Tuesday, May 23, 2017

A Toast to New Orleans & You: Memorial Day weekend : New Orleans Wine & Food Experience / Greek Festival/ Tremé/7th Ward Arts and Culture Festival/Birdfoot Festival & more

Darlings,

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I enjoyed so much last week and the wonderful soirees that I attended or was involved in.   
Of course the highlight of my week was hosting, last Wednesday, the Fashionable Round Table Luncheon co-hosted by FestiGals featuring Diane Lyons, Founder of FestiGals, Inc., and Sandra Dartus, Partnership Liaison for Festigals, Inc.; Grand Diva of FestiGals Robin Barnes; Jamie Peckenpaugh, Executive Director of the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience; Mimi Holaday, New Orleans Fashion Week Design Winner; and Tracee Dundas, founder of New Orleans Fashion Week and  Hautes Dames was awesome. 
It was indeed a celebration of Women Power! 
The Hon. Councilwoman Latoya Cantrell; Mayra Pineda, President of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Caitlin Cain, CEO of  theWorld Trade Center, were my guests, in addition to Jamie Peckenpaugh and Robin Barnes, who was the live entertainer. Robin was accompanied on the piano by Jim Walpole. The well-attended luncheon was informative, entertaining and delicious. 
Please put in your calendar that we are skipping June but the next one, “Saluting Tales of the Cocktail,” will take place on Wednesday, July 19 at noon at the Bourbon Orleans. It is one that will be very special, as it is every year, and you will not want to miss it. Make your reservations early since this is one of the 2 or 3 most popular and well-attended luncheons among those I host every year!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.


 That evening, I was invited to attend an incredible delicious culinary experience. Bar Fogo Tasting and Dinner at Fogo De Chao Churrascaria at 614 Canal St. Bar Fogo Tasting and Dinner: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154334175170870.1073742850.581200869&type=1&l=c239320d86
On Thursday, I loved going to see talented dancers Derek and Julianne Hough in their "MOVE BEYOND " Tour. It was electrifying! Paula Abdul was in the audience and she was brought on stage: https://www.facebook.com/margarita.bergen/videos/10154335689050870/
On Friday it was time to attend the annual American Heart Association's New Orleans Heart & Soul Gala at the Hyatt was indeed a very memorable evening of hope and entertainment
On Saturday, My darling friend Kathi Callahan, knowing how much I love men in uniform, invited me to the Coast Guard Ball which she was co-chairing at the Marriott. Her husband is Coast Guard Rear Admiral David Callahan who, unfortunately, in a few months will be transferring command. She is accompanied in the first photo by Joseph Zolfo - Producer of NCIS New Orleans and his lovely wife Carrie, and Hon. Jackie Clarkson
I was in heaven. The ballroom was a sea of handsome uniformed officers with beautiful, long gown-dressed women on their arms. Unfortunately I could not stay because I was going to the LPO final season concert with acclaimed guitarist Pepe Romero!


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That evening, I rushed to the Orpheum Theater to see the LPO's presentation of world-renowned Spanish-style guitarist Pepe Romero of the famous Romero guitar family. It was awesome and a great way to close out the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2016-17 season. And, of course, I met him in the lobby after the concert and conversed with him in Spanish, and had a few pictures taken of us together. A really nice gentleman!



On Sunday, it was time to attend the always delicious Sociedad Espanola  Paella Party at Juanita Pradel's former home.
But that afternoon was also the always delicious 27th Annual Le Gala de la Bonne Vie to benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana at the New Orleans Marriott Convention Center. 27th Annual Le Gala de la Bonne Vie: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154344917435870.1073742852.581200869&type=1&l=b17191ea3e
This week is going to another exciting and hectic week that will feature among others the annual and highly anticipated New Orleans Wine and Food Experience from May 25-28. Here are some of the wonderful things happening this week.
May 24
May Strictly Biz Night - Cornet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 
Join the business crowd for a night of networking and experience the view from the largest balcony on Bourbon Street. Enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and hors d'oeuvres. This is a free fun networking event, but reservations are required in advance. Business attire required: dress Code Enforced. Must be 21 to Attend **To expedite check-in please print ticket or have ticket ready to view on mobile device.

