Darling Friends,

I am so sorry to see the end of the fabulous magical season of the New Orleans Saints. We will remember the past five months that filled our hearts with pride and hope. I am very proud of them and while they played, it was like an emotional roller coaster that kept us hoping until the very end. Saints, you are winners and I am already looking forward to the next season.

Besides the  Saints' playoffs, we also had some wonderful news that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie bought a historical mansion in the French Quarter. I think it brings a sign of hope to our city and our schools since they are enrolling their kids in our schools. It shows a sincere commitment from these talented movie stars. I was getting phone calls and emails from as far as Germany regarding the sale of the property. Unfortunately, it was not me who sold it but the important thing is that it will attract similar buyers and will improve the price of properties in the French Quarter.

Last week started very excitingly as well, since I attended the first in a series of "The Art of Living Well," a series of presentations and special events that focus on the finer aspects of living and learning, being presented by the Windsor Court Hotel. Louisiana native and now Los Angeles-based screenwriter, producer and director Bennett Joshua Devlin read from his book "Memories" surrounded by his friends, his mother Sheila Devlin and his local producer, Bobby Monroe. We got a chance to see a short of his motion picture that will release in New York in March. The movie will feature  Billy Zane, Ann Margret and Dennis Hopper.  We are all so proud of him.

 Last week, I had the delicious pleasure of taking advantage of the special menu being offered at the award-winning Rib Room of the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. It featured the Festives Flavors of Spain. The five-course delicious meal included award winning wines and special menus bursting with Spanish delights.The chef was trained in Spain for this special promotion . I want to recommend to all my friends before it is concluded at the end of January. 

 I also want to recommend "Anne Frank: A History for Today" , the wonderful exhibition that just opened up on January 20 and will continue until -March 25, at the National World War II Museum. The bilingual exhibition focuses on the history of World War I and II, the rise of the Nazi party, and the life of a family caught in the middle. Photos from the Frank family's private collection paint a picture of life before the dark days of Nazi persecution. Historic images and personal testimonies echo the nightmare that the family would later endure. The exhibition encourages visitors to learn more about scapegoating, racism, anti-Semitism, ethnic cleansing, and other issues of tolerance that still plague the world today. This will be the only presentation of this exhibition in the Gulf South.

On Saturday, I attended the Twelfth Annual Williams Research Center Symposium: Food for Thought. The all-day fascinating symposium was moderated by culinary historian Jessica Harris. I loved every presenter since they were so informative and some like noted food critic Tom Fitzmorris and Poppy Tooker, founder of New Orleans Slow Food, kept every one entertained with great sense of humor. The other panelists were cookbook expert Jan Longone; curators Susan Tucker and Wendy Woloson; historian Sally K. Reeves. You must see the wonderful exhibition "What is Cooking in New Orleans? Culinary Traditions of the Crescent City" at The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street. For more information visit:  www.hnoc.org 

This week has some fabulous events that will keep us very entertained:  It is going to be  Carnival Time at the next taping of 89.9 WWNO's Crescent City, Tuesday, January 23 at 8 p.m. at Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Avenue. Special guests for the  upcoming show include pianist Tom McDermott, cornetist Connie Jones - and singer/songwriter Philip Melancon - who'll join regular cast members Astral Project ("The World's Greatest House Band" - featuring Tony Dagradi/sax, Steve Masakowski/guitar, James Singleton/bass and John Vidacovich/drums), music historian Dr. Bruce Raeburn, sketch comedy troupe "The Live Nude Radio Players" (with Sean Patterson, Ricky Graham and Becky Allen) - and host Ronnie Virgets in the hour-long taping.  Tickets for the taping are available from Le Chat Noir - 581-5812 - and are $19 - which includes a $5 drink credit.

On Wednesday, Le Chat Noir will be the setting for the Gridiron Show. The Press Club's cabaret style fundraiser will be directed by Ken Ferguson in a production of wit and lampoons. For reservation call 523-1010.

In New Orleans, according to Chef Donald Link of Herbainst Restaurant  " we do not celebrate the seasons, we celebrate the seafood of the season."  Chef Link will make the most of that celebration on Wednesday, January 24,by offering a five-course dinner centered on the Louisiana seafood of the season, prepared using recipes that spring from his own upbringing in the Cajun Country and the polished style of Herbsaint. Each course of Link's menu will feature a different Louisiana seafood product.  

