Tuesday, January 31, 2017

A Festive Toast to you and New Orleans: Go Red for Women Luncheon/ Guidebooks to Sin: The Blue Books of Storyville/The SweetArts Gala & More....

Darlings, 
Beautiful cool sunny days are greeting us as we enjoy the carnival season.
I enjoyed a very delightful week that included attending a fabulous  CAC's Patron Party for the honorees of the SweetArts art the art-filled residence of Valerie Besthoff.  . As a former honoree, I was thrilled to help celebrate the CAC's 40th Season. The SweetArts Gala is on February 4 from 7 to 11 p.m. and will be a Black-Tie Birthday Party that I am sure you will not want to miss! The 2017 SWEETARTS 2017 HONOREES:

Arts Educator/Community Partner - Jolene Pinder
Performing Arts - Junebug Productions
Philanthropist - Corporate Realty
Visual Arts - Tina Girouard, Gene Koss, Martin Payton & Mario Villa

SweetArts is the CAC’s premier annual gala. Since 1984, the CAC has recognized the exceptional and diverse artists, performers, educators, and philanthropists whose influence and contributions shape New Orleans’ arts and culture community.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154038930795870.1073742782.581200869&type=1&l=b9ad303718
I also enjoyed very much attending the opening night Jelly's Last JamLe Petit Theatre presented it, for the first time in New Orleans, Jelly's Last Jam is the Tony award-winning musical that tells the true story of Ferdinand Joseph LeMothe, a.k.a. Jelly Roll Morton. Born a Creole American in the Faubourg Marigny, Jelly Roll Morton took the music he found in the cribs of Storyville out into the wider world beyond New Orleans. He became a star in Harlem, Chicago, and Los Angeles, even going so far as to proclaim himself as the “creator of jazz.” It featured explosive dance and an original score inspired by the best musical traditions of New Orleans, It will be playing until February 11. Not to be missed!
Darlings, every Sunday night, I have a date with my TV and WYES. But when my darling friend Ana Ester Gershanik, asked me to cover an event, I always do.
This time it was the lovely Touro Synagogue's L’Chayim Award presentation. Kathy and Hal Shepard were honored by the historic Uptown synagogue with the biannual L’Chayim Award this year. Every two years Touro presents the award to a member whose generosity of spirit, the devotion to time and commitment of energy has played an important part of building their community. I saw so many friends and I didn’t want to miss the lovely and delicious dinner prepared by Israel-born Chef Alon Shay. I also enjoyed a delicious red wine from Israel, but I was driving so I didn’t drink too much of it.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154045782025870.1073742783.581200869&type=1&l=bfddf117a8
I concluded my social week last night by attending the always fun Galatoire's Auction of the Tables for lunch on Friday, February 24 - the last Friday before Mardi Gras! It was a very exciting and fast-moving auction that raised, within few hours, $110,000 for charities. The auction allows customers the opportunity to reserve a table on the restaurant’s famed first floor the Friday before  Mardi Gras, This year, proceeds from the  10th auction will benefit the Galatoire Foundation, which has been dedicated to giving back to the New Orleans community and region that has patronized Galatoire’s for generations. The Edible Schoolyard New Orleans and the Good Shepard School are among those that will benefit.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154048339085870.1073742786.581200869&type=1&l=61142195db
This week is going to be a very busy one since it includes “Shakespeare's Mardi Gras” today, Tuesday, January 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hubbell Library,725 Pelican Ave, in the Algiers Point section of New Orleans. Join Xavier University's Dr. Oliver Hennessey as he discusses the use of Shakespearean themes and characters in New Orleans' Carnival traditions. Why and how has England's most iconic writer figured in Carnival pageantry? Come and find out. Free and open to the public 
On Thursday, February 2, the  American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Luncheon is being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome downtown.
The Go Red For Women movement encourages local women to take charge of their heart health by making it a top priority. Guests can participate in free health screenings and a silent auction, a heart-healthy lunch and hear stories of local women affected by heart disease.
On February 4, Girl Scouts Louisiana East is having its “Cookies and Cocktails Gala.” Smooth jazz and unique Girl Scout cookie-inspired dishes and drinks will define this year’s annual gala, “Cookies and Cocktails and All That Jazz.” The event will feature 20 local chefs and bartenders, live music, a photo booth and a silent auction at the XLIV Club.
On Friday, February 3, The Historic New Orleans Collection presents Guidebooks to Sin: The Blue Books of Storyville, New Orleans by Pamela D. Arceneaux, with a foreword by Emily Epstein Landau.   Here are the details:
Friday, February 3, 2017
5:30–6:30 p.m.: Lecture
Pamela D. Arceneaux, Senior Librarian/Rare Books Curator, The Historic New Orleans Collection
Queen Anne Ballroom, Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal Street
6:30–8 p.m.: Reception and book signing
The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street
Additional Guidebooks to Sin book talks
Lecture and book signing
Tuesday, February 7, 6 p.m.
Octavia Books
513 Octavia Street, New Orleans
* * *
Champagne reception
Thursday, February 9, 6 p.m.
Maple Street Book Shop
7523 Maple Street, New Orleans
22nd Annual Williams Research Center Symposium
Storyville and Jazz, 1917: An End and a Beginning
Saturday, February 4 • 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St.
The SweetArts Gala is on February 4 from 7 to 11 p.m. and will be a Black-Tie Birthday Party that I am sure you will not want to miss
Enjoy your week!


