WOW is all I could say about this weekend. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I attended the wonderful LPO’s symphony’s concert under the baton of Maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto and his father world-famous cellist Carlos Prieto, as well as the Ballet Hispanico and Longue Vue’s fabulous Sentimental Journey which was titled “A Night in Old Habana.” I also attended the delicious luncheon at the extraordinary art-filled home of Kerry and Tiffa Boutte to benefit The Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Foundation.
Once again this is week being Halloween Week is going to be super busy.
On Wednesday, I will a celebrity waitress at the first annual “Say Yes! to Literacy” Celebrity Waiter Luncheon . Harrah’s New Orleans will be hosting the event with the YMCA Educational Services Branch (YES!) on Wednesday, October 29 at Harrah’s Theatre, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WDSU-TV news anchor Roop Raj and local actor Chris Lane will co-emcee the event. Celebrity waiters include Inspector General Robert Cerasoli, television personality Nikki Reyes, WGNO-TV anchor Liz Reyes, King of the Krewe of Cork Patrick Van Hoorebeek, Carl Mack, Trixie Minx and others. The celebrity waiters will compete against each another to provide the best service and earn the most tips from guests for this worthy cause. Tickets are $100 each and may be purchased by calling Amy Brown at (504) 568-9622 or emailing her at amyb@ymcaneworleans.org. Not to be missed !
On Wednesday, Oct 29, there will be a HALLOWEEN EVENT SPECIALS with Hollywood Director / Producer Eric Mofford brought to you by the new PARAPLEX Annex: #1 - GHOST HUNTING in the French Quarter. Join Eric, producer of 24 / FOX & Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, during a filmed event for television you won't soon forget! Experience the haunted side of the French Quarter during a HAUNTINGS TODAY PARAPSYCHOLOGY EXPEDITION. From the ISPR, creators of the world-famous Ghost Expeditions, Parapsychology Expeditions takes you on a ghost-hunting expedition inside select actively-haunted properties. Some field equipment is provided or bring your own. And don't forget your cameras!
This special Parapsychology Expedition with Eric Mofford begins at 8:30 PM at the new PARAPLEX Annex located at 718 Orleans, between Royal and Bourbon Streets and across from the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Limited tickets available, call the PARAPLEX Annex at 504-585-1408 or email info@PARAPLEX.net or info@GhostExpeditions.com. $24 per person / 2 hours. Under 17 years of age with a legal guardian.
They all present on Thursday, October 30, #2 - UFOS & GHOST HUNTING in the Mysterious Swamps! Experience the mysterious swamps like few ever have during a UFO & GHOST HUNTERS NIGHTTIME SWAMP INVESTIGATION! Begin your paranormal experience with a cruise in the swamps under the cover of nighttime skies as your experienced Captain shares the latest UFO and ghost sightings.. You'll then land upon a private beach in the middle of the swamps and with equipment, you'll investigate the dark skies for universe debris and UFOs! For those more concerned with the entities that roam the swamps, nightvision will heighten your ability to 'see' and you may be the next to interact with the real ghosts of the swamps. This special UFO & GHOST HUNTERS NIGHTTIME SWA MP INVESTIGATION with Eric Mofford departs at 6:30 PM from the new PARAPLEX Annex located at 718 Orleans, between Royal and Bourbon Streets and across from the Bourbon Orleans Hotel in the French Quarter and at returns to the Annex at 10:30 PM.
Limited tickets available, call the PARAPLEX Annex at 504.585.1408 or email info@PARAPLEX.net. $69 per person. Under 17 years of age with a legal guardian. Northshore participants are eligible for a discount if using their own transportation.
On Wednesday, October 29, The University of New Orleans Jazz Studies Program presents JAZZ AT THE SANDBAR In the Flambeau Lounge of the UniversityCenter on the Lakefront Campus. Performing with the UNO Jazz Studies students will be singer Kellye Gray. All Wednesdays 7:30-10 p.m. For more Information call 280-6381.
On Wednesday at the J.W. Marriott Lounge Bar you can experience an evening of cultural indulgences at the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge featuring Perrin Benham Gallery, Oil Paintings by French artist Isabelle Jacopin (www.perrinbenham.com). Live Entertainment by Tony Seville (Multi-instrumentalist). Wine tasting and complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 5:30-8 p.m.
