Tuesday, June 27, 2017

A Toast to New Orleans June 27- July 4: Essence Festival/ Patriotic Music Festival at Trinity Episcopal Church (July 2)/ Go 4th on the River (July 4) Info About Round Table Luncheon Saluting Tales of the Cocktail July 19 and more


FestiGals Stiletto Parade 2017
Have Been Grand Divas Lydia Benson and yours truly with Duchess Chiquita 
rode in a vintage 1969 Mustang Convertible!


Image may contain: 3 people, people smiling, people on stage, people standing and hat
Image may contain: 3 people, people smiling, people standing




Darlings,
I am still recuperating from a fabulous fun-filled week that included the lovely dress rehearsal of Tulane's Summer Lyric Theater’s presentation of Annie Get Your Gun. It was awesome and I cannot wait to see the next production Hair Spray on July 12. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154433446425870.1073742871.581200869&type=1&l=59d80a5917  
On Thursday, I wished I had a clone because I was going from soiree to soiree, which included the following: The International Hotel's annual celebration St. John's Eve New Orleans Voodoo.  The 150-year-old ceremony started by the legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, Marie Laveau. The “Spiritual Ceremony” was presented by internationally recognized priestess Sallie Ann Glassman in an altar dedicated to Marie Laveau.
Voodoo Priestess Sally Glassman with Sean Cummings at International Hotel
.
That night, I had been invited by the Director of Trustees of the New Orleans Museum of Art to attend the Member Preview of "Pride of Place: The making of Contemporary Art in New Orleans - The Arthur Roger Gift to NOMA.” It was awesome and I urge everyone to check it out. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154436411945870.1073742872.581200869&type=1&l=4884ae40dd
Last night i enjoyed so much the "Member Preview" of PRIDE OF PLACE - The making of Contemporary Art IN New Orleans. The fabulous Arthur Roger Gift to the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Gallery owner  Arthur Roger with his sister & Dan Weeks



But prior to those events I was invited as the First Grand Diva of FestiGals to attend the crowning of the 2017 Grand Diva of Festigals, the talented vocalist Robin Barnes.

Image may contain: 3 people, people smiling, people standing and indoor
Founder of FestiGals Diane Lyons with 2017 Grand Diva Robin Barnes and GM of JW Marriott Ted Selogie

Darlings, after those events I concentrated on attending and participating in the  annual FestiGals Weekend. As in the past it was a very memorable New Orleans Women's Weekend Experience - a celebration of women and New Orleans. Created by women, for women!
Please click the links to the events:
Keynote Speaker - Linda Alvarado

