Celebrating birthdays at Galatoire's
Michael Mays, Birthday girl Sally Ann Marsh, Margarita, David and Geri Valene
Darlings,
I hope you enjoyed this past week as much as I did.
My birthday celebrations continued at Galatoire's where I was invited to join my darling friend, Sally Ann Marsh, from England, who used to live here and our mutual friends for a joint birthday celebrations.
As I mentioned before, this year, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is hosting a historic celebration of Cuban culture at Jazz Fest in 2017! With Cuban rhythms as the heartbeat, the 2017 festival honors New Orleans’ deep historical connections with Cuba by hosting one of the largest celebrations of Cuban culture in the U.S. since the 1950s.
I was invited to meet His Excellency, the Ambassador of Cuba to the United States, Hon. Jose R. Cabanas, his wife Edilia Gonzalez and the First Secretary of the Cuban EmbassyYanet Stable and representatives from Washington that included former Senator Mary Landrieu who was introduced by James Williams, President of Engage Cuba Coalition and our local Cuban activist, Romi Gonzalez, at a lovely reception at the International Hotel.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154282387780870.1073742836.581200869&type=1&l=907587c610
I also went on Saturday night, April 29, to the fabulous concert of talented Cuban pianist, Ernán López-Nussa, at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center on North Rampart Street. Ernan is one of the most renowned musicians, composers and educators in his native Havana. He did a set of solo piano pieces and then was joined by an all-star group that includes Jon Cleary, Alexey Marti and members of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
I wanted to share a video of him with you but I was stopped because of copyright restrictions. Here is a still picture I took of him with members of Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Ernán López-Nussa is at the right.
Members of Preservation Hall - with Cuban pianist Ernán López-Nussa at the right
One of the highlights of my week was going on Sunday to the Jazz Fest. OMG! My favorite way to go to the Jazz and Heritage Festival has always has been with an police escort in a big limo with my friends drinking Veuve Clicquot and seeing and participating in the legendary Chris Owens performance on a Jazz Fest stage. I want to be just like Chris Owens, when I grow up. She is such a fun person inside and out. I love her and have known her for many years. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154289257695870.1073742837.581200869&type=1&l=113db57449
I actually have a video of me shaking the maracas on Stage with Chris. Check it out here. https://www.facebook.com/margarita.bergen/videos/10154291672965870/
I concluded my week by attending the annual Piano Night at the House of Blues. It, too, was fabulous.I am very grateful to my darling friend Kathleen Deen Parke who was co-chairing the fundraiser for inviting me to cover this delightful event.
Unfortunately, I did not stay until the end, but I enjoyed so much the performance of talented pianists John Magnie, Tom McDermott, Al 'Lil Fats" Jackson and my darling friend David Torkanowsky.
i also saw my darling friend Linda Santi who does not live in New Orleans anymore. Miss her!Talented artist Frenchy was painting during each performance.
Piano Night celebrates the music and piano style created by the legendary Professor Longhair and carried on by noted New Orleans piano players like Allen Toussaint, Smiley Lewis, Fats Domino, Dr. John, and Eddie Bo.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154292199235870.1073742838.581200869&type=1&l=8928a9024f
Unfortunately, I did not stay until the end, but I enjoyed so much the performance of talented pianists John Magnie, Tom McDermott, Al 'Lil Fats" Jackson and my darling friend David Torkanowsky.
i also saw my darling friend Linda Santi who does not live in New Orleans anymore. Miss her!Talented artist Frenchy was painting during each performance.
Piano Night celebrates the music and piano style created by the legendary Professor Longhair and carried on by noted New Orleans piano players like Allen Toussaint, Smiley Lewis, Fats Domino, Dr. John, and Eddie Bo.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154292199235870.1073742838.581200869&type=1&l=8928a9024f
This is going to be a very exciting week as well. Today is GiveNOLA Day!
GiveNOLA Day is a 24-hour, online giving event organized by the Greater New Orleans Foundation to ignite the giving community in Southeast Louisiana. The goal is to inspire the community to come together for 24 hours to contribute as many charitable dollars as possible to support the work of local nonprofit organizations. Last year’s event raised $4 million from 28,000+ donations across the nation. This year, they hope to do even more! GiveNOLA Day is based on other successful giving days hosted by community foundations across the country.
It will be from 12:00:01 a.m. to 11:59:59 p.m. on May 2, 2017. All event-related donations must be made online during the 24-hour period.
