From: Margarita Bergen <margaritabergen@hotmail.com>Good morning darlings,
I hope you are enjoying this glorious autumn weather.
This past week was a very busy one, but I know the highlight of my week was hosting the always informative, entertaining and delicious Round Table Luncheon Saluting the Cultural Arts at the Bourbon Orleans. Over 130 people enjoyed listening to the featured speakers as well as the fabulous entertainment by soprano Kathleen Halm Simmons, accompanied on the piano by her husband, Timothy Todd Simmons, Executive Director at New Orleans Opera Association. I also enjoyed hearing Dr. Maxim Samarov, Director of New Orleans Chamber Orchestra who played Bach on his cello, as well as our own musical director, pianist Jim Walpole who was joined later by talented Carl Mack, Marshall Harris and Becky Allen.
The new Consul General of France, Hon. Vincent Sciama, joined Consul General of Mexico Hon. Carlos Ponce as special invited guests. The luncheon was co-hosted by Scott Hutcheson, Senior Adviser to the Mayor for Cultural Economy, and yours truly Margarita Bergen.
The speakers were Jenny Hamilton, Executive Director of New Orleans Ballet Association; Maestro Robert Lyall, General Director and Conductor of the New Orleans Opera Association; Maestro Dennis Assaf, Artistic Director of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society; James William Boyd, CEO of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra; Maxwell Williams, Artistic Director of Le Petit Theatre; Dr. Maxim Samarov, Conductor of the New Orleans Chamber Orchestra; Priscilla Lawrence, Executive Director of The Historic New Orleans Collection; Nick Stillman, President & CEO of the Arts Council of New Orleans; and Gary Rucker and Kelly Fouchi, co-artistic directors of Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts.
Also speaking were Ylva Rouse, Executive Director of Prospect 4 art project; Dave Hurlbert, Executive Director of the Marigny Opera House; Jenny Windstrup, director of communications for Southern Rep Theatre, subbing for Artistic Director Aimee Hayes; and Patrick Maklansky, Interim Director of Louisiana State Museum. Please put in your calendar that these are the remaining 2017 dates for the upcoming Round Table Luncheons: Wednesdays: OCT 11, NOV 15 and DEC 13.
Check out the photos in in the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154666536535870.1073742932.581200869&type=1&l=3c5623b3a2
My week was very hectic and the first party that I attended was a Reception in honor of my darling friend, Clovis Taittinger of the House of Taittinger Champagne, at the Hotel Monteleone. Clovis was the Grand Marshal of the Krewe of Cork in 2010.
On Thursday, as in the past, I attended a very interesting luncheon of The Club of Louisiana at the Desi Vega's.
That Thursday, I was honored to be invited to cover the WYES Private Grand Opening for Campaign Major Donors at the WYES Paulette and Frank Stewart Innovation Center for Educational Media at 916 Navarre Avenue, New Orleans. I was impressed by the new, state of the art facility. I saw so many familiar faces as you will see in some of these photos. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154656603615870.1073742928.581200869&type=1&l=0d763c5a6b
On Friday, I started my evening by stopping at The Historic New Orleans Collection where the first one of the Concerts in the Courtyard Series was taking place. Players Ella & Louie Tribute Band packed the place. The next one will feature vocalist Robin Barnes on October 20.
On Friday, I invited my roommate, David Martins, to Martini Madness. He let me know early in the evening that, since it was his birthday and he was enjoying himself so much, I was going to be the designated driver. Martini Madness was indeed decadent madness which I enjoyed tremendously and saw so many friends enjoying the glorious night. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154658876040870.1073742929.581200869&type=1&l=8a214325d4
Jorge Lauriano Jr. with Fred Holley of Republic
On my way home I stopped by Felipe's Taqueria where the Fiesta Fest was taking place. The Fest honored the Independence of Mexico and Central American republics.
Darlings, Saturday was a beautiful night like only New Orleans could provide- lot of fun activities.
I started my evening at the elegant black-tie 31st Annual YLC Role Model Awards Gala at the Hyatt Regency. It honored 21 business, community and civic leaders.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154661263605870.1073742930.581200869&type=1&l=1340836e22
On Saturday, my evening kept going and on my way home, I stopped briefly at the Bon Appétit- Dessert and Champagne After Party at the Old Ursuline Convent-French Quarter Courtyard. The fundraiser benefited Lazarus Project and there were more desserts than I could handle, as well as flowing champagne. I saw many of my darling friends and the evening was just perfect for a party in the historic courtyard. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154661282915870.1073742931.581200869&type=1&l=569b3bec65
Darlings, before I go on to share all the wonderful soirees that will keep me going like a butterfly, I want to share the sad news that two of my darling longtime friends have passed away. Both were pillars of our community and will be sorely missed.
The first one is the beautiful Cuba-born Cristina Fowler. http://obits.nola.com/obituaries/nola/obituary.aspx?n=cristina-j-fowler&pid=186663128
obits.nola.com
Read the Obituary and view the Guest Book, leave condolences or send flowers. | Cristina passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2017. Although she was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, friend and active in many community organizations, she was especially known because of
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I am also mourning the death of my longtime friend, attorney Louis Victor de la Vergne who recently passed away. Louis was going to accompany me to Paris for the wedding of his godchild, attorney Lorraine De Germiny, but he was too sick to go.
Louis died on September 15 in New Orleans following a brief illness, during which time he was cared for by his devoted friend, Anna Swadling, and his cousins Paulette (Mrs. Frank) Stewart and Robert L. Ménard. Preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. de la Vergne and Marcelle Ménard de la Vergne, he is survived by two brothers, as well as an extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Louis was a member of many New Orleans clubs and patriotic organizations, enjoying the company of old friends at Carnival each year.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass followed by a reception at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy your week!
Lafete News Link September 20, 2017
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http://conta.cc/2faTynW |
Love New Orleans & She'll Love You Back.
Sincerely,
Frank Stansbury
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Once on this Island Sept 20 7:30pm
On a tropical isle in the Caribbean, a child seeks comfort in a storm. Her fellow villagers tell her the story of Ti Moune, a young peasant girl who falls in love with a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, and of the four impassioned gods who make a bet over which is stronger: love or death. Le Petit kicks off its second century of great theatre in the heart of the French Quarter with the spectacular musical fable from the Tony Award-winning songwriting team of Ragtime and Anastasia.
Winner of the Olivier Award for Best Musical and nominated for eight Tony Awards, Once on this Island is a rousing Calypso-flavored tale of one small girl who finds love in a world of prejudice.
Run-time 90 minutes with no intermission.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
LE PETIT THEATRE - 616 St. Peter St. New Orleans LA 70116 | 504.522.2081
Box Office Hours Weekdays 12 - 5 PM | Performance days 12 PM - Curtain
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