I hope you are keeping cool and taking advantage of all the wonderful events that our city has to offer. I know our steamy heat is not keeping some of you from attending fun events.
Last week, I missed a few events because I lacerated my cornea that slowed me down a bit but I am happy to report that I have recovered and I am looking forward to attending a myriad of luncheons and fundraisers events that include the annual American Cancer Society’s Hope Gala, the Young Leadership Council’s Role Model Awards Gala, The Louisiana Children Museum CHAIRish The Children Gala and Lousiana Cookin' s 2008 Chefs to Watch Gala.
Talented music writer Tom Piazza reads from and signs 'City of Refuge' Tuesday, August 19 at 6pm at Octavia Books, Thursday, August 21, 5:30-7:30 pm at Garden District Book Shop and Saturday, August 30, 1-3pm at Maple Street Book Shop. "City of Refuge" is the culmination of years of thinking about and loving New Orleans.Piazza took his title from the gospel song by Blind Willie Johnson, who made records in New Orleans in the 1920s.
Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar at 5535 Tchoupitoulas Street is hosting, as they do every Tuesday, a free wine tasting for the ladies and $10 for the gentlemen from 6 to 8 p.m. This week’s offering is European wines from their own cellar which includes: CHANNEREAUX POMEROL from France, SCHMITT SOHN PIESPORTER SPATLESE from Germany, A MANO PRIMATIVO from Italy and OSBORNE SOLAZ BALNCIO Y TEMPRANILLO /CAB from Spain. Their website, http://www.dosjefescigarbar.com/ gives you music listings, cigar and bar news, cool photos, and even a Chet Baker tune to browse No cover charge.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc., will offer two workshops to explain the application process for the Foundation's Community Partnership Grants. The workshops will be held Aug. 19 and Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Foundation's office (1205 North Rampart Street).
The Foundation is currently offering grants in two categories: "Event Presenters and Producers: Festivals and Concerts in Music and Performing Arts," which provides funds to pay performers; and "Educational Programs in Music, Arts and Cultural Traditions," which provides funds to pay instructors. Both grant categories are open only nonprofit organizations and educational institutions.
"Inn That Number" Invite You To Come and Jam! Wednesday, August 20. Free live music featuring Washboard Chaz with Andy Forrest and Michael Larkin7pm-8:15pm, St. Anna's Episcopal Church,1313 Esplanade Avenue (Between N. Rampart & N. Claiborne) in the Old Parish Building. The general public is invited with no cover charge.
On Wednesday, August 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the weekly get together at the Lobby of the J.W. Marriott is presenting the local Art Gallery: River Gallery featuring Elizabeth Polchow Livingston (Local abstract painter who has created works of art on canvas and fabric for over 20 years) and entertainment by multi-instrumentalist Tony Seville. Complimentary Wine Tasting and Hors D’oeuvres
Every Wednesday, the New Orleans Museum of Art is featuring special program to highlight the Hispanic culture and this Wednesday, August 20, there is FESTIVAL OF FLAVORS, Cuban Tapas from Churros Restaurant and Café Arabesque, Cash Bar. From 6:30 to 8 p.m. Music by Riccardo Crespo.
This Wednesday, from 6 to 8 p.m., there will be an Orleans Parish District Attorney Candidate Forum at the Omni Royal Hotel,621 St. Louis. Attendees will be able to meet and talk with candidates Linda Bizarro,Leon Cannizzaro,Ralph Capitelli and Jason Williams. The forum will begin at 7 p.m. and will be moderated by Dennis Waltering of WWWL-TV.
The French Quarter Business Association is hosting a Lunch Forum this Thursday, August 21, at Café Giovanni, 117 Decatur Street.The guest speakers are Morris Kahn &Rochelle Juelich of Morris Kahn Associates who will be discussing Tax Incentives and The Proposed French Quarter Cultural Product District. 11:30 am Networking and 12:00 pm Lunch with Presentation. $30 per person. For reservation e-mail: annie@fqba.org
The Southern University at New Orleans-Small Business Development & Management Institute will hold a free "GRANT WRITING" workshop for small businesses on Thursday, August 21, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Lake Campus (formerly the North Campus) at 6801 Press Drive, Cafeteria, Building/Trailer #5. Speaker: Dr. William R. Belisle,Owner and Chief Science Officer, Orleans Resource Center. (504) 284-5512.Pre-registration is not required
The East Jefferson Business Assn. has extended an invitation to Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and business owners to participate in their Business Card Exchange this week on Wednesday evening sponsored by the Whitney Bank,4845 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie,
5:30PM till 7:30PM. This is a Free event! Door Prizes,Food,Wine. Bring plenty of Business Cards & Door Prizes! If you plan to attend, please RSVP to:events@ejba.org
This Thursday, August 21, there will be a Breakfast Briefing by Hon. Hugo Llorens, U.S. Ambassador to Honduras at 8:30 a.m. (8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast) at the WTC Executive Offices, 29th Floor, World Trade Center. (Free validated parking in the WTC Garage.
