Wednesday, April 30, 2014

A Toast to New Orleans: Carver Theater's Opening,Trombone Shorty Fest/Jazz Fest, Zoo to Do and more...

Darlings, Happy Jazz Fest 2014,

Once again Mother Nature blessed us with glorious weather for my birthday week and the first weekend of Jazz Fest. Let's keep it going for the second weekend and so far it is looking good! 

I started my week by attending a few delightful events that included bidding farewell to Social Icon Mickey Easterling at the Saenger Theatre.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151962854185870.1073742234.581200869&type=1&l=9b38d9bdb8


Margarita Bergen's photo.
My darling friend - Grammy award winner - Allen Toussaint
Margarita Bergen's photo.


After the soiree I ran to the Mexican Consulate where the Consulate of Mexico in New Orleans and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation proudly presented an art exhibition by talented Mexican artist Angelo Gonzalez de la Tijera, “Art Syncopation.”
Margarita Bergen's photo.
Would you believe that, in addition, there was a wonderful  lecture and book signing at Laura Simon Nelson Galleries for Louisiana Art. The Historic New Orleans Collection presented "Creole World: Photographs of New Orleans and the Latin Caribbean Sphere," a new exhibition and book by renowned author and photographer Richard Sexton exploring these connections.

On  April 23, I attended  the lovely, elegant Project Lazarus Annual Guardian Angel Award Gala at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in City Park. This year it honored Community Leader, Patricia Denechaud and Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes as Guardian Angels and presenting the Pawell-Desrosiers Award to Halloween New Orleans. Check out how beautiful City Park looked with all the blooming flowers.


On Thursday, April 24, I had the best birthday in a long time. I started it by receiving a proclamation from Hon. Kristin Gisleson Palmer of District C signed by her and all the members of the New Orleans City Council. In the Proclamation it read: “Be it proclaimed by the City of New Orleans that the Council Recognizes Ms. Margarita Bergen for being a Cultural Beacon and Epitomizing the Spirit of New Orleans!”
Margarita Bergen's photo.

I just love my adopted city of New Orleans and love being the Cheerleader of all that N.O. has to offer! I felt very honored and I think I made my mother and father proud of me. 

That day I was invited by the Director of the New Orleans Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana Mayra E. Pineda to the Installation of Officers Luncheon at the JW Marriott Hotel on Canal Street. The Keynote Speaker was Hon. John Neely Kennedy, Treasurer of the State of Louisiana. Hon. Mayor Mitch Landrieu spoke briefly and the new board was installed headed by Thelma Ceballo-Meyers. My darling friend Mayra Pineda, former Consul of Honduras and now Director of the Hispanic Chamber, received a Special Recognition for her leadership and continuous support of the activities of the Chamber - a well-merited award. Aplausos!
Margarita Bergen's photo.

That night instead of having a party, I attended two fabulous parties. 
The first was at the Angela King Gallery which hosted a JazzFest Photography Show featuring the works of Bruce Johnson, Steven Forster, and Alexei Kazantsev.
Margarita Bergen's photo.

That night, The ARMANI Collezioni hosted its Grand Opening at Canal Place. I saw many of my friends there and the shop is lovely.The ARMANI Collezioni hosted it Grand Opening last night at Canal Place. Saw many of my friends there and the shop is lovely. — with Juli Miller Hart. (4 photos)

On Saturday, even though I  was exhausted from the heat working at Lorenzo Bergen's Gallery at 1501 Esplanade, I went to Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre's 68th Birthday Party at the Old Ursuline Convent with entertainment by Big Easy Award singer Bob Edes and Jim Walpole on the piano. I loved seeing so many of my friends.Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre's 68th Birthday Party (19 photos 
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151971949685870.1073742236.581200869&type=1&l=9410a6410a
Margarita Bergen's photo.

