Tuesday, May 6, 2014

A Toast to New Orleans - Happy Mother's Day!


Darlings, 

I hope you all survived the 2014 Jazz Festival and the Cinco de Mayo Festivities. 
I want to congratulate our Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the members of the City Council that includes three new members: Jason Williams, replacing Jackie Clarkson as an at-large member; Nadine Ramsey succeeding Kristin  Gisleson Palmer  of District C and Jarred Brossett who takes the place of his mentor Cynthia Hedge-Morrell, in District C.   Congratulations and  they all vowed to work together to build on the city's growth, improve quality of life and ensured that participation in the city's economic recovery is equitable among all residents.  That day, the public was invited to the inauguration ceremony for Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman, Hon. Dale N. Atkins and Hon. Arthur Morrell  at the Pavilion of Two Sisters in New Orleans' City Park. Congratulations.

During the 2014 Jazz Fest, I was trying my very best to face the fact that I was forced to have Casell-Bergen Gallery in a temporary location but I worked under the conditions and tried to do my best. I just cannot wait until May 19, when I will move in at the new location at 1305 Decatur Street.

Last week, our community mourned the loss of our of pillar - my darling friend Dr. E. Ralph Lupin, philanthropist and Vieux Carre Commission chair.Dr. E. Ralph Lupin, philanthropist and Vieux Carre Commission chair, dies

 I missed some cultural social events since I was in no mood to attend them.
  
On Friday, on my way to his funeral, I had committed myself to cover the "Follow Your NOLA" Food Truck tour that began by Esplanade and Grand Route St. John, right outside of Jazz Fest. Executive Chef Brian Landry of Borgne, and the Executive Chef of the "Follow Your NOLA" Food Truck Tour held cooking demonstrations. There was an eight-foot-tall fleur de lis compass that gave a prize or giveaway with every spin. My prize was a beautiful song sang by the beautiful, talented Victory Belles vocal trio, from the Stage Door Canteen of The National WW II Museum. From New Orleans, the truck heads for Houston, Austin, and Dallas next week. Anyone can join the "Follow Your NOLA” food truck tour. Follow it on Twitter or Instagram by searching #FollowYourNOLA.
Margarita Bergen's photo.

On Friday evening, I attended the  Whitney Zoo-To-Do  It was indeed an affair to remember as we  danced  the night away to an out of this world band, Party on the Moon, and enjoy premium cocktails, delicious food from local restaurants. My darling friends Darleen and Jerry Carlisle won the car raffle- a 2014 Lexus IS250. Congratulations!  All proceeds will help underwrite Gator Run, Audubon Zoo's new lazy river with surprises around every turn. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151983658715870.1073742237.581200869&type=1&l=ce924fb258


Margarita Bergen's photo.
Margarita Bergen's photo.
Margarita Bergen's photo.
Margarita Bergen's photo.
Margarita Bergen's photo.

Sunny skies greeted the members and their guests of Casa Argentina's ASADO, at Brechtel Park, Shelter # 7 & 8, 4001 Lennox Blvd., on the West Bank. I was invited by Dr. Juan Gershanik to the Asado -The Argentina BBQ's version of a Crawfish Boil. In addition to the delicious empanadas, the grill consisted of steak, blood sausage, chicken and organs. There was plenty of sangria, wine, beer and a delicious array of sweets that included flan, tres leches and many other Argentinian desserts. Big Easy Award winners Julio and Cesar kept everyone dancing the afternoon away.Casa Argentina ASADO 2014 (14 photos)https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151987274455870.1073742239.581200869&type=1&l=e287b41736 
Margarita Bergen's photo.

I started celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Saturday since I attended after work a fabulous Fiesta at the Windsor Fine Arts Gallery. It was hosted by the King and Queen Mid-City LXXXI Scott Essex and Brooke Corley to celebrate the success of Mardi Gras 2014. The Mariachi, the margaritas and the delicious Mexican food was one fiesta that I am glad I was able to attend even if it was for only a few minutes.
Margarita Bergen's photo.

On Cinco de Mayo, I attended briefly not one but two fiestas. The first one was hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana at the Acme Oyster Bar at the Harrah's Casino and the other very well attended fiesta was at Casa Borrega owned by my darling friends Hugo Montero and Linda Stone. Fredy Omar and his band performed at the celebration.

Margarita Bergen's photo.
Margarita Bergen's photo.

Owner artist Hugo Montero with singer Fredy Omar

On May 6 our community will come together for GiveNOLA Day. So please select your favorite charity to make a donation.

