Tuesday, December 26, 2017

A Toast to New Orleans December 26-January 6 : Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker/ Sugar Bowl/New Orleans New Year’s Eve Gala/Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Official Countdown to the Tricentennial and more....

A Toast to New Orleans December 26-January 6 : Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker/ Sugar Bowl/New Orleans New Year’s Eve Gala/Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Official Countdown to the Tricentennial and more.....
 





 
Darlings,

I hope you have been enjoying the holidays as much as I have. I want to you wish you and your families a healthy, peaceful and prosperous 2018. Feliz Ano Nuevo 2018!

 The New Orleans Saints gave New Orleanians an early present with their victory against their arch-rivals, the Atlanta Falcons, 23-13. They are now guaranteed a spot in the playoffs for the first time in several years and, with an 11-4 record and two victories over their divisional rivals, the Carolina Panthers who have an identical won-loss record, they lead their division with only one game left to play. With a win next week over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers they will clinch the NFC South Division title for the first time since 2011. Geaux Saints GO! 

The holidays always entail a myriad of parties to attend and, as such, I did and I loved every one of them until Saturday when my body could not move. So I stayed home until Christmas Eve when I attended the lovely soiree at the Magnolia Mansion in honor of Mayor-elect LaToya Cantrell and her family.

Christmas Eve at the Magnolia Mansion
Silent Night, Holy Night ..... Last night, spending Christmas Eve at the Magnolia Mansion was everything but silent. I attended a lovely, jolly and festive soiree at the Mansion, hosted by owners Fouad Zeton and Sammy Steele in honor of the newly elected mayor and council members. As you will see in the pictures, many elected politicians and their families enjoyed the lovely, delicious soiree.

Home for the Holidays 2017 at the House of Blues.
I never missed attending the spectacular, food-filled patron party for NOCCA Institute, sponsored by the House of Blues, the New Orleans Advocate, and the family of Daniel Price at the House of Blues.

Home for the Holidays is a night of spectacular art and music benefiting the Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists, which honors the memory of NOCCA alumnus Daniel Price. In keeping with Daniel’s twin passions of art and music, the Fund provides scholarships for outstanding visual arts and music students at NOCCA. (To learn more about the Fund, please visit DanielPriceMemorial.org.)

Every year I’ve enjoyed saying hello to Drew Brees and his lovely wife, Brittany Brees, along with Dr. Steve Price and his family, as well as talented artists, Irma Thomas, John Boutte, Kermit Ruffins and James Andrews.

Ambush Magazine Reintroduction Launch Party
 I attended the awesome Ambush Magazine Reintroduction Launch Party at GrandPre's and loved seeing so many of my long time darling friends.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154897886600870.1073743043.581200869&type=1&l=c3b3e1c2b7

Preview of NOLA Christmas Fest
Our very own indoor Winter Wonderland NOLA Christmas Fest previewed on December 20 at Hall I in the New Orleans Convention Center and will run until Dec. 31. Not to be missed! This fun event for families and others of all ages will include ice skating, ice slides, a merry go round, beautifully decorated Christmas trees and more.....https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154902911800870.1073743044.581200869&type=1&l=d75516ebd1

Dr. James Moises Holiday Soiree
I was invited by my darling friend, wine producer and importer Dr. James Moises to his Bizou Wines warehouse for a lovely and delicious Holiday Soiree. It was a very special night because Dr. Moises missed his induction ceremony into the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs-Association Mondiale de la Gastronomie. So, in front of all  friends,  he was inducted by Rufus and Yvette Cressend.

Friday before Christmas at Rib Room of the Omni Royal Orleans
So many parties and only one me. I knew it was going to be a social tsunami for me. I started my day at one of my favorite  places for lunch - The Rib Room of the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. I saw so many friends having a merry lunch. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154906332430870.1073743046.581200869&type=1&l=ebe9b90c2e

Luncheon at Galatoire's Friday before Christmas
Friday Luncheon before Christmas at Galatoire's was awesome. I loved seeing my friends all decked out having fun! They were the patrons that paid dearly for the right to sit at the tables in the famed first floor.

