Tuesday, April 21, 2015

A Toast to New Orleans: Round Table Luncheon/ Navy Week/ Jazz Fest‏

Darlings,

Last week was full of exciting events that kept me going between raindrops from one event to another. I was so busy last week that, as I was attending the informative, delicious Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana's Town Hall Meeting with guest speaker Ignacio Veloz, USHCC Chairman at the JW. Marriott, my girlfriend, the always elegant Jacqueline Simonreminded me about the annual Le Grand Prix d'Elegance at the Hilton.

As always, it was superb and I had been invited to my darling friend Sammy Steele. The 43rd annual Prix d’Elegance Luncheon, hosted by the Men and Women of Fashion and benefiting the Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization (BRAVO), paid tribute to 10 male and 10 female honorees who exemplify unique personal style as well as excellence through business, civic and charitable endeavors that specifically better the community in which they live. It was the largest ever and everyone must have pulled out their designer suits and their Christian Louboutin shoes because I have never seen so many red soled shoes in the runway and it was all for a great cause.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152652977380870.1073742437.581200869&type=1&l=e42a2ae184

On Thursday, Mother Nature cooperated with me and the many guests so we could enjoy the beautiful outdoor Soiree by The Ogden Southern Art Museum's The Richardson Society at the exquisite home of Tia & James Roddy at Audubon Place. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152655457520870.1073742438.581200869&type=1&l=d44f187c4e
On Friday and Saturday, I need literally needed a clone just to attend all the fun events that I was invited to. I started my evening at  fabulous opening of the Southern Museum of Food and Beverage Museum and one of my all-time favorite friends, The King of Cocktail, Dale DeGroff was making decadent libations along with Liz Williams, the Founder and Director of SoFAB.

But alas, I could not stay long because I also was invited to attend the always lovely and elegant Longue Vue House and Gardens' Sentimental Journeys at an exquisite mansion in Old Metairie. Unknown to me, my escort, Sammy Steele, had purchased tickets to see talented drag queen Joey Arias channeling Billie Holiday at the CAC. It quite a fun evening, where I enjoyed Joey's fabulous performance and I saw a lot of my friends.

On Saturday night, it was time to put a beautiful gown and attend not one but two very elegant affairs. The first one was the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra's Opus Ball at the Sheraton Hotel. It was indeed a festive evening with a full orchestral concert, with Maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto conducting, a seated dinner, dancing, and live auction featuring the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and special guest Kermit Ruffins on trumpet, in a tribute to Louis Armstrong.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152660719425870.1073742440.581200869&type=1&l=fc708d31d8
I could not stay for the dinner since I was invited to  attend the spectacular wedding of the son of my darling friends Jose and Ileana Suquet. Jonathan Matthew Suquet was wed to the beautiful Mary Abigail Zanone, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Timothy Zanone at the New Orleans Country Club. Unfortunately, we missed the Nuptial Mass at the St. Francis of Assisi Church on State Street but the reception at the N.O. Country Club was one of the most beautiful that I have ever attended. The bride and groom, the wedding party, the entertainment, the flower arrangements, the delicious cuisine, the libations, the ice sculpture and the setting were just breathtaking. I enjoyed seeing so many of my dear friends and I congratulate the Suquets as they embark upon a beautiful journey of togetherness and love.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152660756185870.1073742441.581200869&type=1&l=54e81d0203

Darlings, in case you did not know, this is my birthday week so I am planning to celebrate being alive and living in the greatest city - my beloved New Orleans - as much as I can. 
 Can you think of better places to open a bottle of Veuve Clicquot  than on  Tuesday, April 21 at  the Fidelity's Concerts in the Park: Swing in the Oaks- FREE & Open to the Public? 7:00 p.m.- New Orleans City Park, Goldring Woldenberg Great Lawn with Stuart Chafetz  Guest conductor   
Ah, but before that I am planning to attend the fabulous party at Harrah's Theatre to welcome the players and their guest to the Zurich Classic. Emoji

The first event that I am going to enjoy is hosting the April Round Table Luncheon, on Wednesday April 22 at noon at the JW Marriott. The topic and the invited guests are very dear to me. Jamie Peckenpaughthe Director of the New Orleans Wine and Food Festival, will co-host the luncheon, in addition to featured speaker 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, will be 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. The menu is posted below. 

