A Toast to New Orleans and YOU: Week of January 8-15 : Galatoire's Friday Before Mardi Gras Auction/ Opera Creole Masquerade Ball/LPO's RHAPSODY IN BLUE and more..../

A Toast to New Orleans and YOU: Week of January 8-15 : Galatoire's Friday Before Mardi Gras Auction/ Opera Creole Masquerade Ball/LPO's RHAPSODY IN BLUE and more..../ Good afternoon my darling family and friends. It is Monday, January 8 and the memories of being at the last Saints Game of the season at the Superdome are still perduring in mind. We won 48 to 17! "Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. “Don’t worry about yesterday or last month. Today is a new day, so renew your mind this morning. Be positive and start fresh. "On this wonderful Monday don’t forget to be thankful for the little things in life. Have a blessed new week. OMG! What a fabulous way to start 2024 with a victory of our beloved Saints Against the Atlanta Falcon 48B vs 17. I am so grateful to my longtime friend Gayle Benson for proving my roommate Rick Tringali and I, the memorable experience of attending the mass, passes to the field and 50-yard tickets to the game. I love seeing beloved Steve Gleason and many longtime friends. I also loved meeting Coach Dennis Allen, Taylor Hill, Alontae Taylor, A.T. Perry among others. The New Orleans Saints missed out on the NFC playoffs for the third consecutive season Sunday following a 48-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Our hostess Gayle Benson could not attend the game because she was attending the festivities associated with new Governor of Louisiana Jeff Landry in Baton Rouge, I was invited by my longtime friend LT. Governor Billy Nungesser to his inauguration as well. The Saints (9-8) fell short of the NFC South title after the Buccaneers (9-8) clinched the division with a 9-0 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Dennis Allen's squad remained eligible for a wildcard bid, but the Saints needed both the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks to lose games on Sunday. My roommate Rick Tringali and my longtime friend Dr. TJ Jolly enjoying the victory of the Saints against the Atlanta Falcon at the Superdome ! May be an image of 2 people and text Darlings make sure you put on your calendar Monday , January 29 at noon for the spectacular JAZZY_CARNIVAL 2024 ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON AT THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM ON ESPLANADE AVE. Talented New Orleans Queen of Mardi Gras Posters Andrea Mistretta will be unveiling her 2024 Mardi Gras Poster. It will lbe co-hosted by talented Rick Tringaly, founder of Jazz Crawl who is handling all the details except the RSVP and payments: the $75- all-inclusive price includes a delicious, 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines . Make your reservations now by making payment by Zelle, Venmo or by sending a check to Margarita Bergen, 811 Marigny Street, Unit C, NO 70117 What a fun kick- off of the 2024 Carnival Season at Mardi Gras world As in the past the annual 2024 Krewe of Joan of Arc was magical! May be an image of 3 people and text Please open this link to see Frank Stansbury 's love ly photo of the parade: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10161017131349383&set=pcb.10161017139109383 Last night after the Toast of the monarchs of 2024 Krewe of Joan of Arc at THNOC, I was invited to the balcony of my darling friend Ellis Ruth Anderson publisher if the French Quarter Journal What a fun and lovely evening at the Mayor’s reception honoring the royalty of the Krewe of Jeanne de Arc of Orleans, France and the 2024 Joan of Arc ‘s Royalty! The historic Gallier Hall was the venue for the reception and I got to meet the new Consul General of France Rodolphe Sambou --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying the 2024 Queen of the Krewe of Cork Mary Bartholomew ‘s 2024 12 Night Kick Off party at her lovely residence in the French Quarter!- er! Remembering Maestro Robert Lyall Image The New Orleans Opera board of directors and staff are saddened to share the passing of General and Artistic Director Emeritus Robert Lyall, on January 5, 2024. With courage, grace and a sense of humor, Maestro Lyall had bravely battled cancer since April 2023, as well as resulting complications in recent weeks. Robert was a true maestro, whose keen intellect and love for opera and symphonic works shaped a long and distinguished career. His life in music began with a resounding triumph – winning the American Symphony Orchestra League’s National Conducting Competition. He continued to refine his craft, soaking up wisdom from Dr. Richard Lert at the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, and studying with the acclaimed conductor Kyril Kondrashin in Amsterdam. With support from the Fulbright and Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Foundations, Robert