Darlings,
Once again we are overjoyed with the sensational victory of our beloved Saints on their home turf. Geaux Saints! GO!!
We have been also blessed with glorious weather to enjoy the myriad of social/cultural events that New Orleans offered this past week.
I enjoyed attending The LPO Encore shop's annual “Fall into Fashion” Party to introduce the new fall clothes at Bill and Susan Hines' lovely home at 100 Audubon Boulevard.On Wednesday night, I was invited to not one but TWO lovely events. Fortunately for me, one was the New Orleans Museum of Art and the other was right around the corner at The Pavilion of Two Sisters in City Park.
I started my night at Gayle and Tom Benson's mass celebrating the renewal of their wedding vows on their Tenth Anniversary at St. Louis Cathedral. The mass and the music were superb, as well as the fabulous reception that followed at New Orleans Museum of Art. Both the Cathedral and NOMA were
packed with mutual friends. 
My next event was the annual Gala of Family Services’ Ten Outstanding Persons Gala. The
honorees were drawn from media, health care, finance, law, metals, energy and the arts. As always, the setting, the honorees and the food made it to be a very memorable night. Congratulations to all of them!
23 new photos to the album Family Service's Ten Outstanding Persons Gala.
On Thursday, I started my night at Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful's annual "The Autumn Affair" at the lovely home ofHeather and Bruce Burglass on Hector Street on Old Metairie.
I rushed out of Metairie to attend the hilarious Politics with a Punch, on which I was part of the panel. I loved the panelists and the hosts, as always, Jeff Crouere and Steve Sabludowski. I felt honored to be in such great company.
Driving home, I passed by the National War World II Museum and, even though I was little embarrassed that I was not properly dressed to attend a ball, I loved the people of Lazarus House so I stopped by and saw so many friends.
Friday was another very memorable day. Since I was off from work at Casell-Bergen Gallery, I did not want to miss the re-dedication of our beloved culinary legend Leah Chase's Library at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum (1504 Oretha C. Haley Boulevard). I joined SoFAB and the Dillard University Ray Charles Program as we rededicated the Leah Chase Louisiana Gallery. As part of the ceremony, Marcus Samuelsson, renowned chef and author, spoke about the importance of food in his life, the impact that chefs like Leah Chase have had on him, and the inspirations that went into his new cookbook, Marcus Off Duty: The Recipes I Cook at Home.
That evening, Jefferson Performing Arts Society's 19th Annual Pasta & Puccini Fundraising Gala Presented by Mr. & Mrs. Henry Shane in the Marriott Grand Ballroom was fabulous. It was an unforgettable evening to benefit the 37th Season and educational outreach programs of JPAS.
The evening began with the youngsters from the JPAS Theatre Kids program singing the National Anthem, under the baton of conductor/pianist Dr. Donna Clavijo. They also performed a few of the songs they learned in the program. “My friends, this is what your donations are paying for,” JPAS Artistic Director Dennis G. Assaf proudly announced after the Theatre Kids were given a standing ovation.
The program continued with selections from the JPAS Big Band Orchestra and a magnificent concert featuring international, national and local vocalists accompanied by the JPAS Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Assaf. The evening also featured fabulous live and silent auctions, an elegant dinner, complimentary cocktails and the warm, friendly camaraderie of several hundred arts patrons and aficionados.
49 new photos to the album Jefferson Performing Arts Society's 19TH ANNUAL PASTA & PUCCINI.
That same evening, prior to the Pasta & Puccini event, I stopped briefly at Galatoire's where the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, headed by my darling friend Melanie Thalia, was hosting a dinner. The Special Guest was NBC Sports icon Bob Costas, who came at the invitation of world-renowned fitness guru, Mackie Shilstone, with whom he has worked out in the past. And there with Mackie was, of course, his lovely and always gracious wife, Sandy Shilstone, one of the founders of the NOPJF.
On Saturday, I started my night by attending the French Quarter Advocates' first annual gala at the historic mansion of my darling friends Dr. Carlos Trujillo and Bryan Drude, the President and Founder of the organization. 817 St. Philip was transformed into an Italian Street Festival featuring world-renowned opera soprano Robin Follman and a big band. The setting, the Italian cuisine, the singer, the strolling mandolin player and the libations made it a very memorable night, even though I was only there briefly.
20 new photos to the album French Quarter Advocates ' Italian Gala.
