Darlings, Happy Spring 2015!
I am still recuperating from the festivities associated with Easter 2015.
I started celebrating the end of the Lenten Season on Saturday at the lovely French Quarter residence of my old-time friend, John Parrino, former owner of Fleur de Paris, and his partner Adam Verret.
On Sunday, Mother Nature blessed us with glorious weather to enjoy Easter! Duchess Chiquita and I donned our Easter finery and our chapeaus to join the annual Chris Owens Easter Parade festivities in the French Quarter. I must confess that it was the only parade that I got to see and participate in and, believe me, it was worth it. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152633206605870.1073742434.581200869&type=1&l=84f6879fc8 (Make sure you open this link to see all the photos of the Easter Parade?
I also attended The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO)'s grand opening of the People’s Health New Orleans Jazz Market (PHNOJM) with a weekend of festivities.that included the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on its new facility, live performances by Irvin Mayfield, NOJO and other renowned musicians, and a developing New Orleans Jazz Archive. The facility will provide music education and community events.
Before I share the upcoming fun events, I want to pause to mention that my darling friend, talented Marcel Leone passed away on Saturday. All his friends, including his best friend and employer, Sammy Steele, who was usually pushing his wheelchair are devastated. His body was donated to science as he wished, and a memorial service will be planned by Sammy in his name, so stay tuned. May his Soul Rest in Peace- We will miss his ever present smile.
This week is another one of those that I wish once again to have a clone to attend all the fun soirees. On Tuesday, April 7, I am looking forward to attending the annual New Orleans Botanical Garden Foundation's 2015 Spring Symposium with lecturer Jenks Farmer. It starts with a Cocktail Reception and Garden Tours at 6:15 p.m., followed by the lecture at 7:00, then Q&A and book signing. Proceeds raised from this event will support the design and installation of an outdoor kitchen and green wall in the garden.
Also on April 7, Best Chefs of Louisiana 2015 will be taking place from 6-10 p.m. at the Marriott Convention Center, 859 Convention Center Blvd. The Best Chefs of Louisiana is an annual event benefitting Children's Hospital and the ACFNO's Culinary Scholarship Fund. Join 30+ top Louisiana chefs for a culinary experience you won't want to miss! Visit http://www.acfno.org
The French Market hosts a new weekly Crescent City Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m. Farmers Market shoppers receive two hours of complimentary parking when they purchase something from the market.
On Wednesday, April 8, Wednesday at the Square is presenting Kermit Ruffins + Alanna Royale from 5-8 p.m. That same evening join Bon Operatit! for a FREE concert: "Phantom Singers of the Opera." It will be featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and more from 7- 9 p.m.at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter, 541 Bourbon Street at Toulouse.
On Wednesday, April 8, the Louisiana Humanities Council welcomes two authors with new books from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press. The LHC office is at 938 Lafayette Street downtown. The event begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Laura Kelley's “The Irish in New Orleans” traces the history of one of the city's largest immigrant groups. Click here to read an excerpt published in “Louisiana Cultural Vistas.” Click here to listen to Kelley in an LEH-funded story on WWNO 89.9FM.
James Nolan's new collection of short stories, “You Don't Know Me,” has received positive reviews in The New Orleans Advocate, Kirkus Reviews and Foreword. NPR's Andrei Codrescu said, "James Nolan is New Orleans' master storyteller. If Flannery O'Connor had been a bad boy living in the French Quarter, she'd have been James Nolan . . . These stories are wise, marvelous, funny."
Darlings, I cannot believe that not one but two great events have been programmed for the same night - Thursday, April 9.
The first one that I am planning to attend is "Downton Goes to the Races” at the New Orleans Fair Grounds.
Be a part of what promises to be one of the most exciting events of the year - the WYES Gala! Enjoy live entertainment, dancing and the grandeur of Downton Abbey amid the setting of the period's favorite pastime - at our own iconic New Orleans Fair Grounds! Attendees can enjoy the Daily Double specialty cocktail and celebrate the contributions of WYES to our community.
6:30 p.m. Patron party / 8:00 p.m. Gala at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, 1751 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans. Downton Abbey or Derby Attire preferred. Entertainment by BRW and Cuisine by Celebrate Catered Events by Windsor Court.
The next big event that I am also planning to attend is the French Quarter Festival's Opening Night Gala at Antoine's Restaurant. It will benefit the Roots of Music. Guests will enjoy tastings by Antoine's and other festival favorites, and open bar courtesy of Abita Brewing Company and Republic Beverages.
Order tickets online. Click here for Patron Party tickets. Click here for Gala tickets or call to make your reservations at (504) 522-5730
Bustout Burlesque's 10th Anniversary All-Star Show unveils a lineup of vivacious acts to perform at House of Blues on April 10.
