Thursday, March 30, 2017

A Toast to New Orleans March 30-April 6 : Faust/ Hog for a Cause/ Jewish Roots of Past, Present & Future Gala / The Bodyguard and more

Please put in your calendar:
Round Table Luncheon Salutes New Orleans Authors and their recent published books on Wednesday, April 19, at noon at The Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Among the authors will be Pamela  Arcenaux -Guidebooks to Sin: The Blue Books of Storyville, New Orleans
by Pamela D. Arceneaux;; Garden Legacy
by Mary Louise Mossy Christovich and Roulhac Bunkley Toledano
with a foreword by S. Frederick Starr; and  Jeff Crouere  will discuss his 1st book, "America's Last Chance". Entertainment will be by talented Louis Dudoussat who just performed in the acclaimed JPAC's production of Tarzan. The $55  all inclusive price include a 3-three course gourmet luncheon, champagne/ wines and valet parking. Make sure you reserve at Please make your reservation by calling Judy LeBlanc at 504-571-4672 or email her at Judy.LeBlanc@BourbonOrleans.com. RESERVATIONS AND PREPAYMENT IS REQUIRED. Walk-ins will not be accepted, as the hotel will only prepare meals for the number of guests who have made reservations.







Darlings,
I hope you are enjoying the glorious spring weather!
If you read my blog last week, you knew that I was going nonstop, attending  many soirees until I caught, on Friday,  a nasty chest cold that prevented me from attending many of the affairs that I was really looking forward to attending. They included the Tennessee Williams Festival, the LPO's “Musical Mystery Tour: A Salute to The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper,” the Alliance Française de la Nouvelle-Orléans' “Un Bal Guinguette” and the Entrepreneur Week events.
Fortunately I was able to attend many fun events that included the 2017 French Quarter Festival's press conference.
Beautiful spring weather greeted the media and VIPs at the annual press conference of the upcoming popular French Quarter Festival (April 6-9). Talented Renaissance man Tony Green entertained the crowd and unveiled his 2017 French Quarter Festival poster. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154179695930870.1073742817.581200869&type=1&l=03d9edd306
I was invited by my darling friend, Sammy Steele, to be his guest at the Salvation Army's Heels for Hope Luncheon at the Audubon Tea Room. Sammy was one of the models, along with many of my darling friends. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154179743780870.1073742818.581200869&type=1&l=684e735d30
On Wednesday, I was on Cloud Nine, attending the always fabulous 33rd Annual Mad Hatter's Luncheon & Fashion Show at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. The luncheon, themed “A Day at the Races,” to benefit the New Orleans Opera Association, was a sea of chapeaus. They were many very beautiful big hats - fascinators, whimsical and very creative. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154181411230870.1073742819.581200869&type=1&l=9e44c79253



I also loved attending the WYES “60 Years and Still Groovin’” fundraising event. I had so much fun dressed a la Janis Joplin. I loved going to the exquisite mansion of my darling friends, Dana and Steve Hansel, for this fabulous evening. The costumes were awesome, as well as the entertainment, the food by the Windsor Court and the libations, which made the fundraiser a very memorable one. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154185225605870.1073742820.581200869&type=1&l=48a2cf28ed

The last soiree that attended before I caught my cold was New Orleans Fashion Week - Thursday - Designer Walks. It was at the Civic Theater and I enjoyed very much seeing the talents of Designers Jeta McCreary, John Joseph Delgadillo and my darling vendor friends among others. Congratulations to talented Tracee Dundas for putting this event every year. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154185309570870.1073742821.581200869&type=1&l=517916fdf2

My brother, Lorenzo Bergen, drove me to his timeshare condo in Destin so I could recuperate and enjoy the sunshine and the fresh air from the beach. Today I feel a little better so I hope I can recuperate by Wednesday night when I return to New Orleans. My friend, Michael Langford, is driving me back so Lorenzo can enjoy his full week there.

There is so much going on in New Orleans that I do not want to miss and that includes the following events:

link March 30, 2017

http://conta.cc/2nnnGil
LaFete News
Editor / Publisher: Frank Stansbury
lafete11@att.net
504-450-1955