On Thursday, April 23, I am so excited that as a member of the press I will be celebrating NOLA Navy Week in style. Along with other members of the media, I will board a helicopter that will bring me to the deck of the aircraft carrier, USS Wasp anchored on the Mississippi, on Thursday, April 23.
Between April 23 and 29, visitors and locals will head for the French Quarter and the shores of the Mississippi River to visit six glorious military ships. The city welcomes NOLA Navy Week, a fun-filled week of activities for the family.
"This year we will welcome ships from not only the United States Navy and Coast Guard, but also naval vessels from England and Canada," said Mark Romig, President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, the city agency sponsoring the program. "We are pleased to welcome the officers and crew members for what will be a memorable visit to one of the most exciting port cities in the world."
In addition to activities for visitors and locals, approximately 1,100 sailors will descend upon the city, participating in three days of community service projects including building homes, beautifying parks, and planting trees. A seafood cook-off will once again be held between the ships' various culinary specialists and Louisiana chefs. Navy concerts will fill the air throughout the week, as will fireworks at dusk on Monday, April 27.
Tours of ships will be offered to groups on the mornings of April 24 and 27, and the ships will be open for the general public daily in the afternoons. Visitors including school groups, maritime and history buffs will see six ships this year including the USS Wasp, USS James E. Williams, USS Cole, HMCS Athabaskan (from Canada) HMS Lancaster (from the U.K.), and the U.S. Coat Guard Cutter Dauntless. (see complete schedule below). 
Darlings, whenever I think of birthdays I think of Fridays at Galatoire's so it is only natural that since my birthday is Friday, April 24 I will be there for lunch. So if you will like to join me - Dutch style just send me an email. It is going to be fun, f un, fun. 
Jazz Fest starts this week – over the weekends of April 24-26 and April 30-May 3. So there is going to be a very nice party to kick off the N.O. Jazz and Festival Poster done by the talented Frenchy at his atelier-gallery on Wednesday, April 22 from 4-8 p.m. at 610 Toulouse Street. The invitation is by Art4 Now, the publishers of the Jazz Festival and Frenchy Frechette, the artist and it is FREE. 

And, for your JazzFest posters and framing, please keep me, Casell Bergen Gallery, in mind. We’re located at 1305 Decatur Street in the French Quarter, opposite the side of the Old U.S. Mint and around the corner from the French Market. We’ll have this year’s poster, along with those from other years and other festivals. Come in and take your pick. We have a wide selection and our doors are wide open!Check my ad that will appear at the OFF Beat issue of Jazz Fest!
 So darling enjoy your week as much as I will enjoy mine. 
Photos from last week: 

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. it was really informative and delicious/ It is always a pleasure to see young people taken over the leadership and seeing old friends.
 —
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Le Grand Prix d'Elegance at the Hilton was superb and fabulous. The 43rd annual Prix d’Elegance Luncheon, hosted by the Men and Women of Fashion and benefiting the Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization (BRAVO), paid tribute to 10 male and 10 female honorees who exemplify unique personal style as well as excellence through business, civic and charitable endeavors that specifically better the community in which they live. .It was the largest ever and everyone must had pull out their designer suits and their Christian Louboutin shoes because I have never seen so many red sole shoes in the runway and it was all for a great cause.
 — with Jenny Hamilton and 7 others at Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
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The Ogden Southern Art Museum's The Richardson Society at the exquisite home of Tia & James Roddy, at Audubon Place
 — with Kevin Michael Kelly and 5 others.
Opening of the Southern Museum of Food and Beverage and one of my all time favorite friend- The King of Cocktail, Dale DeGroff was making decadent libations along with Liz Williams , the Founder and Director of SoFAB
 — with Liz Williams and 2 others.

