Thursday, February 27, 2020

A Toast to New Orleans February 26- March 3: French Quarter Gala on March 6 and Round Table Luncheon Saluting Festivals and Gala

Darlings,

I hope your enjoyed the 2020 CARNIVAL SEASON as much as I did!

The 2020 Mardi Gras Season is over but it will remembered by me as the year that I was a Queen twice - Jeanne d'Arc 's Queen Yolande de Aragon and Queen of the Krewe of Cork. I feel blessed and grateful and will treasure the lovely memories of my reigns.

These past few weeks, I have been experiencing a very persistent cough that took a lot of  my usual energy but I did manage to attend some very memorable events.

I didn't want to miss the always-beautiful and traditional Rex Ball, so in anticipation of being there, I skipped attending any Mardi Gras festivities along the way.

Unfortunately, my invitation to the ball got lost in the mail so I could not get in but I enjoyed being all dressed up in purple, the color of royalty, and I also enjoyed taking photos and greeting  longtime friends members of Rex in the lobby. Looking forward to next year.


The 2020 Rex Ball will be remembered by me as the only one that we could not get in because my invitations got lost in the mail. My escort, multi-talented Carl Mack, and I enjoyed networking with so many longtime friends prior to the ball. Honestly, I was very eager to go home and watch the lovely coverage by WYES of the Rex Ball and the Meeting of the Courts in the comfort of my own bed.
Additional photos from Rex

Margarita Bergen added 18 new photos 
, Betsie Gambel founded Gambel Communications in 2009.
Betsie Gambel's 2020 Lundi Gras Luncheon

As in the past, talented Betsie Gambel, founder and president of Gambel Communication, put together a very interesting group of friends to enjoy a delicious Lundi Gras luncheon. I loved it and look forward to next year.
Gambel Communications is known for its skill and expertise in forming relationships through diligent, planned strategy. Gambel is an award-winning, New Orleans-based full service communications firm. With decades of experience, Betsie Gambel founded Gambel Communications in 2009.

Album 2020 Orpheuscapade (47 photos and video) 


Thanks to my darling longtime friend, the Captain of the Krewe of Orpheus, Sonny Borey who always commands my presence, I attended the spectacular Orpheuscapade XXVII. I always enjoy the beautiful parade and sitting in the VIP section, along with the captains of many krewes, made it more memorable.
The Orpheuscapade, on February 24, 2020 from 7 pm till 3 am at the Morial Convention Center was an incredible event. This black tie event begins with live music and dancing until the magic moment  when the gigantic floats arrive..
Academy Award nominee Bryan Cranston reigned as Monarch in the Krewe of Orpheus' 2020 Lundi Gras parade, t
Charlie Day with real life leading lady, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia co-star, Mary Elizabeth Ellis wasl also be leading the procession of 30 floats, 1,200 krewe members and 32 marching units on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020 along with country musician and Dancing with the Stars finalist Lauren Alaina. who headlined the Orpheuscapade as well.
Harry Connick Junior as in the past played and delighted the audience
Additionally, a tribute to the Krewe’s 2020 Musical Legend, Art Neville, was a highlight of the dynamic after-parade celebration which is open to the public.
Several members of the Saints joined the parade as well.
In addition to Alaina and the tribute to Neville Orpheuscapade performers included American’s premiere party band Party Crashers, and the New Orleans based rock/pop cover band, Mixed Nuts featuring D.J. Jubilee, Choppa, and Cupid.
Krewe of Orpheus #neworleanslocal. Bacchus Bash block party at Generations Hall still going strong. Flowtribe band has just taken the stage...
www.facebook.com


Armeinius Bal Masque
2020 Armeinius' s The Time Ball
42 Photos


 (47 photos and a video) 
“Spectacular” is the word to describe the 2020 Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque on Friday, February 21 at Mardi Gras World with the theme "Armeinius Paradox: The Time Ball."

