Darlings,
This past week I had I plenty of occasions to toast to my beloved New Orleans.
I started my week at the Royal Sonesta Hotel where I had the pleasure of hosting the monthly Round Table Luncheon. The luncheon was, as in the past, informative, entertaining and delicious as the guests will tell you. “Fresh from the Farm to the Royal Sonesta's Round Table” featured Elisa Munozof Crescent City Farmers Market; Chef Melissa Martin of Café Hope; and Jon Smith, Executive Director of the French Market, The lovely entertainment was provided by talented vocalist Kara Klein and pianist Jim Walpole
In the photo below (left to right) featured speaker Jon Smith, Executive Director of the French Market; Elisa Munoz of Crescent City Farmers Market; Chef Melissa Martin of Café Hope; vocalist Kara Klein; Alfred Groos, General Manager; Hostess Margarita Bergen and pianist Jim Walpole. The next Round Table Luncheon will be on Wednesday, July 16 to kick off the Celebration of Tales of the Cocktail
On Thursday, I was invited by Jose Suquet, CEO of Pan American Life, to the preview party of the new exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art, “Behind Closed Doors: Art in the Spanish American Home, 1492–1898.” It explores the private lives and interiors of Spain’s New World elite from 1492 through the 19th century. It is on view through September 21, and I encourage all of you to see it.
The next soiree was the celebration of advent of sultry summer solstice of the St. John's Eve at the International House. For the past 16 years, this ritual has been led by Priestess Sallie-Ann Glassman. The La Cocinita Food Truck, chalk artist, Haitian rum and the sound of drums added veracity to the all-dressed-in-white ceremony.
The next soiree was the fabulous Ogden Museum of Southern Art's Magnolia Ball honoring jewelry designer Mignon Faget. The artsy ball was celebrating the Center for Southern Craft and Design and was chaired by Anna Beth Goodman and Katy Weil and featured delicious food by Bayona, Broussard’s, Delachaise, Kingfish, Marcello’s, Southern Hospitality Catering and Craft Cocktails By Infirmary, NYC. The entertainment was by Tank & The Bangasand Wendell Brunious.
2014 Magnolia Ball honoring Mignon Faget (26 photos)
Darlings, the evening kept going and the next soiree was the fabulous Ogden Museum of Southern Art's Magnolia Ball honoring jewelry designer Mignon Faget., The artsy ball was celebrating the Center for Southern Craft and Design and was cha... See More
— at Ogden Museum of Southern Art.
Women came to attend the fourth annual “FestiGals: The Ultimate Women’s Weekend,” a four-day celebration of women by women including empowerment workshops, inspirational seminars, private tours and more in downtown New Orleans. As you can see from the attached links, the celebrations, the parade and the luncheon were colorful, entertaining and delicious.
The FestiGals festivities were mostly held the Monteleone Hotel. On Thursday, it was time to crown the new 2014 Grand Diva which honor was bestowed upon Lisa Sims from Arnaud's Restaurant. As the first Grand Diva, I assisted in the crowning, along with 2013 Grand Diva Lydia Benson of the Pussyfooters.
I also enjoyed so much the Bodacious Bras For A Cause Luncheon and Auction. It is one of the highlights of the FestiGals weekend! This uniquely creative fundraising effort pairs celebrities and artists for sensational collectible art with a purpose – 100 percent of auction sales from these exquisite, very creative bras are dedicated to the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans to provide meaningful services and support to women with cancer. The featured speaker was talented, hilarious Sweet Potato Queen’s Jill Conner Browne.
Another wonderful day and night has gone in my beloved New Orleans. Yesterday, I escaped from work at Casell-Bergen Gallery to attend the fabulous Bodacious Bra luncheon for FestiGals at the Monteleone Hotel. The Bodacious Bras For A Cause ...See More
The Stiletto Stroll and Sprint through the French Quarter was so much fun. Mother Nature cooperated and my feathers and a lot of the other people’s feathers did not get as wet as we all feared with the thunder roaring down on us. My darling friend Vic Planetta of VIP Limousines provided and chauffeured 2013 Grand Diva Lydia Benson of the Pussyfooters and I as the “HAVE BEEN GRAND DIVAS.”