On Friday, my darling friend and editor Dean Shapiro invited me to join him at the annual New Orleans Ballet Theatre's Summer Solstice at NOCCA. It was delightful and joined the cast at the stage afterwards. Congratulations to NOBT co-directors Greg and Marjorie Schramel for putting on a wonderful performance! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154438335840870.1073742874.581200869&type=1&l=cdf9639567
On Sunday, I attended the Celebration of Life of my old-time friend Harry Greenberger at the New Orleans Museum of Art, followed by a reception at his old residence on Bayou St. John.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154443008545870.1073742877.581200869&type=1&l=a3432df95d
Now that fabulous FestiGals is in our treasured memories, let's start planning for all the fun events that are going to be happening in my beloved New Orleans during the month of July .
·         Essence Festival (June 29-July 2)
·         17th Annual Patriotic Music Festival at Trinity Episcopal Church (July 2)
·         Go 4th on the River (July 4)
·         11th Annual Celebration of Running of the Bulls (July 7-9)
·         Bastille Day Celebration (July 9-15)
·         Tales of the Cocktail (July 18-23)
·         And, of course, my monthly Round Table Luncheon on July 19, and that is not the full month!
In addition 
My darling friend, Deacon John, is celebrating his birthday and 60 years in show business, playing the music New Orleans grew up with, on Friday, June 30 at 9:00 pm at Rock 'n' Bowl, 3000 South Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans.
Deacon John Moore (born June 23, 1941, in New Orleans), better known as Deacon John is a blues, rhythm and blues and rock and roll musician, singer, and bandleader. “Deke,” as as his friends  call him, grew up in New Orleans’ 8th Ward. He plays guitar and is the brother of his bass player, Charles Moore, (also an amazing 12-string guitarist), and the Creole scholar Sybil Kein. He has been active on the New Orleans R&B scene since his teens, and became a session man on many hit recordings of the late 1950s and the 1960s, including those by Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Lee Dorsey, Ernie K-Doe and others.
I am so excited that my darling friend, Bernie Ralston, just secured for me my old-time friend, Ted Breaux, to be my featured speaker at the Round Table Luncheon Saluting Tales of the Cocktail on Wednesday, July 19 at noon at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel.
How many of you know about absinthe? It has been controversial through the years and was illegal for nearly a century but, thanks to Ted Breaux, it is now legal to drink and enjoy it.
T. A. Breaux is a native New Orleanian and research scientist who has dedicated over 20 years of research toward resolving the mysteries and myths associated with absinthe. His mission to
painstakingly reconstruct historically accurate examples of the controversial spirit gave rise to Jade Liqueurs (
www.jadeliqueurs.com). 
Breaux co-directed the effort to lift the USA’s 95-year ban on absinthe, which came to fruition on March 5, 2007 with the launch of Lucid Absinthe Supérieure. The following year, Breaux was similarly engaged in reversing the last vestiges of the original French ban, which allowed absinthe to be formally recognized in that country. His work has been lauded throughout the press and media in the USA, Europe and Australia since 2000, including numerous
national television appearances (The History Channel, Discovery Channel, CBS, MSNBC, Travel Channel, PBS, etc.).
Image result for Ted Breaux
Breaux has co-authored published scientific studies on vintage absinthe in peer-reviewed journals (Journal of Agricultural and Food Science), and coauthored the book, Absinthe: The Exquisite Elixir (Fulcrum Publishing - ISBN: 1682750019). Breaux's reputation for being a staunch promoter of truth and accuracy of information and education in all matters absinthe is surpassed only by his limitless passion for recreating history through the fine art of absinthe crafting.
Darlings, The Round Table Luncheon  will be  Wednesday, July 19 "Saluting Tales of the Cocktail" at noon at the Bourbon Orleans. Cocktail Historian Elizabeth Pearce will be one of my guests as well as the French Consul of France Hon. Gregor Trumel  in addition to talented baritone Ivan Griffin. .Make your reservations now so that will ensure that you have a place!
The $55 all-inclusive price include a 3-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! 
Lafete News Link June 27, 2017
http://conta.cc/2udSqW3

Love New Orleans & She'll Love You Back.
Sincerely,
Frank Stansbury




27


JUN28

Sippin' in the Courtyard




Thursday, June 29, 2017
Thursdays at Twilight Concert Series Celebrating New Orleans Music with  Rocky’s Hot Fox Trot Orchestra

Gates open at 5pm; Music begins at 6pm...
 See More

ROCKYSHFTO.BLOGSPOT.COM


 29

Jefferson Performing Arts Society's 
40th Anniversary Season
"The Sky's the Limit!"
Please join the board members of the JPAS Leading Ladies Guild for the 2017-2018 
Installation of Officers
...
President: Valerie Hart
Past President: Kim Hasney
VP Membership: Faith Peperone
VP Fundraising: Dolores Hall
Corresponding- Secretary: Brenda Chetta
Recording Secretary: Janet Schwary
Treasurer: Jolene Ryan
Counselors:
Barbara Alleman, Ginger Crawford, Lynne Duvernay, Jackie Elliott, Carrel Epling, Anne Favret, Jackie Hughes, Joyce LaPorte, Barbara Lawler, Patricia Persaud, Shirley Rappold and Margaret Wagner
When: Thursday, June 29, 2017
11 A.M
Where: Metairie Country Club
580 Woodvine
Metairie, Louisiana
Menu Selection:
Pecan Crusted Catfish or Chicken Pontabla
$40.00 per person prior to June 22 
$55.00 at the Door
Cash Bar
Darlings in a few days is the Essence Festival (June 29-July 2) Let's give a very warm welcome to our visitors. They bring millions of dollars to our much needed economy!

