What can I say about our Saints? I think they are blessed and knowing the Bensons, they are surrounding themselves with all the high heraldry among the Catholic Church but the last game was a close call. GEAUX SAINTS,GEAUX!
My week as always was very busy in spite of the weather. My Round Table cannot have been better. The speakers were superb along with the food, the champagne, the entertainment and the company. We are doing it again on Tuesday, January 12 in which my main speaker will be the famous Arthur Hardy who just released his Fourth Edition of " Mardi Gras in New Orleans: An Illustrated History." It is a concise and comprehensive pictorial account of the celebration from ancient times in Europe to New Orleans in 2009. Not to be missed....
I also attended that night the fabulous Champagne tasting at the Fair Grounds. Pink Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot,, Mumm’s, MOET,Tattinger, Perrier Joet, etc., you name it and it was being poured, I could have die and gone to heaven.
I am glad I didn't because the following day, it was at the W, the Tales of the Toddy and that was also superb. There were cold and cocktails created by local mixologists and Wayne Curtis author of "And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails." I left early because I thought I needed to get away from all those pleasantries but alas, I drove instead to the New Orleans Museum of Art where the PhotoGALA, A benefit for New Orleans Photo Alliance was taking place. I did not indulge in great food and drink since I plenty before but enjoyed very much the lovely performances of Fleur de Tease.
I think that was my last soiree because I spent most of my time in civic affairs such as the quarterly luncheon of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce that featured as key speaker Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu and honored Eugene Schreiber who is retiring after 30 years as the director of the WTC. Yesterday morning, I attended the Grand Opening of the local 2010 Census office in New Orleans East. I was delightful and my Grammy award-winner Irma Thomas sang and so did my friend vocalist Joshua Walker. Please notice that the number to call for jobs is 866-861-2010 and the pay is about $17.50 an hour. The US Census Bureau wants to make sure that everyone is counted and we need to be counted to generate more than 300 billion in federal funds which are awarded based on census data. Several thousands of temporary jobs will be created in our community. So make sure you apply.
This week, I am looking forward to attending on Friday, December 18, the opening at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) of "¡Sí Cuba!"a major citywide presentation of arts, music, and culture related to Cuba taking place in January through April 2010. ¡Sí Cuba! is a collaborative venture between museums, universities, galleries, and other arts organizations in New Orleans, co-organized by NOMA, NewcombArtGallery, and the StoneCenter for Latin American Studies at TulaneUniversity.
NOMA's participation in ¡Sí Cuba! includes two exhibitions: Luis Cruz Azaceta: Swimming to Havana, a solo exhibition of paintings and Polaridad Complementaria: Recent Works from Cuba, a traveling show organized by the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Wifredo Lam, Havana. Polaridad Complementaria will be co-presented at the New Orleans Museum of Art and the NewcombArtGallery at TulaneUniversity.
The solo exhibition Luis Cruz Azaceta: Swimming to Havanawill feature a suite of new paintings, all from 2009. The phrase "Swimming to Havana" proposes the impossible as no unassisted human is capable of traversing ninety miles across the Caribbean Sea from Florida to Cuba.
My darling friend, talented Anais St. John send me a reminder: "Do not miss out on the excitement happening every Friday and Saturday at the WindsorCourtHotel in the Polo Club. My band is bigger and better, people are dancing, the hotel is gloriously decorated for the holidays, and the room is simply buzzing with energy. If you haven't seen me perform in a while, now is the time. It's not just about the the atmosphere, the friendly staff, the amazing drinks, or the even the music. It is the perfect place to reconnect with friends,rekindle passion, and release all of the stress of the holidays."
With the holidays in high gear, choirs from across the New Orleans area are sharing their talents daily in the Main Lobby of the Royal Sonesta Hotel.
Daily performances of holiday classics can be enjoyed each weekday from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. though December 21st. Set against the beauty of the Royal Sonesta's holiday décor, the music will certainly get you into the spirit of the season. All performances are free and everyone is welcome to stop by.
The lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel also is featuring school's choirs
Guests can enjoy a festive meal featuring holiday specials in the Veranda Restaurant and hear the wonderful sounds of the holiday season.
12/15 - 12:00 p.m. Belle Chasse Elementary
12/16 - 12:00 p.m. St. Michael's SpecialSchool
12/17 - 4:00 p.m. New OrleansCenter for Creative Arts & - 6:30 p.m. ErathHigh School.
InterContinental New Orleans, Hotel Lobby
444 St. Charles Ave.
2009 St. Louis Cathedral Concert Schedule
Local choirs and New Orleans artists herald the season with concerts of classical music, holiday carols, jazz music and classical ensembles in one of the country's most historic churches. All concerts are free and open to the public. Cathedral Concerts begin at 6pm and last approximately one hour.