May 24
Holy Name of Jesus Parish's “Architectural & Historical Presentation”

In celebration of its 125th year, the parish is hosting an architectural and historical presentation of the church and its history by Bill and Sally Reeves. Light refreshments will follow. Free at Holy Name of Jesus Church on the campus of Loyola University, 6267 St. Charles Ave. Contact: 865-7430
Memorial Day Weekend
May 26-29
There’s no place like New Orleans to spend Memorial Day Weekend. With local festivals, patriotic attractions and incredible food, there will be no shortage of spectacular celebrations around the Big Easy.
May 26-28
25th annual “New Orleans Wine & Food Experience”
One of the premiere culinary events in the country, attracting over 10,000 gourmands and connoisseurs, as well as art and music lovers alike, NOWFE is a nonprofit with 100 percent of proceeds going to local causes that support culinary education. This year’s four-day event will showcase the culinary excellence of the New Orleans community alongside national and international wines at wine dinners, seminars, special events and the Grand Tasting. NOWFE.com
May 26-28
Greek Fest

This Memorial Day weekend, head towards the bayou for this family-friendly event with food, live music, dance and one big Greek celebration! Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Robert E. Lee Blvd. at Bayou St. John.

May 27-28
Tremé/7th Ward Arts and Culture Festival
Treme and the 7th Ward are the origins of some of New Orleans’ most famous works of art, music and culture.

To celebrate these two thriving areas, the Treme/7th Ward neighborhoods host a FREE spring festival, neighborhood tours, a Bar Crawl, an Elders Gospel Breakfast and a Congo Square Second Line!

May 30-June 3
Sixth Annual Birdfoot Festival

Five days of some of the best chamber music you’ll ever hear anywhere. Music by such great classical composers as Brahms, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Stravinsky and others, as well as many great contemporary masters. Some of the festival’s events are free; some are ticketed only and they are at various venues in or near downtown New Orleans, including the Contemporary Arts Center, Café Istanbul and the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center.

You can read more about it on their website at http://birdfootfestival.org/concerts-events/2017-festival/ or read the full story in this Thursday’s New Orleans Advocate’s BEAUCOUP magazine insert (posted on the newspaper’s website on Wednesday).

Have a great week and do not forget to pause for a minute on  Memorial Day and  commemorates all Americans who have died in military service for the United States!



Sunday,  was National Read-a-Thon Day and the Faulkner Society celebrated the event with readings by
four great authors offering something for everyone's reading taste:
James Nolan, poet, translator, and fiction writer has a new memoir out and it's full of his sharp tongued wit from this Bad Boy New Orleanian.
Johnnie Bernhard, who lives in Ocean Springs, has a debut novel about a good girl.
Bren McClain, a South Carolinian who now lives in Nashville, has a debut nove...
Bren McClain, a South Carolinian who now lives in Nashville, has a debut nove...
 See More

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The Romeo Catchers Book Release Party
Come and celebrate the release of THE ROMEO CATCHERS with author Alys Arden and all the ghosts of the Vieux Carré! Hosted by Boutique du Vampyre at Beauregard-Keyes House with special surprises ♥

After party will be at Potions Lounge. Party attendees will receive admissions password 



Wednesday, May 24

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May 24 Sweet Crude and co-headliner Tank and the Bangas 

 5 to 8 p.m. 
at Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans
 (between Camp Street and St. Charles Avenue, directly across from Gallier Hall).