Not to be missed :
Patriotic Music Festival
Sunday, July 2, 2017 3 pm until 6 pm
Trinity Episcopal Church
1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans...
 See More


Wednesday, June 21, 2017

A Toast to NO and YOU: June 21-26 : Annie Get Your Gun/ NOMA Pride of Place/ FestiGals Weekend/ New Orleans Ballet Theatre's Summer Solstice '17 and more.....

I love this photo of 2017 Grand Diva of FestiGals, talented "Songbird of New Orleans" ROBIN BARNES 



Darlings,
I hope you all had a wonderful Father's Day and remembered those loving fathers who will be waiting to reunite with us in the other life! 
I spent a very quiet day at my condo with my beloved Duchess Chiquita, praying and remembering my beloved father and watching many episodes of "Genius." 
I really needed the rest because, as always, I was blessed to have the energy to enjoy a myriad of fun events that included: 
Going to Thibodaux, Louisiana for the Louisiana Center for Women in Government & Business' Dinner honoring Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy Attendees at the palatial home of Doctors Raja & Gayathri Talluri. Among the speakers and attendee were Governor John Bel Edwards and his wife, Donna Edwards; Councilman Lloyd "Chip" Badeaux and his wife, Dr. Laura Badeaux; Hon Chief Judge Vanessa Guidry-Whipple; Russ and Sandra Herman; Dr. Rebekah Gee; and U.S. Marshal Genny Mayhttps://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154411903590870.1073742866.581200869&type=1&l=993ef5940e

On Wednesday, I enjoyed going briefly to a lovely party hosted by my darling friend Seth Bloom who announced his candidacy for City Council to represent District B. The well-attended gathering was at the fabulous Martine Chaisson Gallery on Camp Street. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154413398195870.1073742867.581200869&type=1&l=626d685300
On Thursday, I was invited to attend the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 2017 Man and Woman of the Year Grand Finale Celebration at the National WWII Museum. The winner of the 2017 Man of the Year was my darling friend Sidney Torres IV. He raised $210,000! 
Woman of the Year was Kaye Courington. Congratulations to both of them. Their efforts, combined with the 16 other candidates, raised $829,000, making this MWOY the largest first year event in LLS history. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154417800900870.1073742868.581200869&type=1&l=e333e6a82d

Man and Woman of the Year: Sidney D. Torres IV and Kaye Courington.

My fun week continued at The New Orleans Chamber Orchestra's final concert of the season titled "Across The Americas" at the Marigny Opera House. It was superb.  The concert featured horn player Mollie Pate, classical Spanish guitarist Javier Olondo and Conductor Maxim Samarov. I got to meet composers Jerry Sieg and Barbara Jazwinski whose pieces were performed by the orchestra and who were present at the concert, as well as some of the performing musicians.
After the concert I hosted a champagne reception for the musicians at my condo and was delighted to have composer Barbara Jazwinski, Maestros Maxim Samarov and Robert Lyall of the New Orleans Opera, composer John Gentry Tennyson, New Orleans Advocate classical arts writer Dean Shapiro, and guitarist Javier Olondo and his lovely wife among the guests. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154420190480870.1073742869.581200869&type=1&l=d88625a48d


