I hope you had a happy Fourth of July! I had a sparkling one since my friend Julie Juneau celebrated her birthday in her penthouse, on top of the Ritz Carlton Hotel.
The "Party with a Purpose," better known as the Essence Festival, was a huge success and they already announced that Beyonce is going to head up next year festival. Let's keep it going; our city needs it.
This morning, we are mourning the death of our talented singer and actress Cynthia Owen who passed away in Las Vegas on the eve of her 45th birthday My sympathy to my darling friend,actress Lyla Hay Owen. We will miss her!
I am also praying for the speed recovery of talented Lady BJ Crosby.
Today, July 8, is the first day of the Sazerac becoming the official cocktail drink of Louisiana. We need to drink to that! Yesterday I attended the Sazerac Academy at Commander's Palace where I where I learned all about the historical drink. The Sazerac cocktail is to New Orleans what the margarita is to the southwest. It is reported to be the first cocktail every invented (at least in the United States). Antoine Amadee Peychaud, a Creole apothecary, is given the credit for first inventing the Sazerac cocktail in the early 1800s. We must give thanks and hearty KUDOS to Ann Rogers Tuennerman for her persistence with the legislature and making sure that the bill was approved.
Talking about cocktails, I can not wait for July 16-20 when the spirited event takes place. In case you are not familiar with Tales of Cocktail, it is a culinary and cocktail festival that features award-winning mixologists, authors, bartenders, chefs and designers in the French Quarter. There are five days of cocktail events such as dinner-pairings, cocktail demos and tastings, seminars, mixing competitions, design expos, book-signings and much more.
Tickets are required for Tales of the Cocktail and can be purchased online at www.TalesoftheCocktail.com . Ticket packages are available as well as a special rate of $99 at the various downtown hotels, which are donating a percentage of every booked room for the event to The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society. Tales of the Cocktail invite locals and visitors to show their love for New Orleans by attending the event and supporting the number one industry in New Orleans – tourism.
By the way, it was just announced that Tickets are on-sale now for Spirited Dinners on July 17, Presented by Domaine de Canton. Cocktails of all shapes and flavors are paired with every course from appetizers to desserts. On-hand for expert advice on all things cocktail and food will be an author, mixologist and bar chef, who together prepared each unique menu around their expertise and the restaurant’s known fare. Guest will learn mixing and pairing concepts straight from the menu designers and enjoy meeting these top stars of the culinary and cocktail world.
Now you know why I cannot wait. But before next week, there are going to be a lot of fun events that are going to keep us very busy.
On Tuesday, July 8, from 6-8 p.m., Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar, 5535 Tchoupitoulas Street, is hosting its weekly wine tasting. Glazer Company is presenting wine from Souverin, Chateau St. Jean and Greg Norman Estates, in addition to beers from Heiner Brau Brwery in Covington. The live local music will feature entertainers with no cover charge.
On Tuesday, July 8, talented former WDSU Anchorwoman, Helena Moreno, is announcing her candidacy for the 2nd District Congressional seat at New Orleans Union Passenger Station from 6-8 p.m. I am so proud of her!
Wednesday, July 9, is the Grand Opening of El Noche Del Mambo at Cafe East, 4628 Rye Street in Metairie. Fredy Omar Con Su Banda will be the musical guest. DJ Carmelita will play the best in Salsa and Mambo. Doors open at 10 p.m. and Fredy performs from 11 p.m.-12 midnight. Sauza Tequila and Stelito Vodka will sponsor this weekly party. Your host
is Jonte.
Also on Wednesday, July 9, the New Orleans Museum of Art is presenting, in conjunction with the exhibit “The Baroque World of Fernando Botero,” a “Festival of Flavors.” Colombian Tapas from Colombian Friends of the Museum will be featured. I encourage you to see the exhibit.
