Fall is here and it usually means we have a lot of activities associated with the cultural season. As you probably know the Overture to the Cultural Season was rescheduled for this Sunday at the New Orleans Museum of Art.
This week, I have about six fabulous soirees that I am planning to attend if I can do it, including the NO/AIDS Walk that was also rescheduled for this Sunday at 10 a.m. by Audubon Park.
On Tuesday, September 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. there will be a Latin Celebration with the New Generation Cuban and Traditional Latino Music at St. Joseph's and the N.O. Musicians' Clinic Present "Playin' For Joan," Mission for the Homeless and Local Working People, at the St. Joseph Church's Rebuild Center (Behind St. Joseph's) located at 1802 Gravier Street. Phone 504- 522-3186.
That same evening there will be a Bourbon Tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. at Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar, 5535 Tchoupitoulas Street. The event billed as "A Tasting of Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon from FutureBrands and Glazer’s Companieswill feature "bourbon professor" Steve Colewho will be on hand to taste & educate. Samplings will include: Knob Creek, Basil Hayden, Booker’s, Baker’s and Jim Beam Black. Free for all ladies and all are welcome. Tom Hook at 9:30 p.m. Visit www.dosjefescigarbar.com .
Every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m., Trinity Church, 1329 Jackson Avenue, presents "Organ and Labyrinth" with Albinas Prizgintas, on the 5,000 pipes Trinity tracker organ. The program includes some of the greatest music written for organ and a variety of performed music, ranging from Classical Baroque to vintage rock tunes.
This is going to be a busy week at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum(SoFAB)at the Riverwalk
* Tuesday: Cinq 'a Sept 5 p.m. Music by Linnzi Zaorski . Food Free provided by Restaurant Cuvee :Serrano-wrapped, Chevre-stuffed Peppadew Peppers. Cash Bar Wine -Selections from The Savvy Gourmet
* Wednesday: Big Read Kick-Off Party 5 p.m.
* Wednesday: American Whiskey Panel Discussion 5 p.m.
* Saturday: Uglesich's Sign Books 2 p.m.
On Wednesday, September 24, my darling friend Fredy Omar and his band is recreating the Red Room at The Cricket Club, 2040 St Charles Avenue, from 9 p.m.to 12 p.m. He also plays on Thursday with his guitarist at the Columns Hotel.
I want to invite you to experience “An Evening of Cultural Indulgences at the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge, on Wednesday,September 24,5:30-8 p.m. It will feature the Art of Marc Pagani, (Adventure Travel photographer who has won the 2008 Prix de la Photographie in Paris.) Entertainment byRiccardo Crespo, (Brazilian musician, singer and songwriter, who plays acoustic guitar and harmonica). Complimentary wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres.
Talented Phil Melancon will be playing at the Bombay Club on Thursday, September 25 and Sunday, Sept. 28 at 9 p.m. Vocalist Lisa Lynn performs on Friday and Johnny Angel performs on Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Bourbon House & the New Orleans Bourbon Society host the second American Whiskey Festival on September 24 and 25. It pairs Master Distillers with distinctive New Orleans cuisine and supports the Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFAB). There will be a Master Distiller panel discussion, “Brown Liquor” with four Master Distillers, hosted by Dr. David Beriss. $10 admission, 5-6:30 p.m. At “American Whiskey Dinners” you can join your favorite "Spirit Legend" for a night of innovative New Orleans cuisine paired with world famous whiskeys. SoFAB is in the Riverwalk, adjacent to the Julia Street Entrance. For more information go to the Bourbon House website http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001xrHQAiblyfw_s-WW-4T6i_xKzjsC_4eElo2tXopc4OYda7cPgPMRYI.
Thursday night, September 25 promises another wild and zany edition of Politics with a Punch.It has been a crazy month dealing with hurricanes and politics and they will cover it all on their star-studded show! The show will take place at the Cricket Club, 2040 St. Charles Avenue, one of the most exquisite facilities in town. For this show, they are also opening the doors early, at 6 p.m. for a “Punch Happy Hourand 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.
Panel celebrities include
· Laura Buchtel, WWL-TV Channel 4 Weekday Meteorologist
· Troy Carter, Former Councilman, Candidate for Congress
· Chris Champagne, Satirist, Poet, and Performer
· Gennifer Flowers, Singer, Entertainer, International Celebrity
· Ian Hoch, Comedian, Director of La Nuit Comedy Theater
· John Osterlind, Radio Talk Show Host, WRNO 99.5 FM
· Walter Williams, Filmmaker, Comedy Writer, Creator of “Mr. Bill”
Tickets are usually $15 per person and $25 per couple; however, the hosts are pleased to offer a limited number of VIP discount tickets at the price of $10 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m. for Happy Hour; the event begins at 8 p.m.