Darlings, there are so many fun events during this jazz Fest Week, among them are: 
New Orleans'  nationally-heard public radio program will present a live, on-stage show with masters of New Orleans traditional jazz and Cajun music from French Louisiana on April 29. Clarinetist Dr. Michael White will lead his hot seven-piece Original Liberty Jazz Band with verve and style on classic songs, marches, hymns and blues. They will be joined by another New Orleans legend, beloved vocalist Topsy Chapman. In the first half of the evening, Michael Doucet the fiddler and founder of BeauSoleil from Lafayette, will play two-steps, waltzes and tunes in a virtuosic Cajun style with the definitive band together nearly 40 years.
Both "Michaels" are NEA Heritage Fellows who will perform in an unprecedented combined appearance in the beautifully-restored Civic Theater (originally a 1906 Shubert Theater) at 510 O'Keefe Street. They are joined by the natty New Orleans-dwelling Mississippi bluesman and raconteur, Little Freddie King with his tales of his first guitar made of a cigar box and horsehair, and the Electrifying Crown Seekers with their mesmerizing blend of falsetto voices and sanctified guitars. Look for these musicians and special guests to join American Routes host Nick Spitzer as he interviews and narrates his way onstage with the revered radio show.
Young Professionals Night has partner with the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Urban League of Greater New Orleans for a Young Professionals networking event at Eiffel Society (2040 St. Charles Ave.) on Tuesday, April 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This event is open with no cost to members and includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres and $4 beer and $5 glasses of wine drink specials 
The New Orleans Musicians' Assistance Foundation and the Ponderosa Stomp Foundation are thrilled to bring you the Sweet 16 Prom, celebrating The New Orleans Musicians' Clinic's sixteen years of keeping the music alive!
Come celebrate the NOMC at the Palm Court Jazz Café on Wednesday, April 30 at 7:00 pm and enjoy music from Little Freddie King, special guest Christine Ohlman, birthday cake for all, and a tackiest prom attire contest! All proceeds from the event benefit the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic and Assistance Foundation. Tickets start at $25 and are available now!
On April 29, top New Orleans Piano Players will pay tribute to talented deceased pianist James Booker at fundraising event for “Bayou Maharajah.” Jimmy's Music Club presents screening and live piano performances to fund distribution for acclaimed Booker documentary “Bayou Maharajah” at Southport Hall, just across the parish line in Old Jefferson.

Davell Crawford, Tom McDermott, Al Farrell, JD Hill, Armand St. Martin, Josh Paxton, Alcorn Worrelly Cruz Express, Bobby Love and other noted surprise guests are lending their talents in support of “Bayou Maharajah” distribution efforts. Funds are needed to complete the song licensing fees required prior to distribution. James Booker, a child prodigy, extremely gifted, yet tormented by personal demons, would play Rachmaninoff, Chopin, and then whip off Fats Domino. He played with Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Ringo Starr, yet was not well known outside of the musician circles. He was a true enigma, a mystery . . . until now.

The public is invited to the long-awaited Carver Theater's Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and International Jazz Day celebration at 2101 Orleans Avenue, in the historic Treme neighborhood on Wednesday, April 30, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Key state and local officials will cut the ribbon, opening the theater for the first time in nearly 30 years. International Jazz Day at the Carver Theater mid-day concert takes place in partnership with the Kidd Jordan Institute of Jazz, 504 Magazine, Cutting Edge CE, New Orleans Musicians Clinic and WWOZ 90.7 FM who will be broadcasting portions of the day's activities.  
The full day celebrates the reopening of the Carver Theater's $8 million restoration of what was during the 1950s hailed as "America's finest theater exclusively for colored patrons."  Redesigned as a live performance entertainment venue primarily focused on jazz, musicals, stage plays, recitals, and off-Broadway shows, the fully renovated 16,000-square-foot Carver Theater comfortably seats 500 guests with the ability to accommodate a greater number for non-seated performances and special events.
Wednesday April 30 and Thursday May 1 will witness the World Premiere of Tucker Fuller's “Labor Songs” at the Marigny Opera House. Two singers and a chamber orchestra bring nine ballads to life in this provocative and engaging new song cycle from New Orleans-based composer Tucker Fuller and poet Megan Levad. The cycle draws on the rich variety of songs in the American popular canon, presenting a nuanced exploration of work and working in the 21st century. Through nine distinct perspectives, these songs illuminate and challenge our expectations about the ways we shape-and are shaped by-our jobs. Tickets: $20/ $10 Students & Seniors. The Marigny Opera House is located at 725 St. Ferdinand Street.
Wednesday at the Square is presenting, on April 30, Eric McFadden, Jerry Joseph, Norwood Fisher, Eric Bolivar, Kofi Burbridge and others, plus Gravy.
The final Jazz @ the Sandbar of the spring 2014 season takes place on April 30 and welcomes New Orleans native and founding member of the famed Neville Brothers Band, saxophonist Charles Neville. 7:00-9:30 p.m. Location is The Cove, Founders Road, UNO Lakefront Campus. General Admission: $5.00 at the door.
On Thursday, May 1 at 9 p.m.,  The New Orleans Arts and Cultural Host Committee presents Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Jazz Camp artistic directorKidd Jordan, headlining the camp's first 20th Anniversary concert series performance. It will be featuring former (1997) Jazz Camp artist-in-residence Hamiett Bluiett with Alvin Fielder (drums), Darrel Lavigne (piano),
Brian Quezergue (bass), plus
Chuck Perkins  Don Paul at Cafe Istanbul, 2372 St. Claude Avenue. Donation: $15 advance/$20 door. Please help support a scholarship to the Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong Jazz Camp to a deserving student at  http://louisarmstrongjazzcamp.com/donation/
On Thursday, May 1 at Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Drive, The Trombone Shorty Foundation will hold its second annual Shorty Fest benefit concert on May 1 featuring a full headlining performance by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and three stages of performances by emerging young musicians.
The show will be headlined by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and featuring The Soul Rebels, Original Pinettes Brass Band, New Breed Brass Band, Magnetic Ear and a "Young Guns Blues Jam" with Cedric Burnside Project, Jonathon "Boogie" Long, Roosevelt Collier and 11-year-old guitar prodigy Brandon "Taz" Niederauer. A highlight will be a performance by the Trombone Shorty Academy with Music Directors "Big Chief" Donald Harrison, Jr. and Detroit Brooks, and special guest Dr. Lonnie Smith on the Hammond B3 organ.
This year's Whitney Zoo-To-Do will be held on Friday, May 2. Join us for an affair to remember as you dance the night away to an out of this world band, Party on the Moon, and enjoy premium cocktails, delicious food from local restaurants, the Luxury Car Raffle and a fabulous silent auction.
All proceeds will help underwrite Gator Run, Audubon Zoo's new lazy river with surprises around every turn. Mark Your Calendars For The Wildest Party In Town: May 2, 2014. Sponsor and Patron Party in the Jerome S. Glazer Audubon Tea Room Garden and Patron Lounge from 7:00 pm - Midnight

