 15 revival of the historical comic opera, “Tabasco,” which will be conducted by my darling friend, Maestro Paul Mauffrey at Trinity Church. More to come on that as the date gets closer. NO Opera Association's Cinderella (12 photos)
As in the past, the best place to see the satirical Krewe Du Vieux parade, is from a balcony along the parade route on Decatur Street, with great friends, delicious food and “sensational” libations. I was the guest of my darling friend, John Berendt, author of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” The satirical and immensely popular Krewe du Vieux rolled down the Marigny and the French Quarter with its theme, "Where the Vile Things Are." The monarchs were King John Barry and Dawn A DeDeaux The krewe was founded in 1987 from the ashes of the storied Krewe of Clones. This wild, satirical Carnival parade, which first marched in 1978, was based out of New Orleans' Contemporary Arts Center. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151849718280870.1073742184.581200869&type=1&l=4734a0278b 2014 Krewe du Vieux Balcony Party (18 photos)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151849681900870.1073742183.581200869&type=1&l=1e2ab5b438 2014 Krewe du Vieux (28 photos)
On Sunday, even though I was exhausted, the beautiful weather lured me to attend a fabulous outdoor soiree hosted by Dr. Brobson Lutz, Dr. Kenneth Combs and author John Berendt at Dr. Lutz’s exquisite home in the French Quarter. The lovely reception was to celebrate the launch of Sean Strub's new memoir, "Body Count."https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151850269845870.1073742185.581200869&type=1&l=c3d5f98357
This week is going to be a very hectic one since Wednesday is the February Royal Sonesta Round Table that I have had the pleasure of hosting since it began in 2005.The Luncheon will salute Mardi Gras 2014 at noon in the hotel’s Fleur de Lis Suite. The entertainment will be by comedian/actress Becky Allen, Al "Carnival Time" Johnson and talented Jim Walpole on the piano. The confirmed guest speakers are Entertainer/Entrepreneur Carl Mack; Julie Lea, Captain of the new Krewe of Nyx; Mary Katherine Lonatro-Tusa, former Captain of the Krewe of Shangri-La; and Chad Crespo with Krewe of Barkus.
The luncheon is $50 inclusive with advance reservations or $55 at the door. Parking in the Royal Sonesta garage will be validated. For reservations call Noel Scallan at 504-553-2220 or email her at nscallan@sonesta.com.
That evening, Wednesday, February 19, I am looking forward to THNOC’s “Home Postcards from Paris.” The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will present “Postcards from Paris,” the eighth installment of Musical Louisiana: America’s Cultural Heritage at 7:30 p.m. at St. Louis Cathedral. The popular series examines different aspects of the state’s contributions to classical music with a free concert and educational programming.
Selections for this year’s concert will explore the rich cultural and musical connections between France and Louisiana, including compositions by Ernest Guiraud, Frédéric Chopin and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In addition, a trio featuring Dr. Michael White will perform his arrangement of Sidney Bechet’s “Petite Fleur,” and the orchestra will close the concert with George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris.” Nicholas Carter, resident conductor of the Hamburg State Opera, will direct.
This Wednesday, You are invited to join DEBAUCHERY (and come in costume! It's Mardi Gras y'all!) for the latest episode of New Orleans' only live, ongoing soap opera at Mid-City Theatre. 7:30 p.m. $10 at the door.
On Thursday, If I am not too exhausted I would like to attend the 2nd Annual Creative Alliance of New Orleans's Bal des Artistes II: "Making New Orleans" from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Morning Call at City Park. Bal Des Artistes, the annual benefit to support the Creative Alliance of New Orleans will be held on Thursday, February 20 at the Old Casino Building in City Park. The event will begin with music, a silent auction, and a boutique where guests can purchase masks and other carnival favors, jewelry, accessories and crafts.
At 8 p.m. the “ALL GOWNED UP” fashion show will begin, featuring local fashion designers, vintage gowns donated by Carnival Queens and other New Orleans residents, and some really fantastic artist-made gowns that stretch the imagination. Local designers and artists include Tabitha Bethune, Elsa Brodman, Carolina Gallop, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Elizabeth Eckman, Elizabeth Shannon, Raine Bedsole, Tracy Thompson, Bob Tannen and Sally Heller. Jewelry design by Waregarden Studio. Hair by Bouffant Beauty & Barber.
