Tuesday, November 28, 2017

A Toast to New Orleans: Lighting of Lobby and Balconies at Roosevelt Hotel & Royal Sonesta/FÊTE DE NÖEL/ Dancing for the Arts/ AZUCAR BALL & More





Darlings,

I hope you all had a wonderful, delicious and safe Thanksgiving. Every year I count my blessings and thank the Almighty for all of those blessings and friendships which mean a lot to me.

As in the past, I took my darling brother Lorenzo Bergen and my friends, Michael Langford and David Martins, to Houmas House Plantation and Gardens for its annual celebration of Thanksgiving. As my brother Lorenzo said, it is not just the delicious food but the whole experience and, as always, Kevin Kelly and Cecily Neville Boudreaux extended their Southern Hospitality at the exquisite "Sugar Palace." https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154840011785870.1073743011.581200869&type=1&l=ff496442f9 

Canal Street Lighting Ceremony 2017
 Last week my social week started on Tuesday, November 21. I went   to the festive and delicious Canal Street Lighting Ceremony sponsored by the Downtown Development District at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel on Canal and Bourbon streets. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154835272330870.1073743009.581200869&type=1&l=f8dc05cb77

Celebration in the Oaks
My brother Lorenzo Bergen and I have could not have picked a more glorious autumn evening to go to City Park to see the beautiful, magnificent oaks trees laden with colorful lights at Celebration in The Oaks. 

Celebrating its 31st anniversary, Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country, with more than 165,000 visitors pouring into the park to see the magical winter spectacle. City Park’s famous oaks are swathed in hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and breathtaking light displays are scattered throughout 25 acres of the park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

The displays will be open every night through New Year’s Day except November 28-30 and Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154835314405870.1073743010.581200869&type=1&l=1aeca7e6bc

I concluded my social week at the

Lighting of the Christmas Tree 2017 at the Windsor Court


Darlings, every year I look forward to the elegant, festive and delicious soiree to light up the exquisite Christmas Tree at the Windsor Court. This year was no different except that the children of Ben and Alison Tiller are getting bigger. It was always delightful to see my old-time friends and hear the melodious sounds of my darling friend, Robin Barnes, the “Songbird of New Orleans,” accompanied by her talented husband and her band. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154849011745870.1073743012.581200869&type=1&l=676f7a3a59


Darlings, it’s starting to look like Christmas and I have been invited to attend the lighting of the Christmas trees and the lobby at the Roosevelt Hotel on Tuesday, November 28. And then on Wednesday is the Lighting of the Balconies at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. See the calendar below for more details.

In the meanwhile I am happy to report that probably by the time you read this blog, my annual festive Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Holidays and the upcoming New Orleans Tricentennial on Wednesday, December 13 at noon at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel is SOLD OUT. But you might still be able to attend if you call today for reservations. Call Judy LeBlanc at (504) 571-4672 or email her atJudy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com.

My darling friend, Mark Romig, President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, has agreed to be my co-host and we’ll be asking the Cultural and Historical Co-chairs, Priscilla Lawrence and Sybil Morial, as well.
I have also invited our new Mayor-elect, Latoya Cantrell, as well as the Consul of Mexico, Carlos Ponce, and the Consul of France, Vincent Sciama and Patti Lock with Tall Ships.
As you know every year, we feature a tasting of red wine by Dr. James Moises and a tasting of Champagne by Republic Beverages, in addition to a myriad of entertainers that will include Suzaune Yee McKamey, Becky Allen, Carl Mack, Marshall Harris, burlesque dancer Trixie Minx, vocalist Anais St. John and others.
Guests are encouraged to wear their finest holiday outfit or costumes and prizes will be given to the best! The $60, all-inclusive price includes a delicious, 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines and valet parking.
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.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/…
Darlings, please see below a list of events that are taking place this week: 
Lafete News Link November 28, 2017
http://conta.cc/2ACJ25u

Love New Orleans & She'll Love You Back.
Sincerely,
Frank Stansbury
Tuesday, November 28- NATIONAL DAY OF GIVING

 
Tuesday, November 28, 2017 taking place promptly at 5:15p.m.
Lighting of the Lobby of the Roosevelt 
Fats Domino Family To Light The Roosevelt  Lobby To Honor His Memory and flip the switch 
to light the Waldorf Wonderland at the Roosevelt New Orleans 
Join us November 28th for the annual Lobby Lighting Ceremony, a holiday tradition since the 1930s.
Be a part of the magic as our block-long, gilded Waldorf Wonderland Lobby comes to life for the holiday season. Join locals and international guests as we continue our tradition at the annual lighting ceremony, Tuesday, November 28th at 5:15 pm. The lobby display features 44 Birch trees, more than 22,000 twinkling lights, and scores of festively dressed Christmas trees. No reservations necessary. 
New Orleans Jazz Museum
November Events
November 28
9:30a-10:00a   Baby Artsplay, free
2:00p - 3:00p   Down on Their Luck Orchestra, free
November 29
8:00p - 9:30p   Marcello Benetti "Il Vizio" Post Release Party, $10.50



