Darlings,
O what a week!
With glorious autumn weather blessing us, I just went toasting from event to event and they were many.
I started my week by attending The Historic New Orleans Collection's 2014 Francisco Bouligny Lecture which highlighted the Spanish-inspired works of New Orleans-born composer Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829-1869) with lovely performances by talented pianist Peter Collins and soprano Amy Pfrimmer.
I went on to the neighborhood party on St. Peter and Burgundy Street for the annual Night Out Against Crime.
On Wednesday night is was time for the annual Key to the Cure 2014 Charity Shopping Kickoff Gala to benefit the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium and as in the past, it was just divine. The food, the music, the champagne and the setting, made it to be one of my favorite fundraisers.
One of the highlight of my week hosting the spectacular Oktoberfest Royal Sonesta Round Table Luncheon.
We heard from beer expert and writer Nora McGunnigle who shared her extensive knowledge about Louisiana’s craft beer scene. She was followed by CEO and founder of NOLA Brewing Company, Kirk Coco, who spoke about the role he’s had in bringing craft brewing back to the city in post-Katrina New Orleans.
Karlos Knott, President and Co-founder of Bayou Teche Brewing Company spoke about his experience of founding a brewery that not only crafts some of the best beers in Louisiana, but also utilizes its product to preserve and celebrate the distinct culture, language, music, and cuisine of Acadiana where he was raised. We also invited Keith Oldendorf, Deutsches Haus President who spoke about all the activities going on during the annual Oktoberfest.
Entertainment was provided by the Jefferson Performing Arts Society featuring vocalists Jennifer DeLatte, Kat Abreo Mendelson, and Micah Desonier. The trio performed selections from the upcoming Pasta and Puccini Gala and were accompanied by Dr. Donna Clavijo on piano.
As a special musical treat, guests enjoyed a performance by Grammy artist Louis Michot. A gifted fiddler for the Cajun rock band Lost Bayou Ramblers, Michot has traveled the country and the world extensively spreading Cajun music.
Executive Chef Kevin Goodwin and his expert culinary team prepared an Oktoberfest four-course menu just for the occasion. NOLA Brewing Company and Bayou Teche Brewing had selected beer pairings to compliment each course. To top it all, the beautiful ladies competed or the best Halloween outfit and the winner was the only and only Jeffrey McIlwin, the 2015 Queen of the Krewe of Cork.
Jeffery McIlwain, Best Halloween Hat Winner; Nora McGunnigle, Jim Walpole, Alfred Groos, General Manager of the Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans; Jennifer DeLatte, JPAS singer; Micah Richerand Desonier, JPAS singer; Dennis Assaf, Executive/Artistic Director of Jefferson Performing Arts Society; Louis Michot, Lost Bayou Ramblers; Karlos Knott, President & Co-founder of Bayou Teche Brewing; Keith Oldendorf, President of Deutsches Haus;and hostess Margarita Bergen
That night I was invited to the fabulous Patron Party of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art "O What A Night!" Gala Oct. 18 which honored longtime supporter Bill Goldring. The lovely soiree was at the home of Katy and Chris Weil on Joseph Street. As usual, I kept going and the next event was the opening night of the 2014 Film Festival at the Board of Trade. Prior to the event, there was the premiere of the movie “Black and White” at the Civic Theater. It was directed by Kevin Costner and the crowd second-lined to the party.
On Friday, thanks to my darling friend Vic Planetta, owner of the VIP Limousines, I was chauffeured around so I start my evening at “Magic in the Moonlight,” the al fresco dinner served under the beautifully lit oaks on the grounds of the New Orleans Botanical Garden was indeed magical. I was there just briefly to enjoy a glass of champagne and to cover the event but last year I stayed and I still have memories of the delicious dinner and the libations.
The next event, the Pink Gala at the Windsor Court was magical as well! The event hosted by Maria Muro, publisher of “New Orleans Living” magazine in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, was dedicated to honoring the outstanding achievements of the survivors and crusaders. I loved seeing the happy faces of the survivals and meeting the doctors - The food, the libations, the setting and of course the people made the Pink Gala to be a very memorable night.
Saturday is one day that you always find me at Casell Bergen Gallery but, when one of my darling friends, writer/author extraordinaire Bonnie Warren invited me to celebrate a big birthday at Andrea's I knew I could not say no. The delicious luncheon was attended by her son Nathan Crone and his lovely wife Catherine- both prominent MDs and their son Evan. Many people in the media were there as you will recognize their faces in the photos
That evening it was O What a Night 2014 and it was spectacular. This year’s annual autumn fundraiser, a celebration of all things of the American South for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, honored local philanthropist Bill Goldring who received the Opus Award at an evening filled with Southern-inspired art, cuisine, libations and music.
