Wednesday, February 28, 2018

A Toast to New Orleans Feb. 27-March 6: New orleans -The Founding Era / Opera Creole/ Politic with a Punch/ Alliance Francaise de la Nouvelle Orleans“Annual Gala 2018: Le Bar Clandestin” and more....

A Toast to New Orleans Feb. 27-March 6: New orleans -The Founding Era / Opera Creole/ Politic with a Punch/ Alliance Francaise de la Nouvelle Orleans“Annual Gala 2018: Le Bar Clandestin” and more....





At the Masked  Blanc et Noir Ball
with Stéphan Bourgond who played  Romeo in the fabulous production 
Romeo and Juliette - Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo
Darlings,

WOW! Last weekend will go down my memory lane as one of the most richly cultural/social weekend ever. Here is how the week began:

Press Conference for French Quarter Festival 2018

I started my week by attending a press conference in Jackson Square for the upcoming French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron that will be celebrating its 35th anniversary from April 12-15, 2018

French Quarter Festival, the world's largest showcase of Louisiana music, food, and culture, will feature over 300 free performances. The 2018 event brings a record 33 debuts, including Alfred Banks, Chocolate Milk, Rechell Cook and the Regeneration Band and Zachary Richard. Returning favorites include Cyril Neville (whose Swamp Funk is among the debuts), Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Irma Thomas, Jon Cleary, Little Freddie King, recent Grammy-winners Lost Bayou Ramblers, and hundreds more!

Since 1984, French Quarter Festival has been committed to featuring New Orleans' finest artists on stages all over the French Quarter. Visit frenchquarterfest.org for more information about music, food, and special events. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155044559170870.1073743092.581200869&type=1&l=745d1b6381

This past week was “Monaco Week” and, as such, I was invited to cover fabulous events that included a

Press Conference of the Principality of Monaco
Great news! At this press conference at the NOPSI Hotel, the Principality of Monaco detailed its participation in the New Orleans Tricentennial. I learned that his Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, will be visiting New Orleans in March to commemorate the birth of the first American-born Princess of Monaco, Marie Alice Heine (1858-1925). She was born in New Orleans where she owned and lived in a house at the corner of Royal and Dumaine streets in the French Quarter. The Prince will unveil a plaque on the house during his visit.

Albert II is the reigning monarch of the Principality of Monaco and head of the princely house of Grimaldi. He is the son of Prince Rainier III and the American actress Grace Kelly. Alice Heine was the second wife of his great-great grandfather and namesake, Prince Albert I, who she married in 1889. Prince Albert's sisters are Caroline, Princess of Hanover, and Princess Stéphanie.

The press conference gathered delegates from Monaco and New Orleans Tricentennial officials to celebrate the cultural ties with the Principality and Monaco's participation in the City's 2018 celebrations. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155046821590870.1073743093.581200869&type=1&l=39154abab0

I was also invited to attend a private reception hosted by the Ambassador of Monaco, Her Excellency Maguy Maccario Doyle, to preview the exhibit and celebrate Monaco with some members of the world famous Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo company at Angela King Gallery on Royal Street.

INSIDE LES BALLETS DE MONTE-CARLO
 Gallery owner Angela King,Ambassador of Monaco, Her Excellency Maguy Maccario Doyle
 photographer Alice Blangero 
On exhibition for the first time in New Orleans - in the city’s premier contemporary art space, the Angela King Gallery at 241 Royal Street - 20 dramatic black and white photographs by Monaco-born Alice Blangero transport viewers behind the scenes and inside Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo as she captured the most intimate moments of the company’s work. It was on view the entire Monaco Week from Tuesday, February 20 through Sunday, February 25 , from 11 am to 5 pm at the gallery. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155048891795870.1073743095.581200869&type=1&l=f09192949b

BRAVO's “Une Affaire d’Avant Garde: En Blanc et Noir
Chairs of the Gala : Jacquee Carvin & 
Teresa Guzetta

NOBA Director Jenny Hamilton  & Sandra Chaisson, President of BRAVO

Spectacular is the best word to describe the much anticipated Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization (BRAVO) “Une Affaire d’Avant Garde: En Blanc et Noir” at the Hyatt Regency Hotel .

