New Orleans Area Events: Week of February 7

Darling friends,

Carnival time has come and gone. and if you are like me, your whole body is aching but we are savoring the fabulous memories of another wonderful Carnival season! Fortunately for all of us, Mother Nature provided us with unusual glorious weather that encouraged revelers to don their colorful costumes and celebrate with sheer abandon our Mardi Gras Season.

But first I must start out on a sad note. My darling friends and I are mourning the loss of a dear friend, Verita Thompson. She passed away on February 1, just a few weeks before what would have been her 90th birthday. Verita was very well known in New Orleans, especially in the French Quarter where she lived most of the past 18 years of her life. She could always be recognized by her stylish designer outfits, colorful round hats, and her impeccable makeup that made her look 30-40 years younger.

Verita, as many of you probably know, was a hairstylist to the stars in Hollywood and the secret girlfriend of Humphrey Bogart for about 12 years. Her book, BOGIE AND ME: A LOVE STORY, caused a sensation when it was published in 1982 -- not to mention a scandal. It was the first time Verita had publicly disclosed the affair with Bogie, who had died 25 years earlier, and it made headlines around the world.

After Bogie's death, Verita went into the restaurant business and became the very successful proprietor of three top-rated bistros in Beverly Hills that were frequented by some of the greatest movie stars, musicians, writers, sports figures and political leaders. In the early 90s, for a short time, she operated "Bogie and Me," a piano bar in the 700 block of St. Louis Street where Gennifer Flowers later operated her club.

A memorial service will be held for Verita at Claire's on Conti in the St. Ann Marie Antoinette Hotel, 717 Conti Street, at 6 p.m. Saturday, February 16. Friends are invited to come and pay their respects and hoist a drink to a great lady who would have turned 90 on that day. More details will be forthcoming before that date.

I am looking forward to a very busy cultural week in which we will have the opportunity to attend this Friday, February 8 and Saturday 9 “Tango Fire” at 8 p.m. at Tulane University's Dixon Hall. You will experience tempestuous sensuality as New Orleans Ballet Association presents for the first time the tango! Direct from Buenos Aires comes Argentina's sexy and flirtatious dance of love. Artfully directed by distinguished Argentine ballerina and company founder, Carolina Soler, “Tango Fire” traces the evolution of tango from its origins in the red light district of Buenos Aires during the late 19th century to the ballroom craze of today. In slit skirts, seamed stockings and stunningly tailored suites, five of the world's leading tango couples team up with a virtuoso five-piece band for an extraordinarily glamorous evening of dance theater. I am very upset since I just found out that both performances are sold out. So, if you know anyone with a couple of tickets that they are not going to use, I am desperately looking to buy two tickets. Call me on my cell at 504-495-9181.

Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama is coming to town this Thursday, February 7 at Tulane University's Fogelman Arena, 6823 St. Charles Avenue. Doors open at 7:45 a.m. and the program begins at 9:45 a.m. The event is open to the public, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to RSVP, please visit LA.BarackObama.com/NewOrleans. For security reasons, please do not bring bags. No signs or banners permitted.

If you like Japanese movies, this Thursday RASHOMON (Japan - 1950) will be shown at 7:15 p.m., 618 City Park Ave. (across the street from Delgado Community College) Free. Dubbed version, 88 minutes, followed by a discussion. For more info, contact Guy Henoumont at 460-9049 or guyheno@gmail.com .

Mardi Gras may be over, but the spirit continues this week at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. On Thursday, February 7, from 3–5 p.m., there will be an Architecture Panel Discussion with Nicolai Ouroussoff (attendees may stay for Ogden After Hours). The title of the discussion is “At Risk: 20th-Century New Orleans Urban Design and Architecture.”

Nicolai Ouroussoff is the architecture critic for The New York Times. Leading national and regional figures in contemporary architecture will also be present, including local architects Arthur Q. Davis and Ray Manning, who will discuss the history and future of architecture in New Orleans. Admission is free, but ticket reservation is encouraged, due to limited seating. Please call Jelena James at 504-539-9614 to reserve a space. Visit the website for more details: www.ogdenmuseum.org .

On Thursday, February 7, from 6–8 p.m., Casandra Faulconer, will be the featured performer at Ogden After Hours. Faulconer's music interest began at a young age and as a teenager, she started playing with her father’s band in the bars and music halls in her home town of Thunder Bay, Ontario. After completing her studies, she was lured to the Caribbean by the opportunity to play shows six nights a week. She spent the next several years, sailing the seas, backing up headliners, and playing Vegas-style shows.

Talented singer, composer and pianist Philip Melancon performs Sundays - Thursdays from 7 to 11 pm at the Bombay Club, in the privately owned Prince Conti Hotel, 830 Conti Street.
504-586-0972

The other talented pianist who performs solo Playin' at The Polo Lounge of the Windsor Court Hotel, is Michael Pellera. 300 Gravier Street, Thursdays 7-11pm, Fridays and Saturdays 6 to 9pm. Featured Vocalist Banu Gibson performs on Fridays during month of February from 9pm to Midnight. Anais St. John with the Harry Mayronne Trio perform Saturdays February 9, 16, and 23 from 9pm to midnight. No cover charge and complimentary parking.