Neuroscience Center of Excellence-LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine is having a Research Reception on Thursday, April 9 in recognition of the lifesaving work the American Heart Association and LSU Health Sciences Center is doing together to fight cardiovascular diseases and stroke in the New Orleans community. Mingle with leading researchers and doctors to learn how this research positively affects our lives, our health, our community and our local economy.
By invitation at 2020 Gravier Street, 8th floor,5:30PM – 7:30PM
Bustout Burlesque's biggest show ever features mesmerizing burlesque stars, Elle Dorado (2014 Queen of Burlesque), Ginger Valentine (the new Evangeline the Oyster Girl), Miss Stormy Gayle, Angi B'Lovely, and Athena. The beautiful and talented striptease dancers will be accompanied by Dante (Bustout Burlesque's Master of Ceremonies and resident magician), Dr. Sick, Chris McDaniel, and live traditional jazz from the Bustout Burlesque Jazz Band. Expect the best in classic burlesque at this 10th Anniversary All-Star Show!
Tickets for Bustout Burlesque's 10th Anniversary All-Star Show at House of Blues are now on sale now and available atwww.houseofblues.com, www.livenation.com, www.ticketmaster.com, and at the House of Blues Box Office at 225 Decatur Street in New Orleans. For more information call (504) 310-4999.
Don't miss the return of "A Purrfect Evening.... The Songs of Eartha Kitt" performed by Anais St. John with Musical Director Harry Mayronne, every Friday in April at 8 pm at The Marigny Theatre. Tickets $25. Call 504-758-5590.
Also don’t miss the final New Orleans Opera Association performance of the season – Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro,” Friday, April 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 12 at 2:30 p.m. in the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Full of disguises, intrigue, mistaken identities and more, this evening of hijinks set to Mozart’s incomparable music will take you on an adventure of love, betrayal and forgiveness.
The opera is sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage. Good seats are still available. Call the opera at (504) 529-2278.
Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn of Temple Sinai in New Orleans and temple members are planning Temple Sinai's 145th anniversary celebration April 11. The anniversary gala celebration at the Teal and Stephen Goldring Pavilion, Temple Sinai, will feature music by The Gold Standard and a performance by The Pussyfooters. The patron party begins at 6 p.m. with dinner and entertainment at 7 p.m. Reservations for the April 11 gala is April 8. For tickets, call (504) 861-3693.
The 2015 St. Bernard Irish Italian Islenos Parade is set to hit the streets of St. Bernard Parish on April 12 at noon. The parade will feature more than 40 floats along with 30 marching units, and riders will toss about 300,000 pounds of produce.
Businesses, groups, families and friends are invited to enter a float or small group and individuals are invited to ride on existing floats. For information, call (504) 655-7555 or (504) 655-7553 or email iiiparade@att.net.
The parade committee also is accepting applications for princesses. Girls ages 11-18 are invited to ride on the princess float. For $125, the princess experience includes the ride and insurance on the float, official parade pink princess T-shirt, a rhinestone tiara, custom printed sash, custom heritage medallion and presentation dinner. For more information on becoming a princess, call Mary O'Neil at (504) 638-4476 or email mary_oneil@bellsouth.net.
Sponsorships for the official "III" Parade T-shirt also are needed. Prices for sponsors to be featured on the back of the parade shirt will be $100, $250, $500 (three available) and $1,000 (one available). For sponsorship information, call (504) 655-7555, (504) 655-7553 or email iiiparade@att.net.
And finally, if you’re looking for something cultural to do on a Monday night, come out to Roussel Performance Hall at Loyola University for a performance of Czech composer Leos Janacek’s 40-minute song cycle, “The Diary of One Who Vanished.” Tenor Dr. Tyler Smith and mezzo-soprano Brindley McWhorter will sing the parts of a young farm boy and the gypsy girl he fell in love with and ran off with. The Loyola Chamber Singers, led by Dr. Meg Frazier, will also be singing during parts of the performance.
Carol Rausch will accompany the singers on piano and Dr. Brian Hsu of Loyola’s piano faculty will open the evening’s program with four selections from Janacek’s “On the Hidden Path.” Admission is free and open to the public. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13. Roussel Hall is on St. Charles Avenue at the corner of Calhoun Street on the Loyola campus.
Darlings, from April 14- 17 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be playing at the Saenger Theater.
One of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber’s JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award®-winner Andy Blankenbuehler, this new production will feature Broadway/television star Diana DeGarmo (Hairspray, Hair) as The Narrator and Broadway star Ace Young (Grease, Hair) as Joseph. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including “Those Canaan Days,” “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door.” Subscribe today and be part of the magic!
Season tickets for the 2014-2015 East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans series are on sale now and can be purchased online at BroadwayInNewOrleans.com or by calling (800) 218-7469, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST.
