Darlings,
As you know, this past weekend we did not enjoy the glorious weather that we enjoyed the prior week. I am praying that if it needs to rain, let it be early in the week - as long as it does not interfere with the upcoming French Quarter Festival.
I am still anxious about finding a place for my gallery before the end of this month. I am fighting a chest cold that I just cannot shake. Hopefully I will get better before my beloved FQ Festival (April 10-13).
Before I share the fun events that I attended and the one that I will attend, I want to share the news of the passing of one of the most talented members of our artistic community: George Dureau. You can read more about it at these links: http://www.wwltv.com/.../Noted-New-Orleans-artist-George...
New Orleans artist George Dureau, whose paintings, photographs and sculpture ear...See More
I met George through my brother Lorenzo before I even moved to New Orleans, at least 40 years ago. He was a dear friend. May his soul rest in peace.
Last week I enjoyed so much the great few soirees that included: The New Orleans Botanical Garden Foundation's 2014 Spring Symposium featuring Dr. William C. Welch at Pavilion of the Two Sisters. The Garden looked so pretty and so lovely as I toured it
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That night I also went to Lafayette Square to briefly see talented Robin Barnes who was gone by the time I got there but I enjoyed the performance of jazz pianist Marcia Ball.
On Saturday, it was time to pull out my Spanish comb and mantilla to attend the fabulous Longue Vue Garden's Sentimental Journeys - Night in the Gardens of Spain at the lovely home of Stephanie and Joseph Bruno. This year’s theme “Night in the Gardens of Spain” celebrated the iconic Spanish Court at Longue Vue and its inspiration, the Generalife Gardens at Alhambra in Grenada, Spain. This event was generously supported by Iberia Bank with an exquisite menu from Chef Michael Sichel of Galatoire’s.
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Sentimental Journeys is the major fundraising event for Longue Vue House and Gardens, a historic estate in New Orleans created by philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern from 1939 to 1942.
Prior to Sentimental Journey, my darling friends Jim and Sandie McNamara invited me and my escort, Paul Mauffray, to a lovely reception at their fabulous home to meet the film director Cecilia Peck (she is Gregory Peck’s daughter) who filmed "Brave Miss World." This is a documentary about a rape victim who won the Miss World beauty pageant and used the platform to encourage rape victims to speak out, and it was part of the FilmOrama at the Prytania Theater.
On Saturday, it was time to attend the opening of talented artist Peter O' Neill at his 319 Royal Street Gallery.
That night I attended the lovely Wisdom Salutes Legacies: “A Celebration of Cuisine, Comedy and Culture,” saluting and recognizing three of the pillars of our community: Rev. James C. Carter, S.J., Loyola University President Emeritus; Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan, M.D., PhD; and legendary Chef Leah Chasewho was represented by her granddaughter, Tracie Griffins and her husband Michael at the Civic Theatre.
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I did not miss the superb matinee performance of the New Orleans Opera Association's production of “La Boheme” by Giacomo Puccini at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Eight of the 11 major and supporting cast members have ties to New Orleans. New Orleans-born Sarah Jane McMahon and Alfred Walker, along with my darling local talented friends such as Ivan Griffin, Ken Weber, Jesse Nolan, Beau Austin and Scott McDonald. MaestroRobert Lyall conducted brilliantly the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
This week, besides looking desperately for a new location for Casell-Bergen Gallery, I am looking forward to one of my favorite festivals - our local French Quarter Festival April 10-13 http://fqfi.org/frenchquarter.
I cannot wait to attend the annual FQ Festival Gala 2014 Gala at Antoine’s Restaurant. For information and to purchase tickets log on to www.fqfi.org/gala. 7 p.m.
But before that, Wednesday, April 9, bicyclists from all over New Orleans will commemorate the 3rd Annual NOLA Bike to Work Day by biking to work.
Wednesday at the Square is presenting on April 9, The New Orleans Suspects and Funk Monkey
On Thursday, April 10, “A Musical Prelude to the Celebration of Easter,” the free public concert staged at St. Mary's Catholic Church in the Vieux Carre will present Cynthia Cheri-Woolridge, who leads a popular group of gospel and spirituals singers and musicians at 6 p.m. St. Mary's Catholic Church, part of the old Ursuline Convent Complex, is located at 1116 Chartres Street.