On Wednesday October 29, at 6:30 p.m. there will be a lecture “Life in Antebellum New Orleans,” by co-curator/historian John Magill to be held at The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street, French Quarter.The lecture is free and open to the public. Seating is limited; call (504) 523-4662 or e-mail wrc@hnoc.org for reservations. Please specify which lecture(s) you wish to attend.
Jeff Crouere and Bayoubuzz Publisher Stephen Sabludowsky is inviting everyone to join them on Thursday night October 30 for another wild and zany edition of Politics with a Punch. It is the closing week before the big election.
The show will take place at the Cricket Club, 2040 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, one of the most exquisite facilities in town. For this show, we are also opening the doors early, at 6 p.m. for a Punch Happy Hour and Dinner. The Cricket Club bar will be open and a delicious drink and appetizer menu will be offered for Punch patrons. This social time is also a great way to network, explore business opportunities and possibly find your next client, customer or partner. As usual, the program will begin at 8 p.m. Post event, the Cricket Club bar will remain open for Punch patrons.
For Thursday night, we are excited to have an outstanding panel of celebrities:
· Jay Batt, Former Councilman, Chair-Louisiana McCain Campaign
· Virginia Boulet, Chairman of Obama Campaign, Louisiana
· Manny Chevrolet Bruno, Comic-Troubled Man for Troubled Times
· Joe Johnson, Former Saints Star, Member of Saints Hall of Fame
· Norman Robinson, News Anchor, WDSU-TV, Channel 6
· Chris Rose, Times Picayune Columnist, Author and Commentator
· John Slade, Political Cartoonist, Radio Talk Show Host, Comedian
On Thursday, October 30, there will be a Free Book Release Party and Recipes Tasting of " You Are Where You Eat: Stories and Recipes from the Neighborhoods of New Orleans" from 6-8 p.m. at The Norwegian Seaman's Church, 1772 Prytania St. It is the first book from writer / journalist / photographer Elsa Hahne. It features more than 30 of our city's great home cooks, in their own words, with photos and dozens of fantastic recipes.
On Thursday, October 30, there will be 1950s New Orleans photos displayed in downtown hotel. New Orleans history buffs and photography aficionados will be drawn to the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel this Fall for a six-week art installation in support of Prospect.1 New Orleans. The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel will present an extensive collection of some never-before-shown photographs taken by Jack Robinson in 1950s New Orleans, before he became an internationally recognized fashion and portrait photographer for Vogue Magazine.
The more than 50-piece exhibition, which is free and open to the public, will hang majestically from the windows overlooking Canal Street, within the hotel's atrium, and in the hotel lobby. An opening night reception on Thursday, October 30, 5-7 p.m., will launch the exhibition that showcases the homecoming of two of Sarah Wilkerson Freeman's New Orleans exhibits featuring the photography of Jack Robinson, "Capturing Southern Bohemia" and "Portraits of Canal Street". The public is invited to the opening reception.
The last of the Second Harvest's Concert at Lafayette Square will take place this Thursday, October 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 10/30 Bag Of Donuts.NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS PLEASE.
World Economic Forum comes to N.O. Oct. 30-31 at the New OrleansMorialConvention Center
Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism today announced the launch of the World Cultural Economic Forum in Louisiana this October. The forum was created to build cultural economic development opportunities by bringing together cultural ambassadors and leaders from around the world.
"Leaders from more than 50 countries are coming to Louisiana to take part in the WCEF," Landrieu said. "Some of the world's brightest minds will be in New Orleans, discussing the best practices for growing cultural industries as a part of our global economy. Together, we will build economic opportunities by supporting creative and cultural industries such as food, film, music and art."
The event includes three key components:
- A forum at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center Oct. 30-31 for world cultural economy leaders to discuss best practices for growing cultural industries;
- A World Bazaar and Marketplace Oct. 30-Nov. 1 featuring artisans and vendors from around the world and across Louisiana; and
More than 100 cultural events held throughout Louisiana in October to showcase the state's unique culture and heritage.
World leaders from Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Denmark, Greece, France, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Pakistan, St.. Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom are among those represented at the forum.
George Pataki, former Governor of New York, and Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, culture ambassador for the European Union, are among those leading breakout sessions.
