Tuesday, July 25, 2017

A Toast to New Orleans and YOU! Krewe of Stars Press Conference/Tennessee Williams Theatre Company presents Camino Real/The Pirates Alley Faulkner Society, Inc. presents One Book, One New Orleans and more....

Darlings,

I am still in recuperation from a very spirited week. Fortunately for me I have learned that as I get older I cannot attend spirited breakfasts and late soirees, so you could say that I am mellowing down.

I started my spirited week by attending the press conference and awards presentation of Tales of the Cocktail at the steps of the Monteleone Hotel.

Darlings, the minute that I walked into the Monteleone Hotel and I saw my darling friend Dale DeGroff, author of The Craft of the Cocktail and The Essential Cocktail, better known as “King Cocktail,” I knew that Tales of the Cocktail has arrived. The official start of Tales of the Cocktails was out in front of The Hotel Monteleone to kick off a historic week of events for its 15th Anniversary. 
 King of Cocktail Dale DeGroff
Founder, Ann Tuennerman, shared several exciting announcements including the Sustainability Awards and the Sazerac Seal of Approval recipients, as well as introducing 2017 Tales' Ambassadors, Dale DeGroff and Audrey Saunders (as if the two of them need any introduction). I have been going to Tales of the Cocktail since it first began 15 years ago and look forward to seeing all the friends that I have met through the years and meeting new friends. I am a dedicated consumer and enjoy decadent drinks just in case you did not know, Kick-off of Tales of the Cocktail 2017 —https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154514251240870.1073742892.581200869&type=1&l=5ddac29ccb

Darlings, the highlight of my week was hosting my annual Round Table Luncheon Saluting Tales of the Cocktail at noon on Wednesday, July 19 at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. The annual sold-out Round Table Luncheon Saluting Tales of the Cocktail was awesome and delicious. As I looked around I saw so many darling friends, as well as some new ones that have come as far as Texas to be here for my luncheon.

The presentation by New Orleanian T. A. Breaux, founder and president of Jade Liqueurs, was so interesting and then having not one but two delicious Absinthe cocktails prepared by Ted, mixologist Marvin Allen and Bernie Ralston was priceless.

Tales of the Cocktail Founder and President Ann Tuennerman, honorary co-chair of this Round Table Luncheon, discussed this year’s 15th anniversary program. It seems like only yesterday!

I also honored with the presence of my darling friend, Hon. Consul of France Gregor Trumel who has attended his last luncheon since he has a new assignment in Algiers, which is the capital and largest city of Algeria. I will miss him a lot.

We also heard from and was entertained by cocktail historian and author, Elizabeth Pearce, who discussed her new book, Drink Dat New Orleans: A Guide to the Best Cocktail Bars, Neighborhood Pubs, and All-Night Dives. She also entertained guests with drinking songs along with talented baritone, Ivan Griffin, accompanied on the piano by Jim Walpole.
As a lagniappe, talented Kathi Callahan sang two lovely songs to the delight of guests.

Among the many VIP guests, we were honored with the presence of Judge Steve Windhorst and Dr. Tom Albert, Jr. and his family. Dr. Albert bought the historic mansion of the late Congresswoman and Vatican Ambassador, Lindy Boggs, and he is running for Mayor of the City of New Orleanshttps://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154518874135870.1073742893.581200869&type=1&l=7c5af31c99

After this Sold-Out Round Table Luncheon, I am taking a much deserved rest until Wednesday, September 13 when the Round Table Luncheon will be saluting The Cultural Arts.
Like in the past, the luncheon will be co-host by Scott Hutcheson, Senior Adviser to the Mayor for Cultural Economy. Among the speakers that will be invited will be Lt.Governor Billy Nungesser; Jenny Hamilton, Director of  New Orleans Ballet Association; Conductor Robert Lyall , Director of New Orleans Opera, Maestro Dennis Assaf, Director of Jefferson Performing Arts;  James William Boyd, CEO of LPO;Neil A. Barclay, Director and CEO of CAC; Maxwell Williams, Artist Director of Le Petit Theatre and Dr. Maxim Samarov, Conductor of New Orleans Chamber Orchestra