 Longue Vue House and Gardens' Sentimental Journeys
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Joey Arias channeling Billie Holiday at the CAC. It quite a fun evening, where I enjoyed Joey's fabulous performance and seeing a lot of my friends

Spectacular wedding of the son of my darling friends Jose and Ileana Suquet - -Jonathan Matthew Suquet to the beautiful Mary Abigail Zanone, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Timothy Zanone at the New Orleans Country Club.
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Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra's Opus Ball at the Sheraton Hotel.It was indeed 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.
 — 
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Calendar - Please visit La Fete News for a complete calendar: LaFete News 4-21-15
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/apr-21-lafete-news-.html…
Tuesday, April 21
Earth Day 2015 at City Park

Earth Day at the New Orleans Botanical Garden promises to be a great event! The event will bring live music, educational lectures, and of course delicious food, to City Park. Enjoy green activities for kids including crafts and games. Visit Earth Day then walk across Victory Drive to listen to the Louisiana Philharmonic in Swing in the Oaks on the Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn. This is another free event and there is no bad seat to listen to the live music. To learn more about Swing in the Oaks, please visit this link.
 http://neworleanscitypark.com/events/swing-in-the-oaks

Where: New Orleans Botanical Garden, 3 Victory Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124
Enter on Victory Drive or on Stadium Drive. There is free parking available on Park streets and in the parking lot across from the entrance to the Botanical Garden. Ride your bike!
When: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Everyone welcome - great for the whole family.
How: Just show up
Cost: Free; donations welcome.
For more info: http://neworleanscitypark.com/events/earth-day#sthash.HtiZTvL6.dpuf
April 21 
  
Every time the New Orleans Chamber hosts a networking event for young professionals, tons and tons of awesome, smart, fun young people show up and have an awesome time. The Chamber doesn't have bad events. They just don't do it. "Bad event" isn't in their vocabulary. And their latest networking event, a totally free bowling night at Fulton Alley, is going to keep the streak alive, because it is going to be so much fun.

Yep, it's happening Tuesday, April 21st from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Fulton Alley, and admission is totally free. On top of that, they're offering complimentary food as well as $5 drink specials. Free food, free admission, bowling, awesome people? Come on. This is the easiest decision you'll make all April.

These are also amazing events to not only have fun but to connect with other young professionals, and we highly recommend bringing the business cards. You never know who you're going to meet. So come on, show off your stuff on the lanes, enjoy free food and cheap drinks, and meet some great people. All you have to do is register here. We'll see you there.
 
http://neworleanschamber.org/
Fidelity's Concerts in the Park: Swing in the Oaks
FREE & Open to the Public
Tuesday, April 21
7:00 p.m.
New Orleans City Park, Goldring Woldenberg Great Lawn
ARTISTS
Stuart Chafetz  Guest conductor   

 
PROGRAM
 Richard Strauss Fanfare from Also sprach Zarathustra   
Various composers Star Trek Through the Years  
Howard Shore Lord of the Rings: Symphonic Suite  
John Williams March from Superman   
Ramin Djawadi "A Song of Ice and Fire" from Game of Thrones   
John Williams Theme from Jurassic Park   
John Williams March from 1941   
John Phillip Sousa Liberty Bell March   
Richard Rodgers Music from Victory at Sea   
Various composers Armed Forces Salute  
Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture  
John Phillip Sousa The Stars and Stripes Forever   

 
Join friends, family, and fellow music-lovers from the New Orleans community for our popular annual concert in City Park. Bring along your lawn chairs, food, and refreshments and enjoy a program of familiar musical favorites from the past and present, performed by the LPO and guest conductor Stuart Chafetz. We can't wait to see you there!
 Wednesday, April 22
ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON AT NOON AT THE JW. MARRIOTT

Hosted by Social columnist Margarita Bergen, the  Round Table Luncheon has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 22 at noon  at the JW Marriott.  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 and Amy Kirk, Director of Marketing for The French Market Corporation who 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 especially prepared by French Master Chef René Bajeux, Executive Chef of the JW Marriott.  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 orMargaret.Hartz@marriott.com
Roundtable Luncheon Menu- YUMMY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARGARITA!-Made exclusively for you by our Award Winning French Master Chef René
**
One Glass of Champagne Served Upon Arrival **
First Course
Grilled Caesar Salad topped with Spicy Poached Shrimp
**
Second Course
Garden Fresh Garlic and Herb Stuffed Chicken Breast
Over Spicy Whipped Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans Almandine
With a Herb Au Ju
**
Third Course
Birthday Cake with a Creamy Buttercream Frosting
Lunch to include one glass of Beaulieu Vineyards Century Cellars Merlot or Chardonnay
$65.00 Inclusive with Advance Reservations Or
$69.50 at the Door
For reservations please contact, Ari Strutton at 504-527-6724 or email Ari.Strutton@Marriott.com or Maggie Hartz at 504-527-6752 or email Margaret.Hartz@Marriott.com.
April 23-29 
NOLA Navy Week
  
