Darlings,
Mother Nature blessed us
with the most magnificent spring weather for the duration of the entire
2014 French Quarter Festival. The
31st Annual French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron took place April 10–13
throughout the historic French Quarter. Locals and tourism officials call French
Quarter Festival “the kickoff to festival season in New
Orleans.”
What
started as a neighborhood festival and ‘locals’ event’ has grown into the
largest free music festival in the United States. This year had the largest
attendance ever at an estimated 733,000, easily eclipsing last year’s total
of an estimated 560,000. Local and
out-of-town visitors created an estimated economic impact of over $250 million.
This year’s FQF featured Dr. John,
in addition to the best local talents and New Orleans’ finest restaurants at
“The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch,” which created a special and unique experience
for festival-goers.
Every
year I look forward to attending the annual French Quarter Festival's
Opening Day Gala at Antoine's Restaurant. The Gala featured delicious food by
Antoine's and other beloved restaurants, decadent libations and entertainment
that included the Queen of Soul: Irma
Thomas. It was a great way to start the
festival.
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On
Friday, with my darling Chiquita
Linda in tow, we took advantage of the glorious weather to join the
annual French Quarter Festival Parade down Bourbon Street and St. Ann to Jackson
Square.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151940550800870.1073742225.581200869&type=1&l=e240a663ed
I am still nursing my cold
that required a visit to the doctor, so I missed the superb performance
of violin star Philippe Quint & the LPO playing
American classics.
As I
mentioned to you last week (and nearly EVERY week!), on Saturday, April 12, it
was another one of those days that I wished I had a clone. I had not one but two very special events.
My darling friends, talented radio/TV personality and
political commentator Jeff Crouere was getting
married to “Demolition Diva” Simone Bruni, and that night also
was also the fabulous Fabergé Opus Ball at 6:00 p.m.at the
Civic Theater
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151946282215870.1073742227.581200869&type=1&l=4a02bd0911
Well
darlings, I started my evening early at the Civic Theater
where the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto and the
musicians and trustees of the LPO presented the elegant FABERGE OPUS BALL with
virtuoso Russian-American pianist Lola
Astanova and guest conductor Jahja
Ling. The seated dinner, which I skipped to go to Jeff and Simone Crouere's
wedding, was at the Hyatt. It was indeed a fun evening of outstanding music,
elegant dining fanciful dancing and fine wine!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151946315670870.1073742228.581200869&type=1&l=76a70985fc
On
Sunday, once again the beautiful weather attracted Chiquita and I to step out
and see some of our local talent such as my darling friend chanteuse Anais St. John performing on the steps
of the Supreme Court. We continued and went to see some other fabulous
performers. It was indeed a very memorable
festival.
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Last week, I also attended the delicious- fun
American Culinary Federation New Orleans Chapter's presentation of The
Best Chefs of Louisiana at Generation Hall. Chefs Andrea Apuzzo, John
Folse, Tenney Flynn, and Chris Montero were presented with medals and
plaques.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151937139640870.1073742223.581200869&type=1&l=773d9e2918
Darlings, every time that I write this weekly blog, I
want to be able to tell you that I have found a location to move Casell-Bergen
Gallery but as of today, I still have not found one. I have several places in
mind but I haven't heard from the realtors. So keep your prayers coming because
I will be very disappointed if I see the New Orleans Jazz Festival and the month
of May come and go without a permanent new home for the
gallery.
In the
meantime, I am still temporarily maintaining the gallery at my brother Lorenzo Bergen's studio at 1501
Esplanade Avenue so, if you’re interested in seeing any of the work I have
there, please call me at 495-9181 and I will arrange to meet you
there.
Darling,
this is going to be another very busy week for me. On Tuesday, April 15 is
the Men and Women of Fashion’s “Prix d’Elegance” Luncheon at the
Hilton. I will be the guest of my nominee, the lovely Suzanne Carpenter Scott. The luncheon
honors “men and women who exemplify unique personal style and excellence through
business, civic and charitable endeavors.” This prestigious event, chaired by Sandra Stage Chaisson, continues the
tradition of honoring a truly amazing group of 10 men and 10
women.