At the first-ever GiveNOLA Fest on Tuesday, May 2, from 4:30-8 p.m., three of NOLA’s greatest musicians will perform a free concert in Lee Circle. They are:
* Big Sam’s Funky Nation
* Irma Thomas
* Rebirth Brass Band
This promises to be a fabulous event. Don’t miss it! And, once again, I repeat, IT’S FREE!!
And now for the big question that a lot of people have been asking: Why give on May 2nd through GiveNOLA.org? Why not give on any other day of the year? Here is the answer provided by the event’s organizers.
“While we encourage you to support your local nonprofits with year-round giving, we are creating a special event on May 2 – a charitable holiday. It’s our day to celebrate the Greater New Orleans region's spirit of generosity and support the work of our nonprofits. Plus, your dollars during the 24-hour period will be amplified by proportional “lagniappe funds,” as well as possible awards and hourly prizes.”
So there you have it. Please give what you can and help support the arts groups and organizations that make New Orleans the cultural mecca that it is for both locals and our millions of visitors. Your contributions, however large or small, will be most greatly appreciated.
Moving along here, I got an e-mail from my darling friend, Gregor Trumel, Consul of France to New Orleans, announcing the visit of the Ambassador of the European Union to the United States of America, Hon. David O'Sullivan, who will talk at the National World War II Museum on Thursday, May 4 from 6-8 p.m. The European Union has brought us 70 years of peace and stability. It is time to pay a tribute and celebrate this remarkable step in modern history, and meet with a great Ambassador and speaker.
Darlings, every year I look forward to attending the annual fundraiser for the Audubon Zoo. Here is the key information:
May 5, 2017 at Audubon Zoo
Whitney Zoo-To-Do
Awakening New Wonder in Audubon Zoo’s Jaguar Jungle!
The 40th annual Whitney Zoo-To-Do will celebrate a significant expansion of the ever-popular Jaguar Jungle at Audubon Zoo. For tickets and information go to the Audubon Institute website at http://audubonnatureinstitute.org/.
Darlings, please also put these events in your calendar:
Mark your calendar: May events
2017 Annual Guardian Angel Award Gala
Friday, May 12, at the Ace Hotel New Orleans
This year’s 2017 Guardian Angels are:
Vincent Saia, Jr.
Bruce Gallassero
Vincent Saia, Jr.
Bruce Gallassero
The Project Lazarus Annual Guardian Angel Award Gala is a special opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Project Lazarus’ most incredible friends and supporters. The spectacular event features a cocktail hour, an elegant three-course meal, an award ceremony, and a high-end live auction. Black tie is optional. For more information or to inquire about sponsorships, please contact
Lily Hannigan: lhannigan@projectlazarus.net or (504) 949-3609 x503. Come celebrate with them!
Lily Hannigan: lhannigan@projectlazarus.net or (504) 949-3609 x503. Come celebrate with them!
Not to be missed and coming up soon:
Photo by Todd Rosenberg
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Jessica Lang Dance
Artistic Director Jessica Lang
Saturday, May 13, 8 p.m.
Artistic Director Jessica Lang
Saturday, May 13, 8 p.m.
Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts
Jessica Lang Dance has skyrocketed into a major American dance force led by the remarkably gifted choreographer and director, Jessica Lang. As one of today’s most prolific, in- demand dancemakers, she created acclaimed works last year for American Ballet Theatre and Pacific Northwest Ballet and choreographed San Francisco Opera’s Aida.
Jessica Lang Dance has skyrocketed into a major American dance force led by the remarkably gifted choreographer and director, Jessica Lang. As one of today’s most prolific, in- demand dancemakers, she created acclaimed works last year for American Ballet Theatre and Pacific Northwest Ballet and choreographed San Francisco Opera’s Aida.
Last seen locally at NOCCA in 2013, her stunning company returns to the main stage of the Mahalia Jackson Theater with spellbinding, artfully crafted works, including The Calling, a solo masterpiece in a majestic white dress and the poignant Thousand Yard Stare, honoring veterans and those touched by the aftermath of war. Created for the Chicago Architecture Biennial, the show-stopping finale Tesseracts of Time is Lang’s brilliant collaboration with famed architect Steven Holl with wild geometric structures and otherworldly projections.