On Saturday, I enjoyed so much joining my brother, Lorenzo Bergen, Duchess Chiquita and  David Martins at the Krewe of Stars' Love Boat Pool Party. 
The Love Boat sailed and landed at Captain Carl Mack and First Mate Darric Cavalier’s spectacular mansion at Eastover. As Carl Mack Presents’ motto says, “A party is not a party unless It is a Carl Mack's Party!” The pool, the food, refreshments, the entertainment and the setting were awesome. I felt like I was visiting rich relatives in another countyhttps://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154421206740870.1073742870.581200869&type=1&l=9796ff15c2
Darlings, I am looking forward to this  upcoming week since it includes one of my favorite festivals: FestiGals, from June 22-24 at the JW Marriott New Orleans.
FestiGals hosts the New Orleans Women's Weekend Experience - a celebration of women and New Orleans. Created by women, for women! For one weekend, it invites women to take a day off and join in this uniquely New Orleans event that unites and honors women while showcasing the city that we love. Highlights of the weekend include: New Orleans Women's Leadership Conference, Bodacious Bras for a Cause Brunch & the Stiletto Stroll Second Line Parade. FestiGals also hosts monthly Cocktails & Conversations networking events for women looking to discover new & exciting things while having a great time. 
As the First Grand Diva of FestiGals, I am looking forward to participating in the Stiletto Stroll Second Line Parade on Saturday, June 24. (See complete schedule in the calendar below) 
But prior to FestiGals, I am looking forward to attending  on Wednesday, the dress rehearsal of Tulane's Summer Lyric Theater’s presentation of Annie Get Your Gun. Opening night is Thursday, June 22 and it will run until June 25.
The International Hotel is celebrating, on Thursday, June 22, St. John's Eve New Orleans Vodou. Please join us in white apparel as we celebrate the Solstice with a 150-year-old ceremony started by the legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, Marie Laveau. The “Spiritual Ceremony” will take place between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., presented by internationally recognized priestess Sallie Ann Glassman in an altar dedicated to Marie Laveau. 
On Thursday, June 22 at 7 p.m., I have been invited by the Director of Trustees of the New Orleans Museum of Art to attend the Member Preview of "Pride of Place" - the making of Contemporary Art in New Orleans - The Arthur Roger Gift to NOMA. 
That night, the Thursdays at Twilight Concert Series presents Celebrating New Orleans Music with the Symphony Chorus of New Orleans. Gates open at 5 p.m.; music begins at 6 p.m. at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in City Park's Botanical Garden .The Symphony Chorus will perform choral works by Shubert and Vivaldi in the first half of the concert, and then music about New Orleans and Louisiana in the second half. Should be a great mix of music. 
On Friday, I am looking forward the New Orleans Ballet Theatre's Summer Solstice '17 dance presentation. It takes place on June 23 and 24 this year at New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA), located at 2800 Chartres St, New Orleans. The NOBT, co-directed by my dear friends Gregory and Marjorie Schramel, is Louisiana's premier ballet company, presenting classical and contemporary works in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge area. NOBT presents a unique dance experience steeped in the contemporary traditions of George Balanchine, Maurice Bejart and Twyla Tharp.
Darlings, as you probably guessed I will be very involved attending FestiGals. So enjoy your week!
Darlings, The Round Table Luncheon is taking a much deserved break and there will not be a Round Table Luncheon until Wednesday, July 19 "Saluting Tales of the Cocktail" at noon at the Bourbon Orleans. Cocktail Historian Elizabeth Pearce will be one of my guests as well as the French Consul of France Hon. Gregor Trumel . So save this date because it is one that you will not want to miss .Make your reservations now so that will ensure that you have a place!

The $55 all-inclusive price include a 3-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 this fun-filled week! 


Lafete News Link June 21, 2017
http://conta.cc/2sQdBA5




Thursday, June 22 -St. John's Eve | New Orleans Voodoo 


For centuries, the SUMMER SOLSTICE has been celebrated worldwide
with ritual bonfire offerings for bountiful harvests
& baptismal head washings for spiritual rejuvenation.

Today, in New Orleans, this annual rite continues with a spirited mix of
Vodou, Catholicism, Native American tradition & Masonic mystery.