WE CAN! WE WILL! WE MUST!” PROPAGANDA POSTERS ILLUMINATED
Dinner with Curator Chrissy Gregg set at American Sector Restaurant hosted by American Sector Restaurant. On Tuesday, January 31st from 6:30 – 8:30PM, Chrissy Gregg,
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – In 1942, the Office of War Information was created to both craft and disseminate the government’s message. That propaganda campaign encompassed specific goals and strategies, which included posters that were distributed across America. This month, the Propaganda Posters of WWII are the subject of Dinner with a Curator hosted by American Sector Restaurant. On Tuesday, January 31st from 6:30 – 8:30PM, Chrissy Gregg, The National WWII Museum’s Virtual Classroom Educator, will examine those American propaganda posters and highlight different techniques used to arouse an emotional response in viewers.
American Sector Restaurant’s new Executive Chef Peter Page has crafted a menu to reflect the subject for the evening, and each of the four courses will be paired with a choice of wine or non-alcoholic beverage. The first course of Victory Garden Gumbo des Herbs, a classic Creole seven green gumbo, will be served with Closerie des Lys Pinot Noir or Southern Sweet Tea. The Popeye’s “Stay Strong” Spinach Salad for the second course consists of baby spinach, crispy onion, dried cranberries and pecans topped with warm bacon vinaigrette and sweet potato hay, and is paired with San Angelo Pinot Grigio or house-made “cherry cola.” The third course choices will be Rosie’s Roast Pork (crispy pork belly over pickled cabbage, Granny Smith apple and potato hash, Uncle Sam Spam croutons and candy apple glaze) or Red, White & Blue Plate Special (seared red snapper, red hollandaise with blood orange gastrique, root cellar roasted white parsnip puree, and blue corn creamy polenta) served with Mac Murray Chardonnay or blood orange lemonade. The final course, Mamere’s Rations Spice Cake made with fig preserves and canned cream caramel, is finished with Cotton Rouge or caramel cream soda. “I have always enjoyed creating new menus, and to have this opportunity to craft one that reflects our history is really satisfying,” states Page. “While the propaganda posters were used to evoke emotion during wartime, our Victory Garden to Table menu will certainly infuse our guests will memories of good food and good times.”
The cost of Dinner with a Curator is $56.99 per person and reservations can be made by calling (504)528-1940. Parking is available in the new parking garage located on Magazine Street directly across from the entrance to the restaurant.
The American Sector Restaurant is located within The National WWII Museum (945 Magazine St.) and serves as the culinary crossroads where Modern American food and drink meet Old World nostalgia. It offers Lunch and Dinner Sunday through Wednesday 11am through 8pm, Thursday through Saturday 11am through 9pm, featuring a unique “Victory Garden to Table” menu, and a popular Happy Hour from 4pm – 7pm nightly. The American Sector Restaurant is operated by Centerplate Corporation, a company with an approach to hospitality that creates tailored food and beverage programs, unique hospitality design, rewarding event and retail services to deliver the type of one-of-a-kind, local authenticity that builds loyalty, reputation, and memories. For more information about The American Sector Restaurant or to make reservations call (504) 528-1940.
31