The 2014 Grand Diva, my darling friend Lisa Sims of Arnaud's, was saluted with champagne by the owners, Katy and Archie Casbarian,and fortunately for me, they had an extra glass of champagne which I very much enjoyed. Thank you, darlings.
I could not stay for the fun-loving after-party at Bourbon Heat because that night the Contemporary Arts Center was having its fabulous “Bourbon and Burlesque” Show. The evening celebrated the Art of Burlesque and the Best of New Orleans with The Billion Dollar Baby Dolls, Fleur de Tease andThe Storyville Starlettes. It was so much fun and, of course, I enjoyed the decadent bourbon-based cocktails, as well as the delicious dishes prepared byDickie Brennan's culinary team.
Bourbon and Burlesque 2014 (16 photos)
Unfortunately, I had to skip the after party at Bourbon Heat to attend the fabulous Bourbon and Burlesque at CAC . The decadent Bourbon-based cocktails were decadent and the culinary creations by Dickie Brennan's Team were delicious.
The e... See More — at Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans.
The e... See More — at Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans.
This week coming up is going to be a very exciting one.
The Roosevelt New Orleans (a Waldorf Astoria Hotel) and Angela Hill, a noted journalist and New Orleans television/radio personality, celebrate the 120th anniversary of the hotel’s founding and the fifth anniversary of its historic restoration through “A Night in the Blue Room” on Wednesday, June 25 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the world-renowned Blue Room.
Angela will take the audience of this invitation-only event through the 120 years of the historic hotel, highlighting The Roosevelt’s most notable moments and memorable guests while the Jimmy Maxwell Band musically guides attendees through the decades. ..
On Thursday, June 26, the national touring program, Red Bull Curates: The Canvas Cooler Project is stopping in New Orleans for a one-night only public showcase of 20 local artists' work at the Eiffel Society with a private media event beginning at 7 p.m. and opening to the public from 8-11 p.m. The pieces featured at the exhibit will be the product of pairing 20 emerging local artists with 20 local venues and giving the artists a one-day challenge to transform a blank, canvas-wrapped Red Bull cooler into an inspired work of art customized for permanent display at each venue.
The Canvas Cooler project works to bring national recognition to upcoming and innovative artists by having two artists' coolers selected by a panel of judges during the public showcase to represent their city at SCOPE Art Show, running concurrently with Art Basal Miami Beach in December. The night will be a celebration of everything New Orleans, from art and culture to people and local businesses. This sounds like a lot of fun.
Also on Thursday the 26th is the opening of “The Complete History of America (abridged),” an Independence Day production from the Jefferson Performing Arts Society. I encourage all of you to make the short trip to Westwego for one of the six performances that end on Saturday, July 12. The shows will be staged at Teatro Wego, JPAS’s performing arts facility on the West Bank (177 Sala Avenue, Westwego).
The show stars Phillip Benson, Drew Cothren and Logan Faust, each of whom take on the roles of up to twenty different historical characters in what is being billed as “a ninety-minute rollercoaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American history.” A special performance on July 3 will offer a barbecue dinner prior to the show. Advance reservations are required by June 26. Call (504) 885-2000 to reserve your spot.
On Saturday is the 15th annual French American Chamber of Commerce's Summer Wine Festival. The "Picnic in the Park" will be from 7-10 p.m. at the Shops of Canal Place and will feature delicious food and libations (see calendar below for details).
This Sunday, June 29, Trinity Artist Series is presenting the 14th Annual Patriotic Music Festival, a three-hour Musical Extravaganza immediately followed by a reception for ALL!
Starts @ 3pm and ending @ 6 pm,
The program starts at 3:00 and ends at 6:00, and will feature the 45 members of the Marine Corps Band New Orleans, Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and his Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Trinity’s resident organist/pianist Albinas Prizgintas and many more surprises. Go to www.trinitynola.com for more information.
Have a great week.
June 24
JUNE 24TH has been PROCLAIMED AS AUNT SALLY'S PRALINE DAY.
