“It’s Carnival Time!”
I celebrated the beginning of the Carnival Season on January 6, 2017, by attending many festive soirees.
I started my day early by attending the celebration of the grand opening of the Windsor Court 's Café Anglais. Guests kicked off Carnival with complimentary coffee, delicious King Cake and enjoyed live jazz by the Tim Laughlin Band. I enjoyed seeing so many of my friends, such as the General Manager David Teich and his lovely wife Jordan and my darling friend, Gregory Curtis, who is the head of the Windsor Court Human Resources office but also the President of the Krewe of Barkus.
At 10 a.m., New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, along with the Royalty of the krewes of Rex and Zulu, kicked off the official beginning of the Carnival Season at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World. The 2017 Rex Proclamation and the Zulu limited edition posters were unveiled and guests were entertained by the fabulous St. Augustine Marching Band. Coffee and delicious King Cake were served.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153983005555870.1073742767.581200869&type=1&l=152c203488
The evening was going to be such a myriad of fun soirees that I was having a hard time trying to get to all of them. But, fortunately, due to severe weather predictions for Friday evening that included both rain and low temperatures, the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc officially announced the postponement of the 9th annual parade from Friday, January 6 to Saturday, January 7.
So, in a way, I was delighted because I was going to dress warm and the frigid cold, rainy weather did not prevent my darling friend Paul Mauffray and me from enjoying the first night of the Carnival Season. We managed to attend three fun soirees: the opening of Carl Mack's Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture, “The Seven Deadly Sins” at Loyola and the Big Wig Ball at the Opera Guild House.
The Opening of Carl Mack's Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture was a great success and guests enjoyed seeing the beautiful museum and the photographic exhibit by my darling friend Carlos Gonzalez and the delicious King Cake and libations.
Darlings, I enjoyed tremendously the decadent production of “The Seven Deadly Sins” at Loyola University. Creative Director David Castilloof Jukebox Castle and top New Orleans chefs offered a new spin on the Seven Deadly Sins of Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride. All seven were well represented in the specifically created food and the fusion of the music and theater was delightful! Bravo!https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153984937045870.1073742768.581200869&type=1&l=efce2401e4
My evening continued and this time it was the first ever Big Wig Ball at the New Orleans Opera Women’ I am so happy that I did not miss this inaugural event, hosted by the Junior Committee of the Women's Guild. Revelers dined on locally-inspired cuisine, tasted an assortment of King Cakes, and drank and danced the night away. Attendees were encouraged to wear their biggest and most creative wig for a chance to be crowned New Orleans' official "Big Wig 2017!" The winner was Mike Calhoun who was dressed as Sweeney Todd which happens to be the next Opera on the schedule: Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim – February 10 & 12, 2017.
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Since the Krewe of Joan of Arc Parade was rescheduled to Saturday, January 7, it created a problem since I was committed to attending and covering the spectacular Second Annual Link Stryjewski Foundation Bal Masqué at the Orpheum Theater. The gala fundraiser was a celebration of New Orleans' Creole Carnival roots, capturing the spirit of a classic Bal Masqué with music by Dr. John & the Nite Tripperswho headlined the evening, following performances by Big Sam's Funky Nation, Cha Wa, and The Roots of Music. The evening featured culinary creations from world-renowned chefs John Currence (City Grocery, Oxford, MS), Suzanne Goin (Lucques, Los Angeles), Paul Kahan (Publican, Chicago), Mike Lata (FIG, Charleston), Nancy Oakes (Prospect, San Francisco), Richard Reddington (Redd, Yountville, CA), Andrea Reusing (Lantern, Chapel Hill), and Maggie Scales (La Boulangerie, New Orleans). https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153987304365870.1073742770.581200869&type=1&l=eab2c3fd3e
I was determined not to miss the spectacular 9th Annual Joan Of Arc Parade so I dressed warmly and went first to the Orpheum and then walked to see the parade from the warm office of the Historic New Orleans Collection where my darling friend, the Honorable Gregor Trumel, toasted this year’s Royalty that included that included his daughter, 2017 Maid of Honor Héloïse Trumel, and Queen Yolande of Aragon (Camille Whitworth); Charles VII (Jean-Luc Albin) Hail to the Royalty! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153987418920870.1073742771.581200869&type=1&l=437f8095ff
I walked back to the Orpheum where the Bal, the music, and the delicious food were happening. It was truly a very memorable fun night and for a great cause.
