Tuesday, September 3, 2019

A Toast to New Orleans September 3-10 : WWOZ Gala/ WYES Preview of Downton Abbey/Afternoon of Jazz and Gospel honoring pianist Rickie Monie

A Toast to New Orleans September 3-10 : WWOZ Gala/ WYES Preview of Downton Abbey/Afternoon of Jazz and Gospel honoring pianist Rickie Monie
OMG. I feel blessed that the hurricane Dorian spared us and we were able to celebrate on September 2. What more perfect way to conclude the spectacular Labor Day Weekend in New Orleans and Southern Decadence than at the annual Krewe of Stars' “Summertime Chillin' With the Stars.” Talented stars were many and the entertainment was non-stop at the exquisite mansion of Co-captainCarl Mack and his partner, Derrick Cavalier. The entertainment included  Al ‘Carnival Time’ Johnson, Louis Dudoussat, Naydja CoJoe, Jim Walpole, Carl Mack and Marshall Harris! My brother Lorenzo Bergen, Lolita and I, as well as all the other guests, loved not only the setting, the entertainment, the decadent daiquiris, the delicious cuisine and most of all the camaraderie of being with other members of the Krewe of Stars and meeting new ones. Thanks darlings.
Album 2019 Summertime Chillin' with the Stars (24 photos) 




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On Sunday, September 1, Lolita Bergen and I enjoyed so much lining up in front of the Golden Lantern on Royal and Barrack streets to view the spectacular, colorful 48th Annual Southern Decadence celebration. We were blessed with very hot but sunny skies to enjoy the parade. 

We dressed in our black and white polka dots and stripes to carry on with the Theme: Fruit Salad. Come Toss a Good Time! This is was the largest ever and more than 80 different groups participated.
Actor . GFood  posing with Royalty before the 2019 Southern Decadence Parade 


Love Rose wine

Dressed in my rose-colored dress, along with my darling friend, Donna Hamsher, we attended the final Summer Wine Dinner, “An Evening of Rosé” at Galatoire's.

The dinner was on Thursday, August 29, and featured the wines of several vineyards, handpicked by Sommelier René Sudduth, alongside the culinary creations of Executive Chef Phillip Lopez.

The rose wines were delicious and complimented so well the very creative and delicious menu prepared by Chef Phillip and his staff. Congratulations!
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Release of "Drag Queens Brunch at Brennan's 

The release of the fabulous book "Drag Queens Brunch" by talented author/ TV and radio personality, Chef Poppy Tooker, was a great success at Brennan's. 

Please check out this video of the introduction by author Poppy Tooker of the Drag Queens and the sabling  of the bottle of champagne at Brennan's .

One  of my favorite photos from book release Of Drag Queens Brunch by Poppy Tooker at Brennan’s 
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Hobnobber's Bubbles and Bites
Image may contain: text
  
Image may contain: 2 people, including Jennifer Kelley Killian, people smiling, people sitting, drink and indoor


Wednesday, August 28 was a fun night. True to my word, I stopped at New Orleans magazine's fabulous Hobnobber at one of my favorite places in New Orleans: Effervescence. My darling friend, Crystal Coco, the proprietor, was the perfect hostess, providing the attendants with a complimentary bubbly as well as delicious hors d'oeuvres. I hated to leave but I was heading to the Culture Collision.

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2019 Culture Collision

Now in its 11th year, Culture Collision (culturenola.com) kicked off the 2019-2020 cultural season on Wednesday, August 28 from 5:30-8 pm. 

Presented by WWNO and hosted by the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp Street, this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration brought together patrons and artists for a self-guided tour of New Orleans’ arts, culture and humanities nonprofit organizations. 

Every year I look forward to the opportunity to pick up literature and other information about cultural events coming up this season (Sept. 2019 through June 2020) and chat with personnel from the presenting organizations. More than 60 cultural organizations were represented.


I was invited to Happy Hours at Meaux Bar by my long time friend Robert LeBlanc,the proprietor . Food was delicious and can not wait to come come back! 


