A Toast to New Orleans June 26-July 1: Reclaiming the Fire/ Crowns/ The 18th Annual Patriotic Music Festival at Trinity / $th of July Celebrations and much more
Darlings,
Let's face it, the steamy days of summer are here. I hope you have been enjoying what our beloved city of New Orleans has to offer while trying to stay cool.
There were so many events to attend and I enjoyed every one that I attended, even though sometimes it was only for a few minutes.
2018 New Orleans Magazine's Top Female Achievers
Congratulations to all my darling friends that were honored last night by New Orleans magazine as Top Achievers at the Cannery. The 2018 Top Female Achievers are:
L'issa L. Gates, M.D. * Antonia Keller * Ti Adelaide Martin * Jaclyn McCabe * Mayra E. Pineda * Victoria Adams Phipps * Ingrid Rinck * Chef Leah Sarris * Fern Tsien, PhD.
I joined presenting sponsor, Thibodaux Regional Medical Center and New Orleans magazine as we celebrated the 2018 class of Top Female Achievers. Honorees were selected based on their outstanding professional accomplishments and remarkable impact on the New Orleans community. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155310192210870.1073743205.581200869&type=1&l=b8a7e46897
I loved attending on Wednesday, the fabulous performance of My Fair Lady at Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane.
Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady
BRAVO! The Summer Lyric Theater at Tulane University's production of My Fair Lady was divine. I LOVED IT. I actually saw legendary actor Rex Harrison performing in the Broadway Revival of it in 1981 and this production was equally as great. I loved the entire cast and seeing my darling longtime friends, actors Chris Carey as Professor Higgins, Sean Patterson as Colonel Pickering and Bob Edes Jr. as Alfred Doolittle made it to be very special and memorable. The Director was Dr. Michael E. McKelvey, working from the original production directed by Moss Hart. Multi-talented Diane Lala was the choreographer and the Conductor/ Musical Director was C. Leonard Raybon.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155310232800870.1073743206.581200869&type=1&l=83e13775f3
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation's Reception
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation hosted a lovely reception at the beautiful home of Gary Solomon Jr. The decadent cocktails and delicious light bites were provided by award-winning Cure and Cane and Cure. I just cannot wait to host my Round Table Luncheon Saluting Tales of the Cocktail on Wednesday, July 18, and the upcoming spirited TALES OF THE COCKTAIL is going to be July 17-22. My Round Table Luncheon will be co-hosted by Caroline Rosen, Executive Director of tales of the Cocktail. Not to be missed since it is usually sold-out.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155312159805870.1073743207.581200869&type=1&l=60c6e8d8e3
Royalty Showcase by the Krewe of Stars: Crowning of Chris Owens & Mark Davison
Marshall Harris, 2018 King Al "Carnival Time Johnson, Carl Mack , Royalty 2019 Chris Owens and Mark Davison
Congratulations to Bourbon Street legend Chris Owens and Mark Davison, the 2019 Queen and King of the Krewe of Stars. It was a fun night at the fabulous Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture where the Krewe of Stars' Royalty Showcase, headed by Co-captains Carl Mack and Marshall Harris, announced next year’s royalty in the presence of the media and celebrities that included 2018 King Al “Carnival Time” Johnson.