Rites, Rituals and Revelry: The History of Mardi Gras in New Orleans
The Historic New Orleans Collection will once again offer a Carnival-themed tour of its Louisiana History Galleries at 533 Royal Street.
Rites, Rituals and Revelry: The History of Mardi Gras in New Orleans
a special themed tour of THNOC 's Louisiana History Galleries
Tuesday-Sunday, through-February 24, 2017
Tours will be offered daily at 11 a.m.
*Please note THNOC will be closed Saturday, February 25-Tuesday, February 28, 2017.
Admission is $5, free for THNOC members.
Each tour lasts approximately one hour.
THNOC's Louisiana History Galleries use items from the institution's vast permanent holdings to explore the evolution of Louisiana from its precolonial days to the present. These galleries are typically open for self-guided tours, but for "Rites, Rituals and Revelry: The History of Mardi Gras in New Orleans," THNOC's docents will lead visitors on a journey through time to discover the city's Carnival traditions. The tour begins with celebrations during the French and Spanish colonial periods and in the early days of statehood and continues through the development of parading krewes, like Comus and Rex, to the arrival of Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs and Mardi Gras Indians, and concludes with today's popular superkrewes.
THNOC will begin offering "Rites, Rituals and Revelry" tours on Friday, January 6, the first official day of the Carnival season. Each tour lasts approximately one hour and is available at 11 a.m. Tuesday-Sunday, until February 24. Admission is $5 or free for THNOC members. Free self-guided tours of THNOC's Louisiana History Galleries are available Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
533 Royal Street * New Orleans, LA 70130
504-523-4662 Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9:30 - 4:30
Royal Street Complex also open on Sunday 10:30 - 4:30
Register Today for Wednesday

NACE Lunch & Learn with local Attorneys Rebecca Miller & Chais Sweat
Event Contracts: What Should they Say and What Happens When Something Goes Wrong?
Rebecca and Chais will be discussing critical terms that should be included in event contracts (and why they are important), as well as what to do when an event or engagement goes south. Additionally, we will be looking at real life examples of event contracts and discussing how they can be improved.

Ample free parking available!STUDENT TICKETS MUST PRESENT STUDENT ID WHEN CHECKING IN AT MEETING*
**Please note that any members whose company has a NACE membership, all employees of that company may attend monthly meetings at the member price.
Wed, February 1, 2017
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM CST
Messina's at the Terminal
6001 Stars and Stripes Blvd
New Orleans (Louisiana), LA 70126

Don't miss seeing this great play
For the first time in New Orleans, Le Petit produces the Tony award-winning musical that tells the true story of Ferdinand Joseph LeMothe, a.k.a. Jelly Roll Morton. Born a Creole American in the Faubourg Marigny, Jelly Roll Morton took the music he found in the cribs of Storyville out into the wide world. He became a star in Harlem, Chicago, and Los Angeles, going so far as to proclaim himself as the “creator of jazz.” Featuring explosive dance and an original score inspired by the best musical traditions of New Orleans, Jelly’s Last Jam is the musical triumph that won’t give you the blues.
Performances: Thursday - Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM; Sunday afternoons at 3 PM

Thursday, February 2, 20172017 New Orleans Go Red For Women
Thursday, February 2, 2017

Click Here for info onThe Little Red Dress Party
sponsored by LCMC Health on Thursday, February 9th.

Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined.  But we can change that because 80 percent of all cardiac events may be prevented
with education and lifestyle changes.





Friday, February 3 - Sunday Febraury 5, 2017  

The second annual RETROPERSPECTIVE: 
The Jazz & Heritage Film Festival 
a  showcase for the best in documentaries by and about 
southern Louisiana, with classic feature-length films paired 
with upcoming works-in-progress by current New Orleans 
filmmakers.   With three days of film screenings and discussions 
and film screenings, RETROPERSPECTIVE connects the legacy 
of documentary filmmaking in the region with today’s climate of 
innovation. Many of the films to be shown have received funding 
from the Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s Community Partnership Grants

Friday, February 3 - Sunday Febraury 5, 2017  
George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center 
1225 N. Rampart Street, Treme New Orleans
Admission is Free

Click to view the schedule of events
2-8-17


TOPS OF THE TOWN EVENT AT THE NEW MONASTERY VENUE TO FEATURE BIG SAM'S FUNKY NATION
New Orleans, La.  - Where Mystery Meets Magic... A Black and White Venetian Masquerade is the theme for this year's Tops of the Town soirée, presented by Northwestern Mutual.
Tops of the Town, a celebration of the top people, places and things in New Orleans, will be held Wed., Feb. 8, 7-10 p.m. at the newly opened The Monastery. Big Sam's Funky Nation will headline the event with opening act The Crooked Vines. Guests will enjoy surprise entertainment as well.
Tickets are on sale now for $50 (available online at TopsOfNewOrleans.com) and will be sold for $75 at the door. Guests are encouraged to dress in black and white dressy casual or cocktail attire and wear a mask. Masque Rage, a locally owned company that creates couture temporary mask tattoos, will be on site and will donate a portion of all sales to nonprofit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
The event will feature culinary creations from over 20 top local restaurants including: Andrea's, Brown Butter, Café Giovanni, Court of Two Sisters, Dorignac's Bakery, Katie's, La Thai Uptown, Little Gem Saloon, Manning's, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar & Restaurant, New Orleans Creole Cookery, Nonna Randazzo's, Reginelli's Pizzeria, Southern Candymakers, Superior Grill, Sun Ray Grill, The Grill Room at Windsor Court and The Velvet Cactus. Abita Beer is the official beer sponsor and Touch Artisan Vodka, official spirit sponsor, will serve up creative vodka cocktails. Wine will also be available. A special chilled seafood bar, sponsored by The Louisiana Seafood Marketing & Promotions Board and Dickie Brennan restaurants, will also be featured.

Event organizers have partnered with UBER, which is offering a special promotion for new UBER customers - Enjoy your first TWO rides free (up to $10 each) when you sign up with UBER. Visit, http://get.uber.com/go/topsofneworleans to register and use promo code TOPSOFNEWORLEANS. 
Built in 1812, the 164-year-old monastery has been transformed into a 30,000-square-foot, quintessential New Orleans venue space complete with gas lanterns, stained glass and exposed brick and beams. Tops of the Town will be the first public, large-scale event to be held at The Monastery since its opening in October 2016. 






PLEASE PUT IN YOUR CALENDAR
Wednesday, Feb. 15
THNOC and LPO present free concert highlighting jazz's impact on classical music!
On Wednesday, Feb. 15, The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will present “Uniquely New Orleans: The Classical Tradition and Jazz,” a free concert in St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square.
 This annual event, which marks the 11th installment of Musical Louisiana: America’s Cultural Heritage, will take place at 7:30PM (doors at 7PM). Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Selections for the 2017 concert will highlight jazz’s impact on classical music, as well as the classical training that influenced many early jazz masters such as Jelly Roll Morton and Manuel “Fess” Manetta. Carlos Miguel Prieto will conduct, and award-winning actor and singer Vernel Bagneris will serve as narrator. Guest performers include jazz vocalist Germaine Bazzle, pianists James Dapogny and Ronald Joseph, clarinetist Christopher Pell and organist and St. Louis Cathedral young-artist-in-residence Emmanuel Arakélian.







