Tuesday, June 16, 2015

A Toast To New Orleans: June 16-22:10th Anniversary of Round Table Luncheon at Antoine's

Darlings, last week, I experienced one of the busiest weekend ever. By Sunday morning, my body won't move so I had to skip going to the FestiGals'  Saints and Sinners Brunch that I was looking forward to attending. OH well, it could have worse- not having any place to go. If you follow me in Facebook, you saw that I was  like a butterfly going from event to event even out of town. 
I started my social whirl on Wednesday.  
My evening started at the lovely home of Arlene and Alan Philipson on Jefferson Avenue, where I was invited to join for Cocktails celebrating the WYES Producers Circle. It was an elegant and delicious soiree.
 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152771483725870.1073742468.581200869&type=1&l=592cb39a82
The next soiree was the Casa Argentina 's social gathering at Marina Towers, WOW- i stepped at my next soiree and it was so different from where I have just been. It was a very lively gathering of the Argentinian Community. There were empanadas , red and white wines and a great Jazz band from Argentina in addition to people like me from Dominican Republic, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela, Columbia, Nicaragua-Haiti, What a big gathering.i love seeing all my friends.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152771497210870.1073742469.581200869&type=1&l=174fae78e1
The evening kept going and the next soiree what the lovely, delicious outdoor SUMMER HARVEST GALA at the FRENCH MARKET.It featured dishes made on-site by Chef Kristen Essig, Chef Vishwesh Bhatt, Chef Rebecca Wilcomb, Chef Justin Devillier, & Chef Slade Rushing. Unfortunately, I was so full from the other events but I loved the presentations. I was exhausted so I did not stayed for deserts.
 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152771517775870.1073742471.581200869&type=1&l=b01984ee62
On Thursday, after
 working all day long at Casell Bergen Gallery, I went with my darling friend conductor Paul Maufray who just returned from Europe to the FestiGals exclusive opening reception presented in the Julie and Steward Juneau's' stunning private penthouse above the Ritz Carlton. I  offered breathtaking views of the historic French Quarter for an evening  that provided the perfect casual prelude to three full days of programming designed to appeal to the diverse cross-.
 section of women gathered in the Crescent City from across the countryhttps://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152774122610870.1073742472.581200869&type=1&l=b241754b15
The evening progressed at   City Park's Thursday at Twilight where the fabulous Yat Pack was performing in front of a sold-out crowd. It was so much fun and I loved seeing all the senior citizens having a great time.
Darlings, I did not forget that evening,  The Louisiana SPCA's sixth annual Dine event was taking place . Dozens of New Orleans-area restaurants donated 20 percent of their proceeds from lunch and dinner service to the region's largest animal welfare organization...I chose Ralph in the Park because i was looking forward to trying out its menu of 3 appetizers and a glass of wine - in my case champagne for only $33. It was delicious and saw many of my .friends there as well,
On Friday, I attended a
nother , fabulous night in my beloved New Orleans- What else is new? I started my evening at the Piazza de Italia for the fabulous Opera at the Piazza.
  briefly Step into the "Spotlight" as the March of Dimes honored 29 Outstanding Young Professionals in the community at the Summer's biggest and best party for a cause! Guests enjoyed  cuisine from some of New Orleans' most beloved restaurants, an OPEN BAR for the entire evening, music by Groovy 7, and a silent auction featuring fabulous items and packages created by the honorees.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152778185935870.1073742474.581200869&type=1&l=51ec23eeff
My next soiree was Step into the "Spotlight" as the March of Dimes honored 29 Outstanding Young Professionals in the community at the Summer's biggest and best party for a cause!
 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152775442090870.1073742473.581200869&type=1&l=982c75c37e
Saturday was a big day for FestiGals. I first attended compliments of my darling friend Holley Haag from FNBC who kindly provided me with 4 tickets  to attend the  Bodacious Bras for a Cause Luncheon at the JW Marriott.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152778185935870.1073742474.581200869&type=1&l=51ec23eeff
The signature philanthropic component Bodacious Bras for a Cause Luncheon & Auction, presented by Paris Parker Salons and Spas, featured a keynote speech by Christine Clifford of The Cancer Club whose sassy, down-to-earth humor relays a powerful message of discovery and strength.  It was followed by a catwalk fashion show by Stein Mart   with  cancer survivors . During this highly charged celebration, FestiGals exclusive bra-Art collection was showcased in a live auction format with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans and the Breastoration fund.
Later that evening,  it was 'strut your stuff" in a New Orleans style second-line parade down Canal Street. Women will take a walk on the wild side and embrace their inner divas during the highly anticipated Stiletto Sprint & Stroll. As the sun went  down, the lights go up at the After-Glow Party in Masquerade presented by Harrah's https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152778210995870.1073742475.581200869&type=1&l=21b3cbcf38
As in the past, the Stiletto Parade was awesome. The 2015 Grand Diva was my darling friend Irma Thomas - The Soul Queen of New Orleans