I concluded my week by braving the cold weather to enjoy a sunny afternoon of live music of Peruvian and Latin Jazz. The lovely Hotel Storyville Gardens, 1261 Esplanade Avenue, was the setting for the outdoor concert of the Afro-Peruvian Jazz Groove Peru Big Band. This is one of the biggest jazz bands in Latin America, with more than 20 musicians in the collective. Many of my darling Latin American friends were there enjoying the fabulous concert.
This event was a Fundraiser to help them with their tour. The $15 included the concert, delicious food by Peruvian Chef Patricia Garcia and two complimentary drinks. It was quite a fabulous event for a great cause. Que rica fiesta! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153988075480870.1073742772.581200869&type=1&l=c53c127db3
This event was a Fundraiser to help them with their tour. The $15 included the concert, delicious food by Peruvian Chef Patricia Garcia and two complimentary drinks. It was quite a fabulous event for a great cause. Que rica fiesta! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153988075480870.1073742772.581200869&type=1&l=c53c127db3
Well, I really needed a rest after such a busy weekend but then I remembered that I had been invited by Betsie Gamble of Gamble Communication to the kickoff of The New Orleans 100.
Gambel Communications created The New Orleans 100 in affiliation with The 100 Companies, a national publishing network created by journalists and PR professionals to meet the needs of businesses and readers in today’s fast-paced digital world. Gambel Communications is proud to have WWL-TV as a presenting sponsor for this initiative. The partnership and eNewsletter emphasize Gambel’s commitment to putting people and ideas together to form great connections. The New Orleans 100 provides a concise, easy-to-digest medium through which readers can continue to learn about the Crescent City and the surrounding areas.
To subscribe to The New Orleans 100, sign up at www.TheNewOrleans100.com. To suggest a profile or story, please email Editor@TheNewOrleans100.com. You can connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Presented by Dorignac's Food Center, New Orleans Bride magazine's January Bridal Show will be held in the Hyatt Regency New Orleans (601 Loyola Avenue) Elite Ballroom on Wednesday, January 11 from 6-8:30 p.m. The premier Bridal Show features over 145 wedding experts, bridal fashion shows, complimentary samplings, door prizes and more. All registered brides are also eligible to win a honeymoon trip to Jamaica, courtesy of Town & Country Travel. Tickets to the bridal showcase are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and are available at www.BrideNewOrleans.com.
The 4th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.-César Chávez Commemorative Luncheon will take place on Friday, January 13, from 12 noon-2:00 p.m. at the Ashé Power House, 1731 Baronne Street, New Orleans. Two incredible speakers will address us this year: Dr. Barbara Ransby, historian, writer and longtime activist; and Dr. Tomás Ybarra-Frausto, independent scholar, archivist and social activist.
Organizers have announced the dates for the Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival 2017 in New Orleans. The third annual festival is set for a four-day run January 12-15, and will again offer a mix of school clinics, workshops, panel discussions, interviews and evening performances at a variety of venues, including Snug Harbor, The Little Gem, Bullet's Sports Bar and the Howlin'Wolf. The evening performances will feature an all-star array of New Orleans artists - and special guests Maria Muldaur (www.mariamuldaur.com) and legendary Haitian guitarist and educator, Claude Carre (www.claudecarre.com). A schedule of currently confirmed festival events and venues is included below.
Darlings, have you gotten in the Carnival Mood? I have and as such I am hosting my annual " It is Carnival Time at the Round Table Luncheon" on Wednesday, January 18 at noon in the historic ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel.
If you attended my sold-out Holiday Luncheon, you know, it will be a blast.Fun, delicious and decadent!
The January Round Table Luncheon is coming up next week on January 18. Please contact Judy LeBlanc with Bourbon Orleans Sales at 504-571-4672 or Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com to confirm. RESERVATIONS AND PREPAYMENT IS REQUIRED. Walk ins will not be accepted as the Hotel will only prepare for the number of guests that have made reservations
All Royalty are invited to wear their crowns. Prizes will be awarded to the best costume, masks, and ensemble. I am inviting as special speakers :
Rites, Rituals and Revelry: The History of
Friday, January 13th, 2017
Admission is $5 for VCPORA members,
$10 for non-members,
and FREE to those who join that night!
