Tuesday, November 26, 2019

A Toast to New Orleans Nov. 26-Dec. 2 : Tree Lighting Celebrations, Happy Thanksgiving & Galatoire's Auction

 A Toast to New Orleans Nov. 26-Dec. 2 : Tree Lighting Celebrations, Happy Thanksgiving & Galatoire's Auction
 
 
WOW, What a Saints Game! Once again, our beloved Saints demonstrated their superiority even it was a very close game against our division rival Carolina Panthers. Congratulations!

We have another piece of great news: the Saenger Theatre, the crown jewel of New Orleans’ downtown theatre district, is reopening its doors following a temporary closure due to the Hard Rock Hotel collapse. The theatre will welcome back patrons on Wednesday, December 11 with Criss Angel RAW – The Mindfreak Unplugged.

Last week was a social tsunami for me as some of my favorite November fundraisers took place and I enjoyed attending them.

I started my social week by attending the lovely and delicious Mayor’s Cultural Series: "Song Stories"

The entertainers mixed performances with interviews hosted by New Orleans radio and television personality Nikki Reyes.

The performances were held inside the first-floor Ty Tracy Theater, which last year underwent a $587,000 renovation. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. The evening began at 6 p.m. and guests were treated after the performances to a delicious buffet of Latin dishes that I am still savoring! The Mayor’s Cultural Series is produced by the Office of Cultural Economy.

One of the pleasures of being a member of the Women of Fashion since 1999 is that I get to nominate every year a man and woman who I think needs to be recognized as best dressed.

Men & Women of Fashion's 2019 Prix d'Elegance Award Nominees
 
As in the past, the annual cocktail reception to honor and meet the Men and Women of Fashion's 2019 Prix d'Elegance Nominees at the Ritz-Carlton was lovely and very elegant.
 
 

10 men were selected and 10 women will be selected out of 18 for the annual 2019 Prix d' Elegance Luncheon and Fashion Show on March 31, 2020 at the Hilton Riverside Hotel.

The 46th annual Prix d'Elegance Luncheon, hosted by the Men and Women of Fashion and benefiting the Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization (BRAVO), will pay tribute to 10 male and 10 female honorees who exemplify unique personal style as well as excellence through business, civic and charitable endeavors that specifically better the community in which they live. More than 600 people will gather to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of these 20 honorees chosen by the Men and Women of Fashion's Membership (all former honorees). Additionally, two former honorees - one man and one woman - will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for their continued contributions to the organization and to the community.

Chamber After 5 - The Sazerac House

I loved The Sazerac House and Miguel E. Solorzano, its GM, so I had to stop briefly to enjoy a delicious Sazerac at this fabulous venue. I joined The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce for its monthly premier networking event, the Chamber After 5 at The Sazerac House!

The Sazerac House is one part history and traditions, two parts interactive exhibits and experienced, mixed with spirited events and a dash of rich New Orleans culture.


Pan-American Life in N.O. Exhibition Opening & Reception
Image may contain: 4 people, people smiling, people standing and suitThe Latin American Library Gallery in the 4th floor of Tulane University's Howard-Tilton Memorial Library was the site for the lovely Pan-American Life in New Orleans - Exhibition Opening and Reception on November 21. It unveiled the Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG) Collection that was generously donated to The Latin American Library. The exhibit documents the company’s 109 years connecting New Orleans with Latin America. In addition to featuring photographs, manuscripts, and other materials from the PALIG archives as well as other holdings from the LAL that shed light on the long history of commercial and cultural ties between New Orleans and Latin America.

The exhibit of Pan-American Life in New Orleans that was co-curated by my longtime friend, Dr. Hortensia Calvo, along with Christine Hernandez and Rachel Stein. I also enjoyed meeting  Michael A. Fitts, the 15th president of Tulane University; Steven A. Friedman, Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer of Pan American Life Insurance; and longtime friend, Dr. Thomas Reese, Executive Director of Stone Center for Latin American Studies. 
Entertainment by Julio and Cesar and Andrew Herrera made the evening to be a very memorable one.

2019 Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration
Beaujolais Nouveau Day - Nov 21, 2019...
 See More
Darlings, I joined the French American Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Coast chapter at its annual fundraiser to celebrate the much-anticipated harvest of the Beaujolais Nouveau, a fruity red wine from France, at Degas House on November 21. It was a joyous and lively evening with delicious local cuisine, live music and silent auction.

