Tuesday, August 11, 2015

A Toast to NO: August 11-19- Sushi Fest/Round Table Luncheon & more



Margarita Bergen's photo.

 
 
Vocalist Robin Barnes, Spanish radio personality  Soraya Acosta and photographer  Gustavo Escanelle at Louis Armstrong Park.


Darlings,

The  Dog Days  of Summer are here and New Orleanians somehow manage to stay cool and participate in many indoor and outdoor fun activities as experienced last week in the Red Dress Run https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152886928385870.1073742494.581200869&type=1&l=a7248c3e6c

 and the Dirty Linen Night on Royal Street.  

What fun! I like to dress and even if I was not running, Chiquita Linda and I were sporting our red outfits and lateron,  my white dress for the Dirty Linen Night. I missed not having Casell-Bergen Gallery on Royal Street, but it freed me and allowed me to visit all the other galleries, so I must toast to that.

I started my social week by attending, as always the annual August Krewe of Cork Luncheon at Restaurant August and it was awesome. It was sold out and, fortunately, I was able to move up from the waiting list. I have never missed one so I am delighted and there were seven former queens, along with our reigning Queen, Jeffrey McIlwain https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152885013065870.1073742493.581200869&type=1&l=2cbea2c67f

Darlings, this week, is going to be a fabulous, busy week as week.

I am going to start it by participating this morning in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana's Hispanic Business and Conference Trade Show at the Harrah's Hotel.

On Wednesday, August 12, Bon Operatit! closes out their 5th season with an encore of fan favorites over the past 5 years with the “Opera Returns to Bourbon Street” series. It runs from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter.
The Consulate of Mexico in conjuntion with the Consulate of Venezuela are presenting on Thursday, August 13, Art exhibitions "El Tiempo" & "Laberintos Mentales" by artists Patrica Jordan and Francisco Magallan‏ at the 

And I just received some exciting news to report. On Thursday, August 13, the world premiere of the stage version of V.C. Andrews’ bestselling book, “Flowers in the Attic,” is being presented at the Old Marquer (formerly the Shadowbox) Theatre in the Faubourg Marigny. Starring an all-local cast from See ‘em On Stage Productions, “Flowers in the Attic” is the story of four children ranging in ages from 4 to 14 who were confined to an attic by their uncaring mother and grandmother and they learn to become their own support system.

The novel version of “Flowers in the Attic” was written in 1979 and it sold over 40 million copies. It was also made into a feature film and a later remake. The stage version was written last year by Andrew Neiderman and, thanks to the diligent efforts of director Christopher Bentivegna, New Orleans beat out several other larger cities for the honor of staging the world premiere. So, if this play goes on to Broadway or off-Broadway, we can always say, “We had it first!”

“Flowers in the Attic” runs on three successive weekends through August 31 and all shows are at 8 p.m. The Old Marquer Theatre is located at 2400 St Claude Ave. (at the corner of St. Roch Ave.), New Orleans. Tickets are $20. “Industry Nights” for theatre professionals are 20 percent off for Monday shows. For more information call (504) 298-8676. Websites are http://www.eventbrite.com/e/flowers-in-the-attic-new-orleans-tickets-17142915923 and www.oldmarquer.com.  You can read more about it in this Thursday’s New Orleans Advocate. The story will also be posted on the Advocate’s website Wednesday evening.              

On Sunday, August 16 there are few fun activities including: 

Sushi Fest 2015, featuring Japanese entertainment & Flow Tribe at the UNO Lakefront Arena, at 2:00 p.m.

This celebration of Japanese culture will include a sushi competition, Japanese crafts and traditional Japanese entertainment. About 30 top local restaurants will sell sushi and Japanese inspired dishes. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Japan Society of New Orleans and The Japan Club of New Orleans.

The Sushi Fest VIP Experience includes special, hand-made wearable art from Studio Inferno, individual sushi boxes from Rock n Sake and other savory delights, Sapporo Beer, Sake and Wine from 1-2 p.m., free Signature Sushi Fest cocktails all day, seating in the VIP Japanese Gardens, “sushi” desserts by The Sweet Life, special entertainment and early admittance into festival.

On Sunday as well, the Junior Committee of the New Orleans Opera Association’s Women’s Guild kicks 0ff the 2015-2016 Opera Season with its Annual Summer Party from 2-4 p.m. This year's event is chaired by Sarah Harbison and takes places at the elegant Opera Guild Home on Prytania Street (at 2nd Street) in the historic Garden District.

