Monday, June 17, 2019

A Toast to New Orleans June 17-24: Opera in the Piazza/ FestiGals/ Summer Wine Festival/Cajun Zydeco Festival & More....

 A Toast to New Orleans June 17-24: Opera in the Piazza/ FestiGals/ Summer Wine Festival/Cajun Zydeco Festival & More....

Darlings, I hope you enjoyed a cool week and a happy Father's Day.

Once again, I was in need of a clone to attend all the fun cultural and social events that my beloved New Orleans had to offer this past week. Unfortunately there is only one me so these are the fun events that I attended and enjoyed:

Amanda Shaw Crowned 2019 Grand Diva of FestiGals

Album Amanda Shaw Crowned 2019 Grand Diva of FestiGals (22 photos)

My longtime friend, talented entertainer Amanda Shaw was crowned as the 2019 Grand Diva of FestiGals at the Jung Hotel. She will reign over the FestiGals weekend which is June 21-23.

FestiGals Women's Weekend Experience is New Orleans’ first and only women-centric festival and is held each summer for women to enjoy themselves, be inspired and become empowered in a safe, festive environment. Past participants have described it as “an event where they were able not only to restore their sense of purpose but also, recapture their dreams and rejuvenate their souls.” There is no membership fee and you are free to come for the weekend, a day or for any event that fits into your schedule.

FestiGals was created by Diane Lyons and the FestiGals weekend is produced by Diane Lyons & ACCENT-DMC, a DMC Network Company.

Album The Leukemia & Lymphoma's Man and Woman of the Year (49 photos)
 
Once again, the participants of the annual fundraiser, "The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 's Man and Woman of the Year," raised a total of $667,561. Congratulations to my darling friend Allyson Shapiro Dandry who raised a whopping $251,028 to be crowned the Woman of the Year, along with Kurt Evans as the Man of the Year.

The Gala was the culmination of a 10-week fundraising campaign where 15 local community and business leaders competed to raise as much money as possible. LLS gave over $1.6 million to local patients and their families.

Album American Heart Association's Heart Ball New Orleans (32 photos)
 
The American Heart Association's annual Heart Ball New Orleans at the Hyatt was an elegant and delicious fundraiser. The gala was presented by darling friends, Ray and Jessica Brandt. It was chaired by Mrs. Jessica Brandt and Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich with Diane Hollis as the Patron Chair and Jennifer Hale as the Open Your Heart Speaker.
Funds raised at the “Heart & Soul Gala” will help the American Heart Association to continue the fight against cardiovascular diseases and defects – the No. 1 killer in the state of Louisiana and in the country. The evening’s festivities included a delicious dinner, an opportunity to Open Your Heart and further support the mission and an exciting live auction.

Album New Orleans Chamber Orchestra Concert (13 photos)

I am so happy that I did not miss attending the fabulous concert by the New Orleans Chamber Orchestra conducted by my darling friend, cellist Dr. Maxim Samarov at the lovely Marigny Opera House where the next NOCO concert will be on June 29.
The 16-member ensemble performed works by Giacomo Puccini, Ottorino Respighi and Franz Joseph Haydn, plus a premiere by local composer, Tucker Fuller, on Friday evening, June 14. Mezzo-soprano, Claire Shackleton, delighted the audience with her performance of the Italian lyrics to the Respighi composition.

I loved when the orchestra performed the Finale Presto - Adagio of Hayden's “Farewell Symphony” and most of the musicians – and the conductor! – turned off the lights on their music stands and left the stage - leaving only two muted violins to complete the adagio. This was intentional on the part of the composer to let a powerful Hungarian nobleman know that he was keeping a group of musicians away from their families too long and it has been performed that way for the past 250 years.

Then, on Saturday, June 29, Phillip Larroque will conduct the NOCO in the second concert featuring original works by local composers Jerry Sieg and Tim Robertson, plus the winner of a NOCO-sponsored composition competition, Trevor Weston’s “Juba for Strings.” Finishing off the June 29 concert will be Antonin Dvorak’s “Serenade for Strings.” Featured soloist will be Mollie Pate, principal hornist for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, on the Sieg and Robertson pieces.