Also on May 6, New Orleans' hospitality industry will come together to celebrate the city's number one economic driver - tourism - under the banner of NEW ORLEANS WILL. Tourism employs more than 78,000 New Orleanians and is the lifeblood of the Crescent City. In 2013, the tourism industry welcomed 9.28 million visitors and generated $6.47 billion in visitor spending, the highest numbers in nearly 10 years. 

The Mardi Gras-style parade will feature marching bands, mini-floats, revelers, stilt walkers and hundreds of hospitality industry employees in uniform, including housekeepers, musicians, chefs and artists. Beginning at the Loews Hotel Piazza d'Italia promptly at 9:30 a.m., the parade will travel down Poydras Street and end at club XLIV for a press conference, where industry leaders will attest to the power of travel.

NEW ORLEANS WILL is the local theme for this year's National Travel & Tourism Week celebrations. It is an initiative of the tourism industry, facilitated by the New Orleans CVB, to educate our community on the economic and cultural importance of the traveler economy.
New Orleans is one of 75 cities across the country organizing a travel event in support of National Travel and Tourism Week. WEBSITE:    www.neworleanscvb.com/nationaltourismweek
Wednesday at the Square is presenting on May 7- The Iguanas and OtraThe free concert series is held at Lafayette Square from 5-8 p.m. and also includes arts and crafts and food and drink vendors. 
Jazz in The Park is presenting this Thursday, May 8, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., James Andrews and The Dancing Grounds. The free concert is from 4-8 p.m.
Traditional Music in Coastal Louisiana by Joshua Clegg Caffery will be presented at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 8 at the Old U.S. Mint, New Orleans. He will examine the Lomaxes' journey while providing a musical history of coastal Louisiana. A native of Franklin, Grammy Award-nominated Caffery is a writer, musician and founding member of the Red Stick Ramblers. He is also a member of Feufollet, a Cajun/Americana band based in Lafayette. This free public event is presented by the Louisiana State Museum.
That night, BISHOP PERRY CENTER TO HOST FREE MOZART CONCERT
BY VOICE STUDENTS OF TULANE UNIVERSITY MUSIC SCHOOL
The Rev. William F. Maestri has announced that the Bishop Perry Center—the new mission for the disadvantaged and cultural center created for downtown New Orleans neighborhoods by the Archdiocese of New Orleans—will host a concert by students of Amy Pfrimmer, Chair of the Voice Department of the Tulane University School of Music.
The concert will take place at the Center, 1941 Dauphine St., on Thursday, May 8 at 6 p. m.
The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and early arrival is recommended.

The students performing are service learning students, who have provided intern support for the Bishop
Perry Center this year. 
The program will include selections from the operas Don GiovanniCosi Fan TutteDie Zauberflote, along with some Mozart songs. 

The Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans and The World Trade Center of New Orleans are proud to present a long weekend of cultural, social, and educational events from May 8-11, celebrating Euro-American friendship.(see calendar below for details)

Darlings, On May 9,is the Ist  annual SPEAK UP FOR AUTISM a Fundraiser & Gala from 7 to 11 p.m, at Monkey Hill Bar, 6100 Magazine St- Music By Karma - RSVP to bridget.seals@jppss.k12.la.us.  Donation $25

On Friday, May 9, the Beauregard Keyes House is having its fundraiser - A Bohemian Night  at its beautiful historical House at 1113 Chartres Street at 6:30 p.m. Music will be by Deacon John and the Ivories. Visit http://www.bkhouse.org/
On Saturday,  May 10, Allen Toussaint, Parsons Dance artists and the New Orleans Ballet Association students perform live in a one-time only performance. A New Orleans legend, Toussaint will take the stage with renowned Parsons Dance artists and eight talented high school students from the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission/New Orleans Ballet Association Center for Dance at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. The performance will showcase some of the most popular numbers from Parsons Dance professionals, a full set from Toussaint and his orchestra and the grand finale of NOBA's Master Artist series.
The world premiere performance is at Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St. on May 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets ranging from $20-$80 may be purchased through the NOBA Box Office at 504.522.0996 or online at www.NOBAdance.com
 On Sunday, May 11, it is Mother's Day and here are some of the events lined up for all you Moms’ special day. 
I want all my friends to know that there are seats still available this Sunday at our Mother's Day Brunch in the Grand Ballroom of the Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans & at Restaurant R’evolution! http://bit.ly/1iLHRM5
The Vieux Carre Property Owners Association will once again host the Mothers’ Day Concert in Cabrini Park on May 11 from 4–7 p.m. It features the New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra. Bring your chairs, picnics, dancing shoes, and of course, MOM! It's all free. (Unfortunately no dogs or cats allowed!).  The New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra is an American revival orchestra, that performs authentic orchestrations of vintage American popular music from the 1890s through the early 1930s.
That evening the Trinity Artist Series will present on Sunnday, May 11 at 5 p.m. a Mother's Day Celebration Concert by Juilliard graduate and "Bach Star" from New York City, Pianist Evan Shinners who will be playing works from J.S. Bach.
The James Beard Foundation honored last night : Peche Seafood Grill named Best New Restaurant in U.S. at James Beard Awards