As the major fundraising arm of the New Orleans Ballet Association, BRAVO hosted a Gala that recalled Truman Capote’s famous 1966 grand “Black and White Ball.” Guests were invited to dress in black-and-white formal wear and masquerade in ode to Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo’s contemporary staging of “Roméo et Juliette.”

The company returned to New Orleans for the first time in over a decade as the first stop of three on its North American tour and a special Tricentennial feature event. The night included a Patron Party featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Hyatt’s 8 Block Kitchen & Bar, a three-course menu of French cuisine, entertainment by The Benchwarmers, a raffle of a $3,000 Lee Michaels shopping spree, a Champagne pull and a silent auction.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155053874685870.1073743096.581200869&type=1&l=048ba309d1

NOBA's presentation of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo
Presented by the New Orleans Ballet Association, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo’s return tour on Saturday at the Mahalia Theater of Performing Arts was stunningly dramatic. They performed choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot’s “Romeo et Juliette.” Shakespeare's tale of the famous star-crossed lovers got an exotic French twist in this "gorgeously original" (The London Telegraph), stunningly imaginative interpretation by renowned choreographer and director Jean-Christophe Maillot. Flawlessly performed with impeccable artistry by this exquisite company of 50 dancers and set to the romantic Prokofiev score, this innovative staging was a must-see event at the Mahalia Jackson Theater

VIPs got to meet the talented cast after the performance at a lovely reception on the foyer of the Auditorium.

Last week I was also invited to attend to attend LPO's Fete De Voyage.
 Maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto with ,R. Ranney Mize, Ph.D.
Board President of LPO
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra's "Fete de Voyage" at the exquisite "Wedding Cake Mansion” of Frances and Calvin Fayard  on St. Charles Avenue was just lovely and delicious. Calvin Fayard is the Honorary Consul of Monaco.
The event was a kickoff celebration for the LPO’s performance at Carnegie Hall in New York on February 27, and to raise funds to curate expansive LPO concert seasons presented across the Greater New Orleans area and provide education and community engagement programming serving a 12-parish region. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155048825950870.1073743094.581200869&type=1&l=ff00370cc0

I also had the pleasure of attending the presentation of LPO’s concert “From the Big Easy to the Big Apple," at which they performed the same works in the Orpheum Theater that they will perform at Carnegie Hall. The concert was fantastic, featuring works by Philip Glass whose 80th birthday the program in New York will celebrate.

Please read the article written by my darling friend and editor Dean Shapiro for The Advocate.

Darling, I got the chance to see the beautiful exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art: 
NOMA's A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes
What is Happiness?
Happiness to me is realizing that I am healthy, alive and being able to take advantage of a beautiful morning to drive Chiquita Bergen and I to NOMA .
As I drove i was listening to Le Boheme on the Radio. We stopped to admire the blooming tulips and since i missed last Tuesday the opening of the breathtaking exhibition ;A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes, i wanted to make sure I did not missed it. .
Alexander McQueen, Iris van Herpen, and Gucci are among the designers represented in NOMA's first fashion exhibition, on view through May 28th.



Darlings, this week from Feb. 27 to March 6, there are going to be more events than I could handle. So I am actually going to escape on Saturday for a few days to join my brother Lorenzo celebrate like I do every year his birthday on his time share condo in Pensacola, Florida. 

 After spending quality time and a brief R&R sojourn, I am returning just in time to host my Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Spring Festivals and the Cultural Social events on Wed. March 7 at noon at the Bourbon Orleans 

This is one RTL should not to be missed!Make your reservations now. Call Judy LeBlanc at (504) 571-4672 or email her at Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com.
The Monthly Round Table Luncheon Saluting Spring Festivals and Social Events will be Held Wednesday, March 7 at Noon in the Bourbon Orleans Hotel

It is the time of the year that Margarita Bergen, hostess of the monthly Round Table Luncheon, invites representatives of the upcoming festivals and cultural events to speak at the next Round Table Luncheon Saluting Spring Festivals and Social Events, which will be held Wednesday, March 7 at noon in the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, 717 Orleans Street in the heart of the French Quarter.