Darlings, before I talk about all the fabulous upcoming events, I want to share the press release about the next Round Table Luncheon Saluting Tales of the Cocktail and the retirement of Priscilla Lawrence from the Historic New Orleans Collection.

As you know, I am not hosting Round Table Luncheons during the months of June and August. However, I am hosting a very special Round Table Luncheon Saluting Tales of the Cocktail on Wednesday, July 17 at noon in the historic ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, 717 Orleans Street (between Bourbon and Royal streets), in the French Quarter.
The spirited luncheon will be co-hosted by Caroline Rosen, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail, and Jenny Butler, Adviser to Philanthropic and Civic Initiatives at the Gary N. Solomon Group.

I will also pay tribute to my darling friend, Priscilla Lawrence, CEO and President of the Historic New Orleans Collection who is retiring.

Among the invited speakers will be Emily Madero, President & CEO of French Quarter Festivals, who will speak briefly about the upcoming Satchmo SummerFest presented by Chevron, August 2-4; Brent Rosen, the new president and CEO of the National Food and Beverage Foundation, commonly known around New Orleans as the Southern Food and Beverage Museum; and Miguel Solorzano, Sazerac House General Manager, Greater New Orleans Area.

The live entertainment will be by “New Orleans Songbird,” vocalist Robin Barnes Casey, and cocktail historian, Elizabeth PearseJorge Lauriano Jr., Division Manager at William Grant & Sons, is featuring Hendrick's Gin, and a brand ambassador will talk about the featured cocktail.
Philanthropist Sammy Steele will have a special collection of beautiful hats designed by him for sale. 

The $65, all-inclusive price includes a delicious, 3-course gourmet luncheon, plus 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.

Enjoy your week and stay cool!
Monday, 
https://conta.cc/2XSjmd5

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


June 17
Hospitality Appreciation Party

Crescent City Brewhouse will be hosting its annual hospitality appreciation party with a ‘90s theme. They include tour guides, concierges, valets, bellman, shuttle drivers, carriage drivers, kiosk workers and servers alike!
5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Crescent City Brewhouse, 527 Decatur Street, New Orleans.
 June 20
 Happy 80th Birthday - Al "Carnival Time"   Johnson 

"Come and meet those dancing feet" when SLT brings this high spirited, tap dance spectacle back to Dixon Hall.  When the leading lady of a musical extravaganza is injured before opening night,  a chorus girl is called upon to save the day- and musical theatre history is made!

For tickets, Click Herehttps://tickets.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&w=357fee81c8791e4c7343db91eea790cf&vqitq=13f6e20c-b4a4-472e-baa3-a7afb6b1ff7b&vqitp=6a791079-9b99-4d00-a98a-c39e509aead8&vqitts=1558976704&vqitc=vendini&vqite=itl&vqitrt=
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Where%20Y%27at%20Happenings


June 21
Opera in the Piazza
I cannot wait to attend this always-fun event. Here is the information:

I can not wait to attend this always fun event.
Join us in the newly renovated Piazza d'Italia for an evening of opera! Singers from the New Orleans Opera Association will perform a selection of arias from the Italian repertoire. Italian food & beverages will be available for purchase from local businesses.

Doors open at 6:30 pm; performance 7:00-10:00 pm.

American Italian Cultural Center Member Tickets: $15 in advance; $25 at the door. General Admission Tickets: $20 in advance. VIP tickets: $100; limited quantity.

Tickets include entrance to the Piazza d'Italia. Please note there is no seating included, you are welcome to bring a folding chair. No outside food or drinks permitted.

The VIP tickets include seating in the Piazza d'Italia, entrance to the AICC's air conditioned event space with balcony overlooking the Piazza, private restrooms, food, wine, and beer. No outside food or drinks permitted.

Interested in sponsoring Opera in the Piazza? Call our office at 504-522-7294 or email questions@americanitalianculturalcenter.com

21

By William Shakespeare
June 14 - 30, 2019
Tulane's Lupin Theatre
Directed by Burton Tedesco

"I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me"

A favorite among Shakespeare's comedies, this delightful play, starring Jes Podewell and Graham Burk, presents audiences with a battle of the sexes, fueled by both friends and enemies.

