Tuesday, March 10, 2015

A Toast to NO: March 10-17 Mad Hatter's/ Round Table Luncheon/Lucia Di Lammermoor


Darlings, this whole week, I am turning Irish in honor of St Patrick's Day. 

Before I share with you all the exciting events that attended and enjoyed and the ones to come, I want to express my deepest condolences to the family of Interior Designer and old-time friend of mine, Chet Pourciau, who sadly passed away  at age 44.  The artist/social community will miss his talent, enthusiasm and beautiful smile. Read more about him here:http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/chet_pourciau_an_interior_know.html

Darlings, once again I wished a had a clone or could be younger to attend all the fun events that were going on in my beloved New Orleans. Among those that I attended were the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Networking Night at the JW Marriott. As always it was fun seeing fellow business owners and community leaders networking and enjoying great food and delicious cocktails.

That night it was also the Grand Opening of Le Meridian Hotel where the W Hotel on Poydras Street used to be. It was fabulous and the champagne and cocktails were flowing freely but, since I was driving, I left early. That morning I had been invited to meet and experience talented Chef Johnny Iuzzini's signature eclair in preparation for the Grand Opening Gala and I am still savoring it.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152571371260870.1073742420.581200869&type=1&l=ffc173abda

On Friday, I was swept away by the passion and romance of the Tango in the Twilight & Tango Soiree. Surrounded by the majestic columns of the Federal Ballroom, a beautiful venue in the Security Center on Carondelet Street, the evening featured a custom-designed Argentine menu, open bar, drawings for fabulous prizes and tango demonstrations by local celebrities. All proceeds from the Tango Soiree benefited the extraordinary programs and services of the New Orleans Ballet Association that make such a difference in this community.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152573482445870.1073742421.581200869&type=1&l=ce9f7f975f

Green was everywhere last Saturday as we “Painted the Town Green” to benefit Raintree Children and Family Services. The patron party was at Ruth's Chris Steak House and the Gala was at the Harrah's Theater. Music was by The Yat Pack, one of my favorite bands. I always enjoy this fun party for  great cause.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152576456125870.1073742422.581200869&type=1&l=5366f10bf8

On Sunday, I donned my Easter finery and, gratefully, Mother Nature blessed us with a glorious sunny day to enjoy the beautiful setting at the Opera Guild Home for the Patron Party of the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon. Lovely chapeaus and beautiful outfits were everywhere as we looked forward to the annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon at the Hilton Hotel today, starting at 10:30 a.m. We willjoin Alice, the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, and the White Rabbit – all from “Alice in Wonderland” – at this year’s luncheon themed “Uniquely New Orleans.” The characters will be portrayed by Dr. Erin Fleming, Kathleen Robert, Larry Pugh andBruce Gordon. Karen Villavaso and Dr. Jane Miller are honored to be chairing this year’s event, and hope to have a record number of attendees.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152577721145870.1073742423.581200869&type=1&l=fe61857deb

A fashion show will be presented by Saks Fifth Avenue. There will also be a celebrity hat judging contest with Damon Singleton, Camille Whitworth, Teresa Guzzeta, Peggy Laborde, Suzanne Perron and Joseph Parrino, Jr. as the judges.

Additionally, there will be a hat auction, a silent auction, and a raffle with a chance to win four fabulous prizes. Tickets $25 each 5/$100 and can be purchased at the event. The Mad Hatters Luncheon is one of the two major fundraisers produced by the Women’s Guild to benefit the New Orleans Opera Association.

Darlings, tonight, March 10, is the last night to see the presentation of “LOVE LETTERS” (just completing a Broadway run). Starring Nell Nolan and Dennis Woltering and directed by Carl Walker, the show is at Mid-City Theatre, 3540 Toulouse Street in conjunction with Cabaret Month at Mid-City. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $25.00 to benefit Bridge House and Mid-City Theatre. For reservations call 504-488-1460.

I am so much looking forward to the monthly March Round Table Luncheon Celebrating the Spring Festival Season that I will be co-chairing with Marci Schramm, Executive Director of the French Quarter Festival. Three dynamic speakers will provide a sneak preview inside three different upcoming festivals on Wednesday, March 11 at noon at the luncheon’s new venue, the Ile de France Room at the J.W. Marriott, 614 Canal Street.