As in the past, I looked forward to the Tales of the Cocktail's spirited dinners that takes place on Thursday. I was invited by my darling friend, Fred Holley of Republic Beverages, to attend the delicious Spirited Dinner at Arnaud's featuring Bayou Rum, which is superb. The Louisiana Creole Cookout presented by Bayou Rum at Arnaud's Restaurant was a departure from the classic multi-course, sit-down dinner. Instead, this reception-style event featured stations of Arnaud’s signature Creole fare, hand-crafted Bayou Rum cocktail pairings created by the restaurant’s legendary head bartender, Chris Hannah, and live music by the Pocket Aces Brass Band. (In 2017, Arnaud’s French 75 Bar took home the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Bar Program.) Bayou Rum Master Blender Reiniel Vicente (a second-generation Cuban rum maker), Head Distiller Jeff Murphy and co-founder Trey Litel were also on hand to share a behind-the-scenes look at the premium rum. Of course, I could not eat at Arnaud's without making a stop at my old-time friend Germaine Wells' Museum. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154520688130870.1073742894.581200869&type=1&l=fc9075eda4
 Katy Casbarian, co-owner of Arnauld's and Fred Holley, of Republic Beverage
One of the Tales of the Cocktail's fun events that I enjoyed attending was the Meet the Distillers Happy Hour at the New Orleans Sheraton Hotel. What fun! I got to see so many of my old-time distiller friends that included Alexander Gabriel, owner of award-winning Plantation Rum and the House of Cognac Ferrand.
  
On Friday, I was invited to attend the 6th anniversary of Patrick van Hoorebeek's Patrick Bar Vin and that was a lot of fun. In case you did not know, Patrick is one of the 18 people who are running for Mayor of New Orleans. His campaign slogan is “More Wine, Less Crime.” Let’s hope so!

That evening I was also invited to the lovely home of the Consul General Consul of France Gregor Trumel, so I rushed out of Patrick's Bar Vin celebration to be present at another celebration. My darling friend Amy Kirk Duvoisin, Joan of Arc Project Founder and Captain of the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc, was being knighted by the Consul General Trumel. France bestows “Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters" in the recognition of significant contributions to the arts, literature, or the propagation of these fields. Amy has deserved such an honor and we must congratulate her for such distinguished award. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154523251860870.1073742895.581200869&type=1&l=24b48bd330

On Saturday, I anxiously waited to attend the WYES Antique Road Show. It was so much and I saw many of my friends there.

The rest of the week I took it easy but on Monday I was so thrilled to attend The Historic New Orleans Collection's Tricentennial Celebration Press Conference.

In anticipation of New Orleans’ 300th anniversary, the HNOC, one of the region’s leading institutions dedicated to the preservation of New Orleans history, hosted a press conference to announce its plans for New Orleans’s Tricentennial celebration. These plans include the expansion of THNOC’s footprint in the French Quarter, two groundbreaking new exhibitions, and other related programming. The press conference was held on Monday, July 24 at the Collection’s 533 Royal Street main facility.

Event speakers included Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser; New Orleans City Councilmember Nadine M. Ramsey; Consul General of France Gregor Trumel; co-chair of the City of New Orleans 2018 Commission’s Cultural and Historical Committee and former first lady of New Orleans, Sybil Morial; former WDSU-TV personality Norman Robinson; THNOC Executive Director Priscilla Lawrence; THNOC Deputy Director Daniel Hammer; and President of The Helis Foundation David Kerstein.
ite: THNOC images featured in the New Orleans Advocate's tricentennial series
Left to right: Daniel Hammer, THNOC deputy director; Billy Nungesser, Lt. Governor of Louisiana; Priscilla Lawrence, THNOC executive director; David Kerstein, president of The Helis Foundation; and Jason Williams, City Councilmember-at-Large
tricentennialTHNOC announces plans for tricentennial celebration, including new exhibitions, events, and a property expansion