The elegant art-filled evening started with a cocktail party at the iconic Patrick F. Taylor Library (originally named Howard Memorial Library), designed by Henry Hobson Richardson. It is going through a lot of renovation but it was the setting for the silent auctions. Immediately after, we moved to the tents in the parking lot that were elegantly transformed for the special soiree.
Besides actor John Goodman and his lovely wife Anna Beth, who bid high to several of the live auction items and donated a beautiful 1989 Miata (a gift from Steven Spielberg), I also met actress Helen Mirren who seemed to enjoyed the delicious dinner and live auction. She was sitting next to Bryan Lee Cranston. The cuisine was by Chef Donald Link of the Link Restaurant Group and Chef Justin Devillier of Le Petite Grocery and the entertainment was my darling friends, talented Jeremy Davenport and the David Torkanowsky Band. Gorgeous Bryan Batt was the MC and hilarious C K Sweet was the auctioneer.
On Sunday, I was invited by my darling friend, Dr. Nicolas Bazan, to the premiere of the movie "Una Vida: A Fable of Music and the Mind" based on his book. It was fantastic. “Una Vida” is the haunting story of a mesmerizing New Orleans street singer whose eerie past holds the key to renowned neuroscientist Dr. Alvaro Cruz's recurring dream and hunger for redemption. Stricken with Alzheimer's, Una Vida can only offer tantalizing clues to her past through her spellbinding vocals, incredible recollection of jazz lyrics and occasional verbal revisitings of a life that is quickly fading. Can Cruz make sense of the fragmented pieces before they are forever gone, and in the process give the woman closure on the greatest heartbreak of her life?
“Una Vida” is based upon the novel “Una Vida: A Fable of Music and the Mind,” published by Chandler, Arizona's Five Star Publications, Inc., and written by one of the world's premier neuroscientists, who as a young boy witnessed a beloved aunt suffer a seizure and vowed to spend the rest of his life studying the causes behind debilitating diseases of the brain in hopes of discovering therapies to slow or cure them.
Dr. Nicholas Bazan, writer and producer of the film ""Una Vida: A Fable of Music and the Mind" with the cast at the premiere of the film at the Joy Theater
I am exhausted but happy about all the fun events that I attended.
I woke up this morning to the sad news that my fellow Dominican and friend has died - the legendary fashion designer Oscar de la Renta. When I lived in NYC, I will visit his atelier and loved wearing his very feminine clothes and perfume . The last time I ran into him, was in the lobby of the Claridge’s Hotel in London. He looked as handsome and dapper as well. I have visited his home in Dominican Republic and was invited in the 70's to the opening of the famous Santo Domingo Hotel that he designed . Oscar was known for his generosity to the less fortunate children of the Dominican Republic. He will be missed by all of us.May his Soul Rest in Peace.
This week is going to be another social marathon for me as well.
For starters, one of my favorite shops, The LPO Encore shop is having its annual Fall into Fashion Party to introduce the "new" fall clothes.. The party will be October 21 from 5:30-8:30 at The Hines lovely home at 100 Audubon Boulevard. They will serve a light supper and of course feature a designer boutique with some terrific women's accessories all the while listening to the Nick Allman Jazz Trio. The cost is $50. I cannot wait!
On October 21st, at 6:30pm, The Consulate of Mexico in New Orleans & The 2014 New Orleans Film Festival cordially invite to share an evening with the Filmmaker Eduardo Villanueva of the movie “PENUMBRA” at the Art Gallery of the Consulate,901 Convention Center Blvd. Suite 118
On Wednesday, I am looking forward to attending the renewal of the marriage of my darling friends Gayle and Tom Benson at St. Louis Cathedral.
On Thursday, there are more events that I could possibly attend including the 2014 Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful Autumn Affair, The Lazarus Ball, a fantastic formal event orchestrated by Halloween New Orleans to benefit Project Lazarus. I have also been invited to be part of the Politics with a Punch's panel that evening at 8 p.m. at the Eiffel Society, 2040 St. Charles Avenue. (see calendar below for list of members of the panel)
On Friday, I am looking forward to the 19th annual Pasta & Puccini that benefits the Jefferson Performing Arts Society. This event celebrates the youth of Jefferson Parish in their quest to better themselves through the arts of performance with a gala evening downtown.
That evening is also the Opening of Prospect 3 New Orleans at the CAC.
On Saturday, October 25, The Childhood & Family Learning Foundation a New Orleans-based, not-for-profit organization working to improve opportunities for our city’s children to succeed in school and life is having their fundraiser featuring Ellis Marsalis, Jr. and Irvin Mayfield, Jr. performing for the children of New Orleans and honoring the following outstanding men in broadcast media: Bob Breck, Norman Robinson, Dennis Woltering, Curt Sprang and Jim Henderson See calendar below for all the details.
That evening I am also invited to attend The French Quarter Advocates' First Annual Gala on October 25 6:00 p.m. at 817 St. Philip Street.
