Wednesday, September 14, 2016

A Toast to NO: Opening night of LPO/ Excelencia Gala/ September Seduction and more......

Darlings,
I am still trying to recover from last week’s fun events and I am afraid this upcoming week is going to be another social decathlon for me. Of course, you are saying, “So, what else is new?”
It seems that at my age, a lot of my friends, unfortunately, are departing us, and last week we lost another pillar of our community - Marlene Jaffe.  I adored her and her husband, Dr. Bernard Jaffe. She served as Commissioner (and Deputy Chair) of the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission for more than 10 years and started a citywide textile conservation working group. She was passionately involved with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, serving as Chair of the Symphony Volunteers and working tirelessly for the Symphony Book Fair and the Encore Shop. She was also involved with French Quarter Citizens, Longue Vue House and Gardens and the New Orleans Opera Association. An avid reader, she was a member of three book groups. She was also President of the Tulane University Woman's Association and a longtime member of the Krewe of Iris. Marlene will be missed by the community. See more at http://obits.nola.com/obituaries/nola/obituary.aspx
On a happy note, Congratulations are in order to my darling friend Mark Romig,  who was awarded the rank of Chevalier (knight) of the National Order of Merit, Tues. Aug. 30, 2016, at the French Consul residence, New Orleans, La.  Congratulations as well to Marina Schoen, the Academic Director of Lycee Francais de la Nouvelle Orleans who awarded the   high honor by the French government - the Chevalier of Academic Palms.  (see photos below.
Last Thursday,  I attended the magnificent fundraiser : The Mahalia Jackson Theater Presents “The Arts Care: A Benefit Concert for Flood Victims” at the theater. In response to the unprecedented flooding that has taken place in the greater Baton Rouge and outlying areas, New Orleans arts organizations the New Orleans Opera Association and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra teamed to present a performance benefiting educational institutions, arts organizations, and social service support in the affected communities. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153661837310870.1073742703.581200869&type=1&l=199ad8900a
On Friday, it was time to attend the annual Krewe of Cork Luncheon at Bayona, one of my favorite restaurants. As in the past, it was very delicious but in addition, the Krewe of Cork introduced its Queen for 2017, Sarah Bloch. Congratulations!
Darlings, Le Petit Theatre's “Curtain Call- Celebration of 100 Years” was superb. I adore Le Petit Theatre and its board members and staff. It was an incredible evening. As I was leaving someone said to me, “It must be been a great party since you stayed this long.” And indeed it was.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153664134225870.1073742704.581200869&type=1&l=7841746198
On Saturday, I didn’t have to go far to enjoy the music from the Down River Festival across from Casell-Bergen Gallery at the Old U.S. Mint. The 4th annual Downriver Festival  offered another multisensory celebration of the Mississippi River at the Old U.S. Mint and French Market. Live music, cooking demonstrations, presentations, panels, walking tours, and informational displays which reflected this year’s 2016 theme of  Oysters & The Future of our Coast.I especially loved the performances of Pepe  Coloma and his band and Fredy Omar con su Banda. What a treat!
OMG. What a busy Sunday I had. I worked at Casell-Bergen Gallery until 3 p.m. since the new owner, my former assistant Walther Vera is attending and teaching at a film festival in Panama.
My first stop was at Touro Synagogue where Marlene Jaffe's funeral service was being held. I stayed for only a few minutes since I had already committed myself to attending the baby shower for Bethany and Eric Paulsen. It is going to be a boy. The lovely soiree was hosted by my darling friends, Angela Hill and Sammy Steele at the palatial home of Mr. and Mrs. Shane Guidry in Old Metairie. Congratulations to the new parents-to-be!
That evening it was the fabulous  Mozart Requiem conducted by my darling friend Conductor Paul Mauffray at Trinity Church. The Mozart Requiem fundraiser  performed by orchestra musicians from both the Louisiana Philharmonic and Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestras, with a chorus of singers from the New Orleans and Baton Rouge regions, including vocal soloists Amy Pfrimmer, Daveda Karanas, Tyler Smith, Terrance Brown, and others. Close to $10,000 was raised that evening. Congratulation darling Paul. 
Darlings, before I share the myriad of fun events that will be happening this upcoming week, I want to make that you put in your calendars my upcoming Round Table Luncheon on Wednesday, September 21 at noon at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. It’s going to be my Annual Salute to the Cultural Arts and will feature speakers from some of New Orleans’ major performing and fine arts groups. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
This luncheon will be co-hosted by Scott Hutcheson, Senior Advisor to the Mayor for Cultural Economy of the City of New Orleans and  yours truly, Margarita Bergen.
Darlings, I am so looking forward to the performance of talented soprano, Kathleen Halm Simmons, and her husband, Timothy Todd Simmons, Director of New Orleans Opera who will be accompanying her on piano. Along with the other performers at last Thursday’s The Arts Care Benefit for the Flood Victims of Louisiana, Kathleen really shined as a featured soloist!
Featured speakers at the luncheon will be Jenny Hamilton, New Orleans Ballet; Maestro Robert Lyall, New Orleans Opera; Maestro Dennis Assaf, Jefferson Performing Arts Society; Allison Gouaux representing NOMA; and Sean Snyder, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. and  Dave Hurlbert , Executive Director  of the Marigny Opera House.
 Special guests will include Consul of France, Hon. Gregor Trumel, and Consul General of Mexico, Hon. Carlos Ponce.
As in the past, the champagne and wine will be flowing courtesy of Sandra and Ross Herman.
The menu is :Spring Mix, Sliced Strawberries, Candied Pecans and Boursin Cheese topped with Balsamic Vinaigrette Entree: Blackened Catfish topped with Crawfish Hollandaise, 
Chef's Choice of Starch and Vegetable,Rolls with Butter,Dessert -Bananas Foster Cheesecake.Iced Tea & Coffee available upon requestMargarita Bergen's photo.
The $55 all-inclusive price includes a 3-course luncheon  and wines and champagne and valet parking. For reservations email Margaritabergen@hotmail.com or send a message to 504-495-9181.
Darlings, September is here and the cultural/social season has just begun. I cannot believe I have been invited to seven events on Friday, September 16.
On September 15, The New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter is hosting its annual patron party and fundraiser from 6-10 p.m. at the New Orleans Jazz Market, 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. The patron party will include classical piano by Andrew Bohren and hors d'oeuvres from Chef Phillip Lopez of ROOT. The fundraiser will include live music by Soul Brass Band and Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes. There will also be New Orleans cuisine and a silent auction featuring gift certificates to some of the finest restaurants, hotels and businesses in the region, as well as special items including jewelry and art.
See attached for additional information. Please let me know if you’re interested and/or have any questions.
Here are some of the other great events going on later this week:




