Tuesday, September 12, 2017

A Toast to New Orleans and YOU: Sept 13-18 -Round Table Luncheon/ Geaux Blue Day/ LPO Season Opening/ Martini Madness/ WYES Open House and more......



Casa Samba and yours truly at Le Petit Theater's Curtain Call Ball



Darlings,
I feel so blessed and grateful that hurricanes Harvey and Irma did not lash its fury on us. I am praying for those less fortunate who felt their wrath. 
Thankfully, Mother Nature has been blessing us with glorious weather so we could enjoy all the activities that my beloved New Orleans has to offer. 
Darlings, before I start sharing with you my past week and the upcoming one, I want to share with you about my upcoming Round Table Luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at noon at the historic Ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans.

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In honor of Geaux Blue NOLA Day on Wednesday, September 13 all my guests at the Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Arts are encouraged to “Geaux Blue” on this day by wearing blue clothing. I know I will! More than 100 fabulous guests will be coming to this luncheon which will be videotaped for the Bilingual Cox cable TV - "Lagniappe."
I am so excited to share the news that the new Consul General of France, Hon. Vincent Sciama, will be joining Consul General of Mexico Hon. Carlos Ponce as special invited guests. The luncheon will be co-hosted by Scott Hutcheson, Senior Adviser to the Mayor for Cultural Economy, and Society columnist and blogger Margarita Bergen.

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Among the speakers who have been invited are Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser; and confirmed guests Jenny Hamilton, Executive Director of New Orleans Ballet Association; Maestro Robert Lyall, General Director and Conductor of the New Orleans Opera Association; Maestro Dennis Assaf, Artistic Director of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society; James William Boyd, CEO of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra; Neil A. Barclay, Director and CEO of the Contemporary Arts Center; Maxwell Williams, Artist Director of Le Petit Theatre; Dr. Maxim Samarov, Conductor of the New Orleans Chamber Orchestra; Priscilla Lawrence, Executive Director of The Historic New Orleans Collection; Nick Stillman, President & CEO of the Arts Council of New Orleans; and Gary Rucker and Kelly Fouchi, co-artistic directors of Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts.
Also speaking will be Ylva Rouse, Executive Director of Prospect 4 art project; Dave Hurlbert, Executive Director of the Marigny Opera House; and Aimee Hayes, Artistic Director of Southern Rep Theatre.
Live entertainment will be by talented soprano, Kathleen Halm Simmons, accompanied on the piano by Timothy Todd Simmons, Executive Director at New Orleans Opera Association and, as lagniappe, Dr. Maxim Samarov will play one song on his cello. Pianist Jim Walpole will play the piano before and after the Round Table Luncheon.
The Round Table Luncheon is celebrating its 12th year. Since it started in August 2005, it has been attracting a distinguished guest list of influential movers and shakers. Modeled after Dorothy Parker’s famed gatherings at the old Algonquin Hotel in New York, I have been hosting these monthly events in New Orleans. Each luncheon focuses on a current topic of interest locally within the arts or on cultural activities and philanthropic initiatives that set our community apart and enhance our quality of life.
The gourmet menu will feature:
Wedge Salad: Iceberg wedge with blue cheese crumbles, red onions, cherry tomatoes, drizzled with ranch dressing
Gulf Fish: Grilled gulf fish topped with crawfish tails and a lemon butter sauce
Dessert: Praline cheese cake
So please make your reservation now before it gets sold out like it did last month. The $55 all-inclusive price includes a 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines and valet parking. You can make 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.


This week I am also looking forward to the opening of 2017-18 season of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra at the historic and ornate Orpheum Theater in downtown New Orleans. On Thursday and Saturday evenings, Sept. 14 and 16, Maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto will lead the LPO in two pieces by Maurice Ravel, including the ever-popular “Bolero,” plus works by Claude Debussy and George Gershwin.
In this Thursday’s New Orleans Advocate you can read more about the concert and some of the highlights of LPO’s landmark season, during which they will be performing at New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall.
Last week was so much fun. I started it by attending a very informative press conference for the New Orleans Tricentennial in which the city’s ad campaign was unveiled. I am happy to report that  I am honored to be a member of the Media Committee. The press conference was held at the National WWII Museum. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154636213565870.1073742921.581200869&type=1&l=22c0445958


