A Toast to New Orleans February 14 -23 Happy Belated Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday!
Darlings, I don't know about you, but this Mardi Gras Season I had to pace myself so I would not burn out. I enjoyed knowing that I had invitations to many soirees and that Mother Nature blessed us with beautiful weather but I decided to Mardi Gras Day by watching the parades on my TV. I knew that I really wanted to go to the Rex Ball that evening, so I saved all my energy for that and I enjoyed it tremendously. I invited as my escort Renaissance Man Carl Mack and he loved it as well.
The lovely Grand Ball of His Majesty Rex 2018 was, as in the past, full of pageantry. The Rex Ball is held on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras Day) and it marks the end of the city's Carnival Season celebrations. This year's theme was “L'Ancienne Nouvelle-Orleans” (Old New Orleans).
Guests to the Rex organization's 147th ball entered the Sheraton Hotel's Grand Ballroom, which had been transformed into an elegant scene by a gold and white draped backdrop highlighting Rex and his Queen's throne, centered by a royal “R.” My darling friend Mark Romig was the emcee and the Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra played for the delighted guests. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155030816870870.1073743090.581200869&type=1&l=4a81ed9592
Orpheuscapade 2018
Orpheuscapade 2018 was phenomenal. As in the past, I was invited by the captain of the Krewe of Orpheus, Sonny Borey, to sit and view Orpheuscapade from his VIP area. I loved the colorfulness and creativity of the floats, as well as seeing the Crème de la Crème of New Orleans musicians participating in it. One of the highlights was seeing my darling friends, the members of the Dixie Cups who told me that now they live in Tampa. What a great night. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155028281730870.1073743086.581200869&type=1&l=bb4c806fd7
Betsie Gamble's Lundi Gras Luncheon at Criollo Restaurant 
Whenever my talented, darling friend, Betsie Gambel, CEO of Gambel Communications, invites me to one of her events, I always says YES. This time, it was her annual Lundi Gras Luncheon. Criollo Restaurant at the Monteleone Hotel was the setting for the delicious, festive luncheon where I saw a lot of longtime friends and made new ones. Thank you Betsie! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155026491715870.1073743085.581200869&type=1&l=a51a93f854
Armeinius Bal Masque 50 "300 Years of Fabulous"
WOW! The Krewe of Armeinius 's 50th Anniversary Ball was SPECTACULAR! Ever since I started going to Mardi Gras balls, I always said that gay men have the best balls in town (excuse the pun!). The Armeinius Ball celebrating “300 Years of Fabulous” at Mardi Gras World proved me right. The Monarchs, Ned Pitre and Brent Durnin, reigned supreme!
It was the most lavish and satirical gay Carnival ball that I have seen in long time. Armeinius is New Orleans' largest gay Mardi Gras organization, founded in 1968. Its mission is to archive, preserve and educate the public about the art from and creation of costume tableaux and its history. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155023278030870.1073743084.581200869&type=1&l=5f7246285a
On Saturday, I attended a lovely luncheon at Antoine's for the Krewe of Lafcadio
Royalty at the Krewe of Lafcadio
2018 royalty was Chef Tommy DiGiovanni of Arnaud’s and Dukes were Charles Abbyad
(emeritus head maitre d’ with 35 years of service) and Chris Hannah (head of their James Beard award French 75th Bar,
(emeritus head maitre d’ with 35 years of service) and Chris Hannah (head of their James Beard award French 75th Bar,
Kevin Kelly's Mardi Gras Celebrating 300 Years of N.O. History
Host Kevin Kelly with Cecile Boudreaux Neville and artist Jimmy Blanchard
Every year, my darling friend, Kevin Kelly, owner of Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, holds an exquisite and delicious masked ball at his beautiful mansion on St. Charles Avenue. This year we celebrated three hundred years of New Orleans history. Guests were able to view the beautiful parades from Kevin's spacious balcony.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155020903970870.1073743083.581200869&type=1&l=ea5b41e3dd
Strolling on Friday Before Mardi Gras
Captain of Hermes Jimmy Coleman and the 2018 King of the Krewe of Hermes Larry DeMarcay
Iris Captain Captain Kristin Danflous and King and Queen of Iris Stephen Joseph Borrello III and Cynthia Peake Borrello
Strolling down Royal Street I saw so many monarchs, including the King of Iris Stephen Joseph Borrello III and Queen, Cynthia Peake Borrello and their Captain, Kristin Danflous, as well as the Captain of Hermes, Jimmy Coleman, and the 2018 King of the Krewe of Hermes, Larry DeMarcay, as well as many friends.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155020892770870.1073743082.581200869&type=1&l=46bb658df8
Mardi Gras Luncheon at Antoine's
Luncheon at historic, legendary Antoine's was fabulous as well. Enjoy the photos. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155020866950870.1073743081.581200869&type=1&l=5d9d150992
2018 Friday Luncheon Before Mardi Gras at Galatoire's
Friday Luncheon before Mardi Gras at Galatoire's is an incredible experience. Patrons paid dearly for the right to sit at the tables in the first floor. I was fortunate to have been invited for several years to sit at one of the tables purchased by Gary Smith and Sammy Steele. The champagne was flowing and I just loved being surrounded by so many friends having a great time.
48th Annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta
Darlings, I have decided that my favorite day of the Mardi Gras Season besides the Friday of Krewe of Cork and the Sunday of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus, is the Friday before Mardi Gras. It was a long day but what a fun one.