Each year, the Galatoire Foundation holds Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions to assist in supporting local non-profit organizations. Started in 2006, the Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions have raised more than $1.5 million dollars for local charities.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154906893855870.1073743048.581200869&type=1&l=79c8454369

Jingle Bell Party 2017 at Patrick's Bar and Vin
Patrick van Hoorebeek's Jingle Bell Party at Patrick's Bar and Vin was so festive and sensational. I loved the Moet Chandon mini-bottles. I couldn't stay long because too much champagne put me to sleep and I was looking forward to going with my brother, Lorenzo Bergen, to the VIP party of Home for the Holidays at the House of Blues

This week is a perfect one to catch with all the fun social/cultural events that are taking places in my beloved New Orleans, Here are a few of them:  

Lafete News Link December 26, 2017
http://conta.cc/2pBBsUb

Love New Orleans & She'll Love You Back.
Sincerely,
Frank Stansbury


December 26 
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at the Saenger
 
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is known for its award-winning Principal Dancers, lavish costumes in the style of the Victorian era, many backdrops created by “La La Land’ Set Concept designer Carl Sprague, and its Russian focus including life-sized Matryoshka Dolls, Russian folk legends Ded Moroz (Father Christmas) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) and Troika Sleigh. Adults and children enjoy the special effects of the flapping winged owl on the Grandfather clock, the growing 50-foot tall Christmas Tree, the Dove of Peace with a 20-foot wingspan, and of course, the leaps, spins, and extraordinary moves of the company all performed to Tchaikovsky’s complete and incomparable score

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Darlings, please save these dates in your  calendar: 
January 4

January 6

Joyeux Anniversaire, Jeanne d’Arc!
Celebrating St. Joan of Arc’s birthday and Twelfth Night, this annual  walking parade is a medieval-themed theatrical procession, inspired by Joan’s time in 1400s France.  Joan of Arc liberated the citizens of Orleans, France, from a British siege in her first victory in 1429—resulting in her moniker “The Maid of Orleans.” Our parade honors our own unofficial patron saint, The Maid of New Orleans: the beloved  golden French Quarter statue, a gift to the City of New Orleans from France in the 1950s, and our French history and heritage. It’s a short, family-friendly parade — quirky, whimsical and spiritual. 
Bring king cake to share. The parade typically starts on time at 6 sharp and makes 3 pauses for a bit of medieval pageantry:
  • toasts from the Historic New Orleans Collection and Grégor Trumel, Consul General of France in New Orleans, from the Williams Research Center balcony at 400 Chartres
  • a sword blessing at Saint Louis Cathedral by The Very Reverend Father Philip Landry
  • the crowning of the king and king cake ceremony at the end at Washington Artillery Park.  Bring your own king cake to eat your first king cake along with the king and Joan.


Saturday, January 6
Come celebrate Twelfth Night & party with Chris Owens, The Yat Pack, Carl Mack & The Krewe of Stars!
Includes Chris Owens & David Cook's Costume Exhibition
King Cake, Champagne, plus Live Entertainment!
Saturday, January 6, 2018 - 6 PM - 8 PM
The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture
1010 Conti Street, New Orleans, LA
January 6 
Phunny Phorty Phellows Streetcar Ride 
The Phunny Phorty Phellows load the streetcar at the Willow Streetcar Bar on S. Carrollton. From there, the krewe rides the streetcar down S. Carrollton to St. Charles Avenue.The streetcar makes Lee Circle to Canal before heading back down St. Charles.

Wednesday, January 17
Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Mardi Gras Season and New Orleans Authors 
It is not too early to start thinking about my next Round Table Luncheon on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at noon at the historic Ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans. You will be greeted by special guest Mayor Elect LaToya Cantrell and invited authors, architectural artist/historian Jimmy Blanchard and his new book Magnificent Obsessions: New Orleans Buildings and Residences; Radio and TV legend Bob Carr (The Packard Limousine); and Liz Williams, CEO and founder of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum and author of New Orleans, A Food Biography.
To set the Carnival Season 2018 going we will be joined by Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, 2018 King of the Krewe of Stars, along with Becky Allen, Marshall Harris, Carl Mack and pianist Jim Walpole will provide the live entertainment. In addition Mardi Gras Poster Queen Andrea Mistretta will be unveiling her 2018 Mardi Gras poster saluting the New Orleans Tricentennial.

