Darlings,
Gray skies did not prevent or dampen the spirit of thousands of locals and out of town visitors who came in to enjoy the 32nd French Quarter Festival that ran Thursday through Sunday, April 9-12, in my beloved New Orleans.
I started my week by attending the opening of the annual New Orleans Botanical Gardens Foundation's 2015 Spring Symposium with lecturer Jenks Farmer. It started with a cocktail reception and garden. Proceeds raised from this event support the design and installation of an outdoor kitchen and green wall in the garden. As always, I enjoyed very much visiting and rediscovering the New Orleans Botanical Garden and its blooming spring flowers.
On Thursday, the opening day, I participated at the French Quarter Festival Second-Line Kickoff Parade starting in the 100 block of Bourbon Street and continuing to Jackson Square. That evening, I enjoyed the French Quarter Festival's Opening Night Gala at Antoine's Restaurant which is celebrating its 175 years in business. The fabulous, delicious gala that benefited the Roots of Music featured Charmaine Neville and her band. She was joined by Kermit Ruffins. Guests enjoyed delicious tastings by Antoine's and other festival favorites, and open bar, courtesy of Abita Brewing Company and Republic Beverages. It was quite a memorable night..https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152641677975870.1073742436.581200869&type=1&l=5c523706b3
More than 1,400 musicians on 21 stages played the free festival, which also presented panel discussions and interviews, dance lessons, a crawfish-eating contest, an evening gala featuring Charmaine Neville, film screenings and dozens of food and drink vendors.
That night it was a social decathlon for me since after a busy day at Casell Bergen Gallery, I rushed home to change clothes to attend not one but three fun events. I thank the Lord for giving me the energy to do it. My first stop was the American Heart Association/LSU Health Sciences Center’s Research Reception. The soiree was the perfect opportunity for AHA and LSU donors and invited guests to view the state-of-the-art research performed by the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at LSU Health Sciences Center, headed by my darling, brilliant friend Dr. Nicholas Bazan. Guests mingled with leading researchers and doctors to learn how this research positively affects our lives, our health, our community and our local economy.
Before I went to Antoine's for the French Quarter Festival's Opening Gala, dressed in vintage clothes, I joined the beautifully dressed guests at the lovely outdoor soiree at the Fair Grounds Race Course, the WYES Gala "Downton Goes to the Races," We enjoyed 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 enjoyed the Daily Double specialty cocktail, the delicious cuisine by Celebrate Catered Events by Windsor Court, and it celebrated the contributions of WYES to our community
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152641645255870.1073742435.581200869&type=1&l=cc13371949
On Friday, besides working and stopping briefly at the festival directly across the street from Casell-Bergen Gallery, I started my evening by enjoying champagne at Happy Hours Bubbles at Brennan's. The bubbly cocktails were delicious as well as the bar snacks. There is music and dancing every Friday and Courtyard Sabering done expertly by Joe Billesbach.
The evening continued at 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. I was invited to attend the intermission reception for the Master signers. I am going to miss the operas, now that they are over for this season.
Before I share all the exciting upcoming event, I like to announce that the funeral memorial planned for my darling friend Marcel Leone has been planned for Saturday, April 18 at noon at Immaculate Conception Church-4401 7th St Marrero, LA 70072,(504) 341-9516
This week is going to be another social whirl for me. I am going to start my week by attending the first 2015 Town Hall Meeting of the The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana with Ignacio Veloz, Chairman of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at the JW Marriott Hotel (See brochure in the calendar below).
One of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will be opening at the fabulous Saenger Theater this Tuesday, April 14 with performances until Sunday, April 19. Not to be missed.
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 at THNOC's Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St., will remain on view through July 18, 2015.
On Wednesday, April 15 from 6-8 p.m., The Historic New Orleans Collection is presenting two lectures in conjunction with “Purchased Lives” at the Williams Research Center. The lectures are "Taking on the Tough Stuff of History: New Orleans and the Domestic Slave Trade," presented by Erin M. Greenwald, THNOC historian, and “Slaves Waiting for Sale: Visualizing the American Slave Trade" presented by Maurie D. McInnis, University of Virginia.
Greenwald, THNOC’s curator of the "Purchased Lives" exhibition and McInnis, vice provost of academic affairs and professor of American art and material culture at the University of Virginia, will offer back-to-back lectures examining the domestic slave trade. The exhibition will also be open for extended viewing hours during the talks.
Greenwald's lecture will explore the consequences of the forced migration of an estimated one million enslaved individuals between the Upper and the Lower South, as well as New Orleans' role as the nexus of the domestic slave trade. McInnis will discuss Eyre Crowe, a young British artist who visited and sketched slave auctions in Richmond, Virginia in 1853. Beginning with Crowe's images, the talk will explore the material world of the slave trade in Richmond, its connection with New Orleans and the role of visual culture in the transatlantic world of abolitionism. In addition to her work at the University of Virginia, McInnis curated the related exhibition "To Be Sold: Virginia and the American Slave Trade," currently on view at the Library of Virginia in Richmond.