The "Bows and Beaus" theme celebrates the art of being Southern, where women - and their beaus - are encouraged to don their best Southern attire with a "bow" twist. “This is the time for men to break out their bow ties and women to doll up their hair, outfit or shoes with a stylish bow,” says Junior Committee Board Co-Chair, Summer Duperon.
Ralph Brennan Catering & Events will provide light bites while guests sip a summer cocktail. Guests can also browse a delightfully dandy display of southern bow ties from Magazine Street business, NOLA Couture. The Summer Party is the Junior Committee’s annual kick off to the New Orleans opera season, which opens on October 9 with Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata.” The Summer Party’s guests include the "who's who" of the arts and cultural scene in New Orleans.
Tickets are $25 for Junior Committee members and $35 for nonmembers before August 1. Each ticket holder will be entered into a raffle for a bow tie, courtesy of NOLA Couture. Tickets can be purchased under the “Events” tab on the Junior Committee’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nooajuniors.
On Sunday, I need to stop by Lakefront Cemetery to pay my respect to an old friend and past costumer Dr. Norman Ellsworth McSwain Jr. Services for Dr. McSwain will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans. Visitations will be on Saturday, August 15 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. and again on Sunday, August 16 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at 2:00. See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theneworleansadvocate/obituary.aspx?pid=175463818#sthash.aMVbX5G4.dpuf
Darlings, please save this date: Wednesday, August 19 at noon for the monthly Round Table Luncheon at Antoine's. Here are the specifics:
ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON TO FOCUS ON KATRINA 10TH ANNIVERSARY

With the upcoming tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and its devastating effects on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, the monthly Round Table Luncheon hosted by Margarita Bergen will focus on the storm and the recovery efforts that have been made over the past decade.

The luncheon will be held at Antoine’s Restaurant, 713 St. Louis Street in the heart of the historic French Quarter, on Wednesday, August 19 at 12 noon. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon will feature guest speakers on a variety of Katrina-related topics.

The featured speaker will be Sandy Rosenthal, founder of Levees.org and one of the most outspoken critics of the levee failures that led to the flooding of 80 percent of New Orleans and surrounding areas. Over the past ten years, she has been a vigorous leader in the fight for accountability from the agencies responsible for constructing and maintaining the floodwalls and levees, and she has also led the drive for establishing memorial parks at the major levee break sites.

Also featured will be author Jennifer Gremillion, a New Orleans native who documents her powerful true story of adversity, faith and survival in her new book, “Life Storms: Hurricane Katrina.” As the first book in Gremillion’s “Life Storms” series, the story is written from Jennifer’s unique perspective as a screenwriter – interspersed with scripts, thought-provoking questions and powerful reflections.

Author Mary Helen Lagasse will also be featured, discussing her second novel, “Navel of the Moon.” This earthy and moving coming-of-age tale is set in 1960s New Orleans but resides, as all good literature does, deep within the passionate mysteries of the human heart. With this new work, Mary Helen triumphantly surpasses the amazing promise of her debut novel, “The Fifth Sun.”

Gordon Wadge, President/CEO of the YMCA of Greater New Orleans will also address the group on what the Y is currently doing to improve the quality of life in post-Katrina New Orleans
The entertainment will be by talented entertainers Becky Allen, Marshall Harris and pianist Jim Walpole.

Antoine's menu will include a Summer Salad, Trout Almondine with Brabant Potatoes and Baked Alaska. The price is $50 all inclusive, including champagne/wines.
Reservations should be made to  at margaritabergen@hotmail.com or 504-495-9181.

Have a cool week- it is yours to be! 




Tuesday, August 11


Le Méridien New Orleans Hosts 'New Perspective' Event: Painting in the PalmLocal artist leads painting session that includes complimentary Sparkling wine cocktails
 
WHAT:                        Create, sip and socialize at Le Meridien New Orleans' first New Perspective event, Painting in the Palm. Take home an original painting of New Orleans with your own artistic flair. Local artist Kristin Malone of Home Malone will guide guests through a fun, interactive painting class where the hardest part - the drawing - is done for you! The class includes the following:
 
  • One 12" x 12" wooden square ready to paint and hang with an original sketch of the downtown New Orleans skyline by artist Kristin Malone
  • Two complimentary Sparkling cocktails
  • Paints, palette, apron and easel
  • Music in the Palm Garden
 
WHO:                          This event is open to locals and hotel guests ages 21+.
 