Longue Vue House and Gardens' annual Louisiana Iris Day will be held Thursday, April 10 from 4-7 p.m. Join them in the Wild Garden to celebrate Longue Vue's historic collection of Louisiana Iris and the grande dame of Louisiana Iris, Caroline Dormon. Enjoy music with Seva Venet and light refreshments. Purchase tickets now; contact Hilairie Schackai at (504) 293-4726 for more information.
On Friday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m., violinist Philippe Quint will be the guest soloist with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto, at the Mahalia Jackson Theater (801 N. Rampart St.). Quint will perform Korngold’s Violin Concerto and Corigliano’s Chaconne for Violin from the film The Red Violin. The concert, which features music by American composers inspired by and working in the world of film music, also includes Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.
Philippe Quint and Carlos Miguel Prieto have worked closely together in numerous performances and on two recordings over the last decade. They recorded Korngold’s Violin Concerto with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería for Naxos in 2009, and the album was nominated for two Grammy Awards that year. Quint’s latest orchestral album from 2012, a recording of the Mendelssohn and Bruch Concertos, was also a collaboration with Maestro Prieto.
Saturday, April 12 is another one of those nights that I wish I could have a clone. My darling friends, talented radio/TV personality and political commentator Jeff Crouere is getting married to “Demolition Diva” Simone Bruni, and that night also has scheduled the fabulous Fabergé Opus Ball at 6:00 p.m.at the Civic Theater. The Gala will feature the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, with Virtuoso Russian-American Pianist, Lola Astanova and guest conductor, Jahja Ling. This performance will be followed by dinner and dancing at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans.
The Leading Ladies Guild of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society is gearing up for its Fifth Annual Parasol Promenade & Tea. The elegant spring affair will be held on Sunday April 13, 2014 at Longue Vue House & Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans.
On Sunday, April 13, Trinity Artist Series is presenting at 5 p.m. harpist Patrice Fisher and her Latin jazz group Arpa in a joint concert with the celebrated Worzeldorf Gospel Choir from Germany with special guest ”Fats” Von Gerolstein trumpeter. Also on Sunday, April 13 at 9 p.m. sharp the Grand Finale of the Jazz Vespers 2014 Series with acclaimed jazz pianist Victor “Red” Atkins.
Well darlings, I think I am going to be exhausted but I cannot miss enjoying the French Quarter Festival which I think you will as well.
I do need to save my energy for next week fun events that will include:
Tuesday, April 15
MEN AND WOMEN OF FASHION -Prix d'Elegance Luncheon
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Champagne Reception 10:30 a.m., Luncheon 12 noon
Proceeds benefit the New Orleans Ballet Association Education Programs and Scholarship Fund for young talented dancers.
The New Orleans Ballet Association and BRAVO are honored to once again be the recipients of the luncheon’s proceeds and to participate in providing the funds needed to continue NOBA’s nationally award-winning scholarship program. For more than 41 years, the Men and Women of Fashion organizations have paid tribute to dozens of men and women in New Orleans who exemplify unique personal style, as well as excellence through business, civic and charitable endeavors that specifically better the local community. This prestigious event, chaired by Sandra Stage Chaisson, continues the tradition of honoring a truly amazing group of 10 men and 10 women.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Champagne Reception 10:30 a.m., Luncheon 12 noon
Proceeds benefit the New Orleans Ballet Association Education Programs and Scholarship Fund for young talented dancers.
The New Orleans Ballet Association and BRAVO are honored to once again be the recipients of the luncheon’s proceeds and to participate in providing the funds needed to continue NOBA’s nationally award-winning scholarship program. For more than 41 years, the Men and Women of Fashion organizations have paid tribute to dozens of men and women in New Orleans who exemplify unique personal style, as well as excellence through business, civic and charitable endeavors that specifically better the local community. This prestigious event, chaired by Sandra Stage Chaisson, continues the tradition of honoring a truly amazing group of 10 men and 10 women.
Wednesday, April 16
Royal Sonesta's Round Table Luncheon
Celebrate the Spring Festival Season
 There's nothing quite like springtime in New Orleans! Hear from three dynamic speakers providing a sneak peek inside three different festivals on tap this season.
Join us in the hotel's Fleur de Lis Suite
for an unforgettable afternoon with live entertainment, delicious cuisine and plenty of champagne!
Parking Complimentary in the Royal Sonesta garage.
Guests will enjoy a gourmet three-course luncheon with wine for you to enjoy.
