Wednesday, April 27, 2016

A Toast to NO: Zurich Classic/ Jazz Fest and more.....

Monday, April 18, 2016

A Toast to NO: Round Table Luncheon/Best Chefs of NO/ Sippin' in Seersucker &....

Photo by Frank Stansbury


Darlings,
Didn't you love the glorious weather that Mother Nature blessed us with this past week. It made up for last year when the French Quarter Festival suffered because of the inclement weather. 
It was a very hectic week, especially on Thursday, when I participated, along with my darling Chiquita, in the annual French Quarter Festival Second Line Parade.  What Fun! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153333364960870.1073742634.581200869&type=1&l=61ee8e6187
That evening I was like the Eveready Bunny that just kept going and going......! 
Darlings, as you know, The "Downton Abbey" series finale has come and gone but for fans like me feeling some separation anxiety, WYES and the English-Speaking Union of New Orleans presented, on Thursday,  TO MARRY AN ENGLISH LORD featuring co-author Carol Wallace at the House of Broel, 2220 Saint Charles Avenue. It was really lovely. 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." https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153333665140870.1073742636.581200869&type=1&l=96cc4988ae




How to Marry an English Lord at the House of Broel
My next stop that night was the awesome Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities's 2016 Bright Lights Award Dinner honoring Humanist of the Year, Cajun singer and musician Zachary Richard, at the Marigny Opera House.2016 Bright Lights Awards Dinner honoring Zachary Richard

Unfortunately I couldn't stay for the delicious dinner and musical performance by honoree Zachary Richard since I had to go to the French Quarter Festival Gala. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153333699865870.1073742637.581200869&type=1&l=3964fda56e
The fabulous French Quarter Festival Gala at Antoine's was my last stop. 
I loved the entertainment by Carl Blanc and my beloved friend, Robin Barnes, as well as the delicious food and the decadent libations. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153334028030870.1073742638.581200869&type=1&l=a195a3e8e7
On Saturday, after working at the gallery, I enjoyed very much the New Orleans Opera Association’s production of Puccini's Tosca at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. The cast that included my darling friend Ivan Griffin was superb. I enjoyed so much meeting the talented performers at the Master Signers reception backstage.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153335301435870.1073742639.581200869&type=1&l=76fb3022cd
Since Casell-Bergen Gallery is directly across the street the Old U.S. Mint. I did not have to go far to enjoy the French Quarter Festival, which I did. 
This week is going to be another busy social week for me since I am going to start it by hosting my monthly Round Table Luncheon on Wednesday, April 13 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 Teresa Guzetta, President of the New Orleans Women of Fashion, to talk about the upcoming Prix d' Elegance on April 19; a representative of the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE 2016: May 26-29);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. 
The live entertainment will be by talented baritone Ivan Griffin, with Jim Walpole on the piano.
Check out the menu for the Upcoming Round Table Luncheon on Wednesday, April 13 at noon at Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House
APPETIZER
Bourbon "House" Salad
ENTREES
Petite Filet - A 4 oz. filet served medium and topped with our housemade andouille steak sauce, mashed potatoes & vegetable du jour
DESSERT
Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding - Served with bourbon butterscotch sauce
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. 
But, prior to that, I am planning to attend the annual Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's 2016 Town Hall Meeting at the JW Marriott Hotel (see details in the calendar below) The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana will host the 2016 Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce Town Hall on Tuesday, April 12th at the JW Marriott on Canal Street. The event will feature as Keynote Speaker and Guest of Honor, Mr. Raymond Arroyo, Chairman of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Small business owners are highly encouraged to take part in this forum in order to learn about best practices and opportunities available through participation, education, and certifications. The event is sponsored by Chevron.

The American Culinary Federation’s New Orleans Chapter and The New Orleans Mission have teamed up to host The Best Chefs of Louisiana to feature the outstanding chefs in our region. Past honorees have included Chefs John Besh, Susan Spicer, Tory McPhail, and Paul Prudhomme.
The 6th annual Best Chefs of Louisiana Fundraiser will be held this year on April 12 at the fabulous venue of the Lakefront Airport. The chefs’ event gives recognition to select chefs and honors them for their contribution to the New Orleans culinary scene. It's also an opportunity for them to showcase their talent by serving a sampling of their signature dishes to the attendees. In addition to the amazing food, the party will feature live entertainment, live and silent auctions and an open bar.
The ACFNO's Best Chefs of Louisiana fundraiser has chosen the New Orleans Mission and the ACFNO culinary scholarships fund for the 2016 charities.


THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT is presenting trumpeter Leroy Jones on Thursday, April 14 at 6 p.m., Pavilion of the Two Sisters, Botanical Gardens, City Park, Victory Drive, New Orleans.  $10. 
That evening is the opening of the Mexican poet and painter Sofia Rodriguez Fernadez, “Abrazada a Lo Efimero" at  6 p.m. the Mexican Consulate, 118 Higgins Drive. 
That night is Politics with a Punch. - Superstar 14th Anniversary Show at Eiffel Society, 2040 St. Charles Avenue. Show begins at 8 p.m. ( see calendar for more details. 
Concerts in the Courtyard, The Historic New Orleans Collection’s popular outdoor music series, continues Friday, April 15, with traditional Louisiana music from Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars.The band, which was recently nominated for a Grammy award, has performed worldwide for more than 20 years and is celebrated for their authentic performances of Cajun and Creole music.

Admission to the concerts is $10, free for THNOC members, and includes three beverages (wine or beer). Shows are held in The Collection’s picturesque courtyard at 533 Royal Street. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; the shows are from 6–8 p.m. Additional information about the concert series and the featured bands is attached and pasted below. Honey Island Swamp Band (Friday, May 20) and Sweet Crude (Friday, June 17) round out the spring 2016 series.

 A Sunday Afternoon at Faulkner House Featuring James B. Borders IV and Brenda Marie Osbey, introduced by Sybil Morial.On Friday, April 15, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the Shops at Canal Place present the always fun  Sippin' in Seersucker at 6 p.m. (See calendar for more details.) 
James B. Borders IV is the author of Marking Time, Making Place: An Essential .The event will take place from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 17 at Faulkner House, 624 Pirate’s Alley. Because of venue limitations, RSVPs to faulkhouse@aol.com are required.
Chronology of Blacks in New Orleans since 1718. This book is essential to understanding why New Orleans is one of the most Africanized spaces in North America—culturally, spiri-tually, and psychically. Joining him is former Louisiana Poet Laureate Brenda Marie Osbey, whose new collection of poetry is All Souls: Essential Poems. They will be introduced by former New Orleans First Lady Sybil Morial, author of the stunning memoir, Witness to Change: From Jim Crow to Political Empowerment, who will also discuss her work.
For more information on the authors, click on Borders, Osbey, or Morial.

Pinch A Palooza 2016, a family-friendly seafood festival celebrating Louisiana's unique delicacy, comes once again to the shores of Lake Pontchartrain just in time for Louisiana Crawfish Awareness Month.
The seventh-annual Pinch A Palooza Festival, presented by Deanie's Seafood Restaurants, takes place 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday, April 17 at Deanie's Seafood Restaurant in Bucktown. Admission is free. Information is available at Pinchapalooza.com.
This year's Pinch A Palooza features seven bands and the seventh-annual Pinch A Palooza Crawfish Eating Contest. The lineup includes local alternative/punk pop band Paris Avenue, country, blues and Rock ‘n' Roll band Shot Time, and local favorites Imaginary Frenz, Vince Vance & The Valiants and New Orleans Karma, as well as Austin-basedChansons et SoÇ”lard, "The Wandering Cajun," performing Cajun dance music. Also returning are The 610 Stompersand Big Chief Romeo Bougerie and the 9th Ward Hunters.
Pinch A Palooza also features an art market, crawfish races and games for the kids, and Deanie's crawfish specialties, including crawfish nachos, crawfish balls, fried crawfish tails, étouffée, and thousands of pounds of fresh boiled crawfish served with corn and potatoes, plus a selection of non-seafood items, beer and specialty cocktails.
Have a great week since it is yours to be! 
The Best of New Orleans - Everyday