I started it at the annual 48th Annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. This year's theme, “Cheers to 300 Years,” was inspired by the excitement and unique legacy surrounding the New Orleans Tricentennial, as well as the iconic celebratory global champagne house of Moët & Chandon. Renowned actor, author and tastemaker, Bryan Batt, served as master of ceremonies. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155020798450870.1073743079.581200869&type=1&l=11444e6d1d
2018 Mayor's Mardi Gras Ball at Gallier Hall
The annual Mardi Gras Ball of the Mayor of the City of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu, and what was his last Ball at Gallier Hall, was lovely. The rain didn't stop or dampen the spirit of the crowd. Unfortunately, it did dampen the parades but I was determined to see them roll and I admired and cheered the Krewe of Druids and the beginning of the Krewe of Nyx. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155016064965870.1073743078.581200869&type=1&l=b0673afdd5
Terrance Osborne Unveiling of Barq's MG Poster
I was invited to attend a private party in honor of my darling friend, talented New Orleans artist Terrance Osborne. It was a Mardi Gras celebration in honor of the latest partnership between Terrance and Barq’s Root Beer on February 6 (7-10 p.m.) at the Terrance Osborne Gallery.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155013096140870.1073743077.581200869&type=1&l=9ae1e7249f
Lunch & Conversation with Terence Blanchard
I was invited by Jones Walker LLP and New Orleans Opera to Lunch and Conversation with another Terence (spelled differently) – renowned New Orleans jazz trumpeter and composer, Terence Blanchard, the creator of "CHAMPION" - An Opera in Jazz that will be performed March 9 and 11 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Terence gave a fabulous presentation during which he told about how he came to write the music for the work, and he praised some of the mentors who inspired him during his formative years – Roger Dickerson and Ellis Marsalis, both of whom were in attendance. All of the who’s who’s of the local opera scene were there also and it was a wonderful event! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155012514640870.1073743076.581200869&type=1&l=067ba3e9c7
Photos by Frank Stanbury of Mardi Gras Day
Darlings, by now you know why I am totally exhausted but I survived Carnival 2018.
On a sad note, the New orleans' s cultural community is mourning the death of two of its stars:
LYLA HAY OWEN
On February 7, 2018 Lyla took her last curtain call at the Passages Hospice. She had been homebound for several years due to a progressive illness, under the loving and attentive care of her devoted daughter Robin Owen.
JERRY ZACHARY
Much-loved and generous patron of the arts, Jerry Zachary, passed away suddenly on February 6, 2018, at the age of 72, leaving behind his lifetime partner of 27 years, Henry Bernstein. Funeral Home Services for Jerry are being provided by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home.
Darlings, fortunately for me , I don't have to attend too many events this week but I’m going to be very busy next week when the New Orleans Ballet Association is presenting “Romeo et Juliette” by Le Ballets de Monte-Carlo on Saturday, February 24. With 36 dancers up on stage at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, it should be spectacular!
February
Ogden After Hours presents
John Fohl
Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 6:00pm
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
925 Csmp Street, CBD New Orleans
Longtime singer songwriter John Fohl performs solo in
support of his newly released album Hands On You.
Originally from Montana, Fohl has spent over 20 years
making himself a respected member of the New Orleans
music community playing alongside the city’s best
musicians, including over a decade with Dr. John.
February 20
February 20-25
The Color Purple
@Saenger Theatre
This joyous American classic about a young woman's journey to love and triumph in the
American South has conquered Broadway and is hitting the stage at the Saenger Theatre.
Ogden After Hours presents
John Fohl
Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 6:00pm
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
925 Csmp Street, CBD New Orleans
Longtime singer songwriter John Fohl performs solo in
support of his newly released album Hands On You.
Originally from Montana, Fohl has spent over 20 years
making himself a respected member of the New Orleans
music community playing alongside the city’s best
musicians, including over a decade with Dr. John.
American South has conquered Broadway and is hitting the stage at the Saenger Theatre.
February 21
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra's “Fête de Voyage”
This event is a kickoff celebration for the LPO’s upcoming 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 as well as provide education and community engagement programming serving a 12-parish region.
Tickets: $1,000/Ticket
Location: Home of Frances and Calvin Fayard
Contact: 523-6530, extension 30
“New Orleans Take Steps”
Benefits: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
Event Info: A family-friendly fundraising event where patients, loved ones, friends and supporters gather to encourage each other and to connect with the greater IBD Community, helping them understand that they are never alone in this fight.
Tickets: Free to register
Location: Champions Square
Contact: 408-2119, CCTakeSteps.org/NewOrleans2018
Coming up!
A Weekend of Special Events!
2018 GALA
Feb. 23
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
More info here
Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo
Romeo et Juliette
Feb. 24 at 8 pm
Mahalia Jackson Theater
Info and Tickets!
Official New Orleans
Tricentennial Events
A Weekend of Special Events!
2018 GALA
Feb. 23
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
More info here
Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo
Romeo et Juliette
Feb. 24 at 8 pm
Mahalia Jackson Theater
Info and Tickets!
Official New Orleans
Tricentennial Events
23 “Une Affaire d’Avant Garde: En Blanc et Noir”
Benefits: Ballet Resource And Volunteer Organization of the New Orleans Ballet Association
Event Info.: This year’s Gala will recall Truman Capote’s grand “Black and White Ball,” and guests are 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 is returning 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 will include 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.
Tickets: $250+/Ticket
Location: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Contact: 522-0996, extension 208
Event Info.: This year’s Gala will recall Truman Capote’s grand “Black and White Ball,” and guests are 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 is returning 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 will include 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.
Tickets: $250+/Ticket
Location: Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Contact: 522-0996, extension 208
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