On Thursday, January 25, I am looking forward to the opening of HATS! Harrah's Hats!, the musical is based on a woman approaching her 50^th birthday who meets a group of women who are members of the Red Hat Society, a real-life organization of women over 50 who come together to celebrate womanhood. The play not only appeals to women over 50, but their daughters and sisters, husbands and sons.  The opening night of Hats! at Harrah's New Orleans is at 7:00 p.m.  On Friday, January 26, at 2 p.m. there will be a "Hat Parade" This parade, like the musical production Hats!, will be "A Celebration for Women and the Men Who Love Them," and will center around influential women in New Orleans. The parade will conclude with a celebration and "Mad Hatter" themed tea party on Fulton Street. I can't wait!

On January 25, The New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA), presents Classical Savion  featuring tap superstar Savion Glover who  brings his latest smash hit to New Orleans for one performance only. 8p.m. atTulane's McAllister Auditorium. For more information visit: www.nobadance.com

On Friday, always from 6 to 7 p.m., Obituary Cocktail will be gathering at the chic Library Bar of the Ritz Carlton Hotel where bartender extraordinarie Chris McMillan reigns supreme. Pianist Armand St. Martin will provide the entertainment.

On Saturday, January 27, OffBeat's Best Of The Beat Awards will present at the House of Blues. The all-star tribute to Fats Domino will feature Allen Toussaint, Kermit Ruffins, Jon Cleary, Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, David Egan, Derek Huston, and the Lilâ's Band of Gold Rhythm Section. Also performances by Troy Andrews, Bonerama, Robert Walter, Rob Wagner, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio, Susan Cowsill, Bobby Lounge, the Imagination Movers, Gal Holiday and other surprise guests. Proceeds will go to benefit the New Orleans Musician's Hurricane Relief Fund. House of Blues 6p-2a. (504) 944-4300.

On Sunday, January 28, The Women's Guild of the NO Opera Association invites you to a Supper & Musicale featuring selections from Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Gondoliers." It will be at 6 p.m. at the Andrew Jackson Condominium. For reservations call 466-3453.

On Friday, February 2, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu invites you to join him for a one-day conference to build on the continuing Rebirth of the State's cultural economy. It will be held from 9 to 4 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel, but you need to register on line at http://www.crtregistration.com/  by January 24. According to the press release, 140 millions dollars will be available for small businesses and non-profit organizations.

Darling friends, have a wonderful week and do not forget to check out my photo show, my save a date and my community notices.   

Have a wonderful week!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23

"What's Cooking in New Orleans? Culinary Traditions of the Crescent City" The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal StreeT. The exhibit  features an eclectic display of cookbooks, kitchen implements, and menus, as well as scenes of public markets and private kitchens, restaurants and groceries, and vendors and diners from the past and present.  The exhibit  also showcase several multimedia components, including culinary research stations; an interactive recipe exchange; and a documentary featuring interviews with area chefs and food experts. For more information visit:  www.hnoc.org

AFTER THE STORMS. The Cabildo,701 Chartres St., Jackson Square.
National Geographic Magazine and the Louisiana have put together an exhibition of photographs by David Burnett & the 2006 New Orleans Photo Camp students. State Museum

 

SEAFOOD DINNER AT HERBSAINT: Seafood Dinner At Herbsaint will support Crescent City Farmer's Market.  He is offering a five-course dinner centered on the Louisiana seafood of the season, prepared using recipes that spring from his own upbringing in the Cajun Country and the polished style of Herbsaint. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Herbsaint will donate half of the $75 dinner price to the Crescent City Farmers’ Market. Reservations can be made by calling 504-524-4114. 

It’s Carnival Time at the next taping of 89.9 WWNO’s Crescent City,  at Le Chat Noir -715 St. Charles Avenue. Special guests for the  upcoming show include pianist Tom McDermott, cornetist Connie Jones - and singer/songwriter Philip Melancon - who'll join regular cast members Astral Project ("The World's Greatest House Band" - featuring Tony Dagradi/sax, Steve Masakowski/guitar, James Singleton/bass and John Vidacovich/drums), music historian Dr. Bruce Raeburn, sketch comedy troupe "The Live Nude Radio Players" (with Sean Patterson, Ricky Graham and Becky Allen) - and host Ronnie Virgets in the hour-long taping.  Tickets for the taping are available from Le Chat Noir - 581-5812 - and are $19 - which includes a $5 drink credit. 8 p.m.

