Darlings, I hope you enjoyed this past week as much as I did!
Last night, I ended my social week by attending the annual Galatoire's Auction tables for the Friday before Mardi Gras (Feb. 21).
This year's auction will benefit seven total beneficiaries,” said Melvin Rodrigue, Galatoire Foundation President. “Each is deserving of these funds, which our loyal customers are always so gracious to bestow. We’re excited to expand our reach in the New Orleans community with the addition of the five grant recipients this year.”
The two nonprofits chosen as “Auction Partners” are Roots of Music and Junior Achievement. The other five “Grant Recipients” are Big Sky Ranch, Girls on the Run, Giving Hope, Bridge House/Grace House and the New Orleans Ballet Association.
album Galatoire's 2020 Auction of Mardi Gras Tables (23 photos)
Galatoire's 2020 Auction of Mardi Gras Tables
Auction of Tables for Friday before Mardi Gras
I love to see one of my favorite waiter at Galatoire’s, Sergio Cabrera pouring the Elixir of Life!
WOW! What a fun evening and for a great cause. On Monday, January 27, Galatoire's Restaurant held its annual Auction for tables for the last Friday before Mardi Gras on February 21. The auction brought together a lot of my longtime friends who bid high to secure a table with the help of flowing complementary Veuve Clicquot champagne and delicious hors d'oeuvres.
As you probably know, the highlight of my week was hosting along with Lisa Alexis, Director of the my annual Mardi Gras Luncheon Saluting the 2020 Carnival Season.
#SimplyStunningDesignsNOLA are in the thick and thin of it all!
“Let Us Entertain You” was my theme and as such we had Live entertainment by Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, along with talented, beloved entertainers Becky Allen, Marshall Harris, Carl Mack, Jim Walpole and additional entertainers, Grand Marshal Marty Graw and Professor Carl Nivale.
The luncheon was co-hosted by Yours Truly, Margarita Bergen and Lisa D. Alexis, Director of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy. It featured as special guest speakers:
--- Artist Andrea Mistretta, who unveiled her 35th Mardi Gras poster and displayed her original painting!
--- Wayne Phillips, Curator of Costumes and Textiles for the Louisiana State Museum who spoke about the upcoming “Hidden Treasures: Carnival Edition” on Monday, February 3 and Wednesday, February 5 at the State Museum.
--- Wayne Phillips, Curator of Costumes and Textiles for the Louisiana State Museum who spoke about the upcoming “Hidden Treasures: Carnival Edition” on Monday, February 3 and Wednesday, February 5 at the State Museum.
--- New Orleans Opera General Director and Resident Conductor, Robert Lyall, who spoke about the upcoming Tchaikovsky “Joan of Arc” opera that will be performed on Friday, February 7 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, February 9 at 2:30 pm. Both performances are at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts.
--- Social Columnist and actress Nell Nolan spoke about the upcoming 2020 Mardi Gras Season and her performance along with Dennis Woltering of “Love Letters” on February 14 for one night only at the Loyola Theatre Arts & Dance Department.
--- Alyssa Fletchinger,Vice President of Plush Appeal/The Mardi Gras Spot spoke about what is new in term of Carnival throws and provided all the guests with illuminated beads.
--- Sandra Herman, Co-Chair of the upcoming 2020 Mad Hatter's Luncheon on Wednesday, April 1, at 10:00 a.m. at the Sheraton New Orleans Grand Ballroom
--- Leslie Kramer, Founder of Equest Farm Stables in City Park and founder of the upcoming “Tails But No Black Tie” benefiting City Park on Saturday, March 14.
In addition, Carl Mack and Marshall Harris, Co-captains of the Krewe of Stars presented an award from the Krewe to photographer Frank Stansbury.
Guests were encouraged to wear Mardi Gras costumes. The next Round Table Luncheon Saluting Spring Festivals will be on Wednesday, March 18 at noon at the ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel.
During the week I attended these soirees:
Love this video by talented photographer Perry Quaranta of
pqproductions@aol.com
pqproductions@aol.com
Album 2020 Leagues Under the Sea - CAMAN BALL (29 Photos and a video)
The Ball of The Military Officers’ Wives’ Club’s Krewe of CAMAN (Coast Guard, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy) was so much fun!