Thursday, September 15
Opening Night of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2016-17 season: “Symphonie Fantastique”
Orpheum Theater, New Orleans, 7:30 p.m.
ADAMS: "Short Ride in a Fast Machine" | SAINT-SAENS: Piano Concerto No. 5, "Egyptian" | BERLIOZ: "Symphonie Fantastique"
Encore performance on Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum.
Friday, September 16
American Red Cross “Power of Women Luncheon”
The Power of Women Luncheon will honor a group of extraordinary female volunteers and community leaders who have made significant contributions to the continual recovery efforts of New Orleans and Louisiana. Tickets: $150/person at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. Contact: 620-3105.
September 16
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's 2016 Excelencia Gala
Dinner Dance & Silent Auction Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month & the September Independence Dates of Nine Latin American Countries. Honoring: Angelica Rivera - Small Business; Jerry Bologna – Economic Development; Ochsner Health System – Corporate Partner; Delgado Community College – Bridging the Gap.
JW Marriott, 614 Canal Street. 7 PM Reception-Dinner - Website: http://www.hccl.biz

September 16

VCPORA Gala 2016: Le Voyage dans la Lune

Join VCPORA under the harvest moon for our Annual Gala
Le Voyage dans la Lune (A Voyage to the Moon) 6pm – 7pm at Beauregard-Keyes House, 1113 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA (map)


September 16
The Women’s Guild of New Orleans Opera Association presents “September Seduction”
This year’s sultry theme is inspired by Don Juan, who is portrayed in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, the production leading off New Orleans Opera’s 2016-17 season on October 7 & 9.

Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, dancing and music from the New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra. Dinner will follow, along with more dancing to music from The Yat Pack band. A silent auction and surprise performances will keep attendees on their toes throughout the evening at The Terminal at New Orleans Lakefront Airport.
Tickets: $150-$250/person
Contact: 267-9527
September 16
 Friends of City Park“Martini Madness”
 Soiree will feature tastings of over 25 specialty martinis from Republic National Distributing Company and food from over 20 of New Orleans’ best restaurants. Tickets cover all food and drinks and proceeds will go towards the renovation of City Park Police Building.
Tickets: $45/member; $55/non-member
Location: The Arbor Room and Popp Fountain at City Park
Contact: 483-9369
September 16
The Pro Bono Project's “Justice for All Ball”
Raffles, auctions, food and drink from more than 25 of New Orleans’ finest restaurants and bars will make up this year’s annual fundraiser to provide legal services to those in need in New Orleans and surrounding parishes. Entertainment will be music by Flow Tribe, and several special cocktails will be created to celebrate the evening at the Audubon Tea Room.  $150/person in advance; $175/person at the door.-Contact: 581-3480

September 16
Garden District Association's 30th annual “Fall Affair”
This year’s “Fall Affair” will include cocktails and dinner at the Garden District’s famous Commander’s Palace. Money raised from the event will go towards the continuing efforts to preserve and improve the Garden District as a vital, historic residential neighborhood.
Tickets: $250/person
Location: Commander’s Palace
Contact: gardendistrictno@bellsouth.net
September 16
Lighthouse Louisiana's “Light up the Night”
 An evening of food, cocktails and dancing at a beautiful New Orleans home will benefit people of Southeast Louisiana who are blind, deaf or have other disabilities. Lighthouse Louisiana works with them to provide job training, competitive employment, access to communication and the skills for independence.
Tickets: $100/person
Location: 1 Garden Lane
Contact: 899-450, extension 230
Saturday, September 17
Young Leadership Council's 30th annual “Role Models Awards Gala”
This annual gala works to inspire through celebrating the achievements of this year’s class of leaders.
Tickets: $200/person; $2,500+/table
Location: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Contact: 585-1198
September  17
St. Michael Special School's “Blue Rose Ball”
An elegant evening at the Hilton Riverside hotel featuring a four-course seated dinner, live music and both silent and live auctions will raise funds for St. Michael Special School. St. Michael provides a Catholic environment for students with special-education needs to grow.
Tickets: $150/person
Contact: 524-7285
September 17
Project  Lazarus  Bon Appétit-Dessert and Champagne After Party
9-11:30 p.m. at the Historic Ursuline Convent, French Quarter Courtyard, 1100 Chartres Street


Congratulations to the 50 women who were selected to be the 2016 Women of the Year. I was selected to be one so long ago that I forgot the year. 
Fifty honorees for the 2016 class of CityBusiness “Women of the Year” have been chosen, and they will be the guests of honor at an event highlighting their professional and community achievements.
The 18th annual “Women of the Year” will be recognized at a noon luncheon Nov. 3 at the Hyatt Regency, when an overall Woman of the Year ...
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Darlings, I was invited to the  lovely residence of the Consul General of France Gregor Trumel and his wife Ingrid where the high honor by the French government - the Chevalier of Academic Palms was presented to Marina Schoen, the Academic Director of Lycee Francais de la Nouvelle Orleans. It was a belle soiree

Mark Romig named a French Chevalier of the National Order of Merit- Congratulations darling Mark