On Sunday, Dr Juan and Ana Ester Gerhanik have invited me to the Casa Argentina's ASADO, to be held at :  
 Brechtel Park, Shelter # 7 & 8, 4001 Lennox Blvd., on the West Bank, on Sunday, May 4, from 11:30 AM until 4 PM.
Darlings, enjoy your second weekend of Jazz Fest. I will not be there because I will be at work at 1501 Esplanade, so think of me and Casell-Bergen Gallery for all your posters and framing. I will be moving to the new location at 1305 Decatur on Monday, May 19. You’ll be hearing more about that as the date gets closer. 

Tuesday, April 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Young Professional Night
Join us as we partner with the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Urban League of Greater New Orleans for a Young Professionals networking event!

We'll be at Eiffel Society (2040 St. Charles Ave.)

This event is open with no cost to members and includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres and $4 beer and $5 glasses of wine drink specials
    

Garden Party
at the Botanical Gardens 
at City Park 
101 Victory Ave
New Orleans, LA

  

Tuesday, April 29th -- Gates @ 6pm

April 29

American Routes Live! with Masters of New Orleans Jazz, Cajun Music, Blues and Gospel -- Civic Theater April 29th 8 PM
                                                         

New Orleans '  nationally-heard public radio program will present a live, on-stage show with masters of New Orleans traditional jazz and Cajun music from French Louisiana on April 29th 2014.  Clarinetist Dr. Michael White will lead his hot seven-piece Original Liberty Jazz Band with verve and style on classic songs, marches, hymns and blues. They will be joined by another New Orleans legend: beloved vocalist Topsy Chapman. In the first half of the evening, Michael Doucet the fiddler and founder of BeauSoleil from Lafayette, will play two-steps, waltzes and tunes in a virtuosic Cajun stylewith the definitive band together nearly 40 years.

Both "Michaels" are NEA Heritage Fellows who will perform in an unprecedented combined appearance in the beautifully-restored Civic Theater (originally a 1906 Shubert Theater) at 510 O'Keefe Street. They are joined by the natty New Orleans-dwelling Mississippi bluesman and raconteur, Little Freddie King with his tales of his first guitar made of a cigar box and horsehair, and the Electrifying Crown Seekers with their mesmerizing blend of falsetto voices and sanctified guitars.  Look for these musicians and special guests to join American Routes'host Nick Spitzer as he interviews and narrates his way onstage with the revered radio show!
 April 30
Sweet 16 Prom
S
 
 
NOMC's Sweet 16 Prom with Little Freddie King
The New Orleans Musicians' Assistance Foundation and the Ponderosa Stomp Foundation are thrilled to bring you the Sweet 16 Prom, celebrating The New Orleans Musicians' Clinic's sixteen years of keeping the music alive!
Come celebrate the NOMC at the Palm Court Jazz Café on Wednesday, April 30th at 7:00 pm and enjoy music from Little Freddie King, special guest Christine Ohlman, birthday cake for all, and a tackiest prom attire contest! All proceeds from the event benefit the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic and Assistance Foundation.
Tickets start at $25 and are available now!
 
Wednesday, April 30th -- Gates @ 6pm
    
4-30-14
  
Ribbon Cutting & International Jazz Day

Wednesday, April 30, 2014
10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Food, Fun, & Jazz! 
Free & Open to the Public 


 Are you ready for Jazz Fest? Do you know who you want to see when and where they are playing? Well, if not, we have all that information and more right at your fingertips. Check out our Jazz Fest A to Z guide now!