The 2013 Hall of Fame Honorees are Kathleen Mix and C. Michael Winters. The 2013 Honorees are Allison
G. Ashy, Michael Brinkman, Elaine Toscano Grundmeyer, Holley Haag,
Carol Hall, Alanah Odoms Hebert, Russ Herman, Diane Hollis, Doug Kilton,
Bivian “Sonny” Lee, Ted Martin, Manuel Martinez, Todd P. Murphy, Leslie
Andree Perrin, Harry A. Roach, Paige Royer, Suzanne Scott, Carol Short,
Wayne E. Woods and Michael S. Yenni.
One
of the season’s most glamorous luncheons, the event will celebrate the
Golden Age of Hollywood with a showing of spring fashions from Chatta
Box Boutique and Jeff’s Haberdashery
With an
expected attendance of more than 600 of New Orleans’ most prominent business and
philanthropic leaders, the Prix d’Elegance Luncheon will include a fashion show
by Chatta Box Boutique and Jeff’s Haberdashery, as well as a champagne
reception, three-course seated lunch, an exciting raffle, live and silent
auctions, and a special performance by pre-professional students in NOBA’s
Education Programs.
The New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) and BRAVO are honored to once again be the recipients of the luncheon’s proceeds and to participate in providing the funds needed to continue NOBA’s nationally award-winning scholarship program.
On Wednesday, April 16, it
is time for me to once again host the Royal Sonesta's Round Table Luncheon
as we celebrate the Spring Festival Season at noon.
There's nothing quite like
springtime in New Orleans! At the luncheon you will hear from three dynamic
speakers providing a sneak peek inside three different festivals on tap this
season. Join us in the hotel's Fleur de Lis Suite for an unforgettable
afternoon with live entertainment, delicious cuisine with a gourmet three-course
luncheon and wine and plenty of champagne! Parking is complimentary in the Royal
Sonesta garage.
Speakers will
include Kia Robinson, Programs, Marketing and Communications
Coordinator for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation;
Laila Morcos Zissis, who
will
provide a close-up look at
the 41st annual New Orleans Greek Festival taking place May 23-25 along the
banks of scenic Bayou St. John at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral; and
Jamie Peckenpaugh, Executive Director of The New Orleans Wine and Food
Experience, who will update guests on the festival taking place May 21-24 which
showcases local flavors and innovative culinary creations. Live
entertainment by locally renowned entertainer and singer Marshall Harris, accompanied by
resident pianist Jim Walpole! (See
calendar below for all the details and menu.)
The
luncheon is $50 inclusive with
advance reservations or $55 at the door. Parking will be validated. Reservations: Noel Scallan at 504-553-2220 or nscallan@sonesta.com
Jazz in the Park starts
Thursday, April 17, with Glen David Andrews, 5th Ward Weebie and the Landry-Walker Marching
Band.
Also
this Thursday, April 17, in the
Grand Ballroom of the Royal Sonesta Hotel is The Big Beat Gala fundraiser to
benefit the New Orleans Jazz
Orchestra. The evening will include a cocktail reception featuring both a
silent auction and a performance by the New Orleans Jazz Institute’s (NOJI)
Student Ambassadors, a performance by Irvin Mayfield and the 18-piece NOJO Big Band, plus Ellis Marsalis as both an honoree and
special guest with NOJO. There will be a tribute to Fats Domino led by Davell Crawford, and additional
tributes to both Dr. John and Allen Toussaint as well. All
proceeds from The Big Beat will support the New Orleans Jazz
Orchestra.
A memorial service for the
artist George Dureau will be held Friday, April 18, at 1 p.m. in
the Ogden Museum of Southern Art's Patrick F. Taylor Library. The entrance is on Andrew
Higgins Drive between Lee Circle and Camp Street.