Among the featured speakers will be Kia Robinson, Programs, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation. She will share updates and insiders’ tips for the ten-day cultural extravaganza (April 24-May 3). Also speaking will be Marci Schramm, Executive Director of French Quarter Festivals, (April 9-12) andTerry Verigan, Treasurer of the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival (March 25-29.) The live entertainment will be provided by talented vocalist Robin Barnes accompanied by pianist Jim Walpole.
Guests will enjoy a gourmet three-course luncheon especially prepared by French Master Chef René Bajeux Executive Chef of the JW Marriott.  The menu will consist of Lobster Bisque with Lobster Beignets, Grilled Flatiron Steak with Garlic Lashed Cajun Potatoes with Roasted Vegetables and a Mushroom Demi. The desert will be Chocolate Mousse Cake with Strawberry Cake. Guests will be served one glass of champagne upon arrival, and 2 glasses of white or red wine during the lunch. The price is $65.00 inclusive per person with advanced reservations. The price increases to $69.50 at the door. Guests who made reservations must cancel at least 72 hours before the event or they will be charged. Parking is complimentary from the JW Marriott 
Reservations can be made with Ari Strutton, 504-527-6724, Ari.Strutton@marriott.com. Also by Margaret Hartz at 504-527-6752 or Margaret.Hartz@marriott.com.  
 That evening, it is time to attend the annual United Way's 15th Got Gumbo? Cook-Off at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans.http://www.unitedwaysela.org/gumbo/ticketing.html 
Coming up this weekend is the New Orleans Opera Association’s presentation of Gaetano Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor.” Performances are Friday, March 13 at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 2:30. Grammy Award-winning soprano Laura Claycombsings the title role of the doomed heroine who can’t marry the man she loves, so she kills the man she’s forced to marry, then goes insane and dies. Not a happy ending but fabulous music and unforgettable arias, duets and ensemble numbers. Robert Lyall conducts the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Good seats still available: call 504-529-2278 or go online tohttp://neworleansopera.org/.
On Friday, March 13, I have been invited to attend  A Toast for the Coast. 
The New Orleans Pelicans will host their annual fundraising event Toast for the Coast presented by Fox Sports New Orleans, Chevron and Cox Communications on Friday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas (1 Canal St., New Orleans). All proceeds from Toast for the Coast will support coastal restoration education and research. Fans can visit Pelicans.com/ToastfortheCoast for tickets and additional information.
“The most important aspect of our partnership with the Audubon Nature Institute is educating our local youth on the importance of coastal restoration and actions they can take now, and in the future, to make sure our coast is thriving for generations to come,” said Pelicans Owner Tom Benson. “We’re excited to invite our fans to Toast for the Coast not only to support the future of our City and Region, but to spend time with our players and coaches and have the opportunity to interact with them.”

Congratulations are in order to: WYES and Community Coffee Company are pleased to announce Chef Jeremy Terranova of Little Gem Saloon as the 2014 Cooking with Community® Coffee Contest winner! ...
In anticipation  of St. Patrick's Day, there are myriads of fun events that will include the followings: 
LIVE MUSIC
Irish Extravaganza
The final event in the Fun Under the Frescoes concert series features the Crescent City Celtic Band with guest singer Chef Matt Murphy, The McTeggart Irish Dancers and bagpiper Kevin Bacon. (Bagpipes are usually associated with Scotland, but they've been played in Ireland for almost as long.) Tickets are $10, including three drinks. 6-8 p.m. March 11 at St. Alphonsus Church, 2025 Constance St., (504) 524-8116; www.stalphonsusneworleans.com
"When Irish Eyes Are Smiling"Opera group Bon Operatit! performs Irish music in the hotel's Puccini Bar. 7 p.m. March 11 at Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter, 541 Bourbon St., (504) 524-7611;  www.bonoperatit.com
Dublin City RamblersThe Dublin-based Irish folk band performs on March 13 as part of Irish Week 2015. Tickets are $35. The Irish House also hosts a free Big Easy Traditional Irish Music Session every Monday, and the Pipes and Drums of New Orleans practice bagpipes outside the restaurant on St. Patrick's Day and every Tuesday. 6:30 p.m. March 13 at Irish House, 1432 St. Charles Ave., (504) 595-6755;
 www.theirishhouseneworleans.com
And, by all means be sure to catch one or more of the fabulous St. Patrick’s Day parades and block parties in and around New Orleans. For a complete, up-to-date listing of these fun events go to this website: http://www.stpatricksdayneworleans.com/.
Darlings, have a great week and enjoy what our city has to offer. 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS  and for complete one visit :LaFete News 3-9-15
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/mar-9-lafete-news-.html…