The second part of the evening will be a Bal Masque that evokes the original bohemian carnival balls presented by a group of artists who came together in the French Quarter in the 1920's. Led by no less than William Faulkner, Sherwood Anderson, William Spratling and many others, the scene then was not unlike the exploding art scene of New Orleans that we are experiencing today. In short, this will be a Carnival ball as it should be -- creative, fun, and cutting-edge. An amazing lineup of bands include the Honorable South, Lagniappe Brass Band, Debauche Russian Mafia Band, The Courtyard Kings, DJ Black Pearl, Tabitha Pearl and her band and other special guests.
On Friday, February 21 I am looking forward to the annual Krewe of Cork Parade. As a former Queen 2003 and 2009, I will be parading with Chiquita Linda, the Royal Pooch. (See calendar below for parade route.) Founded in 2000, the Krewe of Cork has grown into a world-famous Mardi Gras and wine industry phenomenon, celebrating wine, food and fun!
I am afraid that this year, for the first time ever, I am going to miss parading with the Mystic Krewe of Barkus. The theme is “Dogzilla” and I have been under so much stress trying to find a new location to move the gallery that I haven't had a chance to decorate the float or plan the event. I hope to be back next year when things will hopefully be much better settled for me. But, for those of you who plan on being there, here is the information about this coming Sunday’s Barkus parade:
“DOGZILLA – Barkus Licks the Crescent City” (Parade starts and ends at Louis Armstrong Park)
The Mystic Krewe of Barkus, the only officially licensed Mardi Gras krewe by and for canines, will take to the streets of the French Quarter for the 22nd year on Sunday, February 23 at 2 p.m., sporting the theme, “DOGZILLA – Barkus Licks the Crescent City.” This is sure to be a canine encounter of epic proportions and a gathering of paws that is certain to sniff out the monster inside every krewe member. It promises to be a celebration to empower every four-legged creature with the bark of nature only a dogzilla can deliver. For one day, this krewe will take over the Quarter and lick the Crescent City with dog pageantry that applauds the talented and talentless, judges not on your education, worldliness or degree of dental care, but on you sass and frass and how your tail wags.
Have a sinsational week - it is yours to be!
Wednesday February 19th at Noon
It’s Carnival Time at the Royal Sonesta’s Round Table Luncheon
–Get ready, we’re celebrating all things purple, green and gold at the Royal Sonesta’s Round Table Luncheon on Wednesday February 19th at 12 Noon. Hosted by social columnist Margarita Bergen in the hotel’s elegant Fleur de Lis Suite, this month’s featured speakers will disclose the latest Mardi Gras happenings complete with insider’s tips. Join us as we toast the arrival of the Carnival season in the Big Easy with plenty of champagne darlings.
Founder and Captain Julie Lea of the Mystic Krewe of Nyx will discuss the path towards launching New Orleans’ newest all-female parade that rolls down St. Charles Avenue on Wednesday February 26th at 7 pm.
Chad Crespo, Vice President of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus, will provide a glimpse at this year’s canine-friendly parade themed “Dogzilla – Barkus Licks the Crescent City.” Learn why this zany parade is one of the city’s most beloved Mardi Gras spectacles that winds through French Quarter streets on Sunday February 23rd at 2 pm.
Carl Mack, performer and creative guru, will share his extensive knowledge about the city’s gay carnival scene including a peek inside this year’s ball themes, must see special events and ideas for creative costuming that everyone can embrace.
Finally, the former captain of the all women’s Krewe of Shangri-La Mary Katherine Lonatro, will discuss her experience as the longest continuous Mardi Gras Krewe captain with a tenure that spanned over 35 years.
