A Toast to New Orleans July 24-30 : NO International Piano Competition/ Politics with a Punch and more

 A Toast to New Orleans July 24-30 : NO International Piano Competition/ Politics with a Punch and more

With my darling longtime  friends Armando Moreno and Clif Traver who were visiting from Chile and Fort Lauderdale

Darlings,

As in the past, I survived my very spirited Round Table luncheon Saluting Tales of the Cocktail and all the spirited dinners and soirees that I attended during the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail this past week.

Round Table Luncheon Saluting 2018 Tales of the Cocktail

The 2018 Round Table Luncheon Saluting Tales of the Cocktail at the historic ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel was a great success. My co-host was Caroline Rosen, the new executive director of Tales of the Cocktail, the nonprofit that produces the annual spirit industry conference.

The guest speaker was mixologist, Marvin Allen, author of a new book, Magic in a Shaker - A Year of Spirited Libations. The featured spirit was Hendrick's Gin represented by Jorge Lauriano, Louisiana District Manager for William Grant & Sons, Inc. and Fred Holley of Republic Beverages. Live entertainment was by talented vocalist, Jordan Kelley, and cocktail historian, Elizabeth Pearce, accompanied on the piano by Jim Walpole. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155374294730870.1073743229.581200869&type=1&l=02964ac873

The next Round Table Luncheon Saluting The 2018-19 Cultural Season will be on September 12, 2018. This is not to be missed since I am inviting the head and representative of every major cultural organization.

Kick-off of 2018 Tales of the Cocktail

Darlings, Tales of the Cocktail began and I joined the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Board members for an opening reception for “Beyond the Bar 2018” at the New Orleans Athletic Club. I also attended the kick-off of the 16th year of Tales of the Cocktail which started at the lobby of the Hotel Monteleone with a jazz marching band that second-lined to the front of the Monteleone Hotel where members of the TOC Foundation Board were introduced and checks were presented by Jeffrey Goldring, representing the Goldring Family Foundation and the Sazerac Company, and another one by Dennis Johnston of Edrington Foundation. It was followed by a reception at the Queen Anne Ballroom in the Monteleone to announce the winners of the Official Cocktail Competition.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155369885545870.1073743226.581200869&type=1&l=ced44a2b82

Spirited "A Cajun Road Trip" with Sazerac

Darlings, I kicked off the first night of Tales of The Cocktail 2018 with "A Cajun Road Trip" at Sac-a-Lait restaurant, presented by Sazerac Company. O Food Network's Cajun Aces Chefs Cody and Samantha Carroll, Chef de Cuisine Ian Mitchell, and Beverage Director Norton Christopher hosted a five-course dinner pairing local cuisine and beautiful cocktails. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155369831245870.1073743225.581200869&type=1&l=40dadd5163

Spirited Dinner with Don Q at Festival de SoBou

OMG - I am still salivating the savory Tales of the Cocktail and Don Q Puerto Rican Rums present: Festival de SoBou.

Guests experienced the sights, sounds and flavors of Old San Juan and Louisiana as we leisurely strolled through the free-flowing street party featuring kioskos (stalls) showcasing the cuchifritos and traditional street food of Puerto Rico and Louisiana, accented by flavors of Don Q Rum cocktails prepared specifically to delight you at every turn! This spirited dinner brought a lot of memories of Dominican food which is very similar to the Puerto Rican food. 

We observed cooking and cocktail demonstrations featuring Chef Juan Carlos Gonzalez and Bar Chef Laura Bellucci who were joined by the staff from world famous “La Factoria” from San Juan all brought to you by Don Q Rum. I loved seeing my darling friends Tia Martin and Executive Chef of Commander's Palace Tory McPhail.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155374185790870.1073743227.581200869&type=1&l=7b26bcea04

Tales of the Cocktail's Meeting the Distillers

Darlings, I was so elated and feeling blessed to have seen so many old-time friends whose friendships I have cultivated over the past 16 years of Tales of the Cocktail. I loved seeing Guillaume Lamy and Alexandre Gabriel of House Of Ferrand; Master Distiller Johnny Schuler of Pisco Porton; Mixologists Tony Abou-Ganim and Kimberly Patton-Bragg among others. I had to pace myself because there were so many spirited soirees to attend at great venues that included the Orpheum Theater, the House of Blues, Galatoire's  33  and the Monteleone, among others.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155374208475870.1073743228.581200869&type=1&l=a5496c9867

I concluded my spirited week by attending a lovely performance at the Castle Theatre of talented vocalist Linda Wright and Jordan Kelley, accompanied in the piano by Jim Walpole. It will be repeated this Saturday, July 28. Not to be missed!

