Tuesday, April 28, 2015

A Toast to New Orleans: 4/28 to 5/3: Jazz Fest/ Zoo to Do and more‏

 Celebrating and toasting my birthday at Galatoire's

Darlings,

In spite of the severe weather we survived the first week of the New Orleans Jazz Festival, NOLA  Navy Week 2015, The Zurich Classic and for me - my Birthday Week.

I started my birthday celebrations on Wednesday, April 22  at the delicious, informative and entertaining April Round Table Luncheon that I had the pleasure of hosting at the JW. Marriott. 

I could not have asked for a better panel of featured speakers that included Jamie Peckenpaughthe Director of the New Orleans Wine and Food Festival; Frank StansburyEditor/Publisher of La Fete News and the Event Coordinator of the upcoming FACC GC Summer Wine Festival. Also, Amy Kirk, Director of Marketing for the French Market Corporation, spoke about all the new events and activities planned at the French Market.   

The live entertainment was provided by talented vocalist Kimberly Mouledoux, accompanied by pianist Jim Walpole. I was surprised with a huge cake to celebrate my birthday! 
On Thursday, April 23, I treated myself and joined Veuve Clicquot and Brennan's for an exclusive Rosé champagne pairings dinner with Veuve Clicquot Winemaker Pierre Casanave. The evening and the Veuve were magical! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152670948175870.1073742442.581200869&type=1&l=acd91bc6bd
On Friday, April 24, there was only one place that I wanted to be and that was Friday at Galatoire's for my birthday. Twelve of my darling friends joined me for a delicious luncheon accompanied by bottles of Veuve Clicquot! Thanks to social media, well-wishers sent me lots of messages from all over the world and we have a little video, so I hope you will be able to enjoy it. 

I did not have a chance to go to the JazzFest or visit some of the ships but did not miss the
NOLA Navy Week Seafood Cook Off  at the Spanish Plaza on Sunday that Mother Nature blessed with glorious weather. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152677923420870.1073742443.581200869&type=1&l=0bfafe1093
Darlings, this week is going to be another social whirl.

On Wednesday, April 29 at Lafayette Square, Marcia Ball + Lynn Drury from 5:30 -8 p.m.

On Thursday, April 30, at 10 a.m., the New Orleans Museum of Art will celebrate International Jazz Day  with a jazz brunch and public concert featuring Grammy Award-winning artistsTerence Blanchard and Poncho Sanchez. The public is invited to enjoy a free concert on the front steps of NOMA. Following the concert, Terence and Poncho will lead a second line from NOMA down Lelong Drive, along Esplanade Avenue to the New Orleans Fair Grounds for a second performance at the gates of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. NOMA will be live-streaming the concert to Paris, the 2015 Global Host City and WWOZ will be live broadcasting the concert on their station.
 Jazz in the Park is presenting Thursday, April 30 : N'awlins Johnnys and Rockin' Dopsie and the Zydeco Twisters
On Friday, May 1, is the annual Zoo to Do - The  New Orleans' most anticipated philanthropic event is much more than a fundraiser, offering guests an evening of fine dining, dancing and people watching on the scenic grounds of Audubon Zoo.
The adults-only, black tie event features a mouth-watering array of cuisine from 70 local eateries and more than 40 specialty and full-service bars serving premium cocktails. Guests also will be entertained by the high-energy sounds of Downtown Fever, Bill Malchow and the Go-Cup All Stars, as well as Heather and the Monkey King.
Lemonade Day is Saturday, May 2 and you and your kids won't want to miss out on this incredible experience!
Lemonade Day is a free, fun, experiential learning program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their own business - a lemonade stand. It began in Houston, Texas in 2007. Since then it has grown from 2,700 kids to 200,000 kids in cities all across the country. With the help of partners like Google, Lemonade Day will bring this entrepreneurial experience to 1 million kids in 100 cities across America, sparking entrepreneurship and empowering youth in a way that's never been done to scale.
SATURDAY, MAY 2
JUNIOR LEAGUE KITCHEN TOUR & HOUSE BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN OF THE YEAR:
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Junior League tour headquarters, 4319 Carondelet St. Take a self-guided tour of 11 stylish kitchens including the House Beautiful Magazine's "Kitchen of the Year," designed by Ken Fulk of San Francisco. $40 advance, $45 day of the event. (504) 891-5845, www.jlno.org.

