A Toast to New Orleans December 26, 2018 - January 1 st, 2019 : Happy Kwanzaa /Moscow Ballet / New Year's Eve celebrations and more. 

Darlings, please accept the most valuable gift that I could give you this holiday- MY LOVE! Wishing YOU : A Happy, Healthy,Prosperous and Peaceful 2019 

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas surrounded by your love ones. I was invited, as in the past, to a lovely and delicious Christmas dinner at the home of my darling friends, Gordon and Josie Patton and their two sons  Bryan and Jeffrey who were home from Japan and Texas. It was a very memorable dinner!

 i want to thank my darling long time friends Josie and Gordon Patton and their two son Bryan & Jeffrey and their family for always including me in their Christmas Celebrations.

As a Dominican, I celebrated Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) and hosted, in honor of my beloved Chiquita Bergen, a real Christmas Eve Luncheon and I invited my darling friends, including MaryFlynn Thomas, who brought Chiquita's sister Buttercup, as well as Janelle Crescioni, who brought Chiquita's old pal Isabella. It was a delicious Caribbean dinner enjoyed by all of us 

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Our beloved Saints provided us with the best Christmas present: a 31-28 victory over the

Pittsburgh Steelers to secure the top overall seed and home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The Superdome is going to ROCKING! Geaux Saints Go!!

This past week was so much fun, thanks to all the invitations that I received and I was very happy to attend them.

Kate Fagan's HO HO HO Show

I started my social week on Tuesday the 18th by attending, at the AllWays Lounge, the HO HO HO! Show produced by my lovely, darling, talented friend, Kate Fagan, “The Saucy Chanteuse.” Kate’s wonderfully entertaining act was backed by the Tinsel Twirlers Band and Perse’ Fanny Burlesque. My other darling friend and fellow hat-lover, Valerie Grubb, was the “Mistress of Merriment” (Ceremonies). https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155698437020870&type=1&l=aff7570145

NOLA ChristmasFete 2018

 

The awesome NOLA ChristmasFete opened its doors December 20 and will be open until December 31 in Hall H at the New Orleans Convention Center. I enjoyed very much the VIP Preview Party and seeing the dazzling Christmas trees, rides and, of course, the ice skating rink.  NOT TO BE MISSED!

Christmas in New Orleans has always been a magical time. NOLA ChristmasFest, a dazzling, family-friendly seasonal event offers opportunities to create lasting memories with a real indoor ice skating rink, ice slides, a carousel, carnival rides, inflatables, Santa and friends, gingerbread houses, decorated trees and so much more! New this year is curling lanes, Bouncy! the World’s Tallest Snowman, Polar Golf, longer ice slides, special events and pricing that honors members of the Military and First Responders, and 50,000 additional square feet for fun!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155699879500870&type=1&l=9394eabf67

Friday, Dec. 21 before Christmas 2018



 John Georges, MBc and Patrick van Hoorebeek.

Mother Nature blessed revelers like me with a glorious day to stroll through the historic French Quarter and visit legendary restaurants along the way.

As in the past, I started my stroll at Galatoire's, followed by The Rib Room of the Omni Royal Orleans, Revellion of the Royal Sonesta and concluded at the fabulous Holiday Soiree at Patrick's Bar Vin.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155703702235870&type=1&l=3c85395db4

NOCCA's Home for the Holidays



Every year I look forward to attending "Home for the Holidays."

It is a night of spectacular art and music benefiting the Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists, which honors the memory of NOCCA alumnus Daniel Price. In keeping with Daniel’s twin passions of art and music, the fund provides scholarships for outstanding visual arts and music students at NOCCA.

Home for the Holidays kicked off with a patron party at the House of Blues that was spectacular! Gold- and Silver-level patrons were treated to back-to-back performances by two New Orleans singing legends: Irma Thomas and John Boutte. I also enjoyed seeing talented trumpeter and all-around entertainer, Kermit Ruffins. On the main floor of the concert hall, there was patron buffet from 6:30-8:00 pm. There were open bars upstairs and downstairs, as well as a fabulous silent auction, featuring artwork by Daniel Price Award recipients.

The party continued from 8:00–midnight with the official Home for the Holidays concert, featuring Trombone Shorty and Friends, the Preservation Hall Band, Water Seed, Ivan Neville and Friends, James Andrews, and the New Breed Brass Band, with emcee Gralen Banks.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155703723790870&type=1&l=847990456f

Ona sad note, 

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On a sad note, the New Orleans community is mourning the untimely death of  two of its  pillars:

May their souls RIP. 

Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero Jr.

