Wednesday, February 17, 2016

A Toast to New Orleans Feb. 11-15: A Musical Prelude To The Celebration of Easter/Kinky Boots and more

Rex Monarchs: Michael Kearney and Adelaine Goodyear


Margarita Bergen's photo.
 Darlings,

I hope you enjoyed our Carnival Season 2016. My body is feeling the aches of two weeks of Carnival 's revelry. I enjoyed it very much as you will see in the photo links.

My Mardi Gras festivities last week started on Friday, February 5, when I began my very long day at the annual Royal Sonesta's “Greasing of the Poles.” Now in its 46th year, Greasing of the Poles has earned its place in Crescent City history as a landmark experience, and is considered by many as the French Quarter's official kickoff to Mardi Gras weekend. This year's theme, “Let Them Eat King Cake” was inspired by the era of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI. Local award-winning actor Bryan Batt served as master of ceremonies .https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153199592995870.1073742608.581200869&type=1&l=8007597066

Immediately after, I wandered through the French Quarter to have a toast to the Carnival Season at Arnaud's, Antoine's, Galatoire's and finally The Rib Room of the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. 
It was an incredible experience seeing a lot of my friends enjoying the Carnival Season. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153199551495870.1073742607.581200869&type=1&l=c762fe5b76

On Thursday, it was time to enjoy the spectacular Hermes Ball and Supper Dance. This year’s Queen of Hermes was Her Royal Majesty, Ms. Luciana Elizabeth Bertucci and her King was Kevin Mackey.  The Theme was "The Tempest," the last play written by Shakespeare. The food and entertainment at the Supper Dance was fabulous.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153196931445870.1073742604.581200869&type=1&l=ff83b616b9
Queen and King of Hermes 2016

Friday's Before Mardi Gras Luncheon at Galatoire's is a New Orleans Experience that I enjoyed tremendously. The people seated in the first floor of the restaurant had bought the seats and tables at the annual auction of Galatoire's Tables for the Friday before Galatoire's. The average seat went for about $500 for person. The proceeds from the auction benefit the Galatoire Foundation, New Orleans Mission and Boys Hope Girls Hope Greater New Orleans Chapter.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153199379085870.1073742606.581200869&type=1&l=0af17aeb44

After a short nap, I was ready to continue my festivities and this time, it was at the lovely annual Masked Ball at Kevin Kelly's palatial mansion on St. Charles Avenue.  This year's theme was "A Monumental Affair." Guests were treated to delicious cuisine from his award -winning restaurant at Houmas House and were invited to the spacious balcony to see the passing parade of the Krewe of Hermes and the Krewe D'Etat. Kevin knows my taste in champagne so I was in heaven, sipping Veuve Clicquot. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?et=a.10153199240935870.1073742605.581200869&type=1&l=ef2a19340e

Saturday and Sunday, I stayed away from the parades and concentrated on working at Casell-Bergen Gallery and resting for the festivities on Monday and Tuesday.
Orpheuscapade 2016 at the Ernest Morial Convention Center was spectacular This year's theme was "The Wizard Bestiary" and the Grand Marshal was Nathan Fillion who rode along with Harry Connick Jr. The krewe was founded in 1993 by Harry Connick Jr., Harry Connick Sr. and Sonny Borey who is the Captain and Derek Franklin is the artist director. .Talented drag queen Bianca Del Rio was the Co-Emcee. As in the past it was a lot of fun. The parade, the entertainment, the food, and the setting added to making it a very memorable experience.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153204057505870.1073742609.581200869&type=1&l=3ed31826d0

On Mardi Gras Day, beautiful sunny skies greeted the revelers. I stayed in bed recuperating from Orpheuscapade and enjoying the live coverage of the Zulu and Rex parades.

After 12 p.m., Duchess Chiquita and I got into costume and headed to the French Quarter which was packed with revelers. We were invited to the balconies of the Royal Sonesta Hotel and entertainer Chris Owens
A fun photo by Craig Kraemer
craigk@kraemeradvertising.com


I didn't stay too long because I was looking forward to the pageantry of the annual Rex and Comus balls. Rex and Comus Grand Balls were as expected - spectacular. You will recognize a lot of my friends in these photos. I could not take picture at the Comus Ball. So enjoy them

Darlings, Carnival 2016 has come and gone and the Lent Season has begun!
In case you wonder, I haven't confirmed where and when  my next Round Table Luncheon will be . I am working to have it at some of our prestige restaurants so stay tuned

The third annual "Musical Prelude to the Celebration of Easter" will be presented by the Bishop Perry Center during Lent at St. Mary's Catholic Church, part of the historic Ursuline Convent complex at 1100 Chartres Street. There will be six, one-hour-long concerts on successive Thursdays through the rest of February and into the third week of March with different performers each time.

The series will kick off on Thursday, February 11 with a program of spirituals and gospel arrangements performed by well-known opera star Valerie Francis with concert pianist Wilfred Delphin. It concludes on March 17 with a program of Medieval Easter music performed by the Musica da Camera chorale and chamber ensemble.

The programs will begin promptly at 6 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Voluntary donations will be collected at the end of each program, with all monies benefiting the ministries of the Bishop Perry Center, created by the Archdiocese of New Orleans as a mission for the disadvantaged and downtown cultural resource.  The center is under the direction of
The Rev. William F. Maestri.

For the full lineup of concerts and performers, read Dean Shapiro’s article in the New Orleans Advocate’s BEAUCOUP arts and entertainment magazine this Thursday, February 11. The story is also posted online athttp://www.theneworleansadvocate.com/beaucoup/14781095-171/two-lenten-music-series-offer-respite-after-revelry.