Grand Opening of the Movie Poster Archive Boutique


The Grand Opening of the Movie Poster Archive Boutique at the RampART NOLA Gallery was lovely. It was so good to see my darling friends from Hollywood on the Bayou and The Club of New Orleans. I was impressed with the RampART NOLA Gallery and urge you to discover it as well.

Crescent City Sport: Stories of Courage and Change

Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling, people standing and suit
I enjoyed so much attending New Orleans's sporting history – “Crescent City Sport: Stories of Courage and Change,” the new exhibition from The Historic New Orleans Collection that was kicked off on Friday, November 22, at the 520 Royal Street exhibition center.In Crescent City Sport, 20 individual narratives -- spanning 150 years and crowned by the Saints' Super Bowl victory -- show how sports have transcended the personal experiences of players and fans to mirror broader economic and cultural phenomena since the Civil War.

 Founders Ball: Chasing the Butterfly Man

I did not attend the French Market's Lighting of its Christmas Tree that was followed by beautiful fireworks which we enjoyed from the windows of the Cabildo.

For the first time ever, these magnificent privately owned pieces and other artifacts were brought together in “Chasing the Butterfly Man.” The exhibit also provide a glimpse into the life and times of post-Louisiana Purchase New Orleans as it presents the artisan-contenders, of whom one was most assuredly the mysterious Butterfly Man!

And last but not least (my favorite fundraiser!)

2019 Azúcar Ball -Nueva Vista Social Club
Album 2019 Azúcar Ball -Nueva Vista Social Club (69 photos & a video) 

As the Queen of Salsa Music, beloved Cuban singer Celia Cruz used to say "AZUCAR!"

The New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation's 2019 Azúcar Ball - Nueva Vista Social Club was indeed The Best Dancing Party in New Orleans.

The fabulous 2019 Azúcar Ball was co-chaired by Rosa Balaguer Arostegui, Marguerite Henry, and MaryCole McCants.

Entrepreneur Beatriz Ball was presented with the coveted Gálvez Cup, the highest distinction awarded by the NOHHF. Beatriz  is a descendant of Cuban royalty and is the president and conceptual genius behind the handcrafted pewter import company eponymously named Beatriz Ball Collections. She chaired one of the first Azucar Ball fundraisers. Congratulations Beatriz!

The lovely Empire Ballroom of the Hyatt was the setting of the ultra-elegant ball that featured fabulous entertainment, delicious cuisine, decadent libations and an "authentic Cuban conga Comparsa" that highlighted the theme "Nueva Vista Social Club.

The holidays season is upon us and, as such, we have a myriad of festivities that will keep us very busy.
I wanted to share this lovely obituary by John Pope  about our beloved New Orleans Art icon Baroness Alexandra Monett that appeared in today's TP /Adocate https://www.nola.com/news/article_dafcb5c8-0fa9-11ea-be07-e3c4ab8acbd4.html
Baroness Alexandra Monett de Callatay, a native New Orleanian who married into Belgian nobility and became deeply involved in artistic activities on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, died Oct.
www.nola.com
Festive  Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Holidays  on December 18 at noon at the Jung Hotel

It’s that time of the year when hostess Margarita Bergen will get into her Mrs. Claus outfit to welcome and host her 14th Annual Festive Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Holidays on Wednesday, December 18 at noon in the ballroom of the Jung Hotel, 1500 Canal Street in downtown New Orleans.

TV Personality, Norman Robinson will be Emcee.

Invited as special guests are the following: Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser; Mayor  LaToya Cantrell; Gilbert Montano - CEO of City of New Orleans; City Councilwoman Kristen Palmer; and 8th Police District Commander Octavio Baldassaro Jr. will speak about safety during holidays.

As in the past, the luncheon will feature a tasting of red wine by winemaker, Dr. James Moises, and a tasting of Champagne and sparkling wines by Republic National Distributing Company.

Special guest speakers will be authors, Chef Poppy Tooker who, along with a few Drag Queen will discuss her book “Drag Queens Brunch” and Leanne Hitchcock (“The Maid”).

The live entertainment will be provided by a myriad of entertainers that will include Becky Allen, Carl Mack, Marshall Harris, pianist Jim Walpole, burlesque dancers Trixie Minx and David Martinez, Claudia Baumgarten and cabaret singer Suzaune Yee McKamey.

There will also be a special Fashion Show coordinated by Tracee Dundas, founder of the New Orleans Fashion Week

Guests are encouraged to wear their finest holiday outfits or costumes, and prizes will be given to the best ones! The luncheon will feature a delicious, 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines and valet parking.