NOLA Navy Week
April 23-29, 2015


U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Great Britain and Canada will participate in a full week of activities including onboard ship tours, concerts, a seafood cook-off, fireworks, and more


SCHEDULE:

Thursday, April 23
Ships arrive (no tours until 24th) 
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Navy Concert Band Performance at Trinity Episcopal Church 
Friday, April 24
Time to be Announced
Sailors participate in community project 
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Mayoral Welcome at Gallier Hall 
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Group Tours  - register online at NOLANavyWeek.com/private-tour-signup/ 
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Ships open for public tours (open to all)
Note: USS Wasp opens at 2:00 PM 
7:00 PM - 1:00 PM
NOLA Navy Week Gala at the National World War II Museum: Freedom Pavillion
Tickets Available at NOLANavyWeek.com/event/nola-navy-week-gala 
Saturday, April 25
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
HMCS Athabaskan and HMS Lancaster open for public tours (open to all) 
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
USCGC Dauntless open for public tours (open to all) 
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
USS Wasp, USS Cole and USS James E. Williams open for public tours (open to all) 
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Navy Brass Band Performance at National World War II Museum 
Sunday, April 26
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
HNCS Athabaskan and HMS Lancaster open for public tours (open to all) 
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Navy and Coast Guard ships open for public tours (open to all) 
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Navy Brass Band Performance at Spanish Plaza 
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Seafood Cook Off at Spanish Plaza 
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Navy Concert Band Performance at St. Louis Cathedral 
Monday, April 27
Morning
USCGC Dauntless Departs 
Sailors participate in community project 
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Group Tours - register online at NOLANavyWeek.com/private-tour-signup/ 
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Ships open for public tours (open to all) 
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Navy Band Performance at the Sunset Parade 
8:00 PM
Fireworks in the French Quarter over the Mississippi River 
Tuesday, April 28
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Ships open for public tours (open to all) 
Time to be Announced
Sailors participate in community project 
Wednesday, April 29
8:00 AM
Blessing of the Fleet 
9:00 AM
Ringing of the Bells 
All remaining ships depart

NOLA Navy Week occurs every three years in New Orleans. For schedules, group tour registration, and other information, go to NOLANavyWeek.com. For full Press Kit, see contacts above.

April 23
     
Trinity Artist Series at Trinity Episcopal Church ,1329 Jackson Avenue 

 


Thursday, April 23 @ 6 pm: NAVY BAND SOUTHEAST.  A Patriotic Concert featuring Armed Forces Medley, Military, Popular, and Selections of Marches of John Philip Sousa.  This concert is part of The Fleet Week New Orleans 2015.

 
Black diamond (cards) Sunday, April 26 @ 5 pm: The celebrated GOSPEL COLLECTIVE Choir-from France-comes to New Orleans, to celebrate The First Sunday of the JAZZ Fest @ Trinity Artist Series!
23
  
POLITICS WITH A PUNCH
13th ANNIVERSARY OF NEW ORLEANS
POLITICAL COMEDY TRADITION   

Thursday April 23, 2015

 The Eiffel Society
2040 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans

Doors open at 6 p.m., the event begins at 7 p.m.

Politics with a Punch is held monthly on stage before a live audience. It is our own local version of "Politically Incorrect." It is a humorous, fast-paced, free-wheeling, no-holds barred discussion of what is happening in our city, state and nation.

Our next show will be special as we celebrate our 13th Anniversary.

We launched Politics with a Punch in 2002 and have enjoyed 13 years of great times thanks to our awesome panelists and faithful patrons.

