Tuesday, February 3, 2015

A Toast to N.O. Feb. 3-10: LPO Concert/Krewe of Cork and Barkus Parades‏


Darlings,


A Toast to a wonderful, warm Carnival 2015
Krewe of Cork Parade - 2014


IT IS CARNIVAL TIME AT THE ROYAL SONESTA'S ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON



It is 2015 Carnival Time in my beloved New Orleans and, as such, I have been caught in whirl of social activities that started last Wednesday at the monthly Round Table Luncheon at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.
With the theme “Celebrating All Things Purple, Green and Gold,” guests enjoyed featured speakers Andrea Mistretta, the artist whom I discovered in 1985 when I owned Bergen Gallery and is celebrating her 30-year jubilee of making colorful Mardi Gras posters. She flew in from New Jersey to be a speaker at the luncheon. She was joined by historian/publisher Errol Labordeentrepreneur Carl Mack and author Colleen Mooney, who gave us a sneak peek into her new book, “Rescued by a Kiss.” We were entertained by Royalty - Queen and King of 2015 Krewe of Satyricon, Becky Allen and Marshall Harris, accompanied on the piano by talented Jim Walpole. As a Lagniappe  we all got a tasting of  King Cake Vodka whose bottle was deisigned by Andrea Mistretta and is owned by my darling friend, Eduardo Marquez, President of Lucky Player Brands, Inc.
We had a great time but, unfortunately, it was my last Round Table Luncheon at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. After almost a decade, the Luncheon will now be taking place at the J.W. Marriott downtown. I will keep you informed about the date for the next one. I do want to thank the Royal Sonesta for all the memorable Round Table Luncheons that we shared there since the first one in August 2005.

On another sad note, one of our regular guests passed away peacefully at her home: Robin Medd Houston. She will be missed and may her Soul Rest in Peace. http://obits.nola.com/obituaries/nola/obituary.aspx?pid=173988528

That night, I was the guest of the Royal Sonesta at the annual  French Quarter Business Association's annual dinner, installation of officers and awards at 6 p.m. at the Royal Sonesta Grand Ballroom. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152507579660870.1073742405.581200869&type=1&l=dfd1c1961e


I stayed long enough for the installation and a small taste of the delicious cuisine since I needed to rush to see the live presentation of “Dancing with the Stars” at the Saenger Theater. It was awesome and I am so grateful to my darling friend Michael Mitchell of Broadway Across America who provided me with four tickets to this Grand Suite at the Saenger.
 .
On Thursday, I was ready for the the special “Downton Abbey” inspired tea benefiting WYES at Jennifer and Fred Heebe's palatial mansion on St. Charles Avenue. The setting, the period style fashions, the beautiful chapeaus, and the delicious cuisine, made it to be a very memorable afternoon and for a great cause.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152508559695870.1073742406.581200869&type=1&l=cef303c65f

That evening, it time to attend the New Orleans Magazine's Hobnobber! Mingle, socialize and network with other passionate New Orleanians at the Saints Hotel. It was fun and I was one of the finalists in the Mask Contest.

One ball that I did not wanted to miss was the fabulous Mystic Krewe of Satyricon with my darling friends talented Marshall Harris and Becky Allen as the reigning monarchs. It was full of pageantry and great humor that I enjoyed tremendously.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152510906450870.1073742407.581200869&type=1&l=c3dad37924
Margarita Bergen's photo.
 Queen and King of 2015 Krewe of Satyricon, Becky Allen and Marshall Harris
On Saturday, I hosted a fun Krewe du Vieux Parade viewing party at Casell-Bergen Gallery since it passed right in front of the gallery. We enjoyed King Cakes and King Cake Vodka compliments of my darling friend Lazaro Suarez who represents Lucky Players Brands. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152512618590870.1073742408.581200869&type=1&l=dbf8ecad26

Darlings this upcoming week is going to be a very special one since both my darling dog Chiquita and I will be parading in the Krewe of Cork on Friday and Duchess Chiquita Bergen will be sniffing her way, royally at the Mystic Krewe of Barkus on Sunday. (See calendar for details and routes for both parades.)