Meet the cast here https://neworleansshakespeare.org/performers/

Much Ado About Nothing
New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane · New Orleans, Louisiana

FRI21
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
SUN23
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane
150 Dixon Hall Annex, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
https://tickets.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&w=f5bc0b6a8fe789c17180c4fb96a7c978&vqitq=dc5512b1-f878-4d08-b316-8f871595c314&vqitp=0069e049-9f94-4bfb-a9ee-28905097e7d9&vqitts=1559744554&vqitc=vendini&vqite=itl&vqitrt=Safetynet&
vqith=82463d185431e84dae1737c4b4e1f2c0&fbclid=IwAR2v-bcF3I2_8gm75YdtyyynCAeamTfNudf2jSHzl5dEV_XdXkNDvNlBVjQ

June 21
“St. Thomas Aquinas Fund Annual Gala”
Benefits: Hispanic Apostolate of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Event Info: This annual gala is the main fundraiser event of the year for the St. Thomas Aquinas Fund, which helps families of Hispanic Children in Catholic Schools with tuition assistance.
Tickets: $90/Ticket; Sponsorships Available
Location: Magnolia Plantation: 818 Elmwood Blvd., Harahan
Contact: 467-2550
June 21-23

“FestiGals Women’s Weekend Experience”

Event Information


The ninth annual FestiGals Women's Weekend returns to New Orleans June 21-23, bringing women of all ages, backgrounds and interests together to be inspired, get connected, and support causes important to women. This year FestiGals is shining a light on heart disease, the #1 killer of women, and raises funds for the local chapter of the American Heart Association.

Friday, June 21:

This year's event will feature a Celebrating Women's Conference at the Jung Hotel & Residences on Canal Street

Opening Session by Mignon Francois, Founder and CEO of the Cupcake Collection.
Breakout sessions to stimulate the mind, body and spirit

Showcase with all of your favorite vendors

Hats Off Awards Luncheon with 2019 Grand Diva, Amanda Shaw, as keynote speaker
VIP Welcome Reception in the brand new Brulatour Courtyard at the Historic New Orleans Collection and a dinner at Dooky Chase Restaurant *limited availability.

To purchase an entire table for the Hats Off Awards Luncheon, visithttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/festigals-hats-off-awards-luncheon-table-pricing-tickets-62679208199

June 22
Brunch - Garden District
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM  FestiLuncheon
“FestiGals Step Up Second-Line Parade”

Benefits: FestiGals

FestiGals invites you to step up to shine a light on heart disease and its impact on women. They are asking krewes, bands and interested ladies and gentlemen to lead the parade through the Vieux Carré to help raise money for the New Orleans Area American Heart Association in the most New Orleans way possible – with blinking boas, beads and neon attire.

Tickets: $35/Ticket at New Orleans Jazz Museum: 400 Esplanade Ave.

Contact: 524-1227

Sunday, June 23:
11am - 1pm

FestiGals-produced Drag Queen Brunch at the Jung Hotel ballroom.
Expect bottomless bloodies, delicious cuisine, eye-popping performances by New Orleans favorite Drag Queen, Reba Douglas

Fri, Jun 21, 8:30 AM -
Sun, Jun 23, 1:00 PM CDT
The Jung Hotel & Residences
1500 Canal Street, New Orleans

Saturday, June 22

2019 Summer Wine Festival - 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. (VIP Party begins at 7:30 p.m.)

French American Chamber of Commerce - Gulf Coast Chamber
Visit faccgc2019summerwinefestival.eventbrite.com to purchase your tickets today!

Saturday, June 22

The Krewe of Stars invites you to celebrate the life of our King of Stars Mark Davison with Chris Owens and family at the Mardi Gras Museum.

EVENTBRITE.COM

Come celebrate the life of King of Stars, Mark Davison with Queen of Stars Chris Owens and her family. We were so glad to have had Mark as our King and want to honor him in the style of a Star. See the new display of Chris and Mark's costumes from the Krewe of Stars Show Ball 2019. Mark was proud to....

June 22

“Mission Possible Gala”

Benefits: New Orleans Medical Mission Services, Inc.

This event will raise money for equipment and services for the mission to serve underdeveloped countries, and will offer cocktails, dining, silent and live auctions and entertainment by the Louisiana Spice Band.

