As of yesterday, French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), in partnership with the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, kicked off the 23rd Annual Christmas New Orleans Style. The month-long celebration is a feast for the senses. It celebrates the spirit of our city with twinkling lights, festive iron-laced balconies, strolling historical characters, free concerts at St Louis Cathedral, candlelight caroling at Jackson Square, nightly excursions through the magnificent lighting display at City Park's Celebration in the Oaks, free cooking demonstrations by our legendary local chefs, our traditional Reveillon dinners, garland-bedecked streetcars, levee bonfire celebrations welcoming Papa Noel, family activities including children's tea and crafts workshops, holiday cruises on the Steamboat Natchez, festive theatrical and musical performances, tours of historic antebellum homes dressed in 19th century holiday finery and special hotel rates. No wonder this city was recently voted as the #1 destination for Christmas Holidays.
Last Sunday, I attended the wonderful ceremony for the dedication of the AIDS Memorial. About 12 years ago I donated money to buy bricks for this memorial, in honor of two of my best friends who died at the beginning of the epidemic. So I was very surprised when I received a call to tell me that after 12 years, the memorial was finally happening, not at Esplanade Avenue as originally planned but at WashingtonSquarePark in the Faubourg Marigny.
Keeping up in the spirit, last night I attended the very moving Memorial at Lazarus House in honor of those people who died in 2008. After that I was ready for some livelier entertainment. I missed Irvin Mayfield at the St Louis Cathedral but instead went to the annual auction of tables at Galatoire’s. It was fun and, in spite of the horrible economy, bidders bought their tables for the Friday before Christmas at the tune of $29,800. Proceeds from the auction will be given to local charities WRBH 88.3 FM, Radio for the Blind and Print Handicapped and The Southern Food & Beverage Museum. Since 2006, Galatoire’s patrons have raised over a quarter of a million dollars for local charities by bidding on tables for the Friday before Christmas and Mardi Gras.
There is no place like home for the holidays and that is especially true in New Orleans. Most of the fun events are open to the public and are FREE! For more detailed information please visit http://www.christmasneworleansstyle.com/ .
Today, December 2, the Royal Sonesta Hotel at 300 Bourbon Street is inviting the public to its Third Annual Lighting of the Balconies. The special family event has become a popular tradition signaling the official kickoff of the holidays in the French Quarter, as well as the hotel's own holiday initiatives including the Royal Teddy Bear Teas, Choirs by the Courtyard, and its Winter Wonderland lobby decorations by Blaine Kern. Special guests, including two young patients from Children's Hospital along with New Orleans Saints player Jon Stinchcomb, will have the honor of flipping the switch for over 50,000 holiday lights that will adorn the Royal Sonesta Hotel's balconies in the heart of the historic French Quarter at 7 p..m. The festivities start at 6 p.m.
Also at the Royal Sonesta, through Tuesday, December 23, Holiday Choirs by the Courtyard will be presented FREE! School choirs from across the Metro New Orleans area have once again been invited to perform in the main lobby of the Sonesta. The choirs are a tradition at the hotel, which is adorned in holiday finery for the season. Guest schools include: St. Cletus Elementary School, Kehoe-FranceSchool, ClearwoodJunior High School, De La Salle High School, St.DominicElementary School, St. Pius X School, St. Louis King of France, St. Phillip Neri School, Lady of Prompt Succor, McDonogh 35 High School, Archbishop Chapelle, UrsulineAcademy, and IsidoreNewmanSchool.