Unfortunately I could not stay for the second-line parade over to Chris Owens’ club on Bourbon Street or for Chris’ show there but friends who attended told me it was a really fun time!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155316520140870.1073743209.581200869&type=1&l=fa4dc854b8
2018 Summer Wine Festival
The annual Fete Du Vin hosted by the French American Chamber of Commerce Gulf Coast at Canal Place was lovely and delicious. The Summer Wine Festival featured special food and wine pairings as we strolled through Canal Place. Chef Jean-Luc Albin, 2018 Summer Wine Festival Honorary Chair, whipped up delicious sweet treats, and Jacques Soulas, artist and co-owner of Café Degas, served shrimp and ravigotte on endive leaves while his one-of-a-kind Unwind at the Summer Wine Festival poster (and prints) were on sale. Entertainment was by Tim Laughlin, Joe Simon's Jazz Music (strolling accordion) and Jeanne d'Arc Krewe in costume! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155316590185870.1073743210.581200869&type=1&l=867b32dc42
As in the past, the highlight of my week was the annual FestiGals Weekend. ![Inline image OWAPstImg388437]()
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2018 FestiGals Weekend
The lovely Jung Hotel was the setting for the annual FestiGal Weekend Experience - Inspiring , connecting celebrating women
The 2018 FestiGals Weekend brought women of all ages and backgrounds together for an enjoyable experience that featured authentic New Orleans activities, designed for women, by women. It was a special time here in New Orleans as we commemorated the Tricentennial of our city's founding.
I loved being with dynamic women and enjoyed attending the very informative seminars and the luncheon. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155320718820870.1073743211.581200869&type=1&l=5c1546b854
Mother Nature blessed the annual FestiGals Step Up Second Line Parade with glorious weather to the delight of the parade participants. As the first Grand Diva of FestiGals and now called affectionately "Has Been Diva" I was joined by fellow Has Been Diva, Lydia Benson in a beautiful black convertible provided generously by Terry Toppino of Bryant Chevrolet.
Lydia and I had a very memorable parade. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155314329800870.1073743208.581200869&type=1&l=9d4225869a
Congratulations to FestiGals : The streets of the French Quarter and Downtown were aflutter with pink and orange feathers, boas and festively attired women and men – more than 1,500, who paraded to “shine a light on domestic violence” and raise funds for the New Orleans Family Justice Center on Friday, June 22. By the end of the evening, 29 women’s marching krewes, FestiGals participants from across the country, and sponsors raised nearly $40,000 for the cause and additional donations are still being collected at FestiGals.org.
In addition to the above listed events, I also attended the fabulous performance of Crowns at Le Petit Theater. It should not be missed since it will running for another week.
I loved Crowns at Le Petit Theater with a very talented cast that included my darling longtime friend Barbara Shorts. It brought memories of the fabulous black-tie Soiree that I hosted at “Rivers” at the World Fair in 1984 and BARBARA performed and was later joined by members of the London Symphony. WOW Those were the days!
Another fun night in my beloved New Orleans.
I started my night at the lovely and delicious get together June Biz Night: Jung Hotel & Residences of the New Orleans Hotel Collection
I started my night at the lovely and delicious get together June Biz Night: Jung Hotel & Residences of the New Orleans Hotel Collection
Another event that I truly enjoyed was a presentation on the Louisiana State Museum’s newest exhibit (open till July 8th) Recovered Memories: Spain, New Orleans and the Support for the American Revolution especially prepared for the Sociedad Espanola by local Tour Guide and Friend of the Cabildo Board Member Robert Freeland gave A once in a lifetime exhibit for the museum, Freeland served as the chief translator between the Louisiana State Museum and officials in Spain as well as he trained (among others) the Friends of the Cabildo Docents that are offering tours Monday-Saturday at 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
I stopped briefly last at the Jazz Museum at the Old US Mint to see Jazz En Route to France
Jazz En Route to France 1917-1918 is a new exhibition examining how African-American military bands stationed in France helped popularize jazz in Paris during World War I.
Jazz En Route to France 1917-1918 is a new exhibition examining how African-American military bands stationed in France helped popularize jazz in Paris during World War I.
Saturday, was a very hectic night for me
i did not joined Wendy Rodrigue for a personal tour of the wondrous exhibition, "George Rodrigue's Swirling Vision: The Sun, Cosmos, and Hurricanes" but my darling friend and avid George Rodrigue 's collector Joy Renee Gauthier came in from Alexandria, Louisiana to attend the special event . 
