I am turning "Marguerite" this weekend as I join my friends celebrating Bastille Day or the "Fête Nationale," the French equivalent of the American Independence Day.
The anniversary of the storming of the Bastille is celebrated on July 14 but this year we are celebrating early and you will have plenty opportunities to get the local 'joie de vivre' and the French culture.
This weekend you will be able to take a trip to France through the movies. The French Film Festival, a three-day festival of French-language films, sponsored by the New Orleans Film Society and the French Consulate General is taking place starting today through Saturday at Prytania Theater,5339 Prytania St. For more details call (504) 309-6633, or visit www.neworleansfilmfest.com
The local merchants of Esplanade Avenue and Ponce de Leon Street (between Ponce de Leon Street and Esplanade’s 3100 Block) is presenting the Faubourg St. John Merchant Street Fete to celebrate Bastille Day, on Saturday July 12 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.
You can start celebrating earlier by attending the Bastille Day Celebration on July 12 of the Crescent City Farmer’s Market, in the 700 block of Magazine Street from 8 a.m.-12 noon. 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. Darlings, I hope you have made your reservations for the Spirited Dinners on July 17. I understand that restaurants August and Iris are completely sold-out. Thursday, July 17th will be a night of dinner pairings at twenty-three New Orleans restaurants during the sixth annual culinary and cocktail festival, Tales of the Cocktail. Dine in style at New Orleans’ finest for an experience that takes pairing to the next level.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. For complete details and schedule visit: Tale
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:
July 14 is the national holiday in France, that we also celebrate together here in New Orleans!
A Mass in French will be celebrated at St. Louis Cathedral at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 13.
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 .
A wreath -laying ceremony takes place, 10 a.m. Monday, July 14 at the Jeanne d'Arc statue at Place de France on Decatur Street, followed by refreshments at the Market Cafe. The soiree is sponsored by the Conseil des Societes Francaises.
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.
You could also celebrate Bastille Day with the world premiere of the all male "Boylesque Revue" along with the sensational "Fleur de Tease Burlesque". Hosted by Queen Satyricon VI(.Carl Mack) One Eyed Jack's $20. Monday July 14th. doors open at 8pm.
While enjoying the rich French culture, I invite you to visit the wonderful exhibit "Treasure of Napoleon," artifacts of the French emperor at the Louisiana State Museum at the Old Mint through August 3. It is open Tues-Sun ,9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
My darling friend vocalist Julie LaShae just sent me this e-mail: The Mystick at the Royal Sonesta hotel has finished being renovated and it is beautiful!! Although the official Grand Reopening is not until July 24th, jazz is back in full swing there on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Come and sip a Mystick signature cocktail and enjoy the swanky new ambiance! Dont' miss seeing her on Saturday, July 12 at the Mystick in the Royal Sonesta Hotel from 9p.m. to Midnight.
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.
"Kiss of Fire: A Night of Dance " is being presented tonight at 8 p.m. at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon Street. More than 20 international dancers will portray the history of tango and its connection to New Orleans,followed by an auction and open dancing to benefit Save the Children. Tickets are $35 and are available at www.kissoffiretango.com or by calling 504-872-9623.
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 Cabaret Night on Friday, July 11 with Suzaune McKamey & Trio at 9:30 p.m.. You do not want to miss it since Suzaune is celebrating her birthday and I understand that some of our legendary entertainers will drop in to wish the exotic beauty a happy birthday. Last time she played at the Bombay Club, she was joined by dynamo Earl Turner. Johnny Angel & Swingin’ Demons will be playing at the Bombay on Saturday from 9:30 p.m. Philip Melancon plays every Sunday through Thursday at 9 p.m. No cover charge.
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.
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.
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 re-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.
