: A Toast to New Orleans and YOU: Week of January 30-Feb. 5 - Les Misérables/ Parades of Krewe of Cork and Mystic Krewe of Barkus and more, IT'S CARNIVAL TIME! Good afternoon my darling family and friends. It is Tuesday, January 30 and it is such a pleasure to wake up to another beautiful morning! Every day is a blessing. And I hope you never hesitate to accept that. I feel so blessed that yesterday, Mother Nature provided us with glorious sunny weather to co-host a very memorable CRAWL INTO CARNIVAL ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON at the NO Jazz Museum. Tonight, I am going to the opening night of Les Misérables at the Saenger. Wishing you a terrific Tuesday! ' Darlings, it is carnival time, and I couldn't send my blog yesterday since I was co-hosting with Rick Tringali of Jazz Crawl Production : CRAWL INTO CARNIVAL ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON at the historic New Orleans Jazz Museum. I always count my blessings and yesterday Mother Nature provided us a picture-perfect weather to enjoy the outdoors RTL. I am very grateful to Greg Lambousy ,Director of the New Orleans Jazz Museum , to all my guests, to Chef Tiger Leon for providing a delicious Creole Cuisine Buffet, to Jorge Lauriano Jr., Division Manager at William Grant & Sons for the decadent Sailor Jerry Spiced Raspberry Rum Cocktails, to Chef Jean Luc Alvin, Owner at Maurice French Pastries Bakery for the delicious French King cake, the artists and musicians including talented Marshall Harris , Young Fellaz Brass Band, Second Line Shorty and Big Queen Denise of the Monogram Hunters. Introducing my co-chair of CRAWL INTO CARNIVAL ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON at the NO Jazz Museum: Rick Tringali of Jazz Crawl Production, Greg Lambousy, Director of NO Jazz Museum -King Kevin Centanni, Queen Marina Mayen Kahn and me! 20May be an image of 5 people2024 Royalty of CRAWL INTO CARNIVAL ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON King Kevin Centanni, Queen Marina Mayen Kahn Chef Tiger Leon, cochair Rick Tringali of Jazz Crawl Production and his mother Libby Tringale was indefatigable helping with this memorable outdoor Round Table Luncheon.May be an image of 6 people May be an image of 3 peopleMay be an image of 6 people and textMay be an image of 2 peopleMay be an image of 6 peopleMay be an image of 2 people, clarinet, saxophone and trumpetMay be an image of 3 peopleMay be an image of 3 peopleMay be an image of 4 peopleMay be an image of 4 peopleMay be an image of 6 people, clarinet, saxophone and trumpetMay be an image of 2 people and hat shopMay be an image of 2 peopleMay be an image of 1 personMay be an image of 8 peopleMay be an image of 2 people and textMay be an image of 2 peopleMay be an image of 4 people https://www.facebook.com/1283718941/videos/pcb.10231867443370684/392912209777090 https://www.facebook.com/515331151/videos/pcb.10159327115541152/199998953197837 https://www.facebook.com/1582547996/videos/pcb.10228825021161991/1562202564632810 What a fun evening at the LPO ‘s presentation of Birth Of A Culture honoring the revered and vibrant tradition of Mardi Gras Indians and their unique, colorful, and remarkable contribution to New Orleans ‘history and culture at the Orpheum Theater The superb concert was superb. Conductor Matthew Kraemer returned to lead an evening of premieres! Big Chief Juan Pardo joined the LPO for a world premiere by Maxim Samarov which celebrates the unique, distinct, and remarkable culture of Mardi Gras Indians found in New Orleans. The performance will also include a new composition by Arlene Sierra and Wynton Marsalis’ Blues Symphony. The orchestra also featured in Kiskadee by Arlene Sierra and a preview of Wynton Marsalis’ Concerto for Orchestra. May be an image of 6 people and saxophoneMay be an image of 7 peopleMay be an image of 3 peopleMay be an image of 5 people I attended the VIP Reception of the NEW ORLEANS WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE honoring CHEF DONALD LINK with the 2024 Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award at the Four-Season Hotel. Each year the Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award is presented to a recipient who has made a lifetime commitment to the hospitality industry through extraordinary leadership, personal and professional accomplishments, and philanthropic contributions to the community. The award is named for legendary restaurateur Ella Brennan in honor of her deep passion and commitment, which has made a significant and longstanding impact on the New Orleans hospitality industry. Congratulations Chef Link! May be an image of 5 peopleMay be an image of 5 people, suit and textMay be an image of 2 peopleMay be an image of 7 peopleMay be an image of 4 peopleMay be an image of 4 people Seeing once again Vincent Boudreaux, President of City College of New York, my alma mater at lunch at Galatoire’s was a real treat. Accompanied by my longtime friend Carl Mack, we enjoyed a delicious and stimulating luncheon. I cannot wait to visit NYC and check out the campus and its new additions! My Deepest condolences to the Connick Family https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/harry-connick-sr-longtime-new-orleans-da-and-singer-s-dad-dead-at-97/ar-BB1hh4CN?