Dureau, a painter and
photographer who was a mainstay of the New Orleans art scene, died Monday, April
7 at the Waldon Healthcare Center in Kenner. He was 84. He was known for his lush figural paintings, which
interpreted the Crescent City in mythological terms, and for stark studio photo
portraits.
Darlings, I already bought my ticket to see one of of the most talented performer CHITA RIVERA at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré
- April 20, 2014 in the French Quarter - Easter in New Orleans is special masses at St. Louis Cathedral, delicious brunches at New Orleans' best restaurants and not just one, but three parades through the French Quarter.
- The first to roll is the Historic French Quarter Parade started by the daughter of Count Arnaud long ago. The Parade of carriages and convertibles will leave Arnaud's Restaurant at 10:30 a.m. It goes down Bienville Street to Dauphine Street, Iberville Street, and Bourbon Street. The parade then turns onto Toulouse Street to Royal Street. Participants will promenade in Jackson Square before attending the noon Mass at St. Louis Cathedral, after which they go back to Arnaud's.
As in the past I am looking forward to participating in the
31st Annual Chris Owens French Quarter Easter Parade on
Sunday, April 20, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. The celebration starts at the Astor
Crowne Hotel Ballroom at 11:00 a.m. with a Continental Breakfast, Hat
Contest Silent Auction, and Entertainment. Riders will then hop on the
floats at 1:00 p.m. and ride through the heart of the historic French
Quarter.
The
parade will begin at the corner of Canal and Bourbon Streets, continue
down Bourbon Street. to St. Phillip Street, roll up to Decatur Street
and conclude on Canal Street at the Astor Crowne Hotel. Following the
parade, revelers can enjoy a Champagne Brunch and dancing. The parade
will be complete with colorful floats, marching bands, beads, Easter
trinkets, and plenty of eager revelers.
As
the Grand Duchess of the Easter Parade,
Chris Owens will be dressed in
her personally designed Easter ensemble, complimented by her beautiful
and exotic Easter bonnet.
The 15th Gay Easter Parade rolls through the streets of the French Quarter on Easter Sunday, April 20th beginning at 4:30pm sharp. Led by Easter Grand Marshals XV Todd Blauvelt and Stuart Nettles, the Pre-Parade Party and checkin is at GrandPre's, 834 N. Rampart from 3-4pm. Please see Parade Lineup Chair Steve Patrick inside the door on the right side for your line-up ticket in the parade. The parade entry deadline was April 1st, so the parade is now closed to any further entries. Carriages, wagons and trolleys are followed by vehicles.
Darlings
enjoy your week, have a happy, safe Passover Holiday, and a delightful Easter and don’t forget to get
your taxes in on time. Midnight tonight is the
deadline!French Quarter Easter Parade,
Men and Women of Fashion to Host 42nd Annual Prix d’Elegance Awards Luncheon
April 15, 2014
- Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside
- Address: 2 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Times: 10:30am
- Admission: Tickets for the 42nd annual Prix d’Elegance Luncheon are $100 (table of 10 for $1000), which includes a champagne reception.
- Contact: NOBA
- Phone: 504-522-0996
- Venue: Hilton New Orleans Riverside
The
Men and Women of Fashion will host the 42nd annual Prix d’Elegance
Luncheon at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel on Tuesday, April 15,
2014, at 10:30 AM. This event, which will introduce the 2013 honorees,
will once more benefit BRAVO, the Ballet Resource and Volunteer
Organization, which provides critical funds for the nationally
award-winning education programs and scholarship funds of the New
Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA).
For over four decades, the Men of Fashion and Women of Fashion have paid tribute to dozens of men and women who exemplify unique personal style as well as excellence through business, civic and charitable endeavors that specifically better the community in which they live. More than 600 people will gather to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of the 10 men and 10 women chosen by the memberships of the two prestigious organizations (all former honorees). New this year, award recipients from 1982-1983 will be honored in the Walk of Fame. Additionally, two honorees – one man and one woman – will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for their continued contributions to the community.