And finally, on Wednesday, May 17, my Round Table Luncheon Co-hosted by FestiGals, who will be having their annual event over the weekend of June 22-24. Darlings, I am excited to report that our live entertainer will be the talented Robin Barnes, “The Songbird of New Orleans” who has been selected to be 2017 Grand Diva of the Stilleto Stroll Parade.
I’ll publish more information as the date gets closer but you can start making your reservations now.The $55 all-inclusive price includes a three-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines and valet parking. Please make your reservations by calling Judy LeBlanc at (504) 571-4672 or email her at Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com.
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.
Darlings, enjoy your week . . .!
For all of you that can not find New Orleans Living magazine , here is the link: http://www.livingneworleans.com/New-Orleans-Living-May-2017/mobile/index.html#p=8
www.livingneworleans.com
New Orleans Living April 2017
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On Saturday I strolled to galleries openings on Royal Street.
World-renowned Mark Kostabi was present at his fabulous exhibit at Martin Lawrence Galleries. My darling friend , Talented James Michalopolous was showing at his gallery on Bienville St. and finally I attended the opening of Gallery 2.where 3 talented artists were showing Betsy Youngquist, Ann Marie Cianciolo and Anastasia Apostolos with her father old-time friend Peter Apostolos.. I also stopped to say hello to my friends at gallery Orange.
World-renowned Mark Kostabi was present at his fabulous exhibit at Martin Lawrence Galleries. My darling friend , Talented James Michalopolous was showing at his gallery on Bienville St. and finally I attended the opening of Gallery 2.where 3 talented artists were showing Betsy Youngquist, Ann Marie Cianciolo and Anastasia Apostolos with her father old-time friend Peter Apostolos.. I also stopped to say hello to my friends at gallery Orange.
Shaking those Maracas on Stage at Chris Owens' performance at NO Jazz Fest
Before the Chris Owens ' performance I ventured out to see the Cultural Exchange Pavilion dedicated to Cuba
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GiveNOLA FestTuesday, May 2, 2017 - 4:30pm - 8pm
* Big Sam’s Funky Nation
* Irma Thomas
* Rebirth Brass Band
will headline the first ever GiveNOLA Fest
A free outdoor concert which will take place on Lee Circle
will headline the first ever GiveNOLA Fest
A free outdoor concert which will take place on Lee Circle
* Big Sam’s Funky Nation
* Irma Thomas
* Rebirth Brass Band
will headline the first ever GiveNOLA Fest
A free outdoor concert which will take place on Lee Circle
will headline the first ever GiveNOLA Fest
A free outdoor concert which will take place on Lee Circle
RETURNING TO LE PETIT!
Texas-born, Louisiana-raised pianist/vocalist/songwriter Marcia Ball is touring in support of her latest Alligator Records CD, THE TATTOOED LADY AND THE ALLIGATOR MAN. She will perform at Le Petit Theatre in New Orleans on May 2, 2017. Ball's groove-laden New Orleans R&B, heart-wrenching ballads and driving Gulf Coast blues have made her a one-of-a-kind favorite of music fans everywhere. Her music mixes equal parts simmering soul fervor and rollicking Crescent City piano.
Ticket Information:
$35-50* | Reserved Seating
*Excludes $3 Facility Fee
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All ya favorite Broadway shows done New Orleans style --
PHANTOM OF THE OKRA! MY FAIR NEW ORLEANS LADY! WEST BANK STORY! LES MISERARDI GRAS! Created and performed by Ricky Graham, Jeff Roberson, Sean Patterson, and Jefferson Turner who brought DITZYLAND and STEEL POINSETTIAS to Kenner. Rivertown Theaters Lagniappe Stage 504-461-9475 Click Here To Order Tickets Online http://rivertowntheaters.tix.com/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=4053&framed=true
WHAT: THEY'RE BAAACK WITH A NEW COMEDIC MASTERPIECE!!!
Rivertown Theaters Presents a New Original Comedy from
Ricky Graham & Company
All ya favorite Broadway shows done New Orleans style -- PHANTOM OF THE OKRA! MY FAIR NEW ORLEANS LADY! WEST BANK STORY! LES MISERARDI GRAS! Created and performed by Ricky Graham, Jeff Roberson, Sean Patterson, and Jefferson Turner who brought DITZYLAND and STEEL POINSETTIAS to Kenner.