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May 25, Thur. 8pm
June 1, Thur. 8pm
*
"Linda Wright & Her Phlavaz"
*
Classic Blues and Jazz. From Etta james to Aretha Franklin this show will have your feet a-tap'en and your heart pounding.
*
Tickets $10
 


Join us for Comedy, Magic,
Music and MORE
at The Castle Comedy Theatre
 
501 Williams Blvd.
Historic Rivertown - Kenner, LA  70062
Free, well-lit Parking in lot just across the street
 

As always we promise you a night to remember...
Order Tickets Here for Any Show
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/castle-comedy-theatre-4181067021

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City Park N. O. Logo

Thursdays at Twilight Concert Series
Celebrating New Orleans Music   


-There is a free parking lot across the street from the Botanical Garden. 
Admission: $10/person 

Thursdays at Twilight presents 
Seva Venet and the New Orleans Banjo Celebration! 
Thursday, May 25 at 6 PM (Gates 5pm)
Pavilion of the Two Sisters 
in City Park's Botanical Garden 
Seva Venet, banjo player extraordinaire, will be supported by a 
full 7 piece traditional New Orleans jazz ensemble. The music 
will feature compositions and banjo styles of 10 New Orleans 
banjo legends including Danny Barker, Johnny St. Cyr, 
Emmanuel Sayles, Creole George Guesnon, and Narvin Kimball
Mint juleps, wine, beer, soft drinks, water and food are available 
for purchase. No outside food and drink or pets allowed   $10
Free parking lot across the street from the Botanical Garden 

Please contact the New Orleans Botanical Garden for more details: 483-9488.
- See more at:

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Jazz in the Park  
Free Thursday Concert Series 
May 25, 2017 4pm to 8pm
Honey Island Swamp Band  
Hot 8 Brass Band    
Armstrong Park  
701 N Rampart St, Tremé New Orleans 
Free and Open to the Public

Jazz in the Park  
Free Thursday Concert Series 

Armstrong Park  
701 N Rampart St, Tremé New Orleans 
Free and Open to the Public

Second lines are once again an integral part of the Jazz in the Park experience, and each week the Sudan Social Aid and Pleasure Club and ALL 4 One Brass Band will strut their stuff. The second lines start at 4PM. This initiative is possible thanks to the People United for Armstrong Park, who have a vested interest in the preservation and continued growth of New Orleans culture 



MEMORIAL DAY SALE AT ENCORE!

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The Encore Shop is full right now for Memorial Day with dresses, shorts, sandals and purses that you will need for the summer months.
Lots of our sundresses and linens have already been marked down and our Lucky Star promotion starting Thursday, May 25 through Saturday, May 27 will give you a chance to pick a Lucky Star and win an instant $10 gift certificate to use right away on your purchase!
We're ready for Memorial Day and the start of the summer months.  Come in and see our red, white and blue bargains!
I can not wait!

Wine Dinners

Thursday May 25, 2017
Begin your New Orleans Wine & Food Experience with an intimate wine dinner at one of New Orleans’ premier restaurants. Dine with friends or make new ones, while learning about the wine…
Learn More
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Friday, May 26 at 2:00pm
VINOLA
True wine connoisseurs, with a higher level of appreciation for fine wines, will enjoy the opportunity to sample rare and highly valued wines, each one boasting a retail value of at least $75. Elite wines from around the world will be presented by winemakers themselves. Vinola! also features participating restaurants that provide delectable samples of food to go with your upscale wine.Share

MAY26
Fri 5:30 PM · 200-900 blks of Royal Street, New Orleans, La
Saturday, May 27 at 6:00pm
GRAND TASTINGGRAND TASTING
With a new location at the iconic Mardi Gras World, the Grand Tasting experience at NOWFE showcases domestic and international vintages alongside delicious foods served by New Orleans’ finest chefs and purveyors. 


Wine connoisseurs will take pleasure in the opportunity to meet winemakers, ask questions and taste special appellations from across the globe. Novice wine drinkers will simply enjoy the experience of trying many new wines and learning what they like about different styles, varieties and price ranges. All attendees will appreciate the prospect of chatting with well-known and up-and-coming chefs in the culinary community. Be on the look out for dishes entered in the competition in hopes of winning a Fleur de Lis Culinary Award.
 