Darling, The April Round Table luncheon has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 22 at noon at the JW Marriott. I have invited Jamie Peckenpaugh, the Director of the New Orleans Wine and Food Festival. to be my co-host. In addition I have invited as featured speaker Frank Stansbury, Editor/Publisher of La Fete News and the Event Coordinator of the upcoming FACC_GC SUMMER WINE FESTIVAL. I also have invited prolific, talented Kit Wohl, an award-winning writer, photographer, and artist.Kit Whol to talk about her recent published cook book. The live entertainment will be provided by talented vocalist KimberlyMouledoux 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.
Enjoy the French Quarter Festival this weekend. I know I will.
Photos from last week:
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: For complete schedule visit: LaFete News 4-7-15
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/apr-6-lafete-news.html…
April 7
APRIL 7
Crescent City Brewpub Gallery Opening
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Crescent City Brewhouse
527 Decatur St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Rick Moore
Pauline Teel
Tom Harvey
Mardiclaw
these artists will be showing for the month at the Crescent City Brewhouse. Come join them for complimentary appetizers and sample beers from five pm to seven pm.
Photography, Secondlines, Musicians, Paintings and more!
aPRIL 7
On Tuesday, April 7th, please plan to join us at Andrea's in Metairie during our new Dine Out For Education Nights in Jefferson Parish to benefit Jefferson Dollars for Scholars! Andrea's offers the community the finest in New Orleans' Seafood, Steaks and Northern Italian Cuisine.
By having lunch or dinner at Andrea's on Tuesday, April 7th, you'll also be helping to fund local high school students' dreams of a college education.
You'll enjoy Andrea's delicious Award-Winning Italian Cuisine and 20% of the day's proceeds from your lunch or dinner at Andrea's will help fund Culinary Scholarships within our College Scholarship Program.
Cookbook Author and Chef Andrea Apuzzo--who is very pleased to be participating in our Dine Out For Education Nights--has created memorable culinary experiences for such notables as Queen Elizabeth, Princess Ann, President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter, Senator Ted Kennedy, Clint Eastwood, Omar Sharif, Sophia Loren, Senator Jack Kemp, Lee Meriwether and Tommy Lasorda .
Chef Andrea and his entire staff look forward to welcoming and preparing a special meal for you and your party on Tuesday, April 7th during Dine Out for Education Nights and in so doing, contributing to culinary scholarships for our community's children.
Remember: making a contribution has never been this fun, this easy, or this delicious!
For reservations, please call (504) 834-8583
Andrea's Italian Cuisine is located at
3100 19th Street at Ridgelake, Metairie
For additional information, please visit
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Be a part of what promises to be one of the most exciting events of the year - the WYES Gala! Enjoy live entertainment, dancing and the grandeur of Downton Abbey amid the setting of the period's favorite pastime - at our own iconic New Orleans Fair Grounds! Attendees can enjoy the Daily Double specialty cocktail and celebrate the contributions of WYES to our community.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
6:30 p.m. Patron party / 8:00 p.m. Gala
6:30 p.m. Patron party / 8:00 p.m. Gala
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
1751 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans
1751 Gentilly Boulevard, New Orleans
Downton Abbey or Derby Attire Preferred
Entertainment by BRW
Cuisine by Celebrate Catered Events by Windsor Court
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April 10 and 12
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Get the Scoop on Happenings Around
The Vieux Carre
April 8
16th annual Bill Russell Lecture
@The Williams Reasearch Center
The Historic New Orleans Collection presents the 16th annual Bill Russell Lecture on Wednesday, April 8. This year's program, "The Golden Age of New Orleans Brass Bands," will feature commentary from Barry Martyn and performances from the Society Brass Band.
April 9 thru 12
French Quarter Festival
More than one dozen stages will rock the French Quarter throughout the three-day festival, which celebrates the history, the people, the food, and the talents of Louisiana and the Gulf south. More info
April 10
French Quarter Fest: Opera at Dusk
@The Upper Pontalba Building
New this year during French Quarter Fest, stop by the Upper Pontalba Building in Jackson Square Friday night for this fantastic live performance featuring members of the New Orleans Opera Association.
April 11
Meet Artist Robert Deyber
@Martin Lawrence Gallery
Martin Lawrence Gallery is hosting a special event celebrating contemporary artist Robert Deyber. RSVP to be among the first to acquire one of this playful new works!
April 13
40th Anniversary
@the Stamboat Natchez
Did you know the NATCHEZ is the only steam powered steamboat remaining on the river? This month, the beloved steamboat is celebrating its 40th anniversary! Hop on board for a cruise and learn more about this piece of NOLA history!
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A little plug for Casell Bergen gallery, 1305 Decatur Street-
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