March 29-31
 New Orleans Botanical Gardens Artists in the Park
Event Info: Works of local artists that were created on site at the garden will be exhibited and auctioned after the show. A reception to celebrate will follow.
Tickets: N/A
Location: New Orleans Botanical Garden at City Park
Contact: 483-9386
Thursday, March 30
A Musical Prelude to the Celebration of Easter
A Free, Public Concert Series for Lent
Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Catholic Cultural Center, 1100 Chartres St.
Thursdays, 6 p. m.,March 30 Presented by:
The Bishop Perry Center
 The Cathedral - Basilica of St. Louis King of France & The Archdiocese of New Orleans
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
The New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation: Raúl V. Fonte, Executive Director
Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society & Words & Music
In Concert With Angels, Sponsors, Patrons &Friends
Angels
Saluting Tonight’s Performer: Jay Kacherski
The Program
“Virtuosismo” and “technical dominance” are the words used by the press to describe American
guitarist, Jay Kacherski. A native of New York, Kacherski has given solo and ensemble
performances throughout the United States and Mexico. In 2008, he was awarded a Fulbright
Scholarship to research, perform, and promote contemporary classical guitar music of Mexico
and has since been premiering many new works in the United States. Kacherski completed
his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Texas
at Austin, a Master’s Degree in Guitar Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of
Music in New York, and undergrad degrees from Florida Southern College. Currently, he is an
Associate Editor for Soundboard Magazine, a reviewer for the American String Teacher Journal,
Assistant Artistic Director of the Classical Minds International Guitar Festival in Houston, TX,
and a Visiting Lecturer of Music Theory at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA.



March 30

Thursdays at Twilight Concert Series
Celebrating New Orleans Music 
with The New John Robichaux Society Orchestra
Gates open at 5pm; music begins at 6pm
Pavilion of the Two Sisters in the City Park Botanical Garden
March 30

Jim Brickman's Pure Piano: The Greatest Hits Tour
Thurs., March 30 | 6pm
Jefferson Performing Arts Center
6400 Airline Dr., Metairie
(504) 731-4700

Two-time Grammy nominated artist Jim Brickman returns to New Orleans on March 30 with Pure Piano: The Greatest Hits tour. Get ready for a night of emotion and humor with music that touches the heart. A personal escape with stirring solo piano hits and timeless collaborations like "Valentine," "Angel Eyes," and "Love of My Life." Bring your family, friends or that special someone and get ready for a night of love, laughter and music with Jim Brickman. Ticketed event.

March 30
 Edible Schoolyard New Orleans's An Edible Evening
Langston Hughes Academy’s Dreamkeeper Garden transforms into one of the spring’s premier garden parties. As guests stroll through the school’s three-acre garden, they will enjoy the tasting menu from more than 30 restaurants, as well as the exquisite Presqu’ile Wines.
Tickets: $50; various additional patron and sponsorship levels available at  Langston Hughes Academy
Contact: 421-1060


March 31-April 1
Hogs for the Cause

Event Info: This annual, two-day fundraising event features nationally recognized musical talent alongside amateur and professional barbecue competitors. “Hogs for the Cause” operates as the premier funding source for pediatric brain cancer outreach services in the U.S. and has given grants to over 400 families in need.
Tickets: Prices vary
Location: UNO Lakefront Arena Fields
Contact: 583-5550


March 31 & April 2
Faust
Venue: Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts
Sponsoring Organization: New Orleans Opera Association
Tickets: New Orleans Opera Association
“The Devil made me do it!”
That’s how the New Orleans Opera Association is billing its fourth and final mainstage production of the 2016-17 season, Charles Gounod’s Faust. In a story that has been told and retold throughout much of recorded history, the title character’s fate is the price he pays for selling his soul to Satan in exchange for youth, happiness and love.
One of the masterpieces of French lyric opera, Faust is a profusion of celebrated arias and non-stop drama. With images that are both delightful and provocative, yet dark and foreboding, it is easy to see why this work has become one of the most performed operas around the world.
Performances on Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Optional brunches served in two seatings at Sunday performance. Call for tickets and information or visit the website to make reservations online: (504) 529-3000/2278 or http://neworleansopera.org/.
April 1
NOMA Egg Hunt and Family Festival
This fun and festive event features arts and crafts, games, face painting, a petting zoo, food, drinks, sweets, music and more.
Tickets: $10 for members; $12 for non-members
Location: Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Contact: 568-4121


April 1
Jewish Roots of Past, Present & Future Gala to benefit Jewish Children’s Regional Services
A cocktail reception and seated dinner, a moving testimonial from a JCRS “success story,” entertainment and a silent auction, featuring once-in-a-lifetime vacations and more.
Tickets: $250
Location: Hyatt Regency, downtown New Orleans adjacent to the Superdome
Contact: 828-6334


April 1
Sugarplum Ball
Benefits: Children’s Hospital
Event Info: This black-tie event is the hospital’s largest fundraiser and features over 35 local restaurants, specialty cocktails, a silent auction, live band and much more.
Tickets: $350; $15,000 sponsorship levels
Location: Public Belt Railroad
Contact: 896-9373