The Polo Club Lounge, on the second floor of the Windsor Court Hotel, named by Zagat as one of New Orleans’ best bars in the city, is jazzin’ it up every Friday and Saturday with the hot entertainment series, "Playin At The Polo," featuring popular local musicians performing a repertoire of sophisticated jazz. No Cover Charge.
Fridays, September 26 - Leah Chase, 9 p.m.-12 midnight
Saturday, September 27 - Anais St. John returns to The Polo, 9 p.m.-12 midnight
"All Shook Up" performances run Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m., through October 5 at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre. Don't miss this rock-and-roll retelling of Shakespeare's The Twelfth Night to the music of Elvis Presley! Featuring Rich Arnold, Chase Kamata, Meredith Long and Kris Shaw, "All Shook Up" is produced in association with the Allenberry Playhouse of Pennsylvania and directed by Claude Giroux of the Allenberry Playhouse.
The George French Trio is playing Thursday through Saturday from 5:15-8:45 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, 921 Canal Street on Trois Lounge. The guest drummer is Herman Jackson.Jeremy Davenport plays at Melague and Armand St. Martin at the Library and for the Brunch.
Last week, I was fortunate to attend the opening of the Royal Sonesta Hotel's Secrets in Lace Presents “Bustout Burlesque” in The Mystick Den with shows at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The authentic 1950s-style burlesque production, starring Kitty Twist, Foxy Flambeaux, Praline DuPree, Lola Van Ella, Debbie Davis and Dante the Magician (with special guest star, former Bourbon Street Burlesque Queen Wild Cherry), will run through October 24. Please call 504-586-0300 to purchase tickets in advance. Don’t miss it! It’s a great, fun show produced by Rick Delaup.
Project Lazarus' “Champagne, Cheese, and The Yellow Brick Road” is thisThursday, September 25, at the New Orleans Center for the Performing Arts (NOCCA), Chartres Street at Montegut. Parking is available on site. Reception begins at 6 p.m. The Wizard of Oz movie will start at 7:20 p.m. Just as last year, champagne and cheese, etc. is complimentary with admission. Children, accompanied by an adult, are invited. Character costuming by children of all ages is encouraged! The ticket price has been reduced to $15, half the price of last year’s event. If you need tickets, I have 10 to sell as a member of the board. My number is 495-9181.
The Obituary Cocktail Society is meeting this Friday from 6-7 p.m.at Broussard's Restaurant, 819 Conti Street.
The New Orleans Museum of Art is hosting “LOVE in the Garden,” featuring live music, dancing, open bar and cuisine from 40 local restaurants on Friday, September 26.
Now in its fourth year, LOVE in the Garden has become one of NOMA's most popular annual events under the stars and the oaks in the city’s most romantic setting, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. This year’s music will be provided by The Boogie Men and the John Rankin Trio. Tickets for LOVE in the Garden start at $50 for NOMA members and $60 for non-members ($75 at the door). To order tickets or for more information, visit www.noma.org/love.
Ten New Orleans-based artists will be honored at the event for their contributions to the city's cultural life: Wayne Amedee, Nicole Charbonnet, Jeffrey Cook, Garland Robinette, Elaine Gleason, Joann Greenberg, Beth Lambert, Auseklis Ozols, Richard Thomas and Martin Welch.
My friend Bonnie Broel’s fundraiser for the House of Broel Foundation is on Saturday, September 27. Bonnie has taken her St. Charles Avenue mansion, near the corner of Jackson Avenue in the Garden District, and turned it into a museum featuring her exquisite doll house creations. You have to see it to believe it! And now she is trying to raise funds for her foundation to keep this historic and scenic landmark operating.
“A Debut on the Avenue II” will kick off on the 27th at the House of Broel, 2220 St. Charles Avenue, with a Patron Party from 7-8:30 p.m.., followed by a Gala from 8:30-11 p.m. World renowned Chef Andrea Apuzzo of Andrea’s Restaurant in Metairie will be cooking and demonstrating, and food will be provided by some of the city’s most renowned restaurants, including Antoine’s, Arnaud’s, Muriel’s, Café Giovanni, Zea’s and more. Music and entertainment will be provided by the Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra, pianist/humorist Philip Melancon, Rocky Troxler, Jay Cavalier, Moscow Nights and sultry vocalist Suzaune Yee McKamey. Open bar courtesy of Glazer’s Family of Companies. Come in cocktail attire or get into the spirit by dressing as a “Living Doll.” For more information or to make reservations call Bonnie at 522-2220 or 494-2220. Checks and credit cards accepted.