I loved the theme, “2020 Leagues Under the Sea.” I was the guest of my darling friends and former Queens Kathi Callahan and Janet Nagelin. I was in heaven because I love a man in a uniform and there were plenty of them last night looking so gorgeous.
The Monarchs for 2020 were Captain Greg Ireton and his Queen Gilliam Connon.
The king got unmasked after the grand march. What a fun and memorable Carnival evening. Congratulations to the captain, Janet Nagelin, for a fun and memorable Carnival evening.
Unfortunately, that evening was also the Celebration of “50 years of Bringing Dance to New Orleans” by the New Orleans Ballet Association and I was only able to attend the first part of the exquisite, spectacular performances.
At the Celebration of 50 years of Bringing Dance to New Orleans
New Orleans Ballet Association
New Orleans Ballet Association
On Friday, I loved attending these soirees:
memorable night!
"A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation" and "You're all Dressed for the Dance" the invitation read for the lovely birthday party hosted by Bill Bodin and MaryFlynn Thomas at the iconic Columns Hotel. Guests enjoyed a lovely, delicious buffet and the fabulous sound of the Yat Pack to make it a very memorable night!
Northshore.
WOW! The lovely Mardi-Gras decorated penthouse of Rob and Paige Vance was the setting of the 8th Annual King Cake's tasting soiree. 16 yummy looking king cakes brought by guests were tasted as we indulged with champagne and decadent libations. I think I’ve now had my share of king cakes for the 2020 Carnival Season after all that. The winner was the ooey gooey Bourbon from the Northshore.
I didn’t miss the opportunity to meet talented Louisiana Poet Laureate John Warner Smith who generously autographed his book Muhammad ‘s Mountain, Homage to the Greatest at Melba’s. I actually went to the fight of Muhammad Ali vs Spinks at the Superdome a few decades ago♥️🙏
My deepest condolences to my longtime friend, talented Ronnie Kole in the death of his beloved wife, Gardner Kole. She will be missed. Here is her obituary and funeral arrangements:
Enjoy this beautiful day!
This week is going to be fun as well:
Last week to view The New Orleans Drawings of Gaston de Pontalba
@The Historic New Orleans Collection
The breathtaking 19th-century drawings made by French artist Gaston de Pontalba will only remain on view through the rest of the week. Recently discovered, and generously lent by the Pontalba family, the vivid body of work will return to France after the exhibition. More info
Tuesday, January 28
Biz Night at Higgins Hotel
5:30–7:30 pm, Higgins Hotel & Conference Center
1000 Magazine Street, New Orleans
all admissions benefit Dress for Success New Orleans.
Looking to promote your business and network with local professionals around New Orleans? Register today for Biz New Orleans’ next Biz Night held on Tuesday, January 28. Join the Biz New Orleans team at Higgins Hotel New Orleans to swap business cards while enjoying complimentary appetizers, a cash bar and live entertainment by The Rosies “Riveters.” Reservations and payment are required in advance and space is limited. All admissions benefit Dress for Success New Orleans.
Tuesday, January 28
Friends of Music presents Stephen Hough
Pianist Stephen Hough in Concert
Dixon Hall, Tulane University, 7:30 p.m.
Friends of Music proudly invites you to a performance by acclaimed pianist Stephen Hough, "a virtuoso who begins where others leave off" (The Washington Post).
Single tickets are available online and at the door. Prices are $35 for General Admission, $18 for Young New Orleanians (under 35), and free for students with ID.
Tuesday, January 28
WYES Tells the Story of Dixie Beer
New Documentary narrated by Peggy Scott Laborde
With the new Dixie Brewery opening this month and Dixie Beer experiencing a rebirth, drink up more than a hundred years of local beer history with this new WYES documentary BIRTH OF THE BREWS: A HISTORY OF DIXIE BEER premiering Tuesday, January 28 at 8:00 p.m. on Channel 12
Wednesday, January 29
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience's Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award Gala
The Ella Brennan Award recognizes one individual each year that has made a lifetime commitment to the hospitality industry through extraordinary leadership, personal and professional accomplishments and philanthropic contributions to the community. This year honoree is acclaimed Chef John Folse.
It is sold out at the Ritz-Carlton but last minute tickets might be available.