My darling friend attorney Stephen Rue is invitingeveryone to an open party that he is throwing this Thursday, August 21, starting at 7PM at the Zulu Club at 732 North Broad Street in New Orleans.He is celebrating being elected Mr. Big Stuff for the 100th Anniversary of Zulu (as well as my Birthday).Free great food and live music from Big Sam's Funky Nation and the Re-Birth Brass Band.
“JUNGUA – The Descendants of the Dragon” is playing at Harrah’s Theatre , Thursday through Sunday August 21 – 24, at 8 p.m. nightly.It featuresShaolin Disciples (martial artists) and the Imperial Acrobats of China (contortionists, hand balancers, foot jugglers and aerialists.
“Tipsy Tini Thursdays Happy Hour Celebration” at the Ritz Carlton is a celebration that you do not want to miss. I had the best martini I’ve had in a long time. It is called "Earth" and you can get 2 for 1 Rain Vodka Martinis for $14 with complimentary Sushi Tasting from 5:30-7:30 p.m. You can dance the night away every Friday through September at the French Quarter Bar from 7:30 p.m. on. Dance lessons starting at 8 p.m. $30 cover charge for General Admission; $50 VIP includes lesson, 1 ticket for signature drink and valet parking. Reservations required at 504-670-2828. You can reserve a table but there is $50 per person minimum bar tab.
Renowned Latin vocalist Fredy Omar and guitarist Pepe Coloma are playing every Thursday from 8-11 p.m. at the Columns Hotel, 3811 St. Charles Avenue. You will also find them on Saturday with the full band at 10 p.m. at Tipitinas, 501 Napoleon Ave.
The Bombay Club, 832 Conti Streetis having this Thursday a Lobster Bake. It will feature complimentary wines with entrees. The price, $65 plus tax and gratuity, includes a buffet with a 1 1/4 lobster and many other delicious food. For reservation call 504-586-0972.Popular pianist Phil Melancon will playing starting at 9 p.m.
The New Orleans Botanical Gardens’ “Music in the Garden Series” continues with “Thursdays at Twilight" presenting on Thursday, August 21, performingTerry Rappold – The International Champion Whistler performs Classical and Jazz, including selections from his new CD, “New Orleans whiSOULing”. Pavilion of the Two Sisters, New Orleans Botanical Garden, City Park-5–8 p.m. Performance begins at 6 p.m. $6.00 Adults, $2.00 Children-5-12.
The Ogden invites you to its5th Anniversary After Hours Celebration with Lionel Ferbos and the Louisiana Shakerspresenting this Thursday 6-8 p.m. at Lobby Atrium of The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 900 block of Camp Street opposite the Contemporary Arts Center. While there, I urge you to visit the new exhibits at the museum.
On Thursday, August 21, Ingrid Lucia Trio is part of Women in Jazz at The Mystick Den, Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon Street, 9 p.m. to 12 m.
History Ya-Ya Series presents Professor Joseph Frederick Stoltz, III speaking on "Spaniards, and British, and Slaves, Oh My!: Organizing the Defense of the Orleans Territory" on Thursday, August 21 at Louisiana State museum – Arsenalfrom 6 to 8 p.m.
Sports Illustrated cover girl Marisa Miller will spice things up at Harrah’s Masquerade Friday, Aug. 22, from 10 p.m. – midnight. The event is free and open to the public. Guests will get a chance to spend the night at Masquerade with the girl Maxim Magazine ranked as #1 in their 2008 Hot 100 issue. The Victoria’s Secret model will be taking pictures and signing autographs. Pictures cost $20. Guests must be at least 21 to enter. More information about entertainment at Harrah’s New Orleans is available at www.harrahsneworleans.com.