This is going to be a light week for me which is good because it’s just too hot for me to be running around like I normally do. Let’s enjoy it and try to stay cool! 

Tuesday, Lafete News Link July 24, 2018

https://conta.cc/2JUmNrU

Love New Orleans & She'll Love You Back. Sincerely, Frank Stansbury Lafete News

July 23-29

THE TWENTY-SEVENTH NEW ORLEANS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Loyola University, New Orleans 

Twelve of the worlds most talented up-and-coming pianists are invited to New Orleans for a week of magnificent piano playing as semifinalists competing for performance and cash prizes totaling over $35,000. The NOIPC runs concurrently with the New Orleans Keyboard Festival and Piano Institute ( NOPI ) featuring masterclasses and recitals open to the public. Guest Artists Alexandre Moutouzkine, piano and Chloé Kiffer, violin will open the festival with a  duo recital  featuring the works of Stravinsky and Ravel inspired by Robert Craft's book Stravinsky: Discoveries & Memories. 

Tuesday, July 24

Semifinal Round I, day two, 7:00 pm

Wednesday, July 25

Semifinal Round I, day three, 7:00 pm

Thursday, July 26

Semifinal Round II, day one, 7:00 pm

Friday, July 27

Semifinal Round II, day two, 7:00 pm

Saturday, July 28

NOPI Student Showcase Recital, 10:30 am

Sunday, July 29

Final Round, 2:00 pm

Competition Rounds and Recitals take place in Loyola University's Roussel Hall.

PURCHASE TICKETS

http://masno.org/Purchase-Tickets 

The 12 Semifinalists invited to New Orleans to compete in the 27th New Orleans International Piano Competition are:

Sung Chang, South Korea

Yixiang Hou, China

Jaeweon David Huh, South Korea

Andreas Ioannides, United Kingdom

Arisa Onoda, Japan

Robert Levinger, United States

Scott MacIsaac, Canada

Misuzu Tanaka, Japan

Alessandro Tosi, Italy

Lin Ye, China

Hyun Ji You, South Korea

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25

JOIN US FOR OUR CHAMBER AFTER 5

AT HRI HIBERNIA TOWER APARTMENTS

5:30 - 7:30 PM-Free for Members  -$10 for Non-Members

*Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer & non-alcoholic beverages

812 Gravier Street  ,New Orleans, LA   

25

 New Orleans Trad Jazz 1920s Dance Party

 · Hosted by New Orleans Trad Jazz Camp

The NOTJC is hosting a 1920s costume dance party. The pros play for the first half of the event and are joined by those musicians attending the week long workshop on the second half of the gig! Swing dancers are invited! Dress in your vintage finery and come out and shake a tail feather! Free admission--Cash bar
7:30 PM - 10 PM

	Bourbon Orleans Hotel -- Ballroom 717 Orleans Ave New Orleans
The International Grand Isle Rodeo is held during the last weekend in July that includes the Sunday. 2018 - July 26, 27 & 28 http://tarponrodeo.org/

July 26 

“You Night Cancer Survivor Runway Show & Celebration”

Cancer survivor warriors will be celebrated at this year’s event themed “Fierce Beauty: Revolution”
Tickets: $125/Ticket; $250/VIP Experience
Location: Contemporary Arts Center: 900 Camp St.
Contact: (877) 591-5936, extension 3

 Thursday, July 26

POLITICS WITH A PUNCH 2018 ELECTION KICKOFF SHOW

Doors Open at 6 p.m.; Show Begins at 8 p.m.;  Eiffel Society; 2040 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans

Check out the exceptional lineup of celebrities that have been selected for this New Orleans Political Comedy Tradition: Hon. Conrad Appel  LA State Senator (R-Metairie)    Austin Badon  Former State Representative; Candidate for Clerk of Court James Cusimano    Outstanding Comedian; Local Headliner; Punch Favorite Michelle Hirstius  Author; Illustrator; Self Publisher  Dee Dee Martin     Owner of Fine Art Gallery; Art Investor  Spud McConnell    Award Winning Actor; TV & Radio Personality Vince Vance  LA Music Hall of Fame Member; Bandleader; NOLA Legend

Discount Tickets: $15.00 per person/$25.00 per couple. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, purchase tickets in advance on-line at their website: POLITICS WITH A PUNCH ONLINE TICKET STORE http://ringsidepolitics.com/tickets/

28 Created in 2010 with the purpose of boosting and spreading Spanish films and shorts made by women, Mujeres de Cine is made possible by SPAIN arts & culture. Four films will be screen as matinees at 2 pm on select Saturdays between July 14 and August 25. Saturday, July 28, 2 pm: Most Beautiful Island, directed by Ana Asensio Saturday, August 11, 2 pm: Júlia Ist, directed by Elena Martin Saturday, August 25, 2 pm: Summer 1993, directed by Carla Simón  2 PM - 4 PM  New Orleans Museum of Art 1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124 Sunday, July 29 Summer Free Concert Series @The French Market The French Market District is proud to present a three-part summer concert series with the National WWII Museum's Victory Belles at 1:00 p.m. the last Saturday of  July and August at the Dutch Alley Performance Pavilion. The Victory Belles are a delightful vocal trio performing the music of the 1940s, with their repertoire including all the treasured gems of the WWII era plus patriotic classics including a musical salute to each branch of the US armed forces. Free and open to the public

July 29 BB'S STAGE DOOR CANTEENSUNDAY SWING Sundays, July 29 - August 26 Dance lessons, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Live music, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Now in its 13th season, Sunday Swing is a popular summer program featuring local swing bands and dance instructors. Tickets are $10 per person; FREE for Museum Members. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival. For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 287.

TRINITY ARTIST SERIES

Sunday, July 29 @ 5 pm: Valerie and Imani Francis sopranos, Mother & Daughter Duo,

accompanied by pianist Wilfred Delphin, featuring spirituals, art songs,  arias and more

Trinity Episcopal Church 

1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans

504 670 2520     

JULY TRINITY ARTIST SERIES  

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Toast of New Orleans July 18-22: Tales of the Cocktail/Round Table Luncheon Saluting Tales of the Cocktail and More...

Darlings,

I hope you survived the Bastille Day Celebrations as well as the San Fermin's Running of the Bulls Celebrations, and how could I forget - the FIFA's World Soccer Cup Finals. Congratulations to France winning vs. Croatia 4 to 2 in Russia.

Last week was indeed a social tsunami for me but if you know me, you know that I loved it, which I did. I must confess I did not make it to all the celebrations as I normally do but the ones that I did I loved.

I started my weekend by attending a lovely reception for the opening of "Reflection and the Diasporic Epic" by artist Piki Mendizabal presented at the Consulate of Mexico and the Mexican Cultural Institute in New Orleans.

Mexico, Cuba and New Orleans shared a strong cultural bond throughout history. This cultural bond makes New Orleans a warm multicultural and welcoming place for people of Latin-American countries who, for many reasons, have come to call it home. This exhibition is a visual narrative that echoes to every single immigrant, who has to follow the painful path to leave their homeland to become part of a different one without failing to keep and embrace their own culture in a new place.

I was running between soirees because, on Thursday night, I joined Degas House for a Bastille Day celebration honoring Edgar Degas' 184th birthday! The free and open to the public party took place at the New Orleans home of the family of French Impressionist artist Edgar Degas who temporarily resided there in the early 1870s. The celebration included remarks by Consul General of France, Vincent Sciama, a champagne toast, live entertainment, passed hors d'oeuvres cash bar and gourmet birthday cake in honor of Edgar Degas. 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155358872095870.1073743216.581200869&type=1&l=e8e2c1a947 

That evening it was time for me to attend the annual Spanish Wine Dinner to kick off the 2018 Running of the Bulls. The historic ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel was the setting for the occasion and it was indeed a very enjoyable, four-course dinner with wine and entertainment by talented guitarist, Coyote Anderson.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155358890605870.1073743218.581200869&type=1&l=441048893d

On Friday, July 13, it was time to attend the annual Krewe of Cork's Bastille Day Luncheon at the Palace Cafe which was lovely and delicious. Vive La France!

