Tuesday, May 22, 2018

A Toast to New Orleans May 22-29: Guitar Festival/ New Orleans Wine & Food Festival/ Politics with a Punch/ Giselle/ Birdfoot Festival/ Greek Festival and much more......

A Toast to New Orleans May 22-29: Guitar Festival/ New Orleans Wine & Food Festival/ Politics with a Punch/ Giselle/ Birdfoot Festival/ Greek Festival and much more......

 At the Windsor Court Royal Tea

Darlings,

I hope you are staying cool.  I noticed that as I grow older, I have very little tolerance for the hot weather and it drains me to the point where I missed going to few events because I was exhausted. 

Among the fun events that I did manage to attend were the following:

“All Art is Quite Useless: A Debate on Art in Contemporary Society” at RĂ©sidence de France 
Having been in the business of art for many years, I enjoyed so much attending the very interesting and stimulating debate. The debate was moderated by Consul General of France to New Orleans, Vincent Sciama, and the panel was composed of artistBlake Boyd with Garlyn M. Gryder and Jill A. McGaughey, gallery owners of Mac-Gryder Gallery on Julia Street. The title “All Art is Useless” is by Oscar Wilde in case you were wondering. Photos by Amy Kirk Duvoisin.

Ogden Museum of Southern Art “Magnolia Ball"


I enjoyed so much attending the Ogden Museum of Southern Art “Magnolia Ball Kickoff Party at Bond Moroch”
This kickoff at the artsy office of Bond Moroch on Magazine Street, was open to the public and included a complimentary open bar and discounted patron tickets for the “Magnolia Ball which is scheduled for June 9 at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art





Women of Fashion's Spring General Membership Meeting & Luncheon
The Women of Fashion's Spring General Membership Meeting and Luncheon, for the benefit of the Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization (BRAVO) at the Japanese Room of Antoine's, was delicious, as well as very informative. We learned that the recent Prix d' Elegance Luncheon at the Hilton was extremely successful thanks to the leadership of the board, the chairs and their committee. The event raised over $107,000 to provide scholarships to needy ballet students.

BRAVO is the main fundraising entity of the New Orleans Ballet Association. Comprised of over 200 dedicated members, BRAVO annually produces a much-anticipated gala, and is the recipient of the proceeds from Men & Women of Fashion’s Prix d’Elegance luncheon. Congratulations and, as said in Spanish, APLAUSOS!

23rd Annual Women of Substance Luncheon
The 23rd Annual Women of Substance Luncheon at the Audubon Tea Room was just lovely. I enjoyed seeing so many of my darling friends. Congratulations to the honorees! Proceeds will benefit Bridge House/Grace House.
The Honorees were 
Meaghan Ryan Bonavita, Kelly Commander and Dr. Mignonne Mary.
The Award Recipients were 
Juanita Marino – Richard “Buzzy” Gaiennie Award
Dr. William Robinson –Volunteer of the Year
Katherine Madere – Alumna of the Year
2018 Royal Wedding Viewing Parties
In anticipation of the Royal Wedding, I woke up at 3:30 a.m. and could not get back to sleep, so I got dressed and joined my darling friend, Valerie Grubb, and many other Anglophile friends at Avenue Pub and I loved it. I also stopped at the Windsor Court to photograph the early birds who were watching the Royal Wedding. Of course the champagne was flowing and the scones looked delicious but I was saving my appetite for the 2 p.m. sold-out Royal Tea and I had to wait. That morning I wore a fascinator but in the afternoon I wore one of my favorite hats by English designer Peter Pettney with a personal touch added to it to my match my suit.

That afternoon I went back to the elegant Windsor Court for Royal Tea. I was accompanied by my darling friend, talented author/ photographer Cheryl Gerber and her husband and Michael Langford. We had a great time drinking champagne and cocktail drinks, in addition to the High Tea Service.

Darlings, on Sunday, I went to Le Petit Theatre where, by invitation of my darling friend, Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Sue Vaccaro, I saw the performance of "An Act of God."
 
The show kept me laughing for an hour and a half, thanks to our talented, homegrown Broadway and film star, Bryan Batt, with his co-stars, Leon Contavesprie and Wendy Miklovic. The play was written by David Javerbaum and directed by Maxwell Williams, Le Petit’s Favrot-Van Horn Artist Director. It will be playing until May 27 and it’s not to be missed!