During our colorful history in New Orleans, we have featured some of the top political, business, comedic, media and entertainment talent in Louisiana. We have also enjoyed poking fun at the unique and colorful world of Louisiana politics.

The next program will be held on Thursday April 23 at the beautiful Eiffel Society, 2040 St. Charles Avenue. This outstanding venue offers valet parking, fine dining, and a superb staff for our Punch patrons. It has been recently renovated and looks exceptional.

For this special show, we have picked an outstanding panel with some of our favorite all-stars plus some exciting newcomers. Check out our exceptional line-up of celebrities:

Becky Allen, Comedienne, Actress, Entertainer, New Orleans Icon
Dale Brown, Hall of Fame Basketball Coach of LSU , NCAA Coach of Yr  
Hon. Elbert Guillory, LA State Senator, Lt. Gov. Candidate
Travers Mackel, WDSU-TV Award Winning Investigative Reporter
Phil Melancon, Pianist, Entertainer and Comedian
Mikko, Popular Actor, Writer, Comedian, & Historian 
Hon. Newell Norma
For ticket reservations or for more information, contact Jeff Crouere at #504-669-6076 or jeff@ringsidepolitics.com
nd, Sheriff of Jefferson Parish

April 23
Saint Petersburg State Ballet, performing in the US for the first time ever, brings the classic ballet SWAN LAKE to the Mahalia Jackson Theater on April 23rd.

  

Swan Lake is a timeless romantic narrative that has captivated world dancers, choreographers and audiences for over a century. The ballet, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, was fashioned from Russian folk tales and tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse.
St. Petersburg State Ballet is a world-renowned dance company that presents Russian historical classical dance. After several successful world tours, they will be performing in the US for the first time ever, in a tour that will cover more than 10 cities.              

23
 
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 will continue April 23 at 6:30 p.m. with a live performance by Category 6.
23
April 23
Veuve Clicquot Dinner Pairing
@Brennan's Restaurant
Love bubbly? Join Veuve Clicquot and Brennan's for an exclusive Rosé champagne pairings dinner with Veuve Clicquot Winemaker Pierre Casanave.
The specialty three course dinner will feature Veuve Clicquot Rosé champagne pairings and live entertainment in the spirit of New Orleans.


Thursday- Jazz in the park presents 
April 23 Kermit Ruffins and The Soul Rebels

APRIL 24 -MY BIRTHDAY
PLEASE JOIN ME 
DUTCH TREAT 
GALATOIRE'S NOON
Darlings in case you did not know my name Margarita - is Daisy in Spanish and Pearl in Greek. So I started looking for a birthday cake with daisies and a found a few and the Best part of it - NO Calories since it is just visual :
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24
       
Eartha Kitt Show - Every Friday in April

Don't miss the return of " A Purrfect Evening.... The Songs of Eartha Kitt"

Every Friday in April 

8pm

The Marigny Theatre

Tickets:  504-758-5590   $25

Musical Director:  Harry Mayronne
24
 
Zoo-To-Do for KidsFriday, April 24
Zoo-To-Do for Kids is New Orleans' premier benefit event for children of all ages. Audubon Zoo is transformed into a magical play land filled with live entertainment, face painters, musical performances, sports and cheerleading clinics, strolling performers, arcade games, inflatables, crafts and a video game center. Your ticket purchase also includes complimentary food and beverages to delight every palate. The Sponsor and Patron party during the event includes upscale beverage bars, delicious cuisine, children's entertainment, a free tote bag and a reserved parking permit!
Where: Audubon Zoo
When: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Early Admittance 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm/Tickets $40
Who: Families!
Cost: Early Admittance 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm Tickets: $40
General Admittance 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Non Member: $25 
Proceeds from the 2015 Zoo-To-Do for Kids will help support Audubon Zoo.

April 24-May3
Jazz and Heritage Festival
The world-renowned, award-winning cultural festival celebrates the music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana, as well as featuring top headliners. Held at the Fair Ground Race Course, indulge in classic Louisiana cuisine offered by some of the areas top eateries and discover one-of-a-kind, handmade goods from fine art to jewelry. 

New Orleans jazz Festival- April 24 - May 2 
http://www.nojazzfest.com/

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