 5-1-14
  

"Kidd Jordan @ Cafe Istanbul"  
Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp 20th Anniversary Concert Series Fundraiser








  

The String Cheese Incident, Lyle Lovett - Thursday, May 1
Christina Aguilera - Friday, May 2
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Trey Songz - Saturday, May 3
Arcade Fire, Trombone Shorty, John Fogerty  - Sunday, May 4

The Cubes
   
Food List
    
Crafts

Thursday, May 1st -- Gates @ 6pm
           
 
  Thursday, May 1

  
May 1
 
 
Shorty Fest 2014 on May 1 benefits Trombone Shorty Foundation
Second-annual concert supports youth music performance, music business programs
Friday, May 2 
WHITNEY ZOO TO DO   
 
Attend The Wildest Party In Town!

This year's Whitney Zoo-To-Do will be held on Friday, May 2, 2014. Join us for an affair to remember as you dance the night away to an out of this world band, Party on the Moon, and enjoy premium cocktails, delicious food from local restaurants, the Luxury Car Raffle and a fabulous silent auction.

All proceeds will help underwrite Gator Run, Audubon Zoo's new lazy river with surprises around every turn!
Mark Your Calendars For The Wildest Party In Town: May 2, 2014!
Sponsor and Patron Party
Jerome S. Glazer Audubon Tea Room Garden and Patron Lounge
 7:00 pm - Midnight
Zoo-To-Do Gala
Audubon Zoo Grounds
 8:00pm - Midnight
 





The Garden District Gallery is pleased to present the 
Louisiana Watercolor Society's  44th Annual International Exhibition
May 2 - 25, 2014
Juror: Anne Abgott AWS, NWS

Opening reception: Friday, May 2, 2014, 6pm - 8pm 
Awards Ceremony: Saturday, May 10th, 2pm - 4pm 

A juried competition featuring the work of seventy-five watermedia artists from around the world, this annual exhibition celebrates the vibrant properties of watermedia, including watercolor, gouache and acrylic, with paintings featuring landscapes, portraiture, still life and impressionistic abstract works as well.
 

Saturday, May 3

DR. JOHN'S LEGENDARY MUSICAL INFLUENCE TO BE HONORED AT ONE-NIGHT-ONLY CONCERT EVENT ON MAY 3 AT THE SAENGER THEATRE IN NEW ORLEANS

"The Musical Mojo of Dr. John: A Celebration of Mac & His Music" Will Feature Performances by Widespread Panic, Gregg Allman, Mavis Staples,
Allen Toussaint, Ryan Bingham, Lucinda Williams, George Porter Jr.,
Cyril Neville, Zigaboo Modeliste, Jimmie Vaughan, Tab Benoit,
The Blind Boys of Alabama, Chief Monk Boudreaux,
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Bill Kreutzmann, Chuck Leavell, Shannon McNally, Sarah Morrow, Anders Osborne and Irma Thomas

Dr. John Set to Take the Stage for Special Performances
Throughout the Evening

On Saturday, May 3, 2014, esteemed musicians and friends will join together for "The Musical Mojo of Dr. John: A Celebration of Mac & His Music," a special concert event taping honoring this musical icon in his hometown of New Orleans.  Taking place at the historic Saenger Theatre in the French Quarter, the concert will pay homage to Dr. John's illustrious songbook and feature once-in-a-lifetime collaborations from a lineup of prestigious and award-winning artists including Gregg Allman, Tab Benoit, Ryan Bingham, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Chief Monk Boudreaux, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Bill Kreutzmann, Chuck Leavell, Shannon McNally, Zigaboo Modeliste, Sarah Morrow, Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, George Porter Jr., Mavis Staples, Allen Toussaint, Lucinda Williams, Irma Thomas, Jimmie Vaughan and Widespread Panic.  Surprise special guests, along with additional performers, will be announced in the weeks ahead.  This will be Dr. John's only New Orleans performance during Jazz Fest, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer taking the stage to perform with a number of special guests throughout the night. Tickets for the 9 PM show will go on sale to the general public at 10 AM CT on Monday, March 10.

GRAMMY Award-winner Don Was will lead an all-star band and serve as the musical director. Keith Wortman created the concert event and will be the executive producer.  The live concert event, "The Musical Mojo of Dr. John: A Celebration of Mac & His Music" will be filmed and recorded for multi-platform distribution. 

"Dr. John transcends genres with a truly distinctive sound that embodies the rich musical heritage of New Orleans and has tremendously influenced the course of music history," commented Don Was.  "It's an honor to be producing this extraordinary concert event honoring the legendary Dr. John.  It is even more special to be doing it with this lineup of artists in the city that has been such an integral part of his life and music," continued Keith Wortman.

Tickets go on sale to the general public starting 10 AM CT on Monday, March 10. Tickets are available atTicketmaster.com and the Saenger Theatre box office (www.saengernola.com). The Saenger Theatre box office is open Monday-Friday 10 AM - 5PM and Saturdays by event.  Tickets can also be charged by phone at 800-745-3000. A percentage of proceeds will benefit the New Orleans Musicians Clinic. 