Local choirs and New Orleans artists herald the season at St. Louis Cathedral with Cathedral Concerts of classical music, holiday carols, jazz, and gospel favorites in one of the country’s most historic churches. All concerts are FREE! They begin at 6 p.m. and last approximately one hour. Here is the schedule:
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 -- DillardUniversity Concert Choir
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 -- New Orleans Uptown Brass with Trish Foti-Genco SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 -- Shades of Praise
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8 -- New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 -- Mahalia Jackson Gospel Choir
On December 2 & 3, Sounds of the Season Flower Show will be at thePavilion of the Two Sisters, New OrleansBotanical Garden, CityPark. It is sponsored by the Federated Council of New Orleans Garden Clubs, Inc. and Jefferson Parish Council of Garden Clubs, Inc. The flower show opens to the public on December 2 at 1 p.m. with a tea and will be open until 4 p.m., then it reopens on December 3 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The show features beautiful holiday designs, horticulture, youth and educational exhibits. The show is FREE with admission to the New OrleansBotanical Garden.
On Tuesday, December 2, in conjunction with The Historic New Orleans Collection's 14th annual Williams Research Center Symposium titled “The Acadian Diaspora,” there will be two exhibitions on Cajun culture in Louisiana:
December 2-February 20, 2009: Cajun Document, 1974
December 19-April 25, 2009- Evangeline: From Tragic Heroine to Cultural Icon
The WilliamsResearchCenter is located at 410 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. Both exhibitions are free and open to the public, Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call (504) 523-4662 or visit http://www.hnoc.org/ for more information.
My darling friends Earl Joyner and Starkey Kean are pleased to announce the opening of Studio-E Salon, a Kerastase Consulting Salon this Tuesday December 2 at 819 Canal. Stop by and congratulate them.
On Wednesday, December 3, Pat O’Brien’s will be celebrating 75 years of having fun in New Orleans’ French Quarter. This is truly a historic celebration for the city of New Orleans. Throughout the years, Pat O’Brien’s has been and always will be an important part of New Orleans culture. As a “thank you” for all these years of support, Pat O’s is having a huge block party to celebrate the occasion. The Bucktown All-stars will play on the street at 7:30 p.m.. There will be drink specials, an appearance by Santa, lots of friends and great music. In addition, there is a special silver anniversary glass available. All profit from the glass sales will go to the 8th district NOPD and Firefighters to buy some much needed equipment! Glasses are limited edition and may be purchased at Pat O’Brien’s or online.
“A Bounty of Bubbles” awaits you on Wednesday, December 3 from 6-8 p.m. on the fourth level of the Fair Grounds Clubhouse. Get your tickets today for Tastings at the Track sponsored by Dorignac’s.
This month's theme, “Sparkling Sensations & Sweet Treats” features 25 Champagnes, sparkling wines and a selection of dessert wines, plus an assortment of chocolates and desserts and live entertainment by The Yat Pack. Cost is $25 per person. Tickets are available for sale at Dorignac’s, 710 Veterans Blvd., Metairie.
The New Orleans Museum of Art will offer free admission to all through January 18, 2009. The dates of the free admittance offer,coincide with both Prospect.1 New Orleans, the international contemporary art biennial which is free at all of its 25 venues throughout the city, and Objects of Desire: Fabergé from the Hodges Family Collection, an exhibition of 108 precious objects by famed master jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé. Museum hours are Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m., and Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Sydney and WaldaBesthoffSculptureGarden is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 3 -Mission to Musicians -- St. Anna's Church, 1313 Esplanade Ave. St. Anna's and the New Orleans Musicians Clinic present "Medicine to Music," a worship service, jam session and dinner, 6 p.m. This week features The Tom McDermott Trio, 7-9 p.m.
This Wednesday, December 3rd, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.,once again you will be able to experience an evening of cultural indulgences at the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge featuring works by Local Artist: Paintings by: Martin Wohlgemuth .(Exciting and Unique Mardi Gras & New Orleans Themed Paintings).Live Entertainment by: Tony Seville (multi-instrumentalist). Wine Tasting and complimentary Hors D’oeuvres.
A life-sized Gingerbread House, will welcome guests throughout the holidays at the Ritz Carlton on Canal Street. On their way to “Mélange On Trois,” adults can wander through and remember the awe and wonder they felt during Christmastime when they were 10 years old! Not counting the labor of 4 Pastry Chefs and 4 Engineers spending 5 days to erect the house, just the ingredients alone cost over $31,000!