March Round Table Luncheon Celebrating the Spring Festival Season that I will be co-chairing with Marci Schramm, Executive Director of the French Quarter Festival. Three dynamic speakers will provide a sneak preview inside three different upcoming festivals on Wednesday, March 11 at noon at the luncheon’s new venue, the Ile de France Room at the J.W. Marriott, 614 Canal Street.

Among the featured speakers will be Kia Robinson, Programs, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation. She will share updates and insiders’ tips for the ten-day cultural extravaganza (April 24-May 3). Also speaking will be Marci Schramm, Executive Director of French Quarter Festivals, (April 9-12) and Terry Verigan, Treasurer of the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival (March 25-29.) The live entertainment will be provided by talented vocalist Robin Barnes accompanied by pianist Jim Walpole.
Guests will enjoy a gourmet three-course luncheon especially prepared by French Master Chef René Bajeux Executive Chef of the JW Marriott.  The menu will consist of Lobster Bisque with Lobster Beignets, Grilled Flatiron Steak with Garlic Lashed Cajun Potatoes with Roasted Vegetables and a Mushroom Demi. The desert will be Chocolate Mousse Cake with Strawberry Cake. Guests will be served one glass of champagne upon arrival, and 2 glasses of white or red wine during the lunch. The price is $65.00 inclusive per person with advanced reservations. The price increases to $69.50 at the door. Guests who made reservations must cancel at least 72 hours before the event or they will be charged. Parking is complimentary from the JW Marriott 
Reservations can be made with Ari Strutton, 504-527-6724, Ari.Strutton@marriott.com. Also by Margaret Hartz at 504-527-6752 or Margaret.Hartz@marriott.com.  

March 11
  






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The Victory Belles present America's Wartime Sweethearts: A Tribute to The Andrews Sisters Wednesdays thru August 19, 2015
Noted for their close harmonies and synchronized dance steps, the Andrews Sisters epitomized the "we're all in this together" spirit of the war years, with optimistic songs and infectious exuberance that made them ideal morale boosters. The Victory Belles are proud to pay tribute to this talented trio, who volunteered so much time entertaining our troops here and abroad. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree, I'll Be With You in Apple Blossom Time, and Chattanooga Choo Choo are just a few of the signature favorites you'll hear in this upbeat Canteen salute.
11:45AM  Seating
https://ticketing.nationalww2museum.org/Webstore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=Tickets&C=VBAS





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but please RSVP to Loyola at info provided





Wednesday, March 11                Marc Broussard + Pocket Aces Brass Band

 
 YLC announced the full lineup for its 16th annual YLC Wednesday at the Square concert series, which kicks off on Wednesday, March 11 at 5:00 p.m. with a performance by Marc Broussard and opening act Pocket Aces Brass Band. The series is presented by the New Orleans Pelicans.

The 12-week concert series features several well-known local and regional musical acts including Marc Broussard, Irma Thomas, Amanda Shaw,  George Porter, Jr., Kermit Ruffins, TYSSON, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Flow Tribe, The Revivalists, Marcia Ball, Earphunk, Bonerama, Alanna Royale, and more. 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.



Wednesday, March 11                Marc Broussard + Pocket Aces Brass Band

    
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.

Looking for a pre-show dinner?
Purloo, located in the Southern Food and Beverage Museum at 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, is offering Southern Rep Theatre audience members a special prix fixe menu from 5:00 PM-6:30 PM. Make sure to check out Purloo's specialty cocktails - before or after the show - inspired by Southern Rep's mainstage season.