On Thursday, I attended the weekly meeting of the Club of New Orleans at Desi Vega. It was not only delicious but also very informative. The guest speaker was visionary, Nick Stillman, Executive Director of the Arts Council of New Orleans and who will be one of my guest speakers at the upcoming Round Table Saluting the Cultural Arts on Wed. Sept 13 at noon at the Bourbon Orleans. He shared with us all about the upcoming Le Luna Fete -December 6-10, 2017 on the facade of Gallier Hall. In case you did not know, Luna Fête is a visionary initiative created by the Arts Council of New Orleans in 2014 to utilize New Orleans iconic landscape as the canvas for outdoor, public artworks created with light and technology. This annual outdoor spectacle connects New Orleans’ tradition of street-based celebration with connecting people to a new era of contemporary art. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154640363695870.1073742922.581200869&type=1&l=600ec2bcd6

Friday, was social whirl for me which started at the annual Krewe of Cork Luncheon at Bayona. My darling friend, Chef Susan Spicer and her business partner, my long-time darling friend, Regina Keever, were making sure the luncheon was delicious and it was. This luncheon was very special because the new 2018 Queen of the Krewe of Cork was selected and the high honor fell on Paulette Slone who, along with her husband, are ardent supporters  of the Krewe of Cork. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154643200730870.1073742923.581200869&type=1&l=79a93a5697


That night it was Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre’s Curtain Call fundraising event. Darlings, in case you did not know, I was born in the Dominican Republic on the beautiful island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. So I was really excited that the Curtain Call was going to have a Caribbean Theme. Le Petit was celebrating their 101st Season with their third annual Curtain Call Ball that featured the exciting and colorful performances by Casa Samba and Le Petit’s signature live auction. It was indeed an evening of theatre, music, food and fun – including a  sneak peek at their season opener "Once on this Island."
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154643224985870.1073742924.581200869&type=1&l=c735a5b916
On Saturday, Sept. 9 I did not want to miss the opportunity to  see Martin Lawrence Gallery’s opening reception with artist Anne Faith Nicholls.



That evening it was the much-anticipated local premiere of New Orleans Opera's Maria de Buenos Aires. The late Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla’s surreal tango masterpiece opened the 2017-2018 Chamber Opera Series at the JW Marriott Hotel on September 9 & 10 and I loved it. The music, the performers and the delicious food made it to be a very sensual and memorable night. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154645712430870.1073742925.581200869&type=1&l=ff6d03c9c8  
I concluded my social week by attending the press conference about the Geaux for Blue campaign on the steps of New Orleans City Hall. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154648933405870.1073742926.581200869&type=1&l=7e1fbf


Here are some of the other upcoming fun events for this week, including some fundraisers for worthy causes: 


Good morning darlings.
Another glorious day await us - Lets enjoy it.
Lafete News Link September 12, 2017
 ...See More

Tuesday, September 12th 6-7:30PM This is the last in a trilogy of collected essays penned by New Orleans Native Ronnie Virgets. For decades, his work has appeared in print and ridden on radio and television airwaves. Virgets' awards are numerous. They include an Emmy, an Edward R. Murrow nod, two Ec...
MYEMAIL.CONSTANTCONTACT.COM








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Trinity Organ
TRINITY ARTIST SERIES 
Tuesday, September 12 @ 6 pm: Organ and Labyrinth.
Albinas plays the 5000-pipe tracker organ with ambient lighting and occasional guest musicians. From Bach to the Beatles and Beyond ! Since Katina, a unique and magical distinctively New Orleans musical meditation. All are welcome. 
Sunday, September 17 @ 5 pm:
Ronald Joseph, pianist, performing All  American Music including Gershwin, Gottschalk and Joplin  Visit: ronaldjoseph.webs.com


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Ronnie Virgets: Saints and Lesser Souls: The New Orleans Views of Ronnie Virgets
Tuesday, September 12th
6-7:30PM
This is the last in a trilogy of collected essays penned by New Orleans Native Ronnie Virgets. For decades, his work has appeared in print and ridden on radio and television airwaves.
Virgets' awards are numerous. They include an Emmy, an Edward R. Murrow nod, two Eclipse honors, and the 2001 Press Club of New Orleans Lifetime Achievement Award. His portrait hangs in the New Orleans Fairgrounds racetrack Press Box Hall of Fame, and he reigned as King of the Krewe du Vieux during Carnival 1996.
Readily recognized in New Orleans, Virgets' literary voice is only upstaged by his raspy Yat Dialect. It has served as the calling card of many middle-class characters of the Crescent City, which Virgets calls "the storytelling capital of North America."
This book is available in paperback ($19.95).
Ronnie Virgetsdiscusses and signs his book, Saints and Lesser Souls: The New Orleans Views of Ronnie Virgets.
If you are unable to attend, you must call the book shop to order signed books.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017 - 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Garden District Book Shop
2727 Prytania Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