Thursday, December 4- Percussionist Bill Summers performs this week at Ogden After Hours from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Ogden Museum of Southern Art,925 Camp St.
Bill Summers has been a great percussionist for over thirty years, experimenting with African, Caribbean, and American sounds.. In 1998, Summers formed Los Hombres Calientes, a group that gained instant popularity in New Orleans and has since released four albums
The Polo Club Lounge, “Playin’ At The Polo,” featuring popular local musicians performing a repertoire of sophisticated jazz is presenting the following
Sundays – Wednesdays: Pianist Jim Harris, 6–10 p.m.
Sunday Brunch: Christopher Kohl Trio,11 a.m.–2 p.m.
At the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Cynthia Weisinger welcomes potential members into THE LIBRARY,”A Private Cigar Club”. Interested parties should contact Cynthia at 524-1331 for a tour and information. She can also be reached by email at: cynthia.weisinger@ritzcarlton.com . A membership makes a very affordable Christmas present!
Thursday, Friday and Saturday: Early evening, George French; Later evening, Jeremy Davenport; Sunday Brunch: Armand St Martin.
Until Sunday, December 7, THE SEAFARER by Conor McPherson, directed by Mark Routhier will be atSouthern Repertory Theater, 365 Canal St. Canal Place Center, 3rd floor. Phone 504-891-8332.
The sounds of children’s choirs make the holidays even more special at The Omni Royal Orleans. Area schools will perform at 12 noon in the lobby unless otherwise noted, next to the three gloriously decorated Christmas trees flanking the floor-to-ceiling windows along St. Louis Street. Afterwards, the hotel will treat the children to lunch. Performances are free and the public is invited to attend. Performances start at 12:30 p.m.
Date School Thurs., Dec. 4 De La Salle High School Choir
Fri., Dec. 5 St. Philip Neri Choir
Thurs., Dec. 11 McGehee Choristers
Fri., Dec. 12 Belle Chasse Primary School
Thurs. Dec. 18 Clearwood Elementary
At the Bombay Club, 830 Conti Street, Sunday –Thursday,local artist Phillip Melancon entertains on the piano from 7–11 p..m. with R&B, original local melodies and a lot of fun. Phil is a great all-around entertainer who will make you laugh and feel good, so come on out and give him a good audience.
On Thursday December 4, the second annual PhotoGALA, a benefit party and auction in support of the New Orleans Photo Alliance, is being held at the New Orleans Museum of Art from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $20 and will be available at the door. The New Orleans Museum of Art is located at One Collins Diboll Circle, in CityPark.
The PhotoGALA Benefit Party will feature a silent auction of contemporary photography, including works by Jerry Uelsmann, Jack Spencer, Josephine Sacabo, Herman Leonard, David Halliday and many others. The night will feature entertainment by the Preservation Hall-Stars Band, along with special burlesque performances by Fleur de Tease. Herbsaint, Dante’s Kitchen and NOLA Bean will provide refreshments. For additional information please visit http://www.photonola.org/ or http://www.neworleansphotoalliance.org/ Jeff Crouere along with Steve Sabludowsky of Bayoubuzz.com, is inviting everyone to join them on Thursday night December 4 for another wild and zany edition of Politics with a Punch at the Cricket Club, formerly the Red Room at 2040 St. Charles Ave. This will be a special Christmas Comedy show as they celebrate the holidays and look back at another crazy year. Doors open at 6 and the show starts at 8 p.m..
· Mikko, Comedian, Playwright, Actor, and Director
· Julia Reed, Author, Contributing Editor for Vogue & Newsweek
· Adam Swensek, “Cha Cha Pitoulas” Satirist, New Orleans Levee
· Robyn Walenksy, Morning Show Co-Host, Rush Radio 99.5 FM
As usual, the program will begin at 8 p.m. Post event, the Cricket Club bar will remain open for Punch patrons.
