Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Darlings,  
Let's welcome Autumn and its colorful shower of leaves: “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” 
― Albert Camus 
Emoji,EmojiEmoji
But as predicted, the highlight of my week was the annual Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Cultural Season 2016-17 at the ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. The luncheon was co-hosted by Scott Hutcheson, Senior Advisor to the Mayor for Cultural Economy of the City of New Orleans, and yours truly, Margarita Bergen. The informative, entertaining and delicious luncheon was memorable because of the featured speakers: Jenny Hamilton, New Orleans Ballet; Maestro Robert Lyall, New Orleans Opera; Allison Gouaux, New Orleans Museum of Art; Bill Hess, President of the Board of Directors, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra; and Dave Hurlbert , Executive Director of the Marigny Opera House. Unfortunately, at the last minute, Maestro Dennis Assaf and featured entertainers  Kathleen Halm Simmons, and her husband, Timothy Todd Simmons, Director of New Orleans Opera were under the weather. 
Special guests included Consul of France, Hon. Gregor Trumel, and Consul General of Mexico, Hon. Carlos Ponce.
The champagne and wines were flowing, thanks to the generosity of Ross and Sandra Herman.  A toast to you Emoji

My next one will be on Wednesday, October 26 when we will salute the Jefferson Performing Arts Society and its upcoming Pasta and Puccini Gala. Hopefully, it will be the same venue - the Bourbon Orleans Hotel - since our attendees liked the location, the delicious food and valet parking.
My social week continued on Thursday when I went to see my darling friend Robin Barnes, The Songbird of New Orleans,” performing at the Ogden After Hours. I rushed to attend Touro and Crescent City Physicians for the 4th Annual Pints for Prostates Beer Tasting & Prostate Cancer Awareness Event at the New Orleans Brewery. 
That evening I was invited to be part of an outstanding panel of the always fun and irreverent Politics with a Punch. Panelists included Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich: Coroner of Jefferson Parish; John Fourcade:TV/radio analyst & host and former Saints QB; Yvonne Landry: comedienne, actor, improv teacher & writer; Travers Mackel: WDSU-TV investigative reporter and Emmy Award nominee; Eric Skrmetta:LA Public Service Commissioner; Oliver Thomas: former City Councilman, actor & WBOK Radio talk show host. The moderator, as always, was Jeff Crouere and it took place at The Eiffel Society on St. Charles Avenue I had such a ball last night at the always irreverent Politics with a Punch at the Eiffel Society!
On Friday, I attended and covered the annual St. Elizabeth’s Guild's 46th Annual Volunteer Activists Awards Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency.
Congratulations to the recipients of St. Elizabeth Guild's 10 Community Activists Awards. This year's honorees were: John Besh, Karen Saunders DeBlieux, L. E. Eagan, Jr., Diane Hollis, Jonathan Kernion, Natasia T. Kissinger, Doris D. Rappold, Darlene Robert, Pat Shane and Steve Stumpf. Additionally, Marilyn V. Dittman was honored as a Hall of Fame Activist for her extensive and continued support of the community. The event included a fashion show presented by Dillard’s, musical entertainment by The Mystics, a silent auction, various raffles and a parade of prizes.
St. Elizabeth’s Guild supports the various children’s programs of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans. Proceeds from this year’s luncheon will support Padua House, St. John the Baptist Head Start, Cornerstone Kids, Isaiah 43 and Therapeutic Family Services.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153699099170870.1073742712.581200869&type=1&l=f12705f2c8
additional photos for the St Elizabeth'sGuild Awards Luncheon (please make sure you open all the links so you can see all the photos)