January 30
New Exhibition Opening Reception
@The New Orleans Jazz Museum
"New Orleans Music Observed: The Art of Noel Rockmore and Emilie Rhys" opens at the New Orleans Jazz Museum on Thursday. This new exhibition brings together for the first time the musical portraits of acclaimed artists Noel Rockmore and Emilie Rhys.
Reception from 6p-8p free and open to the public.More info
January 30, 2020
Thursdays at Twilight Garden Concert Series presents New Leviathan Oriental Fox Trot Orchestra
Thursdays at Twilight Garden Concert Series
This weekly series showcases a changing lineup of musicians and bands.
Thursdays
Pavilion of the Two Sisters in the Botanical Garden
Hours: Gates open at 5pm; music begins at 6pm
Parking: There is a free parking lot across the street from the Botanical Garden.
Admission: $10/person
January 30-February 14
The Uninvited
Immersive theatre takes over Gallier House!
Goat in the Road Productions, co-creators of the award-winning “The Stranger Disease,” and Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses present “The Uninvited,” a new immersive play set in Gallier House.
Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 30- Feb. 1
Wednesday-Friday, Feb. 5 - Feb. 14
Nightly show times: 6 pm and 8 pm
Gallier House, 1132 Royal Street
(Entrance and ticketing at 1128 Royal St.)
Another great play that should not be missed:
Southern Rep presents MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN By Bertolt Brecht -Translated by Ntozake Shange
Directed by Chivas Michael
Southern Rep presents MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN By Bertolt Brecht -Translated by Ntozake Shange
Directed by Chivas Michael
January 25 - February 3, 2020 and 3 New Performances Added 2/6, 2/7, and 2/8
...See More
February 1
First-ever
Algiers Mardi Gras Festival features music, parade on Feb. 1
Festival-goers can also catch a community walking parade that will roll through the Algiers neighborhood, starting at 11 a.m. Nearly a dozen participants are scheduled for the walking parade including Landry Walker High School Marching Band, the Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Indians and the Westbank Steppers.
The parade starts near the festival grounds at the corner of Sequin Street and Delaronde Street. Th...
See More Algiers Mardi Gras Festival features music, parade on Feb. 1
Festival-goers can also catch a community walking parade that will roll through the Algiers neighborhood, starting at 11 a.m. Nearly a dozen participants are scheduled for the walking parade including Landry Walker High School Marching Band, the Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Indians and the Westbank Steppers.
The parade starts near the festival grounds at the corner of Sequin Street and Delaronde Street. Th...
Saturday, February 1
JCRS Jewish Roots of Rhythm & Blues Gala
On Feb. 1 at the Hilton Riverside starting at 6:30pm.
I just got an invitation to cover this upcoming event: JCRS Jewish Roots of Rhythm & Blues Gala on Feb. 1st at the Hilton Riverside starting at 6:30pm. The event has become the signature Jewish gathering in the city.
The 2020 Jewish Roots gala will honor The Beerman Family whose members proudly claim a near 100-year history with the original 19th century Jewish Children’s Home orphanage. Six Beerman siblings were Home residents in the 1920’s, while more recently, family mem...
Jewish Children’s Regional Service (JCRS) will present Jewish Roots of Rhythm & Blues on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, 2 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA. This will be the 9th JCRS Jewish Roots gala. The annual event is now the signature Jewish gathering in New Orleans...The 2020 Jewish Roots gala will honor The Beerman Family whose members proudly claim a near 100-year history with the original 19th century Jewish Children’s Home orphanage. Six Beerman siblings were Home residents in the 1920’s, while more recently, family mem...
Sunday, February 2
Trinity Artist Series presents “A Classical Tribute to Jessye Norman” with Valerie Jones Francis, spinto soprano; Richard Hobson, baritone; and Wilfred Delphin, piano, in a program of Music by Verdi, Mahler and American composers. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans. 5 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 3
Les Nouvelles de L'Alliance Française presents:
Festinema junior 2020 Launch party
We are thrilled to invite you to a special presentation of the Festival, Monday, February 3rd, at 6pm at the Alliance Française. This event is the perfect opportunity for you to learn more about the movies, receive your portfolios and discover the Festival.Must RSVP
Festinema junior 2020 Launch party
We are thrilled to invite you to a special presentation of the Festival, Monday, February 3rd, at 6pm at the Alliance Française. This event is the perfect opportunity for you to learn more about the movies, receive your portfolios and discover the Festival.Must RSVP