Prior to those parades, I am looking forward to seeing  the opening of Annie at the Saenger Theatre. I am also looking forward to the  fabulous LPO Concert: New Orleans and the Spanish World: Wednesday, February 4, 7:30 pm at St. Louis Cathedral
The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will present "New Orleans and the Spanish World," the ninth installment of Musical Louisiana: America's Cultural Heritage. The popular series examines different aspects of the state's contributions to classical music with a free concert in St. Louis Cathedral, as well as award-winning educational programming.
. I will be the guest of my darling friend Jose Suquet, CEO of Pan American Life Insurance: Lagniappe Concert - sponsor of  “New Orleans and the Spanish World.” This concert is presented in collaboration with The Historic New Orleans Collection and is free and open to the public.
I am looking forward to the Countdown to French Quarter Festival’ at Jackson Square

On Friday, February 6 is the annual American Heart Association's Go for Red for Women Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency.  It is a luncheon featuring activities and topics aimed to educate on cardiovascular disease, risk factors and heart healthy lifestyles in a supportive atmosphere.

On February 7 & 13, the Junior Committee of the New Orleans Opera Association is hosting Mardi Gras Fete at the Opera Guild Home. Fête-goers will enjoy Carnival-inspired foods, libations, fun activities, a place to rest in between parades, and most importantly, clean bathrooms.

Before I go any further I want to congratulate Diane Carney of Ballet Hysell for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Big Easy Classical Arts Awards. A longtime associate of the late Harvey Hysell, Diane and her sons Ian and Devon have made significant contributions to the local dance scene for many years. I wasn’t able to make it to the luncheon on January 29 but friends who were there told me it was a great time. 
 New Orleans Opera won Best Opera Production of 2014 and Best Creative Achievement in Opera 2014 for the November 2014 production of Dvořák's Rusalka at Big Easy Entertainment Awards 21st Annual Tribute to the Classical Arts. General and Artistic Director Robert Lyall of NOOA accepted the awards.
...
Congratulations to all of the other winners in opera, dance and classical music as well.
As one of my favorite English poet-Percy Bysshe Shelley said: If winter comes, can spring be far behind?
Darlings, have a great Carnival Week and stay warm!

THIS CaLENDAR IS DONE WITH HELP of La Fete News- Please visit this link to see all the musical listing : http://myemail.constantcontact.com/LaFete-News-Spotlights-2…
Tuesday, February 3
   Windsor Court   
WINDSOR UNCORKED
___________________________________________________

 

Join sommelier John Mitchell as he leads interactive discussions
about the wonderful world of wine.  
_________________________________________
THE EYRIE VINEYARD: ROOTS IN OREGON
Tuesday, February 3
 


WINDSOR UNCORKED
The Eyrie Vineyard: Roots in Oregon
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
7:00 PM

Join Sommelier John Mitchell for this exclusive tasting
of the rarest vintages from the first Oregon producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  

Wines to be featured include:

Eyrie, Pinot Meunier, 1985
Eyrie, Pinot Noir, "South Block", 1985
Eyrie, Pinot Noir, 1990

Eyrie, Pinot Noir Reserve, 1996
Eyrie, Pinot Gris, 1988
Eyrie, Chardonnay, 1999
*Due to the rarity of these bottles, this tasting will be $195.00 per person plus tax. 
Limited seating available. 

Reservations Required
504-522-1994
grillroom@windsorcourthotel.com

Tuesday, February  3
ANNIE

YOU'RE NEVER FULLY DRESSED WITHOUT A SMILE!

The wonderful and heart-warming tale of little orphan Annie is on tour and comes to Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, LA, showing from 3 Feb 2015 to 8 Feb 2015. Catch this life affirming and acclaimed Tony nominated production that promises to fill you with sunshine, with hit classics 'Tomorrow, 'Hard Knock Life' and many more.
Since its Broadway premier in 1977, Annie has delighted audiences worldwide and its a particular favourite of children who love Annie's cheeky demeanour and her bubbly outlook. This brand new national tour sees talented nine-year old actress Issie Swickle taking on the title role.
- See more at: http://www.new-orleans-theater.com/theaters/saenger-theatre/annie.php#sthash.q0RLJPlh.dpuf

Tuesday, February 3 and Wednesday February 4
  
AUTHORS EVENT!
NANCY DIXON, PhD, DISCUSSES HER BOOK, N.O. LIT: 200 YEARS OF NEW ORLEANS LITERATURE
Nancy Dixon, PhD, author of N.O. Lit: 200 Years of New Orleans Literature, will discuss and sign copies of the book at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 West Napoleon Avenue, Metairie.
N.O. Lit: 200 Years of New Orleans Literature is a comprehensive collection of the literature of New Orleans. Dixon has gathered some of the most prominent writers long associated with New Orleans, such as Lafcadio Hearn, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, and Eudora Welty.
The presentation is free-of-charge and is open to the public. Reservations are not required.
.
AUTHOR EVENT!
CHRISTA ALLAN, COLLEEN MOONEY AND VICKI SALLOUM DISCUSS THEIR NEW BOOKS AT FREE LIBRARY PRESENTATION
Three local authors will talk about and sign copies of their latest books at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 West Napoleon Avenue, Metairie.
The presentation is free-of-charge and is open to the public. Reservations are not required. Books will be available for those who would like to purchase them.
The three new authors and their books are: Test of Faith by Christa Allan, Rescued by a Kiss, by Colleen Mooney, & Faulkner and Friends, by Vicki Salloum.
The presentation is free-of-charge and is open to the public. Reservations are not required. Books will be available for those who would like to purchase them.