The French National Day is the anniversary of Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790. Celebrations are held throughout France. 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155359790760870.1073743219.581200869&type=1&l=1a35a0ebdb

On Saturday morning, it was time for the 12^th Annual El Encierro: the Running of the Bulls 2018. Duchess Chiquita Bergen and I got up early to catch up the beginning of the event on Poydras Street. A beautiful sunny sky greeted the New Orleans Roller Derby Girls, the “running bulls,” as they pursued the runners.

Each year the Crescent City hosts its own version of Spain’s Encierro de Pamplona. But instead of running from real bulls, New Orleanians gather in the traditional red and white colors of Spain’s bull run and they run from Roller Derby Girls, some of whom wear plastic bull horns on their helmets. They chase the runners on their rollerblades and swat the slowest ones with plastic bats. Thousands of runners gathered early in the morning in Downtown New Orleans to participate in the event and thousands more watched as amused spectators cheering them on.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155361120020870.1073743221.581200869&type=1&l=b52a79d4df

On Saturday night, I was invited to celebrate the 10th Wedding Anniversary of my darling friends Russ and Sandra Herman. The spacious and beautiful Briquette Restaurant owned by AJ and Anna Tusa was the setting for the lovely and delicious celebration. I enjoyed so much being surrounded by so many longtime friends, as well as meeting Russ and Sandra's family. Pianist Jim Walpole, looking very dapper, entertained the crowd and played all the sing-along songs. It was a very memorable evening and I cannot wait to celebrate their 20th.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155363135415870.1073743222.581200869&type=1&l=2ce358a890

Are you ready for a very spirited week? I am!

Darlings, my week ended last night by attending a lovely cocktail soiree at Commander's Palace hosted by Crystal  Tales of the Cocktail's Kick-Off Soiree.

Tales of the Cocktail - July 17-22

This summer the worldwide cocktail community will descend on New Orleans once again as Tales of the Cocktail returns for its 16th year. This annual gathering that’s equal parts cocktail conference and family reunion will feature a spirited schedule of brand new seminars, tastings, competitions and networking events representing the latest that the industry has to offer.

 

Last night I was invited by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and Crystal Hot Sauce’s Red Beans & Rice Soiree  at Commander’s Palace .

. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155366685260870.1073743223.581200869&type=1&l=c4b0299993

The evening kept going and this time it was The Museum of the American Cocktail's State of the Art: A Cocktail Extravaganza on Monday, July 16. The annual fundraiser, cocktail party, and competition featured some of the best bartenders in the city of New Orleans and it kicked-off the week of Tales of the Cocktail. I sampled some of the creative concoctions, met the NOLA bartending community and supported The Museum of the American Cocktail.

The Cocktail Museum is located in the Southern Food & Beverage Museum at  1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., in the Central City Neighborhood of New Orleans. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155366718775870.1073743224.581200869&type=1&l=2934ec1914

Today I have to go early to pick up my badge to the Tales of the Cocktail and start what I know will be a very hectic and spirited week.

Tales of the Cocktail® is the world’s premier cocktail festival where the international spirits community visits New Orleans for a week for the exchanging of new ideas, products, and techniques.

Tickets: https://tickets.talesofthecocktail.org/?utm_source=Where+Y%27at+Happenings&utm_campaign=cbeb9820f2-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_07_09_05_40&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_602ae8aab1-cbeb9820f2-280959845

For complete information and schedule go to https://talesofthecocktail.org  

And, of course, the highlight of my week is going to be my very spirited annual Round Table luncheon Saluting Tales of the Cocktail on Wednesday, July 18 at noon in the historic ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Here are the details:

Spirited Round Table Luncheon Saluting Tales of the Cocktail hosted by Margarita Bergen

Wednesday, July 18, from 12 noon-2 p.m.; socializing and seating at 11:30 a.m.