THE GRIDIRON SHOW. The Press Club’s cabaret style fundraiser will be directed by Ken Ferguson in a production of wit and lampoons. For more reservation call 523-1010.

 Anne Frank: A History for Today. the National Museum of World War II.945 Magazine St., 527-6012;www.nationalww2museum.org -. The bilingual exhibition focuses on the history of World War I and II, the rise of the Nazi party, and the life of a family caught in the middle. Photos from the Frank family's private collection paint a picture of life before the dark days of Nazi persecution. Historic images and personal testimonies echo the nightmare that the family would later endure. The exhibition encourages visitors to learn more about scapegoating, racism, Anti-Semitism, ethnic cleansing, and other issues of tolerance that still plague the world today.
This will be the only presentation of this exhibition in the Gulf South. Until March 25.

 THE FESTIVE FLAVORS OF SPAIN . DECEMBER 1 -JANUARY 31. Omni Royal Hotel. St Louis and Royal Street. Festive Flavors of Spain, a brand-wide program running until January 31, 2007. Guests can enjoy award winning wines and special menus bursting with Spanish delights, such as the tortilla Espanola (Spanish omelet), Jamón Serrano (Spanish ham) and delicious regional cheeses (including cow, goat, and sheep cheeses) in New Orleans at The Omni Royal Orleans and the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, The Rib Room.

MADISON SMARTT BELLS Read and sign Toussaint Louverture. Octavia Books,513 Octavia Street.6p.m.Toussaint Louverture, the first major biography in more than 50 years of the leader of the Haitian Revolution of 1791-1803--the only successful slave revolt in history. New Orleans Books - 513 Octavia S - New

ORGAN AND LABYRINTH MEDITATION HOUR. Trinity Episcopal Church,1329 Jackson Ave., 522-0276. Albinas Prizgintas, with special guest performers, leads an hour of organ music and quiet meditation every Tuesday. 6 p.m.

REBIRTH BRASS BAND. Maple Leaf Bar, 8316 Oak St.,866-9359. Every Tuesday at 10 p.m.

JESSE McBRIDE PRESENTS THE NEXT GENERATION. Snug Harbor, 626 Frenchmen St, 8 AND 10 P.M. 504-669-4744 

528 Jazz Club  Presents: LARS EDEGRAN at 5:30 p.m., Cindy Scott at 8 p.m. -528 Fulton Street, 533-6117


   

WEDNESDAY,JANUARY 24

The New Orleans Arts and Crafts Club: An Artistic Legacy.THNOC and NOMA Open Joint Exhibition. New Orleans Museum of Art.1 Collins C. Diboll Circle, City.   ParkThe exhibition includes paintings, watercolors, sculpture, ceramics, prints, and drawings by more than forty artists, including Josephine Crawford, Leonard Flettrich, Weeks Hall, Knute Heldner, Morris Henry Hobbs, Clarence Millet, Paul Ninas, William P. Spratling, Helen Turner, and Daniel Webster Whitney. The New Orleans Arts and Crafts Club: An Artistic Legacy, presented as part of a new partnership between The Historic New Orleans Collection and the New Orleans Museum of Art, is free to Louisiana residents. For regular admission prices, visit www.noma.org. For more information, visit www.hnoc.org.Until–May 31, 2007.Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO MISS NEW ORLEANS? Meeting Room,East Regional Library, 4747 West Napoleon Ave, Metarie. The Stories of a City Worth Fighting For.DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT MEANS? is an anthology of essays and art put 
together in the chaotic days right after the levees broke. It is an attempt by local writers to resuscitate a city that was drowning before our eyes. The book is structured like a jazz funeral, with the first half - The Dirge - somber in tone, and the second half - The 
Return - a rowdy romp through the city's streets. Free and open to the public. 7 p.m.



JAM SESSIONS BY MUSICIANS FOR MUSICIANS St. Anna's Episcopal Church, 1313 Esplanade Avenue (Between N. Rampart & N. Claiborne)in the Old Parish Building.
Support a Living Heritage. Featured Performers Invite You To Come and Jam!
7pm-9pm.The general public is invited with no cover charge.