The representatives who have been invited are: Priscilla Lawrence, CEO of The Historic New Orleans Collection speaking about "Making New Orleans Home: A Tricentennial Symposium"(March 8-11); New Orleans Opera Association General Director and Conductor, Robert Lyall, speaking about the company’s presentation of CHAMPION (March 9 &11); Tracee Dundas, discussing New Orleans Fashion Week (March 18-22); Peggy Scott Laborde of the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival (32nd Annual Program March 21-25); Mary Katherine Lonatro of Shangri-la 's Mad Hatter Champagne Luncheon (March 24); Sandra Herman,Board Member of Louisiana Museum Foundation 's JUMP, JIVE, AN' JAZZIN' (March 24,2018) Sammy Steele of the 35th Annual Chris Owens French Quarter Easter Parade (Sunday, April 1); Emily Madero, President and CEO of French Quarter Festival (celebrating its 35th Birthday, April 12-15); Greg Lambousy, Director of the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint talking about "Minting NOLA Music at the NO Jazz Museum .

Jacquee Carvin of Men and Women of Fashion Awards Luncheon (April 18); the WYES STUDIO 12 Gala (April 20); and the New Orleans Opera's 75th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION (April 20&22) and Maxwell Williams of Le Petit Theater

Live entertainment will be by pianist Jim Walpole and baritone Ivan Griffin, who will perform a selection from Terrance Blanchard’s opera, CHAMPION. Ivan will be accompanied on the piano by Timothy Todd Simmons, Executive Director of the New Orleans Opera Association.

Guests are encouraged to wear their Easter finery or St. Patrick's Day outfit.

The $60, all-inclusive price includes a delicious, 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines and valet parking.

Make your reservations now. Call Judy LeBlanc at (504) 571-4672 or email her at Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com.

Wednesday Lafete News Link February 28, 2018
http://conta.cc/2F0t5sC

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


Darlings, not to be missed today



Feb. 27
As New Orleans marks its 300th anniversary, The Historic New Orleans Collection invites you to explore the kaleidoscopic array of cultures that gave rise to one of North America's most diverse cities. Rare artifacts, early maps, archaeological finds, and art from THNOC's holdings and from institutions across Europe and North America come together to tell the stories of New Orleans's early days in this original exhibition.
EXHIBITION ON VIEW FEBRUARY 27 - MAY 27, 2018
533 Roya...
   See More
FEB27
   
3:30 p.m.  The Historic New Orleans Collection · New Orleans
JOIN US FOR THE EXHIBITION'S OPENING EVENTS
Join THNOC, state and local dignitaries, and esteemed international guests as we open the exhibition on Tuesday, February 27.

Ribbon-cutting, press conference, and reception: 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Extended exhibition hours: 5 - 8 p.m.
Note, the exhibition will not be open to the public on February 27 until after the ribbon-cutting.

Visit www.hnoc.org
 for details on special programs related to the exhibition.


The Historic New Orleans Collection
533 Royal St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130



February 27
A Tribute to François-Michel Samuel Snaër by members of the  OperaCréole


Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society,St. Louis Cathedral, Archdiocese of New Orleans, and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Present the Fifth Annual Series of Free, Public Concerts for Lent at Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1100 Chartres St.Tuesdays, 6:30 P. M. OperaCréole
Givonna Joseph, Founder and Artistic Director
Aria Mason, Co-Founder and Production Director-

A Tribute to François-Michel Samuel Snaër
(ca. 1832-1880s)
Free Creole composer of color
Composer, Pianist, Choir Master and Organist at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the 19th Century