Because a Mardi Gras celebration just isn't complete without entertainment, we’ll have seasoned New Orleans actress and performer Becky Allen on the program for another
unforgettable show that you’ll be talking about for weeks. By special invitation, we are also featuring Mr. Al “Carnival Time” Johnson who will have everyone breaking into their very own Mardi Gras Mambo. The Royal Sonesta’s Round Table resident pianist Jim Walpole will be holding court and tinkling the ivories for another memorable afternoon of merriment at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.
Executive Sous Chef Scott Nesbitt will present an elegant three-course menu that includes a Tasso, White Cheddar and Ale Soup with Caramelized Onions and Fried Fennel. The Entrée Duet features Achiote Marinated Rack of Lamb with Pasilla Pepper Coulis, accompanied with Crispy Fried Smoked Pharaoh Quail with Bourbon Spiked Date Preserves and Green Tomato Piccalilli, Wilted Escarole and Chickpea Ragout, and Bone Marrow Infused Jasmine Rice Grits. For dessert, enjoy Executive Pastry Chef Solandie Exantus’ sweet creation, Onyx Dark Chocolate Spice Bread Pudding with Caramelized Blood Orange and Slaw. Culinary perfection awaits!
The Royal Sonesta Hotel’s Round Table Luncheon is $50 inclusive with advance reservations or $55 at the door. Parking will be validated. For reservations, please contact Noel Scallan at 504-553-2220 or nscallan@sonesta.com.
Wednesday, February 19
• 7:30 p.m.
St. Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral
On Wednesday, February 19, The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will present “Postcards from Paris,” the eighth installment of Musical Louisiana: America’s Cultural Heritage. The popular series examines different aspects of the state’s contributions to classical music with a free concert and educational programming. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is once again supporting live streaming of the concert. (more…)
Thursday, February 20
February 21
How does JPAS ring in 2014? ...with a MURDER!!!
Murder at Cafe Noir in Westwego.
"Uncle" Wayne Daigrepont brings his unique directing talents back to the JPAS stage. With an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure comedy.
METAIRIE (LA), The Jefferson Performing Arts Society will be presenting the interactive, murder-mystery, comedy - Murder at Cafe Noir, February 9th. The production will be held at Teatro Wego! (177 Sala Ave.) in Westwego, La. Performances will be held Friday(s) and Saturday(s) at 7:30pm and Sunday(s) at 3:00pm.
Tickets for Murder at Cafe Noir are available by calling 504.885.2000, online at www.jpas.org
http://www.jpas.org/#
Murder at Cafe Noir in Westwego.
"Uncle" Wayne Daigrepont brings his unique directing talents back to the JPAS stage. With an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure comedy.
METAIRIE (LA), The Jefferson Performing Arts Society will be presenting the interactive, murder-mystery, comedy - Murder at Cafe Noir, February 9th. The production will be held at Teatro Wego! (177 Sala Ave.) in Westwego, La. Performances will be held Friday(s) and Saturday(s) at 7:30pm and Sunday(s) at 3:00pm.
Tickets for Murder at Cafe Noir are available by calling 504.885.2000, online at www.jpas.org
http://www.jpas.org/#
Mardi Gras Schedule:
Feb. 21. Krewe of Cork. French Quarter, New Orleans.
Feb. 21. Krewe of Oshun. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 21. Krewe of Cleopatra. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 21. Krewe of Excalibur. Metairie.
Feb. 21. Krewe of Eve. Mandeville.
Feb. 21. Krewe of Atlas. Metairie.
Feb. 22. The Mystic Knights of Adonis. West Bank.
Feb. 22. Knights of Nemesis. Chalmette.
Feb. 22. Krewe of Pontchartrain. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 22. Krewe of Pontchartrain. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 22. Krewe of Choctaw. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 22. Krewe of Freret. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 22. Knights of Sparta. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 22. Krewe of Caesar. Metairie.
Feb. 22. Krewe of Olympia. Covington.
Feb. 22. Krewe of Titans. Slidell.
Feb. 22. Krewe of Pygmalion. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 22. Krewe of Chewbacchus. Marigny, New Orleans.
Feb. 23. Krewe of Dionysus. Slidell
Feb. 23. Krewe of Carrollton. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 23. Krewe of King Arthur and Merlin. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 23. Krewe of Alla. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 23. Krewe of Tchefuncte. Madisonville.