Tuesday, December 15
Franklin Avenue BC Ministry
Wednesday , December 16
John Boutte
Thursday, December 17
Ebenezer Baptist Choir
Monday, December 21
Gospel Divas, Rev Lois J. Dejean & Company
COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS December, 17, 18, 22,23 Throughout December, Christmas New Orleans Style offers up a series of free cooking demonstrations by some of the finest chefs from New Orleans’ most beloved restaurants, thanks to French Quarter Festivals, Inc, in partnership with New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation. The chefs’ favorite holiday recipes at free cooking demonstrations and samplings are guaranteed to spice up the holidays. The Chef’s Holiday Cooking Demonstrations take place at Le Petit Theatre, on weekdays at 1:30 p.m. and last about 45 minutes.
Here’s what’s also going on this week:
Tuesday Dec 15
UNDER 40 MIXER
OPEN DOOR & OPEN BAR. Get Excited.
at the top of the Windsor Court
and show your support to
Re-Elect Jackie Clarkson Council-At- Large!
5:30PM-7:00PM
Windsor Court - Chinoiserie Ballroom- 23rd Floor
RSVP: Townsend Jordan, Campaign Manager
townsend@jackieclarkson.com
504-710-1203
Wednesday, December 16
Experience an evening of cultural indulgences from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge featuring works by Local Artist:Charlene Insley.Live Entertainment by:Javier Gutierrez
(guitarist).Spirit Tasting and complimentary Hors D’oeuvres
December 1-30
Holiday Home Tours of the Williams Residence Visit the festively decorated residence and courtyard of General and Mrs. L. Kemper Williams, founders of The Historic New Orleans Collection. While there, browse through The Shop at The Collection for unique gift items on your holiday list, and visit The Collection's free exhibition Between Colony & State: Louisiana in the Territorial Period, 1803-1812. 533 Royal Street.
Free and open to the public. DREAMS COME TRUE: ART OF THE CLASSIC FAIRY TALES FROM THE WALT DISNEY STUDIO” AT NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART -New Orleans Museum of Art's Dreams Come True showcases original artwork from legendary Disney animated films, including Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, and will feature a children's section celebrating Disney's connections with jazz music and the Crescent City. The artworks, on loan from the Walt Disney Studio Animation Research Library, are accompanied by film clips to demonstrate how individual sketches and paintings lead to a finished celluloid masterpiece. Organized by the Walt Disney Animation Research Library and the New Orleans Museum of Art, this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, which cannot be seen anywhere else, is set to coincide with the premier of Disney's upcoming animated feature, The Princess and the Frog, set in New Orleans during the 1920s Jazz Age.
December 17
‘POPS – A Life of Louis Armstrong’
French Quarter Festivals, Inc. and Garden District Bookshop present a discussion and booksigning with Wall Street Journal Drama Critic and Music provided by New Orleans trumpeter Leroy Jones.refreshments will be served.5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Garden District Books,2727 Prytania Street (at Washington)In the Garden District.www.gardendistrictbookshop.com
Thursday, December 17 Politics with a Punch
As usual, the show begins at 8 p.m. For our inaugural BLUE ROOM performance, we have picked an outstanding panel with some of our favorite all-stars plus some exciting newcomers. Check out our exceptional line-up of celebrities:
· Jonathan Bell, Star-National Lampoon Comedy Tour; Vegas Regular
· Jim Brown, Author, Talk Show Host, Former Ins. Commissioner
· Bernie Cyrus, Fabulous Entertainer, Musician and Record Producer
· Brad Edelman, TV Analyst, Former Saints All-Pro Lineman
· Mikko, Comedian, Playwright, Actor, Napoleon Impersonator
· Eddie Sapir, Candidate for Councilman-at-Large, Former Judge
· Plus.....a SPECIAL SURPRISE GUEST .For all Punch patrons, the discounted parking rate will be only $5.00 for the entire night at 141 University Place. Just ask for the special Punch parking ticket when you arrive at the show. Tickets are only $15.00 per person/$25.00 per couple.
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please RSVP by sending me an e-mail reply. You can also purchase tickets in advance on-line at our website: RINGSIDE POLITICS WITH A PUNCH
Thursday, December 17
Eat, Drink and be Merry!
6-8pm at Partysist 200 Metairie Road
Meet local winemaker Dr. James Moises and enjoy a complimentary tasting of some of his fabulous boutique Oregon wines. Dr. Moises will also be signing bottles of his premium Oregon Pinot Noir wines, which are sold exclusively in the New Orleans area.Chef Glen Hogh of Vega Tapas Cafe will be serving up tempting small plates that will be available for sale.Vega Tapas Cafe Special-Buy a bottle of Moises Pinot Noir during the event and bring it into Vega with no corkage fee
December 17
HANDEL 'S MESSIAH
One of the most popular Holiday Season works will be presented First Baptist New Orleans
Sarah Jane McMahon, soprano, Phyllis Pancella, mezzo-soprano, Steven Tharp, tenor
Grant Youngblood, baritone and the Symphony Chorus of New Orleans, Steven Edwards, Music Director. 7:30 p.m.