AUNT SALLY'S WILL ALSO BE PLACED IN THE SOUTHERN FOOD AND BEVERAGE (SOFAB) INSTITUTE'S CULINARY HERITAGE REGISTER.
At 10:00 a.m. - 10;30am on June 24th 2014, Aunt Sally's Pralines at 750 St Charles Ave, will be honored for our Pralines (Creole, Creamy & Chewy), by the Southern Food & Beverage Museum (SoFAB) President & Director Liz Williams, for being made and still loved in New Orleans since 1935.
The SoFAB Register acknowledges any significant culinary product, process, invention, tradition, and establishment at least 60 years old that may or may not be associated with exact physical sites. Aunt Sally's Pralines is only the 5th business ever to be placed on it.
We will also be receiving a Proclamation from the City Of New Orleans on June 24th at 10:00am - 10:30am, stating June 24th will be known as Aunt Sally's Praline Day. June 24th is also National Praline Day. Everyone is welcome to come celebrate throughout the day.
Aunt Sally's Pralines will be celebrating Sunday June 24- Wednesday June 25th, with events at both stores 810 Decatur St and 750 St Charles Ave New Orleans.
Festivities, Freebies & Events for all, will be listed on the website www.auntsallys.com/aunt-sallys-praline-day
For further details contact Claire Stewart, Director of Marketing at Aunt Sally's Pralines directly on 504 944
FRO Yo will be offering Pralines & Cream Blue Bell Ice Cream from 11-1PM at both locations
6090 ex 227, or (414) 469 1577,or via email cstewart@auntsallys.com
@AuntSallysPralines @BestPralines #AuntSallysPralineDay #NationalPralineDay
RINGLING BROS. & BARNUM & BAILEY: BUILT TO AMAZE
June 25 – 29, 2014
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus returns to New Orleans with 'Built to Amaze' June 25-29 at Smoothie King Center
Featuring an international cast of performers, The Ringling Bros.’ Ringling Girls and Barnum B-Boys encourage kids to participate in a tug-of- war and kick off what will become an insane battle of girl power versus boy power in “Built To Amaze!” Audiences also can pick up some hip dance moves during the dance party, try on custom-designed costumes, learn circus skills like juggling from the famous Ringling Bros. Clown Alley and even have the opportunity to witness and win a one of a kind masterpiece created by “Asia,” Ringling Bros. very own painting pachyderm (“elephant,” for those not familiar with the term).Ringmaster Andre McClain oversees the proceedings, and adds his cowboy skills to boot astride his horse Comanche.
Featuring an international cast of performers, The Ringling Bros.’ Ringling Girls and Barnum B-Boys encourage kids to participate in a tug-of- war and kick off what will become an insane battle of girl power versus boy power in “Built To Amaze!” Audiences also can pick up some hip dance moves during the dance party, try on custom-designed costumes, learn circus skills like juggling from the famous Ringling Bros. Clown Alley and even have the opportunity to witness and win a one of a kind masterpiece created by “Asia,” Ringling Bros. very own painting pachyderm (“elephant,” for those not familiar with the term).
In all, 110 performers from 17 countries will be represented, along with 95 exotic and domestic animals.Andre McClain is the Ringmaster, accompanied by his horse, Comanche.” In all, 110 performers from 17 countries will be represented, along with 95 exotic and domestic animals.
Tickets are on sale now, starting at $10, and can be purchased at the Smoothie King Center, Ticketmaster outlets, or online atwww.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800.745.3000.
Opera Creole!
June 25, 2014
Location: Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter - Puccini Bar
Address: 541 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Times: 7:00 pm
Phone: 504-648-2331
Venue: Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter
Add to Trip Planner
Opera and classical music in New Orleans and around the world have always included the contributions of persons of color. Since the 19th Century, Creoles of New Orleans have made contributions to the music and culture of New Orleans. It is their participation
in opera, as well as the music of Africa, Spain, and Haiti that contributed to the birth of jazz.