 September 12 
Concert for Houston Flood Relief 
Tuesday, September 12th, 2017  Show 6pm (Doors 5pm) 
The Willow
8200 Willow Street, Carrollton New Orleans
* Rockin Dopsie Jr.  * Hot 8 Brass Band * Micheal O'Hara  
* Cyril Neville  * Claude Bryant and the All Stars * Sam Price 
* The Revealers * Higher Heights Reggae Band * JD Hill  
* Aaron Cohen Band * D J Charles Belonge   
$10 Minimimum donation
Donations to the Houston Food Bank can be made to
September 13
Round Table luncheon Saluting the Cultural Arts  at noon at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel (see above for details) 

Come Enjoy a FREE Concert of 
"A Few of My Favorite Songs"
with Bon Operatit! 
Featuring the Best of Rodgers & Hammerstein including songs
from South Pacific, Carousel, The Sound of Music, and more!
Wednesday, September 13 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter
541 Bourbon Street
$5.00 valet parking at the hotel
To reserve a table call (504) 524-7611 ext 146



September 14

Thursday, September 14, 2017 7:30 PM
Orpheum Theater, New Orleans
RAVEL: La Valse | GERSHWIN: Piano Concerto in F | DEBUSSY: La Mer | RAVEL: Boléro








Friday, September 15, 2017 7:30 PM
First Baptist Covington, Covington
RAVEL: La Valse | GERSHWIN: Piano Concerto in F | DEBUSSY: La Mer | RAVEL: Boléro






Sept. 

Players Ella & Louie Tribute Band
concertFriday: Concerts in the Courtyard with the Players Ella & Louie Tribute Band

Friday, September 15
Doors: 5:30 p.m.; show: 6 - 8 p.m.
533 Royal Street
Admission is $10; free for THNOC members. Must be 21 or older to enter. In the event of rain, visit www.hnoc.org for updates.





Sept 15
The Pro Bono Project “Justice for All Ball”
This year’s annual fundraiser to provide pro bono legal services to the underserved in New Orleans and six surrounding parishes will be led by Honorary Chair Chef Leah Chase. The preceding Patron Party will feature entertainment by her talented daughter, Leah Chase-Kamata, and food by Commander’s Palace, while the gala itself will feature food and drink by over 25 of the area’s finest restaurants and bars, and entertainment by the Bucktown All-Stars in addition to silent and live auctions.
Tickets: $75-$500/person
Location: Audubon Tea Room
Contact: 581-3480
Sept. 15
Lighthouse Louisiana's “Light up the Night”
An evening of food, cocktails, dancing and a live auction to raise awareness and support for Lighthouse Louisiana’s century of supporting people with disabilities at Old Ursuline Convent.  Tickets: $100/person
Contact: 899-4501, extension 257
Sept. 15
“Hope Grows Here” Fall Gala
Benefits: Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans
Event Info: This year’s annual fundraiser will celebrate the success of BHGH’s scholars and collegians with delicious cuisine from local restaurants, specialty libations and a luxury auction.
Tickets: $125/person
Location: Pavilion of the Two Sisters at City Park
Contact: 484-7744
September 15


  Liberty’s Kitchen's Seventh annual “Liberty’s Kitchen Come Grow With Us Chef Showdown” An evening of food, fun and music to celebrate the achievements and potential of New Orleans youth, featuring cuisine from local chefs and music by T-Ray the Violinist and DJ RQ Away. Festive attire encouraged.
Tickets: $125/person
Location: Ace Hotel
Contact: 822-4011

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GET YOUR TICKETS NOW, SOME SHOWS ALMOST SOLD OUT
SEPTEMBER 10-24
 or 461-9475

Rivertown Theaters, 325 Minor St, Kenner, LA 70062
Rivertown Theaters Opens 2017-18 Season with "The Perfect Musical,"
"Guys & Dolls"
(August 8, 2017 - Kenner LAOne ofBroadway's all-time classics, "Guys & Dolls" will lead off Rivertown Theaters' spectacular, highly anticipated 2017-18 season opening September 8 and running through September 24th.
Frank Loesser's celebrated musical comedy about rolling the dice and falling in love under the bright lights of Broadway, "Guys and Dolls" is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy. This multi Tony & Olivier Award winning classic is packed with one unforgettable song after another - not to mention loads of romance and charm to spare. With beloved tunes such as "A Bushel and a Peck," "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," "Luck Be A Lady," and "The Oldest Established," there is plenty of toe-tapping to be had.  If you are the betting type, you should know that "Guys and Dolls" is the odds-on favorite to ride to the winners' circle of your greatest Broadway loves. These gents and dames have an irresistible mix of naughty, nice and classic Broadway pizzazz that will thoroughly entertain multi-generational audiences.