The 2013 Hall of Fame Honorees are Kathleen Mix and C. Michael Winters. The 2013 Honorees are Allison G. Ashy, Michael Brinkman, Elaine Toscano Grundmeyer, Holley Haag, Carol Hall, Alanah Odoms Hebert, Russ Herman, Diane Hollis, Doug Kilton, Bivian “Sonny” Lee, Ted Martin, Manuel Martinez, Todd P. Murphy, Leslie Andree Perrin, Harry A. Roach, Paige Royer, Suzanne Scott, Carol Short, Wayne E. Woods and Michael S. Yenni.
One of the season’s most glamorous luncheons, the event will celebrate the Golden Age of Hollywood with a showing of spring fashions from Chatta Box Boutique and Jeff’s Haberdashery. Sandra Stage Chaisson, event chair, comments, “It is an honor to be asked by the membership to chair the luncheon for a second year. With a few surprises planned by the committee, I’m sure it will be a luncheon to remember!” The event will also include champagne upon arrival, an exclusive auction of items donated by local businesses, and a raffle of a $2500 Rubenstein’s shopping spree and a Mikimoto pearl necklace donated by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.
For over four decades, the Men of Fashion and Women of Fashion have paid tribute to dozens of men and women who exemplify unique personal style as well as excellence through business, civic and charitable endeavors that specifically better the community in which they live. More than 600 people will gather to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of the 10 men and 10 women chosen by the memberships of the two prestigious organizations (all former honorees). New this year, award recipients from 1982-1983 will be honored in the Walk of Fame. Additionally, two honorees – one man and one woman – will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for their continued contributions to the community.
The 2013 Hall of Fame Honorees are Kathleen Mix and C. Michael Winters. The 2013 Honorees are Allison G. Ashy, Michael Brinkman, Elaine Toscano Grundmeyer, Holley Haag, Carol Hall, Alanah Odoms Hebert, Russ Herman, Diane Hollis, Doug Kilton, Bivian “Sonny” Lee, Ted Martin, Manuel Martinez, Todd P. Murphy, Leslie Andree Perrin, Harry A. Roach, Paige Royer, Suzanne Scott, Carol Short, Wayne E. Woods and Michael S. Yenni.
One of the season’s most glamorous luncheons, the event will celebrate the Golden Age of Hollywood with a showing of spring fashions from Chatta Box Boutique and Jeff’s Haberdashery. Sandra Stage Chaisson, event chair, comments, “It is an honor to be asked by the membership to chair the luncheon for a second year. With a few surprises planned by the committee, I’m sure it will be a luncheon to remember!” The event will also include champagne upon arrival, an exclusive auction of items donated by local businesses, and a raffle of a $2500 Rubenstein’s shopping spree and a Mikimoto pearl necklace donated by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry.
Wednesday, April 16
Royal Sonesta's Round Table Luncheon
Celebrate the Spring Festival Season
Join us in the hotel's Fleur de Lis Suite
for an unforgettable afternoon with live entertainment, delicious cuisine and plenty of champagne!
Parking Complimentary in the Royal Sonesta garage.
Guests will enjoy a gourmet three-course luncheon with wine for you to enjoy.
|
Speakers & Entertainment:
|
|
 April 2014 Round Table Menu: |
First Course
Blackened Snapper, Saffron and Shrimp Ciopinno
Entrée
Duet of Crispy Duck Leg Confit
with Grand Marnier and Blueberry Gastrique, Tarragon Brown Butter
Seared Lobster Mousse Medallions
Herb Roasted Fingerling Hassleback Potatoes, Garlic Spiked Swiss Chard
Dessert
Chocolate Doberge
with Carmelized Peach Ice Cream
|
Reservations:
|
The luncheon is $50 inclusive with advance reservations or $55 at the door.