My evening kept going and I did not wanted to miss " An Evening with CCH Pounder "at the Contemporary Arts Center. It was an evening with acclaimed actress CCH Pounder reading from Donald Rawley's “Slow Dance on the Fault Line.” This singular event featured a poetry and spoken word performance by the actress, live music and an exclusive post-show experience, through which the audience will have the opportunity to meet the award-winning actress. The food and libations by Dickie Brennan' Bourbon House were yummy.
 —https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152778228450870.1073742476.581200869&type=1&l=3f5c4b6f63

 Darlings, after attending all those soirees, and fortunately for me I was invited to a brief sojourn to the beautiful Houmas House Plantations and Garden where affable host Kevin Kelly extended his Southern hospitality to Duchess Chiquita Bergen, my guest speaker for the Round Table Luncheon award winning writer- humorist Verna Gates
I just LOVE this magical place - Waking up and seeing the beauty of nature and all its splendor is a real treat. The accommodation were superb as well as the tasting  of nine different dishes for dinner and a yummy southern breakfast that included grits, grillades and delicious fig preserve - I was ready to return home and get ready for the big 10th year anniversary of the Round Table Luncheon at Antoine's
This weekend is going another very special one since it will included my 10th year anniversary from the Round Table Luncheon at Antoine's , -The VOICE of France - Alvy Zame is in town doing a documentary and is going to be a very special guest at my Round Table Luncheon on Wednesday, June 17 at Antoine's the opening of the along awaited Jefferson Performing Art Center as well as the lovely Magnolia Ball at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.  
 the Ogden  Museum of Southern Art will host its annual Magnolia Ball on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The Magnolia Ball benefits the Center for Southern Craft & Design, which serves to highlight the artistic contributions of craft artists and designers of the American South.
Have a great week - and I hope to see some of you on Wed.
Photos from last week:

 
Darlings, I actually stepped out of New Orleans to attend a lovely soiree by the Louisiana Center of Women in Government and Business at the spectacular stately mansion of Drs Raja and Gayathri Talluri in Thibodeaux. It was a dinner honoring the attendees of the Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy at Nicholls State University
 — with Laura Badeaux.
Margarita Bergen's photo.

Calendar of events- Full at LaFete News 6-16-15
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/lafete-news-june-15.html…
Tuesday, June 16 
Arts In Education Community Forum
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at 1225 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans (map)
Free Admission - RSVP here


The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation will host the second in a series of community forums to get feedback on the draft goals for a major initiative to restore meaningful arts education to every K-8 classroom in New Orleans. 
It's part of a years-long process in which New Orleans is developing a strategic plan for arts education in the school system. The planning is being done under the guidance of Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child, a program of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. 
This is an opportunity for the public to weigh in on this very important project.

16

 
Nickel & Nickel and EnRoute
June 16, 2015 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Martin Wine Cellar - 3827 Baronne Street, New Orleans
$25 per person

 
 504.899.7411
Wine Tastings
Meet Bruce Mooers - Winery President

 
Bruce Mooers is a 25-year wine industry veteran, who has sold wines from all over Europe and Northern California. A specialist in the ultra-premium market, Mooers has been with the Far Niente family of wineries since 2002 when he was named director of sales for Nickel & Nickel. Later, Mooers added sister wineries Far Niente and Dolce to his responsibilities. He was named vice president of sales for the companies in 2007 and was appointed president of EnRoute in 2008. A native of the East Coast, Mooers began his wine industry career in Los Angeles, and has made his home in Northern California since 1995. 
17
Toasting with Margarita 
ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY

 

The monthly Round Table Luncheon, hosted by Social Columnist and bon vivant Margarita "Dahling" Bergen, will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary on Wednesday, June 17 at Antoine's restaurant, 713 St. Louis Street in the heart of the historic French Quarter.

 

The event will start at 12 noon; doors open at 11:30 a.m.
 
The luncheons are styled after those of Dorothy Parker's Round Table Luncheons which were held at New York's Algonquin Hotel between 1919 and 1929. The first New Orleans Round Table Luncheon was held on August 18, 2005 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, just ten days before Hurricane Katrina made landfall. The event was put on hiatus for several months but they resumed in the spring of 2006 and have been held every month since then.

 

Over the years, the luncheon has featured leading cultural/artist figures, business and community leaders and other prominent individuals discussing a variety of topics that have impacted the Crescent City. During those years, the luncheon has helped shape the direction of New Orleans during a period of rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina.