Tickets are usually $15 per person/$25 per couple; however, Jeff is pleased to offer a limited number of VIP discount tickets at the price of $10 per person. Contact him at jcrouere@yahoo.com .
December 4-The Tocqueville Society of United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area will honor local celebrity chef, television personality, author, and culinary entrepreneur Emeril Lagasse. The Tocqueville Society confers a single award to recognize exemplary leadership in community philanthropy in the Greater New Orleans community. This year¹s event, which will take place at 7 p.m. at the Sugar Mill in New Orleans, is entitled Spirit of a Champion, Heart of a Chef,and will feature Garland Robinette as Master of Ceremony, and a special surprise guest. For more information, email Champions@unitedwaynola.org
My darling friend Suzaune Yee McKamey and Company with Larry Sieberth on the piano will performing this Thursday December 4, at Beebe's on the Lake,7224 Pontchartrain Blvd, (West End) NOLA - (504) 302-9657 on a Thursday Night Cabaret from 8 to 11 p.m. She is delightful so make sure you stop by. She is going to be playing some of my favorite ChristmasHolidays songs at my December Round Table at Begue's on Dec. 17. Not to be missed..
Trinity EpiscopalChurch, 1329 Jackson is presenting this week :Thursday Dec. 4 at 6:30 pm-Choral Evensong will be followed by a concert of Jazz & POP favorites with Eddie Freiberg, keyboard/sax , Stephen Smith, guitar & Albinas Prizgintas, Keyboard/synthesizer…A reception will follow.
Please Note:Saturday Dec.6 at 7:00pm- New Orleans Black Chorale directed by John Ware - 29th Anniversary – Christmas programand on Dec.7-Xavier University Symphonic Band, directed by Tim R. Turner - Popular Classics
The Obituary Cocktail Society will be meeting this Friday, December 5 at The French 75 Bar at Arnaud's Restaurant • 813 Bienville Street. Phone: 523-5433. As always from 6 to 7 p.m.
Friday December 5 at 8 p.m. Saturday, December 6 at 2 p.m at LoyolaUniversity’s Roussel Performing Hall and Sunday, December 7 at PontchartrainCenter, my darling friend Myra Mier directs the Jefferson Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcraker with guest dancers from Russia and Hungary and a cast of 100 dancers. For reservation call 468-1231
SCROOGE IN ROUGE!A British Music Hall Christmas Carol Friday, December 5, 2008 at 8:00pm through Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 6:00pmLe Chat Noir715 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA504.581.5812lechat@bellsouth.net 23 characters, 3 actors, 1 tiny stage. You can just imagine! This new re-imagining of the Charles Dickens story brings together three of New Orleans funniest performers. Ricky Graham, Yvette Hargis and Jeffrey Roberson (Varla Jean Merman) are together again after their recent appearance in the Big Easy Award-Winning Best Comedy hit SHUT UP, SWEET CHARLOTTE! The show is written by Graham and Roberson, with original music by fellow SHUT UP performer Jefferson Turner.
December 6- Election Day-EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT -VOTE
December 6 – NO AIDS 25 presents Art Against Aids- The 22nd Annual Auction and Holiday Gala at 8 p.m. at The Sugar Mill. Ticket $75. For more info. Call 504-821-2601. Ext. 218
Starting December 6, historic and seasonal characters will roam the streets singing and being jolly to set the mood. Participating businesses will open with each having something unique to offer from author book signings on Jackson Square to champagne on Royal Street each Saturday in December. Special Holiday shopping hours are 6–9 p.m.