According to Victor Andrews in his article in the Times-Picayune/Advocate, "Returning for the festivities were King and Queen Armeinius LI, Mr. Barrett DeLong-Church (who also served as co-captain) and Ms. Puddin’ Taine, for their final appearance as ‘The Big Bang,’ representing the beginning of time.”



Masquerade Party at Kevin Kelly.
Kevin Kelly 's 2020 Masquerade Party
14 Photos


What fun. I loved it. 
 The 50th anniversary of the Greasing of the Poles took place Friday at the Royal Sonesta in the French Quarter. 
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WDSU.COM
The 50th anniversary of the Greasing of the Poles took place Friday at the Royal Sonesta in the French Quarter.



  
  
What a fun day. Friday before Mardi Gras has always been one of my favorite day of the year. I usually start it by attending the always fun :" Greasing of the Poles" at Royal Sonesta Hotel. This unique New Orleans tradition started 50 years ago
Over the years, the event has marked the official beginning of the Mardi Gras weekend in the French Quarter. The Royal Sonesta originated the ritual of greasing the building's support poles to deter overzealous revelers from shimmying up to the balcony space.
After the fun-loving event and having a delicious breakfast courtesy of the Royal Sonesta, I wondered to Royal Street and St. Louis where the Krewe of iris and Hermes were doing their usual toast before lunch. I stopped by the residence of my darling longtime girlfriend, talented Chris Owens that filled my champagne glass with Veuve Clicquot. I caught the beginning of the
Bosom Buddies 7th Parade with Captain Paige Vance at its helm. Now it was time to head to lunch at Galatoire's where my host Donna Hemsler was already waiting for me with a bottle of champagne. I always love being at this fun lunch and wished that i was feeling better but after a delicious lunch and mingling with all my friends, i went home to rest to start again in the evening. Never a boring minute and I am grateful.

I loved it
Check it out .
Your photo could be in it
 RENCHQUARTERJOURNAL.COM
You'll find 30 upcoming events in the list below. For even more, check out our Facebook Events page . Note: You don't have to belong to or log into Facebook to use our events list below or ...

find 30 upcoming events in the list below. For even more, check out our Facebook Events page . Note: You don't have to belong to or log into Facebook to use our events list below or ...
  

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Thursdays at Twilight Garden Concert Series
presents John Boutte
 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-1 Palm Drive-New Orleans, LA 70124
504.482.4888

23rd
Annual French Film Festival
FEB 27, 2020 
TO MAR 4, 2020
 5339 PRYTANIA AVE.,
 NEW ORLEANS, 
LOUISIANA 70115

The 23rd New Orleans French Film Festival, one of the longest-running foreign language festivals in the country, will once again represent excellence in contemporary and classic francophone cinema for audiences at the Prytania Theatre, the oldest single-screen movie house operating in Louisiana. Live music and lectures will accompany a curated selection of short- and feature-length French-films, all of which will be screened with English subtitles. 
On opening night, prior to the opening film, join a dedicated audience of Francophiles, cinephiles, sponsors, and patrons for at an invite-only Patron Party, a special perk exclusively for French Film Festival Patron Pass holders and members of the New Orleans Film Society’s Producer’s Circle and Executive Producer’s Circle. $125 for Patron Passes; $110 for members. 
Regular passes are $95; $80 for members, and get you free admission into all festival screenings, early access to online reservations on February 3 (one week before tickets go on sale to the public), priority entrance to all screenings, and an advance copy of hte festival brochure in your mailbox.