Darlings, you are all invited- It is going to be a lot of fun and you know I will be decked out as the Mardi Gras Mambo Queen!
FEB17

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

A sunny festive Toast to NO: Le Petite's Jelly's Last Jam/Touro Synagogue's L’Chayim Award and more...‏


I have been enjoying the 2017 Carnival Season to the fullest. I started my social-cultural week by hosting my annual "It is Carnival Time" Round Table Luncheon at the historic ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans. It was so much fun and guests enjoyed listening to the informative talks by guest speakers:
The guest speakers were Arthur Hardy, Mardi Gras maven, historian, and publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide; Sonny Borey, Captain of the Krewe of Orpheus and Chairman of the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Advisory Committee, and  Carl Mack of the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture and founder of the Krewe of Stars. The live entertainment was by past Royalty, talented Becky Allen, Marshall Harris and pianist Jim Walpole. 
All past Royalty were invited to wear their crowns. Prizes were awarded to the best masks and ensemble.
That night, I was invited by my darling friend June Fallo to the lovely soiree in honor of the New Orleans Concierge Association at the exquisite Edgar Degas House Museum Courtyard and Inn. We had the pleasure of meeting three of Edgar Degas relatives who gave us a delightful tour and spoke about the history of the time that Edgar Degas spent in New Orleans. I have been a good friend of the owner David Villarubia for over 35 years and always enjoy visiting this historical property.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154014324305870.1073742775.581200869&type=1&l=f047b2d0af

Darlings, since Mardi Gras is so close, I am not going to be hosting a Round Table Luncheon in February. The next one will be on Wednesday, March 15 at noon at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. 
Speakers and Entertainers at "It is Carnival Time" Round Table Luncheon at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel- photo by Frank Stansbury
 How many of you like Festivals and the ‘60s? 
Well, in honor of the “WYES 60 Years and Still Groovin’” Gala on March 23, my next Round Table Luncheon will feature a speaker on that landmark event. Other guests will talk about the upcoming festivals that will include the Tennesse Williams New Orleans Literary Festival (March 22-26, 2017), French Quarter Festival (April 6-9), and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April 28-May 7).

As you know, New Orleans is the “Festival Capital of the World.” We have dozens of festivals that celebrate our unique food, music, and multicultural heritage all year long. Nowhere else on the planet is there a greater selection and wider diversity of fabulous special events than those you can experience right here in New Orleans.

On Thursday, January 19 I needed a clone. I was invited to five parties, starting at 2:30 p.m. when I transformed myself into a Victorian character to attend the lovely WYES Victorian Garden Party at the New Orleans Women’s Opera Guild Home on Prytania Street. Thanks to my darling friend, Carl Mack, of the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture, who came to my rescue when the fabulous costume that I had ordered was late and scheduled to be delivered on February 22. It is not here yet!

My darling friend Carl Mack and his extensive collection of customs are like a dream. I found an off-the-shoulder Victorian costume that was me and he generously lent me the loveliest Victorian costume and the crown to look like I belong in that era. I really I felt that I was part of that historical period. Attendees enjoyed the stately Garden District mansion while sampling champagne, wine, and food from Ralph Brennan Catering & Events. Guests also enjoyed the excitement of live in-house bidding on several auction items including “We Groovin’,” a 60” x 96” framed artist proof signed by celebrated New Orleans artist James Michalopoulos and a bidding war for the Yankee Stadium Experience which includes four field tickets to a 2017 regular season New York Yankees home game, pre-game VIP tour with an opportunity to view on-field batting practice, lunch or dinner in the Legends Suite Club. There also were beautiful flower bouquets for the silent auction.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154016527440870.1073742776.581200869&type=1&l=42ecbad5b3