Before I share the upcoming fun events for this week, I want to congratulate my darling, longtime friend, Grammy Award-winning singer - the Queen of New Orleans Soul - Irma Thomas who, along with James H. Clark, Dr. Paul E. Farmer and former New Orleans Saint Steve Gleason received honorary PhD degrees from Tulane University. The graduation ceremony featured, as guest speaker, bestselling author Jesmyn Ward, and was emceed by former longtime TV medical reporter, Leslie Carde’, who now writes for the New Orleans Advocate and several other publications.

Congratulations are in order to my darling friend, Stephanie Burks, who has been selected to be the 2018 Grand Diva of FestiGals.

Stephanie will be following in my footsteps and the others who have been Grand Divas, including Angela Hill, Irma Thomas, Robin Barnes and several others. She will lead the FestiGals Step Up Second-Line Parade on Friday, June 22.

Stephanie has been active with FestiGals for years and is a FestiGals board member. She also served as BBFC co-chair, a FestiGals speaker and led her own group of “Wonder Women” in last year’s parade. Plus, she’s quite the fashionista and she generously supports many local charities, including BRAVO and Son of a Saint.  Congratulations Stephanie!

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Stephanie Burks- 2018 Grand Diva of FestiGals





Before I forget, my upcoming Round Table Luncheon will be Wednesday, June 13 at noon at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel and we will salute FestiGals 2018. 

The $60, all-inclusive price includes a delicious, 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines and valet parking. Make your reservations now by calling Judy LeBlanc at (504) 571-4672 or email her at Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com.

Darlings, there will be several great events that are going to highlight this coming week and next.

The first one will be the New Orleans International Guitar Festival, followed by the fabulous and highly anticipated New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. Then we have, upcoming, what promises to be a spectacular production of the famous ballet, “Giselle,” by New Orleans Ballet Theatre and the 7th Annual Birdfoot Festival of chamber music.

Here is how the week’s events line up:
Tuesday Lafete News Link May 22, 2018
https://conta.cc/2x8no8y

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


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Last Week

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 May 22 - MAY 27, 2018
533 Royal Street
Tuesday - Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Admission is free.

Tours will be offered regularly at 11 a.m. for $5 per person, and a robust schedule of programming-including lectures, demonstrations, and a concert-are scheduled throughout the display's run. More information is available at www.hnoc.org
 or by calling (504) 523-4662.


Visit www.hnoc.org



Tuesday, May 22

 Tuesday, May 22 
Enjoy complimentary wine & cheese while networking with members from World Trade Center NO, French American Chamber of Commerce, & HCCL at Jonathan Ferrara Gallery!

May 22-26 


New Orleans International Guitar Festival 2018 
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Join us at the New Orleans Jazz Museum on Tuesday, May 22 at 7pm for the opening night of the New Orleans International Guitar Festival 2018, 300 Years of Musical Influences.

Featuring:

Javier Olondo Quartet (Classical Guitar)

Javier Olondo
Javier began his musical studies with Rosa Puertas in Barcelona, Spain and later moved to Cuba where he continued his studies in guitar at the Conservatory Manuel Saumell. Upon completion of his higher-level studies from Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, he moved to Europe. There he was awarded a scholarship to attend the Hochschule fuer Musik und Darstellende Kunst Mozarteum, in Salzburg, Austria where he studied under the tutelage of Eliot Fisk, Joaquin Clerch, and harpsichordist Anthony Spiri. Today, Javier teaches classical guitar at Tulane University in New Orleans.


Steve Masakowski with special guest Geovane Santos Geovane Santos (Jazz Guitar)

Steve Masakowski
Steve Masakowski has long been regarded as one of the top Jazz artists from New Orleans. Born and raised in New Orleans, Steve has played guitar with most of the city's greatest musicians including Alvin "Red" Tyler, Ellis Marsalis, Earl Turbinton, and James Black. He has also performed with Grammy Award winning artists Bobby McFerrin, Nicholas Payton, and Dianne Reeves at major festivals around the world. Steve is currently on the faculty at the University of New Orleans where he holds the position of Coca-Cola Endowed Chair of Jazz Studies.

Geovane Santos
Geovane is the 2017 ASCAP Foundation recipient of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Composer Award through the University of New Orleans. He is a native Brazilian, from the South-Eastern State of Minas Gerais. A well versed classically trained guitarist, composer, improviser, arranger, singer, and, amateur ethnomusicologist, Geovane has been making a name for himself as a local New Orleans musician playing jazz guitar. He leads the musical initiative, The GPS Brazilian Jazz Project.

Free and open to the public.