WHEN:                                    Tuesday, August 11
6:00 - 6:30pm - Set up, socializing
                                    6:30 - 8:30pm - Painting
 
WHERE:                       Le Méridien New Orleans
Palm Garden
333 Poydras Street
                       
HOW:                          Tickets are $28 each and include the sketch to paint, paint supplies, easel, apron and two complimentary Sparkling cocktails. Registration is available online at Painting in the Palm ticket. The deadline to register is Monday, August 10 at 5pm.
 
A special cocktail and small bites menu will be available along with music. Space is limited, so people are encouraged to sign up early.  For more information about Painting in the Palm, email LMNolaInfo@lemeridien.com. For more information about Le Méridien New Orleans, please call 504 525 9444 or visit www.lemeridienneworleanshotel.com.
 
WHY:                           The signature "New Perspective" Event series, hosted in Le Méridien Hotel Hubs around the world, provides guests, locals and associates with the opportunity to learn something new regarding inspiring topics such as art, music, literature or coffee. 





Wednesday, August 12
Bon Operatit!
Come hear a FREE concert of
"The Best of Bon Operatit!
on Bourbon Street"


Bon Operatit! closes out their 5th season with an encore of fan favorites
over the past 5 years with the “Opera Returns to Bourbon Street” series.  


Wednesday, August 12 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter


541 Bourbon Street
$5.00 valet parking at the hotel
To reserve a table call (504) 524-7611 ext 146


For more information visit
www.BonOperatit.com 
or call (504) 232-1046

presents
August 12
Culinary History Tour
@The French Market
Evans Creole Candy, a peek at the making of beignets at Café du Monde, a historical perspective on the our port and river influences on New Orleans food culture, and other historic and modern food facts. 

 
Now thru August 15
Visions of a City: Printed Views of 19th Century New Orleans
@The Historic New Orleans Collection
It's the last week to check out this fascinating exhibit that features early city scapes of New Orleans. and explores the ways printmakers viewed and interpreted New Orleans for the public in the 19th century.

  
Daily
Cocktails and Martinis Live Jazz Happy Hour
@The Bombay Club
Kick back and enjoy fabulous live music while sipping on a delicious martini at this popular French Quarter bar and restaurant. Cheers!   
 Thursday, August 13


The Consulate of Mexico in New Orleans in conjunction with
the Consulate General of  Venezuela

 
“EL TIEMPO ”
&
“LABERINTOS MENTALES “
 
by
 Patricia Jordan and Francisco Magallàn

 from August 13th to the 24th, 2015
Art Gallery of the Consulate
901 Convention Center Blvd. Suite 118,
New Orleans, LA 70130


Opening Reception
August 13th,  2015 at 6:00pm







13

Bella Blue's Whiskey and Rhinestones
Gravier Street Social 
Doors: 8:00 PM / Show: 9:00 PM 

Gravier Street Social
523 Gravier Street 
New Orleans, LA, 70130
http://www.ticketfly.com/event/932153?utm_source=MEL&utm_medium=130017

Thu 08/13  Bella Blue's Whiskey and Rhinestones @ Gravier Street Social 
Sun 08/16  Bella Blue's Whiskey and Rhinestones @ Gravier Street Social 
Thu 08/20  Bella Blue's Whiskey and Rhinestones @ Gravier Street Social 
Sun 08/23  Bella Blue's Whiskey and Rhinestones @ Gravier Street Social 
Thu 08/27  Bella Blue's Whiskey and Rhinestones @ Gravier Street Social 
Sun 08/30  Bella Blue's Whiskey and Rhinestones @ Gravier Street Social 
Thu 09/03  Bella Blue's Whiskey and Rhinestones @ Gravier Street Social  

Sip @ Six

13

"Thursdays at Twilight"
Aug. 13 - Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue
The Honky Tonk Revue plays vintage honky tonk, rockabilly and classic country music with a heavy dose of western swing.
  Gates open at 5 p.m. Performances begin at 6 p.m.

