Tuesday, October 22, 2019

A Toast to New Orleans October 22 -28 : NO Film Festival/A Haunting Affair and more

My favorite 2019 Halloween photo as a barefooted, snake wrapped Voodoo Priestess

 
Darlings,

What a fun week and actually the whole month of October has been a swirl of fun fundraisers and events.

Congratulations once again to our beloved Saints for another victory, this time against the Chicago Bears. I am looking forward to going with my brother, Lorenzo Bergen, to the upcoming Saints game against the Arizona Cardinals. We will be the guests of the Gershanik Family at their lovely suite on the 50 yard line and I cannot wait. Geaux Saints! 

The highlight of my social week was my spectacular Round Table Luncheon Saluting Wines and Halloween on Wednesday, October 16 at the Bourbon Orleans.

I enjoyed so much learning "How to Really Taste and Enjoy Wines" by Harsha Chacko Ph.D., CSW, of Bonne Cuvee.

In all my 14 years of hosting Round Table Luncheons, I have never seen the fun-loving audience get up and dance like they did, thanks to the entertainment. To get the guests into the musical spirit of Halloween, vocalist Kate Fagan performed songs from her “Witchin’ Ball” (coming up on October 30 at the AllWays Lounge) with Jeremy Joyce, guitarist from The Haunting Band, and Rose Cangelosi on drums. Pianist Jim Walpole and percussionist Carl Mack joined them before and after the luncheon. Champagne and wines were once again generously provided by Sandra Herman.

The luncheon also featured a popular Market Place that offered for sale, the beautiful collection of Halloween Hats and Fascinators by Hautes Dames, creative hats by Oliver Manhattan and Magda Marie Nelson and talented, award winning glass artist, Juli Juneau, displayed her glass collection. Kathi Callahan of Operation Free Ballgown collected Ball Gowns for the wives of military personnel.

The next luncheon will be on November 13, a Literary Round Table Luncheon Saluting Local Authors at noon at the Bourbon Orleans. It will be followed, on December 18, by the spectacular Holiday Round Table Luncheon at the Jung Hotel. Reservations are being taken by Judy LeBlanc at 571-4672. MAKE THOSE RESERVATIONS NOW! SEATS ARE GOING VERY FAST!

Among the many soirees that I attended were the following:


On the evening of October 16, I joined a lively crowd honoring the work of the Vieux Carre Commission (VCC) Foundation at the Spirit of the Vieux Carré at the lovely Broussard's Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts. The Ammari Family and Chef Jimi Setchim welcomed the guests with a delicious menu to Broussard’s, whose iconic courtyard embodies the French Quarter’s tout ensemble, its quaint and distinctive character and ambiance. As in the past it was a very memorable evening.

The Vieux Carre Commission preserves buildings in the French Quarter that have architectural and historical value and which should be preserved for the benefit of the people of the city and state, as well as visitors from around the world.

Album 2019 Research for the Cure (14 photos)

Formerly “Key to the Cure,” the annual lovely Research for the Cure Gala that benefits Louisiana Cancer Research Center featured some of New Orleans’ finest restaurants and caterers providing fine cuisine while local musicians serenade guests as they shop and browse at Canal Place shops, including Saks.


I started my social day on Thursday, October 17 by attending and covering the lovely 2019 NCJW, GNO Section’s Hannah G. Solomon Award at the Sheraton Hotel. My longtime darling friend, Ana Ester Gershanik, chaired the lovely and delicious luncheon.
The Greater New Orleans Section of the National Council of Jewish Women presented Loyola College of Law Dean, Madeleine M. Landrieu, with the 2019 Hannah G. Solomon Award.


I could not pass up having a champagne toast with my darling friend for over 40 years, talented and lovely, legendary milliner, Yvonne LaFleur.
I started patronizing her chapeau emporium when it used to be YOU Boutique. Yvonne has seen it all in her 50 years in the retail fashion business, starting with a store that specialized in jeans hand-altered to fit perfectly to a boutique that can fill women’s fashion needs from lingerie to a custom-made hat, plus everything in between.

Album Patron Party for 2019 “O What a Night” (17 photos) 


  
The magnificent, art-filled residence of philanthropist Roger H. Ogden and Ken Barnes was the lovely setting for the Patron and Auction Preview Party for the upcoming Ogden Museum of Southern Art “O What a Night!” Gala on October 19. The Gala honored the founder of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation, William S. Arnett, and renowned American artist, Lonnie Holley. The glamorous black-tie event celebrated the important mission of the Ogden Museum: “To broaden the knowledge, understanding, interpretation and appreciation of the visual arts and culture of the American South.”

This evening was not only an experiential celebration of the very best in Southern art, music and food, but is also the Museum’s top fundraising...
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The exquisite Patrick Taylor Library was the setting for the lovely and elegant Cocktail Party preceding the “O What a Night Gala” at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The annual fundraiser honored the founder of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation, William S. Arnett, and American artist Lonnie Holley, with Opus Awards on October 19.

This evening was not only an experiential celebration of the very best in Southern art, music and food, but is also the Museum’s top fundraising...


The Annual Krewes for Karnival's First Respondents - Karnival' at Generations Hall was so much fun and delicious. The Carnival Krewes of New Orleans united to support the city's First Responders. Without the NOPD, the NOFD and the NOEMS there wouldn't be a Mardi Gras.
Along with my darling friends, Sammy Steele and Anna Bastian, I came out and celebrated with all the Krewes as we supported these brave men and women with m...