This Friday, February 8, Obituary Cocktail Society will gather at the usual time of 6 to 7 p.m. at the great New Orleans saloon: Chartres House Cafe, 301 Chartres Street.

The Alliance Francaise is hosting its weekly Friday -Wine Worshop at 1519 Jackson Avenue. "Bordeaux vs Burgundy: The Passionate Enemies" will be the featured wines. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. $40 for members- $50 non-members. For reservation call 568-0770.

The 13th annual Williams Research Center Symposium The Mississippi River: Artery of Commerce and Culture will take place February 9. Speakers will address how the river has shaped the folklore, music, literature, art, politics, and lives of the communities lining its banks. This year’s symposium will be moderated by Jerry Enzler and will feature talks by Peter Kastor, Andrew McMichael, Andrew Walker, Jessica Dorman, Bruce B. Raeburn, and Craig E. Colten. The Symposium will take place at the Chateau Sonesta Hotel, 800 Iberville Street from 8:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Adults: $50 on or before January 26; $60 after January 26. Students: $30 on or before January 26; $40 after January 26 (scholarships also available). For a complete schedule and registration information, visit http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=CzoMXSNy08h6t9RAJw0m or call (504) 523-4662.

The Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Jazz Sextet will be performing this Saturday Feb 9 and Sunday Feb10 at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro - 626 Frenchmen St. – 504-949-0696 – http://www.snugjazz.com/. Sets at 8:00pm & 10:00pm.

Gabriel Alegría returns to New Orleans with some of Peru’s finest jazz musicians. Smoldering jazz is kicked up with the intoxicating polyrhythms of coastal Perú as trumpeter and composer Gabriel Alegría combines his own distinctive approach to the jazz trumpet with the rich heritage of Afro-Peruvian music. Alegría is joined by saxophonist Laurandrea Leguía, guitarist Yuri Juárez, bassist Joscha Oetz, drummer Hugo Alcázar and master percussionist Freddy “Huevito” Lobatón-who plays traditional Afro-Peruvian instruments such as cajón (box drum) and quijada (jaw bone) and adds spectacular passages of zapateo dancing.

On Sunday, February 10, the Cathedral Concert Series presents The Chanson Ensemble in a free concert performance featuring music reflecting a wide variety of styles including folk, Renaissance, spiritual, popular and contemporary at 4 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 St. Charles Avenue. This impressive male singing ensemble consists of six highly experienced choral performers - Peter Lovett, Brett McDermid, Aaron Zinter, Matt Kneefe, Aaron McDermid and Micah Lamb. For more information call (504) 895-6602 or visit http://cccnola.org/.

WYES' CHOCOLATE SUNDAY. Sunday, February 10. Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Drive in the Warehouse District. VIP Event 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. General Admission 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Taste it ALL - milk, dark, white, hot, cold, sweet, and savory chocolates, chocolate cocktails, chocolate desserts. You can even sample food made with chocolate from local chefs, while some of our areas most talented young musicians and dancers perform. Tickets for this scrumptious event are being sold in advance on-line at wyes.org and on the day of the event at Generations Hall.

The seductive sweethearts of Fleur de Tease, will unveil their Valentine Revue at One Eyed Jacks, in the French Quarter, on Sunday, February 10. The ladies of Fleur de Tease will pay special tribute to Cupid and celebrate St. Valentine the best way they know how, by taking it off! There will be an array of eye-popping surprises including guest artists, circus style aerial acts, magic, comedy and the burlesque beauties of Fleur de Tease giving themselves to all the lonely hearted and those couples that desire to spice things up this Valentine’s Day.

As New Orleans’ premiere troupe of true professional burlesque dancers, that include Fleur de Tease’s artistic director Trixie Minx, Madame Mystere, Lily L’Envie, Bella Blue, and our very own fire-eating hottie Natasha Fiore’, round out the cast of intriguing burlesque dancers who believe in putting on a brand new show each time you see them perform. No two shows are ever alike, and with the girls performing once a month at One Eyed Jacks, you can expect new material and a lot of fun at every performance. As always, the show includes the comical style of Fleur de Tease’s MC Chris Lane, trickster and illusionist Magic Mike, circus-like aerial trapeze from Sarah the Bobcat, and musical acts, alongside our classic “bump & grind” New Orleans burlesque routines. There’s always an array of other surprises and when you attend a Fleur de Tease show, “…You never know who or what will turn up on stage!”