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Royal Sonesta New Orleans Welcomes the 2017 Holiday Season with Luxury and Style

From its dazzling décor and lights to its memorable feasts and package getaway stays, Royal Sonesta New Orleans makes holiday festivities happen once again
The newly renovated, landmark hotel Royal Sonesta New Orleans is ready to roll out an entire array of holiday fun and revelry for the 2017 season. From the hotel's unique showcase of lighting and décor, to its beloved Royal Teddy Bear Tea tradition, all the way through to a memorable Christmas Day champagne extravaganza, a myriad of long-lasting holiday memories begin and end at Royal Sonesta New Orleans, one of the Crescent City's most-cherished hotels, located in the heart of the French Quarter at 300 Bourbon Street.

Royal Sonesta New Orleans will officially usher in the French Quarter holiday season with its beloved yearly event,Lighting of the Balconies, taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m., inside the property's lush interior courtyard. With a ceremonial flip of the switch, two young patients from Children's Hospital New Orleans will magically illuminate thousands of twinkling lights that adorn the hotel's classically designed wrought iron balconies. The event is regarded as one of the most memorable local celebrations of the season. Once again, this year's show is infused with plenty of surprises, along with some great entertainment designed to make the holiday season bright for the hotel's guests and patrons. 

In addition, every year during the holiday season, Royal Sonesta New Orleans partners even more closely with Children's Hospital to give back to the community. Through collecting toys for a Toy Drop, hosting patients at a special Royal Teddy Bear Tea and bringing the Royal Teddy Bear Tea to the inpatients at Children's Hospital inside its auditorium, this multifaceted collaboration provides not only the patients with unique and memorable Christmas experiences, but also meaningful financial contributions to those who need it most

Wednesday, November 29

for ArteFuturo Productions & Taco Truck Theater 
* Fredy Omar * Margie Perez * Ralph Gibson 
* Sam Price & OTRA * Michael Skinkus * 
Gauchos del Tango * Fruta Brutal
Wednesday, November 29, 2917  6:00pm -
 Music & Dancing through MIDNIGHT 
Latin Food: CASA Borrega Restaurant
ART AUCTION: Art prints, paintings, and sculptures by Latin artists 
such as Theresa Herrera, Luis Colmenares, Hernan Caro, and others
 will be available through a silent auction process at the event-
First 50 Advance tickets online are on sale for $10
Sliding Scale Contributions from $15 to $50t

Wednesday, November 29, 2017
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM-https://ileaneworleans.starchapter.com/meet-reg1.php?mi=323486&id=106



Cambria
632 Tchoupitoulas St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Thursday, November 30

November 30
6:00p - 9:00p   Prospect 4 Louis Armstrong Collage Exhibit Opening
8:00p - 9:30p   Don Paul and Rivers of Dreams, free-
The Louis Armstrong Collages Opening Reception--New Orleans Jazz Museum

Reel to Real: The Louis Armstrong Collages
Opening Reception -6:00pm - 9:00pm at Old US Mint

Join us on Thursday, November 30 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm for the opening reception of Reel to Real: The Louis Armstrong Collages.
Louis Armstrong’s reel to reel tape box collages have never been shown in New Orleans before the current display in the New Orleans Jazz Museum, in collaboration with Prospect 4 and the Louis Armstrong House Museum. Food and entertainment will be provided. Free and open to the public.
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HOBNOBBER EVENTS BENEFIT LOCAL CHARITIES
New Orleans, La.  - Sip, savor, socialize and support local non-profit organizations at New Orleans Magazine's monthly Hobnobber events. Produced in conjunction with the Renaissance Foundation 501c(3), these fun-filled social gatherings are held at various venues around town. Cost to attend is $5 per person, which will be donated to the host venue's charity of choice. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended and can be made at 
myneworleans.com/hobnob