Parking Info: 

Lot J

Corner of Henderson Street & Port of New Orleans - View Map

Parking price is $15.00

Saturday May 27, 2017

The Big Gateaux Show

Saturday May 27, 2017
Saturday, May 27 at 9:00pm
A pastry competition full of scintillating displays of burlesque, pastries and cocktails features celebrity chefs and judges alongside Burlesque starlets, Trixi Minx & Bella Blue. Join this after-party following the Saturday Night Grand Tasting and chose your favorite delight. The winning design and pastry chef will be awarded a $5000 prize. Purchase your tickets early because this after party event is a sell out every year!





























































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Ain't Misbehavin'

Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in May
 BB's Stage Door Canteen 
The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s comes to life in this three-time Tony Award-winning musical revue. Join five performers on a journey through the timeless music of Thomas "Fats" Waller. You'll be jumpin' and jivin' with memorable songs such as Honeysuckle Rose, Ain't Misbehavin', Black and Blue, This Joint is Jumpin', and I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling. One of the most popular, well-crafted revues of all time, Ain't Misbehavin' is a sassy, sultry musical celebration of legendary jazz great Fats Waller.

Purchase tickets online or call 504-528-1943.
The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 
Entrance on Andrew Higgins Drive | Directions 
PHONE: 504-528-1944 | FAX: 504-527-6088 

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Festival Dates & Times
Friday, May 26th
5:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Saturday, May 27th
11:00 am to 11:00 pm

Sunday, May 28th
11:00 am to 9:00 pm 

Price of Admission
Entrance $8 - Children under 12 free
Service animals allowed (no pets, please)
Get your Entrance Tickets online! 

For a limited time only - our great deal is even better!

Events Schedule at a Glance
Friday Evening Run/Walk Race
6:00pm - Registration & Packets
7:00pm - 1 Mile Start
7:30pm - 5K Start

Hellenic Dancers, Inside Stage
Friday - 6:00pm & 9:00pm
Saturday - 1:30pm, 4:30pm, 8:00pm
Sunday - 1:30pm & 6:00pm

Hellenic Dancers, Outdoor
Friday - 6:30pm
Saturday - 5:00pm
Sunday - 6:30pm
Little Dancers, Inside Stage
Sunday - 4:00pm

Cathedral Tours
Tours begin at the Cathedral side entrance
Friday - 7:00pm & 8:00pm
Saturday - Noon; 2:00pm; 3:30pm; 5:30pm; 7:30pm
Sunday - Noon; 5:00pm; 7:00pm

Cooking Demonstrations
In the Cultural Center, near the Greek Grocery
Saturday - 1:00pm; 4:00pm; 7:00pm
Sunday - 1:00pm; 4:00pm

Inside the Cultural Center, in front of the Stage
Sunday, 6:00pm - Special Cooking Demonstration by Louisiana Restaurant Association Chair Greg Reggio

Meet the Poster Artist
Throughout the weekend, in the Cultural Center near the Poster Booth

Toga Sunday
Wear a Tasteful Toga on Sunday and get in Free! You might even win a prize for Best Toga! Toga contest takes place immediately after the Sunday 6:30pm Outdoor Hellenic Dance performance, on the Music Stage.

Toga Contest to be judged by WWL-TV anchor Eric Paulsen and Louisiana Restaurant Association Chair Greg Reggio!

Click here for Events information.
Festival Location
1200 Robert E. Lee Boulevard
New Orleans, Louisiana


Free Parking and Shuttle Service
Greek Fest 2016
  • What: The annual celebration of Greek culture and cuisine, with shopping, live music and games.
  • Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd.
  • When: Friday (May 26), 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Admission: $7 for adults, children younger than 12, free. The new weekend pass is $17 and available through May 24. (Those wearing togas get in free on Sunday.)
  • More information: Visit the Greek Fest website. Find a full schedule of events there as well. Free parking is available, with a shuttle the old John F. Kennedy High School lot on Wisner Avenue.
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Louisiana Music Factory 
Free Concert Series Schedule
http://www.louisianamusicfactory.com/lmf-news-2/


421 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 586-1094



Hours: 11AM to 8PM Daily

421 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 586-1094
http://www.louisianamusicfactory.com/
Hours: 11AM to 8PM Daily
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http://www.ticketmaster.com/Bayou-Country-Superfest-tickets/artist/1378815


Save these dates: 
Looking forward to this event and put it in your calendar!


Juleps in June, Sunday, June 4th, 2017, 6 p. m. Don't miss the magic!


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