Guests are encouraged to wear their Mardi Gras Costume to compete for prizes which will be given to the best! The $60, all-inclusive price includes a delicious, 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines and valet parking.
Call Judy LeBlanc at (504) 571-4672 or email her at Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com to inquire. RESERVATIONS AND PREPAYMENT ARE REQUIRED. Walk-ins will not be accepted, as the hotel will only prepare meals for the number of guests who have made reservations.
Here is a link of the photos taken by Frank Stansbury of the last Round table Luncheon. Enjoy https://www.facebook.com/frank.stansbury1/media_set?set=a.1915491898465292.1073742041.100000135025518&type=3

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

 A Toast to New Orleans: Dec. 19-26 Irvin Berlin's White Christmas/NOLA Christmas Fest/ Home for the Holidays and much more...... Happy Holidays A Toast to New Orleans: Dec. 19-26 Irvin Berlin's White Christmas/NOLA Christmas Fest/ Home for the Holidays and much more...... Happy Holidays






Group photo by Frank Stansbury of Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Holidays and New Orleans  Tricentennial
From left to right Entertainers Marshall Harris, Becky Allen  Speaker Sybil Morial Co-hosts Margarita Bergen and Mark Romig, speakers Patti Lock of Tall Ships of America, Lisa Tull of Republic National Beverages. In the background  Pianist Jim Walpole, Speaker Priscilla Lawrence, Entertainers Carl Mack , Burlesque dancer Trixie Minx , winemaker Dr. James Moises and chanteuse
Suzaune Yee McKamey
Suzaune Yee McKamey


Darlings, Happy Holidays! 

I have been delighted to enjoy the myriad of festive soirees that I have been invited to. But, as you probably know, the highlight of my week was co-hosting along with my darling friend, Mark Romig, my annual sold-out Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Holidays and the upcoming New Orleans Tricentennial at the Bourbon Orleans.

The 225 guests at the bubbly luncheon consumed seven cases of champagne in addition to two cases of delicious Moises Rose Pinot Noir generously donated by winemaker, Dr. James Moises, of Bijou Wines. According to our guests, it was the best ever and I must thank our speakers, Hon. Carlos Ponce, Consul General of Mexico; the Cultural and Historical Co-chairs of the New Orleans Tricentennial, Priscilla Lawrence and former First Lady Sybil Morial
Romi Gonzalez, who spoke about the participation of the Hispanic community in the Tricentennial; Jenny Hamilton, Executive Director of New Orleans Ballet; and Patti Lock, Director of Special Projects for Tall Ships of America.

The live entertainment was by a myriad of entertainers that will include Becky Allen, Carl Mack, Marshall Harris, pianist Jim Walpole, Suzaune Yee McKamey, Conductor Paul Mauffray,  burlesque dancer Trixie Minx. Guests enjoyed a very delicious luncheon and the four cases of cavas donated by Republic National Beverage represented by Lisa Tull who spoke about the Cristalina Cava in addition to three mores cases.

Please put in your calendar that the next Round Table Luncheon  on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. 
 it is not too early to start thinking about my next Round Table Luncheon on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at noon at the historical Ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans.   Invited authors are Jimmy Blanchard and his new book "Magnificent Obsessions"  New Orleans Buildings and Residences and Bob Carr "The Packard Limousine"
WE will be joined by Al "Carnival Time" Johnson along with Becky Allen, Marshall Harris, Carl Mack and pianist Jim Walpole  will provide the live entertainment.
In addition Mardi Gras Poster QueenAndrea Mistretta  will be unveiling her 2018 Mardi Gras poster Saluting the Tricentennial  


I also enjoyed attending these other festive soirees:

Exhibit from the Archives of the Consulate of France from 1804-2017
I was invited to attend a lovely opening reception at the residence of Consul General of France, Vincent Sciama. It was the opening of an exhibit from the Archives of the Consulate of France from 1804-2017.
Holiday Market and Release of "Gallier Hall- A Pictorial History" by Cheryl Q. Landrieu and Matalin M Carville.
 I attended a lovely soiree at the spectacular, newly renovated Gallier Hall. It was hosted by our first Lady Cheryl Landrieu and featured a HOLIDAY MARKET of Tricentennial merchandise and an awesome Gallier Hall Preview, in addition to the official release of "Gallier Hall- A Pictorial History" by Cheryl Q. Landrieu and Matalin M Carville.

 
Press Club of NO Holiday Soiree
The Press Club of New Orleans hosted its annual Holiday Soiree at the lovely Degas House on Esplanade Street. I always enjoy seeing my darling friends and enjoyed very much the delicious cuisine and decadent libations. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154884947475870.1073743037.581200869&type=1&l=52c31fdcde

French Quarter Citizens 2017-Annual Holiday Celebration
I enjoyed going to the lovely and delicious French Quarter Citizens 2017 Annual Holiday Celebration on December 13 at Latrobe's, 403 Royal Street.