On Saturday, I was going from one soiree to another but they were both so much fun. The “LOVE in the Garden,” presented by Whitney Bank, to benefit the New Orleans Museum of Art was just lovely and delicious. This year’s honorees were New Orleans artists Elenora Rukiya Brown, Skylat Fein, Gene Koss, Ashley Longshore, Alexa Pulitzer and Josephine Sacabo. It was co-chaired by my darling friendsPenny Baumer, Jennifer Heebe and Shelby Sanderford.
It was a fun, festive and casual evening served to celebrate both the visual and culinary arts in New Orleans. The event included food from over 60 of New Orleans’ finest restaurants, local entertainment and craft cocktails mixed by the city’s top bartenders, who competed in the second annual LOVE Cocktail Challenge.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153699028495870.1073742710.581200869&type=1&l=df8d9f2876
Unfortunately, I keep missing the competition because I was invited to cover the lovely Belles & Beaus Ball: A Salute to Survivors” to benefit the American Cancer Society.
“The American Cancer Society 2016 New Orleans Belles & Beaus Ball at Mardi Gras World was superb. The 2016 honorees were: Shannon Able, Meaghan Ryan Bonavita, Susan Brunet, Susan Foret, Heidi Fox, Dr. Mary Beth Lobrano, Lauren Marshall, Suzanne Phelps, Claudette Vicks, and Mullady Voelker; and Beaus: Tony Abadie, Sidney W. Degan III, Ken Friend, Hunter Hill, Dr. Keith LeBlanc, Michael W. Murphy, Council Powell, Ike Ryan, Ronald Stein, and Dr. Steve Venturatos.
The fundraiser featured great food and drinks from local establishments, dancing and live music from Karma, a spectacular live and silent auction, Money raised at the party benefits the society's Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge, which provides overnight accommodations to patients who come to New Orleans for cancer treatment.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153698993755870.1073742709.581200869&type=1&l=8e35e3a0fe
After attending all those soirees I needed to say "No" to the parties and "Yes" to myself and spend quality time at home which I did. Unfortunately, I realized after luncheon at my return from working at Casell Bergen Gallery that I had completely forgotten about attending the Hannah G. Solomon Award Luncheon that benefits the National Council of Jewish Women at the Hyatt. 
My darling beloved friends, Ana and Dr. Juan Gershanik, have been chosen to be the recipients of the Solomon Award and they were honored at the luncheon. NCJW is a grassroots organization of volunteers who turn progressive ideals into action. Congratulations, darlings and I am so sorry I missed it.
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This week is going to be exciting as well. 
I am going to start my social week by attending The Historic New Orleans Collection Opening Reception “Goods of Every Description: Shopping in New Orleans, 1825-1925” on September 28.
HNOC’s latest offering invites visitors to explore 100 years of the city's cosmopolitan retail scene. The display will include a replica shop window, period showcases and more than 150 artifacts. Guests will also have an opportunity to see merchandise from showrooms that lined Royal, Chartres and Canal Streets in the 19th- and early 20th-centuries. Articles on display include ceramics, silver, furniture and clothing. An interactive map and historical records will show the shops' locations, their dates of operation and descriptions of their wares.
On September 29, the Southern Food & Beverage Museum is presenting Tujague's 160th Anniversary Grand Finale At SoFAB. On that evening, guests will enjoy a cocktail reception in the Tujague's exhibit, followed by a five-course wine-pairing dinner and culinary demonstration by newly appointed Executive Chef Guy Sockrider. On hand will be Tujague's owner, Mark Latter, and culinary historian/author of Tujague's Cookbook, Poppy Tooker, who will regale guests with legendary lore from the famed restaurant that has graced the French Quarter for over 1½ centuries. Signed copies of the cookbook will also be available for sale in the museum gift shop.
Here are the details:
Location: 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. Times: cocktail reception 6:30 pm; dinner 7:00 pm. Admission: $90 per person - all-inclusive. Seating is limited and reservations are required and must be made in advance with a credit card. 