February 3
An Evening Salon Celebrating the Harlem Renaissance

 
Xavier University is hosting a celebration of the Harlem Renaissance Tuesday night (Feb. 3) featuring musical performances and discussions on African-American culture by Xavier professors in a salon-style format.

 
The event, titled "An Evening Salon Celebrating the Harlem Renaissance," is part of a series of goings-on at Xavier related to Black History Month, which began Feb. 1. The Harlem event will take place in the Recital Hall at the Xavier Music Building from 6-8 p.m.
The Evening Salon will feature: vocalist Dara Rahming; pianist Wilfred Delphin; Ronald Dorris, professor of African American and Diaspora Studies; Sarah Clunis, professor of African American and Diaspora Studies; James Dunson, professor of Philosophy; and Kasafera Gunter, dancer and Xavier student.

 
             All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. For reservations or for more information, call (504) 523-4662.


Wednesday, February 4 • 7:30 p.m.
St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will present “New Orleans and the Spanish World” the ninth installment of Musical Louisiana: America’s Cultural Heritage. The popular series examines different aspects of the state’s contributions to classical music with a free concert, as well as award-winning educational programming. (more…)
                           

Alliance Francaise Offers French Cooking Class at SoFAB
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
5:30-8:30PM

 
Join Alliance Francaise for its first French cooking class in a series at Southern Food and Beverage Museum. The first class will feature traditional dishes made with the classic French ingredient-leeks! 

 
More Information and Tickets
French Cooking Class
Thursday,  February 5
King Cocktail in Story and Song: Dale DeGroff in Conversation with Philip Dobard

  
NEW ORLEANS EVENTS
Southern Food and Beverage Museum
1504 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
Touring the Cocktail: New Orleans Debuts with King Cocktail Dale DeGroff
King Cocktail in Story and Song: Dale DeGroff in Conversation with Philip Dobard
Thursday, February 5, 2015
6:30-9:30PM
Museum of the American Cocktail, 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA

 
Dale DeGroff, a central figure in the craft cocktail renaissance over the last two decades and a founder of Museum of the American Cocktail, joins us for the Crescent City launch of "Touring the Cocktail," a monthly series of cocktail and spirits seminars, and the re-dedication of The Museum of the American Cocktail's (MOTAC) New Orleans collection, reopening on February 6. Dale will tell tales, chat with SoFAB's Philip Dobard and mix cocktails. Tickets include gourmet appetizers prepared by Executive Chef Ryan Hughes of Purloo. We'll follow with a celebration and ceremony as we rededicate the Museum of the American Cocktail, open to everyone who purchases a ticket to Touring  the Cocktail.

 
Touring the Cocktail: New Orleans Debuts with King Cocktail Dale DeGroff
King Cocktail in Story and Song: Dale DeGroff in Conversation with Philip Dobard
Thursday, February 5 from 6:30 to  9:30 PM
Rouse's Culinary Innovation Center by Jenn-Air
Southern Food and Beverage Museum
Dale DeGroff is a central figure in the craft cocktail revolution of the last 25 years. Now he joins us for the Crescent City launch of "Touring the Cocktail," a monthly series of cocktail and spirits seminars, and the re-dedication of The Museum of the American Cocktail's New Orleans
Hear how Dale became "King Cocktail," how he went from LA's Hotel Bel-air to New York's Rainbow Room, why he and a group of like-minded craft cocktail pioneers established MOTAC, and colorful tales of events along the way. Enjoy classic standards performed live by Dale and Philip and sip signature cocktails prepared from recipes by several MOTAC founders. Admission includes a selection of gourmet appetizers, courtesy Restaurant Purloo and Executive Chef Ryan Hughes.