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Speakers & Entertainment:
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 April 2014 Round Table Menu: |
First Course
Blackened Snapper, Saffron and Shrimp Ciopinno
Entrée
Duet of Crispy Duck Leg Confit
with Grand Marnier and Blueberry Gastrique, Tarragon Brown Butter
Seared Lobster Mousse Medallions
Herb Roasted Fingerling Hassleback Potatoes, Garlic Spiked Swiss Chard
Dessert
Chocolate Doberge
with Carmelized Peach Ice Cream
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Reservations:
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The luncheon is $50 inclusive with advance reservations or $55 at the door.
Parking will be validated.
Reservations: Noel Scallan at 504-553-2220 or nscallan@sonesta.com
 Please save the date
for our Next Luncheons:
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Wednesday June 18, 2014
Wednesday July 16, 2014
12 p.m. Noon
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Tuesday, April 8
EQUAL PAY DAY
The Independent Women's Organization is commemorating Tuesday, April 8, 2014 which is "Equal Pay Day." On average, in the United States, a woman working full-time year- round would have had to work until April 8 of the following year - over 15 months - to earn as much as a man earned in one year.
Tuesday, April 8
Louisiana Cultural Vistas Kicks Off 25th Year with Spring 2014 Pub Party
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 Louisiana Cultural Vistascelebrates the publication of its Spring 2014 issue with a party at the Louisiana Humanities Center, 938 Lafayette Street in the CBD. Doors open at 5:45 and the event is free to the public, with a $5 suggested donation to support the festivities.
Along with refreshments from sponsors Abita Beer andZapp's Chips, we'll enjoy talks from the issue's contributors:
*Roger Hahn on musician Memphis Minnie
*Photographer Richard Sexton on his upcoming book and exhibit, "The Creole World"
*Carolyn Long on The Cracker Jack, a hoodoo drugstore that operated for decades on S. Rampart Street
Throughout the evening, Guideaux's Gourmet Pasta Truck will serve hot food in the LHC parking lot.
Subscriptions to Louisiana Cultural Vistas are $20 for four issues. Clickhere to subscribe today!
The LHC is located at 938 Lafayette Street at the corner of O'Keefe. For more information, email boyles@leh.org or call 504.620.2632.
April 8- Oct 26
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Shout, Sister, Shout! The Boswell Sisters of New Orleans
-an exhibition presented by The Historic New Orleans Collection; rediscover one of the city’s most celebrated musical exports through memorabilia, photographs, radio scripts, notes from fans and peers, and listening stations; 533 Royal St. (through Oct. 26). Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30AM-4:30PM, Sunday, 10:30AM-4:30PM
Wednesday, April 9
Third Annual NOLA Bike to Work Day
Annual Event Presented by Entergy and Bike Easy - Bicyclists from all over New Orleans will commemorate the 3rd Annual NOLA Bike to Work Day by biking to work.
Scheduled NOLA Bike to Work Day events include the following:
7:00 – 7:30 AM: Meet up at Bike Convoy(s) Neighborhood Ride Meetups
Those who work in the CBD can join experienced riders at strategically placed Neighborhood Ride Meetups throughout Orleans Parish to ride together downtown. Official rider rangers will depart at 7:30 AM. Visit http://bikeeasy.org/events/archives/1411/ for a complete list of Neighborhood Ride Meetups.
8:00 – 9:30 AM: Morning Meet Up For All Riders
Lafayette Square (Between Camp Street and St. Charles in the Central Business District)
Stop by Lafayette Square on your way to work for complimentary snacks and giveaways.
5:00 – 8:00 PM: Bike to Work Day After Party (Note – New Location)
American Sector at the National WWII Museum (945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130)
Stop by American Sector for an extended celebration with exclusive food and beverage specials for Bike to Work Day participants.
Note: Mechanics will be on hand both at the morning meet up and after party to address any bicycle maintenance issues.
HOW: This event is free and anyone with a bike can participate. Register online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xr0SKX1sVaciGYtiY93unFRihVtFRYcIGAbul0Lads/viewform. Pre-register as an individual rider today and be entered to win a bicycle. Participants registered for the original date do not need to re-register for the rain date.