 

The commemorative luncheon being held at Antoine's on June 17 will feature the first guest at the first luncheon: nationally award-winning writer, storyteller, speaker and humorist, Verna Gates. And in the spirit of Dorothy Parker, talented "Wit and Wrath" star "Miss Claudia" Baumgarten will be channeling Ms. Parker with some of the great American writer's most famous anecdotes and humorous observations on life.

 

Live entertainment will be provided by pianist Jim Walpole and a very special international award-winning guest.

 

Guests will be greeted by a glass of champagne to go along with the menu of a Summer Salad (mixed greens, pecans, cranberries in a pepper jelly vinaigrette) or Alligator Soup, and an entrée choice of either Shrimp Creole over rice or Demi-Chicken Rochambeau. Dessert will be Antoine's famous Baked Alaska with Chocolate Sauce

 

For this special 10th anniversary occasion, Antoine's is offering the one-time-only discounted price of $39.99 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuities. 
 
For reservations call 504-495-9181 - 

   
18

 
Smoothie King Center
New Orleans, LA
06/18/15 - 06/21/15 
http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/221337/1924451?brand=ringlingbros&brand=ringlingbros&camefrom=CFC_FELD_WEBSITE



 
Cymbeline this week
June  18
Shakespeare's epic fairytale kicks off the 2015 Festival

 
  
  

To spearhead this production, the Festival has recruited internationally known director Rob Clare. First an actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company, then a Staff Director at the U.K.'s National Theatre, Mr. Clare holds a doctorate from Oxford University, where he also taught. He has directed, performed with and coached some of the most respected classical actors of our time.

 
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Rob Clare
Tulane's Lupin Theater
June 13-27, 2015
or call (504) 865-5106

Thurs, Fri & Sat 7:30pm 
Sun 1:30pm

"Thursdays at Twilight"
 Thursdays, June 11 - Aug. 27. Gates open at 5 p.m. Performances begin at 6 p.m.

   Pavilion of the Two Sisters, New Orleans Botanical Garden, City Park

 
Admission: Single tickets are $10. Advance tickets are available online at NewOrleansCityPark.com. Advance tickets may also be purchased over the phone at 504.483.9488 or at the Botanical Garden Gift Shop. Thursdays at Twilight Series Season Passes are also available for purchase.


  
June 18: John Boutté - Voted best male vocalist of the year at
both the Best of the Beat and the Big Easy Awards. His song
"Tremé" is the theme song of the popular HBO series. Those who
were lucky to attend his sold out concert last year were part of a
magical night. Don't miss this year's show. www.johnboutte.com
19
      
Brothers from the Bottom - Tony Award-winner Wendell Pierce stars in this limited-engagement play, which premiers  at 8 p.m. at NOCCA and runs through June 28. Centered around the effects of gentrification in a New Orleans neighborhood after Hurricane Katrina, Brothers from the Bottom presents a consistently hot-button topic through the eyes of two brothers. Tickets start at $25 online. 

Friday 8pm
Saturday 3pm & 8pm
Sunday 2pm & 7pm  

 
 June
19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
 https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&w=86f8d5f3fa3165c0397c1406bb6cfb00

 

 
 19

Green Solstice Soiree Showcases Four Local Groups' Decades of Commitment to the Environment  
Following a successful anniversary celebration in 2014, Concordia: Community Centered Planning & Design, Global Green USA, The Green Project, and Gulf Restoration Network are hosting a second annual Solstice Party at the Peristyle in City Park to highlight their combined 94 years of service and environmental stewardship. The celebration will kick off the summer season in true New Orleans fashion with a free party in one of the city's most iconic backdrops. 

On Friday, June 19th from 5:30pm till sundown, there will be watermelon, champagne, Reyka Vodka cocktails (provided by Republic Distributing and the William Grant portfolio), ice cream and live music by Margie Perez & the Honeypots and Luther Gray & the Congo Square Preservation Society. In addition to the complimentary watermelon, food truck vendors Green to Go NOLA, 3 Potato 4, and Geaux Green Snoballs will be on site selling light, solstice worthy fare. 

An auction of one-of-a-kind rain barrels painted by NOLA artists will benefit the non-profits. Artists include Jodie Flowers, Hugo Montero, and Karel Sloane-Boekbinder. 

19
     
 

 
ZOOvie Nights at Audubon Zoo
*Friday, June 19  - Maleficent (2014)

Dinner and a ZOOvie is BACK with four ZOOvie nights starting on June 12, 2015 on the grounds of Audubon Zoo.