Talented vocalist Troi Bechet is performing this weekend in the following venues:
Friday, July 11th 5-8pm -Loews New Orleans Hotel
Friday, July 11th 9-midnight-Windsor Court (Polo Lounge)
Saturday, July 12th 5-8pm-Loews New Orleans Hotel
The Contemporary Art Center (CAC) is hosting an Opening Reception Saturday, July 12 for two new exhibitions and one installation
PETER SARKISIAN: EXTRUDED VIDEO ENGINES 6,7,8 AND 9; VESTIGES: THINK TANKS – Flood Lines –
lightwork installation with photos by Debra Howell, Krista Jurisich and Jan Gilbert and text by Michele White.
CITY STAGES -On View July 12 – October 5, 2008.Free Admission.6-8pm, with City Stage guided tour with curator and artists at 6:30.p.m. Contemporary Arts Center - 900 Camp St. For more information visit: www.cacno.org or 504-528-3805
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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
After this fundraiser luncheon you could kick up your heels at The National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine Street with Sunday Swing with featured entertainers: VaVaVoom. Professional swing dancers from NOLA Swing will be on hand to provide coaching for dancers of all levels while local musicians play World War II era hits. This free event is part of Stars and Stripes Summer, a summer-long tribute to the American Spirit featuring programs for adults and children and a special discount on admission for Louisiana residents. For more information, call 504-527-6012 x 359. While there, I urge you to see this special exhibit: Real to Reel: Hollywood and WWII-
My friend talented chef Poppy Tucker is inviting everyone to tune in on Tuesday, July 15th to the the Food Network at 8 PM CST and see her SPANK Bobby Flay in a Gumbo Throwdown!
July 16-July 20
TALES OF THE COCKTAIL.
Celebrate the spirit and spirits of New Orleans with Tales of the Cocktail. New Orleans, the birthplace of the cocktail, will once again be the perfect host for the summer’s most “spirited” event that explores the history and contemporary life of the cocktail-at various locations in the New Orleans.Tales of the Cocktail is a unique culinary and cocktail festival for the connoisseur or amateur to fully experience cocktail culture in New Orleans and around the world.
The event includes Spirited Dinners, films, seminars, Cocktail Hour, Cocktail Luncheons, walking tours of the French Quarter, and historical presentations-- all presented by the country's hottest chefs, authors, bartenders and cocktail experts. Tales of the Cocktail has “shaken and stirred” the New Orleans French Quarter since 2002 and celebrates its 6th anniversary this July 2008. For more information visit:www.TalesoftheCocktail.comThe summer most spirited event will be held at the Monteleone Hotel and various locations throughout the French Quarter.
Through August 31, 2008 .
On Friday, July 11,Harrah’s VIP guests, fans and media will get a firsthand glimpse of how the rich and famous really live and travel by welcoming them into an ultra-modern lounge outfitted with posh seating, bar and a fully tricked-out entertainment system to welcome Jackie Collins The author as part of her nationwide tour to promote her 26th novel" Married Lovers" which has been billed as “This Summer’s Hottest Affair,”. will be introducing readers to her most seductive characters to date. Jackie will make her appearance inside Masquerade at Harrah’s at noon, signing books and posing for pictures. This event is free and open to the public. You must be at least 21 to enter.
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 .
Please put in your calendar :
TANGO NIGHT-July 19 .Casa Argentina celebrates the 292th Anniversary of its Independence with a Gala Tango Night at the Sheraton Hotel. It will a memorable night with some of the world’s best tango dancers and a renowned tango ensemble, a fun filled evening for a worthy case. In addition to the sinner and show, there will be dancing to the Latin rhythms of Julio and Cesar and a silent auction. For reservation call Dr. Gershanik at 892-2229.
Celebrate Christmas in July on Sunday, July 20 at 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.p.m. at Jimmy Buffett?s Margaritaville. French Quarter Business
Women's Network (FQBWN) hosts this annual fundraiser to benefit local women's charities. "Girlfriends Getaway" is the theme for the 2008 event, which features spa treatments by Ofadean, silent auction, raffles, shopping, brunch and cocktails compliments of Glazer's Companies of Louisiana. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased in advance or on the day of the event at 1104 Decatur Street.
Darling readers,