Menu

NOLA Spinach Salad: Baby spinach leaves tossed with crumbled blue cheese, toasted pecans, dried cranberries and pepper jelly vinaigrette

Double Orange Glazed Pork Tenderloin: Pan Seared Pork Tenderloin finished in a Double Orange Marmalade Glaze Sliced into Medallions served with Roasted Potatoes and Seasonal Grilled Vegetables

Traditional Buche Noel -Traditional holiday dessert: a yule log sponge cake with chestnut mousse and chocolate buttercream. 

Call Judy LeBlanc at (504) 571-4672 or email her at Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com to make reservations. RESERVATIONS AND PREPAYMENT ARE REQUIRED. Walk-ins will not be accepted, as the hotel will only prepare meals for the number of guests who have made reservations.

Today, November 26, we have not one, but three, fabulous free Holiday Celebrations:

November 26 11 11 am – 12 noon at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

Holiday Ribbon Cutting Reception
Hotel guests and locals are invited to a complimentary ribbon cutting reception in our festive lobby. Join us as we unveil the hotel’s ornate holiday decorations, including the centerpiece: a larger-than-life replica of the Canal Street streetcar covered entirely in gingerbread and other confections. A new cast of notable New Orleans personalities will be depicted as passengers, come see if your favorite Nola celebrity is on board! Enjoy holiday refreshments as well as appearances from Papa Noel and the Victory Belles.

Riverwalk's Tree Lighting Ceremony

5–6:30 pm - The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk

Take in the lights and seasonal splendor as they light up downtown New Orleans with a beautifully decorated 50-foot tree standing tall on the corner of Julia Street and Convention Center Boulevard.

Guests can enjoy live music from the Riverwalk Jazz Band, complimentary popcorn, kid-friendly beverage samples from Nola Christmas Fest, face painting and more!

Canal Street Lighting Ceremony

Tuesday, November 26 at 5:30 pm at Astor Crowne Plaza, 739 Canal St. 
The DDD and the Astor Crowne Plaza, invites everyone to come out Tuesday, November 26 as they “flip the switch” at 5:30 pm, turning on more than 1 million twinkling lights on historic Canal Street and throughout Downtown NOLA. The Voices of Peter Claver and a special visit from Santa Claus will accentuate this year’s event! Kids who bring an unwrapped toy can decorate Holiday cookies with Santa! Click here to see all the fun from last year’s lighting ceremony!
 Nov. 26, 2019–March 8, 2020
 The Historic New Orleans Collection presents   “Crescent City Sport: Stories of Courage and Change,” an exhibition featuring original objects 
520 Royal St., in the French Quarter-   Stories are central to our love of sports. In a new exhibition from The Historic New Orleans Collection, 20 stories feature bitter rivalries, shocking upsets and unlikely heroes and reveal how these moments are woven into the collective memory and identity of the local community.             
 Admission is free.  

 Wednesday, November 27
Respect and Tribute to Dr. John  aka the Night Tripper & Mac Rebbanack but born 
as Malcolm John Michael Creaux Rebennack
Doors: 7 PM / Show: 8 PM at Tipitinas,501 Napoleon Avenue, Uptown New Orleans
Producer Sonny Schneidau/Musical Director George Porter, Jr. 
with Herlin Riley, John “Papa” Gros, John Fohl, Renard Poche, 
Tony Dagradi, Brad Walker, Tracy Griffin, Theresa Andersson 
& Jolynda “Kiki” Chapman featuring performances by Ivan Neville, 
Jon Cleary, Deacon John, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Big 
Chief Monk Boudreaux, Anders Osborne, James Andrews, 
Johnny Sansone, Stanton Moore, David Barard, Eric Struthers,
Alfred "Uganda" Roberts & pianists Tom McDermott, Kyle Roussel, 
Josh Paxton, Oscar Rossignoli, Robert Dabon, John "Papa" Gros 
and David Torkanowsky
A Portion of the Proceeds Will Benefit New Orleans Musicians' Clinic

Thursday, November 28 ,2019 

Thank you to all of you that have been giving me your love, support and time. It is time to give you Thanks 
Happy Thanksgiving.May you enjoy this thanksgiving and the holiday season surrounded by your friends and beloved one. 

A Toast to you my darling friends!

"We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives." John F. Kennedy
I am very thanks full to all the people that have contributed to who I am. LOVE YOU!