Consul General of France in Louisiana Gregor Trumel with Mark Romig, who was awarded the rank of Chevalier (knight) of the National Order of Merit, Tues. Aug. 30, 2016, at the French Consul residence, New Orleans, La. (Photo courtesy of the Consulate General of France in Louisiana)LikeShow more reactions

link september 13, 2016

http://conta.cc/2cXhZ9q
LaFete News
Editor / Publisher: Frank Stansbury
lafete11@att.net


CommentShareRestaurant Week New Orleans

September 12 – 18, 2016

  • Location: Various Restaurants (Click link to view list)
  • Visit Website

We Live to Eat (WLTE) Restaurant Week - a weeklong celebration showcasing New Orleans' finest restaurants. Locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy exclusive discounted two-course lunch menus  and three-course dinner menus from more than 50 of the city's most acclaimed dining destinations!



Wednesday, September 14
Hospitality and Tourism Job Fair in Tremé
Diverse job opportunities for a range of skill sets in 
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New Orleans' largest industry 
Job Fair - Tourism Industry
...See More

Live Opera Performance - Bon Operatit!

September 14, 2016

Opera Returns to Bourbon Street.  Enjoy FREE opera entertainment at the Puccini Bar and prior to or after each performance, experience the culinary virtuosity at Cafe' Opera!  All located within the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter hotel at the corner of Bourbon and Toulouse Streets, built on the site of the original U.S. French Opera House.

Jazz in the Park

September 14 – November 3, 2016
  • Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Thursday
  • Location: Armstrong Park
  • Address: 901 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA
  • Times: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Phone: 504-233-4ARM
  • Visit Website

Jazz in the Park returns for its 10th season this fall running from September 8th to November 3rd, with a stellar roster of New Orleans music that features Kid Merv,  Nigel Hall, Erica Falls, Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet, Joe Krown Trio ft Walter Wolfman Washinton, Soul Rebels, Bill Summers and Irvin Mayfield  to name a few. Jazz in the Park is known for food, music, and fun and now Art.


September 15, 2016

OGDEN AFTER HOURS – OPENING RECEPTION: ART OF THE CUP AND TEAPOT SPOTLIGHT

JOIN US FOR AN OPENING RECEPTION FOR ART OF THE CUP AND TEAPOT SPOTLIGHT        


Join us for an Opening Reception for Art of the Cup and Teapot Spotlight   
September 16, 2016

Concerts in the Courtyard featuring Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters

Now in its ninth year, The Historic New Orleans Collection's Concerts in the Courtyard offers a fun, casual way to kick off the weekend with live outdoor performances by Louisiana musicians. The fall series opens, with a performance by Walter "Wolfman" Washington and the Roadmasters.
Walter "Wolfman" Washington cut his teeth backing up some of the best singers and performers in New Orleans history before putting together his longtime band, the Roadmasters, who have been burning up local and national stages since the 1980s. His style combines rhythm and blues, blues, New Orleans funk and modern jazz into one unique sound. There is a little Bobby Blue Bland, a little Kenny Burrell, a little George Benson, a little church and a lot of New Orleans charm in a Walter "Wolfman" Washington performance.


All concerts this season will feature a bar serving white wine and beer.  Guests must be 21 or older to enter.  

  • Location: Historic New Orleans Collection, The
  • Address: 533 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
  • Times: Doors open at 5:30 pm; Music: 6:00 pm –8:00 pm
  • Admission: $10.00; Free for THNOC members, and includes three complimentary beverages
  • Phone: 504-523-4662
  • Venue: The Historic New Orleans Collection
  • Visit Website

  • September 16 – October 2, 2016

  • Pippin


  •  



    In the carnival circus of Charlemagne’s crusades, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh, and the intrigues of political power. But in the end, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but in the unique moments that happen every day. Winner of a collective 8 Tony Awards and 15 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, Pippin features an infectious pop-rock score from the Oscar-, Grammy-, and Tony-winning composer of Wicked and Godspell. Runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM. Sundays at 3:30 PM. Special discounted Wednesday performance on September 21st at 7:30 PM 
  • September 17, 2016