27
February Biz Night- Fidelity
by Renaissance Foundation
$5
Looking to promote your business and network with local professionals? Then register today for Strictly Biz Nightpresented by Biz New Orleans Magazine. Join Biz New Orleans and Fidelity Bank, at Casa Borrega (1719 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd), for a night of networking. Enjoy margaritas, hors d'oeuvres, beer, and wine. Admission to attend is $5 with 100% of ticket sales being donated to The Youth Empowerment Project. Reservation and payment are required in advance and space is limited.
  • Tue, February 27, 2018
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM CST
Casa Borrega
1719 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70113
 21st Annual French Film Festival: February 25-March 1, 2018
The 21st French Film Festival showcases excellence in contemporary and classic French Cinema for audiences of 3,300+ at the Prytania Theatre, the oldest single-screen movie house operating in Louisiana. Live music and lectures accompany a curated selection of 17 feature-length French and French language films and a program of short films. On opening night, join a dedicated audience of Francophiles, cinephiles, sponsors and patrons for a champagne toast at a private residence blocks from the Prytania.
All screenings, music, and lectures will take place at the Prytania Theater.
5339 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Free parking on street around the theater.
Public transit: 3 blocks from streetcar stop (St. Charles line).
ADA accessibility
Schedulehttps://neworleansfilmsociety.org/french-film-festival/



A QUEEN WITHIN FASHION EXHIBITION OPENS: 


NOMA unveils its much-anticipated, first-ever fashion exhibition,  A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes . This unprecedented display, on view through May 28, features more than one hundred gowns, headpieces, shoes, and jewelry by the most daring fashion designers of the past ten years. Showcasing rare pieces from one of the world's largest private collections of Alexander McQueen,  A Queen Within explores different archetypes of a queen -- or metaphorically, of a woman -- and how the mythic queen character manifests through storytelling in fashion. Other represented designers include Iris van Herpen, Gucci, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, and Gypsy Sport, among many others in the houses of imaginative couture. 

Opening week will include the following special events:
  • Five documentaries will be screened as part of a Fashion on Film Series, beginning with The Legacy of Alexander McQueen on Friday March 2, at 7 pm.
NOTE: NOMA Members receive free access to all exhibitions, and Wednesdays are free to all Louisiana residents courtesy of The Helis Foundation. Nonmembers will pay a surcharge of $5 in addition to standard admission for entry to A Queen Within.
















March


Thursday, March 1
Politics with  a Punch 



The next program will be held on Thursday March 1 at the beautiful Eiffel Society, 2040 St. Charles Avenue.  I am so honored to be ask to be in the panel and I can not wait. 
For this special show, we have picked an outstanding panel with some of our favorite all-stars plus some exciting newcomers. Check out our exceptional line-up of celebrities:

  • Becky Allen, Comedienne, Actress, Entertainer, New Orleans Icon
  • Margarita Bergen, Society Editor, New Orleans Living Magazine
  • Tee Ray Bergeron, All-Star Comedian; Local Headliner
  • John Georges, Owner, The Advocate Newspaper
  • Joe Lopinto, Jefferson Parish Sheriff
  • Norman Robinson, Former WDSU-TV Ch. 6 News Anchor 
  • Roger Villere, Former Chairman of LA Republican Party

On our star-studded show, we’ll cover many of the significant issues and controversies of the day in a lighthearted and humorous manner in our unique Politics with a Punch style.
Tickets are only $20.00 per person/$35.00 per couple. 
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please RSVP by sending me an e-mail reply. You can also purchase tickets in advance at a discounted price ($15.00 per person/$25.00 per couple) on-line at our website: 



 

 March 2  
 American Heart Association “Go Red For Women Luncheon”
This luncheon is part of the “Go Red For Women” movement that encourages local women to take charge of their heart health. Guests can participate in free health screenings and a silent auction, and at 11:30 a.m. the ticketed heart-healthy luncheon and program will include stories of local women affected personally by heart disease.  $150/Ticket at Hyatt Regency New Orleans.Contact: 872-3440