Come with your chairs and blankets, bring your own dinner or dine at the Zoo! The following concessions will be available:
- Snack Shack
- Hot Dog Cart
- Snack n Splash
- Snow Wonder Trike selling ice cream novelties
- Cupcake Cart
- Frozen Banana Carts


ZOOvie Night schedule:


June 19

  
Jefferson Parish To Host Open House Of New Performing Arts Center

 
METAIRIE, LA - On Friday, June 19, 2015, Jefferson Parish will host a free Open House to welcome the public into the new Jefferson Performing Arts Center.
         An official ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m.
         Visitors can then enjoy a sneak peek inside the new state-of-the-art theater facility with guided tours, provided free of charge, every half hour from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
         The Jefferson Performing Arts Center is located at 6400 Airline Highway in Metairie between LaSalle Park and Zephyr Field. 
         The 1,000-seat theater features an 89-foot wide stage area equipped with an operable orchestra lift that can be raised and lowered by a motor-driven system, and an innovative acoustic design.
         The Jefferson Performing Arts Society, Artist in Residence at JPAC, as well as operator and manager SMG, will be on-hand to welcome visitors into the new home for the cultural arts in Jefferson Parish.
         According to Chad Calder with The New Orleans Advocate the JPAC took more than a decade and a half to build and was plagued by a series of issues that more than doubled its original price tag. Calder reports the construction alone ended up costing the state and parish $54.5 million.
         On Saturday June 20, SMG and the Jefferson Performing Arts Society will join Jefferson Parish in presenting a "Gala Opening."

Magnolia Ball: Saturday, June 20, 2015

Events
Admissions/Directions/Hours/
After Hours
Calendar
Facilities Rental
Film at the O
Get Involved
Kohlmeyer Circle
O What a Night
Store/Center
Tour the O
1 / 13

Purchase Magnolia Ball Tickets Here!

All photos by Carroll Grevemberg, all rights reserved, June 2014
For more photos from Magnolia Ball 2014, click here.

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art will host its annual Magnolia Ball on Saturday, June 20, 2015. The Magnolia Ball benefits the Center for Southern Craft & Design, which serves to highlight the artistic contributions of craft artists and designers of the American South.
Bid now on the Magnolia Ball Silent Auction!
The second annual Magnolia Ball will feature cuisine from some of New Orleans’ top restaurants, craft cocktail stations and open bars, a silent auction and brief live auction, and music and dancing in two separate locations: the Museum’s beautiful terrace which overlooks the CBD and Crescent City Connection, and the Patrick F. Taylor Library, the historic H.H. Richardson building which will serve as our VIP lounge for the entire evening.
Honoree:
Candy Chang
Co-Chairs:
Meaghan Ryan Bonavita, William H. Gammell, Anna Beth Goodman, Megan Kendrick
Times and Locations:
Patron Party
Patrick F. Taylor Library
7PM-Till
Magnolia Ball
Stephen Goldring Hall
Patrick F. Taylor Library
8PM-Till
Cocktails and Cuisine:
Bao & Noodle
Bombay Club
Boucherie
Broussard's
Carrollton Market
CellarDoor
Cure/Cane and Table/Bellocq
The Delachaise
Fulton Alley
The Grill Room at the Windsor Court
Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls
Joel Catering
And more.
Entertainment:
Free Spirit Brass Band
The Roamin' Jasmine
ET's All-Star Express
DJ Matty
22 
     
la spca   
June 22-30             
"Cocktail for a Cause" to benefit the Louisiana SPCA will be held at Ralph's on the Park, 900 City Park Ave.  Request the special "Six Toed Cat" Louisiana SPCA Cocktail during the month of June and 20% of the proceeds benefit the Louisiana SPCA. For more information visit www.la-spca.org. 

 
     


Sunday, June 21 
Trinity Artist Series Presents
Sunday, June 21 PLEAS NOTE 2 CONCERTS: 
@ 2 pm: 20th Anniversary of  Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra directed by Dr. Jean Montes.
The program will feature Music by Antonín Dvo?ák, Haitian composer Férère
Laguerre, the Edward Grieg piano concerto performed by 12-year-old pianist
Caleb Borick, and a world premiere : "Symphonic Dances"by New Orleans composer Mike Rihner. The Symphonic Dances are inspired by the city's rich cultural history and include a Cajun waltz and Congo Bamboula, a lively New Orleans street dance.
 The 2015 touring orchestra brings together current GNOYO students and alumni. Join GNOYO on their East Coast Tour, and share the experience of New Orleans'Music
'Trinity Episcopal Church | 1329 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130

Photos at the End:
Another wonderful, fabulous night in my beloved New Orleans- What else is new? I started my evening at the Piazza de Italia for the fabulous Opera at the Piazza.
 — with Timothy Todd Simmons and 8 others.

No comments:

Post a Comment