Parking will be validated.
Reservations: Noel Scallan at 504-553-2220 or nscallan@sonesta.com
for our Next Luncheons:
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Wednesday June 18, 2014
Wednesday July 16, 2014
12 p.m. Noon
|
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April 16, 2014
Annual Jazz Lecture Presents the History and Sounds of the Boswell Sisters
- Location: Williams Research Center
- Address: 410 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70130
- Times: 6:00pm
- Admission: $10
WHO: The Historic New Orleans Collection with Kyla Titus and the Pfister Sisters
WHAT: The 15th annual Bill Russell Lecture
“The Boswell Sisters: Pioneers of American Popular Music”
WHEN: Thursday, April 10, 2014 • 6 p.m.
WHERE: Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St.
French Quarter, New Orleans, La.
HOW:
Admission is $10. Seating is limited; for reservations, call (504)
523-4662. Reservations will be held 10 minutes prior to the start of the
program. At that time, any unclaimed seats will be released to the
public. For more information, visit www.hnoc.org.
The Historic New
Orleans Collection will present the 15th annual Bill Russell Lecture
Thursday, April 10, at the Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St.
This year’s program, “The Boswell Sisters: Pioneers of American Popular
Music,” is presented in conjunction with the exhibition “Shout, Sister,
Shout! The Boswell Sisters of New Orleans” and will feature a
presentation from Kyla Titus, the granddaughter of the trio’s youngest
member Vet Boswell. The evening will also include a performance of the
Boswell Sisters’ repertoire by New Orleans vocal trio the Pfister
Sisters.
Admission for this event is $10 and seating is limited.
Reservations are encouraged and may be made by calling (504) 523-4662.
Reservations will be held 10 minutes prior to the start of the program.
At that time, any unclaimed seats will be released to the public.
- Location: Williams Research Center
- Address: 410 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70130
- Times: 6:00pm
- Admission: $10
WHO: The Historic New Orleans Collection with Kyla Titus and the Pfister Sisters
WHAT: The 15th annual Bill Russell Lecture
“The Boswell Sisters: Pioneers of American Popular Music”
WHEN: Thursday, April 10, 2014 • 6 p.m.
WHERE: Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St.
French Quarter, New Orleans, La.
HOW: Admission is $10. Seating is limited; for reservations, call (504) 523-4662. Reservations will be held 10 minutes prior to the start of the program. At that time, any unclaimed seats will be released to the public. For more information, visit www.hnoc.org.
The Historic New Orleans Collection will present the 15th annual Bill Russell Lecture Thursday, April 10, at the Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St. This year’s program, “The Boswell Sisters: Pioneers of American Popular Music,” is presented in conjunction with the exhibition “Shout, Sister, Shout! The Boswell Sisters of New Orleans” and will feature a presentation from Kyla Titus, the granddaughter of the trio’s youngest member Vet Boswell. The evening will also include a performance of the Boswell Sisters’ repertoire by New Orleans vocal trio the Pfister Sisters.
Admission for this event is $10 and seating is limited. Reservations are encouraged and may be made by calling (504) 523-4662. Reservations will be held 10 minutes prior to the start of the program. At that time, any unclaimed seats will be released to the public.
WHAT: The 15th annual Bill Russell Lecture
“The Boswell Sisters: Pioneers of American Popular Music”
WHEN: Thursday, April 10, 2014 • 6 p.m.
WHERE: Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St.
French Quarter, New Orleans, La.
HOW: Admission is $10. Seating is limited; for reservations, call (504) 523-4662. Reservations will be held 10 minutes prior to the start of the program. At that time, any unclaimed seats will be released to the public. For more information, visit www.hnoc.org.
The Historic New Orleans Collection will present the 15th annual Bill Russell Lecture Thursday, April 10, at the Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St. This year’s program, “The Boswell Sisters: Pioneers of American Popular Music,” is presented in conjunction with the exhibition “Shout, Sister, Shout! The Boswell Sisters of New Orleans” and will feature a presentation from Kyla Titus, the granddaughter of the trio’s youngest member Vet Boswell. The evening will also include a performance of the Boswell Sisters’ repertoire by New Orleans vocal trio the Pfister Sisters.