ADDED PERFORMANCE!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3
8:00PM
WHERE: Rivertown Theaters, 325 Minor St. (parallel to Williams Blvd.) in Kenner's
historic Rivertown district. Plenty of free parking is available on the streets around
the theater.
TICKET PRICES: $30 General Admission
Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Doors open for seating
30 minutes prior to show time.
Corporate and Individual sponsorships, season tickets,group and military discounts are available as well. To purchase, please call the Box Office: (504) 461-9475 or (504) 468-7221 or visit www.RivertownTheaters.com
THEATER CONTACT: Box Office: (504) 461-9475. 468-7221 www.RivertownTheaters.com
Box Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m
MEDIA CONTACT: Cary Alden, 504.834.7517, 914.7517, caldenpr@cox.net
NOTE: Interviews can be arranged for advance features
Rivertown Theaters
325 Minor Street Kenner, LA 70062 |
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https://friendsofthecabildo.secure.force.com/ticket/ |
This week - not one but two concert May 2 and 3rd
The Sound of Music
The New Orleans Botanical Garden Thursdays at Twilight music series continues this month! To buy tickets and for details please see the Garden's website by clicking here.
5/4 - Patrice Fisher & Arpa with special guest Angel Rios
5/11 - Creole String Beans
5/18 - New Orleans Mystics
5/25 - Seva Venet and the New Orleans Banjo Celebration
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Visit of Ambassador of the European Union to the United States of America Hon. David O'Sullivan who will talk at the National WWII Museum on Thursday, May 4th, 6-8 pm
Let’s also celebrate the 70th anniversary of the historical Marshall Plan, that helped reshaping our continent, for peace, growth and social development.
Conference is opened, but registration on line is needed: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=hichqhjab&oeidk=a07ee2ls40450f91b86
Thursday, May 4
Jazz Lecture THIS week at American Italian Cultural Center
Jazz Italian Style
Thursday, May 4 at 7pm. 537 South Peters St.
Anna Celenza of Georgetown University will present on her latest book Jazz Italian Style, which reveals a forgotten chapter in jazz history – the development of jazz in Mussolini’s Italy – and demonstrates how this new musical style eventually influenced quintessentially “American” performers like Frank Sinatra. One attendee will win a free copy of Jazz
Jazz Italian Style
Thursday, May 4 at 7pm. 537 South Peters St.
Anna Celenza of Georgetown University will present on her latest book Jazz Italian Style, which reveals a forgotten chapter in jazz history – the development of jazz in Mussolini’s Italy – and demonstrates how this new musical style eventually influenced quintessentially “American” performers like Frank Sinatra. One attendee will win a free copy of Jazz
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Jazz Fest 'cubes' with full schedule
Jazz Lecture THIS week at American Italian Cultural Center
Jazz Italian Style
Thursday, May 4 at 7pm. 537 South Peters St.
Anna Celenza of Georgetown University will present on her latest book Jazz Italian Style, which reveals a forgotten chapter in jazz history – the development of jazz in Mussolini’s Italy – and demonstrates how this new musical style eventually influenced quintessentially “American” performers like Frank Sinatra. One attendee will win a free copy of Jazz
Jazz Italian Style
Thursday, May 4 at 7pm. 537 South Peters St.
Anna Celenza of Georgetown University will present on her latest book Jazz Italian Style, which reveals a forgotten chapter in jazz history – the development of jazz in Mussolini’s Italy – and demonstrates how this new musical style eventually influenced quintessentially “American” performers like Frank Sinatra. One attendee will win a free copy of Jazz
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Jazz Fest 'cubes' with full schedule
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The Travel Rally, Parade and Industry "Toast"
Tuesday, May 9th, 2017, beginning at Tableau and ending at the Capital One Pavilion at Woldenberg Park.
8:30 AM - Gather at Tableau- 616 St. Peter St.
9:00 AM - Parade proceeds through the French Quarter, immediately followed by an industry "toast" at the Capital One pavilion.
Whitney Zoo-To-DoThe 40th annual Whitney Zoo-To-Do will celebrate a significant expansion of the ever-popular Jaguar Jungle at Audubon Zoo.
May 5, 2017 at Audubon Zoo
Sponsor Party — 7:00pm - Midnight Jerome S. Glazer Audubon Patron Party — 7:00pm - Midnight Patron Lounge and Patio Zoo-To-Do Gala — 8:00pm - Midnight Audubon Zoo Grounds |
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