Darlings, as usual, the evening kept going and my next stop was the lobby of the First NBC, where a historical musical celebration was taking place. Musical legends Ellis Marsalis Jr. and Irvin Mayfield Jr. joined their musical talents to benefit The Childhood & Family Learning Foundation led by my darling friend Phyllis Landrieu. The musical celebration honored some of my other darling friends in the media: Bob Breck, Jim Henderson, Eric Paulsen, Norman Robinson, Curt Sprang and Dennis Woltering with Chris Rose as the Master of Ceremonies.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152309233630870.1073742348.581200869&type=1&l=6a637f27a4
On Sunday, I was invited by my darling friend, attorney John Redmann, to a "Latinos for Landrieu" fundraiser, hosted by the Hispanic Steering Committee which he is the co-chair. It took place at the Cazuelas Restaurant on Manhattan Blvd. across the river in Harvey. By now you know that “I AM WITH MARY.” I took my brother Lorenzo to the event as well. It was informative and the food was delicious, as were the Margaritas. (I love having a drink named after me!)
Darlings, as someone promoting the Halloween Pub Crawl said, “If you thought that the only time of the year for great entertainment in New Orleans was Mardi Gras, think again.” Once the summer begins to wrap up and fall starts to settle in, there's one holiday that gets everyone's attention - Halloween! Second only to Mardi Gras as the most popular holiday of the year, it's the perfect excuse for us to dress up and act out of character. And believe me, nearly everyone I know is hosting a Halloween soiree.
The Press Club of New Orleans is hosting its annual Halloween costume party for its members and their guests at the Superior Grill on St. Charles Avenue on Tuesday night, the 28th. Friends of the Cabildo, the support organization for the Louisiana State Museum, will host its "Gala" at the Cabildo from 6:30-9:00 p.m. on the Friday night of Halloween.
And, some good news for parade lovers! The Krewe of Boo, New Orleans’ official Halloween parade is back for 2014! It will roll through downtown New Orleans on Thursday, October 30. It’s the only major parade with full-sized floats that travels through the French Quarter.
The Krewe of Boo started in 2007 and, while there were a couple of years that they didn't roll, this year it’s looking like it’ll be a top-notch event you won’t want to miss. There will be world- class floats designed and built by Kern Studios, some of the best marching bands from the city, and a number of special marching units. The exact details are being kept a secret, but this promises to be a great parade.
Also on October 30, join the LPO for a symphonic tour of Eastern Europe at 7:30 p.m. in the Mahalia Jackson Theater. The journey begins with Kodály's “Dances of Galánta,” an embodiment of the Hungarian spirit. Next, pianist Viktor Valkov, 2012 New Orleans International Piano Competition Gold Medalist, takes the stage to perform Bartók's First Piano Concerto, a piece famous for its Hungarian folk music references. Finally, the tour concludes further west, with Symphony No. 3 by Johannes Brahms.
On October 31, November 1 & 2 is Voodoo Fest,the multi-day music and arts festival held in New Orleans, Louisiana’s City Park.
After the Halloween festivities are over, Casa Borrega restaurant will host its second annual “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead, Mexico’s equivalent of our All-Saints Day) celebration on Saturday, November 1, in two locations. At Casa Borrega, 1719 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, there will be a multimedia altar installation by owner Hugo Montero and his son Yves Elizalde. The restaurant will be open for dinner as usual from 5-10:30 p.m.
Also, at Zeitgeist Multidisciplinary Arts Center, one block down the street (1618 O.C. Haley), there will be a masquerade ball from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. The Iguanas will play from 7-10 p.m., followed by Fredy Omar Con Su Banda, from 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
On that same night, Saturday, November 1, is Pan American Life “Fiesta Sinfonica: La Triste Historia” at 7:30 p.m. at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Get in the spirit of El Dia de los Muertos - The Day of the Dead - with this multimedia concert experience.
Renowned Mexican composer Juan Trigos, director Ben Young Mason, and executive producer Duncan Copp have paired Trigos' evocative Symphony No. 3 with an artistic and fantastical animated film. Follow the tragic, dream-like tale of two young lovers, set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution, culminating in the celebration of The Day of the Dead.
Another great party:New Orleans’ best party, for a great cause, is right around the corner! Join the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at Harrah’s New Orleans for the 24thAnnual New Orleans Liberty Mutual Insurance Invitational Party and Auction, locally presented by Bryan Subaru and Harrah’s New Orleans. The event is from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and features entertainment by Gina Brown, Anutha Level with special guest performance by MJ of New Orleans.
Have a great week and a Happy Halloween!
October P.3 Events
Tuesday, October 28, 6 p.m.: Hew Locke Lecture at the Freeman Auditorium, Woldenberg Art Center, Newcomb Campus, Tulane University
For more information, contact bbox@tulane.edu or call 504 865 5328.
Tuesday, October 28, 8 - 10:30 p.m.: Remy Jungerman Artist Talk and Performance by Tijdelijke Samenscholing at Chateau Curioso, 641 Caffin Avenue.
For more information, contact info@deltaworkers.org or call 504-222-3127.