 
The seminar is followed by a ceremony and revelry celebrating the re-dedication of MOTAC's New Orleans collection, housed within the Southern Food & Beverage Museum.
Tickets are $40 for SoFAB/MOTAC and USBG members, $50 General Admission in advance, and $60 at the door (if available). Purchase your tickets below or call 504-267-7490.
Touring the Cocktail: New Orleans Debuts with King Cocktail Dale DeGroff
King Cocktail in Story and Song: Dale DeGroff in Conversation with Philip Dobard 

*Thursday, Feb, 05 2015 06:30 PM*General Admission$50


2-5-15
  
Visit Longue Vue for the opening reception of En Plein Air featuring works from artists Ken Hopel, Kaori Maeyama, Phil Sandusky and Peg Usner. Meet the artists and view their en plein air works of Longue Vue's gardens and home exterior created in the summer and fall of 2014.  Works will be on display in the Gate House at Longue Vue from February 5 through March 1, 2015. Light refreshments will be served at the opening reception.    

 
February 5
5 to 7 p.m.

 
The Gate House at Longue Vue
7 Bamboo Road
New Orleans, LA 70124    
 Free with RSVP

 
February 5
Clementine Hunter Sketchbook Book Launch
  



 

 
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Main Floor of Goldring Hall

 
 
 

 
Ogden Museum and UNO Center for the Book celebrates the launch of Clementine Hunter Sketchbook. The book contains twenty-six previously unseen oil-on-paper works by Louisiana folk artist, Clementine Hunter. These paintings are unique in her body of work, as they were the first group of sketches ever made by her, and show a very personal and thoughtful approach to her subject matter. $25, for sale in Ogden Museum Store.
Ogden After Hours - 101 Drummers featuring Big Chief Juan Pardo
February 5, 2015

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Main Floor of Goldring Hall

 
The 101 Drummers was formed by members of the 101 Runners as a subsidiary which focuses on the percussive roots of the Mardi Gras Indian culture.

 
The Mardi Gras Indian music of New Orleans developed over the course of a century before Big Chief Bo Dollis of the Wild Magnolias and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux of the Golden Eagles teamed up with Willie Tee and the New Orleans Project in 1970 to begin fusing the traditional Indian chants and percussion with modern instrumental street funk, and created a new musical form of unprecedented rhythmic and spiritual power.

Contact: Museum Store, 504.539.9650, store@ogdenmuseum.org
HUMANE SOCIETY AND FIRST BANK AND TRUST UNVEIL NEW TRANS-PUP-TATION VAN
New van will save the lives of hundreds of homeless pets each year

What:
The Humane Society of Louisiana is unveiling its new TransPUPtation van which will allow the organization to save hundreds of adoptable homeless pets each year by transporting them to adopting, loving families located on the East Coast. The new TransPUPtation van was purchased with funds donated by First Bank and Trust as well as charitable contributions from Bollinger Shipyards and Entergy. 

 
When:
Thursday, February 5, 2015, 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

 
Where:
First Bank and Trust at 3929 Veterans Boulevard, Metairie, LA 70002

 

The Humane Society of Louisiana will unveil its new TransPUPtation van on Wednesday, February 5, at 10:45 AM at the First Bank and Trust branch located at 3929 Veterans Boulevard in Metairie. The Humane Society of Louisiana is inviting the public to view the new van and several adoptable puppies who need a home. Keeping with the Mardi Gras season, the adorable puppies will be decked out in their carnival season attire, and they are asking everyone to do the same. First Bank and Trust will provide a light lunch and refreshments following the ceremonial ribbon cutting and the official unveiling of the TransPUPtation van. 

"It's been such a pleasure to partner with the Humane Society of Louisiana on the TransPUPtation project. It's bittersweet to see our hard work come to an end, but the end result, this beautiful van, will save hundreds of homeless pets each year. First Bank and Trust is elated with joy to know that we played a role in giving new life to thousands of puppies," said Tammy Gennusa O'Shea, Senior Vice President and Corporate Brand Manager for First Bank and Trust.

The colorful van allows the Humane Society of Louisiana to rescue hundreds of adoptable puppies each year by transporting them from Louisiana to new, caring homes located on the East Coast. To date, the TransPUPtation campaign has conducted dozens of transports to the East Coast saving more than 3,000 homeless pets. The Humane Society of Louisiana estimates that the new van will allow them to save the lives of approximately 6,000 homeless puppies.


The costs of operating the cross-country transports are approximately $5,000 per trip. Each transport has a gas cost exceeding $1,000, and each pet requires shots, health certificates and other veterinary care prior to departure.

 
Animal lovers who want to support the Humane Society's TransPUPtation campaign can donate via the website at www.HumaneLA.org, contribute on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HumaneLA or send a tax-deductible contribution to: Humane Society of Louisiana, PO Box 740321, New Orleans, LA  70174.