The Historic New Orleans Collection announced four of its cornerstone projects that will commemorate New Orleans's tricentennial at a special press conference.
  • The forthcoming exhibition New Orleans, the Founding Era, sponsored by Whitney Bank, will look at the city's earliest decades. The display will feature rare artifacts from THNOC's holdings as well as pieces from institutions across Europe and North America and will open February 27, 2018. It will be accompanied by a bilingual catalog.
  • Former first lady of New Orleans Sybil Morial announced the second project. "Making New Orleans Home: A Tricentennial Symposium" will be presented by the City of New Orleans 2018 Commission's Cultural and Historical Committee, which is co-chaired by THNOC Executive Director Priscilla Lawrence and Morial. The event will take place March 8 - 11, 2018, at various locations throughout the city and will explore how New Orleans came to be inhabited by diverse, vibrant people and how, in turn, the concept of home has been central to the life and culture of the city. It will feature individual lectures, panel discussions, and cultural programming.
  • THNOC also revealed its plans to expand its operations to a third campus in fall 2018. Located at 520 Royal Street in the French Quarter, the Seignouret-Brulatour Building will include the renovation of a 19th-century structure with a state-of-the-art rear addition and a beautiful interior courtyard. This site will house the institution's largest exhibition facility, with over 12,000 square feet for permanent and changing exhibitions, dynamic interactive displays, and a hands-on educational display for children and families. It will also include a larger space for the museum shop and a café.
  • In addition to revealing its plans for the new building, THNOC also announced Brulatour's inaugural exhibition, Art of the City: Postmodern to Post-Katrina, presented by The Helis Foundation. This contemporary art exhibition, which will open in fall 2018, fuses history and contemporary art to reflect the city's cultural canvas. Works featured cover three decades of artists reacting to the strife and progress of the city. As guest curator, New Orleans interdisciplinary artist, curator, and educator Jan Gilbert assembled a diverse array of works from more than 75 artists, including Lin Emery, Krista Jurisich, Douglas Bourgeois, Luis Cruz Azaceta, Candy Chang, Gina Phillips, Zarouhie Abdalian, and Brandan Odums. 
THNOC Executive Director Priscilla Lawrence welcomed attendees to the event, which included the following speakers: Lt. Gov. of Louisiana Billy Nungesser; Senior Advisor to The Mayor for Cultural Economy and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the City of New Orleans Scott Hutcheson; New Orleans City Councilmember Nadine Ramsey, District C; Consul General of France in New Orleans Grégor Trumel; Co-chair of the City of New Orleans 2018 Commission's Cultural and Historical Committee and former first lady of New Orleans Sybil Morial; former WDSU-TV personality Norman Robinson; THNOC Deputy Director Daniel Hammer; and President of The Helis Foundation David Kerstein. Follow THNOC on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter to learn more about these and additional tricentennial programming in the coming months. 

The statement that was issued at the event read as follows:

“The 300th Anniversary of New Orleans not only marks where we have been, but also sets the course for where we are going. Our city is becoming safer, schools are improving, and our economy is getting stronger, but we still have work to do in building a bridge to the next 300 years. We are building a new airport, redeveloping our storied Riverfront, and creating a 21st-century medical corridor. These efforts, among many others, are creating a pathway to prosperity for all the citizens of New Orleans and securing for the future a NEW New Orleans—where everyone individually does well and, as a result, we as a community do well. Our work toward 2018 has been 300 years in the making. We welcome you to join us in commemorating the past and creating the future.”

To celebrate 300 years of rich history, diversity, cultural traditions and resilience, the City of New Orleans will celebrate 2018 like no other. To accomplish this, Mayor Mitchell Landrieu formed the 2018 NOLA Commission to allow input for events and programs that will honor the anniversary of the founding of New Orleans. A variety of special events, concerts, fireworks and completion of major infrastructure projects will take place in 2018.  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154532834330870.1073742896.581200869&type=1&l=8d9b0d7aec.