THE GAY KREWE OF KREWES PARADES SUNDAY, MAY 2
Since the late 1950s, gay men have been parading as Mardi Gras krewes in New Orleans, and on Sunday, May 2 a homage and celebration to that tradition is in full order.

The first annual Gay Krewe of Krewes rolls at 7 p.m. starting at North Rampart Street and Elysian Fields Avenue. The parade will roll all the way down Decatur Street to Canal Street, then up Bourbon Street to Ursulines Avenue. It's a mega-krewe formed of the existing gay krewes, Krewe of Amon-Ra (which is celebrating its 51st anniversary), Lords of Leather and the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon. The New Orleans City Council is sponsoring the event, along with Harrah's, the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation and a handful of French Quarter bars and hotels. 

On May 2 is the Intimate Evening Series at Le Petit Theatre with Terence Blanchard Featuring the E-Collective. The homegrown Grammy-winning trumpeter and his band will perform for one night only in the series at Le Petit during the second weekend of New Orleans' Jazz Festival.  The performance will take place in the 365-seat theater at the corner of St. Peter and Chartres streets. Le Petit Theatre is the oldest playhouse in New Orleans and actors, designers, directors, and technicians, both locally and nationally, have shared their talents to make the venue a true shining star in the theatrical world.
Tickets for the event are $45 for General Seating and $55 for Premium Seating. The doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the shows start at 9:00. Tickets can be purchased online at www.LePetitTheatre.com.
Please put in your calendar that the next Round Table Luncheon will be on Wednesday, May 27 and will be co hosted by FestiGals at Noon - 
Have a great week and enjoy the 2nd week of the Jazz Fest!

Photos from last week: 
Thanks to all my friends and my brother Lorenzo who joined me at this very special day.
 — with Andre de La Barre and 3 others.
April Round Table Luncheon at the JW. Marriott
 —
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Schedule- Please visit La Fete news for complete schedule: LaFete News 4-28-15
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/lafete-news-apr-28.html…

NOLA Navy Week- April 28-29, 2015








28
General Public Visitation
29
All Remaining Ships Depart

28
Loyola  
Loyola Jazz Band Concert
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
7:30 p.m.
Roussel Hall
Free Admission, no ticket required

TRAVELOCITY ROAMING GNOME TO VISIT NEW ORLEANS
The Gnome Enlists the Help of Locals to
Show Him New Orleans and Jazz Fest, April 29 - May 2
WHAT:              Given his mission to "Go and Smell the Roses" and his penchant for adventure, the Roaming Gnome will visit New Orleans and celebrate Jazz Fest. While in the Big Easy, the Roaming Gnome will look to uncover the city's best local hot spots, attractions and of course, Jazz Fest. Locals are encouraged to reach out with local recommendations via Twitter (@Roaming Gnome) and Instagram (@RoamingGnome). He'll also share photo and video highlights of his NOLA adventures on both social channels.
WHEN:             The Roaming Gnome is available for media appearances/interviews April 29 - May 2.

WHERE:           The Roaming Gnome's New Orleans schedule:
  • Wed., 4/29
    • o   Jackson Square, Carriage Ride, Three Muses
  • Thurs., 4/30
    • o   Breakfast at Café Du Monde, Voodoo Bone Lady Tours, Mardi Gras World Tour, Steamboat Natchez, Dinner at Muriel's Restaurant, French Quarter, Drag Bingo at The AllWays Lounge, Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29 Tiki Bar, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop
  • Fri., 5/1
    • o   Breakfast at Café Beignet, Visiting Homes in the Garden District, Jazz Fest Parades, Cajun Encounters Tour, Audubon Aquarium, Dinner at The New Orleans Cooking Experience
  • Sat., 5/2
    • o   Brunch at Commander's Palace, Crystal Hot Sauce Factory, Picnic at Lafayette Square, Snowball and Po-Boy Face Off, St. Roch Market, Barcadia, Jazz Fest Parades, The Dungeon, Verti Marte

Tim at WC 
Tim Laughlin

Wed, April 29   1-5pm
New Orleans Jazz Club Anniversary Party
Tim's band will play from 2-4pm
Sheraton New Orleans (lobby bar)
500 Canal St. 
29
  
THIS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, DINE OUT & SUPPORT YOUNG ARTISTS!