I was also invited by the French-American Chamber of Commerce in Louisiana to attend a lovely reception at the residence of the French Consul of France, Gregor Trumel, to thank all its members and potential new ones. Attendees also had the pleasure of meeting Kaitlin Maheu, recipient of the 2016 Donald A. Hoffman Memorial Scholarship.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154014324305870.1073742775.581200869&type=1&l=f047b2d0af

That afternoon I ran home to change clothes to attend the opening of The Troubadour Hotel at 1111 Gravier St in the Central Business District. Beloved local chef, Phillip Lopez, brings his signature brand of culinary creativity to the boutique hotel’s restaurants and bars, applying his playful-with-purpose style to a flavorful menu of casual French cuisine, tasty libations and charcuterie plates for sharing. I got a chance to taste some of his creations and they were delicious. Helmed by Chef Lopez, a New Orleans native, and Executive Chef, Petit Lion will offer casual bistro fare in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.Beloved local chef Phillip Lopez brings his signature brand...

That night was also the Louisiana Appleseed' s annual Good Apple Gala. Celebrating its eighth anniversary, the Gala was held at the Civic Center. The patron party started at 6:30 p.m. and was followed by the Gala at 7:30 p.m., with drinks and live music. The Gala honored seven outstanding community members who have shown tremendous generosity and commitment to social justice and pro bono excellence. The "Good Apple" recipients were Kathlyn Perez Bethune of Baker Donelson and Elizabeth Rutledge, formerly of Baker Donelson; Andrew Capitelli of Milling Benson Woodward, LLP; and Emma McKinda of Koeppel Clark Turner; Hon. Stanwood Duval of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana; Dr. Stephen Hales of Hales Pediatrics; and Charles L. Rice Jr. of Entergy New Orleans.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154016584825870.1073742777.581200869&type=1&l=db8e0567ab

On Friday, January 20, I was glued to the TV. In the past, I was invited and attended the installation of George H. W. Bush
41st U.S. President, and several of the inauguration balls. I enjoyed my trip and treasure the wonderful memories. 
I opted not to attend the Trump Inauguration but I thought it was an exciting day for our country. A new president and a new Cabinet. I am praying for a smooth transition and a unified country. I am willing to give Mr. Trump and his Cabinet the opportunity to prove themselves worthy of the high offices they now hold. I hope that God will provide him with the light to guide this big country of ours.

I also hope that in my generation and before I die, I will see a highly qualified woman elected President, not because of being female, but because of her merits. I wish I could have gone to the Women's March in Washington or in here.
Also on Friday, I got a chance to "Blush" at the annual The Pussyfooters' BLUSH BALL a “Party with a Purpose” to benefit Metropolitan Center for Women and Children at Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Dr. It was a  lot of fun even if I only stayed there for a few minutes but I loved seeing the costumes and many of my friends.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154019163990870.1073742778.581200869&type=1&l=efc7c08ef2
Darlings, It is Carnival Time 2017 so I was invited to attend two fun soirees on Saturday.
So when you get an invitation that commands you to attend a lovely soiree hosted by the King and Queen of Mid-City, King LXXXIV Duane David Hoff and his beautiful Queen Susan Schulze Hoff, you get your gown ready and attend. 

The lovely and delicious soiree was held at the elegant Fleur de Lis Suite of the Royal Sonesta. Many captains of different organizations were present as well as the court and relatives of the Monarchs, who happen to own Fantesca Estate and Winery in Napa Valley.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154022298455870.1073742780.581200869&type=1&l=12565a8abd

 The other invitation read: “You are invited to the 23rd King Cake Queen XXIII of Gay Mardi Gras, Monica Synclair Kennedy, The Pride Queen of 2017 at the Ambush Mansion.” Rip Naquin Delain and Marsha Delain Naquin were the hosts of the annual lovely and delicious soiree.


