Tuesday, March 31, 2015

A Toast to New Orleans : March 31-April 6_Happy Easter

Darlings,

Glorious spring flowers and weather greeted me upon my return from Destin, Florida to my beloved New Orleans.

I made it just in time to attend the Opening Gala  of the 30th Tennessee Williams Literary Festival at "Tennessee and Toussaint: Soul of New Orleans Gala" at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. My darling friend Allen Toussaint was superb, as well as the cuisine by John Besh. While at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, I got to see the lovely exhibit, "Tennessee Williams: The Playwright and the Painter." The exhibit will be running until May 31.

Tennessee Williams was one of the most admired playwrights of the 20th century. While he wrote fiction and motion picture screenplays, Williams is best known for his plays, which are chiefly set in the South. Several of his plays including "A Streetcar Named Desire," "The Glass Menagerie," and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" are considered among the finest of the American stage. For more than 30 years, Williams lived and wrote in a cottage on a quiet Key West street. As a form of relaxation, he took up oil painting on his patio, often sketching friends, acquaintances and characters from his plays. 

That evening, I also stopped by the lovely Sippin' in the Courtyard at Maison Dupuy Hotel.
Darlings, I must be getting old but I was so overwhelmed by so many events scheduled for Thursday that I just stayed home. It seems that when I leave town, upon my return, I am inundated with missing work at Casell-Bergen Gallery. 
I did escape briefly to attend the lovely annual Cocktail Buffet reception honoring the Speakers and Donors of the Tennessee Williams Festival, hosted by the Historic New Orleans Collection.
On Saturday. I left work early to catch talented Claudia Baumgarten in her one-woman show about the writer Dorothy Parker! It was part of the Tennessee Williams Festival at Le Petit Theatre. The show was superb and Claudia had violin accompaniment by Lulu Reeks and was directed by Diana Shortes.

On Sunday, sunny skies and spring weather was just perfect to watch the annual "Stella!" shouting contest at Jackson Square. Contestants vied for the best imitation of Stanley Kowalski shouting "STELLLAAAAAAAA!" in the unforgettable scene of Stanley shouting for his wife Stella in Tennessee Williams' “A Streetcar Named Desire.” What a fun afternoon!
Congratulations are in order to Daphne Britton of New Orleans who beat the males and other females to win the shouting contest!  http://www.nola.com/…/2…/03/the_tennessee_williams_festiva1.

Darling, once again, the New Orleans community lost one of its stars. One of my favorite vocalists has passed away."Lady BJ" Crosby, singer, actress & Tony nominee, died at 62." I loved going to Feelings Cafe to listen to Lady B,J. May her Soul Rest in Peace.  http://www.fox8live.com/…/famous-new-orleans-born-singerent…