 7th Annual Huey P Long Birthday Celebration at Kingfish with Jim Walpole and Mario Villa.
August 29 at 4:31 PM · New Orleans ·  
 
 
 
Love being with my friends
Artist Mario Villa, pianist Jim Walpole, Me and owners of Meyer the Hatter 

 
 

  
Darling, please make your reservation today since I need to know how much champagne is going to be needed for the annual Round Table Luncheon Saluting the 2019-20 Cultural Season on Wed. September 11 at noon a the historic ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans.
Doors will be open at 11 a.m. for networking and champagne will be flowing courtesy of Russ and Sandra Herman. 💞🍾🍷😜

Margarita Bergen
Darlings, if you haven't made your reservation to the upcoming Round Table Luncheon Saluting the 2019-20 Cultural Season on Wed. September 11 at noon at the Bou.rbon Orleans 
he annual Round Table Luncheon  will be co- hosted by social editor Margarita Bergen and Lisa D. Alexis, Director  of Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy .
Lt. Governor Billy Nungasser has been invited as well. 

Among the speakers who have been invited are Jenny Hamilton, Director of the New Orleans Ballet Association; Maestro Robert Lyall, Conductor &  Director of New Orleans Opera; Maestro Dennis Assaf, Director of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society, James William Boyd, CEO of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra;  Susan Taylor, Exec. Director of the  New Orleans  Museum of Art: Laura Tennyson of the Contemporary Arts Center,  Maxwell Williams, Artist Director of Le Petit Theatre; William Pittman Andrews, Executive Director of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art; Dave Hurlbert, Executive Director of the Marigny Opera House; Aimee Hayes, Producing Director of Southern Repertory Theatre; Daniel Hammer   Executive Director of The Historic New Orleans Collection; Greg Lambousy,Director of New Orleans Jazz Museum ;  Gary Rucker and Kelly Fouchi, Co-directors of Rivertown Theater; Nick Stillman , Exec. Director of Prospect 4, Heidi Schmalbach,Exec. Director of Art Council, Beth Arroyo Utterback, CEO of WWOZ; Clem Goldberger of the National WWII Museum, Megan Holt Ph.D Executive Director of One Book One New Orleans,  Dr. Maxim Samarov , Director of New Orleans Chamber Orchestra,  Fallon Young ,Executive Director of New Orleans Film Society , Rosemary James, Co-Founder, Faulkner Society,  Gregory and Marjorie Schramel of New Orleans Ballet Theater.
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Live entertainment will be by  talented bass-baritone Ivan Griffin. Also featured will be Givonna Joseph and Aria Mason, co-founders of OperaCréole with pianist Ashalen Sims.
Pianist Jim Walpole and drummer Carl Mack  will perform before and after the Round Table Luncheon.​
Tracee Dundas the founder of the New Orleans Fashion Week is presenting a brief fashion show of Dark Garden Corsetry. 
Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for socializing and seating and the luncheon and speakers start at 12 noon.

 The $65- all-inclusive price includes a delicious, 3-course gourmet luncheon, champagne/wines and valet parking. Make your reservations now by calling Judy LeBlanc at (504) 571-4672 or email her at Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com.
September Round Table Menu

Mixed Field Greens
With candied pecans, Boursin cheese crumbles, sliced strawberries, & raspberry vinaigrette 
Pork Medallions With creole mustard cream sauce and Carrot Cake
Champagne/wines are being underwriter by Sandra and Ross Herman! 

See Mo
 
This past week was a super special for me because of two releases. The first one was the release of my monthly column on the digital “French Quarter Journal” (www.FrenchQuarterJournal) 














































Margarita Bergen's monthly FQJ column "Darling..." covers the French Quarter social scene. You'll find out where she's been, where she's going and what she's heard. Hold onto your hats.

And the other was the release of the September issue of the bilingual “Viva NoLa” magazine on which I grace the cover. 

Well. I am glad this week is over because, with the arrival of the month of September, I am going to be a real social butterfly that instead of going to flowers I will be going from one soiree to another and of course loving it. ....

Margarita Bergen's monthly FQJ column "Darling..." covers the French Quarter social scene. You'll find out where she's been, where she's going and what she's heard. Hold onto your hats.