October 28
Le Adoración de MAXIMON 6 p.m.-12 a.m., Barrister's Gallery, 2331 St. Claude Ave., (540) 710-4506, andy.antippas@gmail.com, barristersgallery.com.
October 29
Jazz @ the Sandbar presents:Jorge Pacheco
On October 29, UNO welcomes Cuban rising star JORGE LUIS PACHECO. Pacheco will be playing with Rick Sebastian's World Music Combo and Ed Petersen's jazz combo from 7 to 9 :30 p.m. at The Cove, Founders Road, UNO Lakefront Campus.
General Admission: $5.00 at the door.
Pianist, percussionist, composer Jorge Luis Pacheco is one of the most renowned young musicians of the latest generation of Cuban jazz musicians. Although only 27 years old, he has accomplished many important career milestones. In 2007, he won first prize at the prestigious International Competition of Young jazz musicians (JoJazz). In 2009, he was a finalist in the International Jazz Competition in Montreux, Switzerland. In October 2010, he was invited by Wynton Marsalis and Chucho Valdés to guest star with the Jazz Orchestra at Lincoln Center in New York during their presentations at the Mella Theater of Havana, receiving rave reviews from audiences and press. In 2011, he was invited to perform with Arturo O'Farrill and his Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra at Birdland in New York. His first album "Pacheco's Blue" was co-produced by Chucho Valdés, and he has a new CD in the final stages of production.
October 30, 2014
Jazz in the Park featuring Rebirth Brass Band /Kermit Ruffins/Joseph S. Clark Marching School Band
Armstrong Park, 701 N Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116
- 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm- Free-
- 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm- Free-
Jazz in the Park returns for nine straight weeks this fall, with a stellar roster of New Orleans music. This week features Rebirth Brass Band /Kermit Ruffins/Joseph S. Clark Marching High School Band.
This season high school marching bands will be added to the weekly series at the Congo Kids Stage at Jazz in the Park and parade around the park during the intermission breaks. Schools like Warren Easton, Landry Walker, Roots of Music and Sophie B. Wright to name a few will fit into the fun atmosphere that already exist at Jazz in the Park.
Thursday, October 30
Brahms and Bartok
Jazz in the Park returns for nine straight weeks this fall, with a stellar roster of New Orleans music. This week features Rebirth Brass Band /Kermit Ruffins/Joseph S. Clark Marching High School Band.
This season high school marching bands will be added to the weekly series at the Congo Kids Stage at Jazz in the Park and parade around the park during the intermission breaks. Schools like Warren Easton, Landry Walker, Roots of Music and Sophie B. Wright to name a few will fit into the fun atmosphere that already exist at Jazz in the Park.
Thursday, October 30
Brahms and Bartok
-
Join the LPO for a symphonic tour of Eastern Europe! The journey begins with Kodály's Dances of Galánta, an embodiment of the Hungarian spirit. Next, pianist Viktor Valkov -2012 New Orleans International Piano Competition Gold Medalist - takes the stage to perform Bartók's first piano concerto - a piece famous for its Hungarian folk music references. Finally, the tour concludes further west, with Symphony No. 3 by JohannesBrahms.J- Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin Street, New Orleans
-
- Join the LPO for a symphonic tour of Eastern Europe! The journey begins with Kodály's Dances of Galánta, an embodiment of the Hungarian spirit. Next, pianist Viktor Valkov -2012 New Orleans International Piano Competition Gold Medalist - takes the stage to perform Bartók's first piano concerto - a piece famous for its Hungarian folk music references. Finally, the tour concludes further west, with Symphony No. 3 by JohannesBrahms.J- Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin Street, New Orleans
Thursday, October 30
Suzaune & Co
6 to 9 p.m. at Apres Lounge, 608 Fulton Street
October 30th, 31st, and November 1st and 2nd
"Musical of the Living Dead"
The Shadowbox Theatre, located at 2400 St. Claude Avenue-New Orleans, LA-70117, on October
30th, 31st, and November 1st and 2nd. All performances will begin at 8:00pm except for Saturday, October 25th which will begin at 11:00pm.
"Musical of the Living Dead", based on the classic "Night of the Living Dead" zombie-horror movie, is directed by the Big Easy Award nominated director (best director of a musical for "Evil Dead") Christopher Bentivegna. Choreography and assistant direction is provided by Lindsey Romig. Kyle Aucoin is the music director (leading a live rock band). Sam Cespedes is a producer on this production and his award-winning company "Little to N.O. Budget Films" will provide filmed sequences.
30th, 31st, and November 1st and 2nd. All performances will begin at 8:00pm except for Saturday, October 25th which will begin at 11:00pm.