In the same article you can read about the Jazz Vespers concert series being staged at Trinity Episcopal Church in the Garden District on six successive Sunday nights during Lent. These free, half-hour mini-concerts will kick off this Sunday, February 14, with bassist James Singleton. Other upcoming concerts will feature Ellis and Delfeayo Marsalis, pianistMatt Lemmler, clarinetist Dr. Michael White, Preservation Hall saxophonist Calvin Johnson and cabaret performer/vocalist Anais St. John.

The Jazz Vespers concerts are half an hour long, from 9-9:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Have you ever wanted to explore your family's history, but didn't know where to start? In conjunction with the exhibition Pierre Joseph Landry: Patriot, Planter, Sculptor, the New Orleans Museum of Art will be hosting a genealogy night on Friday, Feb. 12. Local groups, including the City Archives at the New Orleans Public Library, will be on site to offer advice and help you get started. Here is the schedule:

·         5 - 8 pm: Art on the Spot
·         5 - 8 pm: Genealogy information with the Louisiana Creole Research Association, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Louisiana Division/City Archives at the New Orleans Public Library
·         5:30 - 8:30 pm: Music by Bruce Daigrepont
·         6:30 - 7:30 pm: Introduction to Genealogy Resources with Christina Bryant, Head Louisiana Division/City Archives and Greg Osborn, Staff Louisiana Division/City Archives

On Sunday, February 14, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church will host the first of a series of 2016 community blood drives in the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny and Central Business District of New Orleans.  The drive will be conducted by The Blood Center in St. Jude Hall.

This week, love is in the air since Valentine’s Day is on Sunday, February 14 and many restaurants will be having special lunches and dinners. Make your reservations now and enjoy a romantic Valentine’s Day with your loved one(s)!

I am anxiously looking forward to next Tuesday’s opening night of the multi-award-winning touring Broadway production ofKinky Boots at the Saenger Theatre. I’ll tell you more about it in my next column but, for a sneak preview, read the article in today’s Advocate at this link: http://www.theneworleansadvocate.com/beaucoup/14721069-171/guys-in-stilettos-kick-up-their-heels-in-saengers-kinky-boots.

Enjoy your week - it is your to be!
link February 11
http://conta.cc/1Tac916
LaFete News
Editor / Publisher: Frank Stansbury
lafete11@att.net
504-450-1955
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Historic St. Mary's Catholic Church
A Free, Public Concert Series for Lent
Thursdays, 6 p. m.,
February 11 - March 17, 2016
Presented by The Bishop Perry Center
1941 Daupine Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
For Details: 504-227-3272 or faulkhouse@aol.com 

A Musical Prelude To The Celebration of Easter 
Thursday, February 11, 2016
St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1116 Chartres St., New Orleans, Louisiana 
Presented by: 
The Bishop Perry Center, The Rev. William F. Maestri, Director
The Cathedral - Basilica of St. Louis King of France and The Archdiocese of New Orleans

In a Salute to Leontyne Price
La Vergine degli'angeli (La Forza del Destino) Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
Valerie Francis
Priest's Chorus
Troy Poplous, Timothy Ray, Roland Bennett, Melvin Harrison, James Rodrigue, Myron Hartford, Mark Thomas,
and The Sinfonia Singers of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity for Men in Music, Nicholls State University.
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Friday Nights at NOMA: Genealogy Night
February 12 at 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Have you ever wanted to explore your family's history, but didn't know where to start? In conjunction with the exhibition Pierre Joseph Landry: Patriot, Planter, Sculptor, NOMA will be hosting a genealogy night. Local groups, including the City Archives at the New Orleans Public Library, will be on site to offer advice and help you get started. Enjoy live music, art activities, and additional programs. 
  • 5 - 8 pm: Art on the Spot
  • 5 - 8 pm: Genealogy information with the Louisiana Creole Research Association, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Louisiana Division/City Archives at the New Orleans Public Library
  • 5:30 - 8:30 pm: Music by Bruce Daigrepont
  • 6:30 - 7:30 pm: Introduction to Genealogy Resources with Christina Bryant, Head Louisiana Division/City Archives and Greg Osborn, Staff Louisiana Division/City Archives (This talk will introduce beginners to resources available for genealogy research.  The discussion will focus primarily on resources available from the Louisiana Division/City Archives at the New Orleans Public Library.)
 
Pierre Joseph Landry: Patriot, Planter, Sculptor is jointly organized by the Louisiana State Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Related programs are funded under a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The opinions expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of either the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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Back by popular demand!
Among the rites of Carnival is the annual run of ... And The Ball and All, the Ricky Graham-penned comedy
about the Mystic Krewe of Terpsichore. The Ball debuted in 1995 (the year in which it's set) and had a long initial run. The outrageous, affectionate chronicle of y'at social custom must be imbued with immortal energies, because it keeps coming back and audiences still love it.    
And The Ball & All
3 shows only!
Feb  12, 13, 
14 (sold out) 
 

Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts - 325 Minor Street - Kenner, LA  70062
(504) 461-9475
info@rivertowntheaters.com
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  • 02:00 PM
  • Panel Discussion
     
    02:00 PM - 04:00 PM


    Panel Discussion for Michael Meads: Bent, Not Broken. Panelists will include Michael Meads, artist; Wayne Phillips, Curator of Costumes and Textiles and Curator of Carnival Collections, Louisiana State Museum; John d'Addario, writer and arts educator; and Bradley Sumrall, Curator of the Collection, Ogden Museum of Southern Art.
  • Pu t in your calendar: 
2-20-16

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