MARK BRAUD- January  24 & 31 --5:00 – 7:00 p.m . Masquerade, Harrah's Casino.Mark Braud, a famed New Orleans trumpeter, was inspired by his grandfather, legendary trumpeter John “Picket” Brunious, Sr. Braud has performed with artists such as Harry Connick, Jr., Dr. Michael White, Henry Butler and the legendary Eddie Bo. In 2002, Braud performed in the Broadway production, “One Mo’ Time.” He is currently a member of the “Harry Connick, Jr. Big Band,” and leads his own jazz band, “The New Orleans Jazz Giants,” and the brass band, “The Basin Street Brass Band.”

LUTHER KENT.  January 24 & 31 – 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Luther Kent, a celebrated blues musician in New Orleans, is the voice of Harrah’s New Orleans and Louisiana Lottery commercials, and the New Orleans Tourist Commission. Kent, often called a ‘world class singer,’ has traveled nationally and internationally to share his soulful voice with blues lovers. He was also inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Blues Hall of Fame. 

528 Presents: LARS EDEGRAN: 5:30P.M., JOHN BOUTTE AT 8 P.M. 528 Fulton St.

Margaritaville: Jesse Moore (RR) 5p, Joe Bennett, 8p
Mid-City Lanes Rock ’n’ Bowl: Swing Night ,8:30p
Palm Court Jazz Café: Palm Court Jazz Band, 7p

Spotted Cat: The Pfisters 6:30p-9:30p, Vavavoon 10p-2a

Irvin Mayfield'NOJO Jazz.  Snug, 626 Frenchmen St, 8 AND 10 P.M. 504-669-4744  Harbor

THURSDAY,JANUARY 25

SAVION GLOVER. Tulane's McAlister Auditorium. The New Orleans Ballet Association( NOBA, present Classical Savion featuring Savion Glover. From Sesame Street to Broadway, tap superstar Savion Glover brings his latest smash hit to New Orleans for one performance only! Tickets can be purchased by calling the NOBA box office at (504) 522-0996 or TicketMaster at (504) 522-5555 or ordering online at www.nobadance.com. Single ticket prices are $30-$80 with discounts for students, seniors and subscribers.

OPENING OF HATS, THE MUSICAL . Harrah's .Hats!, the musical is based on a woman approaching her 50^th birthday who meets a group of women who are members of the Red Hat Society, a real-life organization of women over 50 who come together to celebrate womanhood. The play not only appeals to women over 50, but their daughters and sisters, husbands and sons. 

Ogdenpresents:Packway Handle Band(Blue Grass)   Lobby Atrium of The Ogden Museum of Southern Art's Stephen Goldring Hall. 925 Camp St. Performance and interview with invited artist: Originating in Athens, Georgia in 2001, the Packway Handle Band is a solid and innovative bluegrass quintet. The band’s appeal lies rooted in tight three- and four-part vocal harmonies, extensive and progressive original material, off-the-wall covers, and energetic performance dynamics around two tightly-spaced condenser mics. .6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.Lobby Atrium of The Ogden Museum of Southern Art's Stephen Goldring Hall. After Hours

The Big Easy Groovers- January 25 & February 1 – 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Masquerade. Harrah's Casino.The Big Easy Groovers, led by saxophonist Roderick Paulin, perform soulful and energetic New Orleans music that gets a crowd moving. Paulin, a saxophonist, studied under his father Doc Paulin and legendary artist Ellis Marsalis. His music reminds New Orleanians that jazz has to not only ‘sound’ good—it has to ‘feel’ good. 

Bobby J. & Stuff Like That- January- 25 & February 1 – 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Masquerade, Harrah's Casino.Bobby J., an entertainer known for his explosive stage presence, has worked with Frankie Beverly & Maze, The Temptations, Gladys Knight and Billy Preston. Bobby J. & Stuff Like That, a group of dynamic performers, will take an audience through an experience of R&B and Motown, to contemporary and traditional jazz.   