On September 29,  Thursdays at Twilight Garden Concerts is featuring Wanda Rouzan and A Taste of New Orleans at New Orleans City Park - Pavilion of the Two Sisters.
Le Petit Theatre will continue running PIPPIN  from September 29–October 2, at 616 St. Peter Street, in the French Quarter . Show times are evenings at 7:30 pm Sunday matinees at 3:30 pm.
Chef Alex Guarnaschelli Named 2016 New Orleans All-Star for James Beard Foundation's Fourth Annual Taste America®
Ten-City Culinary Tour to Visit New Orleans this September
The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is pleased to announce the fourth consecutive year of the Taste America® national culinary tour, which will bring celebrated chefs and eager diners together for a unique series of delectable events this fall.
Taste America New Orleans will kick off on Friday, September 30, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans with A Night of Culinary Stars, an exclusive dining event benefiting the James Beard Foundation.
The evening will begin with a walk-around tasting reception filled with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres from local chefs and restaurateurs, followed by an extraordinary four-course dinner crafted by chef Alex Guarnaschelli and a local Star Chef, who will be paired together to create an unforgettable one-night-only menu. For information on which local chefs are participating in A Night of Culinary Stars visitwww.jbftasteamerica.org.
It is finally here! September 30 is opening night for West Side Story at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center on Airline Drive in Metairie. Make sure to reserve your tickets that ensure you will be transported to New York City to experience one of the most classical and innovative musical dramas of our time.
Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2:00 pm. Click here for Tickets!
Treme Fest: Saturday, October 1
From 11 am-7 pm on Saturday, October 1, attendees can expect a full day of live music, art, crafts, food and more. The festival will also host a kid's fest with painting, building projects and entertainment, as well as free health screenings and tours of St. Augustine Church. There's a full lineup of incredible local musicians throughout the day on Saturday.
The festival is located at the intersection of Henriette Delille and Governor Nicholls streets, near St. Augustine Church in Treme. Admission is free.
On Saturday, October 1, I will be joining over 30,000 people throughout the Warehouse District and along Julia Street and Magazine Street for the annual Art for Arts’ Sake.
The Contemporary Arts Center hosts this evening to allow guests to freely peruse the art galleries, gift shops, exhibits, and more. The event lasts up to six hours and is FREE and open to the public. Created by the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) in 1980, this annual celebration has become one of fall’s hottest events, gathering art lovers from New Orleans and surrounding areas. From contemporary to classic art, including photography, sculpture and more, hundreds of galleries and local businesses will open their doors to the public.
The downtown art walk includes 20 museums and galleries. Explore local artisans’ galleries like Arthur RogerGeorge Schmidt and Jonathan Ferrara.
That same evening, October 1, I have been invited to the Second Annual  ORACLE GALA at the Presbytère,751 Chartres Street on Jackson Square, from 7-10 pm. Presented by the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, there will be fabulous food and drinks, live music by the Paulin Brothers, a performance by the NOLA Jewels dance/marching club, special guest emcee David Bernard, Chief Meteorologist, WVUE Fox 8, a silent auction with amazing works of art, packages, jewelry, and even a chance to ride in the Orpheus parade.
Proceeds benefit The Mike Moreau/Opal Masters Krewe of Amon-Ra Collection at the Louisiana State Museum. A one-night-only exhibit of some of the treasures from the collection will be on display during the Oracle Gala.
Have a great week and enjoy the Fall.