April 1
4th Annual ChamberFest
Venue: Nunemaker Hall, Loyola University
Sponsoring Organizations: Lyrica Baroque and New Orleans Friends of Music
Tickets: None. Event is free and open to the public.
Presented by Lyrica Baroque in collaboration with the New Orleans Friends of Music, the Fourth Annual NOLA Chamber Fest will feature chamber groups from all across the New Orleans and Gulf South regions, ranging from high school through college and graduate level and is also open to members of the community.
Musicians from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra judge the competition in four divisions and cash prizes are awarded to the winning group in each division. The winning groups will perform in the Winners Showcase Performance one hour prior to the Harlem Quartet performance at Loyola University’s Roussel Hall on April 7.
The Chamber Fest performances run from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. and are free and open to the public.
April 1-2
2017 Leukemia Cup Regatta
 After the race and regatta, join 24 local restaurants that will supply a taste of New Orleans cuisine, a Gosling Rum bar and music by Refried Confuzion for a post-race party.
Tickets: $75; $1000 per table
Location: Southern Yacht Club
Contact: 837-0945


April 2
Jefferson Beautification, Inc. “Parkway Promenade XXVI”
 This year’s theme, “April in Paris,” will include a sit-down dinner, open bar, live music, dancing, entertainment, an ensemble contest, raffles and a live auction featuring artwork by Honorary Chairman James Michalopoulos.
Tickets: $75
Location: Chateau Country Club, Kenner
Contact: 887-8992


April 5
Prix d’Elegance Luncheon & Fashion Show to benefit  New Orleans Ballet Association’s Youth Ballet Program
 The Men and Women of Fashion’s 45th annual “Prix d’Elegance” will honor 10 men and 10 women who exemplify a unique personal style and are significant contributors in helping the community. A delicious lunch, silent auction, raffle and performance by students of the NORDC/NOBA Center for Dance will make up the event, as well as a glamorous fashion show. $100, Hilton Riverside ,Contact: 522-0996


April 5
Carmina Burana
Venue: Roussel Performance Hall, Loyola University
Sponsoring Organization: Symphony Chorus of New Orleans
Tickets: Symphony Chorus of New Orleans and Roussel Hall
Carmina Burana is a cantata composed by Carl Orff  in 1935 and 1936, based on 24 poems from a much larger collection from the 1100s and 1200s that cover a wide variety of everyday life subjects. The work is sometimes paired with a short opera to make up a full program. The best-known piece from Carmina Burana is “O Fortuna,” used in dozens of movie soundtracks and covered by well-known musicians and musical groups.
The Symphony Chorus of New Orleans is performing with percussionists from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, plus two pianists, baritone André Chiang, soprano Donna Lee and the New Orleans Boys' Choir. Steven Edwards conducts. The pieces are sung in Latin and German with English translations provided.
The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. For information and tickets call  (504) 525-2111 or go to http://www.symphonychorus.org/.



event images

18th annual Bill Russell Lecture
A Tribute to John Robichaux


Wednesday, April 5 • 6:30 p.m.
WRC, 410 Chartres St.
April 6
French Quarter Festival Opening Night Gala
Tickets: $125-$5,000
Location: Antoine’s
Contact: 522-5730
Antoine’s signature dishes, libations by Brown-Forman, music by French Quarter Festival all stars and a surprise kickoff will raise funds for the 34th annual French Quarter Festival. A portion of the proceeds will benefit New Orleans’ Roots of Music and Jackson Square beautification.
And, finally, here’s one you DEFINITELY don’t want to miss . . . the Saenger/Broadway in New Orleans production of The Bodyguard. Here is the information:
The Bodyguard
April 4-9, 2017
Venue: Saenger Theatre
Sponsoring Organization: Broadway in New Orleans
Tickets: Saenger Theatre and Ticketmaster
Based on the smash hit film, the award-winning musical will star Grammy Award-nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox. Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love.
A romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a host of irresistible classics made famous by the late Whitney Houston when the show premiered in the early 1990s. They include “Queen of the Night,” “So Emotional,” “One Moment in Time,” “Saving All My Love (for you),” “I Have Nothing,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and one of the biggest-selling songs of all time – “I Will Always Love You.”
Show times vary; call or visit Saenger or Ticketmaster website for more information.
Enjoy the sunshine, darlings!
Enjoy the sunshine, darlings!
Wednesday, April 5
sponsored by the Derbes Family Foundation
Wednesday, April 5 | 6:30 p.m.
Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street

Admission is $15, free for Caillot Circle, Jackson Society, Laussat Society,    
and Bienville Circle members of THNOC. 
Seating is limited; for reservations, call (504) 523-4662. Reservations will be held until 6:20 p.m. At that time, any unclaimed seats will be released to the public. 
The event will also be streamed live online by WWOZ .
The Historic New Orleans Collection will present the 18th annual Bill Russell Lecture--"A Tribute to John Robichaux"--on Wednesday, April 5, at the Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street. The New John Robichaux Society Orchestra, led by Tom Hook and Wendell Brunious, will join forces with the Louisiane Vintage Dancers to recreate an evening of 19th-century entertainment. This year's lecture is sponsored by the Derbes Family Foundation.                  
In the 1890s, the John Robichaux Orchestra was the premier society orchestra of New Orleans. A native of Thibodaux, Robichaux (1866 - 1939) is considered to have been the most continuously active dance bandleader in New Orleans. From 1895 until 1927,  his ensemble thrilled audiences with European dance music such as quadrilles, waltzes, and schottisches, as well as music for African American dances such as the cakewalk. Eventually such music would evolve into the ragtime that would in turn evolve into jazz.
Admission for this event is $15 and seating is limited. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (504) 523-4662. Reservations will be held until 10 minutes prior to the start of the program. At that time, any unclaimed seats will be released to the public. 