7 PM - 9 PMNew Orleans Jazz Museum

400 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116

Cervantes FundaciĂ³n Hispanoamericana de Arte (Cervantes Hispanic-American Arts Foundation) is proud to announce its fourth annual New Orleans International Guitar Festival 2018 to be celebrated from May 22-26 with the theme, “Promoting the Importance of Mentorship in Music.”

As the headlining act, guitar virtuoso, Eliot Fisk, will perform on Friday evening. A true champion of the classical guitar, Mr. Fisk is recognized internationally for his unparalleled musical artistry and technical wizardry. His concert promises to be a truly enthralling musical experience for all. For more information on Mr. Fisk’s career, visitwww.eliotfisk.com. 

May 23-27

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
Featuring some of the world’s finest wines and gourmet food selections, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is a connoisseur’s delight! During this five-day event you can enjoy wine dinners, paired with food from some of New Orleans’ finest restaurants, plus a series of wine tastings, seminars, fun outings at French Quarter music clubs and a delightful gourmet Sunday brunch on the festival’s final day.

And, not to be missed, is the Royal Street Stroll by the Krewe of Cork on Thursday, May 24. This is a fun event that both parade participants and spectators can equally enjoy, as I have, for as many years as this parade has been held – twice as Queen of Cork.

There is still time to buy tickets but hurry! Some of the more popular events sell out. For more information visithttps://www.nowfe.com.



Wednesday, May 23

YLC Wednesday at the Square featuring Maggy Koerner + Naughty Professor


The 2018 YLC Wednesday at the Square concert series continues this Wednesday at 5 pm, featuring headliner Maggie Koerner and opener Naughty Professor! Learn more about YLC's FREE concert series, the 2018 lineup, volunteering at the Square, and much more below!

Wednesday May 23rd at 7pm 
New Orleans Chamber Players: Dialogues Ă¡ Vent 
The New Orleans Chamber Players presents its premiere concert, "Dialogues Ă¡ Vent," as conductor Joel Bein leads Stravinsky's neoclassic masterpiece, Octet for Wind Instruments. The program includes small chamber works for winds including Conversations for Tenor and Bass Trombone by Charles Small. Suggested donation: $25/$15 Student-Senior-GA.
Matt Slaughter, flute; Chris Pell, clarinet; Tyler Austin, bassoon; Marcus Westbrook, bassoon; Steve Orejudos, trumpet; Shane Courville, trumpet; Nick Garrison, trombone; Jamie Neeley, bass trombone 
Joel Bein, conductor
 Marigny Opera House | 725 Saint Ferdinand Street | New Orleans, LA | 70117
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WINE DINNERS

Begin your New Orleans Wine & Food Experience with an intimate wine dinner at one of New Orleans' premier restaurants. Dine with friends and make new ones, while learning about the wine and food pairings directly from the wineries and the chefs that crafted them. Different wineries are featured at each restaurant. Restaurants will be listed as they are confirmed.
- MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY BY REACHING OUT TO THE RESTAURANT DIRECTLY - PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS


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WINE DINNERS
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Begin your New Orleans Wine & Food Experience with an intimate wine dinner at one of New Orleans' premier restaurants....
VINOLA!
Thursday, May 24, 2018
True wine connoisseurs, with a higher level of appreciation for fine wines, will enjoy the opportunity to sample rare and highly...
ROYAL STREET STROLL
Thursday, May 24, 2018
A true New Orleans experience! This definitive evening event of the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience brings together New Orleans...
THE GREAT ESCAPE AT GOLD MINE SALOON PRESENTED BY SEAGRAM'S ESCAPESSeagram's Escapes
Thursday, May 24, 2018
NOWFE has hit a gold mine this year, literally, as NOWFE proudly presents our 2018 Great Escape after party following...
Friday, May 25, 2018 - Sunday, May 27, 2018
Get schooled by top wine professionals and celebrated chefs through their exciting presentations on what's hot in the wine industry...
Friday, May 25, 2018 - Friday, May 25, 2018
Step out for a one-of-a-kind, interactive wine and food encounter that showcases New Orleans' unique culture and style. These real-life...
FRIDAY EVENING GRAND TASTING
Friday, May 25, 2018
The Friday evening Grand Tasting at NOWFE showcases wines from around the world and food served by New Orleans Finest Chefs....
SATURDAY AFTERNOON GRAND TASTING
Saturday, May 26, 2018
The Saturday afternoon Grand Tasting at NOWFE showcases wines from around the world and food served by New Orleans Finest...
BRUNCH AROUND THE WORLD
Sunday, May 27, 2018 - Sunday, May 27, 2018 Sunday, May 27, 2018 - Sunday, May 27, 2018
On Sunday, May 27, 2018, have brunch at any of the following restaurants and mention NOWFE to have 10% of...
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WYES-TV, New Orleans' premier public television station, is pleased to bring New Orleans Saints and Pelicans fans its newest documentaryTOM BENSON: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF A NEW ORLEANS SAINT presented by Ochsner Health System. 
PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 AT 7PM ON WYES-TV/CHANNEL 12
Angela Hill Narrates
Angel Hill, a longtime friend of the Bensons, sat down with both Tom and Gayle for candid interviews about their lives. Interviews with Benson's nephew Larry Benson, Jr., Archbishop Gregory Aymond, President of New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans Dennis Lauscha, Executive Vice President and General Manager of New Orleans Saints Mickey Loomis, Audubon Institute President Ron Formanand others offer insight into the homegrown hero with the common touch who contributed so much to the community.
Produced with the full cooperation of Tom and Gayle Benson
The hour-long documentary traces the life of the business tycoon, who hailed from New Orleans' 7th Ward. The program shares exclusive photos from the Bensons' personal collection. 
TOM BENSON: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF A NEW ORLEANS SAINT presented by Ochsner Health System
Premieres May 23 at 7pm on WYES
click here for additional airdates
The documentary repeats Thursday, May 24 at 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, May 26 at 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, May 27 at 6:00 p.m.; and Thursday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 2 at 4:00 p.m.; Sunday, June 10 at Noon; Wednesday, June 20 at 8:00 p.m. & Sunday, June 24 at 9:30 p.m.


Thursday, May 24
Politics with a Punch 
Not to be missed: Dr. Laura Badeaux, Russ Herman, Eric Paulsen, All-Star Comedians, & LA Legislators Headline 16th Anniversary of Politics with a Punch Thursday Night @ Eiffel Society Dear Friend of Politics with a Punch,
Join Jeff Crouere  on Thursday May 24 for another unforgettable edition of Politics with a Punch, our local version of “Politically Incorrect.” It is a fast-paced, free-wheeling, no-holds barred discussion of what is happening in our city, state and nation. 
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POLITICS WITH A PUNCH
THURSDAY MAY 24
Outstanding Panel To Appear For 
16TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW
Doors Open at 6 p.m.; Show Begins at 8 p.m.; 

Eiffel Society; 2040 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans 


Eric Paulsen, WWL-TV News Anchor, Headlines Punch Panel 


As usual, we have picked an outstanding panel for Thursday night with some of our favorite All-Stars plus some exciting newcomers. This program will be the spectacular 16th Anniversary Show for Politics with a Punch. 
Check out the exceptional line-up of celebrities that have been selected for this New Orleans Political Comedy Tradition:

Dr. Laura Badeaux
Director; LA Center for Women in Government and Business  
Hon. Wesley Bishop 
  LA State Senator (D-New Orleans) 
Michael Dardant   
All-Star Comedian; Magician; Juggler; Actor, Model & Writer  
Russ Herman 
Celebrated Trial Attorney & Partner; Lawyer of Year Winner 
Eric Paulsen    
Morning & Mid-Day News Anchor; WWL-TV Channel 4  
Hon. Julie Stokes   
LA State Representative (R-Kenner); Candidate for Sec of State 
Mike Strecker
Outstanding Comedian; Local Headliner; Punch Favorite
Discount Tickets: $15.00 per person/$25.00 per couple.
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, purchase tickets in advance on-line at our website:
POLITICS WITH A PUNCH ONLINE TICKET STORE
Tickets at the door will be $20 per person/$35.00 per couple. 




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May 24, 25, 26 Weekdays 7:30pm

May 27 Sunday 3pm
 The One with the first and last word on everything has finally arrived to set the record straight. After many millennia, and in just 90 minutes, God (assisted by His devoted angels) answers some of the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since Creation. 


Tickets:
$15-50 | Reserved Seating
https://tickets.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=1249381560dfaebd18886e9cb36d53ad&vqitq=75b7e1c4-7a6c-42a1-b90c-b0031b5813ba&vqitp=918938c9-989c-40d5-a984-ec971291a104&vqitts=1522443176&vqitc=vendini&vqite=itl&vqitrt=S
afetynet&vqith=6b47258ae9a1b9452bd9907667ebb8ee&campaign
ID=270023&patronID=751931460&linkNum=2&memberID
=beae4c50643898f277b89eaa434796e0
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Thursday, May 24th
5:00PM to 7:00PM

Mac Gryder Gallery
615 Julia St
New Orleans, LA 70130



May 25

New Orleans Ballet Theatre presents “Giselle”
One of the most spectacular and popular classical ballets of all time, “Giselle,” will be presented Friday night at the Orpheum Theater downtown, opposite the Roosevelt Hotel. The one-night-only performance is being staged by New Orleans Ballet Theatre, founded and co-directed by my darling friends, Gregory and Marjorie Hardwick Schramel.