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=3fc86edf066042cf9759158165776cd8&ei=12&fbclid=IwAR0T-N_SXegDMlMdP9bv_QUKLdC9fy_7MK4Vd2TPDk7fbqQHZezwkTZ-YVQ Harry Connick Sr, longtime New Orleans DA and singer's dad, dead at 97 Longtime New Orleans District Attorney Harry Connick Sr., and father to two, including musician and Harry Connick Jr., died Thursday at the age of 97. www.msn.com Last week, I was devasted to learn that two of my darling longtime friends joined the Lord at a younger age. https://obits.nola.com/us/obituaries/nola/name/christopher-ycaza-obituary?id=54184882&fbclid=IwAR39P2GNiZKFhcq6gYwQvG9tSMtk6KtSiepVWtJBkQJjFj90yl-NUviNHtI Christopher Ycaza Obituary (1967-2024) - New Orleans, LA - The Times-Picayune View Christopher Emile Ycaza's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook. obits.nola.com I am mourning the loss of my longtime friend, talented Brian Perkins. Too young to depart -May his soul RIP. A funeral will be held Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. at Charbonnet-Labat-Glapion Funeral Home, 1615 St. Philip St. Visitation will start at noon. https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/eat-drink/new-orleans-wine-connoisseur-brian-perkins-dies-at-55/article_1d866e80-bc66-11ee-a332-ab8a495808b5.html?fbclid=IwAR2BHq2EEyOGNd7z_TIQ9swJ-BZPGkM0Rc2BSGEI3KdPleKuInQz5qJ0vN0 New Orleans wine connoisseur Brian Perkins dies at 55 Brian Perkins was stocking shelves at Martin Wine Cellar when a colleague with whom he had been chatting sensed the 18-year-old had potential as a salesman. www.nola.com Enjoy this week https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Tuesday-January-30--2024.html?soid=1102589984427&aid=baLJQDGTLf8 Tuesday January 30 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 At the Saenger Theatre January 30 to February 4 It is Carnival Time for me! I will be busy with the Krewe of Cork starting January 31 and then THE MYSTIC KREWE OF BARKUS starting with the Royal Ball on Friday 2. Cork week is here and as you put the finishing touches on your costumes and throws, here is an update on what you need to know for the week's events. Wednesday, January 31st: Grand Marshal Wine Dinner - Sold Out but I got my ticket before I got Thursday, February 1st: Grand Marshal Meet & Greet at Patrick's Bar Vin - 730 Bienville St 6pm - 9pm Come out and meet this year's Grand Marshal, Brian Maloney, who will be providing the wine for the Meet & Greet and the parade day luncheon. You will also have the opportunity to mix and mingle with your fellow corkians as you partake in the New Orleans' themed cuisine that will be provided. Friday, February 2nd: PARADE DAY! at 3 p.m, THE MYSTIC KREWE OF BARKUS WHERE I WILL BE JOINING DUKE NIZI TRINGALI IN HIS FLOAT. Not to be missed: To Be a Star: The Carnival Costume Designs of San Nicholas The Presbytere San in Concert | Thursday, February 1 Public Opening, Friday February 2 From the 1950s to the 2000s, San Nicholas designed thousands of lavish costumes for numerous krewes including Endymion, Orpheus, Thoth, Okeanos, Aquila, Venus, Isis, Rhea, Noblads, Jupiter, Juno, and Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. On the 100th anniversary of his birth, this exhibition features scores of his designs and original costumes. Prior to the public opening on February 2, San in Concert, excerpts from the musical San, written by New York theater composers David Gosz & Leo Fotos, will be presented at the nearby Le Petit Theatre on Thursday, February 1. Tickets to the concert include entrance to the exhibition’s private opening immediately following the concert. May be an illustration Looking forward to seeing this exhibit Haiti-Louisiana: Tides of Freedom January 12 - March 17, 2024 Historic BK House & Gardens The Nous Foundation, the Historic BK House & Gardens, and Max Jean-Louis are thrilled to co-present their original exhibition, Haiti-Louisiana: Tides of Freedom, which will be on display from January 12 to March 17, 2024, at the Historic BK House & Gardens. This groundbreaking exhibition features two collections: 41 works from the Jacques Bartoli Collection of contemporary Haitian art (30 paintings and 11 beaded flags), previously presented at UNESCO in Paris and making its debut in Louisiana, and 36 original paintings and photographs by eight Haitian and Louisianan artists commissioned for the occasion by Haitian-born curator Max Jean-Louis. This exhibition aims to commemorate Haiti's 220th anniversary of independence and celebrate the deep-rooted connection between Haiti and Louisiana. Horses, Hops & Cops will take place on January 31! Come meet the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales and enjoy fun for the whole family, including a VIP tour, equine soccer game, souvenir photos, food, beverages, and live music! Visit our Website 14th Annual Horses, Hops & Cops Wednesday, January 3, 2024 A Benefit for the N.O.P.D. Mounted Unit N.O.P.D. Stables in City Park 1021 Harrison Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124 3:30pm – 4:30pm VIP Experience Tour 5:00pm – 8:00pm General Admission (free) 5:00pm Horse stables open for self-guided tours 5:00pm DJ and announcements 5:15pm Equine Soccer Game feat. N.O.P.D. Mounted Unit and Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (Horse Arena) 6:15pm See the Budweiser Clydesdales (Horse Arena) 6:30pm Live Music from The Wiseguys (Budweiser Stage) 7:55pm Raffle Drawing (Budweiser Stage) Meet the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales at this fun-filled event that is free for all ages to attend. Guests will enjoy touring the horse stables, as well as an equestrian soccer game featuring the N.O.P.D. horses, live local entertainment, arts and crafts, plus food and beverages for sale. CLICK HERE for parking recommendations and information about the NOPD Shuttle Service. Questions? Email aimee@louisianahospitality.org Note: This event is an outdoor event. The Horses, Hops and Cops event will follow all City of New Orleans advisories and guidelines that are in place at the time of the event. These guidelines can be accessed at https://ready.nola.gov/home/. VIP Experience Tour A limited quantity of VIP Experience Tour tickets are available for both adults and children. VIP Experience guests will enjoy a one-hour guided tour to go behind the scenes with a Budweiser Clydesdale handler, learn about the unique horses, the breed, their special training, state-of-the-art transportation and more. The VIP Experience also includes a tour of the N.O.P.D. stables and information about how this special police force operates year round as a public safety tool for New Orleans. Each guest swill receive a VIP gift bag filled with special items and offers including: NOPD Patches TABASCO Audubon Nature Institute Aquarium, Insectarium & Zoo Passes Hilton Riverside cookies Mardi Gras Krewe beads and cups Items from New Orleans & Company Items from Coca Cola brands Stickers and more! Purchase VIP Experience Tour Tickets Visit our Website WYES New Orleans Chefs Dana & Christina Honn of Carmo present five courses, paired with wine, influenced by cuisine from South America including a hearts of palm salad; Tacaca, an iconic soup from the Brazilian Amazon; a Peruvian Amazon fish dish; and Cupuaçu Mousse, one of the most popular Brazilian desserts. Carmo: WYES SEASON OF GOOD TASTES wine dinner Thu., Feb. 1 at 6:30pm Carmo, 527 Julia Street, New Orleans $110pp includes dinner, wine pairing, tax & tip Purchase your seat at: https://wyescarmosogt.eventbrite.com POLITICS WITH A PUNCH SPECIAL EDITION OF LOUISIANA Thursday February 1, 2024- POLITICAL COMEDY TRADITION -2024 ELECTION KICKOFF SHOW Quarter View Restaurant-613 Clearview Parkway, Metairie - Doors open at 6 p.m., the event begins at 8 p.m. 2024 Election Kickoff Show Hosted by Jeff Crouere, Politics with a Punch is held bi-monthly on stage before a live audience. It is our own local version of “Politically Incorrect.” It is a humorous, fast-paced, free-wheeling, no-holds barred discussion of what is happening in our city, state, and nation. May be an image of 1 person For this special show, we have picked an outstanding panel with some of our favorite all-stars plus some exciting newcomers. Check out our exceptional line-up of celebrities: Tee Ray Bergeron, Superb Comedian; Headliner; Punch Favorite Claston Bernard, 2-Time Olympian; Former Congressional Candidate Benny Grunch, New Orleans Music Icon; Band Leader; Singer Marshall Harris, Award Winning Entertainer, Producer and Artist Hon. Liz Murrill, Attorney General of Louisiana Hon. Laurie Schlegel, Louisiana State Representative, District 82 Mike Weinberger, Founder, Home Defense Foundation The star-studded show, will cover many of the significant issues and controversies of the day in a lighthearted and humorous manner in our unique Politics with a Punch style. GET TICKETS New Orleans, it’s officially Carnival time and we're getting ready to party on February 3rd with Nelly, Trombone Shorty, Juvenile, and more at the fourth annual Shorty Gras! The Krewe of Freret presents Shorty Gras: a Mardi Gras ball and music festival all rolled into one. See your favorite national and New Orleans legends play at Mardi Gras World on Saturday, February 3rd for one night only! Photos: Washington Mardi Gras Ball lights up the night in the nation's capitol Click here to view this item from NOLA.com. www.nola.com  https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/krewe-du-vieux-pokes-fun-at-politics-in-satirical-parade/collection_b01b3192-bd81-11ee-ad0c-637f6c6337bd.html#1 