Tuesday, February 21, 2017

A joyful Toast to a happy and Safe Carnival Season 2017

It is Carnival Time in New Orleans!


Image may contain: 4 people, people standing
Warriors of the Krewe of Zulu with Mardi Gras Mambo King Juan LaFonta, Queen Margarita Bergen,  and Directors of the Cervantes Foundation: Brenda Melara and javier Olondo. 

OMG, my body is sore but it is not every weekend that I go from being a former Queen of Krewe of Cork II and X to the Queen of Mardi Gras Mambo at NOMA to being part of the Tableau for Krewe of Stars and then being  a Wench for the Mystic Krewe of Barkus at Louis Armstrong Park. I loved every minute of it and I feel blessed to live in New Orleans and being so much part of it. 

This upcoming week is going to another hectic one since, on Thursday, I will be going to the Annual Krewe of Hermes Ball at the Hilton.  On Friday, I am going to start my busy day at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, which will host its annual “Greasing of the Poles” at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 24. The public is invited to gather at the main entrance of the recently renovated hotel at 300 Bourbon Street to view the Mardi Gras spectacle.

I will then join my friends who purchased a table and invited me to join them at the annual Friday Luncheon before Mardi Gras at Galatoire's.
That evening, I am invited to the annual Kevin Kelly's Masked Ball. On Monday, I will be attending the annual Krewe of Orpheus' Orpheuscapade XXIV at the Convention Center. On Tuesday, I will be dressing in Mardi Gras costume and will be going from party to party, accompanied by Duchess Chiquita Bergen and will culminate my evening at spectacular Rex Ball. 
But before I got into the swirl of the Mardi Gras Festivities, I enjoyed very much attending the awesome  11th annual concert presented by The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra at the St. Louis Cathedral was awesome!. Titled “Uniquely New Orleans: The Classical Tradition and Jazz”, the concert featured LPO Music Director, Carlos Miguel Prieto, conducting, Vernel Bagneris as the narrator, Emmanuel Arakélian, organ; Germaine Bazzle, vocalist; Christopher Pell, clarinet; and James Dapogny and Ronald Joseph, piano.The cathedral was full and everyone enjoyed the Free lovely concert.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154089038865870.1073742794.581200869&type=1&l=5604ae72f3
I also attended The French Quarter Business Association Brunch at Antoine's Restaurant which was very informative and delicious.My darling friend Mark Romig, the President and CEO of The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation was the featured speaker. He spoke about the upcoming tricentennial of the City of New Orleans and how we can get involved.
A video of the Mardi Gras Mambo  at the New orleans Museum:https://www.facebook.com/ada.cosiogort/videos/10202573293211663/ 





link February 21, 2017

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LaFete News
Editor / Publisher: Frank Stansbury
lafete11@att.net
504-450-1955


www.mardigrasneworleans.com
Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information and interactive routes for each parade. For family-friendly fun try Family Gras, a FREE celebration of ...
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EXHIBITION SHINES LIGHT ON WOMEN'S KREWES IN CARNIVAL
The Louisiana State Museum, in partnership with the Krewes of Iris, Muses and Nyx, will present Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival, an exhibition commemorating the centennial of Iris and exploring the evolution of women's krewes in New Orleans from the 1890s to the present. The exhibition opens to the public Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, at the Presbytère, 751 Chartres Street in New Orleans' Jackson Square.
Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival features rare artifacts from the museum's vast collection as well as from various lenders, including the earliest-known existing Iris queen's dress, worn in 1941 by Irma Cazenave, wife of Count Arnaud Cazenave, on loan from Arnaud's restaurant. This newly restored gown will be on display with five other costumes; two dozen original costume sketches from several krewes; rare photographs from the late 1800s and early 1900s; and ball favors, invitations and dance cards from the early 20th century.
"The Krewe of Iris boldly paved the way for other women's krewes," said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. "The tremendous surge in participation in Mardi Gras by women is a testament to their success. We wish Iris the best of success for the next 100 years."
Named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, the Krewe of Iris is the oldest women's carnival organization in New Orleans. At the time of its 1917 founding, men's groups ruled Mardi Gras festivities, sponsoring all of the parades and most of the balls. But just as women campaigned for the vote and sought expanded roles in public life, they also carved out new social spaces. Iris built upon two decades of women's efforts to create carnival organizations. The first full-scale women's krewe, Les Mystérieuses, held its premier ball in 1896, attracting notice in the press, which pronounced the event "novel" and an "attractive social success."
Pioneering groups like Les Mystérieuses and Iris transformed carnival for women. Over the course of the next century, more women's krewes joined the fun, from numerous societies in the early 1900s to 21st century parading clubs, such as Muses, Nyx and Femme Fatale. Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival will offer a detailed overview of that history, highlighting the first women's parade, held by the Krewe of Venus in 1941, and the now-forgotten krewes of years past, including the Mittens, the Mystic Maids, Empyreans, Titanians and more. Long-lived parading krewes such as Shangri-La, Rhea and Cleopatra will provide another important part of the chronicle of women and carnival.
Original tableau ball artworks executed by Spangenberg Studios; paintings inspired by the Iris, Muses and Nyx parades; and the very first Muses shoe from their inaugural 2001 parade will make this exhibition sparkle with the spirit of the many women's krewes that have left their mark on carnival history. For additional information, see the Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival promotional video, image highlights of the exhibition, and exhibition fact sheet.
Open through December 2018, Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival is part of the Women of New Orleans: Builders and Rebuilders exhibition initiative of the nonprofit Nola4Women, launched in honor of New Orleans' tricentennial. Visit nola4women.org for more information. Visit LouisianaStateMuseum.org for updates on exhibit-related programming.

