Margarita Bergen: A Toast to New Orleans: Happy Carnival 2015- Greasing of the Poles-Happy Valentine's Day

Angela Hill at the reviewing stand of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus with Mama Bergen and Duchess Chiquita Bergen

Darlings,

I am still in disbelief how Mother Nature blessed us with such incredibly glorious weather this weekend - the first one of Carnival Season 2015, so we could enjoy the festivities associated with it.

To me, as in the past, this last weekend is MY Mardi Gras since I got to parade with Duchess Chiquita on Friday at the Krewe of Cork and on Sunday as her escort at the Mystic Krewe of Barkus. What fun!

Prior to the weekend, I enjoyed attending the always-fun Broadway production of “Annie” at the Saenger Theatre. The cast was superb and was well received by the packed audience.

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presented the fabulous concert: “New Orleans and the Spanish World,” the ninth installment of Musical Louisiana: America’s Cultural Heritage at St. Louis Cathedral. Maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto, the LPO and the invited guests musicians were awesome and they made me feel so proud of my rich cultural heritage.

Prior to the concert I was invited to attend a private reception at Tableau hosted by Jose Suquet, the CEO of Pan American Life Insurance and of the sponsor of the concert.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152529171505870.1073742409.581200869&type=1&l=b9c2c77727

Great concert with Monterey-born Maestro Carlos Prieto and pianist

Abdiel Vazquez

On Thursday, it was time to attend the press conference at Jackson Square for the upcoming French Quarter Festival. The FREE French Quarter Festival 2015 is April 9-12! Visit this link for all the special events: http://fqfi.org/frenchquarter/fests/special_events/

That evening was a very busy one since my darling friend and “King of Cocktail,” Dale DeGroff was launching "Touring the Cocktail," a monthly series of cocktail and spirits seminars, and the re-dedication of The Museum of the American Cocktail at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. Dale is a central figure in the craft cocktail revolution of the last 25 years and one of the founders of the Museum of the American Cocktail.

That evening it was the get-together for the Krewe of Cork and the presentation of the Grand Marshal, Agustin Huneeus and Queen 2015, Jeffrey McIlwain, at the courtyard of Patrick's Bar Vin.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152529199010870.1073742410.581200869&type=1&l=3ff34cdeda

The next day it was time to parade as the former Queen II and X and boy did I enjoy the parade to the point that I had to skip going to the Krewe of Cork Ball at the Royal Sonesta Hotel and the Mystic Krewe of Barkus ball at the Windsor Court!

Krewe of Cork 2015. Patrick van Hoorebeek Margarita Bergen

Perennial King Patrick van Hoorebeek and MB and Chiquita before the annual Krewe of Cork Parade

http://www.nola.com/mardigras/index.ssf/2015/02/krewe_of_cork_toasted_mardi_gr.html

Since I could not be at the Mystic Krewe of Barkus New Orleans,I sent my camera with my friend Janelle so she coud take pictuResof the monarchs

Darlings, on Sunday, it was time to get all dressed up to escort Duchess Chiquita Linda in the Mystic Krewe of Barkus. The weather could not have been more beautiful for us to push our silver space cart as Chiquita and companions sniffed their way through the French Quarter. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152529225755870.1073742411.581200869&type=1&l=debd013d4f

This week, I am concentrating on working at Casell-Bergen and I hope you think of us for your Mardi Gras needs.

I have been invited and look forward to attending several balls for which I am sure I will be sharing the photos with you. One of the events that I am looking forward is the annual Greasing of the Poles at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Friday, February 13 at 10 a.m. The Royal Sonesta Hotel organized this long-standing tradition of greasing the support poles as a means of deterring over-zealous revelers from shimmying up to the coveted balcony space above.

"This popular Mardi Gras event has evolved into one of the most unique Carnival displays of the season and is a popular must-see for locals and visitors," explains Alfred Groos, President and General Manager of the Royal Sonesta Hotel.
The festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Royal Sonesta Hotel's main entrance with a brass band to get things rolling in the Carnival spirit. The King and Queen of Zulu will be in attendance, as well as local dignitaries and special guests. The actual “greasing” is a competitive event where four celebrity greasers apply Vaseline to the wrought iron poles and creatively vie for top votes from our panel of judges.

The New Orleans Opera Association & the Junior Committee of the Women's Guild invite you to Mardi Gras Fete 2015 on Friday, February 13 from 6-10 p.m. at the Opera Guild Home, 2504 Prytania Street. This event is co-hosted by the New Orleans Opera Association and the Junior Committee. Advance purchase tickets are $35 for adults and $12 per child per day.

Darlings, due to lack of space at the JW Marriott, we will have the first Round Table Luncheon on

Darlings, have a safe and Happy Carnival 2015 Season!

PHOTOS FROM LAST WEEK:

Margarita Bergen added 5 new photos to the album: iOS Photos.

February 5 at 11:19am · iOS ·

With the perennial King of Krewe of Cork and the Grand Marshall Augustine Hunneus and Valerian

From the Museum of the American Cocktail with King of Cocktail Dale DeGroaf

The 2015 French Quarter festival posters at the unveiling at Jackson Square

pHOTOS OF THE NEW POSTERS FOR THE French QUARTER FEST 2015

Darlings, O What a Day! Unfortunately for me when I start drinking at 10 am at the Queen of Cork Breakfast, unlimited champagne and wines at the Brunch at the Court of Two Sisters and then being followed by the wine police during the parade- By 5 pm I was ready for my comfortable bed and skipped the Krewe of Cork Ball at the Royal Sonesta and the Mystic Krewe of Barkus New Orleans at the Windsor Court

— with Lorenzo Bergen and 2 others.