Photos: Krewe du Vieux pokes fun at politics in iconic, satirical downtown parade Krewe du Vieux parade through downtown New Orleans with 17 sub-krewes to the theme, "Artificial Ignorance." www.nola.com  https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/the-tit-rex-mini-nola-mardi-gras-parade-gets-whimsical/article_55240cf0-bed0-11ee-ac48-7b579405225d.html#tncms-source=entertainment-headlines The ‘tit Rex miniature Mardi Gras parade gets whimsical in St. Roch Imagine if Gulliver had somehow landed on St. Roch Avenue and discovered a Lilliputian Mardi Gras parade rolling at his feet. That’s the effect of the enchanting ‘tit Rex parade www.nola.com  https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/krewe-bohme-parades-with-big-freedia-as-royalty/collection_7ee7f0f0-bcc4-11ee-a88e-47ee60fe5b5b.html#1 Photos: Krewe Bohéme glows as they parade through the Marigny and French Quarter Krewe Bohéme danced through the Marigny and French Quarter neighborhoods for their 5th year with marching krewes to the theme, "Absinthe-minded." www.nola.com  https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/mardi-gras-2024-in-new-orleans-all-parade-dates-and-routes/article_c44e3f08-d7d9-11ed-a430-cb0d6915d8f4.html Mardi Gras 2024 in New Orleans: a preview of all parades, with dates and maps The 2024 New Orleans Carnival season starts on Saturday, Jan. 6, and concludes on Mardi Gras, Tuesday Feb. 13. www.nola.com  https://www.nola.com/multimedia/photos/budweiser-clydesdales-walk-down-bourbon-street/collection_c3b01ed8-bf17-11ee-855b-af15271c4005.html#1 Photos: The Budweiser Clydesdales walk down Bourbon to deliver beer to private parties The Budweiser Clydesdales walked down Bourbon street in the French Quarter as part of the Anheuser-Busch's annual Sales and Marketing Communications Conference. The Clydesdales stopped at 6 bars along Bourbon www.nola.com  https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/designer-overcame-a-tough-childhood-in-the-french-quarter-to-create-fabulous-mardi-gras-styles/article_67c5f6f6-b8dc-11ee-8d05-37f8603568f9.html#tncms-source=featured-3 Designer overcame a tough childhood in the French Quarter to create fabulous Mardi Gras styles Towering plumed headdresses, eye-popping gowns awash in glitter and sequins, and a light-hearted take on lederhosen are just some of the Carnival-related garments that will go on display Friday at www.nola.com  https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/maps-new-orleans-mardi-gras-2024-parades/article_1458455c-b54c-11ee-bc88-ebe949ef05d5.html Check out the maps, schedule for all 2024 Mardi Gras float parades in New Orleans Here are the parade route maps for every 2024 Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans, from Endymion to Bacchus to Zulu and beyond. www.nola.com  https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/endymion-adds-police-chief-anne-kirkpatrick-as-co-grand-marshal-of-new-orleans-mardi-gras-parade/article_6f44136e-bca5-11ee-8e6f-03064d88e5e8.html?dicbo=v2-UlSKj3z Endymion adds some law and order to its Carnival parade by naming this co-grand marshal Endymion has added some law and order to its Mardi Gras parade, naming New Orleans police chief Anne Kirkpatrick as co-grand marshal. www.nola.com  https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/flambeaux-the-history-of-mardi-gras-torch-bearers/article_5c8d58b0-bb93-11ee-b62a-b360ad215018.html Why are flaming torches carried at Mardi Gras parades? What to know about the flambeaux. www.nola.com  Tickets are only $20.00 per person/$35.00 per couple and can be purchased at the door. Discount tickets are also available for only $15.00 per person/$25.00 per couple and are available on-line at www.RingsidePolitics.com. https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/home_garden/lafittes-blacksmith-shop-intrigues-even-without-the-fiction/article_dc8d8b46-beb5-11ee-8a48-6b98dda4813d.html The real story of Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop in the French Quarter: What's fact? What's fiction? Even in a town full to brimming with tall tales and legends, the French Colonial cottage-cum-barroom at the corner of Bourbon and St. Philip streets particularly stirs the imagination. www.nola.com  https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/how-to-get-a-passport-in-louisiana/article_a6e0b734-bedd-11ee-8780-3386ec230ce1.html https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/how-to-get-a-passport-in-louisiana/article_a6e0b734-bedd-11ee-8780-3386ec230ce1.html Here's how to get your US passport in Louisiana, including in 14 days or less If you’re looking to get an early start on planning for your international travel this year, getting your passport can remove an early stress from your plate. www.nola.com  2024 Carnival Parade Schedule 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)