528 Presents: LARS EDEGRAN: 5:30P.M., GEORGE FRENCH : 8 P.M. 528 Fulton Street, 533-6117

Snug, 626 Frenchmen St, 8 AND 10 P.M. 504-669-4744  Harbor

 Zydeco Night with  Mid-City Lane Rock’N’ Bowl, 4133 S. Carrollton Ave. 482-3133

JEREMY DAVENPORT. Melange, Ritz Carlton Hotel, 921 Canal Street, 524-1331. 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26

  "Hat Parade"  2:00 p.m. This parade, like the musical production Hats!, will be "A Celebration for Women and the Men Who Love Them," and will center around influential women in New Orleans. The parade will conclude with a celebration and "Mad Hatter" themed tea party on Fulton Street. I can't wait!

OBITUARY COCKTAIL:The Library Bar at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. 921 Canal St. Phone 524-1331. Click here for the Hotel's website.  Weekly gathering of locals at legendary saloons of New Orleans. Always from 6 to 7 p.m. Please check ww.orbituarycocktail.org for place of gathering. 

528 Presents: AMASA MILLER: 5:30P.M., LEAH CHASE: 8 P.M. 528 Fulton Street, 533-6117

Louisiana Music Factory Free Concert Series: 3 p.m.,  at 4 p.m.., 210 Decatur St.,504-586-1094. 

CINEMA ALFRESCO AT BACCHANAL. 600 Poland Ave.,948-9111.Cinema Alfresco, 6:15pm until...!FREE!

DREAM ON ROYAL STREET.Ty Tracy Theatre, Gallier Hall, 1st floor, 545 St. Charles Ave.  Join the teenage cast of the NORD/Crescent City Lights Youth Theater for "The Dream on Royal Street," a madcap reinvention of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream set during Mardi Gras in New Orleans with a clever jazzy musical score by Alan Menken .Friday, January 12, 7:30 p.m.,Saturday, January 20 at Noon, and Sunday, January 21 at 3:00 p.m.Performances continue through January 28.Tickets are $12 . For tickets contact 598-3800 or log onto www.crescentcitylights.org

TONY GREEN  & GyPsY JAZZ LIVE! at the COLUMNS HOTEL 3811 St. Charles Ave.8pm to 11pm in the ballroom. The young & talented accordion player PATRICK HARRISON & guitarist GREGORY GOOD will play thefirst hour.

RICKY GRAHAM'S I KNOW WHAT IT MEANS... Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave.581-5812. A celebration of New Orleans as it was ...and is. With Jeff Turner. $25 on .

BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox St., Metairie, 885-2000;www.jpas.org --Jefferson Performing Arts Society presents a revival of its hit musical based on th elife and music of Buddy Holly. Kris Shaw directs Billy McGuigan, John "Spud" McConnell and others. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sunday at 2 p.m. Until January 28 

"PLAYIN' AT THE POLO" FRIDAY NIGHTS :Banu Gibson, Polo Lounge, Windsor, 523-6000. 8 p.m. to 11 P.M. Midnight. Drawing each Friday night in the Polo Lounge for a one night stay at the Windsor.  Court Hotel Court Hotel

Anais St. John with Harry Mayronne, Spike Perkins, and Carl Budo.Ray's Boom Boom Room, 508 Frenchmen Street. 6 to 8 p.m. 

 NOCHE LATINA WITH FREDY OMAR CON SU BANDA. Ray's Boom Boom Room, 508 Frenchmen Street, every Friday night (starting January 19th) at 10pm.   Free dance lessons at 9pm

 ELLIS MARSALIS TRIO   Snug. 626 Frenchmen St, 8 AND 10 P.M. 504-669-4744  Harbor

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27

MAGAZINE STREET FARMERS MARKET. Magazine and Girods Streets;www.marketumbrella.org Crescent City Farmers Market holds its weekly Saturday market. Fresh produce, flowers and food available. 8 a.m. to noon.

GRETNA FARMER'S MARKET.  Huey P. Long Avenue, between 3rd && 4th Street .8:30AM until 12:30p.m.

BACCHANAL FREE WINE TASTING:FREE wine tasting featuring . 600 Poland Street, 948- 9111.5 - 10pm: Red Light Records

528 Jazz Club Presents:  AMASA MILLER 5:30P.M., INGRID LUCIA: 8 P.M. 528 Fulton Street, 533-6117

DISCO PROM '78. Southern Rep Theatre. The Shops at Canal Street, 33 Canal St., third floor, 522-6545; www.southernrep.com - Southern Rep Theatre hosts a 1978 themed prom decked out with a Twister dance floor, lava lamps, Lancers Rose keg beer, disco dance contest, etc. Proceeds benefit Southern Rep. Tickets $35 (all inclusive) 9:30 p.m. 