Register online at www.wcefculture.org
Taylor’s Howlin’ Halloween, Thursday October 30, 6 p.m. Join us for Howlin’ Halloween, our 2nd annual canine costume party and benefit for canine cancer. There will be a costume parade, best costume contest, treats for the dogs, raffle items, wine for the owners and lots of fun for all! We’ll also have a memorial wall where you can bring photos to honor those pets who have been lost to canine cancer. This year’s event is also a benefit with funds going to the National Canine Cancer Foundation (http://www.wearethecure.org/) and specifically to “Suni’s Fund” which is focused on supporting grants for Hemangiosarcoma cancer research so that accurate diagnoses, preventative treatments and a cure can be found! If you have a dog related gift you’d like to donate for our raffle, please contact me at beth@swirlinthecity.com. This event is limited to 50 people and their four legged counterparts, please call to reserve your spot. $25. Swirl Wines -3143 Ponce de Leon, 304-0635; Fax: 304-0644
3rd Annual Halloween party-Fri, October 31, 2008 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Palmer Park.Trick or treating! Fun and prizes! Costume contest! Pumkin carving contest! Arts and crafts! Food and beverages! Kids 13 and under!
The New Orleans Garden Society is presenting its annual "A Bewitching Affair" on Friday, October 31 at the Audubon Tea Room starting at 10 :30 a.m., followed by a hat contest and judging for the spookiest, most chic, funniest and the best of group. A fashion show by Ballin's Ltd will be presented at 12 p.m. followed by the luncheon. Tickets are $45 each.
The Obituary Cocktail Society is meeting this Friday, Halloween Night from 6 to 7 p.m. at Pirates Alley Cafe, 622 Pirate Alley
The first ever Halloween Parade of the Krewe of Boo to benefit the Greater New Orleans First Responders will roll on October 31at 5:15 p.m.Krewe of Boo Parade has 22 floats, bands, and marching gouls. It kicks off 7pm at Elysian Fields and Decatur,then rolls down South Peters, turns on Canal and continues to Bourbon Street to U-turn back down Canal; Takes Tchoupitoulas,to Julia Street, on to Convention Center Blvd. and ending at the former River City Casino for the post parade extravaganza.(Near the Robin Street Wharf, behind the Morial Convention Center)go to the website to view the route map -www.kreweofboo.org
Halloween Costume Expose is the black and orange extravaganza is outfitted in first-class décor, exquisite Mardi Gras World props, themed lighting, thousands of costumed patrons, and phenomenal entertainment! Tickets are $100 per person for the Costume Expose.
Created by New Orleans' own Blaine Kern Sr., the mastermind producing Mardi Gras for over 60 years, the Krewe of Boo will be unlike any other parade in the world. My girlfriend Gerry Valene will be the famous Marie Laveau. So make sure you look for her float. I am a co-lieutenant at the Wolf Man Float. and will be in the front in the right side. Membership is $650 and party afterward is $100 per person. For tickets or additional information, including the parade route, visit www.kreweofboo.org
Friday, Oct 31, 2008-Halloween Parade in French Quarter-Jim Monaghan’s 14th Annual Halloween Parade will roll through the French Quarter on Friday, October 31, beginning in front of Molly’s at the Market, 1107 Decatur St. at 5:30 p.m..
Costumed riders in horse-drawn carriages will dispense beads and Halloween-themed trinkets, led by the Storyville Stompers marching band and the Kazoozie Floozies.The parade will proceed up Decatur Street to Iberville Street, to Burgundy, to Dauphine, to Conti, to Bourbon, to Governor Nicholls, and end where it started in front of Molly’s on Decatur Street.
October 31, 7:30 p.m. BRAVO Witch's Brew at the home of the King and Queen of Witch's Brew, 4509 St Charles Avenue. Costumes are encouraged and a prize will be given to the top 3 costumes. Cost is $35 per person to benefit Bravo, the volunteer organization of the New Orleans Ballet Association. Need to make reservation by October 29 by calling 522-0996, ext 208.