This upcoming week, may not be spirited but there will be a lot of fun events that will include: Krewe of Stars Press Conference:

On Wednesday, I am looking forward to attending the KREWE OF STARS luncheon to announce our 2018 Royalty: Queen Irma Thomas and King Al “Carnival Time” Johnson. The official announcement will be made at Carl Mack’s Museum of Mardi Gras Costumes and Culture on Conti Street and past royalty, 2017 King Dennis Assaf and Queen Angela Hill, are also expected to be there.

Tennessee Williams Theatre Company presents Camino Real -
July 28-August 19 , 7:30 pm
CAMINO REAL is Tennessee Williams’ symbolic, expressionistic masterpiece about making it in a world that is seemingly too real for romance and idealism. It takes place in a mythic town square somewhere on the American continent. Transients from all walks of life seem to be trapped there, unable to move on in their own journeys. Are they trapped by their habits? Their demons? Their lovers? When a young man with a fighting spirit enters this purgatorial arena, will he succumb to the allure of the Camino Real, or will he break out, tearing down its walls with him? Find out as he navigates the treacherous police state governed by a huckster-despot, and populated by such characters as Lord Byron, Casanova, Camille, and Don Quixote!
Starring Carol Sutton, James Howard Wright, Christopher Robinson, Roger Magendie, Mary Pauley, Rachel Rodriguez, and Robert Alan Mitchell. Featuring Matthew Rigdon, Matthew Raetz, Jordan Kaplan, Gavin Robinson, Lillian J. Small, Xavier Juarez, Stephen Stanley, Allison Logan, Joshua Bernard, Lin Gathright, LaKesha Glover, John Lavin, and Beau Bratcher. Directed by Augustin J Correro

Sunday, July 30, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 p. m. The Pirates Alley Faulkner Society, Inc. presents One Book, One New Orleans at the Louisiana State Museum at The Cabildo, Jackson Square, New Orleans. The event is free and open to the public.

Request of the Pleasure of Your Company For the New Orleans Launch of Three Exciting New Works of Literature:

Counting Descent by Clint Smith

A Brilliantly Crafted Collection of Poetry by a Prize-Winning Author, The One Book, One New Orleans Selection for Its 2017 Community Read. Louisiana Poet Laureate Peter Cooley and Poets Bill Lavender, Melinda Palacio & Gian Smith Will Honor Clint Smith With Readings From His Work. 
Adelicia by Joyce Blaylock
A Debut Novel by a Great Friend of Literature Inspired by the Life of One of the South's Most Interesting Women of the Civil War Era. 
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Off the Grid by Randy Denmon
A Unique, Rollicking Non-Fiction Adventure Story Which Reads Like a Novel Brought to the Printed Page by a Talented Fiction Writer

Darlings, every year I look forward to the entire month of August when COOLinary New Orleans. Come experience cuisine that delights your palate and is an integral part of the history, fabric and culture of New Orleans. Celebrating dining in “America’s Most Delicious City,” COOLinary New Orleans is once again “on the table” for the month of August.

Enjoy your week and save energy for the upcoming Satchmo Summer Fest -August 4-6, 2017 and Whitney White Linen Night on Saturday, August 5.
Lafete News Link July 25, 2017
http://conta.cc/2uTqpa9

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


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The N.O. Keyboard Festival + Piano Institute Starts This Sunday!
July 25 - 30, 2017
Loyola University, New Orleans

This exciting week for piano fans kicks off this Sunday with Master Classes featuring the students of the New Orleans Piano Institute (NOPI). The week continues with a series of events including NOPI Solo and Concerto Competitions, Master Classes, Presentations, and Guest Artist Recitals performed by former medalists of the New Orleans International Piano Competition! 

CLICK HERE for a full schedule of events.
              

                                              
    
   
All NOPI Events are held in the Loyola Music and Communications building. Orientation, Master Classes and Presentations/Question and Answer Sessions will take place in Room 240. The NOPI Concerto Competition, Showcase Recital, and NOPI Solo Competition will be held in Roussel Hall. NOPI Events are open to the public. The NOPI competition rounds, Showcase Recital and master classes are FREE of charge. The New Orleans Keyboard Festival Guest Artist Recitals are ticketed events. 