The upcoming week is going to be full of fun activities. As you know this is Holy Week and will culminate with not just one but three Easter Parades.
For Catholics, Easter marks the end of Lent, a 40 day period of fasting, abstinence, and reflection. For others, Easter is simply a festive time to celebrate the arrival of spring! In New Orleans, many church services are held early on Easter morning, and then the festivities begin.
St. Louis Cathedral celebrates the Mass of the Risen Christ with services at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. If you can’t make it for mass, the beautiful and historic church opens up to the public afterward.
In the city that loves to celebrate with a parade, there are three parades in the French Quarter on Easter Sunday, all of which are free for the public to observe. In addition to the parades, many of the city’s most famous restaurants serve special Easter brunches, and some locations even hold Easter egg hunts for the kids.
Here are some of the highlights of Easter in New Orleans: Easter Sunday kicks off in the morning with The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade. The parade takes off from Antoine’s Restaurant around 10:30 a.m. and proceeds to St. Louis Cathedral for 11:00 a.m. Mass.
With this parade you’ll see mule-drawn carriages and old convertibles, making their way through the French Quarter, and handing out stuffed Easter bunnies and other trinkets for the kids.
Following Mass, the parade participants continue to Jackson Square to show off their Easter hats before moving back through the French Quarter to return to Antoine’s. Awards are given out for the best Easter bonnets, baskets and overall attire.
Chris Owens French Quarter Easter Parade
Later, around 1:00 p.m. is the Chris Owens French Quarter Easter Parade. This parade features renowned French Quarter singer and entertainer, Chris Owens, as the Grand Duchess. The Duchess leads her parade from the corner of Canal and Bourbon streets. The parade makes its way through the French Quarter, past the Chris Owens Club at 500 Bourbon, with colorful floats and vintage convertibles and even a couple of the city’s famous brass bands. And, of course, since this is a New Orleans parade, there will be plenty of Easter-themed throws to catch from the floats!
The Gay Easter Parade
Later in the afternoon, is the Gay Easter Parade, put on by the city’s LGBT community. The Gay Easter Parade takes a leisurely route through the French Quarter, passing every gay bar and many gay-owned restaurants and retail shops.
The paraders ride horse-drawn carriages or floats while wearing fun, fantastic versions of their Easter Sunday finest. You can expect to catch lots of beads from these floats!
There is also an annual Easter Bonnet Contest that evening at Good Friends Bar, a GLBT neighborhood bar at the corner of Dauphine and St. Ann streets in the French Quarter. Anyone can join in and some of the bonnet entries can get pretty outlandish. Even if you don’t wish to participate this is a contest worth attending! For information call (504) 566-7191.
On Tuesday, March 31, FestiGals will present a fun evening at Martin Lawrence Gallery, 433 Royal, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This will be just a sample of the fun that is in store for the FestiGals annual weekend from June 11-14. I will keep you posted on details as the event gets closer but now is the time to sign up for it. Go to their website, www.festigals.org.
The Historic New Orleans Collection's newest exhibition, "Purchased Lives: New Orleans and the Domestic Slave Trade, 1808-1865," examines the individuals involved in the trade and considers New Orleans's role in this era of U.S. history. The free exhibition, which is open to the public today at THNOC's Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St., will remain on view through July 18, 2015. Go see it: it will touch your heart!
On Wednesday, April 1, my darling friend and talented vocalist Robin Barnes will be performing at Wednesday at the Park.
Due to popular demand, Southern Rep Theatre will be adding another week to the run of SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER.  By Tennessee Williams
Directed byAimée Hayes-Starring Brenda Currin, Beth Bartley, Jake Wynne-Wilson, Morrey McElroy, Reby Rae, David Williams, and Carol Sutton at Ashé Powerhouse Theater,1731 Baronne Street, between Euterpe and Polymnia
Thursday, April 2: 8:00pm **Pay-What-You-Can Night**-Friday, April 3: 8:00pm -Saturday, April 4: 3:00pm and 8:00pm


The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) will celebrate the grand opening of the People’s Health New Orleans Jazz Market (PHNOJM) with a weekend of festivities. Beginning Thursday, April 2 with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on its new facility, there will be live performances by Irvin MayfieldNOJO and other renowned musicians, and a developing New Orleans Jazz Archive. The facility will provide music education and community events. Grand opening festivities begin at 7 p.m., the Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony is at 8 p.m. and the Event After-Party is at 10 p.m. in the Bolden Bar in the PHNOJM.
Here is a more detailed lineup:                                                                                                        
       7 p.m.: Grand Opening celebration hosted by Councilmember LaToya Cantrell and NOJO Board Chairman Ron Forman; Event will feature musical performances by NOJO's Artistic Director Irvin Mayfield with Honorary NOJO Board Chair and legendary vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater; Speakers will include Nick Karl of Peoples Health, Margaret Anadu of Goldman Sachs' Urban Investment Group, Ommeed Sathe of Prudential Financial Inc., Mikki Shepard of the Apollo Theater, and leaders from the PHNOJM's other key partnerships.
     10 p.m.:  After Party at Bolden Bar in the PHNOJM featuring Walter "Wolfman" Washington and the Roadmasters
The People Health New Orleans Jazz Market (PHNOJM) is located at 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard (the intersection of O.C. Haley and Martin Luther King boulevards) in Central City. It occupies the former Gators Department Store building, which once housed the historic Dryades Market.
A reminder: the 37th Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic 10K race is this Saturday. Not to be missed!
Darlings, also save these important dates: 
French Quarter Festival - April 9-12 in the French Quarter and Woldenburg Riverfront Park
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival - April 10-12: Ponchatoula, LA
Round Table Luncheon - April 22 at noon at the JW Marriott
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival - April 24-26 and April 30-May 3: Fair Grounds Race Course and various other locations
Zurich PGA Golf Classic - April 20-26:  TPC Louisiana, Avondale, LA
Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo – May 15-17: Bayou St. John, Mid-City
New Orleans Wine and Food Experience - May 20-23: various locations in the French Quarter and N.O. Convention Center
Greek Festival - May 22-24:  Hellenic Cultural Center, Robert E. Lee Blvd. and Bayou St. John
New Orleans Oyster Festival - May 30-31:  French Market
Cajun Zydeco Festival - June 6-7: Louis Armstrong Park, Treme
Creole Tomato Festival - June 13-14: French Market and French Quarter