pursued a Ph.D, and always remained ardent about both learning and teaching. Robert brought his artistic vision and leadership to six institutions: the Victoria Symphony; the Oak Ridge Symphony; the Knoxville Opera; Mississippi Opera; Opera Grand Rapids; and finally, the New Orleans Opera, completing an astounding 23 seasons from 1998 to 2021. And he wasn’t confined by borders. Robert’s music-making echoed across the globe, from Carnegie Hall to the grand stages of Russia, Italy, Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands and Turkey. As Principal Guest Conductor for the Istanbul State Opera, he built bridges through music. Robert was extremely active with New Orleans’ own French Consulate, and in 2017 was knighted by the French government for his immense impact, receiving the prestigious “Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters.” Maestro Robert Lyall will live on in our hearts as we remember his infectious passion for opera, his dedication to creating beautiful productions, his amazing mind and musical talent, his sense of humor, his generosity of spirit, his collegiality and true friendship, and his deep commitment to our company and community. We will miss him dearly, and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and everyone whose lives were touched by this extraordinary man. I am also mourning the death of my longtime friend Lisa Slaten who died before the end of 2024 on the Highland of North Carolina. May her soul RIP https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Monday-January-8---2024.html?soid=1102589984427&aid=yFVhNxX8zcs Monday January 8, 2024 You don't want to miss this. The Best of New Orleans - Everyday Frank Stansbury Editor ' Publisher LaFete11@att.net 504-450-1955 Click Here to Sign Up for LaFete News Visit our website If you want t myemail.constantcontact.com https://www.nola.com/multimedia/the-mayor-s-king-s-day-carnival-kickoff/video_96e1eaca-a3e2-52b0-b5fc-f58a073e8679.html The Mayor’s King’s Day Carnival kickoff! www.nola.com     https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/joan-of-arc-mardi-gras-2024-parade-packs-french-quarter/article_0ec961ba-ad78-11ee-a87b-3fd7aef5011a.html Though Joanie wasn’t on her pony BY DOUG MACCASH | Staff writer Jan 7, 2024 The Joan of Arc parade, which marched triumphantly through the packed streets of the French Quarter on Saturday, is absolutely one of the best parades in a town that knows a little something about parades. The Jan. 6 procession is a cultural twofer, celebrating both the start of traditional Carnival season and the birth of our favorite medieval teenage warrior woman. If you’ve never seen it, the Joan of Arc parade is like a roving Renaissance festival, with lots of kings, queens, knights, shepherds, monks, saints, maidens, and such. The procession first took to the streets in 2008. Artist Max Bernardi glows in her handmade flame costume for the Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc parade in the French Quarter of New Orleans on Saturday, January 6, 2024. (Photo by Chris Granger, The Times-Picayune) https://www.nola.com/news/politics/legislature/jeff-landry-inaugurated-as-louisianas-57th-governor/article_ae7d49ac-ad95-11ee-9229-a3eff51a9aa1.html#tncms-source=featured-2 https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/mardi-gras-twlefth-night-new-orleans/article_e99117b8-aa60-11ee-9bd4-579b53242a65.html https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/mardi-gras-walking-parade-list-new-orleans/article_8214441c-a118-11ee-acdd-53683536ea0a.html https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/mardi-gras-walking-parade-list-new-orleans/article_8214441c-a118-11ee-acdd-53683536ea0a.html https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/mardi-gras-twlefth-night-new-orleans/article_e99117b8-aa60-11ee-9bd4-579b53242a65.html https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/mardi-gras-twlefth-night-new-orleans/article_e99117b8-aa60-11ee-9bd4-579b53242a65.html https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/saints-dont-catch-breaks-fall-short-of-nfc-playoffs/article_8863a058-adaf-11ee-a86c-bbc02e181903.html#tncms-source=sports-featured https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/saints-dont-catch-breaks-fall-short-of-nfc-playoffs/article_8863a058-adaf-11ee-a86c-bbc02e181903.html#tncms-source=sports-featured The New Orleans Saints missed out on the NFC playoffs for the third consecutive season Sunday following a 48-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.The Saints (9-8) fell short of the NFC South title after the Buccaneers (9-8) clinched the division with a 9-0 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Dennis Allen's squad remained eligible for a wildcard bid, but the Saints needed both the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks to lose games on