~ The Social Swirl
~ The Fabulous Future
~ Quarter Buzz

New Orleans socialite and long-time French Quarter denizen Margarita Bergen doesn’t miss a beat  - or a party - when it comes to the Quarter’s jazzy social scene.
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And the other was the release of the September issue of the bilingual “Viva NoLa” magazine on which I grace the cover. 

OMG I never thought that at my age I will grace the cover of a magazine
I love being in the cover of Bilingual Viva NOLA🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️

Darlings,Please check out this award-winning bilingual magazine. Ana Maria Uribe-Bech and Viva NOLA magazine will be honored by the :Louisiana Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with the distinguished Small Business Award at the Excelencia Gala Award presentation on Sept. 20 at the Intercontinental Hotel💞

Well. I am glad this week is over because, with the arrival of the month of September, I am going to be a real social butterfly that instead of going to flowers I will be going from one soiree to another and of course loving it. .

Sept 5
What to expect:







  • Live Music on the three fest stages around Tableau from 6 pm
  • Beyond fine festival fare from Dickie Brennan's Tableau + open bars + Mango Freeze
  • Main Stage Showcase in Le Petit Theatre at 8 pm
  • All followed by dessert and dancing to DJ Brice Nice
  • Come dressed in your best fest attire (think comfort: sun hats, BayouWear, tie dye, How Ya Gonna Clap koozies)
NEW THIS YEAR

Dickie Brennan will be hosting the Groove Gala Oasis on the third floor of Tableau. Guests able to join us for this VIP experience will be treated to a special menu and wine pairings personally selected by Dickie himself, plus intimate live music performances upstairs and reserved seating for the Main Stage Showcase in Le Petit at 8.



Thursday, September 5
City Park Twilight Concert Series presents
Thursdays at Twilight featuring Ladies of Soul
Naydja CoJoe, Rechelle Cook and Sharon Martin
Pavilion of Two Sisters in City Park's Botanical Garden 
These songstress Queens will sing a bit of Motown, some Classic Jazz, a whole lotta R&B plus some beloved New Orleans tunes. 6-8 pm. $10 admission. Free parking across the street from the Botanical Garden

Friday, September 6
Royalty Reveal for Krewe of Stars 2020
SEP6

Royalty Reveal Press Party

Public 
 · Hosted by Krewe of Stars

 


Friday, September 6 

WYES  DOWNTON ABBEY MOVIE COUNTDOWN PARTY
4 pm at the exquisite Windsor Court Hotel
Yes, tickets are $150 pp, but you will ALSO receive a ticket to their private screening of the Downton Abbey movie on Sept. 17 at 7 pm at AMC Cinemas in Elmwood. YOU WILL SEE IT BEFORE ANY ELSE.
Come sip champagne, specialty cocktails or tea, paired with specially designed cuisine all while supporting education television. 
Saturday, September 7
7th annual Downriver Festival
10 am-7 pm
New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint
400 Esplanade Avenue, 3rd Floor, French Quarter New Orleans 
Celebrates the cultural economic and environmental impact of the Mississippi River & the land it built through live music, panels, presentations, cooking demonstrations, films & walking tours that explore this year's “Seafood” theme. Children’s activities will take place in the Jazz Museum’s Jazz Lab tent offering a variety of free artistic and educational activities focusing on the Mississippi River and water management. 

A 10 am Second Line Parade will kick off the celebrations from Jackson Square led by the N’awlins Dawlins Baby Doll Ladies and The Kinfolk Brass Band leading revelers to enjoy the many activities at the festival.
Click for more information: www.downriverfest.org or http://www.nolajazzmuseum.org/. Free and open to the public. Here are some useful links:

Music Schedule
Food
Lectures
Saturday, September 7
Michael Skinkus y sus Rumberos
12 noon-1 pm
New Orleans Jazz Museum in the Old U.S. Mint
400 Esplanade Avenue, 3rd Floor, French Quarter New Orleans
Earning a B.A. in Latin American Studies and an M.A. in Ethnomusicology, Michael Skinkus easily folded into the melting pot of the local modern music scene in New Orleans. Subsequent trips to Puerto Rico, Haiti and Cuba furthered his understanding of ethnic rhythms which is an essential ingredient for the formation of Jazz.
http://www.nolajazzmuseum.org/ Free and open to the public.