For more information or to register, call (504) 523-4662 or email wrc@hnoc.org. To watch the event online, visit www.hnoc.orgwww.wwoz.org, or WWOZ's Facebook page on the night of the performance.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

A Toast to New Orleans : Mad Hatters/ Tennessee Williams Literary Festival/NO Fashion Week / WYES “60 Years and Still Groovin’ Gala and more.....

HAPPY SPRING 2017 
 It is Festival Time at The Groovy Round Table Luncheon was a great success!


Darlings,
I hope you enjoyed St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's Day Festivities.  I sure did and I missed not going to my favorite plantation, Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, like I have  done in the past.
It is not every day, that the New Orleans Ballet Association hosts its ultra-elegant BRAVO fundraiser, which it did on Friday, March 17. The awesome affair titled "When the Stars Align" was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Roosevelt Hotel. Every one of the guests felt like they were indeed a STAR! We mingled with the Stars of the American Ballet who did an Encore performance the next evening at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. 
The Gala, chaired by my darling friend Sandra Herman, featured a patron party with champagne and Sazeracs and accompanying appetizers, a spectacular three-course menu and a Big Band sound with talented and entertaining Deacon John and his Ivories.
Gorgeous, talented Bryan Batt was the Master of Ceremonies and he conducted the Live Auction. "When the Stars Align” Ball will go down my memory lane as one of the most spectacular fundraiser of the year.  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154170202575870.1073742811.581200869&type=1&l=cf2829728d
On Wednesday, March 15, I enjoyed 
so much hosting my monthly Round Table Luncheon, billed as "It is Festival Time." The Luncheon in the Bourbon Orleans Hotel was a great success. 

We grooved and celebrated, not only festivals and cultural/social fundraisers, we also celebrated St. Patrick's Day. For that occasion, I invited as our live entertainer, Irish guitarist/singer, Vali Talbot,  who delighted us with classic beloved Irish songs.

I tied the luncheon to the upcoming WYES “60 Years and Still Groovin’ Gala ” on March 23.  Dana Hansel and  

Aislinn Hinyup of WYES spoke about the fundraiser. 

I  invited BRAVO Gala Chair, Sandra Herman, to speak about the upcoming New Orleans Ballet's "When the Stars Align" Ball and the Men and Women of Fashion Luncheon. Rosemary James represented the Bishop Perry Series of Hispanic-themed Lenten concerts at St. Mary’s Church in the French Quarter. Bill Hess, President of the Board of LPO, represented the philharmonic orchestra and its upcoming Opus Ball.  Author Valerie Grubb represented the New Orleans Film Festival. Mamie Gasperecz, Board President of the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival spoke about the TWF and Rebecca Sell, Marketing and Publicity Manager of French Quarter Festivals, spoke about that upcoming event.   It was really informative, entertaining and  delicious.  Put in your calendar that the next Round Table Luncheon will be on Wednesday, April 19 at noon at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154164976100870.1073742808.581200869&type=1&l=3288fdb8ae


On Wednesday, I covered the Patron Party for NOMA's annual Art in Bloom - Rhythm & Blooms presented by Iberia Bank. 

Darlings, NOMA's Art in Bloom 2017 was, as in the past, EXQUISITE! It is my favorite time to visit the New Orleans Museum of Art. With the theme " Rhythm & Blooms and chaired by Quincy Crawford and Sarah Fein, the fundraiser featured beautiful floral arrangements, delicious cuisine and entertainment by Joe Simon's Jazz Music and Trinity Episcopal School Honor Choir lead by talented Anais St. John
Darlings, now that I don't have to work at the gallery anymore, I enjoy attending lectures and lunches. It was a real pleasure to have the opportunity to attend the very informative and entertaining lectures as part of the NOMA's Art in Bloom weekend of author James Farmer - a lifestyle expert, garden, floral and interior designer and author of "A Time to Plant, Sip and Savor," “Porch Living,” “Wreaths for All Seasons," "Dinner on the Grounds," and "A Time to Celebrate." In addition, Farmer is editor-at-large for Southern Living. He was really funny.
Laura Downing was an inspiration! She is a floral designer, former White House Chief Florist, and author of  “Floral Diplomacy," I was invited by my darling friend Carol Hall to sit at her table for the annual luncheon, followed by a lovely Fashion Show by Saks Fifth Avenue. I truly enjoyed being with Carol and her friends. 
That evening, there was not one but two fun events that I did not want to miss. The first one was on March 16,  when the Bishop Perry Center continued its annual Lenten series of free public concerts at 6 p. m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1100 Chartres Street with a performance by the internationally acclaimed concert pianist Peter Collins. The series highlights the contributions made by Spain and the Latin American nations to the world’s body of great music.