ANNE RICE'S VAMPIRE LESTATE FAN CLUB Presents:THE QUEEN OF THE DAMNED BALL-HALLOWEEN / October 31, 2008
9PM - 2AM-doors open at 8PM.Rosy's Jazz Hall.ARVLFC Member Ticket - $20-Non-Member Ticket - $30
QUEEN OF THE DAMNED BALL TICKETS Exclusively at: PARAPLEX Annex,718 Orleans,Between Royal & Bourbon / French Quarter,504.585.1408
Friday, Oct 31, M.O.M.'s Halloween Ball "Ghouls Gone Wild" with Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes (two sets) and Rebirth Brass Band (late set) 9pm.at The Howlin' Wolf. $25.00
Friday, Oct 31, 2008-JPAS PRESENT'S THE REGIONAL PREMIER OF RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET
"Shakespeare's Forgotten Rock and Roll Masterpiece" Comes in for a Landing in Westwego!*
What do you get when Shakespeare meets space travel and rock and roll? Bob Carlton's uproarious sci-fi spoof RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET, of course! Making its regional premier, *RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET opens Halloween night, October 31st at 7:30pm at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Avenue in Westwego. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2pm thru November 16. Directed by Claire Van Cott, Choreographed by Lynne Lawrence and Musically Directed by Don Hopkinson, Jr. with Assistant Musical Director Allison Rich and accompanied by the JPAS Broadway Pit Orchestra, the premier of this hilarious sci-fi, musical adventure is sure to be out-of-this-world fun!
Come in costume for the Opening/Halloween Night performance and stay for the FREE FUN at the opening night cast party afterward! *Tickets are $26 for adults, $22 for seniors and military, and $19 for students (with valid ID), and $12 for children (12 and under). For tickets call 504.885.2000 or visit www.jpas.org
RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET is an Olivier Award-winning rock and roll musical that has been wowing audiences for over eighteen years.
Friday, October 31, 2008-Shrimp and Petroleum Festival-October 31 - November 2, 2008 in Morgan City, La.-Food, music and rides. http://www.shrimp-petrofest.org
If music is what you are after then head on down to historic LawrencePark in downtown Morgan City, La. This festival is known for the diverse music which may be heard in this 4 day event. Local, state, and regional entertainment bring forth sounds of Zydeco, Cajun, Country, and popular music to its sound stage. You may hear all of the music under the oaks in HistoricLawrencePark with no admission fee.
November 1: ""Day of the Dead party”, ANDREA’S CAPRI BLU LOUNGE, 3100 19th St at Ridgelake, Metairie, 834-8583. 8 p.m. Costume Contest. 10 p.m. prizes. Music by MaryFlynn Thomas and Scott Perro.
From November 1, 2008 to January 18, 2009, New Orleans will be the site of Prospect 1, the first Biennial of its type in United States. Works by 81 of the leading contemporary artists from around the world will transform our city into a sprawling, multi-venue art destination. Thousands of visitors, including many-first time New Orleans guests, will move among some 15 museums, community art centers, refurnished buildings and private homes that will be serving as sites for the artist’s creations. Visit www.prospectneworleans.org
On Saturday, November 1 at 8 p.m. at Dixon Hall, TulaneUniversity, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra present Symphonic Tango
Experience the heat of Latin Grammy winner Raul Jarena and Symphony Tango as they seduce your senses. Free tango classes at 7 p.m.
Please put in your calendar that starting this November, the MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN COCKTAIL will begin its monthly Mixology Monday series. The program aims to bring accomplished mixologists from around the world to New Orleans to share their skills and expertise with bartenders and other industry professionals. The presentations are priced so that everyone can attend and the fee includes Museum admittance. The first session will be held at the Museum on Monday, Nov 3, at 6:30 pm and will be hosted by renowned cocktail and spirits expert, Dale DeGroff, author of the new book: “The Essential Cocktail”. His lecture is titled “The Essential Cocktail -The Art of Mixing Perfect Drinks.”
Founded in 2005, The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) opened last July, in its spectacular new home it shares with SoFAB. The unique-and-expanded exhibit, designed by Curator, Ted “Dr. Cocktail” Haigh, provides visitors with a fascinating tour of the history of the cocktail and the way it has influenced music, theater, art, film, and politics around the world during its two hundred year history. Located in the Southern Food & Beverage Museum at the Riverwalk Marketplace at the Julia Street entrance. 504-569-0405 http://www.museumoftheamericancocktail.org
Advance registration required: $20 per person (includes admission to the Museum). Register online: http://www.museumoftheamericancocktail.org Or register by calling: 516-565-4981 and pay at the door on day of session (check or cash preferred). For more info, or to join, go to: www.museumoftheamericancocktail.org
darling friend do not forget to vote on Tuesday,, November 4. I like to ask you to vote for my darling friend Helena Moreno who is running against Congressman Jefferson. If you will like to go to her victory party,you are invited to attend at the Foundry on Joseph Street. I will be working as a voting commissioner so I will be there late but I will be there!