18th Annual Satchmo SummerFest presented by Chevron
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- French Quarter Festivals, Inc. proudly announces the complete music and culinary lineup for the 18th Annual Satchmo SummerFest presented by Chevron. The premier American festival dedicated to the life, legacy, and music of New Orleans' native son, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, Satchmo SummerFest takes place at the Jazz Museum at the Mint on August 3-5, 2018.The nominal daily admission of $5 (children 12 and under are free) helps support local musicians and pay for the event. Admission also provides access to indoor activities like Pops' Playhouse for Kids powered by Entergy and the Satchmo Legacy Stage featuring discussions and presentations by renowned Armstrong scholars. For more details, please visit satchmosummerfest.org.
Eight Artists Make Festival Debuts
Grammy-winning Soul Queen of New Orleans, Irma Thomas makes her Satchmo SummerFest presented by Chevron debut in 2018. The celebrated artist and recent Tulane honorary doctorate recipient is internationally known. Her numerous awards include several Grammy nominations, a 2007 Grammy for After the Rain, W.C. Handy Award, Offbeat Magazine Award, Big Easy Award, and induction into the Blues Hall of Fame. Irma Thomas, who performs on Sunday, August 5, said "Mr. Armstrong was an influence on a lot of young children, including me. I never thought I would be in the business but then saw him as King Zulu when I was nine years old. That parade passed right in front of my house and left such an impression!"
Other 2018 Satchmo SummerFest debuts include: Aurora Nealand & The Royal Roses, Bonerama, Doyle Cooper Jazz Band, Dwayne Burns and His New Orleans Band, James Williams, Mayumi Shara & New Orleans Jazz Letters, and Where Ya At Brass Band. Two tented stages will provide three days of musical performances. The lineup includes returning favorites Big Chief Donald Harrison Jr., Bill Summers & Jazalsa, Corey Henry's Treme Funktet, Ellis Marsalis, Jeremy Davenport, Preservation Brass, and a Trumpet Tribute presented by Popeyes featuring Ashlin Parker. Click here for the complete schedule.
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June 27
"Reclaiming the Fire: The Tragedy and Legacy of the Up Stairs Lounge, 45 Years Later"
Wednesday: Panel discussion commemorates the 45th anniversary of the Up Stairs Lounge fire.
The Historic New Orleans Collection and the LGBT+ Archives Project will commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Up Stairs Lounge fire on Wednesday, June 27, with a panel of historians and witnesses discussing how the event shaped the LGBT+ community locally and nationally. 6 p.m. at the Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street. Admission is free, and registration is required.
Just a few weeks left to see this fascinating exhibition at the Cabildo:
CROWNS
A Moving and Celebratory Musical called "Wholly theatrical!" and "Warm, wise and wonderful!"
Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré
616 St Peter St, French Quarter New Orleans
June 25 - 7:30 pm
June 28, 29, 30 - 7:30 pm
July 1 - 3:00 pm
Box Office: 504-522-2081 for Group Rates
Crowns - By Regina Taylor, adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, Directed by Tommye Myrick, Choreography by Lula Elzy, Music Direction by Frank Richard.
VCPORA has two big events this week; one focused on our past, and the other on our future. Please join us and the Beauregard-Keyes House on Thursday, June 28 to learn about the impact of the Yellow Fever epidemic on the development of New Orleans. Then, on Saturday, June 30, we present our biannual Morrison Lecture in partnership with The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Vieux Carré Commission Foundation. Come hear from Costas Christ, the world expert on sustainable tourism on how a shift in our approach could ensure longevity for the industry as well as protection of the local environment, heritage and culture.
Tricentennial Lecture Series
Thursday, June 28 - 5:30 p.m.
Beauregard-Keyes House (1113 Chartres) FREE
Join VCPORA, along with our partners at the Beauregard-Keyes House next Thursday evening, June 28th, for our June Tricentennial Lecture! Dr. Urmi Engineer Willoughbywill present on how the growth of New Orleans as a port city, the implementation of its canal and levee systems, and the development of nearby sugar plantations, created fertile ground for the spread of Yellow Fever in a young city that was both developing rapidly and shifting culturally in the early years of the nineteenth century. Space is limited, so reservations are stronglyencouraged. RSVP by emailing lily@bkhouse.org.