THE LOUISIANA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL. The Louisiana Renaissance Festival always starts the first full weekend of November .Gates open at 10am through 5pm every festival day, rain or shine!
The Renaissance festival is known for having peasants, gypsies, nobles, knights, barons and visiting royalty. Villagers to look for include: Blacksmith, glassblower, carpenters, sculptors, potters, pig farmers, busty wenches, Scotsmen in kilts and men in tights.
The Renaissance is also known for entertainment and events such as: Shakespeare, juggling, fire eating, magicians, sword-fighting duels, birds of prey, and jousting.
FOOD - Even food has a deliciously medieval flavor. Huge turkey legs, steak on a stake, jester chips, bread bowls, gourmet mushrooms, and dozens of other items are all available. Adult tickets are $12.00, Child tickets are $7.00, (ages 6 to 12) Children under the age of 6 get in free.

DORIGNAC WINE AND SPIRIT FREE WINE TASTING. 710 Veterans Blvd. Dorignac´s Wine and Spirits invites customers to explore the world of wine every Saturday during their complimentary wine sampling from noon until 5pm..Featured wines will include varietals favorites such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and more. Wines from renowned wine producing regions including California, Italy, Australia, Bordeaux, Rhone, Alsace, Spain, Germany and Chile will be featured. Customers will have the opportunity to taste select wines from well-known producers as well as wines from up and coming boutique wineries. 

BEST OF THE BEAT AWARDS. House of Blues,225 Decatur St.,310 4999. Offbeat magazine will be recognizing their Lifetime Achievement winners and announcing the music winners at the Best of the Beat at the House of Blues. Like last year, the event will  also present music in the House of Blues's main room and the Parish, with performances by Troy Andrews, Bonerama, Robert Walter, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio, Susan Cowsill, Rob Wagner, the Imagination Movers and Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue. Fats Domino will be recognized with a Lifetime Achievement award this year, and  will be  honor  with a tribute featuring Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Kermit Ruffins, Jon Cleary, George Porter, Jr., David Egan, Al "Carnival Time' Johnson and more with a band that includes Lafayette's Lilâ Band of Gold Rhythm Section and sax players Herb Hardesty, Roger Lewis, Derek Huston and Elliot "Stackman" Callier. 7 p.m. Tickets $25 at the door.

 Three Ring Circus']s Membership & Fundraising Party. JOIN THE CIRCUS.MEMBERS PARTY, ART AUCTION & FUN DRIVE! 7pmTHE BIG TOP GALLERY,1638 Clio St., 504.569.2700 . Members get in Free.MAKE THE BIG TOP YOUR MARDI GRAS HEADQUARTERS. MEMBERS GET IN FREE!

. Snug. 626 Frenchmen St, 8 AND 10 P.M. 504-669-4744 Harbor

JOHNNY ANGEL. Bombay Club,618 Conti St. 586-0972. 9:30 p.m.

 ANAIS ST. JOHN and her Trio. Polo Club Lounge in the Windsor Court. 300 Gravier Street. 523-6000.   9 p.m. to 12 Midnight. Michael  Pellera Trio 6 to 9 p.m.No cover charge.website, www.windsorcourthotel.com.  For dining reservations please call (504) 523-6000.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28

SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH HARPIST/PIANIST RACHEL VAN VOORHIES. New Orleans Grill Room of the Windsor Court Hotel. 12 noon-2:30 p.m. No cover charge.website, www.windsorcourthotel.com.  For dining reservations please call (504) 523-6000.

TRINITY ARTIST SERIES. Trinity Episcopal Church. 1329 Jackson Ave., 522-0276;www.trinitynola,com- Trinity Artist Series presents a concert with classical guitarist Velimir Vuk and friends performing Bach and Gismonti . Free 5p.m.

 THE GONDOLIERS. Andrew Jackson Condominium, 1550 Second St(off St. Charles) 6 p.m. $35. The Women 's Guild of the NO Opera Association invite you to a Supper & Musicale featuring selections from Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Gondoliers." For reservation call 466-3453 

 BARTENDER'S BALL. Mid City Lanes Rock 'N' Bowl, 4133 S. Carrollton Ave.,482-3133-Southern Eagle Sales & Service and Budweiser host a Bartender's Ball to recognize the efforts of bartenders to raise money for Bridge House and the New Orleans Musician's Clinic. Food will be served. 8p.m.