LaFete News 4-12-16 Open link below: 
http://conta.cc/1VlDRLw


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The 6th Annual Best Chefs of Louisiana
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
New Orleans Lakefront Airport
The American Culinary Federation New Orleans Chapter and The New Orleans Mission have teamed up to host The Best Chefs of Louisiana to feature the outstanding chefs in our region. Past honorees have included Chefs John Besh, Susan Spicer, Tory McPhail, and Paul Prudhomme.
The 6th annual Best Chefs of Louisiana Fundraiser will be held this year on April 12th, 2016 at the fabulous venue of the Lakefront Airport. The chefs event gives recognition to select chefs and honors them for their contribution to the New Orleans culinary scene. It's also an opportunity for them to showcase their talent by serving a sampling of their signature dishes to the attendees. In addition to the amazing food, the party will feature live entertainment, live and silent auctions and an open bar.
The ACFNO's Best Chefs of Louisiana fundraiser has chosen the New Orleans Mission and the ACFNO culinary scholarships fund for the 2016 charities.
The New Orleans Mission is the Largest, full service Christian charity in the Gulf South. The Mission is an Interdenominational organization. Established in 1989, the New Orleans Mission is a private 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization initially created as a service provider for a growing population of homeless men living in our city. Today, they are the largest faith based private service provider among 60 shelters catering to the homeless population of New Orleans. Our overnight shelter capacity has grown from 80 men to 244, including 32 women.
The New Orleans Mission provides food, shelter, clothing and spiritual guidance to the city's homeless, hurting and hungry. Their commitment is to meet the physical, social and spiritual needs of the homeless community.
The American Culinary Federation New Orleans chapter offers educational scholarships to college students pursuing their career in the culinary arts field.
ACF is the largest professional chefs organization in North America. The ACF offers culinary competitions,certification, a national apprenticeship programregional and national events,publications and much more to help foster the growth of professional chefs and the foodservice industry.
https://www.tickettailor.com/checkout/view-event/id/40960/chk/1ee9
ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON: IT IS FESTIVAL TIME!
 Round Table Luncheon, this Wednesday, April 13 at noon at Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House,144 Bourbon St
The luncheon will be a very special one since we will celebrate the upcoming festivals and fun events. As such, I have invited Teresa Guzetta, - President of the New Orleans Women of Fashion to talk about the upcoming: Prix d' Elegance on April 19, a representative of the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE 2016: May 26-29)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
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.


POLITICS WITH A PUNCHTHURSDAY APRIL 14
SUPERSTAR 14th ANNIVERSARY SHOW 
Doors Open at 6 p.m.; Show Begins at 8 p.m.; 

Eiffel Society; 2040 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans 

Be sure to arrive early to enjoy cocktails, dinner and musical entertainment 
at the exquisite Eiffel Society. Valet Parking is provided.   
Politics with a Punch 
is our local version of "Politically Incorrect." It started in 2002 and after more than 100 shows and 14 years, it has become a local political tradition. The show is jointly produced with Steve Sabludowsky of Bayoubuzz.com and it has grown into quite a success story. Punch is a fast-paced, free-wheeling, no-holds barred discussion of what is happening in our city, state and nation. We place a premium on having a good time and expect plenty of laughs as we discuss the controversies and the outrageous antics of our local leaders and scoundrels.
Join Norman Robinson, Local TV Legend, & All-Star Panel Thurs Night
As usual, we have picked an outstanding panel for Thursday night with some of our favorite all-stars plus some exciting newcomers. This program will be a very special edition of Politics with a Punch, our  14th Anniversary Show.
 
Check out the exceptional line-up of celebrities that have been selected for this New Orleans Political Comedy Tradition:
 
Dr. Laura Badeaux   
Director, LA Center for Women in Government and Business 
Kevin Belton  
World Famous Chef; Star of PBS Show "New Orleans Cooking" 
Yvonne Landry  
Comedienne, Improv Teacher, Actress & Writer   
James Parker  
Talk Radio Host & Producer, WRNO 99.5 FM  
Eric Paulsen  
Morning & Mid-Day News Anchor, WWL-TV Channel 4  
Norman Robinson   
Former White House Correspondent; WDSU-TV News Anchor 
Mike Strecker 
Outstanding Comedian; Local Headliner; Punch Favorite

Discount Tickets: $15.00 per person/$25.00 per couple.

If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, purchase tickets in advance on-line at our website:



Concerts In the Courtyard 
Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars
Friday, April 15, 2016  5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
The Historic New Orleans Collection 
533 Royal Street 
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. Admission is $10 and includes complimentary 
beverages. All shows are free to members of The Historic 
New Orleans Collection, and memberships begin at $35. 
In the event of rain, check www.hnoc.org for updates. 

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Sunday, April 17 @ 5 pm: The Trinity Tenors Alexander Sibley, and Mark AnthonyThomas
in a program of Musical Theatre and Opera with pianist Albinas Prizgintas-Trinity Episcopal Church
1329 Jackson Avenue 
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Casell Bergen Gallery is taking reservation NOW at 495-9181 for the official New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Posters- They will be ready before the opening of Jazz Fest. (April 22- May 1)



2016 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ FESTIVAL POSTER ! 
House of Swing: Portrait of the First Family of Jazz
Ellis Marsalis' musical dynasty-a father and four sons that swing like no other-inhabits an allegorical house in this brilliant portrait of the first family of jazz that doubles as a loving portrait of the Crescent City's beauty and grace. Graphic master Paul Rogers' companion piece to his classic 2002 Jazz Fest portrait of Wynton Marsalis is a further exploration of his unique "soulful precision" style.



2016 CONGO SQUARE POSTER ! 
Portrait of B.B. King by George Hunt
One blues master inspires another in George Hunt's spontaneously soulful blues portrait depicting B.B. King's formative experiences.