Admission for this event is $10 and seating is limited. Reservations are encouraged and may be made by calling (504) 523-4662. Reservations will be held 10 minutes prior to the start of the program. At that time, any unclaimed seats will be released to the public.
April 16, 2014
YLC Wednesday at the Square: Honey Island Swamp Band and Billy Iuso & Restless Natives
- Location: North Maestri St., the area between the 650 Poydras Street
- Times: 5pm-8pm
- Contact: Juliana Wilkins
- Email: juliana@ylcnola.org
- Visit Website
April 16
Moises Wines and Blue Dot Donuts Team Up For Unique Tasting Event
Savory donut and wine pairing at Swirl Wine Bar & Market
Savory donut and wine pairing at Swirl Wine Bar & Market
Wine
and donuts? Why not! Local winemaker James Moises of Moises Wines has
teamed up with the donut making experts at Blue Dot Donuts to create a
tasting experience like no other � A savory donut and wine pairing. The
one-of-a-kind tasting experience will be held on Wednesday, April 16
from 6-8pm at Swirl Wine Bar & Market (3143 Ponce de Leon St.)
Guests will sample four savory donuts crafted by Blue Dot Donuts paired
with four fine wines, including Moises Pinot Noir, for $25 per person.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to Companion Pet Adoption, a
small non-profit animal rescue group based around foster homes. Advanced
reservations can be made by calling, 504-304-0635 or online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/savory-donuts-and-wine-pairing-tickets-11035145417.
The Andrews Brothers
April 04 – 26, 2014
- Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Thursday, Friday, Saturday
- Location: National World War II Museum - Stage Door Canteen
- Address: 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Times: Friday: 6pm dinner seating, 8pm show, Saturday: 6pm dinner seating, 8pm show, Sunday: 11:30am lunch seating
- Venue: National World War II Museum
- Visit Website
REESE JOHANSON (COLLECTIVE) PRESENTS:
THE SPRINGLING BUNNIES AND VARNUM O’ GAILEY’S
GREATEST SHOW ON REBIRTH!!!
It's springtime! Its cabaret! It's rebirth! It's circus!
Our ringleader and singing sensation, Varnum O' Gailey will bring out the dancing Springling Bunnies! All guests may participate in an egg hunt with a surprise in every one. And find the afikomen- the lucky winner gets $50 cash prize! What is an afikomen? Come to the show and you'll find out!"
The Reese Johanson Collective has done it again! Live music, dance, singing, multimedia and bunnies! They will thrill you, amaze you, entertain you and surprise you! Yes! Big surprises!
Jay Poggi creates a palatial experience (as in palate- yummy- not palace- big fancy house)
Spring greens with carrot ginger vinaigrette
Mezze platter with grilled lamb, dolmas, smoked hummus,
matzo ball soup, pickled vegetables and olives
Middle Eastern pastries, seasonal garnish and tasty nibbles
only ONE show:
Thursday, April 17The Eiffel Society
2040 Saint Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70115
$45 general admission ADVANCED TIX ONLY PLEASE
(need a head count for food prep, help us out ya'll and order tix early!!!)
Ticket sales end Wednesday April 16! http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/622496
4-17-14
Ogden After Hours- With Ragtime Musician Tuba Skinny
April 17, 2014
- Location: Ogden Museum of Southern Art
- Address: 925 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Times: 6PM-8PM
- Admission: $10 Gen Admission; Free to Museum Members
- Contact: Libra LaGrone
- Phone: 504-539-9650
- Email: llagrone@ogdenmuseum.org
- Visit Website
Thursday, April 17
THNOC announces lineup for spring 2014 Concerts in the Courtyard
The Historic New Orleans Co
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