December 18
FOURTH ANNUAL MINGLE, JINGLE & JAZZ LUNCHEON
Heat up the holidays at Morton's The Steakhouse in New Orleans with some cool jazz during the fourth annual Mingle, Jingle & Jazz, Friday, Dec. 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Local jazz legend Irvin Mayfield will present a live holiday jazz concert during a special lunch at Morton's to raise money for The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.Seating for Mingle, Jingle & Jazz is limited. Please call Morton's New Orleans at (504) 566-0221 to make your reservation.
Friday, December 18
Procrastinator's PJ Party & Sweet Tooth Soiree at the French Market
Great live local music and homegrown holiday tunes! 5:00pm - 8:00pm Dutch Alley Performance Pavilion Our last Fridays at the French Market of 2009! Free music, raffles and stocking stuffer prizes!
Excellent musical lineup:
5 pm Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Road Show (John Boutte, Craig Klein, Susan Cowsill, Alex McMurray, Russ Broussard)
6 pm Mia Borders
6:30 Shannon Powell & Powell's Place
7:30 Christmas Brass Finale w Big Sam
December 18
OBITUARY COCKTAIL
The Obers will meet as always from 6 to 7 p.m. at Oceana Restaurant, 739 Conti St.
Friday, December 18, 2009 at 7:00pm Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 12:00am
"Cocktails For A Cause" A Benefit For Susan Edwards
We are sad to report that Susan Edwards, a reporter at WWL since December 2007, is suffering from an aggressive form of liver cancer and is currently undergoing treatment.
A fundraiser to help Susan with her considerable medical and travel expenses has been scheduled for Friday, Dec. 18 starting at 7 pm at Fat Harry's, 4330 St. Charles Avenue.
December 20
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The Cathedral Choir and Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Deux Montagut will performs "Poulenc Gloria" at St. Louis Cathedral prior to the Christmas Caroling. For more information call 525-9585
December 20
Caroling In Jackson Square - Christmas New Orleans Style
Since 1946, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre has sponsored Caroling in Jackson Square, on of New Orleans most cherished holiday traditions enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Every year on the Sunday before Christmas, Jackson Square brims with candle-lit faces and song-lit sprits as high as the spires of the St. Louis Cathedral. Candles and song sheets are provided.
7:00 pm. Free
Windsor Court Hotel's The Polo Lounge
The Polo Lounge- "Playin' at the Polo" weekly holiday music series
featuring live music from some of the city's best local musicians seven nights a week.
WindsorCourtHotel
2nd Floor, adjacent to The Grill Room
300 Gravier Street
Anais St. John With The Harry Mayronne Trio Every Friday & Saturday Night
9 p.m. - Midnight
Michael Pellera Solo Piano
Thursdays 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Zaza Solo Piano
Sunday thru Wednesday
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS at the Ritz- Carlton Hotel
Holiday Decorations
Four (4) six foot tall nutcracker soldiers will guard the entrance to The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, which is decorated with four (4) twelve foot wreaths and one hundred feet of garland. The hotel is housed within a turn of the century Beaux Arts building that was formerly a department store and the exterior is framed in white lights, outlining the beauty of the fourteen-story facade. Step inside the first floor to see Santa Claus’ sleigh, with his initials “SC”, and a winter wonderland display.Another three hundred (300) feet of richly appointed garland accents the hotel’s historic crown molding throughout the hotel.
On the hotel’s third floor lobby level, dozens of individual Christmas trees of varying sizes and in an array of colors decorate the front desk, restaurants and lounges while a forty-foot version can be found in the hotel’s French Quarter style courtyard. Decorate in blue and gold, the colors of Ritz-Carlton, the tree is a focal point for the holidays. With a giant illuminated star on top, five hundred and forty (540) gold and cobalt blue ornaments and fifty (50) oversized gold-trimmed cobalt blue ribbons, the tree is the perfect backdrop for holiday photos.Holiday offerings include Papa Noel Children’s Tea, Victorian Teas, traditionally French Le Reveillion dinners and strolling historic characters.
Life-Size Gingerbread House
Another unique holiday adornment is the life-size gingerbread house in the hotel’s lobby. This year marks the third annual life-size gingerbread house.Guests have to walk through the house to access the front desk as well as the restaurant and lounges. This year, the gingerbread house is modeled after a very famous historic landmark in the French Quarter.It will be revealed in a special ceremony by Joe Young, the hotel’s master carpenter, Executive Chef Matt Murphy and Pastry Chefs Ziggy Cichowski and Thomas McGovern on the same day as the Downtown Development District’s Canal Street, Your Home for the Holidays parade.Young sketched the building and creates plans, similar to those prepared when designing a home.Over the course of two months, with the help of a dozen engineers and pastry chefs, the gingerbread house comes to life in the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans.