That evening, I was invited to cover the 2017 Annual Dinner meeting of the French American Chamber of Commerce at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint from 5 to 8 p.m. The keynote speaker was J. Stephen Perry, President & CEO of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Awards were presented to outgoing Director of the New Orleans Port, Gary LaGrange and Damien Regnard 
Image may contain: 2 people, people standing and suit
 

Friday, was one of those nights that I need desperately a clone! After having a drink at Effervesce Champagne Club, I was meeting my friend Michael Langford to make an appearance on the red carpet of The New Orleans Film Society's PATRON PARTY & GALA at the Magnolia Mansion. Champagne, caviar with food from Acme Oyster House and Cajun caviar will be waiting there for the Patrons. Music by Helen Gillet.

The Patron Party and Gala was awesome. Mother Nature provided glorious weather to enjoy the setting at the exquisite Magnolia Mansion. I enjoyed the libations, the delicious food and seeing so many of my darling friends. Thank you, member of the board Valerie Grubb for including me. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154172221060870.1073742814.581200869&type=1&l=499d53246f




I enjoyed so much going to Effervescence. I was delighted to see my darling friend Lisa Tull of Republic serving Taittinger Champagne. It turns out that the owner, Crystal, is the sister of my darling friend Kirk Coco - owner of NOLA Brewing Company. 
I also enjoyed very much being greeted on the piano with “As Time Goes By,” performed by talented Harry Mayronne who played for many years at Restaurant Jonathan, also on North Rampart. Brings me a lot of bubbly memories.
On Saturday, among the several events that I attended was the LPO's Opus Ball. It was very difficult to make it to the Sheraton Hotel while the St. Joseph Parade was going on but, as in the past, I wanted to cover the annual LPO's Opus Ball.

LPO Swings took place Saturday, March 18, beginning with a 6 p.m. patron party followed by a 6:30 p.m. seated dinner. Conducted by LPO Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto, the concert program was supported by the Gia Maione Prima Foundation.

The evening included a three-course gourmet seated dinner and additional dancing with music provided by the ASCAP scholars and members from the NOCCA Jazz Big Band.
This year, Opus Ball proceeds benefit Band Together, an LPO education program with a thematic focus on local cultural and historic landmarks. Band Together combines LPO mentorship of students in high school band programs with a culminating live concert performance—where students perform alongside LPO members.

On Sunday, Mother Nature blessed us with an incredibly beautiful night to enjoy the St. Joseph's Day festivities at my darling friend Tony Marino's residence on Bourbon Street. As in the past, he sets a beautiful St. Joseph's Altar against the wall of his lovely home and then he also has another one inside. He always treats us to talented opera singers, a blessing of the altar and a Italian Feast that transport us to Italy. 

My evening kept going and this time, it was the Kick-off party for the New Orleans Fashion Week that my darling friend Tracee Dundas founded. It was the perfect night for the Official Party to Kickoff a Weeklong Fashion Fest - New Orleans Fashion Week 2017 at W French Quarter :NEW ORLEANS FASHION WEEK-MARCH 18-24, 2017

Darlings as part of the New Orleans Fashion week, I enjoyed so much attending yesterday  the Soiree in honor of talented fashion designer Pedram Pasha Taheri at Cafe Adelaide.



Margarita Bergen with John Goodman

Fashion Week in New Orleans with great friends. Fabulous Fashion Designer Pegram Pasha Tahari. Tonight's meet and greet was coordinated but the wonderful Tracee Dundas.
Those attending with me were Margarita Bergen, Morris Kahn, Michael LangfordArnold Baker and Ricky Stevens.#NOFW7

This morning, I am looking forward to attending the 
French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron 
Press Conference and Media Party-  Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 10 a.m.: Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 500 Royal Street
DETAILS: Join French Quarter Festivals, Inc., New Orleans tourism officials, and invited guests in celebrating the final countdown to the 34th Annual French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron. The press conference takes place at the site of the Omni Royal Orleans stage and will feature live music from Tony Green and Gypsy Jazz, as well as final announcements, merchandise unveiling, and exciting guest presenters. For more information contact Rebecca Sell at (504) 522-5730 or email rebecca@fqfi.org. Visit the French Quarter Festivals, Inc. website at fqfi.org for more information about the organization, and click here to request a media credential. 