  
Obituary Condolences Gallery

Louisiana Supreme Court Retired Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr., 87, passed away surrounded by family on December 20, 2018. Over his long life of service, Chief Justice Calogero was known by many names: "Junior," "Pas," "Nunny," "Dad," "Judge," "Chief Justice Calogero," or just "Chief." No matter which name, he answered to all with friendship and devotion. He loved his family and friends, and he loved the law. Chief Justice Calogero is survived by his wife Leslie M. Langhetee; ten children, Debbie Calogero Applebaum (Bobby Applebaum), David (Gina), Pascal, III, Elizabeth, Thomas (Lindsey), Michael (Amanda), Stephen (Kym), Gerald, Katie (Matt Hupman), and Chrissy Calogero (Brian Keating); eleven grandchildren, Sarah and Benjamin Applebaum, Alex, Andrew, Mark, Caroline, Lauren, Mason, and Jack Calogero, Joli Moss, James Hupman; his sisters-in-law, Joyce and Iris Calogero; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, Pascal F. Calogero, Sr., a New Orleans Police Officer, and Louise Moore Calogero, a homemaker, as well as his siblings Geraldine, Jack, and Robert Calogero and Grace Calogero Spiess. A native New Orleanian, Chief Justice Calogero was a devout Catholic and a proud graduate of St. Aloysius High School ('49), where he played baseball and studied under the school's namesake-to-be: Brother Martin. His academic prowess earned him a scholarship to attend Loyola University, where the social justice teachings of the Loyola priests had a profound effect on his thinking. Chief Justice Calogero earned his law degree in 1954, graduating first in his class and serving as President of the Student Editorial Board of the Loyola Law Review. He later received a Master of Laws in Judicial Process from the University of Virginia ('92). He served three years in the U.S. Army as a military police officer and as a "JAG" in the Judge Advocate General's Corps and worked as a law clerk at Civil District Court in Orleans Parish prior to practicing law from 1958 to 1972 with the law firm of Landrieu, Calogero & Kronlage with life-long friends Moon Landrieu and Charles A. Kronlage, Jr. In 1972, Chief Justice Calogero was elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court and was reelected in 1974, 1988, and 1998. He served for 36 years, the longest-serving justice in the history of the Louisiana Supreme Court, and served as Chief Justice from April 9, 1990 until his retirement from the Court on December 31, 2008. As Chief Justice, he spearheaded numerous reform initiatives and considered his Court's most important administrative achievements to be completion of the restoration of the Royal Street Courthouse, improvements in Louisiana's indigent defense system, improvements in both the attorney and judicial disciplinary systems, and the maintenance of a consistently current court docket for 36 years. While on the bench, he authored over 1,000 learned majority opinions, concurrences, and dissents, and participated in over 6,000 oral arguments and published opinions. His opinions and writings are a reflection of his intellect, integrity, incredible work ethic, respect for the rule of law, and passionate dedication to civil liberties, fairness, and justice. Following his retirement from the Court, Chief Justice Calogero returned to the private practice of law, opening his own boutique firm focused on appellate practice, and serving Of Counsel to the law firms of Ajubita, Leftwich and Salzer, LLC and Jennifer C. Deasy, LLC. His colleagues and his clients alike admired his integrity and mastery of the law. Chief Justice Calogero's career as a jurist and judicial reformer has been recognized by many accolades and honors. However, more important to him than any career honors was the time he spent with his large family, close friends, and many law clerks dancing, singing, fishing and hunting, sharing stories and laughter, teaching, and especially sharing his love of the law, which he passed on to six of his children, who are practicing attorneys. Despite his many accomplishments, throughout his life he remained humble and grateful for his family and friends. He was kind and gracious to everyone he met. And he maintained his zest for life, his big, beautiful smile, and the twinkle in his eyes through his final days. The Family would like to thank the staff of St. Anna's at Lambeth House and of Serenity Hospice for their loving care. Visitation will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Thursday, December 27, 5:00-8:00 pm, and at Holy Name of Jesus Church on Friday, December 28, starting at 9:00 am. Funeral services will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Church at 10:30 am. A reception will follow the funeral mass on Loyola's Campus, which colleagues, friends, and family are invited to attend. A private burial will be held after the reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Innocence Project New Orleans and Loyola University New Orleans. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

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DIGNITYMEMORIAL.COM

John Louis Eckholdt Obituary - Metairie, LA

Celebrate the life of John Louis Eckholdt, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home.

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As in the past, I enjoyed all the festivities associated with the holiday, and this week there so many fabulous soirees that I think you will enjoy. Here are some of them:

Wednesday,

https://conta.cc/2EKbAvj

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

26 Christmas is coming and so is the one and only Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker. Presenting world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls-Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages. 'Kids wide-eyed with delight' says the New York Times. Experience the Dove of Peace Tour, spreading goodwill in over 100 cities across North America. Get seats now for the whole family and make memories for a lifetime at Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker! DEC26 Wed3:00 PM DEC26 Wed7:00 PM The Saenger Theatre 1111 Canal St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112 https://www.ticketmaster.com/moscow-ballets-great-russian-nutcracker-tickets/artist/834652?fbclid=IwAR3eHiQi3tXdWMrAjLsHK8Xl5F3VPXk-Zi_EiYuw8icGcaRatrrcThzSaJI&brand=saengernola&venueId=221664 OPEN TODAY! NOLA Christmas Fest @Convention Center   NOLA Christmas Fest is an enchanting family-fun event with a myriad of dazzling holiday lights, the annual Hall of Trees featuring more than 70 Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organizations, and the centerpiece of this year's festivities - an indoor ice skating rink which is sure to bring out the child in everyone! More info