Tickets: $75/Ticket; Additional Individual and Sponsor Levels Available
Location: Generations Hall
June 22

2019 LOUISIANA CAJUN-ZYDECO FESTIVAL

Welcome to the 2019 Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival - the 13th annual edition of New Orleans' only festival that features exclusively Cajun and Zydeco music. The festival takes place Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23, in Armstrong Park in downtown New Orleans. Admission is free.

The Lost Bayou Ramblers will headline the festival this year, as will Grammy nominee Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers and 2010 Grammy winner Chubby Carrier. We're also pleased to welcome the beloved singer and fiddler Amanda Shaw, presenting her new show, "Joie D'Louisiane," dedicated to traditional Cajun fiddle stylings and Cajun French singing.

As always, we'll have great seafood, a large arts market, activities for kids and lots of misting fans to keep everyone cool.

2019 LOUISIANA CAJUN-ZYDECO FESTIVAL MUSIC SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 22:
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Daiquiri Queens
12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.   Bruce Daigrepont
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.     Nouveaux Cajun Express
4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.     Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas
5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.     Lost Bayou Ramblers
SUNDAY, JUNE 23:
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Joie D' Louisiane by Amanda Shaw
12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.   Terry & the Zydeco Bad Boys
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.     Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe
4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.     Chubby Carrier
5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.     Dwayne Dopsie
ARTS MARKET
The Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival takes place in Louis Armstrong Park (701 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans).

June 23

Once again, Flamingo A Go-Go is partnering with Audubon Nature Institute to celebrate National Pink Flamingo Day (June 23rd). Events are planned at the restaurant throughout the weekend. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Zoo Conservation Outreach Group (ZCOG) benefiting the Chilean Flamingo Conservation Monitoring Program (https://www.zcog.org/).

Flamingle Friday will feature a DJ and drink specials served by Audubon Zoo’s animal care team. Get your sparkle on at the Flamingo Glitter Bar and in Flamingo-a-Go-Go style, a flamingo animation slideshow will be shown on the rear wall and throughout the restaurant showcasing fun, flamingo facts celebrating the pink bird. Guests are invited to wear their wackiest flamingo costume for the chance to win prizes*.

Let’s get “Fizzical"… on Saturday will feature another DJ and Bubbles Night, with drink specials for the night, including half priced bottles of champagne. The flamingo slide show will continue to air on the outdoor screen and indoor televisions.

At Flamingle Brunch on Sunday, National Pink Flamingo Day, guests are welcome to bring their dog for a Best Flamingo/Summertime Dog Attire Contest*. Winner will receive free “pup eats” for a year (punch card of 12 puppy plates). Sunday, June 23

Memorial for Spencer Bohren set for June 23 at the Marigny Opera House

A memorial for the late musician Spencer Bohren will be held at the Marigny Opera House from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 23.

Marilyn Bohren, the musician's widow, says the memorial won't include music performances, but rather will focus on friends and family sharing stories and celebrating Spencer's life. "We want it to be more personal - about Spencer as a person," she says.
He had recorded more than a dozen albums of folk, blues, gospel and other Americana music, and was known also as a visual artist and teacher.

His final performance was on the Gentilly Stage of the 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where he and members of his extended family had often performed over the years.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a gift be made in Spencer's memory to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation's

Don Jamison Heritage School of Music

June 23
Free Concert - New Orleans Civic Symphony

And, finally, wrapping up a busy week, the New Orleans Civic Symphony conducted by Dr. Charles Taylor, will be performing some of the most famous pieces in the classical music repertoire this coming Sunday. The 50-member all-volunteer orchestra will be playing Mozart's Overture to his opera, "Don Giovanni": plus Edvard Grieg's memorable, four-movement, "Peer Gynt Suite No. 1"; Edward Elgar’s “Serenade for Strings in E Minor”; and Modest Mussorgsky’s 1867 masterwork, “A Night on Bald Mountain,” as rearranged by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov 19 years later. Most people will recognize "A Night on Bald Mountain" from the 1940 Walt Disney animated classic "Fantasia."

Here are the details:

WHEN: 7 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: University of New Orleans Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans
TICKETS: Free. Donations accepted.



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