 
The Humane Society of Louisiana is privately funded and has a statewide mission, allowing it to work across parish lines to rescue the most adoptable homeless pets in need throughout Louisiana. The Humane Society of Louisiana is currently seeking corporate and private sponsors to help facilitate with the TransPUPtation campaign and other rescue missions for the Louisiana animal community.

 

Press contact, Steve Schulkens at 504.401.6990 or steve@schulkens.com



2-5-15
  
 
 
Family Gras Festival boasts live entertainment Friday, February 6, Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8!  Mardi Plaza, the neutral ground between Causeway Boulevard and Severn Boulevard opposite Lakeside Shopping Center, features our Family Gras Stage with local and national performances, the Flambeau Food Court, Art Market and Kid's Zone.  

 
2015 FAMILY GRAS ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

    

Friday, February 6, 2015
 

NOLA Supergroup                                                 5:30 p.m. Allen Toussaint                                                      7:00 p.m.



Saturday, February 7, 2015
 
So Long  Storyland                                               11:00 a.m.
Southern Arrow                                                     12:00 p.m. 
Lou Gramm: "The Voice  of Foreigner"                1:30 p.m.
Cowboy Mouth                                                        3:15 p.m.
Becky G                                                                   4:45 p.m.
The Beach  Boys                                                     6:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 8, 2015
Remedy                                                                   11:00 a.m.
Creole String  Beans                                              11:45 a.m.
Amanda Shaw                                                         12:45 p.m.
Easton Corbin                                                           2:00 p.m.
LeAnn Rimes                                                            3:30 p.m.
KREWE OF CORK  2015

  • The Krewe of Cork will begin on Royal Street between St. Peter Street and Toulouse Street in New Orleans.
  • The parade will follow Royal Street southwestward to Iberville Street.
  • The krewe will proceed northwest on Iberville for one block to turn northeast on Bourbon Street.
  • The parade will follow Bourbon Street to St. Ann Street, where it will turn southeast.
  • From St. Ann, the parade will turn southwest down Chartres Street.
  • At St. Peter Street, the parade will turn northwest and proceed to Royal Street.
  • Once the parade has turned southwest down Royal Street, it will proceed to Conti Street.
  • The krewe will turn northwest and finish the parade on Conti between Royal Street and Bourbon Street.

CorkFounded in 2000, the Krewe of Cork has grown into a world-famous Mardi Gras and wine industry phenomenon. Krewe members gather on selected Fridays, usually the first Friday of each month, at restaurants throughout the area for T.G.I.C.D. (Thank Goodness It's Cork Day).
The krewe's two main events of the year are its Mardi Gras parade day festivities, and participation in the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience Royal Street Stroll. Throughout the year, the Krewe of Cork invites members to wine dinners and other special occasions, such as road trips and wine tastings.
"We celebrate Wine! Food! Fun!" says King Patrick van Hoorebeek.

NEWS & EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
 February 04, 2015      Grand Marshal Wine Dinner 7.00pm 
                                      La Louisianne, Hotel Mazarin 

February 05, 2015      Meet and Greet Party - 6.30pm - 9.00pm
                                     Courtyard, Hotel Mazarin

February 06, 2015      15th Annual Parade Sparkling Members only
 


  
 
The Krewe of Barkus will take its' traditional 15-block route through the French Quarter on Feb. 8th. We hope to see you all there!


Krewe of Barkus
The king of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus is usually a rescue dog, but not this year.  
Andouille, Barkus King XXIII, is a royal and will lead costumed canines in the Mardi Gras parade through the French Quarter in New Orleans on Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. His queen is Ashley, a rescue dog and progeny of a pit bull and lab mix.  
Nicknamed Dewey, Andouille is a pure bred wirehaired dachshund, a royal in the sense that his owners, Rose and Stephen Lemarie, are imperial majesties to the animal kingdom. They are both veterinarians. The Lemaries specialize in surgery and dermatology at Southeast Veterinarian Specialists 

 
Barkus Queen XXIII Ashley is owned by Jon Renaudin of River Ridge, who chairs Pet Fest promotions and River Town Main Street Association, serves on Bridge House/Grace House board, and volunteers at the New Orleans' SPCA with his 10-year-old daughter, Rylee
It is official! Once again Duchess Chiquita Bergen will be sniffing her way royally on Sunday,February 8 as a Duchess in the annual Mystic Krewe of Barkus New OrleansThe Krewe of Barkus will take its' traditional 15-block route through the French Quarter on Feb. 8th. We hope to see you all there!

Masquerade Hobnobber at St. Hotel
 — with Lisa Picone Love and Colleen Monaghan

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