For more information about "The Musical Mojo of Dr. John: A Celebration of Mac & His Music" please visit:www.celebratedrjohn.com
For more information on Dr. John, please visit: www.nitetripper.com



Sunday, May 4 @ 5 pm: Celebrating JAZZ Fest
at the Trinity Artist Series with
The Music of the Afro-Franco-American Eclipse:
From France to New Orleans with Love
with 
Khari Allen Lee, Alto and Soprano Saxophones ,
classical pianist Hristo Birbochukov
and jazz pianist Michael Pellera
in a program introducing the fusion of French Impressionistic Music and New Orleans Jazz featuring  Debussy, Faure,Ravel, Satie and compositions from Bradford Marsalis, Khari Allen Lee and Michael Pellera. Please visit:khariallenlee.com



 
Darlings if you want to see complete calendar of all the music going on Town visit  LaFete News Spotlights 4-29-14 Kingsley House Luncheon, Threadhead Day, Sync Up Cinema, Hobnobber, Line Samplings, Art Talk, Krewe of Oak Fundraiser

Margarita Bergen at 495-9181

A Toast to New Orleans: NO Jazz Fest, Zurich Classic & much more




Photo
 
 
 
Darlings,

We are blessed! Glorious spring weather greeted us during the Passover and Easter Week.
As such, many of us enjoyed the balmy weather to do our gardening or, in my case, attend fun activities that were scheduled during this past week.

On a sad note, we lost one of the pillars of our social community. Mickie Gambino Easterling passed away this past Monday and a big celebration has been planned as requested in her honor, this Tuesday at the Saenger Theater from 5 to 7 p.m. My darling friend Sammy Steele took care of her make-up as Mickey will be sitting with one glass of champagne in one hand and a cigarette in the other welcoming the mourners at her celebration. May her Soul Rest in Peace. 

Talented artist George Dureau was sadly remembered by a standing room only crowd at the lovely memorial  in his honor at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. 

Darlings, I got some great news! Yesterday, I signed a lease for the new location for Casell-Bergen Gallery at 1305 Decatur Street, across from the Old U.S. Mint. I need to keep temporarily operating at my brother Lorenzo Bergen's Studio at 1501 Esplanade until May 17 when I will be able to move in. It is not as large as Bergen Gallery or Casell but it is close to the French Market, Frenchmen Street, Esplanade Avenue and there is plenty of parking.
I already got all my 2014 New Orleans Jazz Festival and Congo Square posters and will be offering 20% off all the framing. So please call me at 504-495-9181.

Darlings, last week was a very busy week for me. Among the many fun things that I did was to attend on Tuesday, the always fun and super elegant grand Prix D' Elegance that honored the 2013 Best Dressed  Men and Women. The 2013 Hall of Fame Honorees were Kathleen Mix and C. Michael Winters and the   2013 Honorees were Allison G. Ashy, Michael Brinkman, Elaine Toscano Grundmeyer, Holley Haag, Carol Hall, Alanah Odoms Hebert, Russ Herman, Diane Hollis, Doug Kilton, Bivian “Sonny” Lee, Ted Martin, Manuel Martinez, Todd P. Murphy, Leslie Andree Perrin, Harry A. Roach, Paige Royer, Suzanne Scott, Carol Short, Wayne E. Woods and Michael S. Yenni.

The glamorous luncheon celebrated the Golden Age of Hollywood with a showing of spring fashions from Chatta Box Boutique and Jeff’s Haberdashery. The New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) and BRAVO once again were the recipients of the luncheon’s proceeds that help providing the funds needed to continue NOBA’s nationally award-winning scholarship. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151948322060870.1073742229.581200869&type=1&l=257764789b

On Wednesday, it was time for me to host the popular Royal Sonesta's Round Table Luncheon. During the luncheon we celebrated the Spring Festival Season with three dynamic speakers: Kia RobinsonPrograms, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation; Laila Morcos Zissis, representing the upcoming  41st Annual New Orleans Greek Festival taking place May 23-25 along the banks of scenic Bayou St. John at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral; and Jamie PeckenpaughExecutive Director of The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience taking place May 21-24, which showcases local flavors and innovative culinary creations. Live entertainment was by locally renowned entertainer and singer Marshall Harris, accompanied by resident pianist Jim Walpole. The next one will Wednesday, May 21.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151950480320870.1073742230.581200869&type=1&l=436066ddb9

On Thursday, I attended in the Grand Ballroom of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, The Big Beat Gala fundraiser to benefit the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. The evening included a cocktail reception featuring both a silent auction and a performance by the New Orleans Jazz Institute’s (NOJI) Student Ambassadors, a performance by Irvin Mayfield and the 18-piece NOJO Big Band, plus Ellis Marsalis as both an honoree and special guest with NOJO. There was a tribute to Fats Domino led by Davell Crawford, and additional tributes to both Dr. John and Allen Toussaint as well. All proceeds from The Big Beat will support the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151953525745870.1073742231.581200869&type=1&l=6815f75c0e

The following day, I went to see talented Chita Rivera at Le Petit Theater. She reminisced about her long, active singing and dancing career.