Tickets for the Fleur de Tease Burlesque Valentine Revue at One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse St., are $15.00 and $20.00 for reserved table seating. Call 504-569-8361. Doors at OEJ open at 7:30 p.m. with performances starting at 8:00 and 10:00. Also, you can reserve table seating for the shows and book Fleur de Tease to perform at your private party, event, or fundraiser by calling 504-975-1245. For more information on the latest Fleur de Tease charity events, merchandise, and shows, please visit www.fleurdetease.com , www.myspace.com/fleurdetease , or contact Sheri M. B. McKee, Media Madam at 504-432-7629, SherMcBleu@aol.com .

Fleur de Tease is proud to have the House of Lounge, the finest lingerie store in New Orleans, 2044 Magazine Street, as a continuing sponsor for the 2008 Season.

On Wednesday, February 13, The Historic New Orleans Collection and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, are partnering to present a free concert featuring music inspired by the Mississippi River with a Pre-concert lecture by Clarke "Doc" Hawley on steamboat life. Join Mark Twain on a musical voyage down the Mississippi River in the second annual collaboration between The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. “Music of the Mississippi” features a free concert at St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square and a pre-concert lecture at the Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street. The LPO concert includes composers and pieces inspired by the mighty Mississippi with selections spanning the 18th through 20th centuries. Among the featured works are Jean-Philippe Rameau’s rarely heard Les Indes galantes, a concerto by Henri Vieuxtemps, operatic arias from Robert le diable and Lucia di Lammermoor, and selections from Showboat by Jerome Kern. Both the concert and the lecture are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and reservations can be made by calling (504) 523-4662 or emailing wrc@hnoc.org. 6:30 p.m. Pre-concert lecture with Clarke “Doc” Hawley and 8 p.m. Concert featuring Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, with conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, violinist Ariana Kim, soprano Jane Redding, and actor/historian mikko.

Valentine Day's is just around the corner, so if you are looking for a romantic local getaway, my friend Adrianne Thomas, PR Director of the New Orleans Steamboat Company is promoting a long moonlight cruise, dancing, champagne all the essential elements for a romantic Valentine’s Day! … then just add a scrumptious buffet, open domestic beer, wine and soft drinks, Champagne toast with complimentary Steamboat Natchez Toasting Glass, and a dynamic DJ, for a perfect Valentine experience. The authentic Steamboat Natchez plays host to a history of romance along the Mississippi River. Make your own romantic history this year! Thursday, February 14, 6:30 pm boarding at the Toulouse Street Wharf; 7:30-9:30 pm river cruise. $75.00 per person. Reservations necessary (504) 569-1480 or (800) 233-2628. For additional information visit: www.SteamboatNatchez.com

LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT HARRAH’S NEW ORLEANS

Singles Get a Chance to Mingle This Valentine’s Day with Speed Dating Sessions.

Plus, Raise Your Glass in a “Toast to Romance” at Riche. – – Cupid visits Harrah’s New Orleans this Valentine’s Day for the “Pick-A-Boo” event for singles. Guests are invited to party the night away with an hour of select complimentary cocktails, speed dating, aura reading and live music courtesy of the Wiseguys from 7 to 11 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 14.

Everyone has a chance to get in the game with a speed dating session scheduled for 8 p.m. The speed dating session will be conducted by New Orleans-based Charisma Creations. There is no charge for participation; however, space is limited to the first 25 women and the first 25 men registered for each session. Be sure to bring an open mind and heart. Cupid may have his target set on you.

Check out what 2008 has in store for you in the love department when you have your aura read by Harrah’s very own “Aura Reader.”

“Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples,” says Sandie McNamara, Vice President of Marketing for Harrah’s New Orleans. “Pick-A-Boo is a great way for singles to meet other singles in the area, on the day so many of them dread.”

Love will be in the air with Cupid’s Mailbox. Mix and mingle while wearing an individually numbered heart sticker. “Mr.” or “Ms. Right” could leave you a cute note. The first 150 ladies to arrive at Masquerade will receive a red rose, compliments of Harrah’s. For couples seeking an intimate location for Valentine’s Day, what could be better than Riche, a romantic French brasserie located inside Harrah’s Hotel? Riche will offer a special, $75 per person “Toast to Romance” menu. Selections from the three-course menu, which comes with a complimentary glass of champagne and rose for each lady, include Grilled Filet with Red Wine Reduction and Grilled Lobster with Seafood Stuffing. For more information about Harrah’s New Orleans, log onto http://www.harrahsneworleans.com/

Are you tired of waiting in long lines on Valentine's Day for boring food and mediocre service?

Culinary Cabaret Presents "A Valentine?s Day Feast" Thursday, February 14, 7:30 pm at The Fine Arts Center, 1733 Constantinople Street.

Dining in the romantic zone, Chef Kevin Smith will stimulate your appetite with a chef's tasting menu featuring 9 courses of refined finger foods each accompanied by tantalizing sauces plus casseroles, salad and a decadent dessert station!

Have a little fun and support the New Orleans Music Incubator! Reservations Required-Call 504- 269-3922. $60 per person (cash bar)

Have a great week.

Margarita

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