"A TASTE OF NOCCA"
A CELEBRATION OF NOCCA'S 40TH BIRTHDAY

This Wednesday, April 29, show your support for NOCCA by going out for a great meal.
Visit any of the restaurants participating in "A Taste of NOCCA", and a portion of your bill will be donated to The NOCCA Institute, supporting programs that benefit NOCCA students, faculty, and the community.The list of participating restaurants includes:
And more are still being added at NOCCAInstitute.com/taste

This Wednesday, make plans to head out for a great meal and a great cause!
 
 
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 29                  Marcia Ball + Lynn Drury        


April 30 

30
 
NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART WILL CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY WITH JAZZ BRUNCH AND CONCERT FEATURING GRAMMY AWARD WINNERS TERENCE BLANCHARD AND PONCHO SANCHEZ

Who:             The New Orleans Museum of Art in partnership with the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) 

What:           NOMA will celebrate International Jazz Day on April 30 with a jazz brunch and public concert featuring Grammy Award-winning artists Terence Blanchard and Poncho Sanchez. The public is invited to enjoy a free concert on the front steps of NOMA. Following the concert, Terence and Poncho will lead a second line from NOMA down Lelong Drive, along Esplanade Avenue to the New Orleans Fair Grounds for a second performance at the gates of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. NOMA will be live-streaming the concert to Paris, the 2015 Global Host City and WWOZ will be live broadcasting the concert on their station. 

When:          Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 10 a.m.

Where:         Front steps of NOMA
                        New Orleans Museum of Art
                        1 Collins Diboll Circle
                        New Orleans, LA 70124

 

 


Margarita Bergen's photo.
April 30, The Topcats
    
6:30 p.m. at the Al Copeland Concert Meadow Stage in Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd.in Metairie.
The Lafreniere Live! Spring Concert Series 
The schedule is: 
April 30, The Topcats
April 30
 
Jazz in the Park the "King of Fun" welcomes Budweiser the "King of Beers" as our official Presenting Sponsor.

Jazz in the Park  presents: 
April 30 N'awlins Johnnys and Rockin' Dopsie and the Zydeco Twisters

30


April 30
Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans 70122 
When: 7:00 PM 
Who: Frozen fans! 
How: Purchase tickets through box office or Ticketmaster. 504-280-7171 
Cost: Prices vary.
Come see Frozen presented by Disney on Ice.

The Consulate of Mexico in New Orleans
is pleased to invite you to
the exhibition

"Personal Comments on
Organic Abstraction"

 
by Mexican artist
 
Flor Pandal
 
From April 24th to May 17th, 2015
 

Opening Reception
May 1st, 2015 at 6:00pm

May 1
  
New Orleans' most anticipated philanthropic event is much more than a fund-raiser, offering guests an evening of fine dining, dancing and people watching on the scenic grounds of Audubon Zoo.
 The adults-only, black tie event features a mouth-watering array of cuisine from 70 local eateries and more than 40 specialty and full-service bars serving premium cocktails. Guests also will be entertained by the high-energy sounds of Downtown Fever, Bill Malchow and the Go-Cup All Stars, as well as Heather and the Monkey King.
The Whitney Zoo-To-Do silent auction features exotic vacations, collectibles for the sports enthusiast, gorgeous jewelry, dining experiences and much more. Auction boards open from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Plus, the 2015 Zoo-To-Do Luxury Raffle features a 2015 Lexus NX200t worth $36,060 generously donated by LEXUS of New Orleans.
 To purchase tickets, visit Audubon Zoo ticket booths (during normal operating hours), call 504-861-6160 or visitwww.auduboninstitute.org/ztd

Join us for the 38th Whitney Zoo-To-Do: May 1, 2015!
Sponsor Party
Jerome S. Glazer Audubon Tea Room, Garden and Patron Lounge
7:00 pm - Midnight
Patron Party
Patron Lounge and Patio
7:00 pm - Midnight
Zoo-To-Do Gala
Audubon Zoo Grounds
8:00pm - Midnight
All proceeds from the 2015 Zoo-To-Do events will help Audubon Zoo's orangutans swing into their new home in Asian Domain!

Lemonade Day is Saturday, May 2 and you and your kids won't want to miss out on this incredible experience!