Darlings, enjoy your week because, I am sure I am going to try enjoy mine. Please make sure you see the photos from this past week.
Tuesday, October 21
Fall into Fashion
The LPO Encore shop is having its annual Fall into Fashion Party to introduce the "new" fall clothes.. The party will be October 21 from 5:30-8:30 at The Hines lovely home at 100 Audubon Boulevard. They will serve a light supper and of course feature a designer boutique with some terrific women's accessories all the while listening to the Nick Allman Jazz Trio. The cost is $50.
10-21-14
October 21-23
New Orleans Film Festival
Various locations
www.neworleans- filmfestival.org
Tuesday, October 21
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October 21
New plays by local playwrights:
Jon Broder, Brian Sands and Lisa Shattuck!
October 21 at 7:30pm
Southern Rep's 3x3: The One Acts
Presented at Mid-City Theatre
3540 Toulouse Street
Thursday, October 23
Politics with a Punch
POLITICS WITH A PUNCH THURSDAY OCTOBER 23
13TH SEASON OF COMEDY SHOW
Doors Open at 6 p.m.; Show Begins at 8 p.m.
Eiffel Society; 2040 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans
Be sure to arrive early to enjoy cocktails, dinner and musical entertainment
at the exquisite Eiffel Society. Valet Parking is provided.
Here is our superb cast of celebrities for this New Orleans POLITICAL COMEDY TRADITION:
Margarita Bergen, Diva, Social Editor, Art Gallery Owner
Captain Black, "The Hood Conservative," Crime Fighter, Commentator
Tommy Cvitanovich, Co-Owner of Drago's Restaurant, T/P Loving Cup Winner
Tom Gregory, Emmy Award Winning Producer/Reporter, Super Comedian
Benny Grunch, Legendary Writer, Singer of 12 Yats of Christmas & Many More
Mikko, Popular Actor, Writer, Comedian, & Historian
Bernie Pinsonat, Southern Media & Opinion Research, Superior LA Pollster
Before and after Punch, you are invited to mingle with the patrons and enjoy a cocktail at the Eiffel Society bar.
Tickets are only $15.00 per person/$25.00 per couple in advance and $20.00 per person/$35.00 per couple at the door. Reservations can be made atjeff@ringsidepolitics.com-
Advance tickets can be purchased at www.ringsidepolitics.com
October 26
October 26
Cool Happenings Around
The Vieux Carre from the French Quarterly
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Wednesday, October 22nd
Spring Programming Preview
@ The Historic New Orleans Collection
U.S. Historian Joshua D. Rothman will discuss three slave traders who turned the sale of humans into a major money-making enterprise, devastating thousands of families and communities in the process. The event is a preview of spring programming at THNOC focused on New Orleans and the domestic slave trade.
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October 25th-31st
Ghostly Gallivant Fundraiser
Friends of the Cabildo will host its 28th annual
Ghostly Gallivant Fundraiser, October 25th - 31st. The two-weekend, three-day event features Ghostly tours of the French Quarter and a Halloween costume party at the Cabildo on Jackson Square.
__________________________________________
October 30
Krewe of Boo Parade and Party
Tickets now on sale!
Don't be scared, it's party time! Experience Halloween, New Orleans style, with the Krewe of Boo! Parade rolls October 30th at 6:30p followed by Monster Mash costume party at Mardi Gras World. Tickets on sale now.
__________________________________________
Cool Happenings Around
The Vieux Carre from the French Quarterly
____________________
Wednesday, October 22nd
Spring Programming Preview
@ The Historic New Orleans Collection
U.S. Historian Joshua D. Rothman will discuss three slave traders who turned the sale of humans into a major money-making enterprise, devastating thousands of families and communities in the process. The event is a preview of spring programming at THNOC focused on New Orleans and the domestic slave trade.
_________________________________________
October 25th-31st
Ghostly Gallivant Fundraiser
Friends of the Cabildo will host its 28th annual
Ghostly Gallivant Fundraiser, October 25th - 31st. The two-weekend, three-day event features Ghostly tours of the French Quarter and a Halloween costume party at the Cabildo on Jackson Square.
__________________________________________
October 30
Krewe of Boo Parade and Party
Tickets now on sale!
Don't be scared, it's party time! Experience Halloween, New Orleans style, with the Krewe of Boo! Parade rolls October 30th at 6:30p followed by Monster Mash costume party at Mardi Gras World. Tickets on sale now.
__________________________________________
Enjoy these photos from this past week and click the link so you can see all the photos
Enjoy these photos from this past week and click the link so you can see all the photos
53 new photos to the album Key to the Cure 2014 -Kickoff Gala.
October 15 ·
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October 15 ·
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42 new photos to the album Pink Gala honoring Breast Cancer Survivors and crusaders.
the premiere of my darling friend Dr. Nicholas Bazan' movie " UNA VIDA: A Fable of Music and the Mind
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