If you are a small businesses looking to improve your online marketing skills in order to grow your customer base, you are invited to take advantage of the following FREE seminars and workshops on how to best use a website, and make it work for your business! I attended the first one last week and it was fantastic. I registered to attend this Wednesday as well.
TechAssistLA Director Will Norris and leading experts in the field are presenting a series of seminar that help small businesses from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Louisiana Technology Council, 1215 Prytania Street, New Orleans. http://www.TechAssistLA.com/training.php
The specific topics of the series are:
July 9 – “Websites That Work” with McKenzie Coco of FabreSmith&Coco, Marketing Architects
July 16 – “Marketing Your Website” with Niki Arena, ECaloim.com LLC
July 23 – “Open Source CMS” with Cherry Cappel, CherryCappel.com
July 30 – “Driving Traffic to your Site” with Adele Tiblier of FabreSmith&Coco, Marketing Architects
Businesses should call Will Norris at (504) 301-2485 or apply online at http://www.techassistla.com/ for seminars and more information on the grants.
My darling friend Ian McNulty is having a series of book signings for his book A Season of Night: New Orleans Life after Katrina. The first signing will be at Garden District Books, 2727 Prytania Street on July 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., to be followed on Sunday, July 13 at 2 p.m. at Finn McCool's Pub, 3701 Banks Street. Then, on Thursday, July 17 from 6-8 p.m., he will be at Ogden After Hours with Judith Owen, at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp Street.
“Wednesdays on the Point” offersa series of free evening events in Algiers Point, featuring live music, wine and other from 5:30-7 p.m.
Wednesdays at the JW Marriottis where you can experience an evening of cultural indulgences at the Lobby Lounge, 614 Canal Street. This Wednesday, from 5:30-8 p.m., the photos of talented local photographer Pat Jolly will be shown. Entertainment will be provided by Brazilian guitarist/vocalist Riccardo Crespo.Complimentary wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres.
From a crowded field of theater offerings next week, FOUR HUMOURS hopes to secure your attendance at the preview and opening nights of the final show of this season, Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov. In keeping with Chekhov's tragi-comic classic, the theater is serving infused vodkas and home-made zakuski (Russian appetizers). Friends in the theater community are invited to attend the preview at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, for only a $10 admission. On Opening Night, Thursday, July 10, vodka will be served, but at the regular price of $15.
Performances are scheduled over two 4-day weekends: Thursday-Sunday, July 10-13 and 17-20 (8 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m.) at the Backyard Ballroom in the Bywater neighborhood. To make your reservations please call 504-948-4167.
On Thursday, July 10, dive in with the W New Orleans and the New Orleans Film Society for poolside screenings from FOX & MGM Home Entertainment. Sip summer cocktails and nibble on popcorn and candy for a picture perfect evening! Revenge of the Nerds.Show starts at sunset in the Courtyard, 316 Chartres Street. The New Orleans Botanical Gardens’ “Music in the Garden Series” continues with “Thursdays at Twilight" on July 10 when it presents Musica da Camera’sMilton Scheuermann and Thais St. Julien – “A Salute to Judy Garland,” songs performed by the woman many called “America’s Greatest Entertainer.” Pavilion of the Two Sisters, New Orleans Botanical Garden, City Park, 5-8 p.m. Performance begins at 6:00. $6 adults, $2 children ages 5-12. Refreshments: Mint Juleps, wine, beer, soft drinks, and food. Sorry, No outside food, drink, or pets allowed.
Also on Thursday July 10, Ogden After Hours is presenting Linnzi Zaorskifrom 6-8 p.m., at Lobby Atrium of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp Street. Free to Ogden Museum members; $10 for nonmembers.
Latin vocalist Fredy Omar and guitarist Pepe Coloma play every Thursday8-11p.m. at the Columns Hotel, 3811 St. Charles Avenue. Fredy Omar con su Banda also play every Saturday from 10 p.m.-1a.m. at Tomatillo's, 437 Esplanade Avenue. Call 504-522-2940. .