Biennial Morrison Lecture:
Sustainable Tourism Expert Costas Christ
Saturday, June 30 - 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
THNOC Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street
FREE – Registration required – click here or call 504-598-7146
The effects of mass, unmanaged tourism have long been a focus of ours here at VCPORA, which is one reason we are thrilled to announce this year’s Jacob Haight and Mary Meek Morrison Memorial Lecture speaker and topic: international journalist, author, and consultant Costas Christ will speak on “How Sustainable Tourism is Transforming the Global Travel Industry and What that Means for New Orleans.”
The World Travel and Tourism Council labeled sustainable tourism one of the most significant transformations in the history of modern travel. Calling for travelers to create a positive impact on local populations, sustainable tourism advocates emphasize the protection of cultural and natural heritage, social and economic well-being of local people and environmentally-friendly practices. In this presentation, Christ will provide a window into this development and how it is changing the landscape of the modern tourism industry.
Mr. Christ has traveled to more than 130 countries across six continents. He is an award-winning writer and editor for National Geographic Traveler, and serves as National Geographic’s senior adviser for sustainable tourism. His articles and essays have appeared in national and international publications including the New York Times, Boston Globe and Sunday Times of London, and he has garnered numerous awards and nominations.
The lecture is presented by Vieux Carré Property Owners, Residents and Associates Inc., the Vieux Carré Commission Foundation and The Historic New Orleans Collection as part of an ongoing series that addresses topics in historic preservation and honors two longtime residents of the Vieux Carré, Jacob Haight Morrison and Mary Meek Morrison.
We hope to see you all there!
Now-July 8
Recovered Memories Exhibition
@The Cabildo
Delve into the shared history of Spain and Louisiana through an exhibition at the Cabildo in Jackson Square.The exhibition showcases hundreds of historic artifacts, documents, and works of art exploring Spain's influence on the development of New Orleans, its support of the American Revolution, and Spain's lasting legacy on American culture
https://louisianastatemuseum.org/cabildo/exhibit/recovered-memories-spain-new-orleans-and-support-american-revolution |
louisianastatemuseum.org
Delve into the shared history of Spain and Louisiana through an exhibition at the Cabildo in Jackson Square from Saturday, April 21, through Sunday, July 8. Recovered Memories: Spain, New Orleans, and the Support for the American Revolution, organized by Iberdrola S.A. in association with the Louisiana State Museum, will showcase hundreds of ...
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Saturdays: June 30th & July 7th
Sunday: July 1st
Recovered Memories Presentation & Exhibit Tours
10 a.m.
Local Tour Guide and FOC Board Member Robert Freeland will give a presentation on the Louisiana State Museum’s newest exhibit (open till July 8th) Recovered Memories: Spain, New Orleans and the Support for the American Revolution and then lead a 90-minute tour of the exhibit. A once in a lifetime exhibit for the museum, Freeland served as the chief translator between the Louisiana State Museum and officials in Spain as well as he trained (among others) the Friends of the Cabildo Docents that are offering tours Monday-Saturday at 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
For tickets, contact the FOC office at 504.523.3939 or book online at www.friendsofthecabildo.org. Tickets are $20 for Friends of the Cabildo members and $25 for general admission.
Sunday, July 1
Trinity Church Presents
The 18th Annual Patriotic Music Festival : Sunday, July 1 from 3 pm until 6 pm., with The Marine Corps Concert Band, pianist Ellis Marsalis, trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and his Uptown Jazz Orchestra, organist Albinas Prizgintas, and more....A second line and reception for ALL will follow at 6 pm.
Trinity Episcopal Church
1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans
504-670-2520
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gonola.com
From fireworks to festivals and more, New Orleans knows how to celebrate. Enter Fourth of July and the weekend that follows, and there's plenty to see and do in NOLA.
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