DO NOT MISS OUT - COLLECTABLE French Quarter 2015 Poster
Casell-Bergen Gallery has now available the 2015 limited edition French Quarter Festival by Tami Curtis of Freddy King -2,000 Signed & Numbered Silk-screened Regular Prints, $45 and 400 Signed & Numbered Artist Proofs, $65 -Poster Size 20” x 28” and the Simon-1,000 Limited Edition Signed and Numbered Silkscreen prints, $65-Poster size: 18”x 32”
We take paypal $ 10 shipping or call us 504-524-0671
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Photos from last week: 

 I was welcomed back to my lovely courtyard with the exuberance of spring flowers- It is great to be back in my beloved New Orleans!


Opening of the 30th Tennessee William Literary Festival at "Tennessee and Toussaint: Soul of New Orleans Gala" at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art
 — 


"Sippin' at Maison Dupuy Courtyard!
Margarita Bergen's photo.
Margarita Bergen's photo.
Margarita Bergen's photo.
Margarita Bergen's photo.
Talented Claudia Baumgarten in her one-woman show about the writer Dorothy Parker!! It was part of the Tennessee Williams Festival at Le Petit Theatre . The show was superb and Claudia had.violin accompaniment by Lulu Reeks and was directed by Diana Shortes.
 
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Annual Cocktail Buffet reception honoring the Speakers and Donors of the Tennessee Williams Festival hosted by the Historical New Orleans Collection.
 —
talented Claudia Baumgarten in her one-woman show about the writer Dorothy Parker!! It was part of the Tennessee Williams Festival at Le Petit Theatre . The show was superb and Claudia had.violin accompaniment by Lulu Reeks and was directed by Diana Shortes.
 — with Lulu Reeks and Claudia Baumgarten.


Darlings, what a glorious afternoon to watch the annual "Stella" shouting contest at Jackson Square. Contestant vied for shouting "STELLLAAAAAAAA" in the unforgettable scene of Stanley shouting for his wife Stella in Tennessee Williams ' Streetcar Named Desire. What a fun afternoon!
 — with Janet Daley Duval.
! Congratulations are in order to Daphne Britton, of New Orleans who beated the males and other females to win the shouting contest! http://www.nola.com/…/2…/03/the_tennessee_williams_festiva_1.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS- 
fOR COMPLETE SCHEDULE VISIT lA FETE NEWS 
March 31
            
 The concerts will take place every Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., March 11 through May 27 in downtown New Orleans at Lafayette Square (between Camp Street and St. Charles Avenue, directly across from Gallier Hall). See below for the full 2015 lineup.
 2015 Wednesday at the Square Lineup

 
Wednesday, April 1                    The Revivalists + Robin Barnes

 1
 
 
Until  May 4
Innocence, Temptation, Power: The Evolution of Women in Art
@M.S. Rau Antiques
This new exhibition explores the transformation of the feminine through the eyes of legendary fine art icons including Matisse,
Picasso, Gauguin, Rockwell and over 40 other masters. 