Great entertainment awaits you every Friday and Saturday night when pianist Armand St. Martin performs “Solo on the Steinway” in the Ritz-Carlton Cigar Bar from 6-11 p.m. Armandcontinues with his original songs and wonderful classic New Orleans covers in the Library, which is now transformed to a private Cigar Bar. $25/per or private membership.
The Obituary Cocktail Society is meeting this Friday, July 11 from 6-7 p.m. at The Crazy Lobster Bar – Riverwalk on Spanish Plaza along the Mississippi River. Phone 569-3380.
The Polo Club Lounge 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:
Fridays, July 11, & 25, -- Troi Bechet, 9 p.m.-12 midnight
Friday, July 18, -- Sasha Masakowski, 9 p.m.-12 midnight
Saturdays, July 19 & 26 -- Leah Chase,9 p.m.-12 midnight
Saturday, July 12 -- Sasha Masakowski, 9 p.m.-12 midnight
Sunday–Wednesday -- Pianist Jim Harris, 6-10 p.m. Thursday–Saturday -- Pianist Michael Pellera, 7–11 p.m. Thursdays; 7–9 p.m. Fridays; 6–9 p.m. Saturdays.
No Cover Charge and Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch in The New Orleans Grill with The Christopher Kohl Trio, 11:00 a.m.–3 p.m.
The Bombay Club, 832 Conti Street, is presenting on Friday, July 11, Suzaune McKamey & Trio at 9:30 p.m., and on July 12, Johnny Angel & Swingin’ Demons at 9:30 p.m. Philip Melancon plays every Sunday through Thursday at 9 p.m.
On Friday, July 11,Running With Scissors frolics in the footlights, dreaming of A PLACE IN THE SUN, Julyat Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Avenue. The cast includes Brad Caldwell, Wesley Coder, Bob Edes, Jr., Jack Long, Brian Peterson, and Dorian Rush. The play was adapted by Richard Read, based on the film and Theodore Dreiser's novel, An American Tragedy. Costumes by Brian Peterson and Kate Jensen, sets by Brad Caldwell, and props by Liz Zibilich. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. from July 11 - August 3. For reservations call 504-581-5812. Please note: for tickets to the opening night performance only, please call the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon at 504-525-4498. Also, a portion of the proceeds from this production will support Lisa Picone, one of the company's favorite actors who is undergoing chemotherapy!
“Where The Girls Were” will be performed from Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 27.The homegrown revue of 1960s girl groups, female pop stars and local lore was a huge hit 20 years ago when Carl Walker produced it at the Contemporary Arts Center. It is returning at Le Petit Theatre, again directed by Walker. Tickets are $28-$32. Call 504-522-2081 to order.
My darling fellow Realtor MaryFlynn Thomas is performing every Saturday at Chef Andrea Apuzzo's beautiful new lounge: " Capri Blu Lounge" atAndrea’s Restaurant in Metairie. MaryFlynn is accompanied by Rhodes Spedale on piano.
On Saturday July 12, Mid City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl, 4133 South Carrollton Avenue, is hosting Ernie K-Doe's CD release party for his new album, "Here Come The Girls." The title track was featured in a UK cosmetics commercial and it's a smash hit all over again in Europe. Showtime is 9 p.m. with a $10 cover; ladies in evening gowns receive free admission. It promises to be quite the event, with “Miss Antoinette” K-Doe hosting.
On July 12, the Crescent City Farmer’s Market is having a Bastille Day Celebration. Come and celebrate the annual celebration of Bastille Day and French culture. Local bakers from Alois Binder’s, Leidenheimer’s and Gendusa’s bakeries will explain how New Orleans’ famous French bread is made, as well as the important role this diet staple plays in our city’s history. There will also be an educational presentation from University of New Orleans historian Michael Mizell-Nelson. Favorite local musician Philip Melancon will perform the repertoire that has made him popular with all age groups, and some of his musician friends will entertain as well.