Please read this special announcement and put on your calendar:  
“Galatoire’s Goes Pink” on Monday, October 3, 2016 
Dear Supporters of Breast Cancer Survivors:  
We are excited to offer you a unique opportunity to join us for an exclusive cocktail reception and dinner when “Galatoire’s Goes Pink” on Monday, October 3, 2016 in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Proceeds from this dinner will benefit Breastoration, a local organization which provides education and financial assistance to women requiring breast reconstruction following mastectomies for breast cancer.
Since 2011, Breastoration has provided educational information to thousands of women, provided financial assistance to 70 women for 92 reconstructive surgeries at eleven surgical institutions in Louisiana, and revived dormant legislation which requires physicians to inform every woman diagnosed with breast cancer in Louisiana of all of her options before any medical or surgical treatment can begin.  We are working right now on legislation introduced in the 2016 session to close all loopholes in our laws which discourage or fail to provide coverage for each stage of medically necessary reconstructive procedures.
Breastoration is a small organization which makes a huge impact in the lives of women facing the most difficult of all decisions following a breast cancer diagnosis.
link september 27, 2016

http://conta.cc/2dzBG7i
LaFete News
Editor / Publisher: Frank Stansbury
lafete11@att.net
504-450-1955
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http://neworleanscitypark.com/calendar/category/thursdays-at-twilight

THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT: 6 p.m., Pavilion of the Two Sisters, Botanical Gardens, City Park, Victory Drive, New Orleans. 
  • Thursdays at Twilight - Wanda Rouzan and A Taste of New OrleansActivitiesBotanical GardenMusicThursdays at Twilight
9-29-16

September 29: Nawlins Johnnys and Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes

4:00 - 8:00 pm Every Thursday through November 3
NEW ORLEANS - Just outside of the French Quarter lies the famous Louis Armstrong Park, the perfect place to go if you want to dance to live music and bring in the cool fall weather.




One Special Dinner
Brennan's boasts James Beard Foundation at "Taste New Orleans" -Friday, September 30, 2016

When the James Beard Foundation takes to the road, you can be sure it's dining well. When it heads south for "Taste New Orleans" from September 30 - October 1, it'll be in famously good hands with the involvement of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, a name synonymous with tasteful dining in the culinary city.
The exclusive "Taste New Orleans" dinner on Friday, September 30 will be co-chaired by Ralph and Susan Brennan, and Terry and Kathleen White, co-owners of Brennan's, together with Michael Smith, GM of the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, where local gastronomic stars will come together for one night only, in an unprecedented collaboration of top talent.
Ralph Brennan is uniquely positioned to welcome the James Beard Foundation to his hometown. He has held the prestigious position as president and chairman of the National Restaurant Association, and has presided locally over both the Louisiana Restaurant Association and New Orleans Restaurant Associations. Ralph is also known for his tireless advocacy and contribution for the restaurant industry, the Gulf seafood industry, and the city of New Orleans. He's no stranger to the James Beard House in New York, where he brought a number of his executive chefs last year, to present a dinner in honor of the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Slade Rushing, Brennan's Executive Chef and two-time James Beard Finalist for “Best Chef: South,” will be presenting an appetizer at the Cocktail & Tasting Reception. In keeping with Rushing’s creative interpretations of beloved Southern favorites, his “Shrimp & Grits” dish might not be recognizable at first glance without its traditional presentation -- but the Shrimp Bolognese, Scallion Grit Agnolotti, and Crispy Pork Belly is every bit as tasty if not tastier than its customary appearance.
Brett Gauthier, Executive Pasty Chef of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, plans to offer a memorable finish of Sabayon Glacé, Saffron Poached Pear, and Almond. Gauthier was named one of “Five Pastry Chefs to Watch” by The Times-Picayune for his enviable career at some of the country’s grandest restaurants, and for making a sweet impact to the city of New Orleans.
The James Beard Foundation will be donating a portion of the evening's proceeds to its Taste America Scholarship Fund. Lagniappe! The Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group will be contributing four experiential packages to the live auction including: A dinner for fourteen in Brennan's wine cellar; a trip to explore Covey Rise Farm that includes skeet shooting and dinner by Red Fish Grill's executive chef Austin Kirzner; and a collaborative item with New Orleans Motorsports filled with race track driving and a lunch provided by Ralph Brennan Catering and Events.
Tickets and complete information are available at:http://www.jbftasteamerica.org/event/new-orleans
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September 29 LPO

Outside the Bachs: 
Tick Tock Goes the Bach


Thursday, September 29, 2016 7:30 PM
$20.00 - $55.00


CONCERT SUMMARY 
 
Time flies at the LPO’s first Outside the Bachs concert of the season, featuring clock-like works by Bach and those inspired by him. Guest conductor and violinist Karina Canellakis takes the stage to perform Bach’s second Violin Concerto. Next, she trades her violin for a baton to conduct Hindemith’s Kammermusik No. 1, followed by Haydn’s classic Symphony No. 101, “The Clock.”