 

 
Lemonade Day is a free, fun, experiential learning program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their own business - a lemonade stand. It began in Houston, Texas in 2007. Since then it has grown from 2,700 kids to 200,000 kids in cities all across the country. With the help of partners like Google, Lemonade Day will bring this entrepreneurial experience to 1 million kids in 100 cities across America, sparking entrepreneurship and empowering youth in a way that's never been done to scale.
SATURDAY, MAY 2
JUNIOR LEAGUE KITCHEN TOUR & HOUSE BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN OF THE YEAR: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Junior League tour headquarters, 4319 Carondelet St. Take a self-guided tour of 11 stylish kitchens including the House Beautiful Magazine's "Kitchen of the Year," designed by Ken Fulk of San Francisco. $40 advance, $45 day of the event. (504) 891-5845, www.jlno.org.

Sunday, May 2
The Gay Krewe of Krewes parades 
  Since the late 1950s, gay men have been parading as Mardi Gras krewes in New Orleans, and on Sunday, May 2 an homage and celebration to that tradition is in full order.
 The first annual Gay Krewe of Krewes rolls at 7 p.m. starting at North Rampart Street and Elysian Fields Avenue. The parade will roll all the way down Decatur Street to Canal Street, then up Bourbon Street to Ursulines Avenue. It's a mega-Krewe formed of the existing gay krewes The Krewe of Amon-Ra (which is celebrating its 51st anniversary), Lords of Leather and the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon.
 The New Orleans City Council is sponsoring the event, along with Harrah's, the New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation and a handful of French Quarter bars and hotels. 

May 2
 
Intimate Evening Series at Le Petit Theatre to Star
Terence Blanchard Featuring the E-Collective
Terence Blanchard featuring the E-collective will perform for one night only in the Intimate Evening Series at Le Petit Theatre during the second weekend of New Orleans' Jazz Festival.  The performance will take place at the 365-seat Le Petit Th??tre du Vieux Carr?. Le Petit Theatre is the oldest playhouse in New Orleans and actors, designers, directors, and technicians, both locally and nationally, have shared their talents to make Le Petit a true shining star in the theatrical world. The intimate, yet electric show will take place on Saturday, May 2nd. 

Since top-tier jazz and multiple Grammy-winning trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard embarked on his solo recording career with his eponymous Columbia Records album in 1991, the New Orleans-born and -based artist has traveled many paths musically, including delivering adventurous and provocative acoustic jazz outings of original material, composing over 50 soundtracks and even, in 2013, debuting Champion: An Opera in Jazz. He has also, in the spirit of his onetime membership in the jazz school of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, mentored several musicians in his bands who have gone on to have significant recording careers of their own - including Lionel Loueke, Aaron Parks, Kendrick Scott and one of his current band members Fabian Almazan.

As a leader and co-leader (significantly four albums early in his career with fellow Crescent City artist, saxophonist Donald Harrison), Blanchard has recorded more than 30 albums that often defied genres, yet were still critically acclaimed. But for his latest Blue Note Records album, Breathless, Blanchard powerfully and playfully journeys into another jazz realm with his new quintet, The E-Collective-an exciting zone of grooved fusion teeming with funk, R&B and blues colors.

Tickets for Terence Blanchard on May 2nd are $45.00 for General Seating and $55.00 for Premium Seating.  The doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the shows start at 9:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.LePetitTheatre.com.

Trinity Artist Series
Trinity Episcopal Church 
1329 Jackson Avenue 
New Orleans, LA 70130

Please Note-Tuesday, April 28 @ 6 pm: "Organ and Labyrinth" and Candlelight with Albinas Prizgintas on the 5000 pipe tracker organ.  From Classical Baroque to Vintage Rock and Popular Tunes.  Please visit: www.albinas.org.

 
Black diamond (cards) Sunday, May 3 @ 5 pm: Jazz Pianist Donald Blum presents a Jazz program celebrating the Last Day of the Jazz FEST!

Don't miss out of the 2015 Jazz Festival and we have a sale on all the vintage Jazz Fest at Casell-Bergen Gallery 1304 Decatur Street - you can purchase them with paypal.
Margarita Bergen and Frenchie
Check my ad that will appear at the OFF Beat issue of Jazz Fest!