A Toast to New Orleans Dec. 20-25: NOCCA's Home for the Holiday//Christmas Festivities and More.

Darlings,

I hope you are enjoying the holidays as much as I am. 

Congratulations to Drew Brees and to the Saints for a historical night in which Drew Brees set the record for most touchdowns. 

This past week was very special because the worst kept secret of the Krewe de Joanne d'Arc was finally out. 

I will be Queen Yolanda de Aragon in the 2020 Krewe de Jeanne d'arc parade on January 6, 2020!

The other members of the 2020 Royal Court are: The Maid of Honor for 2020 portraying Young Joan of Arc will be Zoe Kanga. Zoe is a 17 year-old senior at Lusher Charter School.

King Charles VII for 2020 will be portrayed by Simon of New Orleans (Simon Hardeveld)

Simon is a French-born artist who first moved to Florida in the late ‘80s. He then moved to Louisiana and became known for his painted bright and colorful signs which can include distinguishing lettering, various animals, and slogans that include an assortment of French, English and local New Orleans dialect.

Queen Yolande of Aragon for 2020 will be portrayed by Margarita Bergen

Margarita Bergen, who was born in the Dominican Republic, will represent Queen Yolande, Joan’s benefactor, and financial supporter. The Coronation took place on Tuesday, December 10 at the exquisite courtyard of former King Patrick van Hoorebeek's Patrick's Bar and Vin at Hotel Mazarin. A reception followed with delicious medieval style banquet, French-style king cake, champagne toast and the melodic sounds of Julio, Cesar and Andres Herrera. It was well attended and enjoyed it by all. WOW! What a Night!!

Album Coronation of Royalty de Krewe of Jeanne d' Arc (23 photos)

Wow! What an incredible honor and fabulous article and photos by Ellis Anderson , Editor of French Quarter Journal 

 Self-described as a "short, family-friendly parade — quirky, whimsical and spiritual," Joan of Arc's royalty for 2020 exemplify those qualities. Catch their coronation in FQJ's photo essay. - by Ellis Anderson

FRENCHQUARTERJOURNAL.COM

Krewe Joan of Arc 2020 Royalty Coronation

Self-described as a "short, family-friendly parade — quirky, whimsical and spiritual," Joan of Arc's royalty for 2020 exemplify those qualities. Catch their coronation in FQJ's photo essay. - by Ellis Anderson

Self-described as a "short, family-friendly parade — quirky, whimsical and spiritual," Joan of Arc's royalty for 2020 exemplify those qualities. Catch their coronation in FQJ's photo essay. - by Ellis Anderson

 Talking about Royalty, I need to congratulate my longtime friends :

Announcing Mardi Gras Mambo’s 2020 Royalty

Hispanic Flavor Productions proudly announces Mr. Carl Arredondo III and Ms. Isis Casanova as its King and Queen of Mardi Gras Mambo 2020. The carnival dinner dance party will take place on Saturday, February 8 starting at 7pm, at Rock n Bowl in New Orleans. The evening will include dinner, cash bar, live music and surprise performances highlighting the rhythms of Carnival in Latin America and New Orleans. Advance tickets are available for the dinner (Grand Hall) and dance party (Main Hall) at $40 and $50 at the door. Tickets for the dance party only at 9:30pm will be $20 and only available at the door the night of the event. Elegant but comfortable attire is suggested, and masks encouraged. Tickets are available with no extra fees at Eventbrite.com by searching Mardi Gras Mambo 2020

For tickets or sponsorship opportunities please call 504-615-9070.

There were many parties that I failed to attend but the these were very memorableYMCA's Hats and Horses Gala (19 photos) YMCA OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS's Hats and Horses 2nd Annual Gala at the New Orleans Race Track-Black and Gold Room.I wore one of my favorite dresses and a big hat for an exciting afternoon of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, horse racing, photo ops, silent auction and so much fun at the Fairgrounds Race Course.The Sean Salvo YCUBS Awards were presented to Drs. Jodi Kamps and Lisa SettlesThe proceeds will benefit The Autism Community in the Greater New Orleans. Talented Marshall Harris was the featured entertainer.

Album Alvin and Virgina Albe's Holiday Party (19 Photos) The lovely home of Alvin Albe and Virginia Boulet- now Mrs. Albe on Esplanade was the setting of their annual fabulous Holiday Soiree.It was so great to see so many of my longtime friends that enjoyed a delicious buffet, decadent libations and the music of vocalist Sharon Martin and her band.

Album Riverboat Louis Armstrong’s Christening (30 photos and video)

Beloved Louis Armstrong would have approved of the lovely Commissioning and Christening of the Riverboat Louis Armstrong New Orleans’ Newest & Largest Riverboat that officially opened its door on Saturday, December 14, directly behind the Hilton Riverside / Riverwalk
Mother Nature blessed the organizers and guests with glorious weather for the ceremony held in the top floor.