December 26 Bourbon Orleans Hotel 717 Orleans St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70116

26 Le Petit's first-annual production of Charles Dickens' heartwarming Victorian classic, A Christmas Carol, features 20 young artists from our newly-launched Young Conservatory Program. Miserly and menacing moneylender Ebeneezer Scrooge learns lessons in love, generosity, and redemption when he is visited by a host of spirits on Christmas Eve. Filled with magic, ghosts, and holiday cheer. Le Petit has a long tradition of having young people perform on its stages and we are proud that the launch of our Young Conservatory in the fall will culminate in a youth company of performers who will take the stage in A Christmas Carol. PLEASTE NOTE: This production includes spooky ghosts and is not appropriate for children under 5 years old. extension of A Christmas Carol for three post-Christmas performances on December 26, 27, and 28! Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré 616 St Peter St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116 http://www.lepetittheatre.com/listings/events/a-christmas-carol?fbclid=IwAR1XdHLljY47d5oPOwO0JCMSzwHlbpmpN DXH6XmsGDXDvhhMx3uctGD_Jr4

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 Friday, Dec. 28

"It's All About New Orleans" music and dance extravaganza Friday, December 28, 2018, @ the Jefferson Performing Arts Center

Join 30 of our city's finest musicians and dancers to close out the Tricentennial in high style!   On Friday, December 28, 2018, at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, beginning at 8 PM, the Lula Elzy New Orleans Dance Theatre is presenting a one-night only music and dance extravaganza called "It's All About New Orleans."  This very special concert is an exciting celebration of the music of New Orleans, dedicated to the legacy of New Orleans' First Lady of Jazz, Ms. Germaine Bazzle, and the Jazz Master, Mr. Ellis Marsalis, together again for the first half of the evening's program.  The festivities will then conclude the right way - the only way - with a performance of Duke Ellington's classic "New Orleans Suite," which pays musical homage to such Crescent City icons as Louis Armstrong, Wellman Braud, Sidney Bechet and Mahalia Jackson. The stage for "It's All About New Orleans" will be popping with the unmatched piano virtuosity of Ellis Marsalis, the incomparable vocal stylings of Germaine Bazzle, a swinging big band directed by Derek Douget, and the remarkable award-winning dancers of theLula Elzy New Orleans Dance Theatre. This party happens only once every 300 years and you do not want to miss it! Friday, December 28, 2018 * 8:00 PM Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Drive, Metairie, La 70003 ,   Advance Ticket Sales - Community Book Store 2523 Bayou Road* Tuesday- Saturday 10AM-6PM or Call 504-948-7323-   FREE PARKING is available  All Tickets DAY OF CONCERT : $45.00 at door - General Seating  (No VIP tickets available day of show at Door)

Sunday, Dec. 30

TRINITY ARTIST SERIES presents @ 5 pm: SPECIAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION 

Grammy Award winning musician Delfeayo Marsalis and his Uptown Jazz Orchestra

featuring Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn's jazzy rendition of the classic Nutcracker Suite,

classic holiday songs and a good old-fashioned 2nd-line ending. 

The 15-piece Uptown Jazz Orchestra won 2017 Best of the Beat award for "Best Contemporary Jazz CD" 

and captivates audiences every Wednesday night at Snug Harbor. 

Uptown Jazz Orchestra combines the best elements of the big band sound 

with a unique New Orleans flavor This concert promises to be one of the greatest jazz events in the city!

Trinity Episcopal Church 

1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans

504 670 2520  



New Year’s Eve is a time for big celebrations here in New Orleans. From big, all-inclusive, hotel-hosted parties, to live music celebrations, to daytime family-friendly events, there’s something to suit everyone. This year is extra special, as New Orleans wraps up its 300th birthday celebration. Join us and toast to one of the coolest cities in America, if we do say so ourselves! The most difficult decision you’ll make is choosing which event to attend. Here’s some ideas below to get you started. Happy New Year’s, y’all!

ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL NEW YEAR’S EVE PARADE

 

 

• Presented By: Allstate Sugar Bowl

• Times: 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
• Admission: Free

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January 1, 2019Noon

1  December 31

New Year's Eve in the French Quarter

 

New Orleans continually ranks one of the best cities to ring in the New Year and as expected the French Quarter is the hub of excitement. View the spectacular fireworks display from one of the many great vantage points like Woldenberg Park, Jax Brewery or even while cruising the Mississippi River aboard the Steamboat Natchez.

Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve

• Location: Jax Brewery
• Address: 620 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 70130
• Times: 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM
• Admission: Free to gather outside

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December 31

New Year's Eve Extravaganza 

@Steamboat Natchez

Midnight on the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River is unforgettable! Revel in delicious holiday foods, good friends, party favors, popular dance band, and luscious libations. Enjoy the most unique view of New Orleans and the best seat in town for the community sponsored river launched fireworks at Midnight. More info