Photo: I love Chita. Thank you for your generosity .

On Sunday, it was time for Duchess Chiquita Bergen and I to don our Easter finery in my case, an exquisite beautiful wide brim chapeau, loaned to me by Fleur de Paris. We participate at the always-fun Chris Owens' Easter Parade.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151958233845870.1073742232.581200869&type=1&l=7bd79f4230




 I concluded my week on Monday night where I attended the fun Gambit's Big Easy Music Award at the Harrah's Theater. Congratulations to all the winners and most particularly, my darling friends Julio and Cesar and their band for winning the Best Latin Award.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151961710800870.1073742233.581200869&type=1&l=21f702d71f

This upcoming week is going to be another marathon of social activities.

On April 22, the Consulate of Mexico in New Orleans and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation are proud to be presenting an art exhibition by Angelo Gonzalez de la Tijera, “Art Syncopation.” The opening reception will be at 6 p.m. at 901 Convention Center Blvd. Suite 118.

On Wednesday, April 23, Project Lazarus is hosting the Annual Guardian Angel Award Gala at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in City Park. We are honoring Patricia Denechaud and Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes as Guardian Angels and presenting the Pawell-Desrosiers Award to Halloween New Orleans. We would be honored if you were able to assist us with coverage in New Orleans Living Magazine! The cocktail hour begins at 6:30.

Darlings, in case you did not know, I have been celebrating my birthday week - which is actually will be on Thursday, April 24.

I am going to start my day at 9:30 a.m. when Councilwoman Hon. Kristin Gisleson Palmer  will be presenting me with a proclamation in the City Council Chambers. I cannot wait!

At noon on Thursday, April 24, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana is having its Board Installation Luncheon Meeting  with Keynote Speaker, John N. Kennedy at the JW Marriott and I will be their guest.

Also this Thursday, the Angela King Gallery will host a Jazz Fest Photography Show featuring the works of Bruce Johnson, Steven Forster, and Alexei Kazantsev. The opening party will run from 5-7 p.m. with the artists in attendance. There will be food, wine and music and the public is invited. The gallery is located at 241 Royal Street in the French Quarter.

On Friday night, starting at 7:30, Touro Synagogue will host its 23rd Annual JazzFest Shabbat, featuring the music of the Joe Krown Trio and the Panorama Jazz Band. Touro’s Cantor, Jamie Marx will lead the 35-member Touro Chorus in songs celebrating both New Orleans and Jewish traditions. Rabbi Alexis Berk will officiate over the worship service. The synagogue is located at 4238 St. Charles Avenue. The public is invited, regardless of religious affiliation, and the event is free.

On Saturday, April 26, I am going to join Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre's 68th Birthday Party at the Old Ursuline Convent with entertainment by Big Easy Award singer Bob Edes and Jim Walpole on the piano. Not to be missed.

Darlings, I hope you will enjoy the first weekend of Jazz Fest and the beautiful spring weather.

Tuesday, April 22
  Historic Collection  
THNOC to present new exhibition, book from Richard Sexton in April 2014 

Projects examine New Orleans's Creole connections to Latin America
New Orleans is known for its distinctive Creole heritage-evident in its food, architecture and people-but it is part of an entire family of Latin Caribbean cities that forged new identities from their colonial histories. The Historic New Orleans Collection will present "Creole World: Photographs of New Orleans and the Latin Caribbean Sphere," a new exhibition and book by renowned author and photographer Richard Sexton exploring these connections.
Over the course of 38 years, Sexton travelled across Latin America-from Haiti, Colombia, Argentina, Cuba and Ecuador back home to New Orleans-capturing the architectural and urban similarities among these culturally rich locales. The exhibition of more than 50 color images will be on view in THNOC's Laura Simon Nelson Galleries for Louisiana Art, 400 Chartres St. The galleries are open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and admission is free.
In the accompanying book of the same name, essays by Creole-architecture scholar Jay D. Edwards and photography historian John H. Lawrence set the stage for the more than 200 color images by Sexton. Together, the essays and photographs take readers on a fascinating journey across time and place, through the ever-changing Creole world. Every aspect of "Creole World"-from its lively, unpredictable design to its bursts of color and movement-conveys the excitement of discovery in a land both foreign and familiar.
                The author and contributors will be on hand for a presentation, book signing and reception Tuesday, April 22, in the Laura Simon Nelson Galleries, from 6 until 8 p.m. The lavishly illustrated, hardcover book will retail for $49.95 and will be available for purchase at THNOC, local bookstores and national online retailers beginning April 15. Books will also be sold at the event on April 22. For more information, visit www.hnoc.org or call (504) 523-4662. 