This Friday, the Obituary Cocktail Society is meeting as always from 6 to 7 p.m. atMuriel's Jackson Square, 801 Chartres Street.
The Polo Club Lounge at the Windsor Court Hotel 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. See the schedule below:
Fridays, August 22 & 29, Ed Perkins 9 p.m.–12 Midnight
Saturdays, August 23 & 30, Leah Chase 9 p.m.- Midnight
Sunday – Wednesday, Pianist Jim Harris 6–10 p.m.
Polo Club Lounge Entertainment & Afternoon Tea, Thursday-Saturday, Pianist Michael Pellera. 7 –11 p.m. Thursdays;7–9 p.m. Fridays; 6–9 p.m. Saturdays. No cover charge. Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch in The New Orleans Grill presents the Christopher Kohl Trio.
Every Friday, as the summer heats up, plan to chill out at the Oasis Bar at the Pool of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Check your stress levels at the door and ascend the elevators to the hotel's 3rd Floor Pool and Terrace area where Chef Peter Page will be grilling specially selected menu items just for you. Allow our bartenders to prepare your favorite summer cocktail. You will experience the cool Latin rhythms of Riccardo Crespo's music as you settle in to enjoy informal modeling this week by Fleur de Paris, presenting custom couture hats and elegant women's clothing. While there you should check talented vocalistBetty Shirley and her Quartet - Women in Jazz, at The Mystick Den from 9 p.m.-12 midnight. No cover charge.
Armand St Martin appears solo on the Steinway every Friday and Saturday night at the Ritz Carlton Cigar Bar on the 3rd floor from 6 to 11 p.m. $25/per or private membership
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.
On August 23, The Louisiana ChildrenMuseum CHAIRish The Children Gala is taking place at its locale on 420 Julia Street. The LCM is turning 21 and is having a big party. It does not want to grow up and is flying to Never Land for the 10th Annual Chairish the Children auction gala! You will discover the magical world of Never Land at The Pixie Hollow Patron Party from 7 to 8 p.m. where you will be treated to a special demonstration by Chef Brian Landry of Galatoire’s, patron party favors and a chance to win $250 in CHAIRish Bucks!At 8p.m., recapture your youth as we “chairish” our childhood with silent and live auction. Ecos Latinos will provide the exotic, magic entertainment and boards featuring treasure chests teeming with prized pirate’s “booty,” including whimsical, one-of-a-kind chairs. For more information visit: http://www.lcm.org
TheAmerican Cancer Society's eighth annual Hope Gala will be held on Saturday, August 23 at the Shops in Canal Place, 333 Canal Street. Guests will enjoy an evening of New Orleans elegance all for a worthy cause: the fight against cancer; a disease that affects the lives of so many. The event will include a live and silent auction featuring vacation packages, fine jewelry, art from local artists and sports memorabilia. Some of the city's finest restaurants will provide a spread of delicious cuisine. The band, ELS will provide entertainment. Fpr reservation call 469-0021
The Young Leadership Council (YLC) will hold its annual Role Model Awards Gala on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at the Sheraton Hotel. The Gala will recognize the 25 recipients of the YLC Role Model Awards.The honorees are: John Alford of NOLA 180/Langston Hughes Academy; Dennis Assaf of Jefferson Performing Arts Society; Robert W. Becker of City Park Improvement Association; Elizabeth A. Boh; Emmett B. Chapital Jr., M.D., MBA, F.A.C.C. of Chapital Cardiology Clinic L.L.C; Jay Cicero of Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation; Chris Costello of Deveney Communications; Patricia W. Cox, Ralph C. Cox, Jr. of Bourgeois Bennett, LLC; Joseph S. Exnicios of Whitney National Bank; Ruthie Frierson of Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans; Arthur Hardy of Mardi Gras Guide/Arthur Hardy Enterprises, Inc.; Charles W. Heim, Jr. of Heim Consulting; Edward G. Helm, M.D., M.H.A., F.A.C.S. of LSU School of Medicine; Larry H. Hollier, M.D. of LSU Health Sciences Center; Luceia LeDoux of Baptist Community Ministries; Zella V. May of Z Group, L.L.C; Linda Barnett Mintz; Michael E. Nolan of Fifth District Savings Bank; Al Petrie of Al Petrie Media & Investor Relations; Steve Pettus of Dickie Brennan & Company; Kathy Riedlinger of Lusher Charter School; Mark C. Romig of HCA (Delta Division); Marcia St. Martin of Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans; and Bruce White of Coconut Beach Volleyball Complex.