OCTOBERFEST is here from September 26 to October 25. Deutches Haus in Central City, home to the German-American Community since 1928, stages its popular Oktoberfest featuring traditional German food, live music, dancing , and of course plenty of beer. This year there will be a commemorative stein to celebrate its 80thanniversary. 200 South Galvez Street two blocks from Canal. www.Deutscheshaus.org .
Saturday, September 27 features Encore! A Fete for Le Petit Theatre. Darlings, you do not want to miss this repeat performance of last year’s fabulous performance. Encore once again will be hosted by our very own Academy Award-nominated actress Patricia Clarkson and renowned Broadway actor Bryan Batt. There will be great performances as well as some fabulous action items. For reservation call 522-9958.
On Saturday, September 27 from 7 p.m. until, 3 Ring Circus Arts Education Center will present its first annual block party celebration entitled: Circus, Circus, Circus. The fun-filled evening will begin with a Patron Party at 7 p.m. featuring the music of local songstress, Anais St.John with the Street Carnival beginning at 8 p.m. in front of the The Big Top gallery at 1638 Clio Street.
The night will feature 3 exciting stages (2 circus rings on Clio Street and
one in The Big Top) of music; delicious food and whimsical circus snacks by
local restaurants; refreshing spirits; circus games and revelry; live and
silent art auctions; fabulous raffle prizes and fun for everyone who's a kid
at heart. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit 3 Ring Circus Arts
Education Center, celebrating 5 years under The Big Top and as a non-profit
501(c)3 arts organization and 10 years as 3 Ring Circus Productions, a
roving art production company that has created "art-mosphere" in
non-traditional settings.
Circus, Circus, Circus will feature a variety of musical and circus acts including: Anais St. John, Rotary Downs, Davis Rogan, Fredy Omar, Michael Skinkus and Margie Perez, Fatter Than Albert, The Other Planet, Inferneaux Fire Performance Troupe, Billion Dollar Baby Dolls, Poisson Rouge, Billy Schotz and Whirly Bones, Claudia and Her Beir Gartners, Sarah the Bobcat,
Uncle Flim Flam¹s Ragtime Orleans Mechanical Music, Clockwork Elvis,Princess Stephaney and many more. Ringmasters for the evening include Jon Sazerac the Clown Pult, Comedian Wild Bill Dykes and Bartlett Meeks.
The evening will also include a tribute to three very special Arts Patrons who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to keeping the cultural landscape of New Orleans alive and vibrant. They include: Dorian Bennet of
Dorian Bennet/Sotheby International Realty; Don Marshall, Executive Director of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation; and Echo Olander, Executive Director of KIDsmArt.
My darling friend, talented comedian Chris Champagne is doing his show "American Spleen" one last time Saturday,
8PM at the Fair Grinds Sept 27 $10 Cheap. Please come if you can.
Orange Kellin and Vernel Bagneris bring their classic jazz elation to Snug Harbor on Saturday, September 27. An extra bonus is the appearance of singer Topsy Chapman, also a former member of the hit musical "One Mo' Time". They are all accompanied by the New Orleans Joymakers which includes jazz masters Bunchy Johnson on drums, Steve Pistorius on piano, and Tom Saunders on bass and tuba. With Orange on clarinet and Vernel's exuberant voice and dance steps, this will be a joyful evening for all. Shows at 8 and 10 p.m.
Sunday, September 28 is the NO/AIDS Walk. Registration at 8 a.m. Walk at 10 a.m. Audubon Park Magazine Street - Shelter 10.
Also Sunday,September 28is the Overture to the Cultural Season at the New Orleans Museum of Art at 7 p.m. Patron Party, 8-11 p.m. Featured entertainment is Deacon John and the Ivories and Ingrid Lucia. For reservations call 488-5424.
And lastly, another reminder of the Chinchuba Institute’s fundraiser, “Look Who’s Talking Now,” on Saturday, October 18. Entertainment by Benny Grunchand the Bunch and Becky Allen, with fabulous food, dozens of silent auction items, door prizes and more. Order your tickets now for a fun evening at the Preservation Resource Center on Tchoupitoulas Street. Call 391-2475.
Darling friends,