Purloo is helmed by chef/owner Ryan Hughes, who has earned critical acclaim for his Southern cooking with French savvy at some of New Orleans' most acclaimed restaurants including Brennan's, Emeril's Delmonico's, Café Degas  and more.
SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER
By Tennessee Williams
Directed by Aimée 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 St. Charles Avenue and O.C. Haley Boulevard
DEDICATED & SECURE PARKING LOT ADJACENT!

March 12 - March 29
Thursdays - Saturday Performances: 8:00pm
Sunday Matinées: 3:00pm


 March 12

Cooking With The Wine Guys
March 12, 2015 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Martin Wine Cellar 714 Elmeer Ave Metairie, Louisiana 70115
$50 per a person / per an event
(504) 894-6242 or (504) 894-6252
Join Wine and Spirits Consultants Jeff Hirstius and Andrew Dike in the Metairie Deli for a Fun and Informative evening of Cooking Demonstrations and Wine Pairings.
 We will start things off with a taste of bubbly to get our palates ready.  The Wine Guys will then take turns demonstrating a few of their favorite dishes from their home kitchens.
 After the demo, the Martin Kitchen will dish up their recipes to all the attendants. While everyone has their mouths full, Andrew and Jeff will get in a word edgewise about the wines paired with their plates.

 
March 12th
 $50 Per Person

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
Friday, March 13
PELICANS HOST ANNUAL TOAST FOR THE COAST EVENT
TO RAISE FUNDS FOR COASTAL RESTORATION
Event to give fans the opportunity to spend time with Pelicans players including
All-Star forward Anthony Davis
 The New Orleans Pelicans will host their annual fundraising event Toast for the Coast presented by Fox Sports New Orleans, Chevron and Cox Communications on Friday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas (1 Canal St., New Orleans). All proceeds from Toast for the Coast will support coastal restoration education and research. Fans can visit Pelicans.com/ToastfortheCoast for tickets and additional information.
“The most important aspect of our partnership with the Audubon Nature Institute is educating our local youth on the importance of coastal restoration and actions they can take now, and in the future, to make sure our coast is thriving for generations to come,” said Pelicans Owner Tom Benson. “We’re excited to invite our fans to Toast for the Coast not only to support the future of our City and Region, but to spend time with our players and coaches and have the opportunity to interact with them.”
As the team continues to focus on being a community leader in the preservation of the Gulf Coast, the Pelicans will invite fans to join them in supporting their mission, as well as spend time mingling and interacting with their favorite local NBA stars. The evening will be an intimate party as guests mingle and enjoy a performance from Robin Barnes with the Aquarium’s captivating exhibits as the background. The party will include hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and a silent auction.
Throughout the year, the Pelicans are focused on initiatives and programs that enrich schools and communities in the Gulf South promoting literacy and leadership, advocating healthy and active lifestyles and increasing awareness and funding research to preserve the health and vitality of our coastal wetlands. The funds raised at this “Toast for the Coast” will benefit the Audubon Institute and its research on the actions needed to save the coastline for generations to come–and the animals that call the Wetlands home, including the brown pelican.
The Pelicans and Audubon have partnered to increase awareness and educational opportunities regarding the preservation of the coastline. With a primary focus on education, the Pelicans will work with Audubon to execute an outreach program that visits schools and festivals with Audubon’s Wetlands Express and AquaVan to give students the opportunity to learn about coastal restoration in a fun and engaging manner.
For more information, visit Pelicans.com.
March 13
 

Lark in the Park
presented by Friends of City Park
Fri., March 13
New Orleans City Park Botanical Garden
504-483-9376
Celebrate New Orleans City Park and the remarkable accomplishments that have been made in the last decade. Proceeds raised from this year's fundraiser will be placed in the City Park endowment. The party will kick off with an elegant Patron Party featuring entertainment by John Michael Bradford and hors d'oeuvres by Commander's Palace, followed by a rocking gala with a performance by Luke Winslow-King and 40 of New Orleans' top restaurants.
Patron Party
7 til 8 o'clock
Pavilion of the Two Sisters
Entertainment by John Michael Bradford
Passed hors d'oeuvres by Commander's Palace
Gala Party
8 til 11 o'clock 
New Orleans Botanical Garden
Entertainment by Luke Winslow King
Upscale cuisine provided by more than 40 local restaurants
Festive libations by Republic National Distributing Company
Gala Tickets: 
$100 per person
$90 per person for members of FOCP
$75 Party Flock (ages 21-35)
March 13
PARADES
Jim Monaghan's St. Patrick's Day Parade
Revelers march and ride in carriages in the annual parade that begins and ends at Molly's at the Market.
6 p.m. March 13, starting at Molly's at the Market, 1107 Decatur St., (504) 525-5169; www.mollysatthemarket.net

Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Parade
The Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Club's annual parade proceeds from the corner of Felicity and Magazine streets through the Irish Channel and Garden District. 
1 p.m. March 14, starting at Felicity and Magazine streets

Metairie Road St. Patrick's Day Parade
Metairie's St. Patrick's parade proceeds down Severn Avenue and Metairie Road from Archbishop Rummel High School.
Noon March 15, starting at Archbishop Rummel High School, 1901 Severn Ave., Metairie

Slidell St. Patrick's Day Parade
Slidell's St. Patrick's Day parade circles Olde Town Slidell, beginning and ending at City Hall.
1 p.m. March 15, starting at Slidell City Hall, 2045 2nd St., Slidell

Downtown Irish Club Parade
The St. Patrick's Day Parade proceeds from the corner of Burgundy and Piety streets through the Bywater, Marigny and French Quarter, concluding on Bourbon Street (because there's no Irish Whiskey Street).
6 p.m. March 17, starting at Burgundy and Piety streets


BLOCK PARTIES
Parasol's Block Party Celebration
Parasol's hosts St. Patrick's Day block parties on March 14 and 17 with green beer, drink specials, corned beef and cabbage and "Irish sundae" potato salad.
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 14 and 17 at Parasol's Restaurant & Bar, 2533 Constance St., 504-302-1543; www.parasolsbarandrestaurant.com

Tracey's St. Paddy's Day Party
Tracey's hosts all-day parties with a DJ, drink specials, green beer and corned beef and cabbage on March 14 and 17. On March 14, the Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Parade concludes at Tracey's.
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 14 and March 17 at Tracey's Original Irish Channel Bar & Restaurant, 2604 Magazine St., (504) 897-5413; www.traceysnola.com





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Lucia Di Lammermoor

DonizettiMarch 13 & 15, 2015 – Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts
Lose your mind for love.
Star-crossed lovers from feuding families, an arranged marriage for political gain, an elder brother out to destroy his sister’s romance, and a murderous, psychotic bride. Is there anything Donizetti’s most popular work is missing? Did we mention that it has the most famous mad scene in all of opera? Come see and hear Lucia’s beautiful descent into madness. This thrilling and dramatic bel canto masterpiece is one of the best that Italian opera can offer and an experience you’ll never forget.

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New Orleans Home & Garden Show
Fri., Mar 13 - Sun., Mar. 15

 
 Largest Home & Garden Show in the entire southeastern U.S.! Featuring the experts, products, technology and trends to get you excited about any home project. Now celebrating 60 years of inspiring solutions. See how to live large in small spaces. Participate in the Outdoor Living Experience. And so much more! For more information and tickets, go to www.neworleanshomeshows.com.

March 13
Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts
Presents One of New Orleans' Favorite Shows -
Ricky Graham's When Ya Smilin'

(February 9, 2015 - Kenner LA)-When Ya Smilin', Ricky Graham's heart-warming, comedic love letter about growing up in New Orleans in the 1950s, will hit the Main Stage March 13 at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts and run through March 28.

As seen through the eyes of the precocious 10-year-old Paulie Dufour, When Ya Smilin' recounts a year in the life of a Ninth Ward family. Anyone who grew up in New Orleans will grin a nostalgic smile from remembrances of Pontchartrain Beach, Mardi Gras with Mel Levitt, and picnics in City Park. When Ya Smilin' strikes that harmonious chord of common humanity that will not only make the locals laugh and cry, but those who now call New Orleans home as well. When Ya Smilin' won the 2001 Big Easy


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