OperaCréole is dedicated to researching and performing lost or rarely performed music, and sharing with the community the contributions of our people to this musical art form, not only in New Orleans, but around the world. OperaCréole's singers are professional artists, educators, and international soloists with roots in New Orleans, "America's First City of Opera." Members of the ensemble have recently been featured in solo roles in New Orleans Opera's productions of Madama Butterfly, Samson et Dalila, Il Trovatore, Salome, and Porgy and Bess. They were recently Artists in Residence at Illinois State University. Many of the members of OperaCréole are also members of the AGMA-affiliated New Orleans Opera Chorus.
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Thursday, June 26
LHC Celebration of Release of Louisiana Cultural Vistas
On Thursday, June 26, the LHC celebrates the new issue of Louisiana Cultural Vistas with a reception, plus talks by two vital New Orleans scholars. Doors open at 6:00pm, talks begin at 7:00pm and the event is free to the public, with a $5 suggested donation to support the festivities.
Authors Richard Campanella (Bourbon Street: A History) and Matt Sakakeeny (Roll With It: Brass Bands in the Streets of New Orleans)will discuss their new books, excerpted in the magazine. Garden District Book Shop will be on hand to sell copies, and we'll have refreshments from sponsors Abita Beer and Zapp's Chips.
Following the event, we'll repair to 916 Lafayette, for an after-party and soft opening at Cellardoor, a new neighborhood restaurant. Cellardoor opens to the public the next night, but LCV guests are welcome for a sneak peek after the publication party.
The LHC is located at 938 Lafayette Street at the corner of O'Keefe. For more information, email boyles@leh.org or call 504.620.2632.
Thursday, June 26
Emerging Local Artists Celebrated in Red Bull Curates: The Canvas Cooler Project at the Eiffel Society
at 8-11 PM. The pieces featured at the exhibit will be the product of pairing 20 emerging local artists with 20 local venues and giving the artists a one-day challenge to transform a blank, canvas-wrapped Red Bull cooler into an inspired work of art customized for permanent display at each venue. The Canvas Cooler project works to bring national recognition to upcoming and innovative artist by having two artists' coolers selected by a panel of judges during the public showcase to represent their City at SCOPE Art Show running concurrently with Art Basal Miami Beach come December.
The night will be a celebration of everything New Orleans from art and culture to people and local businesses.
NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS - ARTFUL PALATE- FREE SUMMER COOKING SERIES FROM RALPH BRENNAN
June 27, 2014
- Location: Café NOMA at the New Orleans Museum of Art
- Address: One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park,, New Orleans,
- Time: 6:30 pm
Chefs of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group look forward to demonstrating their own culinary masterpieces at Café NOMA's "Artful Palate," the third annual summer cooking series at the...more
June 28 – 29, 2014
ASHE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER PRESENTS - DRYADES STREET DIVAS REVIEW: A CABARET
Location: Ashe Cultural Arts Center
Address: 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70113
Venue: Ashe Cultural Arts Center
Time: Friday and Saturday 8:00 pm; Sunday 7:00 pm
Visit Website
. Friday Jun 27, 2014
SAVE OUR LAKE & COAST FISHING RODEO
The 17th annual fishing rodeo. Fish anywhere in the Pontchartrain Basin. Weigh Station and Awards Ceremony at New Canal Lighthouse. Adult and Youth Divisions as well as a Kayak Division.
The New Canal Lighthouse, 8001 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124
midnight to 5pm
Visit Website
HOUSE OF BLUES PRESENTS -SLIPPERY WHEN WET – BON JOVI TRIBUTE
June 27, 2014
- Location: House of Blues
- Address: 225 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Venue: House of Blues
- Time: 9:00 pm
- Visit Website
Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute is the Nation's premier Bon Jovi Tribute. Established in 2003, they are officially authorized by Bon Jovi MGMT.
June 28, 2014
FestivALES - Warehouse District
FestivALES is a craft beer tasting tour, designed to introduce attendees to a cluster of great bars & restaurants, as well as educate them on some of the best beer available in New Orleans with stops at 7 great establishments in the Warehoue District. Attendees will sample up 28 beers in 3-ounce pours.There is no specific route or schedule, and each stop has 4 specific unique pours for participants to try.