Don't you just love living in a city that has four major events going on: the New Orleans Film Festival, the New Orleans Fashion Week, New Orleans Entrepreneur Week and the Tennessee William New Orleans Literary Festival? I do!.
In addition we also have the following fun events that I am looking forward to attend: 
Darlings, this week is New Orleans Entrepreneur Week

New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW), March 19-24, 2017, is a uniquely New Orleanian festival that celebrates and showcases the best of business…
NOEW.ORG




March 22 
 Women’s Guild of New Orleans Opera Association 's Mad Hatter’s Luncheon

 Wear your most glamorous, whimsical or outrageous hat for “A Day at the Races,” luncheon and Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show. The afternoon will include a hat contest, lunch and a silent auction.
Tickets: Starting at $75 at New Orleans Hilton Riverside, Grand Ballroom
Contact: 267-9527






March 22-26
Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
Benefits: Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
Event Info: A five-day festival that features theater events, literary panels, master classes, a scholar’s conference, music events, food events, literary walking tours, a book fair and more. Events will take place at the Hotel Monteleone, the Historic New Orleans Collection and other venues in the French Quarter and around the city.
Tickets: $10-$45
Location: Hotel Monteleone, THNOC and other venues in the French Quarter
Get your act together at these theater workshops, panels, and events designed to inspire and instruct:...
 See More


Contact: 581-1144


Relive Beatlemania as the LPO and Classical Mystery Tour tribute band perform all of your favorite Beatles hits exactly as they were written. March 23-24 at the Orpheum Theater New Orleans.

Student tickets $10 • Adult tickets starting at $20
LPOMUSIC.COM





March 23
WYES 60 Years and Still Groovin’ Gala

 To celebrate 60 years at the region’s editor and storyteller, WYES is throwing a festive 1960s-themed gala.
 Junior Gala $100; Gala or Junior Patron $250; Patron $500 at Home of Dana and Steve Hansel
Contact: 486-5511


March 24
 Daughters of Charity Foundation of New Orleans“Keeping Our Promises” Gala
 DCFNO’s sixth annual gala will honor individuals who share their vision and work to promote healthy communities with their “Inspired Cross Award.” The event will include a silent auction and a live fundraiser, as well as live music and entertainment.
Tickets: Gala $100; Patron Party $175 at  Messina’s at the Terminal.Contact: 231-0659


March 24
 Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans 40th annual Julia Jump
 This 40th annual event will feature live music and dancing, creative cocktails, an open bar and a silent auction to benefit the PRC’s mission of promoting the preservation, restoration and revitalization of New Orleans’ historic architecture and neighborhoods.
Tickets: Starting at $75 at the  The Cannery
Contact: 581-7032
.

I enjoyed so much going to Effervescence. I was delighted to see my darling friend Lisa Tull of Republic serving Taittinger Champagne. It turn out that the owner Crystal is the sister of my darling friend Kirk Coco - owner of NOLA Brewing company.
I also enjoyed very much being greeted on the piano with "AS time goes BY " performed by talented Harry Mayronne who played for many years at Jonathan Restaurant also on North Rampart.  It brought  a lot of bubbly memories!.
This Week at The Collection                                                 March 20 - 26, 2017
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Final week to view Clarence John Laughlin and His Contemporaries: A Picture and a Thousand Words

Thursday - Saturday: The Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival events at THNOC 

THNOC images now on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC
Clarence John Laughlin and His Contemporaries: A Picture and a Thousand Words closes this Saturday

laughlin
 Final week to view Clarence John Laughlin and His Contemporaries: A Picture and a Thousand Words


Clarence John Laughlin and His Contemporaries: A Picture and a Thousand Words
on view through Saturday, March 25, 2017
gallery hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street
Admission is free.
Time is running out to see THNOC's acclaimed exhibition on Clarence John Laughlin (1905 - 1985). The Louisiana native ranks among the most significant artists in New Orleans history. Though his international reputation as a pioneer in experimental and surrealist photography took root during his lifetime, he was forever convinced of his isolation from the mainstream artistic community. His exhaustive written records and remarkable collection of images, however, prove otherwise.
Laughlin produced more than 17,000 images in his lifetime and collected a trove of letters and hundreds of photographs through correspondence with his peers. Though he remained engaged with the artistic community, the romantic tinge of his images diverged from, and sometimes clashed with, the mid-century modernist movement. With more than 250 letters and images--including some never before exhibited--Clarence John Laughlin and His Contemporaries: A Picture and a Thousand Words encourages visitors to discover the enigmatic photographer and make their own assessments of his work.
In January Gambit Weekly described the display as "a sprawling yet very personal exhibition that provides unusual depth and insight amid images ranging from his most experimental to his most famous."
The exhibition occupies two gallery spaces at THNOC's Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street. Laughlin's exchanges with fellow photographers are on display in the corridor adjacent to the Boyd Cruise Room, while his correspondence with publishers, editors, and art curators can be seen in the Laura Simon Nelson Galleries for Louisiana Art. Admission is free, and the show will remain on view through Saturday, March 25, 2017.
The 16th edition of the Tennessee Williams Annual Review will be released at this year's Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival.