CHEF PETE COOKOUT: .Bacchanal, 600 Poland Avenue. There is ONE MORE HOUR to enjoy  delicious dinner under the stars...dinner starts at 5pm.!Live music by  - 9pm. No Cover Charge!Good News! Bacchanal has installed Chiminea fireplaces all over the patio. And a bonfire on cool nights. it's outdoors and it's WARM!

 528 JAZZ CLUB  Presents:  AMASA MILLER 5:30P.M., PHILIP MANUEL: 8 P.M. 528 Fulton Street, 533-6117

 . Snug, 626 Frenchmen St., 8 AND 10 P.M. 949-06  Harbor

 MONDAY, JANUARY 29

George French with Germaine Bazzle and special guest Juanita Brooks.Donna's Bar & Grill.800 N. Rampart9:30 pm.Traditional Jazz,Cover: $10.Free red beans, BBQ

 

528 Jazz Club  Presents:  MARC ADAMS 5:30P.M., TROI BECHET: 8 P.M. 528 Fulton Street, 533-6117

Jerry Jumonville and the Jump Band City.6:30.,Jazz Vipers   10pm and 2am.Spotted Cat
623 Frenchmen St.

CHARMAINE NEVILLE. Snug,626 Frenchmen St, Admission: 504-949-0696. 8 and 10 p.m


MARGARITA BERGEN  is a REALTOR with Latter & Blum, Inc., a licensed tour guide, a certified mixologist and a former columnist with City Life Magazine, Vocero News and Nosotros. She can be reached at margaritabergen@hotmail.com Harbor

SAVE A DATE:

FEBRUARY 3- "Rue to Do at Zulu"  Mardi Gras Party at the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club is sponsored by Zulu Brother and King Jason IV, Stephen Rue. This Mardi Gras Party is open to the public (Cash Bar, No Admission Fee).  Come Celebrate at the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, 732 N. Broad Street, New Orleans LA 70119. 8 pm till close.  For More Information: www.RuetoDoatZulu.com, StephenRRue@aol.com 504-529-5000.

FEBRUARY 9 .  ROMEO & JULIET. Convention Center Theatre. Music Inspired by the Star Crossed Lovers.Carlos Miguel Prieto, Conductor.James Arey, Host.Celebrate Valentine's Day with an exploration of the diverse musical settings of Shakespeare's classic tale by four composers.Berstein, West Side Story Overture, Tchaikovsky, Romeo & Juliet Overture-Fantasy.And works by Berlioz and Prokofiev.

FEBRUARY 9- KREWE OF CORK PARADE.

FEBRUARY 9. Barkin' Up The Ritz Ball (humans only): Our black-tie optional, costume-encouraged event will take place at The Windsor Court Hotel, New Orleans (300 Gravier) from 8pm to midnight, on Friday, Feb. 9, 2007. Individual tickets are $80 each and include cocktails, fabulous edibles, and entertainment. Tables of 10 are $1500, include reserved seating, cocktails, fabulous edibles, entertainment, four passes to VIP reviewing stand day-of-parade (12noon-5pm), four passes to VIP tent at Armstrong Park (10:30am-2pm); two signed & numbered limited edition Barkus posters by Matt Rinard; and two official Krewe of Barkus T-shirts. fOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: http://www.barkus.org/

FEBRUARY 10. SHANGRI-LA PARADE AND BALL

FEBRUARY 11. THE MYSTIC KREWE OF BARKUS PRESENTSl A STREET DOG CALLED DESIRE! The 2007 Parade starts at Armstrong Park promptly at 2pm and proceeds on their traditional 15-block route through the Vieux Carré, stopping at the VIP Reviewing Stand at Good Friends Bar, corner Dauphine and St. Ann, where VIPs (and those who desire to be VIPs) will toast the Royal Court.

COMMUNITY NEWS.