Enjoy your week! Happy Mother's Day.
Thursday, May 8
BISHOP PERRY CENTER TO HOST FREE MOZART CONCERT
BY VOICE STUDENTS OF TULANE UNIVERSITY MUSIC SCHOOL
The Rev. William F. Maestri has announced that the Bishop Perry Center—the new mission for the disadvantaged and cultural center created for downtown New Orleans neighborhoods by the Archdiocese of New Orleans—will host a concert by students of Amy Pfrimmer, Chair of the Voice Department of the Tulane University School of Music.
The concert will take place at the Center, 1941 Dauphine St., on Thursday, May 8 at 6 p. m.
The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and early arrival is recommended.

The students performing are service learning students, who have provided intern support for the Bishop
Perry Center this year. 
The program will include selections from the operas Don GiovanniCosi Fan TutteDie Zauberflote, along with some Mozart songs. 

The Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans and The World Trade Center of New Orleans are proud to present a long weekend of cultural, social, and educational events from May 8-11, celebrating Euro-American friendship.

The Euro-American Celebration includes something for everyone:
European Corner at the French Market with cooking demos:
-          Croatian European corner - Friday, May 9th at 2.00 pm
Chef Michael DeVidts of New Orleans School of Cooking will demonstrate Croatian Bean Soup: Grah I Varivah. 
-          Spanish European corner - Saturday, May 10th at 2.00 pm
Casa de España will be preparing some 'salmorejo' and 'tortilla de patata' served with Spanish style bread.
Accompanied by live music by Javier Gutiérrez of Vivaz.
-          German European corner - Sunday, May 11th at 2.00 pm
Chef Liz Gober of Soulbred Kitchen will be creating one of the flagship German dishes, Weiner Schnitzel, an authentic German dish that has had an interesting journey through American cuisine. 
Outdoor Film Nights:
-          “Les triplettes de Belleville” - Saturday, May 10th at 7.30 pm - at Latter Library  - Free
Spanish live music by Flamenco Puro Sur, with Eliza Llewellyn & John Lawrence  - before the film
-          “Metropolis” -  Sunday, May 11th at 8.00 pm – at the Old US Mint - $3 for members / $5 for non members
Silent film accompanied by European live music.
Cultural Panel:
What are the cultural and social ties between Europe and USA from an historical, cultural and social point of view ?

Directed by John Malkovich

WHEN

Friday, May 9, 2014 - 7:30pm
Saturday, May 10, 2014 - 7:30pm

ARTISTS

TICKETS

$35 General Admission
$25 CAC Members
CAC Members enjoy special early seating access!

Special Offers

Non-members: Call 504.528.3800 or visit the CAC Box Office to purchase tickets to the Friday, May 9 performance of A Celebration of Harold Pinter at the CAC Member price of $25 each when purchased in conjunction with tickets to the An Evening with Julian Sands fundraiser.
Members: Call 504.528.3800 or visit the CAC Box Office to purchase any number of tickets to the Friday, May 9 performance of A Celebration of Harold Pinter at the CAC Member price of $25 each when purchased in conjunction with tickets to the An Evening with Julian Sands fundraiser.
NOTE: This production includes mature language.
All events are subject to change.
Buy Tickets Now

WHERE

TAGS

SUPPORT

The Boettcher Fund; National Endowment for the Arts; National Performance Network; New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Inc.; South Arts
The late Harold Pinter’s writing career spanned more than fifty years. One of the most influential and controversial modern dramatists, Pinter wrote more than twenty-nine plays and some twenty-one screenplays. His plays include Betrayal, No Man’s Land, Old Times, The Caretaker, The Birthday Party, A Kind of Alaska, and the Tony Award-winning The Homecoming. Pinter was also a noted director, actor, poet, and political activist.
Flyer design by Jian Bastille — with Sarah K Inman and 5 others.


 Saturday, May 10, 
FLAMENCO PURO SUR - WITH ELIZA LLEWELLYN & JOHN LAWRENCE 
7:30 - 8:00 pm
> @ Euro-American Celebration
> Latter Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave.

> FLAMENCO PERFORMANCE TO BE FOLLOWED BY SCREENING OF “LES TRIPLETTES
> DE BELLEVILLE” BY SYLVAIN CHOMET. FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. CASH
> BAR.