For more informationabout tickets visit www.youngleadershipcouncil.org . Congratulations to all the deserving individuals.
On Saturday, August 23, the Historical New Orleans Collection is presenting the Tenth Annual Genealogy Workshop: Italian Genealogy at the Williams Research Center(410 Chartres Street) from 8:30 a.m. -12 p.m. This year’s featured speaker will be June C. DeLalio, board-certified genealogist and founder of the Italian Genealogical Group. Registration is required and there is a fee for attending. Please call (504) 523-4662 to register.
This Saturday at SoFAB,at the riverwalk, Pontchartrain Vineyards presents a special presentation and tasting at 3 p.m. Pontchartrain Vineyards makes artisanal wines in the classic French tradition. Learn what wines to pair with specific southern foods, experience Louisiana's wine, taste four delicious wines from Pontchartrain Vineyards. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, email stephanie@southernfood.org or call 504-569-0405.
On Sunday, August 24, at 6:00 p.m., in the first of six concerts in the 2008-2009 Cathedral Concert Series, the St. Louis Cathedral proudly presents M. Michel Bouvard, the Titular Organist of the Cathedral of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse, France, performing the music of Francois Couperin, Messe a L'usage ordinarie des Paroisses with the St. Louis Cathedral Choir.
Michel Bouvard, one of the world's leading organists and authority on French baroque organ music, will give a rare performance of the François Couperin's Mass of the Parishes. The chant will be sung by the St. Louis Cathedral Choir. The concert will be free and open to the public. In addition, Mr. Bouvard will present a workshop on the organ music of François Couperin on Saturday, August 23. The workshop will be limited to 20 participants. It will begin at 9:30 am and will last for 2 hours. The registration fee will be $20, and $10 for students. Reservations can be made by calling 504-525-9585, ext. 35; by fax 504-525-9583; or email: naverett908@yahoo.com
August 24 is SUNDAY SWING with Music bythe Pfister Sisters from 1-4 p.m.at the National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans. Kick up your heels at the museum, as professional swing dancers from Hop, Swing and a Jump will be on hand to provide coaching for dancers of all levels while local musicians play World War II era hits. While there make sure you see the special exhibitions, “Reel To Reel: Hollywood & WWII” and “Schindler: Unlikely Hero of the Holocaust.”
On Sunday, August 24, Trinity Artist Series at Trinity Church, 1329 Jackson AvenuepresentsAlbinas Prizgintas, organist with music by Led Zeppelin, Greg Lake, Deep Purple, Steve Winwood and others. Free. 5 p.m.
Louisiana Cookin' Presents The 7th Annual Chef's To Watch Awards Dinner Tuesday, August 26, the Theatre at Harrah's New Orleans. The honorees are Chef Susan Zemanick, Gautreau's; Chef Justin Devillier, La Petite Grocery, Chef David Bridges, Bella Fresca; Chef Jude Tauzin, Catahoula's Chef Jude Tauzin, Catahoula'sand Chef Spencer Minch, Emeril's Delmonico. Chef Susan Zemanick, Gautreau's;
Chef Justin Devillier, La Petite Grocery
Bottom from left: Chef David Bridges, Bella Fresca;
Chef Spencer Minch, Emeril's Delmonico
6:30 p.m. cocktails and hors d'oeuvres7:00 p.m. seated dinner
Tickets are selling out-reserve yours today 888-884-4114 or visit www.LouisianaCookin.com
Talking about chefs, we also need to congratulate my darling friend Chef John Besh who received the 2008 Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Restaurateur of the Year award at the annual Chair’s Reception and Grand Awards Banquet August 3, at the Marriott New Orleans at the Convention Center.
Restaurateur of the Year is the LRA’s most prestigious award. Each year, it is presented to an individual who has contributed unselfishly to the advancement of Louisiana’s restaurant industry and has continually dedicated his services at both the local chapter and state levels. This person must be a member of the LRA and a successful foodservice leader who is active in civic and community groups.
Darling readers,