Today, the sun shined brightly at the historical Jackson Square where the annual Press Conference for the upcoming French Quarter Festival (April 6-9) In 2017 – French Quarter Festival celebrates its 34th Anniversary. 
During the press conference, the details about the 34th Annual French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron were announced. Festival-goers can expect over 60 of New Orleans finest restaurants at the "World's largest Jazz Brunch," music from over 1,700 world-class, local musicians and over a dozen special events. 
More than 20 new artists including Aaron Neville will make his debut on the Riverfront Abita Beer Stage on Thursday, April 6.
The beautiful limited edition poster by my darling friend, talented Tony Green was unveiled to the delight of the crowd. 
French Quarter Festival was first produced in 1984 as a way to bring residents back to the Quarter; following the World’s Fair and extensive sidewalk repairs in the French Quarter.
French Quarter Festival 2016 had in attendance – over 760,000 people, making it the largest event in Louisiana behind Mardi Gras with an average impact of $190 million. The press conference  featured live entertainment from the Grammy-nominated Ella and Louie Tribute Band. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154030902995870.1073742781.581200869&type=1&l=d55bae1f10
 www.fqfi.org. 
Thi morning, at 10:00 a.m., The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana Foundation invited the public to attend the Grand Opening of the Bilingual Workforce Training & Business Development Center, located at 2200 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Suite 200, Kenner. I am so sorry that i could not make it. 

Where is my Clone? I need one to keep up with all these happenings!

On Wednesday, January 25, at 7:00 p.m., I am looking forward to attending, at the Marigny Opera House, dancing to the music of the acclaimed New Leviathan Oriental Fox Trot Orchestra. Suggested donation: $10. 

I cannot wait until Friday, January 27, when Le Petit Theater will present, for the first time in New Orleans, Jelly's Last Jam. It is the Tony award-winning musical that tells the true story of Ferdinand Joseph LeMothe, a.k.a. Jelly Roll Morton. Born a Creole American in the Faubourg Marigny, Jelly Roll Morton took the music he found in the cribs of Storyville out into the wider world beyond New Orleans. He became a star in Harlem, Chicago and Los Angeles, even going so far as to proclaim himself as the “creator of jazz.” Featuring explosive dance and an original score inspired by the best musical traditions of New Orleans, Jelly’s Last Jam is the musical triumph that won’t give you the blues.

Coming up this weekend are three performances of an exciting Brooklyn, New York-based contemporary dance troupe, Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE. The performances will be on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2:00 in the Freda Lupin Memorial Hall, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA), 2800 Chartres Street, New Orleans. The events are co-presented by the New Orleans Ballet Association and NOCCA.

The second act of the performances will feature a contingent of local dancers, chosen by auditions earlier this week, dancing on stage with the Brown company members to nine songs by Stevie Wonder.

The nine members of the world-renowned company include two talented Louisiana dancers, Clarice Young from New Roads, and Courtney Ross from Harvey on the West Bank. Courtney, who studied dance at NOCCA, will be making a triumphant return to the stage on which she performed as a student and she is looking forward to displaying her talents before a hometown crowd that will include many members of her family. You can read more about her and Artistic Director/Dancer/Choreographer Ronald K. Brown in this Thursday’s New Orleans Advocate’s BEAUCOUP magazine insert.

For more information call NOBA at (504) 522-0996 or go to www.nobadance.com. Tickets are $50 each and students with ID are $35. NOTE: Saturday night’s performance might be sold out by now and not many seats are left for Friday and Sunday. Reserve your seats ASAP if you want to catch what promises to be a very memorable performance!