Sincopas Plasticas ing.jpg






















Tuesday, April 22 | 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Earth Day at the New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park will be a great event! In its first year, come learn about being Green, listen to live music and enjoy delicious food! This celebration promises farm stands with local products, cooking demonstrations, art and plant vendors, live Bluegrass music, activities for kids and programming/lectures. Free (donations accepted)

Presented by the U.S. Green Building Council Louisiana Chapter and the New Orleans Botanical Garden with support from the New Orleans City Park Green Team and Friends of City Park. The 
LIVING GREEN in New Orleans, EARTH DAY 2014
Today
at 5:00pm - 9:00pm
New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park
Free and open to the public, donations are accepted
 -Food Trucks
 -Mojitios, Beer, Soft Drinks and Water
 -Cooking demonstrations by Linda Franzo, Passionate Platter. She will be cooking with herbs and teaching about herbs! sponsored by Metro Area Horticulture Foundation
 -Sustainability focused information, services and product booths
 -Live music
 -Activities for kids
 -Fire Dancing to close our celebration
 -Programing/lectures
 5:30-6:15 Emily Riordan from U>S> Green Building Council Center for Green Schools will talk about "The Importance of Healthy, Green Schools and Learning Environments" (Teacher CEU"S)
 At 6:30pm-7:15 Dana Nunez Brown will give a presentation and book signing of her book, "Using Plants for Storm water Management: A Green Infrastructure Guide for the Gulf South." Landscape Architect/Architect CEU's
 7:30pm-8:15 Joann Burke from the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation will give a presentation titled "Saved our lake, working to Save our Coast!" LA Master Naturalist of Greater new Orleans CEU's

 Presented by New Orleans Botanical Garden, U.S. Green Building Council of Louisiana and support from City Park Green Team, Friends of City Park , City Park and Metro Area Horticulture Foundation

 Come out and enjoy an evening at the New Orleans Botanical Garden! 
   

Tuesday, April 22
Swing in the Oaks

 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
After visiting the Earth Day event, bring your blankets, chairs and picnic fare to this free annual concert on Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn presented by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and City Park. Musical selections include traditional classics and modern favorites - "Light Cavalry Overture", music from Carmen Suite, selections from Phantom of the Opera, "Strike Up the Band", "Muppet Medley", a traditional New Orleans Medley, "Big Band Fantasy", Irving Berlin - A Symphonic Portrait, and "Stars and Stripes Forever". 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn
Free
  

The Andrews Brothers
Weekends, April 18 - June 8, 2014
"I could say 'Bella, bella,' even 'Sehr wunderbar,' but each language only helps to tell just how grand and charming The Andrews Brothers is." - Theodore P. Mahne, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
Don't miss our latest fun-filled musical comedy at the Stage Door Canteen! Mistaken identities, madcap comedy, romance and musical treasures come together in this sweet and hilarious show.
Plus you can add fine dining from Chef John Besh and the American Sector restaurant to complete your evening.

April 23
Wednesday at the Square presents: Theresa Andersson,Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show
 The free concert series is held at Lafayette Square from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and also includes arts and crafts and food and drink vendors.



Wednesday, April 23

 KEHINDE WILEY: AN ECONOMY OF GRACE
  
An Economy of Grace, which had its U.S. premiere at the SXSW Film Festival earlier this year, follows artist Kehinde Wiley as he undertakes an exciting new project: a series of classical portraits of African-American women. Wiley specializes in combining beauty, chance, fantasy, and the real-a talent only partially represented in his gorgeous paintings. This film offers a unique perspective into the fullness of his process and the characters at play. In the end, An Economy of Grace offers up a tantalizing inside look at the intersection of art and fashion, both of museums and of the streets. The film is an intimate portrait of one of this generation's most intriguing and accomplished visionaries, and an exploration of what beauty is in the 21st century. Presented in partnership with the Contemporary Arts Center.

Contemporary Arts Center,(900 Camp Street)                          

7:00 p.m.                     

Admission
NOFS / CAC Members: Free
General: $7.00

4-23-14
monteleone logo  
Carousel Bar and Lounge Features Post-Jazz Fest Performances
"Jazzy Jams" 2014 Schedule Highlights Include Local Favorites
The Hotel Monteleone presents "Jazzy Jams" sessions, which features performances by several locally-based musicians and gives Carousel Bar and Lounge patrons a place to relax and unwind with exciting New Orleans music after Jazz Fest closes each day.