 Entertainment was by talented Beckie Allen, Marshall Harris, Carl Mack, and Jim Walpole. The costumes included mine and Lolita were spectacular and guest enjoyed the delicious luncheon and the costume contest.

2019 Witches and Warlock Luncheon
Image may contain: 4 people, people smiling
The Witches and Warlocks Luncheon at Andrea's Restaurant and Capri Blu Bar was, as in the past, a lot of fun.The annual soiree benefits Jackets for Needy Scholars. Witches and Warlock Luncheon entertainment was by provided by talented Becky Allen, Marshall Harris, Carl Mack and Jim Walpole. The costumes, including mine and Lolita’s, were spectacular and guests enjoyed the delicious luncheon and the costume contest.

As you know, THE 30TH ANNUAL NEW ORLEANS FILM FESTIVAL  has been taking place from October 16-23.



I joined in the Red Carpet for the film opening of “Easy Does It,” in which my longtime friend, Alexa Georges, was the Executive Producer with Parker Roy as the Sponsor. “Easy Does It” made its world premiere and hometown debut at the 30th annual New Orleans Film Festival this past Friday, October 18, in the festival’s largest venue, the Orpheum Theater. The retro-stylized ‘70s road movie, “Easy Does It,” included John Goodman and Harry Shearer in voice roles as radio personalities i...

Attending the opening of Burning Cane



I was so saddened by the passing of My darling longtime friend Dwight J. Payne Sr.,a legend at the House of Blues will be missed by all of us who knew and loved him. May his soul RIP.Dwight
Dwight Joseph Payne, Sr., departed this life and entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at the age of 75. Dwight is survived by his w


🙏🙏🙏
Darling enjoy your week. 



Tuesday, October 22 
The World Premiere of “Up From the Streets” that was originally scheduled for Saturday, October 19, at the Orpheum Theater is now rescheduled for Tuesday, October 22, 7:45 p.m. at the Orpheum. All tickets that were purchased for the originally scheduled screening will be valid for admission to the rescheduled event. Red carpet begins and doors open at 6:45 p.m.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director, writer, producer Michael Murphy, producer Cilista Eberle and Quiana Lynell, International Touring Artist, vocalist and educator at Loyola University.  Filmmaker in attendance.
Wednesday, October 23
Chamber After Five 
The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce will unveil the new Maisons des Illustres marker being permanently installed and unveiled. The Degas House Guest of Honor is Ms. Karen Archer, Executive Director of the French Heritage Society, who is flying in from Paris to help with the official proceedings. Please come in your favorite French attire or as your favorite French character! The French American Chamber will be participating as well, as will members of the French Heritage Society and the French Community in general. French entertainment also provided! 5:30 to 7:30 P.M.
October 23
Evenings with Enrique
City Park Botanical Gardens
Free Concert Series presenting Patrice Fisher & Javier Olondo
Entertainment, food & free admission
every WEDNESDAY Evening 5 pm to 8 pm in OCTOBER

Thursday October 24 in New Orleans and Friday, October 25 in Hammond

Thursday, October 24, 7:30 PM at the Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way
Friday, October 25, 7:30 PM at the Columbia Theater in Hammond. 
Purchase Tickets

At Home in the Vieux Carré: October 25, 2019

The 2019 At Home in the Vieux Carré season resumes on Friday, October 25 when property owners Mathew Lefkowitz & Kyle Dupre open the doors to their stunning c. 1830 Creole cottage.
 
October 25 - 27
Jefferson Performing Arts Center Presents The Sound Of Music
Fri./Sat. at 7:30 pm | Sun. at 2:00 pm
6400 Airline Drive | Metairie, LA

October 25
Brews and Boos
A spook-tacular Halloween fundraising event at City Park 10:30 pm to 1:30 am
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland 
Admission: Regular Admission: $30, $40 VIP Admission: $50 Day of VIP Admission: $60

October 25Audubon Zoo's “Boo at the Zoo” 
This annual extravaganza is a safe, fun-filled Halloween event for children up to age 12, featuring trick-or-treat houses with candy, a Ghost Train, a haunted house, activities, entertainment and more. All games and treats, except concessions, are free with admission.
Tickets: $20/Ticket; Free/Under 1 Year
Location: Audubon Zoo
Contact: AudubonNatureInstitute.org/batz

This looks like fun!

October 26“A Haunting Affair”
 Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association
Costumes are preferred at this black tie-optional affair that begins at 7 p.m. with wicked libations, delectable food, dancing to The Yat Pack, fortune tellers and a costume contest.
Tickets: $125 & $150/Ticket
Location: New Orleans Women’s Opera Guild House
Contact: 267-9534

October 26
“2019 Tour de Cure New Orleans”
Benefits: American Diabetes Association
For riders, runners and walkers of all abilities, and featuring three well-marked cycling routes with safety marshals and safety vehicles, and fully stocked rest stops to fuel your journey, this event will also have a celebration party for all to enjoy. UNO Lakefront Arena, 6901 Franklin Ave., New Orleans
Contact: 
Diabetes.org

Sunday, October 27
Trinity Artist Series, 1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans 
at 5 pm: The Silver Swan Ragtime Interpreters, a seven piece band, and St. Anna's Episcopal Church Youth Choir performing Music from the Ragtime Era, 1890 - 1920.

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