Darlings,
In spite of the torrential rain that flooded our streets on Wednesday, Mother Nature provide us with glorious seasonal weather to enjoy the weekend.
Among the many fun events that I enjoyed attending was a lovely champagne reception hosted by talented author/illustrator Morgan Molthrop at his residence in uptown New Orleans in honor of author John Berendt in his curatorial debut at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art for "Arthur Kern: The Surreal World of a Reclusive Sculptor."Berendt is the author of two #1 New York Times bestsellers, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and The City of Falling Angels.
On Thursday, I was invited to attend La Thai’s 8th Anniversary Celebration and indeed it was a delicious celebration. Chef /Owner Diana Chauvin was born in New Orleans from a Cajun-French father from Lockport, Louisiana and a Thai mother from Thailand. She is married to meteorologist Jay Galle and a lot of his colleagues at WDSU joined him in the celebration. Guests were treated to the delicious and tantalizing flavors of Thai cuisine as well as champagne and decadent libations.
On Friday, I had a lovely lunch at Emeril's where the monthly Luncheon of the Krewe of Cork was held.
On Saturday, I had such a great time at the annual fundraiser of the Alliance Francaise de la Nouvelle-Orleans, Les Etoiles de la Nouvelle-Orleans at Purloo/Southern Food & Beverage Museum. I love the venue since the drinks were decadent and the food was delicious by Chef Hughes. I have been a Lifetime Member of the Alliance since I arrived here in 1978 from NYC. If you haven't been to the Southern Food and Wine Museum, you need to go. Every time I visit it, I am amazed how much it has grown and how great it is. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153323309010870.1073742632.581200869&type=1&l=4872abd400The annual Gala benefiting the Alliance Francaise de la Nouvelle-Orleans
Sunday was a real busy day for me but I took time to enjoy the fascinating lecture at the Old US Mint about the Pioneers of the Gay Carnival. I loved listening to and meeting some of the legends and seeing photos from those early balls. I have been fortunate to have been invited to attend many of them. I am committed to donating all the vintage posters that I have at Casell-Bergen Gallery, that showcase the gay community, since there is going to be a big exhibit in 2019 at the LA State Museum. Dedicated curator Wayne Phillips is asking for donation of gay memorabilia. So check out your files and contact Wayne at
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153325250340870.1073742633.581200869&type=1&l=fcadda4b0f
My afternoon continued at the annual Tennessee Williams Literary Festival's “Stella!/Stanley!” Shouting Contest at Jackson Square.
I left early because I did not wanted to miss the exquisite piano recital of my darling friends Dr. Quinn Peeper andMichael Harold as part of the Trinity Artist Series at Trinity Episcopal Church. Dr. Peeper played Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor, Opus 16, accompanied by Albinas Prizgintas at the organ.Taking a bow
Darlings, before I share with you, all the fabulous events that will take place this week, I want to congratulate three of my darling friends:
Betsie Gambel, who has been chosen one of just 36 women in the U.S. to receive PR Week's "Champions of PR" award
Betsie Gambel Named a PRWeek "Champion of PR"
Tracee Dundas - Founder and Director of Fashion Week who received The Boss Award last night at the AMC Theater - She is the one in the right!
and last but not least- Conductor Paul Mauffray will make his debut performance at the Mariinsky Theater conducting Rusalka on April 16 and 17, 2016. The opera will be performed in Czech with synchronized Russian supertitles. http://www.williamreinert.com/agency.php?view=news&nid=7571
Darlings, I am really looking forward to this week since I am going to start it by attending the premiere of the Broadway Across America's production of Cabaret at the Saenger Theater. It will be playing until Sunday, April 10.
The Southern Food & Beverage Museum, St. James Cheese Company and Republic National Distributing Company are hosting a cocktail and cheese pairing competition for local bartenders, combining the timeless art of cocktails with the ancient art of cheesemaking.
SoFAB hosts the final round of competition on April 5. Attendees will be judging the eight bar-testants who have made it through the preliminary rounds to decide who created the very best pairing of cocktails and cheese. The winning bartender will receive a $1,000 prize. Ticket includes all cocktail and cheese pairings and light food.