Sunday. https://www.nola.com/news/politics/legislature/jeff-landry-inaugurated-as-louisianas-57th-governor/article_ae7d49ac-ad95-11ee-9229-a3eff51a9aa1.html#tncms-source=featured-2 Landry and the Republican state Legislature are expected to pull Louisiana to the political right in the weeks ahead. BY TYLER BRIDGES and JAMES FINN | Staff writers photo by Michael Johnson https://www.nola.com/multimedia/photos/photos-a-sunday-filled-with-music-and-dance-at-the-perfect-gentlemans-second-line-parade/collection_b7e92b2e-ad9e-11ee-ac71-13f4d49d1317.html#1 https://www.nola.com/multimedia/photos/photos-a-sunday-filled-with-music-and-dance-at-the-perfect-gentlemans-second-line-parade/collection_b7e92b2e-ad9e-11ee-ac71-13f4d49d1317.html#1 https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/mardi-gras-parades-allowed-in-new-orleans-french-quarter/article_91df746c-8966-11ee-9220-771864f16dda.html Why are there so few Mardi Gras parades in the French Quarter? Here are the rules. Only three parades are rolling in the French Quarter area of New Orleans, Louisiana. The rest are in other neighborhoods. www.nola.com     https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/eat-drink/what-to-know-about-new-orleans-king-cake-season-in-2024/article_97e492a0-9e94-11ee-becf-7ff36769cbbc.html What to know about king cake for a short Mardi Gras 2024, from shipping to new bakeries King cake is part of Carnival season, but around New Orleans it can sometimes feel like a season in its own right. www.nola.com     King Cake Lovers: The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the regions premier and Grammy-nominated orchestra, pays tribute to New Orleans civil rights icons Edgar “Dooky” Chase Jr. and Leah Chase in a jazz-filled program, RHAPSODY IN BLUE, on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. on the Orpheum Theater’s main stage. Past LPO Principal Guest Conductor and Hollywood Bowl Orchestra Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins returns to the LPO podium to lead a spirited program of works by American composer George Gershwin and famed American jazz pianist Duke Ellington. For more information, visit www.lpomusic.com Rex den open house will offer a glimpse into the makings of Mardi Gras Tori McRoberts Hoffpauir of YouthForce NOLA and her children, Lucia, 3, left, and Joshua, 5, look at Mardi Gras floats in the Rex den in New Orleans on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD Ever wanted to see the Boeuf Gras up close? Take a gander at the King of Carnival's throne? It is a month before Twelfth Night and the official beginning of the Carnival season and time to make plans to journey behind the scenes of the Rex parade in a special tour that benefits the Friends of the Cabildo. The Rex Den Showing Open House and Float Viewing will be at 1 p.m. Jan. 13, 2024, at the 2531 S. Claiborne Ave. location that houses the majestic floats that will roll this season on Feb. 13. From the iconic floats of the parade like the Butterfly King to His Majesty's Bandwagon, the signature aspects of the procession will be there along with floats that will provide a glimpse into the 2024 theme. The den also is home to a museum of the Rex Organization and Rex Mart. Tickets start at $40. Visit friendsofthecabildo.org. 2024 Carnival Parade Schedule Saturday, January 20 Krewe of Chewbacchus (7 p.m. Marigny) Friday, January 26 Krewe of Boheme (7 p.m. French Quarter) Krewe of Titans (6:30 p.m. Slidell) Saturday, January 27 Krewe du Vieux (6:30 p.m. French Quarter) Krewe of Bilge (Noon Slidell) Krewe of Poseidon (6 p.m. Slidell) Sunday, January 28 Krewe of Antheia (1 p.m. Slidell) Krewe of Pearl River Lions Club (1 p.m. Pearl River) Krewe of Nefertiti (1 p.m. New Orleans East) 'tit Rəx (4:30 p.m. Marigny) krewedelusion (7 p.m. French Quarter) MONDAY - January 29 - Jazzy=Carnival 2024 Round Table Luncheon -noon at the New Orleans Jazz Museum Friday, February 2 Krewe of Cork (3 p.m. French Quarter) Krewe of Oshun (6 p.m. Uptown) Krewe of Cleopatra (Follows Krewe of Oshun) Krewe of Alla (Follows Krewe of Cleopatra) Krewe of Excalibur (6:30 p.m. Metairie) Krewe of Symphony (Follows Krewe of Excalibur) Krewe of Eve (7 p.m. Mandeville) Saturday, February 3 Krewe de Paws of Olde Towne (10 a.m. Slidell) Krewe of Push Mow (Noon Abita Springs) Krewe of Pontchartrain (11:30 a.m. Uptown) Legion of Mars (Follows Krewe of Pontchartrain) Krewe of Choctaw (Follows Legion of Mars) Krewe of Freret (Follows Krewe of Choctaw) Krewe of Tchefuncte (1 p.m. Madisonville) Knights of Nemesis (1 p.m. Chalmette) Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters (5 p.m. Metairie) Knights of Sparta/Spartan Society (5:30 p.m. Uptown) Krewe of Pygmalion (Follows Knights of Sparta/Spartan Society) Krewe of Olympia (6 p.m. Covington) Sunday, February 4 The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale (11 a.m. Uptown) Krewe of