Saturday, September 7
Junior League of New Orleans “Get on Board”
Started in 2008, this single day workshop aims to provide knowledge and skills to current board and staff members and those who wish to be placed on a nonprofit board at the conclusion of the training. Through engaging presentations from nonprofit experts and interactive role-playing, participants learn a board member’s responsibilities and how these responsibilities relate to others within the organization.

Location: Junior League of New Orleans

Contact: 891-5845, JLNO.org/GetOnBoard

Saturday, September 7-Sunday, September 8
Who Dat Nation Rally Music Festival
12:00 noon-10 pm

Headliner: The Guess Who, September 7, 5:30pm
Headliner: Blood, Sweat & Tears, September 8, 5pm
Also featuring:
* The Family Stone * The New Power Generation: Celebrates Prince 
* Choppa * The Producers * Lost Bayou Ramblers * George Porter Jr. 
* Cowboy Mouth * The Topcats * Honey Island Swamp Band *  
* Catahoulas * All For One Brass Band * Michael O'Hara The Sheik 
* Ol' Cats * Tribal Gold * Supercharger & many more!
Jefferson Performing Arts Center Grounds & LaSalle Park
6400 Airline Drive, Metairie
Tickets: $10-$45 / VIP $65 Passes Available on the Who Dat Nation Festival website
Read Michael Frank's OffBeat article at http://www.offbeat.com/news/who-dat-festival/

Sunday, September 8
Trinity Artist Series presents Vintage Vocals of The Truffle Honeys
Trinity Episcopal Church
1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans
Retro Goddesses of New Orleans with full band of piano, bass, drums and horn playing classic jazz, blues & swing tunes. 5 pm. Free and Open to the Public

Police security provided. Handicap access and elevator available.

Sunday, September 8
2nd Annual Afternoon of Jazz and Gospel honoring world-renowned pianist Rickie Monie

Looking forward to going to this fabulous event :


Carver Theater, 2101 Orleans Avenue, New Orleans
3:00-5:00 pm
Sponsored by Christian Unity Baptist Church, Rev. Kevin U. Stephens, pastor and emcee, this star-studded program will feature devotional readings from Saints’ owner Gayle Benson, former New Orleans First Lady Sybil Morial and former WWL-TV News Anchor Sally-Ann Roberts. There will also be gospel and jazz performances by pianists Rickie Monie, Ronnie Kole and Jessie McBride; bassist Mark Brooks; cornetist Dr. Frank Minyard; David Batiste and the Batiste Family Band; classical vocalist Bridget Bazile; the Preservation Hall Jazz Band; the Christian Unity Baptist Church Choir; the NORD Choir; and possibly more choral groups yet to be announced.

During his 40-plus year career, Rickie Monie has toured all over the world playing at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Hollywood Bowl, the Grand Ole Opry and at the United Nations with several New Orleans brass bands, including the Preservation Hall band. He has dazzled audiences on five continents performed for five U.S. Presidents, five African kings and Queen Elizabeth II of England as well as the King and Queen of Thailand. A native New Orleanian, Monie is the organist for Christian Unity B.C.

With this celebration, Christian Unity B.C. is asking for a special donation of $20 per person. It is a tax-deductible contribution to the church and its ministries.

Tickets can be obtained at www.carvertheater.com or you can call the Carver Theater at (504) 304-0460. For more information about the event call (504) 522-3493 or visit www.christianunity.org.

Please don't forget to make reservation for my annual Round Table Luncheon Saluting the 2019-20 Cultural Arts Season.






The Baroness Undressed at The Cabildo
September 5
The Louisiana Museum Foundation in collaboration with the Louisiana State Museum, at The Cabildo, cordially invites you to a take glimpse of the legendary Baroness de Pontalba. Limited engagement - only 3 Thursday night performances starting on September 5 and concluding on *October 3.

 
 

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