The christening featured
Hospitality Enterprises (BigEasy.com), President and CEO of Hospitality Enterprises Warren J. Reuther Jr., Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation Executive Director Jackie Harris, the Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Ensemble and performance by Deacon John.
My darling longtime friend Betsie Gambel served as the Mistress of Ceremony!
A lovely reception followed the Christening with the traditional break of the bottle of champagne by Warren Reuther's beautiful grandchildren. 

Margarita Bergen is with Matthew Nicholas Diaz at New Orleans Board of Trade.

  

  

  

 Mateo & Co's Black Tie Holiday PartyI love this holiday photo with talented Matthew Nicholas Diaz at the Black Tie Holiday Party! 

I love dressing up and as my darling friend Sammy Steele who escorted me to Mateo & Company's Black Time Holiday Party said" It was Over the Top." The spectacular soiree benefited Toys for Todds.
Everyone looked so lovely at photographer Matt Diaz who introduced all his colleagues that helped him put it together,
Congratulation Matt and you dedicated co-workers.

Album Women's Guild Eggnog Party (18 photos)  

  

I always look forward to going to the annual, delicious Women’s Guild Eggnog Party. The home was decorated as in the past exquisitely and this year took place on Friday December 13, 2019 2:00 PM @ Opera Guild Home
What a perfect way to start the holiday season off the right way with the Women’s Guild’s annual holiday eggnog party!

 Album The New Orleans Council for Community & Justice's 62nd Weiss Awards (29 photos) 

The New Orleans Council for Community and Justice's 62nd Annual Weiss Awards was lovely and took place on Friday, December 13 at the Empire Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency.

The recipients of the 62nd Annual Weiss Awards were chosen for their exceptional civic and humanitarian contributions to the Greater New Orleans Community were: Morris Bart, Attorney and Founder of Morris Bart LLC; Kim M. Boyle, Partner of Phelps Dunbar LLP; Linda Perez Clark, Managing Partner of Kean Miller LLP; Hon. Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson, former City Councilwoman and Public Servant; Paul Flower, CEO of Woodward and Public Servant; Jerome “Big Duck” Smith, Freedom Fighter; and Joel Vilmenay, President & General Manager, WDSU-TV.

Album The New Orleans Council for Community&Justice's 62nd Weiss Awards

The Weiss Awards Gala

New Orleans Council for Community and Justice's 62nd Annual Weiss Awards was lovely and took place on Friday, December 13, 2019. at the Empire Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency.The recipients of the 62nd Annual Weiss Awards were chosen for their exceptional civic and humanitarian contributions to the Greater New Orleans Community were: Morris Bart, Attorney and Founder of Morris Bart LLC; Kim M. Boyle, Partner of Phelps Dunbar LLP; Linda Perez Clark, Managing Partner of K...(see more) 

Album JCRS 2019 Latkes with a Twist (12 photos) As in the past, the annual Jewish Children’s Regional Service (JCRS) hosted its annual delicious , community-wide Hanukkah party, “Latkes with a Twist,” an event that The Washington Post has listed as one of the Top 10 Hanukkah parties in the US! Frank Brigsten, chef and owner of Brigsten’s, was the featured “Latke Master” along with NOCCA culinary students and friends. The evening also featured live music by Wilson Folk Blues Explosion, complimentary drink specials such as a “Vodka Latke Punch” and "Bourbon Hanukkah Hi-balls," and a silent auction!

Attending the always fun and delicious Latkes with a Twist

   

Margarita Bergen added 28 new photos — with Tracee Dundas and 3 others.

December 12 at 10:26 AM ·   

  

  

I love dressing up and as my darling friend Sammy Steele who escorted me to Mateo & Company's Black Time Holiday Party said" It was Over the Top." The spectacular soiree benefited Toys for Todds.
Everyone looked so lovely at photographer Matt Diaz who introduced all his colleagues that helped him put it together,
Congratulation Matt and you dedicated co-workers.

In my way to the Hyatt for the annual Weiss Awards Gala, I stopped by the DEC 13 Salon des Artistes NOLA RampART Gallery at 1000 North Rampart Street for the art exhibit  Stories From a Life in Art with Beverly Boulet. Louisiana born painter Beverly Boulet commented on a few select artworks, and relayed anecdotal accounts of her experiences as a portrait artist on East Coast beaches, and, for years, nightly in the 300 block of Bourbon Street.

MANDATORY MERRIMENT: A RENEWED HOLIDAY MUSICAL By Leslie Castay & Ian Hoch Directed by Leslie Castay December 4 - 29 Performances: Thu - Sat 7:30PM (Sun 3:00PM) Visit our website

New Year, New Jokes! Back by popular demand with a revamp for a new year! This festive and raucous musical puts traditional holiday plays on notice! Tickets & information call the box office at 504-522-6545. In the heart of the holiday season, relax from all the hustle and bustle with Baroque Christmas this week on December 19 (New Orleans) and December 20 (Convington). Enjoy classical selections from Handel's Messiah and Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Participate in a classic holiday tradition with the Delta Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker! The LPO will play the theme for this year's performance, which will take place at Mahalia Jackson Theater on December 21 and December 22.