Darlings, if you haven't made plans for Thanksgiving 2019 consider attending the annual, delicious Thanksgiving Buffet at the exquisite Houmas House Plantations and Gardens.
Darlings, just a reminder that my darlings friends and I are going to Houmas House Plantation and Gardens for Thanksgiving. Please join us. We have reservation for 2 p.m. and I just cannot wait.🙏 💞🍾


I have been salivating and waiting to go to the exquisite Houmas House Plantation and Gardens for Thanksgiving.

Thursday, November 28 from 11 am-2 pm 


Miracle on Fulton Street  
featuring music every Friday & Saturday night
* Friday, November 29, 2019 
Seva Venet  5:30pm  
Tin Men 7:00pm 
* Saturday, November 30, 2019
Lilli Lewis  5:30pm  
Little Freddie King  7:00pm
Check out the activites & schedule thru December 21st

2019 Bayou Classic events will take place in New Orleans 
Friday & Saturday, November 29 & 30. Expect heavy traffic, 
road closures, plus traffic & parking restrictions will be in place. 
Associated Events
  • Greek Show and Battle of the Bands, Friday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m. at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
  • Bayou Classic Parade, Saturday, Nov. 30, 9:30 a.m., starting at Elysian Fields & North Peters Street
  • Fan Festival, Saturday, Nov. 30, 11:30 a.m. in Champions Square
  • 46th Annual Bayou Classic, Saturday, Nov. 30, 4 p.m. at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
For more information, visit mybayouclassic.com.
11/29/2019 - 01/01/2020
33rd  CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS 
The Most Spectacular Holiday Lights Festival in the Country
featuring over a million lights scattered throughout 25 acres of 
the Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland & Carousel 
Gardens Amusement Park. Featuring nightly entertainment!!
11/29/2019 - 01/01/2020  5PM - 11PM  $10-$28
1 Palm Drive  & 5 Victory Avenue, City Park New Orleans


November 29
“Audubon Zoo Lights presented by Children’s Hospital New Orleans”
 Larger than life, silk-lighted replicas of some of the zoo’s most popular animals, nightly live entertainment, delicious holiday treats, craft tent and more.

Tickets: $10/Member Pre-Sale Ticket; $15/Non-Member Pre-Sale Ticket; $13/Member Ticket at Door; $18/Non-Member Ticket at Door
Location: Audubon Zoo
Contact: AudubonNatureInstitute.org/zoo-lights

November 29 – December 15
“Scrooge in Rouge
Rivertown Theaters is Proud to Present The Original Cast & Creators in “Scrooge in Rouge,” the Raucous Holiday Show by Ricky Graham & Company November 29 – December 15 on the Mainstage
A Non-stop Farce Guaranteed to Get Audiences in a Ho Ho Ho, Ha Ha Ha Holiday Spirit!
(October 24, 2019 – Kenner LA) – Ricky Graham, every New Orleanians’ favorite funny man, and his jolly comical crew are back on the Rivertown Mainstage to bring some different kind of holiday cheer with this Christmas musical that has theatergoers coming back for more!
Local favorites Ricky Graham, Varla Jean Merman, Yvette Hargis and Jefferson Turner wrote this uproarious Christmas musical y'all! The creators themselves reprise their roles for the Rivertown audiences!
Get in the holiday spirit with this quick-change, cross-dressing musical version "somewhat loosely based on the idea of 'A Christmas Carol'. The "Royal Music Hall Variety Players" have a widespread case of food poisoning. This leaves only three surviving members to soldier on through a performance of A Christmas Carol originally intended for twenty. With bad puns, bawdy vaudeville humorisms, naughty double-entendres, and witty songs, it’s a most wonderful holiday treat!
Book and Lyrics by Ricky Graham. Music by Jefferson Turner. Additional Material by Jeffery Roberson and Other Interesting Bits by Yvette Hargis. Rated P

December 4

Opening December 5, 2018, the New Orleans Jazz Museum and Arts Council of New Orleans present Sound Collage at the Jazz Museum: A LUNA Fête Celebration of Light and Music.
Sound Collage takes place nightly at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, December 5—7* from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and features illuminated installations, digital sculptures, art animated by technology and musical performances – intended to engage and  inspire audiences of all ages. Through several evenings, Sound Collage and LUNA Fête transforms the Jazz Museum's historic architecture into a playground of light, art, and music.  
Sound Collage is free and open to the public, with food and drinks available to purchase on site.  
*Sound Collage formally concludes on Saturday, December 8 with the Jazz Museum’s inaugural Improvisations Gala fundraiser, 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Learn more.


Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! And don’t get run over by any shopping carts on Black Friday!!
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)