Nightly throughout Jazz Fest, the Carousel Bar and Lounge welcomes the following performers:
                                               

April      23 - (8:30 PM - 12:30 AM.)        Tom Hook/ Wendell Brunious Band
             24 - (5 PM - 8 PM)                  Carl Leblanc Jazz Quartet
             24 - (8:30 PM - 12:30 AM)        Chance Bushman & Smoking Time 5
            25 - (5 PM - 8 PM)                   Robin Barnes & Jazz Band
25 - (9 PM - 1 AM)                   Lena Prima and Band
            26 - (9 PM - 1 AM)                   Luther Kent & Jazz Band
            27 - (9 PM - 12 AM)                  Jubilation Band - "Beatles Tribute"
            30 - (8:30 PM -12:30 AM)          Tom Hook/Wendell Brunious Band
                                               
May     1 - (5 PM - 8 PM)                     Carl Leblanc Jazz Quartet
            1 - (8:30 PM - 12:30 AM)           Chance Bushman & Smoking Time 5
            2 - (5 PM - 8 PM)                     Robin Barnes & Jazz Band
            2 - (9 PM - 1 AM)                     Jubilation Band
            3 - (9 PM - 1 AM)                     Luther Kent & Jazz Band
            4 - (9 PM - 12 AM)                   Lena Prima & Band

 
           The music series is free and open to Carousel Bar and Lounge patrons.
          A long time favorite of both locals and tourists, the Carousel Bar is the only bar in New Orleans at which patrons sit and revolve around the room overlooking Royal Street while listening to some of the city's most talented musicians.

For more information about the Hotel Monteleone and the Jazzy Jams lineup, visit http://hotelmonteleone.com/carouselbarentertainment/ or call 1-866-338-4684. For real time updates for the Hotel Monteleone, connect via Facebook or follow the Hotel on Twitter.
Thursday, April 24  




April 24
 The Boogie Men - will perform a free concert
this coming Thursday evening, April 24th in Lafreniere Park
on the new Al Copeland Memorial Stage.
Show begins at 6:30pm- 8:30pm.

Bring your lawn chairs, concessions are available.
It should be a beautiful night.
Hope to see you there.

For more info, visit the Lafreniere Park website.
Here is the link:


See you there !!!!


4-24-14
           
  
April  24, 25, 26, 27... 
No Easter Sunday Show 
Show times: Thur/Fri/Sat at 8pm & Sun at 6pm 
Tickets $30 and they're going fast 
(VIP Reserved, $35, by phone) 

Mid City Theatre...
The Golden Girls
3 NEW EPISODES!!
with special guest star,
Miss Becky Allen as Dorothy!!
Now who's ready for fun in April?
No Easter Sunday Show
Show times: Thur/Fri/Sat at 8pm & Sun at 6pm Tickets $30 and they're going fast (VIP Reserved, $35, by phone, READ MORE AND ORDER TICKETS ONLINE
or call 504.488.1460 

4-25-14
 
CUBES
4-26-14
 
 
Saturday, April 26
Concert:
Allen Toussaint, Marcia Ball, Walter            
                     "Wolfman" Washington
7:30  PM; $40 GA; $50 VIP
Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Dr.
Witness some of New Orleans' finest performers as they take the stage at Generations Hall on Saturday, April 26. Rock'n Roll Hall of Fame inductee Allen Toussaint, Louisiana Hall of Fame inductee and 5 time Grammy nominee Marcia Ball, and 2013 Big Easy Music Award Winner Walter "Wolfman" Washington each perform on this night of unparalleled New Orleans entertainment.  
   

Sunday, April 26
Trinity Choir bass soloist Ivan Griffin accompanied by pianist Wilfred Delphin from the Xavier Music Department
in a program of sacred music of oratorios and spirituals.  
Ivan Griffins performing Sacred Music at Trinity Artist Series
Ivan Griffin, bass-baritone's photo.
Sunday, April 27 at 5:00pm

Monday, April 28
On MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2014 Tipitina's Foundation will host the thirteenth annual INSTRUMENTS A COMIN' benefit concert and silent auction. This all-star event, held the Monday between Jazz Fest weekends, showcases the best of New Orleans' music, food, and art. The Battle of the Bands, Silent Auction, and Street Festival will begin at 6:00PM with doors to the benefit concert opening at 8:00PM.

This year's benefit concert lineup includes:
Galactic, Anders Osborne, Dumpstaphunk, Nathan & The Zydeco Cha-Chas, New Orleans Suspects, Bonerama, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Susan Cowsill, Honey Island Swamp Band, Flow Tribe, & Naughty Professor

OUTDOOR Events begin at 6:00PM and include a silent auction, Walk of Fame and Wall of Fame induction ceremony, silent auction, food, and drink, and a battle of the bands between IAC recipient schools. This year's Wall of Fame inductees are longtime friends of Tipitina's Foundation-Phish. The Walk of Fame inductee is renowned New Orleans trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard.

Every dollar raised at Instruments A Comin' goes to purchasing high-quality musical instruments for New Orleans area school and after school music programs.

Purchase your tickets at www.Tipitinas.com or call the box office at (504) 895-8477.
Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling Tipitina's Foundation at (504) 309-7934.