If You Go:
Where: Guest Artist Recitals, NOPI Competitions & Showcase Recital will take place at Loyola's Roussel Hall.
            NOPI masterclasses will take place in Room 240 of Loyola's Music and Communications Building.
Tickets: Admission per guest artist recital is  $20 regular, $15 student/senior; other NOPI events are FREE.
All Event Pass (includes all 3 recitals): $50 regular, $35 student/senior
Purchase: Call 504.899.4826 or visit masno.org
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About the Guest Artists and Their Programs (CLICK HERE for full programs):
https://masno.wildapricot.org/2017-Guest-Artists
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WHEN: Tuesday July 25 4:30pm
 WHERE: The Theaters at Canal Place
 Grab your Festi-Besties for a casual meetup at the movies! Don't worry we'll be there early for Happy Hour specials at 4:30pm and "Girls Trip" starts at 6:15pm. Tickets are only $8! First come, first serve, so reserve your tickets now at TheTheatres.com or through Fandango before the movie sells out!
 The women of Girls Trip traveled to NOLA for Essence Fest and scored RAVE reviews.
 "Four terrific performances make 'Girls Trip' a dirty riot." - Vanity Fair
 "'Girls Trip': A filty, freeing physical comedy." - The New YorkerTicket Links:

 *FestiGals is organizing the event but you must purchase tickets at the theater to view the movie.

The Theatres at Canal Place
333 Canal St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

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National Book Award author Julia Glass 
presenting and signing her new novel
A HOUSE AMONG THE TREES
Tuesday, July 25, 2017 6 PM - 7 PM 
Octavia Books 513 Octavia St (Corner of Laurel) 
New Orleans, Louisiana 70115
Read more:




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TOUR THE PRIDE OF PLACE CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION
Wednesdays are free thanks to The Helis Foundation. Join us!

Free Wednesdays at the New Orleans Museum of Art
Where: New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124
When: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: Everyone welcome, free admission is for Louisiana residents
How: Just show up
Free admission on Wednesdays for Louisiana resi
dents sponsored by the Helis Foundation


 




PAUL SANCHEZAT OGDEN AFTER HOURS

/// July 27 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fans may know native New Orleanian Paul Sanchez as a founding member of the rock band Cowboy Mouth, with whom he has 11 albums; for his role in the HBO series Treme where he played himself; or as the creative force behind the musical Nine Lives, a musical adaptation of the best-selling novel by Dan Baum. Nine Lives follows the lives of nine people in New Orleans from 1965 (the year Hurricane Betsy ravaged the city) through 2005 (the year of Hurricane Katrina) and beyond. Paul Sanchez,  transforms audiences with his unique blend of music and storytelling – at once powerful, sad, humorous, entertaining, and hopeful.

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Friday, July 28
YLC Leadership Luncheon at Brennan's with Brandy Christian
YLC hosts its next Leadership Luncheon on Friday, July 28 at Brennan's in the French Quarter! The event will feature guest speaker Brandy Christian, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of New Orleans' key business leaders, while enjoying a gourmet 3-course lunch! RSVP while spots last!
Register Now

https://members.ylcnola.org/?nd=p_vms_registration_event_detail®istration_id=4804&return
_jid=27009&utm_source=YLC+Email+List&utm_campaign=942b529663-weekly_mark_7_24_17&utm_medium=email&utm_
term=0_7a9e0019c1-942b529663-45344757&mc_cid=942b529663&mc_eid=f83ab570c8




Singin' in the Rain, Jr performs at JPAS THIS WEEKEND ONLY!!
Singin' in the Rain, Jr!  

When: July 28-30, 2017 

 Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM 
Sunday at 2:00 PM
Where: Jefferson Performing Arts Center






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2017 SUMMER FESTIVALS

July 27-30
Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo 
Grand Isle

Aug. 3-6 
Satchmo SummerFest 
French Quarter

Aug. 5 
White Linen Night 
Warehouse District

Aug. 12 
Dirty Linen Night 
Royal Street

Aug. 12 
Red Dress Run 
New Orleans
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