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 Thursday - Saturday: The Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival events at THNOC

Thursday - Friday, March 23 - 24:
Master Classes
533 Royal Street
Friday, March 24: Scholars Conference
Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street
Saturday, March 25: Panel Discussions
Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street
Tickets are required for all events. To purchase tickets by phone, call (504) 581-1144.
The Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival returns to New Orleans for the 31st year March 22 - 26. The Historic New Orleans Collection is pleased to host several festival events, including master classes and panel discussions. A complete schedule of events is available online.

In addition, the opening night event at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré on Wednesday, March 22--"Where Sex and Sin Were the Specialties: An Evening of Storyville Memories"--will include presentations by Pamela D. Arceneaux, author of Guidebooks to Sin: The Blue Books of Storyville, New Orleans, and THNOC Library Cataloger Nina Bozak. 
THNOC also hosts the Tennessee Williams Scholars Conference, where literary and theater experts share their insights into the creative work of the great American playwright. The conference is directed by Robert Bray, professor emeritus of English at Middle Tennessee State University and founder of the Tennessee Williams Annual Review, published by The Historic New Orleans Collection. The 2017 edition, edited by R. Barton Palmer, will be released in conjunction with the festival.


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The Washington Square Park Foundation for the Arts is proud to announce the first annual Washington Square Park Music Festival featuring A Tribute to Ray Charles featuring Davell Crawford on Tuesday, March 21st followed on Tuesday, April 4th with A Tribute to Al Jarreau.  

The family-friendly concerts are free and open to the public and will begin at 3pm - 7pm at Washington Square Park, 700 Elysian Fields Avenue between Frenchmen St. and Royal St. in the heart of the Faubourg Marigny.  The bi-weekly festival will also showcase performances by an array of local musicians, food by rising culinary stars, refreshing beverages and local crafts. 

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The Art and Craft of Theater

Get your act together at these theater workshops, panels, and events designed to inspire and instruct:
CHARLENE A. DONAGHY: DEVISED THEATRE (THEATER WORKSHOP)
INSPIRATION AND PROCESS: A MASTER CLASS WITH PLAYWRIGHT LISA D'AMOUR
WIZARD OF THE ONE-ACT PLAY:  TENNESSEE WILLIAMS (PANEL)
THE WOMEN OF MILK TRAIN AND SWEET BIRD (PANEL)
INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT WAGNER AND JILL ST. JOHN
PROHIBITION AND MURDER WITH SALLY ASHER (PANEL AND REENACTMENT)
STAGED READING OF OUR 2017 ONE-ACT PLAY CONTEST WINNER
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE PLAYWRIGHT: A CONVERSATION WITH DICK CAVETT AND SCREENING OF HIS INTERVIEW WITH TENNESSEE WILLIAMS

TICKETS TO THESE EVENTS ARE FROM $10 TO $20
https://tickets.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&w=bdcbe6941038062a56f7c1d5c43a9671&vqitq=ea75c636-2a89-4cd9-a595-a436d3e3515e&vqitp=e9991bf9-939f-4236-99e5-7f99ad99742a&vqitts=1486130885&vqitc=vendini&vqite=i
33rd Annual Mad Hatter’s Luncheon and Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Grand Ballroom – New Orleans Hilton Riverside

The concerts will take place every
 Wednesday, March 22 through May 24, and Tuesday, May 2, from
 5 to 8 p.m. 
at Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans
 (between Camp Street and St. Charles Avenue, directly across from Gallier Hall).

Checkout the full 2017 line-up below!
March 22             Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys, opened by Daria and The Hip Drops
March 29             Marc Broussard, opened by Kristin Diable & The City
April 5   George Porter, Jr. & Runnin' Pardners, opened by RumpleSTEELSkin
April 12 Jon Cleary and co-headliner John Papa Gros Band
April 19 Big Sam's Funky Nation, opened by Naughty Professor
April 26 Flow Tribe, opened by Robin Barnes
May 2    Christian Scott aTunde Adjuag, opened by The Tipitina's Interns
May 3    Kermit Ruffins & The Barbeque Swingers and co-headliner Marcia Ball Band
May 10 PJ Morton, opened by Andrew Duhon Trio
May 17 Headliner to be announced, opened by Mia Borders
May 24 Sweet Crude and co-headliner Tank and the Bangas *May 31 and April 7 reserved as rain dates.
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Top Taco is a culinary extravaganza where patrons can sample unlimited gourmet tacos and signature cocktails from some of the finest restaurants in New Orleans. The event will be held Thursday, March 23, from 5:30 - 9:30 PM at the Riverwalk's Spanish Plaza.
Proceeds from the event benefit One Heart NOLA- Serving Children in Need.
http://www.toptaconola.com/tickets/
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free public concerts at 6 p. m. St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1100 Chartres St.
 16 and running through April 6, all featuring Hispanic and Hispanic inspired music of the Americas.