Crescent City Farmers Market is open in the 700 block of Magazine Street from 8 a.m.-12 noon, rain or shine. For more information, log on to www.CrescentCityFarmersMarket.org or call 504-861-5898.
OOH LA LA! This year the local merchants of Esplanade Avenue and Ponce de Leon Street (between Ponce de Leon Street and Esplanade’s 3100 Block) will celebrate Bastille Day, on Saturday July12 from 5-9 p.m. They invite you to enjoy live music from Vavavoom and The String Beans, play the French game pétanque at Fortier Park and participate in the many children’s activities planned and enjoy the food and drink. Entrance is free.
On Sunday, July 13, 2008, Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation returns to its true New Orleans roots with a Jazz Brunch at Bourbon House, 144 Bourbon House. Leah Chase will be recognized with the 2nd Annual Fleur de Lis Award for her contributions to New Orleans culture and hospitality. Join Chef Frank Brigtsen and top area chefs at this benefit (local beneficiaries) and enjoy a 4-course brunch (VIPs get 5 courses!) featuring the area's finest restaurants, a live and silent auction, wonderful live music, and a rollicking good time.Click here for details http://www.tasteofthenation.org/neworleans_tickets
July 14 is the national holiday in France, that we also celebrate together here in New Orleans!
The Alliance Française of New Orleans invites you to the Bastille Day events on Sunday, July 13, 6.30 p.m. at Café Degas. They are hosting a dinner there at 7 p.m., with a duo of the local French speaking band Vavavoom. The price is $65 (tax and tip include) and membership to Alliance Francaise until January 2009. For reservations call (504) 568-0770 or log on to afno@af-neworleans.org .
Also in honor of Bastille Day, on Monday, July 14, popular Bayona Restaurant, 430 Rue Dauphine, is featuring Amnesty Night in which "Let Them Drink Wine" is the theme. For one night and one night only, amnesty is granted and you may bring that special bottle of wine . . . French perhaps . . . (1 bottle per couple). For reservations call 504-525-4455. Validated parking.
I could not end my column without sharing this information: The Encore Shop, owned and operated by Symphony Volunteers, needs your help! They are planning their 3rd annual “Fall into Fashion” fundraiser and are looking for auction/sale items for the event. Please contact Nancy Pomiechowski at 598-6060 or nancyval@bellsouth.net or Suzie Bagwill at 835-6606 if you have an item you would be willing to donate.
The Historic New Orleans Collection is proud to present the inaugural New Orleans Antiques Forum from August 7-10. This year’s program, the first of an annual series, will examine furniture, miniatures, porcelain, Southern landscapes, and interior design. Speakers, who are leaders in their fields, represent some of the nation’s most-esteemed institutions and include noted local experts as well. There will also be an all-day plantation tour hosted by my friends Eugene Cizek and Mark Thomas III, and tours of historic French Quarter homes.
The New Orleans Antiques Forum will be held in HNOC’s Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street. Participation is limited to 150 guests, so early registration is suggested. You may register by calling (504) 523-4662 or logging on to https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/default.aspx?EventID=625598 . The deadline to register, space permitting, is July 25.
Please put in your calendar that my monthly Round Table Luncheon will be on Wednesday, July 16 at noon at Begue's in the Royal Sonesta Hotel. My featured speakers are:
Aimee Hayes, Executive and Artistic Director of the Southern Repertory Theatre
Marci Schramm, Executive Director of French Quarter Festivals, which includes Satchmo SummerFest
Laurie Toups, who will speak about the upcoming Satchmo Strut.
Arrive at 11:30 a.m. and network till 12 noon, then lunch and guest speakers start. Price $35, including complimentary wine and vouchered parking. For reservations call Noel Scallan at 504-553-2220 or email at nscallan@royalsonestano.com .
Darling readers,