  • Ogden Museum of Southern Art Presents - “Short Mean Fiction”: An Afternoon with William Dunlap




    • Join us for an afternoon with author, artist and provocateur, William Dunlap, who will be reading from his new book, Short Mean Fiction, along with a slideshow of the many sketches included in the book. Dunlap will take questions from the audience, and be available to sign books. Books will be available for purchase



    • Gala Tickets GOSPELFEST Sept 17 @ the Carver Theater
      GOSPELFEST 2016 set for at the Carver Theater
      NEW ORLEANS - Once again this year The Historic Carver Theatre 
      will play host the GOSPELFEST: Mercy is Our Mission, the local Gospel 
      Music Festival. The 2016 GOSPELFEST will be on Saturday, September 17 
      beginning at 6pm. In this Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy
      "Choosing a theme for this year is part of celebrating the 
      Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy," said Dr. Ansel Augustine, Director of 
      the archdiocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministries. "We are 
      encouraging all the choirs to sing songs according to our theme, Mercy 
      is Our Mission."

      Several choirs from across the area will come together for an evening 
      of praise and worship through music. The annual event brings together 
      the choirs including the Archdiocesan Mass Gospel Choir, Voices of 
      Peter Claver, St. Joseph the Worker, the ARC Singers, Our Lady Star of 
      the Sea, St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great and many more for this 
      spirit-filled celebration of the rich tradition of Gospel Music in New 
      Orleans.

      Admission is free, but all are invited to bring nonperishable food 
      items to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank or make a donation at the 
      door. This organization has mobilized quickly to aid victims of the 
      Louisiana Flood in addition to their ongoing work to feed and aid 
      those in our own community. All are encouraged to put the Corporal 
      Works of Mercy into action as the NOLACatholic community celebrates 
      our rich culture and diversity with GOSPELFEST.
      The event is coordinated by the Office of Black Catholic Ministries of 
      the Archdiocese of New Orleans and sponsored by The Historic Carver 
      Theatre, The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation, and 
      Second Harvest Food.

      For more information call the Archdiocese of New Orleans Office of 
      Black Catholic Ministries at (504) 861-6207 or email 
      bcatholics@arch-no.org.

    • TRINITY ARTIST SERIES PRESENTS - RICHAD ROWLEY

      September 18, 2016
      • Location: Trinity Episcopal Church
      • Address: 1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, LA
      • Time: 5:00 pm
      Join us for Richard Rowley, guitarist performing Favorites, from the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's with a variety of pop, country, Dixieland, and some Irish, Italian, Blues and Bluegrass songs.

    • September 20 – 25, 2016

    • Saenger Theatre Present - The Sound of Music


      • Address: 1111 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
      • Times: Tuesday - Thursday 7:30 pm; Friday 8:00 pm; Saturday 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm; Sunday 2:00 pm and 7:30 ppm
      • Phone: 800-745-3000
      • Venue: Saenger Theatre
      • Visit Website
      Add to Trip Planner
      Join us for the sensational season opener with a brand new production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. The Sound of Music features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp.
Selecting the new Queen of Cork Sarah Bloch at Bayona Restaurant
   Photos of some of my darling old-time friends at the Krewe of Cork luncheon at Bayona Restaurant
 Attending the Fall Membership Meeting of the Women of Fashion at the lovely artsy home of Jude Swenson
My fun evening continued and this time, it was at the lovely Mozart Requiem concert conducted by my darling friend Paul Mauffray at Trinity Church to benefit the victims of the historical Louisiana floods. As Paul said" I simply can not express my thanks to these wonderful musicians who came together and allowed me to be in the middle of them all. It is amazing how well everyone came together to create this beautiful music in such a short time. If only music could solve all our problems in the world ... but at least we contributed something to the recovery in Baton Rouge, and I hope our audience got as much out of this experience as we did performing it!
At LA Thai enjoying delicious appetizer and decadent drinks
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The lovely meeting of the Women of Fashion at the exquisite home of Jude Swenson 
Margarita Bergen's photo.
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