Please join us in WHITE as we celebrate the Solstice with a 150-year-old
CEREMONY started by legendary MARIE LAVEAU


THURSDAY, JUNE 22 • 6:30 – 8:30p

SPIRITUAL CEREMONY
by internationally recognized priestess Sallie Ann Glassman


ALTAR dedicated to Marie Laveau

BRING offerings of blue and white candles, flowers, hair ribbons,
brushes, barrettes and Creole foods
TAKE a white headscarf – a symbol of spiritual rejuvenation
22

https://tickets.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&w=
5f2f9219bbe807c9d0192200f63a0bd1&vqitq=0e966666-
f3cd-4654-8248-2ed3c5d917e4&vqitp=83e9f729-9f93-4e0e-b920-ce9d479dc02f&vqitts=1495641532&vqitc=vendini&vqite=
itl&vqitrt=Safetynet&vqith=dfc6d492c97ee5b66c1e46db72f6f3f8

Thursdays at Twilight Concert Series
Celebrating New Orleans Music with 
Symphony Chorus of New Orleans

Thursday, June 22, 2017
Gates open at 5pm; Music begins at 6pm...
 See More

(SCNO) is an all-volunteer chorus that has provided superlative choral music to the greater New Orleans area for more than 35 years. In addition to local productions…
SYMPHONYCHORUS.ORG
22-25 June

The Broadway Smash Comedy Opens at Le Petit!
It's Only a Play  runs through June 25th

It's the opening night of the brand new play The Golden Egg on Broadway, and wealthy producer Julia Budder is throwing a lavish party in her opulent Manhattan townhouse. Downstairs, the celebrity guests are pouring in. But the real action is upstairs in the bedroom-where a group of insiders eagerly await the opening night reviews.

Join The NOLA Project and Le Petit Theatre as we close out our 2016-2017 seasons with this hysterical co-production of Terrence McNally's It's Only a Play. Featuring a veritable "Who's Who" of New Orleans actors, this rip-roaring farce SHOULD NOT be missed.

"This show is without a doubt hilariously, sidesplittingly funny... These are among the funniest lines to roll to a stage in years...It's Only a Play deserves only a rave." -The New York Times


It's Only a Play  runs through June 25th. 
https://tickets.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=d1c83b46323c81459f2d54528cc3ca0d&campaignID=2251
60&patronID=608152247&linkNum=4&memberID=beae4c5064
3898f277b89eaa434796e0&vqitq=337c1d43-2ba3-4681-b1d3-9e98bfffbc70&vqitp=53a9a7c9-9a91-4e04-895c-cd967f963a70&vqitts=1496254953&vqitc=vendini&vqite=itl&
vqitrt=Safetynet&vqith=36827bc3242e3568b4ee925da074382f



Octavia Books Presents


...and coming soon


Saturday, June 24, 2:00pm
Lauren Allbright - EXIT STRATEGY
Looking for a summer read for ages 9-12? Search no more. Meet Lauren Allbright and get an autographed copy of her new book!
read more



 Burlesque Star Trixie Mink2017 Grand Diva Robin Barnes , founder of Festigals  Diane Lyons and Have been 
Grand Divas Irma Thomas and yours truly! 

22

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/diva-welcome-reception-tickets-35433577785
 22

Friday Nights at NOMA | Opening of Pride of Place | Artist Perspective with Simon Gunning

JUNE 23 AT 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday Nights at NOMA opens the museum’s doors for many interesting activities throughout the year: live music, movies, children’s activities, and more. Regular admission prices apply—NOMA members are FREE—but there is no extra charge for programs or films.
The exhibition Pride of Place: The Making of Contemporary Art in New Orleans opens to the public featuring more than eighty works donated to NOMA by renowned gallerist Arthur Roger.
  • 5:30 – 8:30 pm: Music by Sabine McCalla
  • 5 – 8 pm: Art on the Spot family activity table
  • 7 pm: Artist Perspective with Simon Gunning



 24

JUNE 24th & 25th from 5:00pm-10:00pm
@ Central City BBQ, 1201 South Rampart St.

http://www.nolacaribbeanfestival.com/nolacaribbeanfestival/?mc_cid=f201238b15&mc_eid=8ac57dd4d0




New Orleans Ballet Theatre's Summer Solstice '17 takes place on June 23rd and 24th this year at New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, located at 2800 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117
The New Orleans Ballet Theatre is Louisiana's premier ballet company, presenting classical and contemporary works in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge area. NOBT presents a unique dance experience steeped in the contemporary traditions of George Balanchine, Maurice Bejart and Twyla Tharp.

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