On Saturday, December 6, Great Artists' Collective, 815 Royal Street from 6 to 9 p.m.is hosting a party to celebrate New Orleans' support of the gallery. There will food and wine, and all the artists will be on hand to greet and meet the public. The gallery ishome to more than 50 local artists, including glass, furniture, painting, metal, pottery, one-of-a-kind clothing and jewelry by Earring Lady.You areinvited to dine with us, have a glass of wine, and find the perfect imaginative Christmas gift or piece of art that will make your home "New and Exciting" all over again. Having you share our Two-Year Anniversary Party is our way of saying "Thank you, New Orleans!" for being our patrons. Come and enjoy!
Also on December 6 at 5:30 p.m. the first-ever Tree Lighting Ceremony at WashingtonArtilleryPark, directly across Decatur Street from Jackson Square. Sponsored by the French Market Corporation and French Quarter Business Association, the ceremony will feature a performance by St. Andrews Episcopal School’s hand bell choir.
December 6- December 21-DELTA FESTIVAL BALLET’S NUTCRAKER
Delta Festival Ballet’s 27th annual Nutcracker with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The region's most lavish and professional production of the holiday favorite featuring guest artists Janessa Touchet of Cincinnati Ballet and Joseph Phillips of American Ballet Theatre. Dixon Hall, TulaneUniversity ,104 Dixon Hall ,Tulane University.504-865-5269 phone $25-$58 Call 504-888-0931.Visit http://www.deltafestivalballet.com/
My darling friend vocalist Mary Flynn Thomas wants to remind everyone that she is playing every Saturday at Andrea’s Capri Blu Lounge at 8 p.m.
From now through March 1, 2009, the New Orleans Museum of Art presents Photography and Depression, an examination of depression in all its forms, including mental and financial, through 82 works from the Museum's permanent collection.
Featured artists represent a who's who of photography, including Ansel Adams, William Eggleston, Walker Evans, Andrew Feininger, Lewis Hine, Dorothea Lange, Danny Lyon, Eadweard Muybridge, George Tice, Alfred Steiglitz, Weegee and many more.
The works are accompanied by text excerpted from Culture and Depression, a 1985 book by Dr. Arthur M. Kleinman, the distinguished professor, psychiatrist, medical and social anthropologist based at Harvard University.
Baton Rouge's "Jazz Nurse" Betsy Braud makes a rare New Orleans appearance with keyboardist John Smart bring their quartet to Snug Harbor for two shows, 8 and 10 p.m., on Sunday, December 7. Nurse Betsy has been playing Latin-influenced jazz with Patrice Fisher for many years, and with her own group the Jazz Nurse Prescription. She has also performed with George French. Smart is known locally for his avant-jazz work with Meeting of the Spirits and eXpanded trio. He also plays Hammond B3 with BR's funky organ trio, Righteous Buddha. The quartet's lineup is Braud on flute& soprano sax, Smart on piano, Gary Roberts on drums and Matt Blaize on bass. Special guest will be vocalist, Stephanie Seiberth.
On Sunday, December 7 from 2 to 4 p.m., there will be a special fundraiser event benefitting the National Kidney Foundation . The LA HARDBODIES Hunk Auction Fundraiser *Special Performance *Door Prizes * Raffles.Dinner and a Date with a Dancer and Much More at CLUB KITTENS,1555 Manhattan Blvd.in Harvey, http://www.lahardbodies.net/
FLEUR de TEASES BURLESQUE REVUE “HOLIDAY REVUE” December 7 at One Eyed Jacks!
After posing for the cover article in the December issue of Where Y’At Magazine promoting the art of New Orleans Burlesque, the lovely ladies of Fleur de Tease can be found unveiling their Holiday Revue at One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse Street in the French Quarter, 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. on Sunday, December 7. There will be an array of holiday surprise’s including guest artists, circus style aerial acts, magic, comedy and the ladies of Fleur de Tease unwrapping themselves just for you.. Special Fleur de Tease Merchandise including photos, T-shirts, pasties, ornaments, and panties, will also be available to purchase for that perfect holiday gift. The ladies of Fleur de Tease can also be found at special events this holiday season including the New Orleans Photo alliance Gala on Thursday, December 4, and New Year's Eve Wednesday, December 31, for "Hollywood Then & Now" at The Mansion, 4800 Canal St., with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Humane Society.For more information, call 504-889-2528
or check our website
Beauregard-Keyes House in Holiday Trim -December 4-30, except 12/25
10am - 3pm Monday - Saturday, Close at noon on December 13, 24, 31
1113 Chartres St
$5, $4 for Students & seniors, $3 for children 6-12
Step into Christmas past for a look at the House in Venetian style trim. Dressed in greenery velvet ribbons and lace, hourly tours include the 1826 house, Frances Parkinson Keyes' doll collection, folk costumes, and fans.
