Tuesday, October 27, 2015

A Toast to NO: Cinderella, Halloween Festivities, Bayou Festival and more.....

Darlings,

Another week has gone by and what made it more memorable was the exciting Saints win over the Colts. GO Saints Go!

I was praying for water for my plants but I did not expect so much. Well, I think the bad weather will be over by today.

I would like to congratulate my friends who won the elections and urge all of you to vote in the runoffs on November 21. I am in favor Billy Nungesser for Lt. Governor since he knows our community.

Last week was indeed a hectic cultural week and I started my week by attending the annual Where magazine's 24th annual Silver Plume Awards at Le Meridian. The food was delicious and there were too many decadent libations but I left early because I was driving. Congratulations to the winners who excel in the hospitality industry!https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153024739280870.1073742543.581200869&type=1&l=f5bd398d2c

I also attended the LPO Volunteers' Encore Shop's 9th annual Fall Into Fashion fundraiser to benefit the musicians of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and it was lovely. The event took place at the exquisite home and gardens of Patricia and Vernon Brinson. The food, the setting and the libations made a very memorable night and for a great cause.

enjoyed attending on Thursday, Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful's annual The Autumn Affair at the lovely home of Karen and Gabe Corchiani in Old Metairie. As in the past, it was lovely and delicious.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153026199645870.1073742544.581200869&type=1&l=13c21d9f70

On Friday, The Cancer Crusaders 15th Annual Celebration of Life Luncheon at the Grand Ballroom of New Orleans Marriott was inspirational. It honored eleven cancer survivors: Samantha Battaglia Arnold, Suzanne Lindley, Lynn P. Creel, Diana Noveck, Heidi G. Dugan, Jo Ann Paulin, Holley L. Haag, Linda Phillips, Yvonne Hill Jackson, Janice Watsky and Elizabeth Williams(https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153026812880870.1073742545.581200869&type=1&l=444e23663b

That evening my darling friend Dean Shapiro asked me to accompany him to see the fabulous JPAS's production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto, the first opera in their magnificent new Jefferson Performing Arts Center. As my darling friend Maestro Dennis G. Assaf said at the production, "IT IS OK TO COME TO JEFFERSON PARISH." I agreed! I enjoyed tremendously seeing “Rigoletto: and the talented cast in the magnificent new Center. Congratulations to all who made the production happen! And a special thanks to JPAS’ PR Director,Joshua Frederick for giving us great seats.
Margarita Bergen's photo.
On Saturday, once again I wished I had a clone because so many fun events were taking place and, of course, I could not be at all of them.

I started my evening at the fabulous Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s O WHAT A NIGHT annual fundraiser cocktail party at the Howard-Tilton Library. It was indeed a very memorable soiree where arts patrons bid high for lovely artwork. I missed the Gala but I saw many of my friends and met new ones. The Opus award was presented to David A. Kerstein, President of The Helis Foundation.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153029019250870.1073742547.581200869&type=1&l=8ef5354733

After, the cocktail reception, I kept going and my next stop was at the Mahalia Jackson Theater where world-renowned choreographerTwyla Tharp presented her 50th Anniversary Tour, courtesy of the New Orleans Ballet Association. It was really lovely and I loved the second act, especially, that featured colorful costumes and pre-recorded, old-time jazz music by New Orleans pianist/arranger Henry Butler. During the intermission, I was invited to a lovely VIP reception.

Darlings, I needed a rest and there is nothing better than to stay home on a rainy Sunday afternoon watching the Saints game and WYES' programs.

This week is going to be another social marathon for me that will include attending the opening of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” tonight at the Saenger Theatre. The show runs from October 27- November 1. “Cinderella” is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of “The Sound of Music” and “South Pacific” that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love - the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more - plus some surprising new twists! Read more about it here:http://www.saengernola.com/shows/cinderella

Darlings, I’ve always loved the beautiful art-deco works of the late Mexican sculptor, Enrique Alférez, who lived and worked in New Orleans for many years. So I am looking forward to this Wednesday, when the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Consulate of Mexico will celebrate the work of Alférez by unveiling and dedicating The Helis Foundation Enrique Alférez Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Botanical Garden this Wednesday, October 28. Dedication is at 11 a.m. Free admission and guided tours from 12:00 noon-4:00 p.m. Lectures and conversations at 6:00 p.m.  http://www.theneworleansadvocate.com/features/13706365-93/alf%C3%A9rez-legacy-blooms-in-a
Acclaimed opera company, New Orleans’ OperaCréole, will present William Grant Still’s tragic opera, “Minette Fontaine,” at the Marigny Opera House on October 30 and 31 and November 1. All performances are at 7:00 p.m.
“Minette Fontaine” was composed by William Grant Still (1895-1978), a classical composer, conductor and arranger who was the first African-American to have an opera performed by a major opera company, and the first to have an opera performed on national television. “Minette Fontaine” is set in New Orleans, in the 1840s. It centers around a visiting opera diva who is rejected by the local Creole society and seeks revenge with the aid of Voodoo priestess, Marie Laveau. The opera was composed in 1958, and premiered in 1984 by the Baton Rouge Opera.
The performance will feature Dara Rahming in the title role, and OperaCréole Founder and Director Givonna Joseph as Marie Leveau. The cast also includes Aria Mason, Ebonee Davis, Tyrone Chambers, Shannon Dickinson, Ivan Griffin, Kendrik Williams, Pamela Nions and Kentrell Roberts and a chorus including students from Xavier University Opera Workshop Class.Ronald Joseph will accompany on piano and Steven Edwards will conduct.