Sept. 15
Friends of City Park's “Martini Madness”
Join Friends of City Park at the Arbor Room and Popp Fountain to taste over 25 specialty martinis from Republic National Distributing Company and enjoy cuisine from over 20 of New Orleans’ best restaurants. The evening will include a raffle, photo booth, DJ and more. Tickets cover food and drinks for the duration of the fundraiser. All proceeds benefit the restoration of Popp Bandstand, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Tickets: $45-$65/person
Contact: 483-9369

Martini Madness

Grab 'olive' your friends for a great cause!

Grab ‘olive’ your friends for a great cause! More than 30 specialty martinis – from the classics to one-of-a-kind creations – 

are the highlight of this annual fundraiser hosted by Friends of City Park. Guests are also treated to exquisite eats from local restaurants and live entertainment. Proceeds from Martini Madness support capital improvement projects, such as funding a new train, continued restoration of the Popp Fountain area, and purchasing paddleboats for Big Lake.
For information about tickets or to purchase a Friends of City Park membership, call (504)483-9376, visit www.friendsofcitypark.com or email friends@friendsofcitypark.com.
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Sept. 16


WYES-Channel 12 Invites Community to Public Open House

For 60 years, WYES has delivered educational, entertaining and enlightening programming to viewers homes in New Orleans, throughout southeast Louisiana, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In order to Liberty’s Kitchen's Seventh annual “Liberty’s Kitchen Come Grow with Us Chef Showdown”

The community is invited to an OPEN HOUSE celebrating WYES' new facility.


WYES PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, September 16 from 10am-2pm. It's going to be a fun day of building tours, meet-and-greets with WYES show hosts and producers, refreshments (enjoy a Lucky Dog and much more!), photo-ops with Super Why! and Curious George. No, a ticket is not needed, but WYES encourages all attendees to RSVP, so we can better serve our guests. 

Saturday, September 16th, 2017
10am-2pm

WYES Paulette and Frank Stewart Innovation Center for Educational Media
916 Navarre Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70124EP

Introducing the 2017 YLC Role Model Class!

Annually since 1987, YLC has selected a class of outstanding New Orleanians who serve as Role Models by actively contributing to the betterment of the Greater New Orleans region. These individuals are an inspiration to YLC’s young professional members and to the community at large.

The 2017 class will be honored at the 31st Annual YLC Role Model Awards Gala on Saturday, September 16, at 7 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans Hotel, located at 601 Loyola Avenue.

YLC's 2017 Role Models

The distinguished members of YLC's 2017 Role Model Class are:
Big Chief Monk BoudreauxGolden Eagles Mardi Gras Indian tribe
Amy Boyle CollinsGambel Communications
Gabe FeldmanTulane University Law School
Dr. L’Issa GatesOchsner Health Systems
Bill HammackLink Restaurant Group
Jeff HebertCity of New Orleans
Raymond “Ray” JeandronKPMG, LLP (Retired)
Kay KerriganCitizens for 1 Greater New Orleans
Andy KopplinGreater New Orleans Foundation
Bivian “Sonny” LeeSon of a Saint
Carol McCallCitizens for 1 Greater New Orleans
Leann MosesCarver Darden
Alyson MountEntergy
Todd MurphyJefferson Chamber of Commerce
Terri NorthProvidence Community Housing
Wesley PalmisanoPalmisano Contractors
Lee ReidAdams and Reese, LLP
Petrice Sams-AbiodunPlanned Parenthood Gulf South
Salvador ScacciaTLC Rx New Orleans
Derrick TabbThe Roots of Music
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A Taste of the Opera at the French Market
 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Every week until September 24, 2017
    Three Sundays in September, the NEW ORLEANS OPERA ASSOCIATION  presents three vocalists at the French Market who will perform a concert that previews selections from their 2016-2017 season. All concerts are free and open to the public and are held in the Dutch Alley Performance Pavilion located at St. Phillip and Decatur Streets, riverside, one block from the open-air French Market.
Tables and chairs are provided but there is limited seating; come early to grab a seat! You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own chairs if preferred!
Concerts are at 2:00 p.m.  September 17, and September 24.
Here is a glimpse at the 2017-2018 New Orleans Opera season. 

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