On December 7 and 14 the “Amazing Holiday Adventure” is featured at the House of BroelMansion & DollhouseMuseum. Come join in the magical fun at House of Broel’s DollhouseMuseum this holiday season! This enchanted Victorian mansion is home to an incredible array of thousands of miniatures. Savor delectable treats to thrill and delight the young at heart of any age.. Each child will receive a teddy bear from Santa himself! 5–7 p.m., 2220 St. Charles Avenue (at Jackson Avenue in the Garden District). Adults $15, Children $10. For more information call 504-494-2220, email info@houseofbroel.com or log on to www.houseofbroel.com .
December 7, December 14, & December 21, 2008
Oak Alley Plantation's Champagne Sunday Brunch
All brunch entrées are served with a choice of a Glass of Champagne, Mimosa, Bloody Mary, Lemon Julep, or Mint Julep.10 a.m.- 3 p.m. in the Oak Alley Restaurant
A-La-Carte Menu-Call ahead for reservations 800-442-5539
COLOMBIAN VOLUNTEERS -Sunday, December 7, 11:30AM to 2:00PM at Pavillion of the Two Sisters,CityPark, Phone: 504-669-8721.The Colombian Volunteers of New Orleans will like to invite you to our annual Christmas Brunch. Please join us for MUSIC, RAFFLES, SILENT AUCTION and a Woderful Time.Donations: Adults $40- Children (6 - 12) $15
The New Orleans-born Trumpeter Marlon Jordan will be performing at Maximo’s Italian Grill on Monday, December 8th, 2008, from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Museum of the American Cocktail Mixology Mondays-December 8th, 2008 - Tony Abou-Ganim:Holiday Tipples At The Museum of the American Cocktail, located in the Southern Food and Beverage Museum at the RiverWalk Marketplace, 1 Poydras Street, Julia Street Entrance.
Join Tony Abou-Ganim, The Modern Mixologist in exploring the wonderful tradition of holiday tipples. The holidays are a time for celebration with friends, family and communities. What better way to come together then with some Holiday cheer? Whether it’s a mug of Cousin Helen’s Tom & Jerry, Hot Buttered Rum, Egg Nog, Mulled Wine or Glogg it will warm you up and get you in the holiday spirit!
If you prefer to register your name by phone and pay at the door $25) , call 516-565-4981
Christmas New Orleans Style, a month- long celebration of the season and the senses is taking place starting on December. There is no place like New Orleans to celebrate the season
November 28,2008 –January 3,2009
DISCOVER THE WONDER OF “MIRACLE ON FULTON STREET”
Dreaming of a White Christmas? Will the powdered sugar on a beignet do? Or venture across Canal Street for “Miracle on Fulton Street” Come on and play on the snow and enjoy a variety of live local entertainment every Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m.
November 28 - December 30
CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS
A month long holiday show featuring millions of twinkling lights throughout the Botanical Garden and Amusement Park. This year's premier family holiday tradition will include our new ‘Very Merry Maze', Dinobration, and a spectacular dancing light show. The historic carousel and train will complete your holiday experience. Fun for all ages!