Register your pooch for the inaugural Mandeville Krewe Du Pooch Parade & Costume Contest

10AM-12PM
Registration (Costume Contest & Parade)
Location: The end of Lakeshore Drive near the Lakefront Splash Park
Registration for the costume contest and walking parade is $25 per participating dog (up to 5 human escorts allowed). Note that costume contest participants must be registered and report to the Yacht Club by 11:45AM.
12PM-2PM (Arrive by 11:45AM)
Costume Contest and Judging
Location: Pontchartrain Yacht Club
Participants must be registered and arrive at the Yacht Club by 11:45AM to participate. The theme is "Dressed to the #9s," referencing Drew Brees and Joe Burrow and our Louisiana football culture. All participants must adhere to the theme. Contest winners will be recognized in the following categories: King and Queen (Best male/female dog in theme); Best Dressed Duo (Owner/pet look alike); Most Creative Float; and Pack Pick (Best coordination of costumes with dog, float and group of walkers). Celebrity judges include former Saints player Michael Mauti, jewelry designer Jose Balli, and Chef Pat Gallagher.
2PM (Line up by 1:45PM)
Walking Parade
Route: The parade will begin on Lakeshore Drive near the Mandeville Lakefront Splash Park and end at the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Lafitte Street near Barley Oak.
Participants must be lined up and ready to go by 1:45PM.
have tickets I can’t use. Any interest?
​

The event will take place on the Mandeville Lakefront from 10AM-6PM on Saturday, February 29th. The 2020 parade theme is "Dressed to the #9s," recognizing #9 Drew Brees and Joe Burrow, and our Louisiana football culture. Participants and their pooches should come dressed in New Orleans Saints or LSU football theme! The event will also include food from local restaurants, nonprofit vendors, pet adoptions and more.


Darlings, after this fabulous Carnival Season, I am ready for a very much-needed holiday. So, as in the past, I will be joining my brother, Lorenzo Bergen, this Saturday at his timeshare condo in Pensacola to celebrate his birthday on March 4.

But, as always, I cannot stay the full week because I need to return to New Orleans to attend several soirees that include, on March 6, the  French Quarter Fest Gala Fundraiser.

French Quarter Fest kicks off the celebration over a month early with its annual gala fundraiser for the nonprofit French Quarter Festivals, Inc., and it provides fans with a direct way to support the organization.

Tickets: Various- Fillmore New Orleans - Contact: 522-5730, FQFI.org.

Please make reservations ASAP 

Annual Round Table Luncheon Saluting Spring Festivals and Galas on Wednesday, March 18 at noon in the ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Hosted by social editor Margarita Bergen, the popular, informative luncheon will feature speakers from the  Ewell Smith, President of the Board of New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (March 18-22), the New Orleans Spring Fiesta (March 21,22,28,29), the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival (March 24-29), Men and Women of Fashion's Prix d' Elegance Luncheon ( March 31), Valerie Grubb, Co-chair of  the New Orleans Opera Mad Hatter's Luncheon (April 1),Aislinn Hinyup  WYES' Victoria and Albert Gala (April 3) Sammy Steele - Annual Easter parade (April 12)and the French Quarter Festival (April 16-19).

The live entertainment will be vocalist Robin Barnes Casey with Jim Walpole on the piano and Carl Mack on the drums. Other invited special guests will be announced as they confirm their attendance.

The $65, all-inclusive price includes a delicious, 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines and valet parking.

Menu

First Course:Asparagus and Brie Soup
Entree: Panko Pecan Crusted Catfish
Dessert:Fresh Fruit Tart

Make your  reservations now by calling Judy LeBlanc at (504) 571-4672 or email her at Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com.




Events

03/14/2020 - LPO's Opus Ball 
03/14/2020-UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball 2020 featuring Bell Biv DeVoe -
03/18/2020 - Round Table Luncheon saluting Festivals and Galas 
03/19/2020 - Top Taco Fest
03/20/2020 - BUKU Music + Art Project
March 21,22,28,29-  the New Orleans Spring Fiesta
03/27/2020 - Hogs for the Cause

  March 31- Men and Women of Fashion's Prix d' Elegance Luncheon
April 1- The New Orleans Opera Mad Hatter's Luncheon 
04/12/2020 - Easter Parade
04/16/2020 - French Quarter Festival

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