Various Locations:- Barcadia, Fulton Alley, Gordon Biersch, Grand Isle , Lafayette Pub & Bistro, Lucy's & Manning's
Event from 12pm - 6pm
Admission: $35 drink ticket includes 28 tastings, additional 3 oz. pours. Registration 12pm- 2:30pm, at Barcadia, 601 Tchoupitoulas St
Contact: Brandin DuBos
Phone: 504-483-3152
Visit Website
Saturday Jun 28, 2014
THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION PRESENTS - SCREENING OF “KING CREOLE"
June 28, 2014
- Location: Historic New Orleans Collection, The - Williams Research Center
- Address: 410 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Venue: Historic New Orleans Collection, The
- Time: 10:30 am
- Visit Website
The Historic New Orleans Collection will present a free screening of the Elvis classic "King Creole." The screening is one of a seven-part film series being held in conjunction with T... more
Sunday, June 29
Trinity Artist Series Presents 14th Annual Patriotic Music Festival, a three-hour Musical Extravaganza immediately followed by a reception for ALL!
Starts @ 3pm and ending @ 6 pm,
The program starts at 3:00 and ends at 6:00, and will feature the 45 members of the Marine Corps Band New Orleans, Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and his Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Trinity’s resident organist/pianist Albinas Prizgintas and many more surprises. Go to www.trinitynola.com for more information.
ONGOING CULTURAL EVENTS
:The Rat Pack Now Tribute Show
June 13-29, 2014
Venue: Stage Door Canteen
Sponsoring Organization: National World War II Museum
Tickets: Stage Door Canteen
Back by popular demand, this world-class tribute show recaptures the music, style, comedy and camaraderie of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. — featuring the classic hits Luck Be a Lady, The Lady Is a Tramp, That’s Amoré and more! Add spectacular dining by Chef John Besh and the American Sector restaurant for the ultimate experience!
Patrons can come for dinner and the show or just for the show itself. Prices vary. Click here to make reservations: https://ticketing.nationalww2museum.org/Webstore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=Tickets&C=TAB
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
June 14-July 12
Venue: Lupin Theater, Tulane University
Sponsoring Organization: New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane
Tickets: New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane
In a quest to bring audiences something truly different, the Festival will present Shakespeare’s
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” as a feast for the eyes, heart and funny bone. With the help of new technology, viewers will be led from an elegant but earthbound palace into a magical forest where some of the inhabitants may not be bound by anything at all. It will be a world where even the fools are enchanting.
Clare Moncrief directs this production of one of The Great Bard’s funniest and most fanciful comedies. Set in ancient Greece, it portrays the events surrounding the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens and Hippolyta. These include the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of six amateur actors, who are controlled and manipulated by the fairies who inhabit the forest in which most of the play is set. The play features Puck (“Robin Goodfellow”), the court jester who is one of the most beloved characters in the Shakespearean repertoire. A talk-back with scholars from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust team will follow the Friday, July 11 performance.
The Human Buffet
Through July13, 2014
Venue: Mid-City Theatre
Sponsoring Organization: Mid-City Theatre
Tickets: Mid-City Theatre
Sponsoring Organization: Mid-City Theatre
Tickets: Mid-City Theatre
Tally, a lonely divorcee of 12 years, is pushed by friends, Ami and Bertie, to join in their hunt for love on the Internet. Through it all we learn each woman's story and meet a veritable
“menu of men” who appear at the door in this Human Buffet.
“The Human Buffet” is a comedy/drama inspired by actual events and written by Bunny Wingate Traveras and David Traveras. The production is produced by Paulette Crain and directed by Janet Shea.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)
Through July 19, 2014
Venue: Lab Theater, Tulane University
Sponsoring Organization: New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane
Tickets: New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane
Join the madcap “men in tights” as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, tragedies and histories in one wild and humorous romp. For nine seasons at London’s Criterion Theatre, it entertained Londoners of all ages on its way to becoming the longest-running comedy in the city of The Great Bard’s Globe Theatre.
This production of the Reduced Shakespeare Company stars Brendan Bowen, Clint Johnson and Andrew Vaught, all of whom are returnees from last year’s summer run. Carl Walker directs. For more information go tohttp://neworleansshakespeare.tulane.edu/blog/2013-season/.