Wednesday, April 9
The Art of Collecting, Part I: New Orleans Collectors
Have you ever thought about starting or expanding your own art collection? This panel discussion brings together local art collectors for an insightful conversation on the process of building personal and private art collections. Each of the panelists has built an impressive collection from the ground up often with limited resources. Admission is FREE; seating is limited.7pm to9:00pm
Panelists:
Tim Francis
Dr. Sara Hollis
Staci Rosenberg
Bradley Sabin
Michael Wilkinson
Tim Francis
Dr. Sara Hollis
Staci Rosenberg
Bradley Sabin
Michael Wilkinson
F
REE Admission; seating is limited. CAC at Freeport McMoran Theater- please click here to RSVP
Wednesday, April 9
from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.Bon Operatit!
Join us for a FREE concert of Bernstein on Bourbon
with Bon Operatit!
Featuring the music of Leonard Bernstein
from West Side Story, Candide, and more!
at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter
541 Bourbon Street
$5.00 valet parking at the hotel
To reserve a table call (504) 524-7611 ext 146
For more information visit
www.BonOperatit.com or call (504) 232-1046
Shout, Sister, Shout! The Boswell Sisters of New Orleans -an exhibition presented by The Historic New Orleans Collection; rediscover one of the city’s most celebrated musical exports through memorabilia, photographs, radio scripts, notes from fans and peers, and listening stations; 533 Royal St. (through Oct. 26). Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30AM-4:30PM, Sunday, 10:30AM-4:30PM
Thursday, April 10
Fifth Annual Louisiana Iris Day
Longue Vue's annual Louisiana Iris Day will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Join us in the Wild Garden to celebrate Longue Vue's historic collection of Louisiana Iris and the grande dame of Louisiana Iris, Caroline Dormon. Enjoy music with Seva Venet and light refreshments.
*Rain date is April 11.7 Bamboo Road * New Orleans, LA 70124 * 504.488.5488 * www.longuevue.com
Purchase tickets now; contact Hilairie Schackai at 504.293.4726 for more information.
April 10
French Quarter Festival 2014 Gala
Early Bird Discount through April 2
Join us!
French Quarter Festival Opening Night Gala
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Antoine's Restaurant - 713 St. Louis Street
Patron Party (7-8 p.m.) and Gala (8-10:30 pm) - $225
Gala (beginning April 3rd) - $150
Purchase tickets NOW by clicking www.fqfi.org/gala
or call (504) 522-5730
All proceeds benefit French Quarter Festivals, Inc. a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and The Roots of Music
April 10-13
The 31st Annual French Quarter Festival
The event will take place April 10th – April 13th, 2014. Locals and tourism officials call French Quarter Festival ‘the kickoff to festival season in New Orleans.’ What started as a neighborhood festival and ‘locals’ event’ has grown into the largest free music festival in the United States: the 2013 French Quarter Festival hosted over 560,000 local and out-of-town visitors and had an economic impact of over $246 million. In 2014, organizers will host some of New Orleans’ finest restaurants at ‘The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch’; employ over 1,400 world class, local musicians; and create special and unique experiences for festival-goers.
Dr. John’s first performance at French Quarter Festival since 1987
Sponsored by longtime Festival supporter, vendor, and friend – Tropical Isle
Sponsored by longtime Festival supporter, vendor, and friend – Tropical Isle
Dr. John embodies the best of New Orleans’ rich musical heritage, and in 2014, he returns to French Quarter Festival for the first time since 1987. This will be his ONLY appearance at a major spring festival in New Orleans in 2014. Dr. John and the Nite Trippers will perform on the riverfront Abita Stage Friday, April 11th at 4:30 p.m. In what promises to be an incredible musical evening, Dr. John will be followed by the Roots of Music with very special guests, and Grammy award-winning Rebirth Brass Band. Longtime Festival supporter, vendor, and friend – Tropical Isle – has generously provided the support to bring Dr. John back to French Quarter Festival.