Sunday - Thursday, 6pm - 10pm, Friday 6pm -11pm.CityPark,504-483-9415 www.celebrationintheoaks.com -$6 per person, children under 3 free
December 1-31
REVEILLON, A CREOLE DINING TRADITION
Creole families of yesteryear celebrated this traditional dining custom twice during the holiday season - on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Today's Reveillon has been expanded to include various dates during December so that everyone can share in this special holiday meal. Menus have been adapted to combine ageless Creole cuisine with more contemporary New Orleans dishes, but the spirit of the past remains. Various Restaurants throughout the city.
December 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22 & 23 ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS CONCERTS Local choirs and New Orleans artists herald the season with free nightly concerts of Christmas carols and gospel favorites in one of the country's most historic churches. The ecumenical celebration will make Christmas New Orleans Style one of your treasured memories. 6pm,St. Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square.504-522-5730
December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 20 CHEF COOKING DEMOSTRATIONS Learn the secrets of our local cuisine from the chefs who make New Orleans the culinary capital of the world! Acclaimed chefs from throughout the area share their favorite recipes at free cooking demonstrations and samplings that are guaranteed to spice up your holidays. Brought to you by Williams-Sonoma and the Shops at Canal Place. Space is limited, so come early! Free Demos start at 3p and last about 45 minute.Weekdays at 3pm & Weekends at 10am.The Shops at Canal Place & Williams-Sonoma.504-522-5730
Historical Characters "Louisiana Living History Project"
The Crescent City's grand history comes alive this holiday season with guests from the past. Join these guests from the past for special presentations as they re-create the local traditions and customs of earlier times. Engaging performances really bring to life the music, humor, dance, and storytelling of New Orleans' past. Each stroll begins daily at 11a inside the Hotel Monteleone. The Historical Characters will then take to the streets of the elegant French Quarter and stroll along Decatur, Royal, and Chartres streets. Each stroll will conclude at 3 p.m., where the characters will gather inside Jackson Square. Inclement weather plan - the historical characters will stroll the Riverwalk and The Shops at Canal Place. For more information about the Historical Characters please visit http://www.anewmuse.com/CHARACTERS.htm.Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until Christmas.11am - 3pm ;504-948-0323.www.fqfi.org December 2 – 30 HNOC HOLIDAY HOME AND COURTYARD TOUR
Visit the festively decorated residence and courtyard of General and Mrs. L. Kemper Williams, founders of the Historic New Orleans Collection. Browse through The Shop at The Collection for unique gift items on your holiday list..Tuesday - Saturday, 10am, 11am, 2pm, and 3pm,533 Royal St,504-523-4662;www.hnoc.org $5 (tours only, no admission for the Shop or exhibitions)
Louisiana Renaissance Festival-46468 River Road Hammond LA
Open weekends thru Dec 7, 2008 10am to 5pm, rain or shine
On going exhibition until -February 20,2009
Exhibition Featuring Pre-Civil War Photographs of New Orleans -The Historic New Orleans Collection, Williams Gallery, The Historic New Orleans Collection,533 Royal Street, French Quarter A Closer Look: The Antebellum Photographs of Jay Dearborn Edwards, 1858-1861, an exhibition featuring photographs of old New Orleans .Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a..m.-4:30 p.m. Free and open to the public; call (504) 523-4662 or visit http://www.hnoc.org/ for details
Until –January2009
OBJECTS OF DESIRE: Fabergé from the Hodges Family Collection.
The New Orleans Museum of Art presents OBJECTS OF DESIRE: Works by master Russian artist-jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé from the Hodges Family Collection--featuring sculpture, jewels, smoking accessories, scientific instruments and other precious objects.
PROSPECT 1. Do not miss Prospect 1, the international arts biennial featuring 81 artists from around the world. For a complete list of participating venues and installations site visit http://www.prospectneworleans.org/
Have a great week and do not forget to vote on Saturday December 6.
Margarita Bergen,Realtor LATTER & BLUM 811 Marigny Street, Unit C New Orleans, Louisiana70117 Tel/504-947-0555 Cell 504-495-9181 Fax/504-940-6201
Darling friends, 