The production will star Jennifer Kronenberg, a former principal dancer for Miami City Ballet, in the title role, and Josue Justiz will be opposite her as Albrecht. Kronenberg’s husband, Carlos Miguel Guerra, dances the role of Hilarion. Several of the younger dancers in the production are advanced students from the Schramels’ dance conservatory on Terpsichore Street.

Good seats are still available. For tickets and information call (504) 274-4870 or (504) 826-0646 or you can order online atwww.orpheumnola.com  or www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B00544D77091F4B.

You can read more about “Giselle” in the New Orleans Advocate’s Thursday BEAUCOUP arts and entertainment magazine or check it out online at the Advocate website on Wednesday.

MAY 25, 2018 - MAY 27, 2018

New Orleans Greek Festival 

  • MAY 25, 2018 - MAY 27, 2018  THE 45TH  ANNUAL FESTIVAL WILL ALSO CELEBRATE THE 300TH BIRTHDAY OF NEW ORLEANS WITH EVENTS  at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Stacks Image 1045
Join us for a weekend of fun and history as we celebrate New Orleans’ 300th birthday in a uniquely Greek fashion. Bayou St. John, home to the Holy Trinity community since the 1980s, has a long and unique past. Stop by the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Villiage, where you can learn about some of the indigenous people who lived in this area. On Sunday at 2:30 be sure to watch the special reenactment of Bienville being welcomed on Bayou St. John by the Biloxi and Choctaw!
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Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw — Tribal members will have artifacts on display and activities for children. Takes place Saturday and Sunday of the festival.
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Bienville Welcomed on Bayou St. John Reenactment — On Sunday, May 27 at 2:30 a special reenactment of the 1699 meeting of French explorer Bienville and the indigenous people of Louisiana who lived along Lake Pontchartrain and Bayou St. John will take place.

This reenactment will be narrated by the Secretary of the Isle de Jean Charles Band of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw (BCC) Tribe, Chantel Comardelle. Chief Albert Naquin, leader of the tribe, will represent the Biloxi and Choctaw people who welcomed Bienville and guided him to the Mississippi River. Paul Bergeron and Lewis Ducros, members of the Fraiche Marines de la Companie living history group will represent the French Colonial explorers.





May 29-June 2

7th Annual Birdfoot Festival
The beautiful sounds of chamber music will fill the air for five days in several downtown venues as the Birdfoot Festival celebrates its seventh year.

Bringing in chamber musicians from all over the U.S. and Europe, this year’s festival will take on an international flavor, featuring habanera music from Spain and Cuba, gypsy music from Eastern Europe and a tribute to the New Orleans Tricentennial with compositions by local luminaries past and present. Plus selections by Brahms, Haydn, Ravel and other celebrated composers.

There will also be several free events, including open rehearsals, a lunchtime concert in the lobby of the Pan-American Life Building downtown, a late night concert in the Ace Hotel and a number of musical talks. And, for those with a taste for both fine music and fine food, there will be a ticketed gourmet dinner and chamber ensemble entertainment at Brennan’s Restaurant on Royal Street.

Tickets for all events are still on sale through the Birdfoot website, www.birdfootfestival.org . A full schedule of festival events will be published in the BEAUCOUP magazine of Thursday’s New Orleans Advocate, along with a story on the event. The story will also be posted on the newspaper’s website on Wednesday.

Trinity Artist Series presents 
Sunday, May 27 @ 5 pm: Brazilian guitarist/singer/composer  Geovane Santos with his multi group
The GPS Brazilian Jazz Project. 
Santos is a well versed classically trained guitarist, and  the 2017 ASCAP Foundation recipient 
of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Composer Award.
Trinity Episcopal Church 
1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans
504 670 2520  



The New Orleans Oyster Festival Planned for June 2 & 3
Oyster Shucking Championship on Saturday & Oyster Eating Championship on Sunday
As always, New Orleans Oyster Festival is a FREE FESTIVAL for all to enjoy on the riverfront
 ...Continue Reading



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