NEW FOR 2016! The LPO redesigns the Outside the  Bachs series for the Orpheum Theater. Experience the these performances in unique ways with creative and dynamic performance and seating configurations.


 

Guest artist travel and accomodations provided by: 
 
 

ARTISTS

Karina CanellakisGuest conductor / violin
 



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Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre - 616 St. Peter St., New Orleans, LA, 70116, 
(504) 522-2081 x1 

September 29-October 3
New Orleans Swing Dance Festival 
@Dutch Alley and more
Put your dancing shoes on and head to the French Market District and surrounding areas this weekend for a swinging good time! This festival features live music, dance performances and dance classes for all ages.More info
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The New Orleans
Swing Dance Festival
 
Sept 29th-Oct 3rd 2016
New Orleans, LA
USA
2016 Festival Schedule

http://www.lindyshowdown.net/schedule
FOR FESTIVAL TICKETS CLICK ON THIS LINK
http://www.lindyshowdown.net/buytickets
Thursday Sept 29th 2016 
(Thursday events are not included in any event passes)



 1

Treme FestSaturday, October 1
From 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, attendees can expect a full day of live music, art, crafts, food, and more. The Festival will also host a kid's fest with painting, building projects' and entertainment, as well as free health screenings and tours of St. Augustine Church. There's a full lineup of incredible local musicians throughout the day on Saturday. This year's lineup includes Casa Samba, Zulu Walkers, Treme Allstars, Glen David Andrews, Tank & the Bangas and more. Free Parking is available at Armstrong Park via the St. Phillip Street entrance, as well as along Rampart Street and many other sites throughout the neighborhood. Or better yet, ride the brand new Rampart Streetcar Line to the Fest! Feel free to bring chairs, blankets, and picnic items although these items will also be sold at the festival for your convenience.
Where: The festival is located at the intersection of Henriette Delille and Governor Nicholls Street, near St. Augustine Church in Treme. The church's address is 1210 Governor Nicholls St, New Orleans, LA 70116
When: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Who: Everyone welcome
How: Just show up.
Cost: Free admission
For more info:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11100 block of Henriette Delille St. in TremeFree & open to the public
11:00AM DOREEN KETCHENS 
       // 11:45AM ZULU CONNECTION AFRICAN     DRUMMING and STILT WALKERS 
// 12:00PM RAY WIMBLEY            // 12:15PM ONE BEAT               // 12:30PM ZULU CONNECTION 
       // 12:45PM RAY WIMBLEY  
          //  1:00PM LITTLE FREDDIE KING  
  //  2:00PM TBC BRASS BAND feat.        special guest BENNY JONES  //
  2:45PM CASA SAMBA   
          //  3:00PM TREMÉ ALL-STARS feat.       KERMIT RUFFINS, JAMES ANDREWS,  SHANNON POWELL and more! 
  //  4:00PM SPECIAL PRESENTATION TO     HONOR BENNY JONES, SR. 
    //  4:15PM GLEN DAVID ANDREWS 

    //  5:15PM MIKE 'SOULMAN' BAPTISTE // 6:15PM TANK and THE BANGAS    //


Sunday, October 2, 2016
St. Augustine Church,
 1210 Gov. Nicholls10:00AM 
St. Augustine Catholic Church
     175th Anniversary Jazz Mass with Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond      //11:00AM  Reception to follow in hall // 
I have been invited to attend this fun event and I can not wait.
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The same night:

Art for Arts’ Sake
Saturday, October 1, 2016

 1
ART FOR ART'S SAKE PARTY!
JOIN US IN CELEBRATING OUR 3-YEAR ANNIVERSARY 
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1ST 
 5-9 PM with Champagne and light fare.
 