All Royalty are invited to wear their crowns. Prizes will be awarded to the best costume, masks, and ensemble. I am inviting as special speakers :
Arthur Hardy, Mardi Gras maven, historian and publisher of the Mardi Gras Guide, Sonnie Borey, Special Projects -Protocol Coordinator for the City of New Orleans and Captain of Orpheus, Entrepreneur, entertainment producer Carl Mack, the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture and founder of the Krewe of Star.
Live entertainment will be by past Royalty, talented Becky Allen, Marshall Harris and pianist Jim Walpole in addition to Al "Carnival "Johnson, First Course
Live entertainment will be by past Royalty, talented Becky Allen, Marshall Harris and pianist Jim Walpole in addition to Al "Carnival "Johnson, First Course
House Wedge Salad
Iceberg Lettuce, topped with crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, red onions and bleu cheese dressing.
Entrée
Gulf Fish Almandine
Chef’s Choice of Starch and Vegetables
Dessert
Chocolate Torte Cake
Please make your reservation now!
.The $55 per person is all-inclusive of a three-course gourmet luncheon, Champagne and wine, tips, taxes and valet parking. So reserve now. $55 includes valet parking. Please contact Judy LeBlanc with Bourbon Orleans Sales at 504-571-4672 orJudy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com
The Opening of the Mardi Gras Museum of costume was a great success and guest enjoyed seeing the beautiful museum and photographic exhibit by my darling friend Carlos Gonzalez and the
delicious King Cake and libations.
Have a great week and a wonderful Carnival Season!
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, January 6–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.
a special themed tour of THNOC ’s Louisiana History Galleries
Tuesday–Sunday, January 6–February 24, 2017
*Please note THNOC will be closed Saturday, February 25–Tuesday, February 28, 2017.
Admission is $5,
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.
Above: Procession of the “Mystic [sic] Krewe of Comus”; 1867; wood engraving with watercolor by James Earl Taylor, delineator; The Historic New Orleans Collection, 1974.74.5
Meeting of the Courts and party, Thursday night, Jan 12th, New Orleans Art Center, 3330 St. Claude Ave.
The Pleasure of Your Company is requested
to Join the Party on January 12th, 7pm
at the New Orleans Art Center
3330 St. Claude Avenue, at 7pm.
A benefit for the Creative Alliance of New Orleans
Celebrating the Art Installation of
Alexander the Great Visits New Orleans
By Morgan Molthrop
Don't Miss the Historic Meeting of
The Downtown Carnival Organizations’ Courts at 8pm
Then enjoy Jamaican Delicacies, Spirits, Music and Dancing
Special discounted tickets for members $25
(Please mention the name of the sender of this e-vite)
For more information call 504.218.4807
Pardi Gras 2017
January 12-15 This annual event has been attracting revelers from around the country for what’s known as “The Ultimate French Quarter Party”! Pardi Gras caters to a special group of people known as “Parrot Heads”. The nickname refers to their love of singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett’s music and lifestyle. The event is open to anyone that loves music and a good time ! More info
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Friday, January 13th, 2017extended hours - 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
at the home of Billy and Denisa Means
Join us this Friday in your favorite festive attire to kick off the Carnival Season in style! This 5000+ square foot townhouse has been lavishly upgraded to create a magnificent single-family home for the Means family and their three children. No detail was spared, and the decorations are spectacular.
In addition to wine, soft drinks, and a specialty cocktail,
we'll also have a few treats in store - including king cake!
we'll also have a few treats in store - including king cake!
Admission is $5 for VCPORA members,
$10 for non-members,
and FREE to those who join that night!
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The Second Annual LINJudy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com to confirm. RESERVATIONS AND PREPAYMENT IS REQUIRED. Walk ins will not be accepted as the Hotel will only prepare for the number of guests that have made reservations.
3330 St. Claude Avenue, at 7pm.
A benefit for the Creative Alliance of New Orleans
Celebrating the Art Installation of
Alexander the Great Visits New Orleans
By Morgan Molthrop
Don't Miss the Historic Meeting of
The Downtown Carnival Organizations’ Courts at 8pm
Then enjoy Jamaican Delicacies, Spirits, Music and Dancing
Special discounted tickets for members $25
(Please mention the name of the sender of this e-vite)
For more information call 504.218.4807
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