Bourbon Orleans Hotel, 717 Orleans St., French Quarter, New Orleans.

Co-hosted by Caroline Rosen, the new executive director of Tales of the Cocktail, the nonprofit that produces the annual spirit industry conference. The TOC will be held from July 17-22.

 

Charlotte Voisey, Brand Ambassador for Hendrick's Gin 

redit). 

The guest speaker will be mixologist Marvin Allen, author of a new book, Magic in a Shaker- A Year of Spirited Libations. The featured spirit will be Hendrick's Gin. Live entertainment by talented vocalist Jordan Kelley and cocktail historian Elizabeth Pearce, accompanied on the piano by Jim Walpole.

The $60, 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.

Enjoy your week!

Wednesday Lafete News Link July 18, 2018

https://conta.cc/2JCVF0q

Love New Orleans & She'll Love You Back. Sincerely, Frank Stansbury Lafete News

 17

 18

TALES OF THE COCKTAIL 2018 FOOD & DRINK PAIRINGS:
SPIRITED DINNERS HOSTED BY NEW ORLEANS' TOP CHEFS
Tuesday, July 17th & Wednesday, July 18th

Sac-a-Lait
Kick off the first night of Tales of The Cocktail 2018 with "A Cajun Road Trip" at Sac-a-Lait restaurant, presented by Sazerac Company. On Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 6PM Food Network's Cajun Aces Chefs Cody andSamantha Carroll, Chef de Cuisine Ian Mitchell, and Beverage Director Norton Christopher will host a five-course dinner pairing local cuisine and beautiful cocktails. The evening will feature signature cocktails made with Sazerac Rye, Peychaud's Aperitivo, Buffalo Trace, Ojen, and Wheatley Vodka. Throughout the event, culinary & cocktail Historian Elizabeth Pearce will lead a thought-provoking conversation on the history of rye in New Orleans along with locally-popular Ojen, an anise flavored liqueur. Priced at $99 per person (excluding tax and gratuity),

The 4th Annual North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition will take place in New Orleans during the same week as the Tales Of The Cocktail Festival. The competition is dedicated to promoting excellence in Bourbon, Whiskey, and Moonshine. On Tuesday, July 17, 2018, an intimate celebration of the 2018 winners will take place at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, at the Royal Garden Terrace from 7 to 9:30 pm. Just 50 Bourbon and Whiskey enthusiasts will have the opportunity to sample a selection of the 2018 competition winners together with a variety of delicious of bites. Guests will have the opportunity to meet our 2018 judges and highly acclaimed whiskey expert and author Blair Bowman from Edinburgh, Scotland. Tickets: $50 https://www.squadup.com/events/bourbonwhiskey  7 PM - 9:30 PM Omni Royal Orleans Hotel

18 On Wednesday, July 18, the annual, spirited Round Table Luncheon Saluting Tales of the Cocktail at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel will be co-hosted by social editor Margarita Bergen and Caroline Rosen, the new executive director of Tales of the Cocktail, the nonprofit that produces the annual spirit industry conference. The TOC will be held this year on July 17-22. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for socializing and seating and the luncheon and speakers start at 12 noon. The featured spirit will be Hendrick's  Gin and will be represented by its International Brand Ambassador, Charlotte Voisey, and Jorge Lauriano Jr., Louisiana District Manager for William Grant & Sons, Inc. The guest speaker will be mixologist Marvin Allen, author of a new book, Magic in a Shaker.  The live entertainment will be by talented vocalist Jordan Kelley and cocktail historian Elizabeth Pearce, accompanied on the piano by Jim Walpole. The $60, 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.

TRINITY ARTIST SERIES

call: 504 670 2520

Trinity Episcopal Church 

1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans

504 670 2520   

Sunday, July  22 @ 5 pm: "Hometown Harmony Show" 50 singers,featuring:

The Mardi Gras Chorus (All Men) (Barbershop Harmony Society)

The Crescent City Sound Chorus (All Ladies) (Sweet Adelines International Society)

The SouthernTradition Quartet

Over 50 singers featuring Traditional Barbershop Harmony

Please visit: www.mardigraschorus.org