-LouisianaTravel.com-

Exhibition Fact Sheet
Description: The Louisiana State Museum, in partnership with the Krewes of Iris, Muses and Nyx, will present Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival, an exhibition commemorating the centennial of Iris and exploring the evolution of women's krewes in New Orleans from the 1890s to the present. The exhibition features rare artifacts from the museum's vast collection as well as from various lenders, including the earliest-known existing Iris queen's dress, worn in 1941 by Irma Cazenave, wife of Count Arnaud Cazenave, on loan from Arnaud's restaurant.
Exhibition Dates:
 Feb. 10, 2017 - Dec. 30, 2018
Exhibition Location:
 The Presbytère, second floor, 751 Chartres Street, New Orleans
Exhibition Hours:
 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays - Sundays
 Closed Mondays and state holidays
Admission:
 Adults: $6
 Students, senior citizens, active military: $5
 Children 12 and under: Free
About the Exhibition:
 Named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, the Krewe of Iris is the oldest women's carnival organization in New Orleans. At the time of its 1917 founding, men's groups ruled Mardi Gras festivities, sponsoring all of the parades and most of the balls. But just
as women campaigned for the vote and sought expanded roles in public life, they also carved out new social spaces. Iris built upon two decades of women's efforts to create carnival organizations.
 Over the course of the next century, more women's krewes joined the fun, from numerous societies in the early 1900s to 21st century parading clubs, such as Muses, Nyx and Femme Fatale. Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival will offer a detailed overview of that history, highlighting the first women's parade, held by the Krewe of Venus in 1941, and the now-forgotten krewes of years past, including the Mittens, the Mystic Maids, Empyreans, Titanians and more. Long-lived parading krewes such as Shangri-La, Rhea and Cleopatra will provide another important part of the chronicle of women and carnival.
 Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival is part of the Women of New Orleans: Builders and Rebuilders exhibition initiative of the nonprofit Nola4Women, launched in honor of New Orleans's tricentennial. Visit nola4women.org for more information. Visit LouisianaStateMuseum.org for updates on exhibit-related programming.
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Don't miss Café Reconcile's Mardi Gras kickoff! 
Come to Reconcile on Tuesday, February 21st from 11 AM - 2:30 PM and pay any amount you wish for your meal. All donations support the 100 youth we serve yearly.
Reconcile's current students from Class 1 of 2017 are working hard and excited to show off their skills in our café!
"Pay What You Can Day" Menu
~Entrees~
Smothered chicken
With rice & gravy and Collard Greens
Fried Oyster Salad
Spring mix, crumbled bleu cheese, tomatoes,
Cucumbers and Vinaigrette Dressing
(Vegetarian Upon Request)
Fried Catfish
With mac & cheese and green peas
~Desserts~
King cake bread pudding
White Chocolate Chip Brownie

Cafe Reconcile, 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113
Mark your calendars for future "Pay What You Can Day" events: March 14th, April 11th, May 16th, June 13th, July 11th, August 15th, September 12th, October 17th, November 14th, December 12th.



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New Orleans Museum of Art
1 Collins Diboll Circle
New Orleans, LA, 70119 
504.658.4100 

AN EXHIBITION OF 18TH-CENTURY VENETIAN ART PRESENTED EXCLUSIVELY AT NOMA OPENS FEBRUARY 17
A Life of Seduction: Venice in the 1700s conjures one of Italy's most fabled destinations: a gloriously theatrical setting for festivals, balls, processions and Carnival revelry. The NOMA exhibition is especially timely for New Orleans art lovers and pleasure seekers with a taste for dramatic cultural displays. A Life of Seduction immerses visitors in the spectacle of 18th-century Venice: the era of Casanova, Vivaldi, Tiepolo, and countless others who spread Venetian taste throughout the world.

The exhibition continues through May 21 with a rich array of lectures, films, and festivities. NOMA curator Vanessa Schmid wrote about the exhibition for Arts Quarterly.
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STEPPIN' OUT "It's Carnival Time" premieres on WYES-TV/Channel 12 
 Repeats  Feb. 23 at 11:30pm and Feb. 28 at 9am.
Host Peggy Scott Laborde, along with Carnival historians Arhur Hardy and Errol Laborde, provide their annual overview of the upcoming Mardi Gras season. Hardy is the publisher of Arthur Hardy's Mardi Gras Guide, now in its 41st year. Errol Laborde is the author of many Carnival-related books, including Mardi Gras: Chronicles of the New Orleans Carnival.