Carrollton (Follows The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale) Krewe of King Arthur (Follows Krewe of Carrollton) Krewe of Dionysus (1 p.m. Slidell) Krewe of Barkus (2 p.m. French Quarter) Tuesday, February 6 The Culinary Queens of New Orleans (6 p.m. Westbank) Wednesday, February 7 Krewe of Druids (6:15 p.m. Uptown) Krewe of Nyx (6:45 p.m. Uptown) Thursday, February 8 Knights of Babylon (5:30 p.m. Uptown) Knights of Chaos (Follows Knights of Babylon) Krewe of Muses (Follows Knights of Chaos) Friday, February 9 Krewe of Bosom Buddies (11:30 a.m. French Quarter) Krewe of Hermes (5:30 p.m. Uptown) Krewe d'Etat (6:30 p.m. Uptown) Krewe of Selene (6:30 p.m. Slidell) Krewe of Morpheus (7 p.m. Uptown) Saturday, February 10 Krewe of Bush (9 a.m. Bush) Krewe of NOMTOC (10:45 a.m. Westbank) Krewe of Iris (11 a.m. Uptown) Krewe of Tucks (Noon Uptown) Krewe of Endymion (4 p.m. Mid-City) Krewe of Isis (6 p.m. Kenner) Sunday, February 11 Krewe of Okeanos (11 a.m. Uptown) Krewe of Mid-City (Follows Krewe of Okeanos) Krewe of Thoth (Noon Uptown) Krewe of Bacchus (5:15 p.m. Uptown) Krewe of Athena (5 p.m. Metairie) Krewe of Atlas (Follows Krewe of Athena) Lundi Gras - Monday, February 12 Krewe of Proteus (5:15 p.m. Uptown) Krewe of Orpheus (6 p.m. Uptown) Krewe of Centurions (6:30 p.m. Metairie) Mardi Gras - Tuesday, February 13 Krewe of Zulu (8 a.m. Uptown) Carnival of Covington (10 a.m. Covington) Krewe of Rex (10:30 a.m. Uptown) Krewe of Elks Orleans(Follows Krewe of Rex) Krewe of Crescent City (Follows Krewe of Elks Orleans) Krewe of Argus (11 a.m. Metairie) Krewe of Elks Jeffersonians (Follows Krewe of Argus) Krewe of Folsom (2 p.m. Folsom) Saturday, February 17 Krewe du Pooch (12 p.m. Mandeville) Sunday, February 18 Krewe of Mardi PAWS (2 p.m. Covington) Louisiana Appleseed Announces President & CEO of Audubon Nature Institute Ron Forman as 2024 Community Honoree FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Adrienne Wheeler 504-910-1767 AWheeler@LouisianaAppleseed.org Friday, January 5, 2024 [NEW ORLEANS, LA] – On January 18, 2024, Louisiana Appleseed will host its 14th annual Good Apple Gala. This event will celebrate the work of community members and pro bono volunteers that Louisiana Appleseed has had the pleasure of working with this past year. Louisiana Appleseed proudly announces Ron Forman as a community honoree for our 2024 Good Apple Gala. Ron Forman is the current president and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute. A past president of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, Ron Forman began his tenure with Audubon Park and Zoological Garden in 1972 as City Hall liaison. Made Deputy Director in 1973 and Executive Director in 1977, the major transformation of Audubon Zoo from an "urban ghetto" to an "urban Eden" was underway. “Ron Forman’s ability to generate substantial positive change via cooperation between community, government, and private enterprise is an astounding feat,” said Adrienne Wheeler, Louisiana Appleseed’s Executive Director. “Ron’s passion for conservation and education serves as an inspiration for those looking to better their community.” Today, Mr. Forman oversees a family of attractions and facilities that make up the dynamic Audubon Nature Institute, leading a staff of 600 people in the Audubon mission of conservation and education. Mr. Forman serves locally on the New Orleans Business Council, is Chairman of the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, and is the Immediate Past Chairman of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau. The 2024 sponsors include silver sponsors Deutsch Kerrigan, LLP & Pan-American Life Insurance Group as well as Bronze sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield Louisiana, Perez Law LLC, and Phelps Dunbar. Proceeds from the Good Apple Gala will go directly towards Louisiana Appleseed’s efforts to create more equitable access to justice, education, and opportunity in Louisiana. The Good Apple Gala will be held at the Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130. Tickets and sponsorship to the 2024 Good Apple Gala can be purchased online at www.louisianaappleseed.org/2024gala. January 19 Blush Ball 2024 Benefits: Pussyfooters Tickets: $45 Location: 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. Contact: 504-896-2345, pussyfooters.org January 19 A Murder Mystery Evening Benefits: Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Tickets: $110 Location: 2504 Prytania St. Contact: 504-267-9534, noo-internet.choicecrm.net/templates/NOO/?event_ids=446#/events January 19, February 20, March 1 The BRAVO Triple Crown Event Benefits: New Orleans Ballet Association Tickets: $1250 (includes admission for all 3 events) Location: 701 Chartres St., 300 Gravier St., 1419 Basin St. Contact: 504-522-0996 x208, nobadance.com/about-noba/support/bravo-triple-crown-event