Feb. 23. Krewe of Thor. Metairie.
Feb. 23. Krewe of Barkus. French Quarter, New Orleans.
Feb. 26. Krewe of Ancient Druids. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 26. Krewe of Nyx. Uptown, New Orleans
Feb. 27. Knights of Babylon. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 27. Krewe of Muses. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 27. Knights of Chaos. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 28. Krewe of Hermes. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 28. Krewe d'Etat. Uptown, New Orleans.
Feb. 28. Krewe of Selene. Slidell.
Feb. 28. Krewe of Centurions. Metairie.
Feb. 28. Krewe of Morpheus. Uptown, New Orleans.
March 1. Krewe of NOMTOC. West Bank, New Orleans.
March 1. Krewe of Iris. Uptown, New Orleans.
March 1. Krewe of Tucks. Uptown, New Orleans.
March 1. Krewe of Endymion. Mid-City, New Orleans.
March 1. Krewe of Isis. Metairie.
March 2. Krewe of Okeanos. Uptown, New Orleans.
March 2. Krewe of Mid-City. Uptown, New Orleans.
March 2. Krewe of Thoth. Uptown, New Orleans.
March 2. Krewe of Bacchus. Uptown, New Orleans.
March 2. Krewe of Napoleon. Metairie.
March 3. Krewe of Proteus. Uptown, New Orleans.
March 3. Krewe of Orpheus. Uptown, New Orleans.
March 3. Krewe of Hera. Metairie.
March 3. Krewe of Zeus. Metairie.
March 4. Krewe of Zulu. Uptown, New Orleans.
March 4. Krewe of Rex. Uptown, New Orleans.
March 4. Krewe of Grela. West Bank.
March 4. Krewe of Argus. Metairie.
March 4. Krewe of Elks Orleans. Uptown, New Orleans.
March 4. Krewe of Crescent City. Uptown, New Orleans.
March 4. Krewe of Elks Jefferson. Metairie.
March 4. Krewe of Jefferson. Metairie.
March 4. Societe de Ste. Anne. French Quarter, New Orleans.
March 4. Krewe de Lune. French Quarter, New Orleans.
March 4. Mondo Cayo. French Quarter, New Orleans
Friday, February 21
Krewe of Cork
Krewe of Cork Feb. 21, 3 p.m. The krewe lines up in front of Court of Two Sisters on Royal Street and parades through the French Quarter. Members parade in wine- and grape-related costumes during an all-day affair that includes lunch, a brass band, an evening party and plenty of wine.
The Krewe of Cork will begin on Royal Street between St. Peter Street and Toulouse Street in New Orleans.
The parade will follow Royal Street southwestward to Iberville Street.
The krewe will proceed northwest on Iberville for one block to turn northeast on Bourbon Street.
The parade will follow Bourbon Street to St. Ann Street, where it will turn southeast.
From St. Ann, the parade will turn southwest down Chartres Street.
At St. Peter Street, the parade will turn northwest and proceed to Royal Street.
Once the parade has turned southwest down Royal Street, it will proceed to Conti Street.
The krewe will turn northwest and finish the parade on Conti between Royal Street and Bourbon Street.
Krewe of Cork Founded in 2000, the Krewe of Cork has grown into a world-famous Mardi Gras and wine industry phenomenon. Krewe members gather on selected Fridays, usually the first Friday of each month, at restaurants throughout the area for T.G.I.C.D. (Thank Goodness It's Cork Day)."We celebrate Wine! Food! Fun!" says King Patrick van Hoorebeek.
Feb. 21
Krewe of Oshun
6 p.m. Uptown route. "Night Out in the Big Easy" will be depicted on 19 floats. The parade, which includes a band contest, is named for the Yoruba goddess of love. Throws include peacock figures and medallion necklaces.
Krewe of Cleopatra Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m. Uptown route. The theme "Strolling Down the Avenue!" will be depicted in a 21-float parade. Throws include medallion beads, head bands and more.