"Musical of the Living Dead", based on the classic "Night of the Living Dead" zombie-horror movie, is directed by the Big Easy Award nominated director (best director of a musical for "Evil Dead") Christopher Bentivegna. Choreography and assistant direction is provided by Lindsey Romig. Kyle Aucoin is the music director (leading a live rock band). Sam Cespedes is a producer on this production and his award-winning company "Little to N.O. Budget Films" will provide filmed sequences.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Krewe of Boo
French Quarter, Central Business District, Marigny
6:30PM- Free
6:30PM- Free
The Halloween parade is back for 2014! Krewe of Boo, New Orleans official Halloween parade will march through New Orleans on Thursday, October 30. It’s the only major parade with full size floats to travel through the French Quarter.
The Krewe of Boo started in 2007 and while there were a couple of years that they didn’t parade, this year is looking like it’ll be a top-notch event that you don’t want to miss. There will be world class floats designed and built by Kern Studios, the best marching bands from the city, and a number of special marching units. The exact details are being kept a secret, but this promises to be a great parade.
Start practicing saying “Throw me somethin’ monster!” Instead of the generic beads that often end up on the ground after the parade passes, this year Krewe of Boo is throwing locally made throws that are food items and collectables, ranging from mini-pumpkins to Zapp’s Potato Chips and even New Orleans Roman Candy Taffy.
If you’re interested in riding on a float, membership is $575 per person. The Krewe promises that it’ll be a once in a lifetime night that you’ll never forget.
Parade Route
The parade starts on Elysian Fields Avenue in the Marigny and travels into the French Quarter on N. Peters Street. It takes a left on Canal Street and travels up Canal until Dauphine Street where it makes a U-turn and heads back down to Tchoupitoulas Street. The parade turns right on Juila Street and finally travels down Henderson Street to Mardi Gras World, where the parade comes to an end.After Party
Details about this year's after part to be announced. After last year's parade, the haunted happiness continues with the official after party at Mardi Gras World. The Krewe of Boo Spook Fest started at 8 p.m. the same night and continued to the wee hours of the night when all of the naughty ghosts and scary monsters have to go home at 2 a.m.
There was be food, booze and music. New Orleans’ own Flow Tribe kicks off the party. Brooklyn’s The Pimps of Joytime, a soul funk band that will get along great with the Flowtribe and Halloween revelers.
Krewe members get in free, but it’s open to the public for $25 per person. Costumes are required.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Casa Borrega will host its second annual Day of the Dead celebration on Saturday, November 1, 2014, in two locations:
· At Casa Borrega, 1719 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, there will be a multi-media altar installation by owner Hugo Montero and his son Yves Elizalde. The restaurant will be open for dinner as usual from 5-10:30pm.
· At Zeitgeist Multidisciplinary Arts Center, one block down the street (1618 O.C. Haley), there will be a masquerade ball from 6pm to 1am. The Iguanas will play from 7-10pm and Fredy Omar Con Su Banda, from 10pm to 1am. Drink specials and a taco truck serving Latin favorites will be at Zeitgeist. Cover for the masquerade and concert is $10.
New Orleans and Mexico share a tradition of honoring our departed. All Saints Day cemetery sprucing is a local tradition as is celebration of Halloween. Dia de Los Muertos, the most important holiday of the year for Mexicans, conjures the psyche of the nation through plays, music and sweets depicting the dead. Costume and dance also figure prominently during this holiday in both cultures.
The Iguanas are New Orleans champions of Mexican American culture and the rare appearance by Fredy Omar should please everyone who likes to dance. Mexican themed costumes are strongly recommended for the masquerade.
Casa Borrega is a Mexican Restaurant and Latin Cultural Center that opened July 4, 2013, and is a showcase of recycled building materials and creative reuse, as well as an anchor in the redevelopment of historic Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. Casa Borrega supports many community organizations, sponsoring fundraisers and cultural events.
November 1, 2014
Pan American Life Fiesta Sinfonica: La Triste Historia
November 1, 2014
Get in the spirit of El Dia de los Muertos - The Day of the Dead - with this multimedia concert experience. Renowned Mexican composer Juan Trigos, director Ben Young Mason, and executive producer Duncan Copp have paired Juan Trigos' evocative Symphony No. 3 with an artistic and fantastical animated film.
Pan American Life Fiesta Sinfonica: La Triste Historia
November 1, 2014
Get in the spirit of El Dia de los Muertos - The Day of the Dead - with this multimedia concert experience. Renowned Mexican composer Juan Trigos, director Ben Young Mason, and executive producer Duncan Copp have paired Juan Trigos' evocative Symphony No. 3 with an artistic and fantastical animated film.
Follow the tragic, dream-like tale of two young lovers, set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution, culminating in the celebration of The Day of the Dead.
Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA- 7:30 pm
$20.00 - $99.00,: 504-523-6530
Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA- 7:30 pm
$20.00 - $99.00,: 504-523-6530