 FEATURING LOCAL ARTIST
PAGE GOSS!
Event DetailsWhen: October 1, 2016
Where: Julia Street &Magazine Street
Cost: FREE!
More Info: Click Here
On the first Saturday in October, join over 30,000 people throughout the Warehouse District and along Julia Street and Magazine Street. The Contemporary Arts Center hosts this evening to allow guests to freely peruse the art galleries, gift shops, exhibits, and more. The event lasts up to six hours, and is FREE and open to the public.

The Event

Created by the Contemporary Arts Center(CAC) in 1980, this annual celebration has become one of fall’s hottest events, gathering art lovers from New Orleans and surrounding areas. From contemporary to classic art, including photography, sculpture and more, hundreds of galleries and local businesses will open their doors to the public.
The downtown art walk includes 20 museumsand galleries. Explore local artisans’ galleries, like Arthur RogerGeorge Schmidt andJonathan Ferrara.
This year’s event focuses on three main areas:

The Warehouse Arts District

Gallery hop along the sidewalks of Julia Street and tour the incredible variety of art that it offers. Cash bars are located outside many galleries, so party-goers can sip on their drinks and listen to live music while wandering from store to store.

The Contemporary Arts Center

Open 6 p.m. – midnight, the CAC will celebrate Art for Arts’ sake with a variety of new exhibits and musical performances. There will be a closing reception hosted by Bombay Sapphire, a cash bar, and a free cocktail and cuisine tasting. Admission to the CAC opening reception and party: $10. Admission is free for CAC members.

Magazine Street

With many of the art galleries, boutiques, antique and jewelry stores on Magazine Street open into the evening for business, what could be more exciting? Wander from shop to shop, sip a glass of wine, and view the exquisite art, gifts, jewelry, fashion and antiques.
Dozens of restaurants along the Warehouse Arts District and Magazine Street will be open for the evening, but reservations are a must!
Dress is casual to chic, and comfortable walking shoes are advised.
For more information and updates on Art for Art’s Sake, visit www.cacno.org.



ONLY 6 DAYS LEFT for . R'evolution's Urbani Veuve Clicquot Champagne Dinner on Oct. 3rd‏! click here to reserve
Opening Night Soirée
New Orleans Opera invites you to attend an elegant cocktail reception on the Norman Treigle Plaza to celebrate the opening of the 2016-2017 season and the opening performance of Don Giovanni on October 7th.
 
Mix and mingle with fellow opera lovers as you enjoy decadent cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before adjourning into the theater to see the Don’s escapades for yourself!
 
The reception starts at 6pm to give you plenty of time to enjoy what always proves to be a fantastic event around a beautiful fountain!
 
$75 includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and parking for the evening. (Tickets to the performance of Don Giovanni must be purchased separately.)
 
To make your reservation for the Soirée, call 504-267-9523 or email tsimmons@neworleansopera.org.
 
 
 
 
 
Friday, October 7, 2016 - 8:00PM / Sunday, October 9, 2016 - 2:30PM
 
 
BUY TICKETS
LEARN MORE
 
 
 
Flex Series 
Now you can pick your 3 favorite operas, choose the best seat available, and bring your friends and family!  All for 10% off single ticket prices.

Visit our website to learn more about the difference between Single Tickets, Flex Series, and Subscriptions.
 
 
LEARN MORE
 
 
 
Sunday Champagne Brunch
New Orleans Opera is pleased to continue our Sunday Brunch collaboration with Liberty’s Kitchen.

One of the changes we have made this year is to adjust the seating times to 12:30PM for the first seating and 1:30PM for the second.  These times still ensure that you have enough time to enjoy the meal and find your seat for the performance at 2:30PM.

Champagne Brunch – $25 / Children’s Brunch – $15
 
 
LEARN MORE