February 21
The Barkus Royal Cocktail Pawty
, 6 to 10 p.m. Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment (but only for humans) in the Chinoiserie Room. Dress is black tie optional; costumes encouraged. Business dressy OK. Admission: $50 for party only; $100 for party, plus signed, limited edition 2014 poster. Parking is additional. Email info@barkus.org.
February 21-23
Family Gras Feb. 21, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Feb. 22, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 23, 11:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Neutral ground of Veterans Memorial Boulevard across from Lakeside Shopping Center.
Free outdoor concerts on the Festival Plaza Main Stage and the Louisiana Stage, a food court, kids tent and parade-viewing in a family atmosphere.
Entertainment for Fri, Feb. 21: Amanda Shaw, 5:30-6:30, Cowboy Mouth, 7-8:30. The parade for Fri, Feb. 21, is the Krewe of Excalibur.
Entertainment for Sat, Feb. 22: The Sizzlin' Band, 11-11:40 a.m., NOLA Super Group (Credo IV, John Gros, Brian Stoltz, Mark Mullins, Craig Klein, Raymond Weber and Casandra Faulconer), noon-1, Steve Augeri (former lead singer of Journey), 1:30-2:30, Cassadee Pope, 3-4, Cher Lloyd, 4:30-5:45, and The Orchestra (former members of E.L.O. and E.L.O. Part II), 6:15-7:30. The parade for Sat, Feb. 22, is the Krewe of Caesar.
Entertainment for Sun, Feb. 23: Courtney Cole, 11:30 a.m.-12:15, Blood Sweat and Tears featuring Bo Bice, 12:45-1:45, Danielle Bradbery, 2:05-3:05, Wilson Phillips, 3:30-4:30, and Montgomery Gentry, 5-6:15. There is no parade on Sun, Feb. 23. No outside food or beverages allowed. No ice chests. No pets. No skates or skateboards. No bikes on festival grounds. Admission: Free. A Royal Pass including preferred concert viewing, backstage hospitality with food and drink, and VIP restrooms is $99 for the entire weekend.
February 23
DOGZILLA - Barkus Licks the Crescent City
Feb. 23, Armstrong Park
The Mystic Krewe of Barkus, the only officially licensed Mardi Gras krewe by and for canines, will take to the streets of the French Quarter for the 22st year on Sunday, February 23 , 2014 to the theme “Dogzilla: Barkus Licks the Crescent City.” This is sure to be a canine encounter of epic proportions and a gathering of paws that is certain to sniff out the monster inside every krewe member. It promises to be a celebration to empower every four-legged creature with the bark of nature only a dogzilla can deliver. For one day, this krewe will take over the French Quarter and lick the Crescent City with dog pageantry that applauds the talented and talentless, judges not on your education, worldliness or degree of dental care, but on your sass and frass and how your tail wags.
Sunday, February 23
Trinity Art Series presents @ 5 pm: The African American Experience
SAVE THIS DATE
Mad Hatter's Luncheon and Fashion Show
March 11 @ 10:30 am - 2:00 pm | $85 Reserved Seating / $100 Premium Seating / $1000 Premium Table of Ten
The Women's Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association invites you to celebrate"Alice's 30th Un-Birthday Party"Mad Hatter's Luncheon Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Down the Rabbit Hole to the New Orleans Hilton Riverside
Saks Fifth Avenue presents
The Best Men and Women's Collection for Spring 2014
10:30 am - Doors Open to Alice's World
11:00 am - Hat Contest and Judging by Local Celebrities
12:00 pm - Fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue
Luncheon to follow
Wonderland Board / Silent and Hat Auctions
Benefiting the New Orleans Opera Association & its Youth Education Program.
http://neworleansopera.org/event/mad-hatters-luncheon-and-fashion-show/Down the Rabbit Hole to the New Orleans Hilton Riverside
Saks Fifth Avenue presents
The Best Men and Women's Collection for Spring 2014
10:30 am - Doors Open to Alice's World
11:00 am - Hat Contest and Judging by Local Celebrities
12:00 pm - Fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue
Luncheon to follow
Wonderland Board / Silent and Hat Auctions
Benefiting the New Orleans Opera Association & its Youth Education Program.
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