Since the 19th Century, Creoles of New Orleans have made contributions to the music and culture of New Orleans. It is their participation in opera, as well as the music of Africa, Spain, and Haiti that contributed to the birth of jazz. OperaCréole is dedicated to researching and performing lost or rarely performed music, and sharing with the community the contributions of our people to this musical art form, not only in New Orleans, but around the world.

Besides attending a lot of private Halloween parties, I am looking forward to attending some of these soirees as well: 
 ON Tuesday- opening of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. at the Saenger from Oct 27- Nov 1. Cinderella is the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love — the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more — plus some surprising new twists!
The Saenger Theatre is New Orleans' premier performing arts facility featuring Broadway shows, concerts, comedians and events.
SAENGERNOLA.COM

October 27
Son of a Saint Golf Tournament

The event benefits Son of a Saint, a nonprofit organization that provides mentorship and educational support to boys. Chateau Country Club, 3600 Chateau Blvd., Kenner; www.sonofasaint.org

Wednesday, October 28th

Celebrate the work of the great Mexican Artist Enrique Alférez.

The Consulate of Mexico has the great pleasure to join the dedication of
The Helis Foundation Enrique Alférez Sculpture Garden
at the New Orleans Botanical Garden this
Wednesday, October 28th, 2015
Dedication
11:00 am
Free admission and guided tours
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Lectures and Conversations
6:00 pm

October 28
Cocktails for KID smart
A Champagne Reception and Cocktail party that features the work of local artists will commemorate and remind us of the rich artistic environment that local children live in. It will be held at the Robert Home, Audubon Place.  

Wednesday, October 28
A great opportunity to wear this year Halloween Costume.


October 29

The New Orleans Council for Community and Justice, the city's oldest human relations organization, has announced its honorees for the upcoming 58th Annual Weiss Awards. The Oct. 29th ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel will recognize the seven honorees' "exceptional civic and humanitarian contributions" to the greater New Orleans community, the council said.
This year's recipients are Robert W. Merrick, chief executive officer and board chairman of Latter & Blum Companies; Sonia Perez, president of AT&T Louisiana; M. Cleland Powell III, executive vice president and senior commercial manager, Iberia Bank; Zack Rosenburg and Liz McCartney, co-founders of St. Bernard Project; Warner L. Thomas, president and chief executive officer, Ochsner Health System; and Jimmie M. Woods Sr., chief executive officer, Metro Disposal, Inc
October 29.
 Soirée Under the Stars
Thomas & McMahan Cancer Foundation to Partner with 2015 James Beard Award Winning Chef Alon Shaya for Soirée Under the Stars Fundraising Event
Thomas & McMahan Cancer Foundation will partner with local top chefs and winemaker for a one-of-kind dinner underneath the NOLA skyline. Join us for Soirée Under the Stars on Oct. 29, 2015 from 6:30-10pm at Race+Religious located at 510 Race St., New Orleans, LA 70130. Tickets are $100 per person and available through Eventbrite http://tmcf-soireeunderthestars.eventbrite.com.
This exclusive limited seating event will include Champagne by Pernod-Ricard USA, and hors d'oeuvres by Chateau Bleu. Plated dining will feature culinary specialties by Kristen Essig of Meauxbar (appetizer), Alon Shaya of Shaya (entree), Dickie Brennan's Tableau (dessert). All accompanied by select wines from James Moises’ Bijou Wines.
Chef Alon Shaya, winner of the 2015 James Beard Award and supporter of the Thomas & McMahan Cancer Foundation commented, "We all know and have loved someone who has had to face a battle with cancer. We can all do something, whether it be big or small, to help people fighting this disease stay positive and allow their families to be strong for them. I'm honored that Shaya Restaurant can play a part in this meaningful cause and we are happy to have The Thomas & McMahan Cancer Foundation in our community serving the ones we love."
Event supporters also include Billie & Gran Semmes - owners of Race+Religious, Café Du Monde, Your Event Delivered, Darren Trentacosta Photography, & Gardner Realtors.
The Thomas & McMahan Cancer Foundation provides quality of life care to adult cancer patients in the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area. The foundation specializes in life-changing services that otherwise go unnoticed and unmet, including meal delivery, sitter services, transportation to medical appointments, yoga classes, nutritionist services, and theraputic massages.
October 29 
Jazz in the Park Presents 
Little Freddy King. 

October 29
Poydras Home 21st Annual Patron Party and Art Show
The ultimate experience for both serious collectors of art and the casual enthusiast, the 21st annual Poydras Home Art Show kicks off with a Patron Party celebration at Poydras Home, 5354 Magazine Street, on Thursday, Oct. 29. The free show on Saturday the 31st will feature more than 2,500 original works of art by New Orleans and regional artists. Proceeds benefit Poydras Home. Call 897-0535, or visit their website, PoydrasHome.com.
29

Just in time for Halloween, The Theatre at St. Claude is going to turn out the lights and say "boo" in the dark.