Thursday, December 19 Prof. Longhair 101st Birthday Tribute Show w/John "Papa" Gros John “Papa” Gros will perform a Professor Longhair Tribute Show on Thursday, December 19 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. There is no onsite parking but off street and the closest pay lot is across from the Jazz Museum on Esplanade. Venue: Old U.S. Mint December 19-21 The Acro-Cats The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret The Acro-Cats return to the theater at the back of the AllWays Lounge & Cabaret, St. Claude Avenue at Marigny Street, for a series of “Meowy Christmas” shows. Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with these amazing cats by watching them jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh and perform an array of other seasonal tricks. There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD). Shows are selling out.  December 20-31  Indoor Family Christmas Festival Christmas in New Orleans has always been a magical time. Christmas in New Orleans has always been a magical time. NOLA ChristmasFest, in the Morial New Orleans Convention Center, is a dazzling, family-friendly seasonal event, offers another opportunity to get into the holiday spirit. Experience a real indoor ice skating rink, ice slides, a carousel, carnival rides, inflatables, Santa and friends, gingerbread houses, decorated trees and more! Convenient parking nearby. December 20  Patrick's Bar Vin | 730 Bienville St., New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 200-3180 | www,patricksbarvin,com December 20 Holiday Movies on the Mississippi Featuring Elf The Downtown Development District and Riverwalk present a free screening of Elf. Enjoy hot chocolate, tasty treats, and the beautiful Mississippi River with family, friends, and neighbors. More info Friday, December 20  Home for the Holidays i am looking forward to:Next Friday, December 20: Home for the Holidays Friday night, join The NOCCA Institute, The New Orleans Advocate, and the family of Daniel Price for Home for the Holidays at House of Blues. This year's concert includes Irma Thomas, John Boutte, Trombone Shorty, Kermit Ruffins, and Alexis and the Samurai. Friday night, join The NOCCA Institute, the New Orleans Advocate, and the family of Daniel Price for Home for the Holidays at House of Blues. This year's concert includes Irma Thomas, John Boutte, Trombone Shorty, Kermit Ruffins, and Alexis and the Samurai. Visit our website Dec 19, 20, 21 7pm Dec 21 3pm December 19 Thru 21 Always Lounge 2240 St. Claude Ave. New Orleans, LA 70116 United States The Acro-Cats Dec. 19-21 The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret The Acro-Cats return to the theater at the back of the AllWays Lounge & Cabaret for a series of “Meowy Christmas” shows. Celebrate Christmas (or Catmas) with these amazing cats by watching them jump through wreaths, roll an ornament, push a sleigh and perform an array of other seasonal tricks. There will also be a special appearance by The Rock-Cats (the only cat band in the entire WORLD). Shows are selling out.  Sunday, December 22 Holiday Home Tour sponsored by Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre’    1 to 4 p.m.   December 22 French Quarter Holiday Walking Tours French Quarter residences will open their homes for this self-guided walking tour. The festive tour includes interesting architectural styles and home furnishings, as well as a variety of collections of Christmas decorations. More info   December 22 Chanukah at the Riverwalk The largest annual gathering of the New Orleans Jewish Community is celebrating its 30th anniversary! Join the celebration at Spanish Plaza music, kosher food, children's entertainment and activities, dreidels, menorahs and gelt. More info Sunday, December 22 Caroling in Jackson Square A beloved holiday tradition with a uniquely New Orleans twist. Head to New Orleans’ iconic Jackson Square Sunday, Dec. 22 to join in this annual celebration of music and merriment. The gates to Jackson Square typically open at 6:30 p.m. and the caroling begins at 7:00 p.m. For one night only, Jackson Square is illuminated by hundreds of candles held by singers, both amateur and professional, crooning Christmas favorites that everyone is familiar with. The event is free and open to all who wish to participate. Candles and song sheets are provided courtesy of Patio Planters, the event’s major sponsor. A nonprofit group dedicated to the horticultural beautification of the French Quarter, Patio Planters helps fund the event through monies raised by its Vieux Carre holiday home tours earlier on the same day. Trinity Artist Series Presents: Sunday, December 22 @ 5 pm: ROQUE BAROQUE with Ben Fox, Viola de Gamba, - Seth Scott, Luth, - Lauren Oglesby, soprano and Albinas Prizgintas, harpsichord playing J.S. Bach and Christmas Carols Tuesday, December 24Christmas Eve “Bonfire Adventure” Tour Celebrate the Louisiana tradition of viewing the community-built bonfires that light the way for Papa Noël, the Cajun Santa Claus. This narrated tour includes San Francisco Plantation, Cajun Country dinner, a police escort to expedite travel, and a souvenir. Come see the feux de joie (fires of joy)! Walking necessary. Advance reservations required.