April 1
   
Free Wednesdays at the New Orleans Museum of Art
Where: New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124
When: 10:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: Everyone welcome, free admission is for Louisiana residents
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
Free admission on Wednesdays for Louisiana residents sponsored by the Helis Foundation.

April 2-4
SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER  
     
 
Set in the Garden District of New Orleans, Tennessee Williams' masterwork, SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER, follows a wealthy society matron, Violet Venable, who attempts to lobotomize her niece Catharine in a struggle to cover up the truth about her son Sebastian's sudden death. Presented in partnership with the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER raises bold questions about mental illness, sexuality, guilt, brutality and the search for truth.
By Tennessee Williams
Directed byAimée Hayes
Starring Brenda Currin, Beth Bartley, Jake Wynne-Wilson, Morrey McElroy, Reby Rae, David Williams, and Carol Sutton 
A BRAND NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART THEATER!
Ashé Powerhouse Theater
1731 Baronne Street, between Euterpe and Polymnia  
Thursdays - Saturday Performances: 8:00pm
Sunday Matinées: 3:00pm

SPCA EVENTS:
April 2nd , 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th        Yappy Hour in the Courtyard at Rare Form, to benefit the Louisiana SPCA will be held at 437 Esplanade Ave. at Frenchmen St. from 4:00pm-8:00pm every Thursday.  Stop in for dinner, or just enjoy some craft cocktails and listen to relaxing live music with your friendly four-legged friend.  Fresh water and treats will be provided for pups while owners enjoy $1 off all craft cocktails.  Don't forget, when you mention "Yappy Hour," 15% of the proceeds from your outing go to benefit the Louisiana SPCA!  Visit http://www.rareformnola.com/ for more info.

April 4th                           "Run For It - Run for Spot!" Crescent City Classic Registration: Run for It & Register Now!  The Louisiana SPCA is 1 of 10 charities you can register for the April 4th Crescent City Classic by selecting the Louisiana SPCA as their Run for Charity.  Get in shape while helping the Louisiana SPCA animals.  Start training NOW for the CCC and WIN!  Get training schedules and tons of perks while Running for Spot.  Only 100 Team Louisiana SPCA bibs available.  Visit www.la-spca.org/ccc for details, prizes and how to register.

2
 
 
GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING IRVIN MAYFIELD AND THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ ORCHESTRA (NOJO) CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING OF
THE PEOPLES HEALTH NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MARKET
Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Kicks Off Weekend of Activities, Month of Events 

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) will celebrate the grand opening of the Peoples Health New Orleans Jazz Market (PHNOJM) with a weekend of festivities, beginning Thursday, April 2nd with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on its new facility, which provides music education and community events, live performances by Irvin Mayfield, NOJO and other renowned musicians, and a developing New Orleans Jazz Archive. 


7 p.m.: Grand Opening celebration hosted by Councilmember LaToya Cantrell and NOJO Board Chairman Ron Forman; Event will feature musical performances by NOJO's Artistic Director Irvin Mayfield with Honorary NOJO Board Chair and legendary vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater; Speakers will include Nick Karl of Peoples Health, Margaret Anadu of Goldman Sachs' Urban Investment Group, Ommeed Sathe of Prudential Financial Inc., Mikki Shepard of the Apollo Theater, and leaders from the PHNOJM's other key partnerships.

                              10 p.m.:  After Party at Bolden Bar in the PHNOJM featuring Walter "Wolfman" Washington and the Roadmasters. 

         Grand opening festivities begin (7 p.m.); Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony (8 p.m.) at The Peoples Health New Orleans Jazz Market (1436 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans)
                              Event After-Party (10 p.m.):  Bolden Bar in the PHNOJM
                                            &nb