Steel Magnolias opens FRIDAY
March 2-18, seats are going fast!
(added show, Sat, March 10 at 2pm)
GET TICKETS

SHOW DATES AND TIMES:
Opening Week:           March 2 & 3 at 8 pm and March 4 at 2pm    
2nd Week:                    March 9 & 10 at 8 pm and March 10 & 11 at 2 pm                                         
3rd Week:                    March 15,16 & 17 at 8 pm and March 18 at 2 pm                
INDIVIDUAL TICKET PRICES:    $45.90 - Adults     $43.71- Seniors    $41.51 - Students/Children including taxes
BOX OFFICE HOURS:   Tuesday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and one hour prior to each performance.




Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts
325 Minor St, Kenner, Louisiana 70062


We are so thrilled to share such an incredibly talented cast, staff, design team, and crew with our audiences of The Hunchback of Notre Dame!

Tickets on sale NOW!!
Performances are March 2, 3, and 4th. 
Jefferson Performing Arts Center
6400 Airline Dr, Metairie, Louisiana 70003
https://tickets.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&w=35293f75a4b
e44202c7e2755ea744d97&vqitq=be46b94a-667c-4b9a-b2a0
-e02550dd3ae1&vqitp=65595d99-9b98-4026-996c-bf97e29c5bab&vqitts=1510250775&vqitc=vendini&vqite=itl&vqitrt
=Safetynet&vqith=77f362c88d98d78a3b551f8355f017da


Tickets for The Hunchback of Notre Dame can be purchased at jpas.org, by calling 504-885-2000, or at our box office located at 
1118 Clearview Parkway in Metairie, LA.


March 3

Presentation and book signing with Thomas Jayne

Public 


March 3
Legacy Donor Foundation“Soul Revival”

 Known as a “soul-shaking good time,” each year this event attracts close to 1,000 guests to dance to live music and enjoy local cuisine. The Legacy Donor Foundation’s mission is to educate Louisianians about the critical need for organ, eye and tissue donation, and to encourage individuals to register as donors in order to save the lives of those waiting for transplants.
Tickets: $100-$25,000
Location: Home of Lauren and George Brower
Contact: 558-8900, OrganAwareness.com/Soul-Revival
March 3 
 Children’s Hospital's 37th annual “Sugarplum Ball”
This year’s theme is “Grecian Gala,” which will be reflected throughout the VIP Tent and the Gala in fabulous decorations in white and gold. Cuisine will be provided by more than 40 local restaurants and multiple bands will keeps guests dancing throughout the night.
Tickets: $350/2 Tickets-$15,000 Sponsorships
Location: Hellenic Cultural Center
Contact: CHNola.org/Sugarplum
 March 3 
Alliance Francaise de la Nouvelle Orleans“Annual Gala 2018: Le Bar Clandestin”

Event Info.: This year’s gala will honor Nell Nolan. Alliance Francaise de la Nouvelle Orleans is part of a worldwide network that fosters and funds ongoing French educational and cultural programs in the New Orleans region.
Tickets: $125/Ticket; $225+/Patron
Location: New Orleans Jazz Market
Contact: 568-0770
 March 3 
“Temple Sinai Gala”

This annual gala is themed “Temple Sinai Dines and Dances Through the Decades” and will honor Pamela and Robert Steeg; Amy Gainsberg-Haspel and John Haspel; and Jennifer and Jack Benjamin.Temple Sinai-Contact: 861-3693
3-4 
 Audubon Nature Institute“Soul Fest”
 This event is a two-day family-oriented event featuring live musical performances by local jazz, R&B and gospel artists at the Capital One Stage. Visitors can purchase authentic soul food prepared by local restaurants and caterers, and can visit with local health, education and social service organizations and receive valuable wellness and lifestyle information.
Tickets: Free with admission/membership -  Audubon Zoo
Contact: 581-4629, AudubonNatureInstitute.org