Visit Casell-Bergen gallery for all you Mardi Gras posters and prints: Link buy: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KGWLSR4J4YYMU

IT IS MARDI GRAS PARTY TIME - COME TO SEE THE KREWE DU VIEUX PARADE ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 as it passes in front of the gallery, 1305 Decatur Street. Come early for King cake and refreshment . 6 p.m,.

Darlings, make Casell-Bergen Gallery your Mardi Gras Headquarter for the 2015 Mardi Gras Posters and for Vintage Posters. 504-524-0671- Use paypalDarlings, make Casell-Bergen Gallery your Mardi Gras Headquarter for the 2015 Mardi Gras Posters and for Vintage Posters. 504-524-0671- Use paypal

Buy your Poster in our website: Size: 12x17 Price: $30 http://casellbergengallery.com/mardi-gras.html#amzie

Photo: Darlings, We have the new of Mel Wiken... Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) poster signed... $25 visit our website: http://casellbergengallery.com/mardi-gras.html#wiken Link buy: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=KGWLSR4J4YYMU

Fat Tuesday by Mel Wiken- Artist Proof signed by artist $25

We have the Mardi Gras Limited edition prints by of Bob Graham of Muses, Comus, Hermes and Proteus.10 x26
Signed and numbered SALE _ $40 each

Get the Scoop on Happenings Around

The Vieux Carre

CALENDAR- FOR COMPLETE visit LaFete News 2-10-15

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/LaFete-News-Spotlights-2…

February 13

Greasing of the Poles

@The Royal Sonesta Hotel

The Royal Sonesta officially kicks off the big carnival weekend in the French Quarter with the presentation of the 45th Annual 'Greasing of the Poles.' This long standing tradition of greasing the support poles as a means to deter over-zealous revelers from shimmying up to the coveted balcony space above is one that can't be missed!

More info

February 13

DIVA Parade

The Divine Protectors of Endangered Pleasures was established at an inaugural luncheon at Arnaud's Restaurant in 2002 with what was to become an annual Promenade on Bourbon and Royal Streets in divinely beaded costumes. The DIVAs provide a colorful show!

More info

February 13-16

Mardi Gras Mask Market

@The French Market

Come get your Mardi Gras on in the French Market! Shop fine handmade masks by artisans from around the country who converge for this annual event. Plus, enjoy locally made cuisine, children's activities, contests and live local music.

Friday, February 13

Mardi Gras Fete 2015!!

Friday, February 13th, 6pm-10pm,

The New Orleans Opera Association & the Junior Committee of the Women's Guild invite you to Mardi Gras Fete 2015!

Come join your friends this Carnival season for our annual Mardi Gras Fete at the Opera Guild Home. Just 1 block from the parade route you can enjoy food, libations, a place to rest and most important of all... clean bathrooms! To purchase tickets contact Gina Klein at 504-267-9527 or via eventbrite at: http://mardigrasfete2015.eventbrite.com. This event is co-hosted by the New Orleans Opera Association and the Junior Commitee of the Women's Guild (co-chairs Angel Varnado and Brigid Collins). No refunds unless the event is canceled. All questions about the event should be emailed to nooajuniors@gmail.com.

2504 Prytania St. NOLA

Cost: Advanced Purchase Tickets $35 Adult / $12 Child per day.

At-the-door $40 Adult/ $15 Child per day.

2-13-15

Mom's Ball- February 14

www.momsball.com/

VALENTINE'S DAY - WISHING YOU A -HAPPY ONE!

February 14

Ideas: Valentine's Day in the French Quarter

Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Give your Valentine a night to remember by spending a romantic evening in the French Quarter.

Here are a few suggestions from us:

Stop by Patrick's Bar Vin for a
glass of bubbly, then treat your Valentine to dinner at Restaurant R'evolution. After dinner, stop by Richard Fiske's for music and cocktails. Don't forget to give your sweetheart a sparkly gift from Maison Royale!

ERNST CAFE BACCHUS BASH ORGANIZERS ANNOUNCE 2015 MUSICAL LINEUP

Organizers of the Popular Mardi Gras Tradition Brace for Thousands of Revelers

(New Orleans, LA) – Organizers of the Ernst Cafe Bacchus Bash today announced the all-star musical lineup that will perform at this year’s Mardi Gras celebration. Bacchus Bash is a festive, day-long party that precedes the renowned Bacchus parade, and event organizers expect over 5,000 people to attend the event at Generations Hall which is located at 310 Andrew Higgins Drive.

Dating back to the 1980s, Bacchus Bash was held at Ernst Café on S. Peters St., but in 2012 the festivities moved to Generations Hall, offering Bacchus Bash more space to entertain guests. The day-long celebration offers patrons the option to watch the super krewe of Bacchus in VIP fashion.

The popular Mardi Gras tradition will kick off at noon on Sunday, February 15. The indoor/outdoor party will have three stages, food vendors, some of the city’s best local bands and great drink specials. The official music lineup is as follows:

Main Stage Outside

· 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm – DJ Ronnie Roux

· 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Bicycle Jones & the Training Wheels

· 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm – Flow Tribe

· 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Topcats

Inside Stage (Big Room)

· 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Category 6

· 4:20 pm – 5:50 pm – The Vettes

Inside Stage (Metro #1)

· 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm – DJ Wixx

· 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm – DJ TAF

· 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – DJ Mannie Fresh

· 9:30 pm – 3:00 am – DJ Wixx & DJ TAF

The indoor/outdoor block party is free and open to the public. Also available are exclusive VIP tickets at $200 each which include access to the outdoor grandstand, access to indoor private rooms and bathrooms, an open bar and free food until 8:00 pm. Anyone interested in purchasing VIP tickets should go to metronightclubneworleans.com.