YLC’s Wednesday at the Square: Presents Wednesday, April 15 Big Sam's Funky Nation + Amanda Shaw 5-8 p.m. Visit Website
Concerts in the Courtyard, The Historic New Orleans Collection's popular outdoor music series, returns with a performance by Evan Christopher's Clarinet Road. Now in its eighth year, Concerts in the Courtyard offers a fun, casual and affordable way to kick off the weekend. All concerts this season will feature a bar serving white wine and beer. THNOC's museum shop and first-floor exhibition galleries will offer extended hours during the event.
The Historic New Orleans Collection, is located at 533 Royal Street. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; show is from 6-8 p.m. Admission $10, but free for THNOC members and it includes three beverages.
In celebration of Billie Holiday's 100th birthday, New York cabaret and drag icon Joey Arias channels the trailblazing vocalist and jazz legend in a spectacle of old-Hollywood Big Band glamour. It all happens on April 17 at the Contemporary Arts Center Warehouse, 900 Camp Street, New Orleans.
Darlings, one event that I always look forward to is Longue Vue House and Gardens' Sentimental Journey on Friday, April 17. Join benefit chairs Elizabeth LeBlancand Ann Koppel Schreiner at the exquisite home of Danielle Kavanagh for Longue Vue's Sentimental Journeys 2015. Inspired by the beautiful Keukenhof spring garden and its romantic, world-famous tulip fields, guests will enjoy magnificent entertainment, fine wines, culinary delights by Galatoire's Restaurant, and a signature live auction featuring an unforgettable portfolio of unique experiences and new surprises.
I am also looking forward to Eat! Drink! SoFAB! Grand Opening Gala on April 17, 2015
Patron Party begins at 6 PM=
Gala 7 to 9 PM
From April 10–19 JPAS Presents “The Lady With All The Answers” (based on columnist Ann Landers) at Teatro Wego, 177 Sala Avenue, Westwego, LA.
On Saturday is the highly anticipated annual LPO Opus Ball on Saturday, April 18, at the Sheraton Hotel New Orleans Armstrong Ballroom. This will be a festive evening with a full orchestral concert, seated dinner, dancing, and live auction featuring the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and special guest Kermit Ruffins, trumpet, in a tribute to Louis Armstrong.
Darlings, please make sure you note that the next Round Table Luncheon will be on Wednesday, April 22 at the JW Marriott.Hosted by Yours Truly, Social Columnist Margarita Bergen, the Round Table Luncheon has been scheduled for noon that day.
Jamie Peckenpaugh, the Director of the New Orleans Wine and Food Festival will co-host the luncheon, in addition to featured speaker Frank Stansbury, Editor/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, will speaking about all the new events and activities planned at the French Market. The live entertainment will be provided by talented vocalist Kimberly Mouledoux, accompanied by pianist Jim Walpole. Guests will enjoy a gourmet three-course luncheon specially prepared by French Master Chef René Bajeux, Executive Chef of the JW Marriott. The price is $65 inclusive per person with advance 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.
DARLINGS, In case you did not know, my birthday is Friday, April 24. iT IS NOT THE BIG ONE BUT VERY CLOSE. . When ever i think of Friday- I think of Friday's at Galatoire's so therefore, if you are not going to the Jazz Fest and prefer to join me FOR A BUBBLY,ELEGANT AND FESTIVE LUNCHEON, at Galatoire's;s - Dutch Treat- let me know since my darling friend Michael Langford is putting together a huge table of friends to help me celebrate being alive and living in New Orleans.Let's do while I am still living!
SAVE THESE DATES
o Zurich Classic
April 20 - 26 2015, Tournament Players Club - A four-day event filled with world-class players, nonstop PGA TOUR action and the kind of food and fun you can only find in New Orleans.
April 20 - 26 2015, Tournament Players Club - A four-day event filled with world-class players, nonstop PGA TOUR action and the kind of food and fun you can only find in New Orleans.
· Jazz and Heritage Festival
April 24 - May 3, 2015 at the New Orleans Fair Grounds - A musical celebration held at the Fair Grounds Race Course and celebrated throughout the city. Music, food, crafts, and more music! Outdoor stages host jazz, R&B, gospel, African, Caribbean, Cajun, blues, ragtime, folk, bluegrass, reggae and country music, with evening performances happening at venues all around town. Hundreds of unofficial street bands, local artists, crafts and food.
April 24 - May 3, 2015 at the New Orleans Fair Grounds - A musical celebration held at the Fair Grounds Race Course and celebrated throughout the city. Music, food, crafts, and more music! Outdoor stages host jazz, R&B, gospel, African, Caribbean, Cajun, blues, ragtime, folk, bluegrass, reggae and country music, with evening performances happening at venues all around town. Hundreds of unofficial street bands, local artists, crafts and food.
Enjoy Your week- I know I will!
PHOTOS FROM LAST WEEK:
WYES Gala's Downton Goes to the Race AT FAIRGROUND . https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152641645255870.1073742435.581200869&type=1&l=cc13371949
Darlings, I just love CRAWFISH - Sucking those heads and squeezing those tails are as decadent as I get as I get older! I could not resist buying a plate from Rouses with my favorite chef there and of course a bottle of Amber Abita beer to officially kick off my Crawfish Season!
"The Queen" Ivonne Alcacitore Blount with Stu Barash - Mr and Mrs. David Teich- GM of Windsor Court
Calendar of Events:
For complete calendar visit" LaFete News 4-14-15
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/lafete-news-apr-14.html…
|
No comments:
Post a Comment