For complete schedule visit: http://fqfi.org/frenchquarter
Special Events on Friday, April 11, 2014French Quarter Festival Second-Line Kickoff Parade led by The Original Pin Stripe Brass Band – 100 block of Bourbon Street to Jackson Square – 10AMFrench Quarter Festival and NOLA Jitterbugs present free dance lessons – The French Market Traditional Jazz Stage and the Chevron Cajun-Zydeco Showcase will feature dancing and classes in the following: Traditional Jazz, 1920s Charleston, Swing Dance, Cajun Jitterbug, and Zydeco. Classes are taught by professional dancers from NOLA Jitterbugs, DancingMan504, and Dance Quarter. All classes are free and open to the public.Special Events on Saturday, April 12, 2014Pirates Alley Juried Art Show – presented by the New Orleans Art Association; over 100 artists displaying original fine art in Pirates Alley, Pere Antoine Alley, Cabildo Alley, and Royal Street – 8AM-6PMLittle Red School House 5K Race and Family Fest – 5K, family fun, food, music and art to benefit KIPP: McDonogh 15 School for Creative Arts; Race begins at Bourbon and Dumaine; register at KIPP: McDonogh 15; 721 St. Philip; Call (504) 592-8520 or (504)301-6954 or email: agriffith@mcdonogh15.org for more information. 8AM – 5K race NOON-4PM – Family Fest at KIPP: McDonogh 15Rouses World Championship Crawfish Eating Contest hosted by Rouses and the IFEA (International Federation of Eating) at Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint – HIGH NOONFrench Quarter Festival and NOLA Jitterbugs present free dance lessons – The French Market Traditional Jazz Stage, Chevron Cajun-Zydeco Showcase, and Chevron Children’s Headquarters will feature dancing and classes in the following: Traditional Jazz, 1920s Charleston, Swing Dance, Cajun Jitterbug, and Zydeco. Classes are taught by professional dancers from NOLA Jitterbugs, DancingMan504, and Dance Quarter. All classes are free and open to the public.
April 10-13
FIND TICKETS
About Spank! Harder
The country's #1 ladies night out returns with SPANK! HARDER, an all-new sexy and satirical New Orleans show.
The phenomenon of SPANK! THE FIFTY SHADES PARODY took the world by storm, delivering a night of naughty and hilarious fun to women in over 160 cities across the world. Your cheeks will hurt with laughter as SPANK! HARDER picks up where the original left off, parodying not only Fifty Shades of Grey, but taking aim at other aspects of pop culture that are begging to be SPANK'D!
Don't miss SPANK! HARDER, live at Harrah's New Orleans this April.
Harrah's Casino Tickets at 8 p.m.
Thursday, April 10
Artsy Party at Vegas Tapas
5:30-7pm-featuring Nurhan Gokturk
Join us for a meet & greet with Nurhan and enjoy complimentary tapas and sangria!Vega Tapas Cafe
2051 Metaire Road 836-2007
Nurhan Gokturk is an artist & urban designer who's latest project, Bio City Map of 11 Billion, is an official selection of The Venice Biennale 2014. Originally from Turkey, Nurhan received a Master's Degree from Harvard Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute. He has been featured in Metropolis Magazine,Gambit's Top 40 under 40, and was interviewed recently on NPR. His lively, colorful works will be on display and FOR SALE through spring at Vega Tapas Cafe. Come by and see his beautiful and affordable works!
Join us for a meet & greet with Nurhan and enjoy complimentary tapas and sangria!Vega Tapas Cafe
2051 Metaire Road 836-2007
Nurhan Gokturk is an artist & urban designer who's latest project, Bio City Map of 11 Billion, is an official selection of The Venice Biennale 2014. Originally from Turkey, Nurhan received a Master's Degree from Harvard Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute. He has been featured in Metropolis Magazine,Gambit's Top 40 under 40, and was interviewed recently on NPR. His lively, colorful works will be on display and FOR SALE through spring at Vega Tapas Cafe. Come by and see his beautiful and affordable works!
Sunday April 13, 2014
5th Annual Parasol Promenade & Tea
The Leading Ladies Guild of The Jefferson Performing Arts Society is gearing up for its Fifth Annual Parasol Promenade & Tea. The elegant spring affair will be held on at the Longue Vue House & Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans.
Patrons are encouraged to don their finest Sunday attire and create their own designs for the popular Parasol Contest. Categories include "Best Parasol" and "Best Ensemble". Judging will be performed by Radio and Television Personalities, Bob and Jan Carr, and Costume and Hat Designer,Tracy Thomson. Guests will enjoy scrumptious sandwiches, sweet-cakes, tea and complimentary champagne. Other highlights include a guided tour of "the Mansion" and a performance by the award-winning JPAS Theatre Kids!. Participants will enjoy shopping at the Fashion Boutique for unique jewelry and Easter hats while many others will enjoy a raffle and 50/50.
Proceeds benefit the JPAS Youth Programs throughout the 37th Season. For more information about JPAS Theatre Kids! , please visit www.jpas.org.
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