On January 29, I have been invited to cover Touro Synagogue's L’Chayim Award presentation. Kathy and Hal Shepard are being honored by the historic Uptown synagogue with the biannual L’Chayim Award this year. Every two years Touro presents the award to a member whose generosity of spirit, the devotion to time and commitment of energy has played an important part of building their community. It will be held at the Touro Synagogue, 4238 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans. For more information call (504) 895-4843 or visit their website at www.tourosynagogue.com.
Darlings, do not forget Friday, February 17. It's the 4th annual Mardi Gras Mambo presented by Cervantes Foundation, in partnership with the New Orleans Museum of Art. Save the Date in your calendar: Mardi Gras Mambo at 5:00 p.m. at the New Orleans Museum of Art. 
I have the honor of being the Queen, along with King Juan La Fonta. It is going to be a lot of fun!

Darlings, you are all invited- It is going to be a lot of fun and you know I will be decked out as the Mardi Gras Mambo Queen!
King Cake Queens of Gay Mardi Gras -23rd King Cake Queen XXIII of Gay Mardi Gras Monica Synclaire Kennedy, The Pride Queen of 2017 at the Ambush Mansion. Rip and Marsha Delain 
Image may contain: 5 people, people standing and indoor

 Bill DetweilerEric Belin and Honorable Consul of France Gregor Trumel
Image may contain: 4 people, suit


LaFete News 1-24-17
http://conta.cc/2j0GAgP
I can not wait until Friday, January 27, when Le Petit Theater will present for the first time in New Orleans, Jelly's Last Jam. 
It is the Tony award-winning musical that tells the true story of Ferdinand Joseph LeMothe, a.k.a. Jelly Roll Morton. Born a Creole American in the Faubourg Marigny, Jelly Roll Morton took the music he found in the cribs of Storyville out into the wide world. He became a star in Harlem, Chicago, and Los Angeles, going so far as to proclaim himself as the “creator of jazz.” Featuring explosive dance and an original score inspired by the best musical traditions of New Orleans, Jelly’s Last Jam is the musical triumph that won’t give you the blues.
Performances: Thursday - Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM; Sunday afternoons at 3 PM.
Run time: Approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes; includes one, 15-minute intermission
Recommended for ages 13 and older.
CAST
Ted Louis Levy - Jelly Roll Morton
Damien Moses - Chimney Man
Idella Johnson - Anita/Ensemble
Robert D'oqui - Jack the Bear/Ensemble
Traci Tolmaire - The Hunnies/Ensemble
Shangobunmi Mcalpine - The Hunnies/Ensemble
Jarrell Hamilton - The Hunnies/Ensemble
Mikhala Iversen - Gran Mimi
L.G. Williams II - Young Jelly/Ensemble
Tomeka L. Williams - Mamie/Ensemble
Kebron Woodfin - Buddy Bolden/Ensemble
Alysha Jean - Ensemble
Owen H. Dunne - Ensemble
Ebony Johnson - Ensemble
Lloyd Meekins - Ensemble
Tyler Price - Ensemble
Band:
Tom Hook - Band Leader and Piano
John Jones - Drum
Brandon Brunious - Banjo
Khari Allen Lee - Reeds
Edward Anderson - Trumpet
David Pulphus - Bass
Michael Watson - Trombone
CREATIVE TEAM
Jackie Alexander - Director
Traci Tolmaire - Choreographer, Asst. Director
Bill Walker - Scenic Design
Julie Winn - Costume Design
Andrew Griffin - Lighting Design
Theo Fogelman - Sound Design
Shelley Dall - Properties Master
Kyle Salzman - Technical Director
India Mcdougle - Production Stage Manager
Rodney Graham - Asst. Stage Manager
Shannon Kinsella - Hair and Makeup Coordinator

Welcome to the Jungle Inn,a lowdown club somewhere's t'ween heaven & hell.
This weekend Le Petit opens its first production of 2017, the Broadway jazz musical Jelly's Last Jam!
Emmy-award winner and Tony-nominee Ted Louis Levy leads an all-star cast as jazz great and New Orleans' native son, Jelly Roll Morton. Born a Creole American in the Faubourg Marigny, Jelly Roll Morton took the music he found in the sporting houses of Storyville out into the wide world.
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