 
Where:   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.
14
The Cradle Will Rock, a FREE, summer time production from The Cripple Creek Theatre Co., August 8 - 23!
Contact:  Shannon Flaherty         Telephone: 603-300-7321            E-mail: flashannon@gmail.com
 
NEW ORLEANS, LA  Cripple Creek Theatre Company (CCTC) presents a production of Marc Blitzstein's 1937 American opera The Cradle Will Rock from August 9 - 23 at The Marigny Opera House (725 St. Ferdinand St.). As part of the CCTC's belief that theatre is a vital act of community engagement that should be accessible to all people, all performances of The Cradle Will Rock will be FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
 
Written by Marc Blitzstein, The Cradle Will Rock follows a union strike in a fictitious town called Steeltown, USA.With musical direction by avant-garde composer, Tucker Fuller, CCTC's production of The Cradle Will Rock will educate audience members on the necessity of collective organizing, showcase the play's hilarious and brilliant script, and initiate discussion on its relevance to New Orleans today.
 
The show features amazing local talent with a sixteen-person cast including Emilie Whelan, Ian Hoch, Clint Johnson, Sherri Marina, Amy Alvarez, Ashley Rose Butler, Monica Harris, and Francesca McKenzie. CCTC believes that theatre is a civic necessity like roads, schools, and libraries. By offering this show free to the public, CCTC aims to make high quality art more accessible to all of New Orleans.
 
The Cradle Will Rock
August 14 - 23 at The Marigny Opera House (725 St. Ferdinand St.)
Performances Friday - Sunday at 8 pm

Louisiana Late Night at NOMA | August 14 | 5pm - Midnight‏


 
16

Sunday, August 16, 2015 
Lakefront Arena
VIP: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. - $75 in advance, $100 at door
General Admission: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. - $15 in advance, $25 at door
Sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes from some of the area's top restaurants will be available for sale. Sapporo beer, Clos du Bois wine, sake and cocktails will also be available to purchase.
FREE PARKING
VIP TICKETS ARE SOLD OUTCLICK HERE TO BUY 
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS

 
General Admittance: The following are included with your general admission ticket purchase.
  • Complimentary parking
  • Music by Flow Tribe 2-5pm
  • Access to Cat's Meow Karaoke Club
  • Complimentary photo booth
  • Access to Cat's Meow Karaoke Club
  • Aikido demonstration and Japanese-inspired entertainment
  • Complimentary shoulder massages
  • Sushi, Japanese inspired dishes and desserts from 20 vendors
    (available for purchase)
  • Sapporo Beer, Clos du Bois wine, Ty Ku Sake, signature cocktail and full bar (available for purchase)

 
VIP Tickets (Sold Out): In addition to all items for general admission ticket holders,  VIP guest will enjoy the following items in the VIP area
  • Early admittance from 1-2pm
  • One individual tray of sushi rolls from Rock n Sake (one tray per ticket)
  • Japanese inspired dishes (noodles, salads, rolls) until gone
  • Dessert "sushi" display by The Sweet Life Bakery until gone
  • Unlimited wine, beer, sake from 1-2pm
  • Unlimited signature cocktail in VIP area only from 1-5pm
  • Hand-crafted glass necklace created by Studio Inferno
  • Open seating in the VIP Japanese Garden area
  • Complimentary VIP parking
  • Japanese entertainment
 Sunday, August 16
 
    
The WWII Museum is now hosting Swing Dance classes and performances on Sundays in BB's Stage Door Canteen! There is a $10 admission fee, but it is free for museum members.  The dance classes will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the bands will perform from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Below is the schedule of instructors and bands: 

  August 16- Jayna Morgan Decuers and the Palmetto Bug Stompers
SAVE THIS DATE: 
Wednesday, August 19
ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON TO FOCUS ON KATRINA 10TH ANNIVERSARY at Antoine's

With the upcoming tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and its devastating effects on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, the monthly Round Table Luncheon hosted by Margarita Bergen will focus on the storm and the recovery efforts that have been made over the past decade.
The luncheon will be held at Antoine’s Restaurant, 713 St. Louis Street in the heart of the historic French Quarter, on Wednesday, August 19 at 12 noon. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon will feature guest speakers on a variety of Katrina-related topics.
The featured speaker will be Sandy Rosenthal, founder of Levees.org and one of the most outspoken critics of the levee failures that led to the flooding of 80 percent of New Orleans and surrounding areas. Over the past ten years, she has been a vigorous leader in the fight for accountability from the agencies responsible for constructing and maintaining the floodwalls and levees, and she has also led the drive for establishing memorial parks at the major levee break sites.
Also featured will be author Jennifer Gremillion, a New Orleans native who documents her powerful true story

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