Dracula is coming. 

Orson Welles' Mercury Theatre of The Air's adaptation of Bram Stoker's timeless horror classic springs to life and promises to give its audiences nightmares for days.

That old-time radio magic will sweep our patrons from The Carpathian Mountains to The Carfax Abbey.   

Directed by Jim Fitzmorris and featuring the talents of Kimberly Kaye, Joel Derby, Matthew Mickal, Lin Gathright, and a few surprising guest stars, this Dracula is suitable for kids of all ages who want to pregame for Halloween by clutching a parent, a date or a friend in dark for a good laugh and a loud scream.


The Theatre at St. Claude. 2240 St. Claude. New Orleans, LA 70117

Speaking of Transylvania, 
The Theatre at St. Claude  goes old-school with a presentation of Orson Welles' Mercury Theatre of the Air's radio adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic vampire tale, "Dracula." Performances are Thursday through Saturday (Oct. 24) and Thursday through Friday (Oct. 29-30) at 8 p.m. Admission is $18
October 30
Big Chief Alfred Doucette’s 75th Birthday Bash
Big Chief Alfred Doucette of the Flaming Arrow Warriors Mardi Gras Indian tribe will celebrate his 75th birthday with a big musical and cultural bash at the Mahalia Jackson Theater the night before Halloween.
Chief Doucette will sing and perform in full Mardi Gras Indian suit and sharing the stage with him will be a virtual who’s who among the New Orleans musical community. Among those already announced to be present are trumpeter James Andrews, Guitar Slim Jr., Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Al “Carnival Time” Johnson, Cyril Neville, Judy of Ooh Poo Pah Doo fame and still others yet to be announced. Other Mardi Gras Indian Chiefs and tribal officials will also be present.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Mahalia Jackson Theater box office inside the Basin  Street gate to Louis Armstrong Park or by reserving over the phone at (504) 287-0351. They can also be purchased from the event’s promotion team at breakthrupr@aol.com or at musicsynergy504@gmail.com. More information can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/944517442238324/or Twitter@Chief Doucette.
October 30-31
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
The LPO is holding an Open Rehearsal for the Dvořák Cello Concerto on Friday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m. in the Orpheum Theater. That evening at 7:30 LPO will perform the Dvořák Cello Concerto at the Orpheum, along with Sibelius’ "Four Legends from the Kalevala."

On Saturday, October 31 at 2:30 p.m., LPO will present its Dia de los Muertos concert at Louis B. Roussel Performance Hall on the Loyola University campus. Our hometown orchestra celebrates the popular Mexican holiday of remembrance with festive and spooky music that is guaranteed to wake the dead!


October 30The Bash
Named for late Chancellor Emmett Bashful, the Southern University fundraiser supports scholarships and academic programs. Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Ave.; www.suno.edu
Halloween 


October 31Voodoo on the Bayou
The benefit for the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association features costumes, live music, food from local restaurants, an open bar and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Desmare Playground. Pitot House, 1440 Moss St.; www.fsjna.org
October 31
Wineoween
@Patricks Bar Vin
Love wine and Hallowee? Than you will love WINEoween! Stop by Patrick's Bar Vin Halloween night for this festive event. Costume contest, drink specials and the best vino around!

October 31
Vampire Ball
@House of Blues
Get your spook on and dance the night away Halloween night at the House of Blues Vampire Ball! The masquerade ball themed party is one that can't be missed! More info

Trinity Artist Series, Sunday Nov. 1 @ 5 pm 

EXCEPTIONEL This coming Sunday !!
Philip Melancon, Heidi Melancon and Hector Ventura
Songs from their last four cabaret shows featuring songs from  Charles Aznavour, Leslie Bricusse, Haroyyd Arlen and Jimmy Webb. This trio of musical performers have been working together for the last couple of years and have delighted audiences throughout the South.
Monday, November 2 

Celebrate the Day of The Dead and help your Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana while you dine at Mizado Cocina on November 2.‏



For complete calendar of events: 

link october 27
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/lafete-news-10-27-15.html?soid=1102589984427&aid=p4beJsX5kJw#fblike

LaFete News
Editor / Publisher: Frank Stansbury
lafete11@att.net
504-450-1955



Photos from Last week - please open the links to the albums. 

 The LPO Volunteers' Encore Shop's 9th annual Fall Into Fashion fundraiser to benefit the musicians of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra was lovely. The event took place at the exquisite home and gardens of Patricia and Vernon Brinson, The food, the setting and the libations made a very memorable night and for a great cause.



at the Mahalia Jackson Theater where Twyla Tharp brought her 50th Anniversary Tour to New Orleans. It was really lovely and i loved the second part that featured colorful costumes and pre-recorded, old-time jazz music by New Orleans pianist/arranger Henry Butler. At the intermission, there was a lovely reception that I was invited.
I had my Flu shot as part of Shots for shots at Dat Dog in the Marigny

No comments:

Post a Comment