The French Quarter Festival will hold its 33rd annual celebration of Louisiana music in New Orleans this year, bringing over 1,700 local acts to the city on April 7-10. The newly announced lineup includes Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Irma Thomas, Jon "Papa" Gros, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Naughty Professor, Bonerama, Buckwheat Zydeco, The New Orleans Suspects and many more. Full lineup and schedule information can be found at the festival's website here.
Special Events on Thursday, April 7, 2016
French Quarter Festival Second-Line Kickoff Parade sponsored by Jimmy John’s led by New Wave Brass Band, 100 block of Bourbon Street to Jackson Square – 10 a.m.
Opera at the Upper Pontalba presented by the French Market; operatic performances with musical accompaniment sponsored by the French Market. Upper Pontalba building on Jackson Square, at Chartres St. near St. Peter. 7 p.m.
2016 Gala at Antoine’s Restaurant – For information and to purchase tickets click here It is sold out but check with them anyway since last minute cancellations are always a possibility. Patron Party 7 p.m.; Gala 8 p.m.
The "Downton Abbey" series finale has come and gone. For fans feeling some separation anxiety, WYES and the English-Speaking Union of New Orleans present TO MARRY AN ENGLISH LORD featuring co-author Carol Wallace.Thursday, April 7, 5 p.m. at House of Broel, 2220 Saint Charles Avenue.
The event goes back to where it all started, with the book that served as inspiration to Julian Fellowes, the creator of the mega-hit costume drama "Downton Abbey." Tickets to the event are $50. A VIP ticket is available for $75, which will include the book and photo-op with the author. Guests will enjoy, at 5 p.m., champagne, a specialty cocktail, passed hors d'oeuvres and sweets with a presentation at 6 p.m. by author Carol McD. Wallace.
On Friday is the Official After-party: Tribute to Toussaint. French Quarter Festivals and the House of Blues present a Benefit for New Orleans Artists Against Hunger & Homelessness (founded by Allen Toussaint & Aaron Neville, 1985). The party features a night of performances by The Allen Toussaint Band with very special guests: Leo Nocentelli (The Meters), Big Sam (Big Sam’s Funky Nation), James Andrews, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Davell Crawford, and Robin Barnes. Click here for tickets or visit www.TicketMaster.com or the House of Blues Box Office (225 Decatur, 504-310-4975) 9 p.m.
On Friday evening, the New Orleans Opera Association is presenting the opening night of Tosca at the Mahalia Jackson Theater at 8 p.m.. Tosca has been an opera fan favorite for 116 years and will be presented again on Sunday for a 2:30 matinee.
The Festival of Balloons, which features the world's largest and most elaborate displays by international balloon artists, is having its biannual event in New Orleans at the Hilton Riverside on Sunday, April 10, from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
The Festival of Balloons is an opportunity for the public to view the balloon art that will be created during the 2016 World Balloon Convention. The Pioneer Balloon Company is the organizer and host of the Festival of Balloons and the World Balloon Convention where hundreds of balloon professionals from countries around the world will gather to showcase the art, entertainment and education relating to the balloon industry.
Darling, I am going to need to recharge my batteries since, on Wednesday, April 13, I will be hosting my monthly Round Table Luncheon at noon at Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House.
The luncheon will be a very special one since we will celebrate the upcoming festivals and fun events. As such, I have invited Jamie Peckenpaugh Hall, Executive Director of the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE 2016: May 26-29).
Also speaking will be Jack Pruitt on the upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration of The Historic New Orleans Collection, titled “Soiree D' Or” on May 4 at the Orpheum Theater. Amy Kirk, representing the French Market and its famous Creole Tomato Fest, will also speak. I also have invited Teresa Guzetta - President of the New Orleans Women of Fashion to talk wabout their upcoming event: Prix d' Elegance on April 19.
The live entertainment will be by talented baritone Ivan Griffin, with Jim Walpole on the piano.
The price is $55 - all inclusive. It includes a delicious 3-course luncheon, accompanied by champagne and wines. For reservations call me at 504-495-9181. CASH AND CHECKS Preferred. Parking available almost across the street at the old Maison Blanche Building.