Among this year's topics is the 100th anniversary of the Krewe of Iris, the continued popularity of the king cake, philanthropy in Mardi Gras and an update on Carnival ball locations. Attention will also be paid to the evolution of 12th Night, the kickoff of the season, with more Mardi Gras- related events.
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Royal Sonesta
Royal Sonesta New Orleans' 47th 'Greasing Of The Poles

Royal Sonesta New Orleans will host its annual "Greasing of the Poles" on Friday, Feb. 24, at 10:00 a.m. The public is invited to gather at the main entrance of the recently renovated hotel at 300 Bourbon St. to view the Mardi Gras spectacle.

All invited and encouraged to come decked out in shining and shimmering golden costumes or attire. This year, WGNO ABC 26's Kenny Lopez will serve as master of ceremonies.


  This year's festivities will include appearances by the kings and royal characters from the Krewe of Zulu and the Krewe of NOMTOC, plus other special guests. Leroy Jones and the Original Hurricane Brass Band will entertain the revelers with performances of Carnival classics during the show, while New Orleans' original all-female marching group The Pussyfooters will deliver one of its signature special performances. Representatives from the New Orleans Saints including an NFL player, mascots Gumbo and Sir Saint and members of the Saintsations will also be in attendance.
         Greasing the landmark hotel's poles will be a cultural cross selection of contestants representing the distinctive character of New Orleans, hotel reps said. Fleurty Girl founder and 2016 People's Choice winning greaser Lauren Leblanc Haydel, Chef and Partner of Coquette Kristen Essig, Hillary Lowry of the Oui Dats de la Nouvelle-Orléans Mardi Gras krewe, and choreographer for the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale, Tamika Jett, will go head to head for the namesake task, each vying for the first-place title based on the judging panel's scores. Contestants will also have the chance to win the coveted "People's Choice" award, based on crowd participation, response and applause.
         Celebrity judges for this year's event are NCIS New Orleans Producer Joseph Zolfo; renowned Cajun fiddle player, singer and actress Amanda Shaw; plus New Orleans' premier burlesque dancer and producer of four New Orleans-based shows Trixie Minx, the 2016 1st place greaser. Joining them will be Ignatius DeSandro, a Vietnam War Veteran representing the We Heart Veterans non-profit organization. As part of its corporate 'Culture of Caring', Royal Sonesta is proud to partner with We Heart Veterans to support its core mission of caring for aging veterans and their widows throughout the nation.

 "Greasing of the Poles" is free and open to the public.
         For prime viewing, spectators should plan to arrive early
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Lundi Gras on the Mississippi
Join us in celebrating the 31st Annual Lundi Gras on the Mississippi on Spanish Plaza Monday, February 27, 2017, 
12PM - 6:30PM!
 This event is open to the public and will feature live music, local food and drink vendors, fireworks over the river and the official arrival of Rex, King of Carnival.
 This year's Lundi Gras schedule is as follows:
12:15PM - King James & the Special Men
2:15PM - Big Sam's Funky Nation featuring Big Chief Monk Boudreaux
4:15PM - Cowboy Mouth
6:00PM - Arrival of Rex, King of Carnival
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WYES-TV To Broadcast 2017 Rex Ball, Meeting Of The Court For 21st Time 
Peggy Scott Laborde
NEW ORLEANS -WYES-TV/Channel 12, New Orleans' local PBS member station, will broadcast live one of the highlights of the Carnival season - the 2017 Rex Ball and the Meeting of the Courts of Rex and Comus on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 p.m. The broadcast will repeat immediately after the initial airing.
         For those not in WYES' viewing area, the 2017 Rex Ball will be streamed live at www.wyes.org and on WYES' YouTube Channel (search 'WYES on demand'). Viewers in the Baton Rouge area can watch it live on LPB3 at 7:30 p.m.
         Host Peggy Scott Laborde along with Carnival historian Errol Laborde will provide coverage of the ball live from the Sheraton and Marriott Hotels in downtown New Orleans.
         Viewers will witness the pageantry of the balls and the historic Meeting of the Courts, which has taken place since 1882, plus hear from past and present Carnival royalty including this year's Carnival's King and Queen and Comus' Queen. Additional video features include a brief history of Carnival 50 and 100 years ago.
         Coordinating producer for the production is Barbara Sillery. Will Morrow is the director. Larry Roussarie is an editor. Executive producers are Peggy Scott Laborde and Jim Moriarty




Host Peggy Scott Laborde along with Carnival historian Errol Laborde will provide coverage of the ball live from the Sheraton and Marriott Hotels in downtown New Orleans.
Viewers will witness the pageantry of the balls and the historic Meeting of the Courts, which has taken placesince 1882, plus hear from past and present Carnival royalty including this year’s Carnival’s King and Queen and Comus’ Queen. Additional video features include a brief history of Carnival 50 and 100 years ago.
Coordinating Producer for the production is Barbara Sillery. Will Morrow is the director. Larry Roussarie is editor. Executive Producers are Peggy Scott Laborde and Jim Moriarty.

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