The Bishop Perry Center will kick-off its annual musical
series, "A Musical Prelude to the Celebration of Easter," 



concerts are:  March 23, Brazilian jazz musicians, the Eduardo Tozzato quartet from Rio de Janiero;
 March 30, classical guitarist Jay Kacherski; 

and April 6, Peter Weber and his Krewe de Voix Chamber chorale group perforing Baroque Spanish music.

SAINT MARY'S ITALIAN CHURCH
(Old Ursuline Convent)
1116 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA.


3-23-17


WYES-TV CELEBRATES 60 YEARS '60S STYLE
New Orleans, LA - February 23, 2017 - WYES-TV/Channel 12, your local PBS member station, is turning 60 this year. To kick-off a year of celebrating, WYES invites guests to attend a special Gala - WYES 60 YEARS AND STILL GROOVIN' on Thursday, March 23 at the home of Dana and Steve Hansel at 1 Garden Lane in New Orleans. 
Attendees will enjoy fab cuisine by Celebrate! Catered Events by Windsor Court and out of sight libations courtesy of the Goldring Family Foundation and Sazerac Company. Guests are encouraged to wear their 1960s best as they Twist, Mash Potato, Hully Gully and Wahtusi all night long to the groovy tunes of Escalade.
The Patron party begins at 6:30 p.m., tickets are $500 per person. The Gala begins at 8:00 p.m., tickets are $250 per person. Junior prices are available for ages ages 21-35. All event tickets include complimentary valet parking provided by GOPARK and can be purchased online at wyes.org or by calling 504-486-5511 during normal business hours. 
WYES is pleased to have Kaylea and Hunter Hill, Mary and Bill Hines, and C.C. and Bill Langenstein serving as event co-chairs. Many thank to our generous committee and event patrons. 
Special thanks to our generous sponsors Celebrate! Catered Events by Windsor Court, Sazerac Company, Goldring Family Foundation, IBERIABANK, Michele Reynoir and Kevin Clifford, Richard Adkerson/Ryan Adkerson, Patricia and Vernon Brinson/Royal Honda, Basi and Michael Carbine, Tia and Jimmy Roddy, Cox Communications, Globalstar, Chaffe McCall, and PELPRINT.com.
For a complete list of event committee, patrons and sponsors, visit wyes.org


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City Park N. O. Logo

Thursdays at Twilight Concert Series
Celebrating New Orleans Music  
  • Thursdays at Twilight 
  •  Leroy Jones
  • Botanical GardenMusic
  • Thursdays at Twilight
    Botanical Garden
    March 23rd at 6:00 pm
    Leroy Jones has been a central figure in New Orleans' Jazz Scene since the mid-seventies and continuously expands and refines his musicianship in ways that manifest his multifaceted talent.  "I remember Leroy years ago in New Orleans. He was always regarded as the greatest. No one could touch him. For young musicians like me, he was exciting, intimidating. For the older ones, he was the keeper of the flame but Leroy did more than keep the flame. He started a forest fire". Harry Connick, Jr. Thursdays at Twilight series showcases some of the finest musicians in New Orleans featuring an assortment of music styles. Click the 'buy tickets' icon to the left of this paragraph to buy your $10/person tickets now! Please make sure to click the 'more information' below for further information about the concerts or to contact someone to answer your questions. Please remember to print your ticket(s) out ahead of time and bring with you to the event.
-There is a free parking lot across the street from the Botanical Garden. 
Admission: $10/person 

Jefferson Performing Arts Society
Presents
Tarzan the Musical
March 24 - 26, 2017
JPAC       6400 Airline Drive     Metairie, LA

You will not want to wait too long as tickets are going quickly! Tickets are on sale now online at jpas.org, by calling 504-885-2000, or reserving them at the theatre box office one hour prior to performance time.
Performance dates are:
March 24 - 26, 2017
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Sundays at 2:00 PM
Jefferson Performing Arts Center
6400 Airline Drive * Metairie, LA
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March 24 - 26
Kicking off the New Orleans festival season 2017, the New Orleans Bourbon Festival's mission is to provide attendees with an opportunity to enjoy exceptional Bourbon and cuisine surrounded by the charm and culture of New Orleans. The venue for the main event is The Sugar Mill, located in the historic Warehouse District of Downtown NOLA. It will feature an outdoor marketplace of Bourbon-centric products, two grand tastings of Bourbon from the world's finest distilleries, traditional New Orleans cuisine, and live classical jazz music.
A portion of the proceeds benefit St. Michael Special School.
schedule








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Not to be missed: JEWISH ROOTS: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
On April 1, 2017, Jewish Children’s Regional Service (JCRS) will be presenting its Jewish Roots: Past, Present & Future Gala at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. This will be the 6th JCRS Jewish Roots event and since beginning this series, the annual gala has become the largest upscale Jewish gathering in New Orleans with nearly 500 people from across the community and across the Mid-South in attendance. Tickets are availab...
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