. Call, 504.830.7264 for more information.
The November Hobnobber will be held on Thursday, November 30 from 5:30-7:30pm at Briquette and Opal Basil. Located at 710 South Peters St. at the corner of Girod, the newly opened restaurants specialize in contemporary coastal cuisine and offer craft cocktails and a wine bar. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit both eateries to enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, drink specials and the chance to win great door prizes. The $5 contribution to attend will benefit the Ozanam Inn, whose goal is to comfort all who are vulnerable, less fortunate and in need, to help them realize their potential.
Curio, the latest restaurant in the Creole Cuisine Concept Group lineup, will play host to the December Hobonbber on Tuesday, December 12 from 5:30-7:30pm. Located at 301 Royal St. in the French Quarter, guests will have the chance to sample complimentary hors d'oeuvres, enjoy drink specials and win fabulous door prizes. The $5 admission fee will benefit French Quarter Festivals, Inc., a 501c(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the Vieux Carré and the City of New Orleans through high quality special events and activities that showcase the culture and heritage of this unique city, contribute to the economic well-being of the community, and instill increased pride in the people of New Orleans.

N O V E M B E R  3 O
S I G N A T U R E   H O L I D A Y   S T Y L E  
O P E N I N G
November 30th from 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Gather at Longue Vue to enjoy designer decorated rooms, shop a variety of stylish vendors, featuring Mario Villa, sip festive beverages, and experience the holiday atmosphere at Longue Vue!

Designers this year include: Lynne Uhalt InteriorsJADEShaun Smith Home,Rivers Spencer, and MINT.

Vendors in the holiday marketplace include: Jane Evans DesignsAshton DespotLauren RouattPeg UsnerEllen Logan, Chameleox, and
Four Rivers Designs

Opening night is free, so grab a friend and come do some shopping!



Longue Vue House and Gardens 7 Bamboo Road New Orleans, LA 70124United States 



November 30

 December 1-31

December 1
Friday, December 1, 2017
Fete de Noel Luncheon
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
2 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70130



THE TREE OF HOPE


As it has done each year since 1969, the Ladies Leukemia League, Inc. will once again host its annual FÊTE DE NÖEL luncheon and fashion show on Friday, December 1, 2017.
Through the efforts and dedication of our 225 volunteers, your support of this major event has helped us raise over $3.6 million dollars for leukemia research. We hope that you will continue your support.
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Join Young Audiences of Louisiana (YALA) for the 8th Annual Dancing for the Arts gala. The event will take place on Friday, December 1st at The Civic Theatre. The primary fundraiser to support YALA's afterschool and summer arts in education programs, Dancing for the Arts will feature celebrity dancers, notable judges, a silent auction, cocktails, and fine fare.
Camille Whitworth will preside as the Mistress of Ceremonies, welcoming our celebrity dancers who will take to the dance floor for an evening of rug-cutting competition in support of Young Audiences of Louisiana's afterschool and summer arts education programs.
This year's event is co-chaired by Stella del Bianco and Florence Smith. Anita Demps and Allison Kupperman serve as the Silent Auction Chairs.
a4la.force.com/events/cnp_paas_evt__ExternalRegistrationPage?tid=a1m1N000002ZFmFQAW&event_id=a2e1N0000008AslQAE
December 1
The Avett Brothers

 
Saturday, December 2
The  New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation's Azúcar Ball
The 2017 Azúcar Ball will take place this year on the evening of Saturday, December 2nd at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Avenue New Orleans. A festive night of music, dancing, great food and entertainment is being planned which promises to be another exciting and fun-filled event. The prestigious Gálvez Cup will be awarded to Ms. Jenny Hamilton, the dynamic Executive Director of the New Orleans Ballet Association. The Gálvez Cup, the highest recognition awarded by the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation, is presented to a person or entity that has been, through unselfish effort and devotion, of the greatest assistance to the Foundation in its work. The award is named after the most efficient and progressive governor of Louisiana during the Spanish governance period (1776-1783), Don Bernardo de Gálvez.  Ms. Hamilton has worked with the NOHHF in several programs that allow local young Hispanics access to free dancing classes and has been instrumental over the years in bringing to New Orleans the Ballet Hispánico of New York,  Ballet Nacional de Cuba, Ballet Folklórico de México, tango groups from Argentina and many other such dance and artistic groups showcasing the Hispanic culture throughout the word. The black-tie event will be coordinated by the NOHHF’s 2017 Azúcar Ball Committee and also includes an exciting silent auction.The NOHHF is a non-profit organization and the funds raised go toward providing scholarships to Hispanic students who have demonstrated through their academic record the desire and willingness to excel.

Dec. 2
St. Nick Celebration at the French Market
Dates: Weekends starting december 2 - December 17
Times: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: French Market District
Enjoy four weekends of family fun in Dutch Alley with Kids' activities, music, and more
http://www.frenchmarket.org/events/upcoming/