EIGHT-TIME OSCAR WINNER ALAN MENKEN AS GUEST OF HONOR AT THE THURSDAY, JANUARY 25TH, 7:30 P.M. PERFORMANCE OF HIS MUSICAL,
     THE DREAM ON ROYAL STREET, IN NEW ORLEANS
    AT THE NORD TY TRACY THEATRE IN GALLIER HALL

NEW ORLEANS, LA  - The “winningest” living composer (he’s won eight Oscars), Mr. Alan Menken will attend a benefit performance of his first published musical, The Dream on Royal Street on Thursday, January 25th at 7:30 p.m. at the NORD Ty Tracy Theatre, located in Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave., 1st floor.   As lagniappe, the audience will be treated to a post-show performance by Mr. Menken at the piano singing and playing a medley of songs from his hit musicals.  Tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime event are $25 and available online at www.crescentcitylights.org.

Mr. Menken is in the middle of a busy schedule including perfecting preview performances of Sister Act in Atlanta and putting finishing touches on The Little Mermaid scheduled to open on Broadway later in 2007 among other projects.  Yet he is taking time out of that busy schedule to stop in and see a community theater performance with an all-teen cast. 

These kids all know what it means to miss New Orleans, each has their own Katrina story to tell.  Mr. Menken thought this was such a coup -  a performance in New Orleans during the Carnival season of his Dream which is set in New Orleans during Carnival season by young performers who really understand how important Mardi Gras truly is to New Orleans.  He didn’t think twice about adding this stop to his already brimming itinerary. 

“Our cast is beyond thrilled that Mr. Menken will attend our production of The Dream on Royal Street” exuded executive/artistic director, Julie Condy.  “These kids continue to deal with the destructive effects of Hurricane Katrina.  Being part of a theater company gives them an artistic means to channel their time and rise above the challenges of their day-to-day lives.  Our Dream is a dream come true!” 

Take the plot of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and transport it to New Orleans via the young staff of an enterprising Royal Street Hotel.  Now add the zany book by June Walker Rogers, the tongue-in-cheek lyrics of David Rogers and the inspired melodies and harmonies from the young Alan Menken and you’ve got a “dream” of a show that has audiences dancing in the aisles.

Written in 1981 by a then-fledgling composer Menken, the songs are little gems in style and character.  “Treat Me Like a Dog” is a character torch song with a yowl and “With a Clear Head on Your Shoulders” is an ass-tonishing comedic hee-haw.  The heartfelt “Not So Near,” “The Course of True Love,” and “Once Upon a Dream” are tender love ballads.  Titania and Oberon have comic arguments in “I Don’t Need You” and “Nobody Sleeps While We’re On.”    “Another Guy,” “Jazz Lullaby,” “Helena,” And Thief of Love” are fun jazzy numbers with rousing finales in “What Fools These Mortals Be” and “Pyramus Loves Thisbe.”

The Dream on Royal Street is directed by Kevin Charpentier, with choreography by Joseph Schnell, vocal direction by Julie Condy, costumes by Charlotte Lang, stage design by Constantinos Kritikos, lighting design by Mark Montabano and featuring a live band with Megan Schwarz on keyboard, Gene Black on drums, Bruce Tyner on bass and Curtis Pierre on percussion.

Performances at the NORD Ty Tracy Theater in partnership with the City of New Orleans Recreation Department, 1st floor of Gallier Hall at 545 St. Charles Ave.  (Enter via Lafayette Street entrance). Shows are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at Noon  and Sundays at 4:00 p.m.  Tickets are $12, general admission.  Order your tickets online at www.crescentcitylights.org or by calling 504-598-3800.  For group sales, call 504-598-3800. 

AUDITIONS

The Marigny Theatre announces auditions for it's Three One Act Plays for the Tennessee Williams Festival production. The plays to run the end of March into April include: Adam and Eve On a Ferry, The Fat Man's Wife, and Tell Sad Stories of the Death of Queens. Auditions are open to everyone 18 and up and will be held at The Marigny Theatre, 1030 Marigny Street, at 7 p.m. on Monday January 29th and Tuesday January 30th. Please bring resume and head shot if available. The director will be Glenn Meche. For further information phone Timm Holt 319-7013 or Glenn Mench 701-6921.

AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES NEEDED FOR FILM

African American Males Needed for Film
Date: 2007-01-18, 4:01PM CST

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is looking for African American 
males (and females) to be extras in its production.

Please come to the office, located at:

1231 Prytania Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

to fill out an application and possibly get booked for the movie!

Bring your friends!!!!

Thanks! And we hope to see you in the movie!