The Advocate Holiday Soiree 2017
Darlings, what a fabulous night to attend fabulous soirees. My first one was hosted by Dathel and John Georges, owners of the New Orleans Advocate at their office on St. Charles Avenue.
Hispanic Young Professionals of Louisiana Holiday Party
I attended the lovely soiree of the Young Professionals of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at Fogo de Chao. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154888585665870.1073743040.581200869&type=1&l=a2d7a18ac1

Patrick's Bar and Vin Jingle Bell Holiday Party
Patrick van Hoorebeek's annual festive Jingle Bell Holiday Party was spectacular. His lovely bar, Patrick's Bar and Vin, outdoor terrace and the Courtyard of Hotel Mazarin were the setting of his awesome holiday soiree. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154892215170870.1073743041.581200869&type=1&l=c3853a6917

Alvin Albe Jr. and Virginia Boulet's Jolly Holiday Soiree
“’Tis the season to be jolly" and in my case all lit up. I loved attending the annual Holiday Soiree hosted by Alvin Albe Jr. and Virginia Boulet in the exquisite mansion on Esplanade Avenue.

Ambush Magazine Reintroduction Launch Party
Last night, I attended the awesome Ambush Magazine Reintroduction Launch Party at GrandPre's and saw many of my longtime darling friends.
Before I share all the upcoming fun events, I want to express my deepest condolence to the family of Marsha Delain. Her husband of 43 years, Rip Naquin, publisher of the popular LGBTQ newspaper, Ambush, passed away just four months ago. They were icons of the French Quarter. Their contributions to the LGBTQ Community and the City of New Orleans are well recognized. Two of the sweetest people I have ever known. They are together now. May their souls RIP. Her funeral will be held this Saturday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m. at St. Anna Episcopal Church on Esplanade Avenue. http://obits.nola.com/obituaries/nola/obituary.aspx?n=marsha-naquin-delain&pid=187563421&fhid=2616
obits.nola.com
Read the Obituary and view the Guest Book, leave condolences or send flowers. | Marsha Naquin-Delain as he was known to his many friends in the New Orleans community, died at his residence on Thursday, December 14, 2017. Born Marion M. Greeson in Baton Rouge, LA on June 17,



Lafete News Link December 18, 2017
http://conta.cc/2CXiYQE

Love New Orleans & She'll Love You Back.

December 19-24
White Christmas
Irving Berlin's White Christmas

Irving Berlin's White Christmas

Dec 19–24, 2017
The classic holiday movie White Christmas comes to the stage at last!



December 21-31


NOLA Christmas Fest
nolachristmasfest.com
Christmas in New Orleans has always been a magical time. NOLA ChristmasFest, a dazzling, family-friendly seasonal event, offers another opportunity to get into the ...



December 22
I am looking forward to attending this always fun event.

DEC22


Home for the Holidays - New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA)Benefit, Home for the Holidays is a night of spectacular art & music benefiting the Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists, which honors the memory of NOCCA alumnus Daniel Price. In keeping with Daniel's twin passions of art and music, the Fund provides scholarships for outstanding visual arts & music students at NOCCA. Silver and Gold patrons will be treated to an intimate concert by the legendary Irma Thomas, with access to The Foundation Room & The Parish Room all night. The Parish will have an open bar and is a perfect place to store any artwork purchased at the silent auction featuring priceless art donated by Daniel Price Award Recipients.

Artists at this event include: 
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Irma Thomas, James Andrews, Stanton Moore, Eric Lindell, Ivan Neville, New Breed Brass Band, Sweet Crude, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, John Boutté, David Shaw, Jon Roniger.

December 23
CBS Sports Classic
December 24
Christmas Eve
@Steamboat Natchez

It's a Christmas Eve Celebration on the Mississippi River aboard the Steamboat NATCHEZ. The cruise will feature a delicious holiday dinner buffet and live Jazz music by the Steamboat Stompers Trio. More info 



Wishing you a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year 2018 in many Languages 
I bet you did not know I spoke so many languages - Well I don't but the Internet does, so here is the way to wish you all a happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. https://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/christmas.htm
New Orleans Tricentennial 


Twenty-eighteen (2018) will mark the beginning of the Crescent City’s 300th Tricentennial Anniversary and you are cordially invited! This epic milestone will honor more than just our rich history, diverse culture and resilient spirit. It will also celebrate the city’s many accomplishments and its plans for the promising future. Each event is as diverse as the fabric of this city! From the Historic New Orleans Collection’s opening of “New Orleans, The Founding Era” exhibit and Navy Week’s Tall Ships from Around the World to the King’s Day Celebration, Fireworks and KickOff to Tricentennial Mardi Gras and beyond, this is a celebration for everyone! Join us for the festivities! Learn more by visiting: http://2018nola.com/ or https://www.neworleans.com