Don't miss out - Limited editions on sale at CasellBergengallery.com
Casell Bergen Gallery added 8 new photos to the album: French Quarter Festival POSTERS — at Casell Bergen Gallery.
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Cocktails & Curds!
Tuesday, April 5
The Southern Food & Beverage Museum, St. James Cheese Company, and Republic National Distributing Company are hosting a cocktail and cheese pairing competition for local bartenders, combining the timeless art of cocktails with the ancient art of cheesemaking! Come sip, taste and vote for your favorite bartender!6:45 - 9 PM Southern Food & Beverage Museum 1504 Oretha C. Haley Boulevard
Buy tickets here or at the door!
http://natfab.org/events/cocktails-curds
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For more information, contact Jan Clifford at 504.620.2479, clifford@leh.org , or visit www.leh.org
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THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT: 6 p.m., Pavilion of the Two Sisters, Botanical Gardens, City Park, Victory Drive, New Orleans. $10.
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Allen Toussaint, one of the most influential figures in New Orleans R&B, unexpectedly passed away in November 2015 while touring in Spain. Earlier that year, French Quarter Festival was honored to feature the celebrated songwriter, record producer, and musician throughout the 2015 French Quarter Festival - with a performance on the riverfront Abita Stage, participation in the Festival's Let Them Talk symposium to talk about his life and career, and his attendance at the Festival's Film Fest, where a new film about him was screened. Toussaint was also the 2015 'Face of the Festival', with his photograph gracing the French Quarter Festival publicity and advertising campaigns.
At the 2016 event, three special events will honor him. On Friday, April 8 an official after-party hosted by the House of Blues, Tribute to Toussaint, will be a fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting Toussaint's foundation - New Orleans Artists Against Hunger and Homelessness (founded by Allen Toussaint & Aaron Neville in 1985). Performers include The Allen Toussaint Band, Leo Nocentelli (The Meters), Big Sam (Big Sam's Funky Nation), James Andrews, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Davell Crawford, Robin Barnes, and more. Doors open at 8pm for the 9pm show. Tickets range from $35-$70 and are available at http://www.houseofblues.com/neworleans/ or the House of Blues Box Office at 225 Decatur Street, New Orleans (504-310-4975).
Also on Friday, April 8 at Whitney Bank Film Fest at French Quarter Festival with Timecode: NOLA, the film A Tribute to Toussaint will be screened to celebrate the life of the late musician, composer, producer, and humanitarian. Additionally, the 2016 Film Fest will be dedicated to the beloved performer.
Sunday, April 10, the festival's Let Them Talk: Conversations on Louisiana Musicsymposium will present From Southern Nights to Hall-of-Fame Heights: Remembering Allen Toussaint. During this panel, Grammy-winning record producer Scott Billingtonand an all-star panel - including another Grammy-winner - the great Irma Thomas; award-winning music journalist and biographer Ben Sandmel; bassist Roland Guerin - a long-time member of Allen Toussaint's band, and Reginald Toussaint, who managed and performed with his father for over 25 years, will share Allen Toussaint stories and memories.
For more information about the 2016 French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron, which takes place April 7-10, visit fqfi.org
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Rivertown Theaters Presents Into The Woods, Jr.
on the Lagniappe Stage April 1 - 10
WHAT: Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts continues their commitment to showcase and develop the talents of budding local thespians with the very special production of Into The Woods Jr.
Be careful what you wish for as Stephen Sondheim's and James Lapine's cockeyed fairytale comes to life in this adaptation of their groundbreaking, Tony Award- winning musical. Into The Woods JR. features all of your favorite characters- Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch in this lyrically rich re-telling of classic Brothers Grimm fables.
The musical centers on a baker and his wife who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the king's festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse and wind up changed forever.
WHERE: Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts
325 Minor St. in the heart of Rivertown, Kenner LA
Plenty of parking on the streets around the theater
WHEN: The schedule of performances is as follows:
Fridays April 8 at 7:30 pm
Saturdays April 9 at 7:30 pm
Sundays April 10 at 2:00 pm
TICKET PRICE: $15.00 General Admission
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