This is going to be a very special week since we are commemorating the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on the 29th and it also marks the Labor Day weekend when so many people from all over the country comes to celebrate and participate in the Southern Decadence Festival - Aug. 27 to Sept. 1.
I am looking forward this Tuesday, August 26 to attending the very special dinner that has been prepare by Louisiana Cookin' in honor of five promising Chefs to Watch. The award dinner will take place at the Theatre at Harrah's. The guests will enjoy a cocktail reception starting at 6:30 pm and a five-course dinner paired with complimentary wines at 7:00 pm. This year’s winners are Chefs David Bridges, Bella Fresca, Shreveport, Justin Devillier, La Petite Grocery, New Orleans, Spencer Minch, Emeril’s Delmonico, New Orleans, Jude Tauzin, Catahoula’s, Grand Coteau and Susan Zemanick, Gautreau’s, New Orleans.
The event will be emceed by well-known WWL news anchorman Eric Paulsen and will showcase the five Louisiana chefs at work creating their signature dishes. Tickets for the event are $125.00 per person or $1250 for a table of ten. Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets today! The net proceeds of this event will benefit Café Reconcile. For more information on the event and to order tickets simply go to http://www.louisianacookin.com/ or call 504-482-3914.
This Tuesday, there will be as usual a Wine Tasting of American Varieties and Blends from 6 to 8 p.m.at DOS JEFES UPTOWN CIGAR BAR,5535 TCHOUPITOULAS ST. N(504) 891 8500;dosjefescigarbar.com. FREE FOR LADIES and $10 for the gentlemen.. Entertainment at 9:30 p.m. by talented CARL LEBLANC + ELLEN SMITH
Experience an evening of cultural indulgences at the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge this Wednesday, August 27, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. when the local artist will be Lashun Beal-"Celebration of Women" (Mixed Media, Reliefs on Wood, Acrylics on Canvas.) Entertainment by RICCARDO CRESPO (Brazilian musician, singer and songwriter who plays acoustic guitar and harmonica) Complimentary Wine Tasting and Hors D’oeuvres.
New Orleans' favorite artist, cartoonist Bunny Matthews, opens a NEW show, 'Da Eve o' Destruction,' at Vega Tapas Cafe, 2051 Metairie Road, on Thursday, August 28 at 5:30 pm. The public is invited to attend the opening party. Complimentary wine, sangria, and tapas will be served. Bunny will display new original drawings and paintings, many featuring his signature
characters, Vic & Nat'ly. Bunny Matthews' works will be on display and available for purchase through the end of October.
LEVEES..ORG commemorates third anniversary of Katrina with film debut, "The Katrina Myth: the Truth About a Thoroughly Unnatural Disaster" on Thursday, August 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Touro Synagogue, 4238 St. Charles Avenue, uptown New Orleans. The event is free and open To The Public and will feature Cocktails & hors d'oeuvres with live jazz band Some Like It Hot.
“Tipsy Tini Thursdays Happy Hour Celebration” at the Ritz Carlton is a celebration that you do not want to miss.. 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.
The New Orleans Botanical Gardens’ “Music in the Garden Series” continues with “Thursdays at Twilight" presenting on Thursday, August 28: John Rankin, considered by many as New Orleans’ best acoustic guitarist. , 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 After Hours presents multi-instrumentalist L.C. Ulmer in collaboration with Ponderosa Stomp Foundation (R&B) 6-8 p.m. at Lobby Atrium of The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 900 block of Camp Street opposite the ContemporaryArtsCenter. While there, I urge you to visit the new exhibits at the museum.
Ingrid Lucia, Trio - Women in Jazz will be performing at the Mystick, Royal Sonesta Hotel,300 Bourbon Street from 9:00 p.m. to 12 midnight. No Cover
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 29, Ed Perkins 9 p..m.–12 Midnight
Saturdays, August 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.
Glitz- The Art of Impersonation is back by popular demand! Thursday, August 28 through Sunday, August 31.
Starring Roy Haylock as the infamous Bianca Del Rio and performing as Cher! Glitz includes a full cast of female impersonators performing as Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Liza Mannelli, Judy Garland, Tina Turner, Marilyn Monroe, Paris Hilton and Carol Channing! This show also features a brand new country segment with Reba McIntire and Dolly Parton! Get tickets now, call the box office at 504-533-6600. The show start at 9p.m.
RETHINK, RENEW, REVIVE” -Third Anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Program-August 29,2008
Program
8 a.m. Traditional Jazz Funeral
Procession begins at the corner of Canal Street and Carrollton Avenue ending at the CharityHospitalCemetery, 5056 Canal Street. This event will commemorate the official final resting place for the unidentified victims of Hurricane Katrina.
9 a.m. Katrina Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony -N. Claiborne Avenue and Tennessee Street
Participants will then march across Claiborne Avenue to the top of the bridge for a wreath laying ceremony at 9:38 a.m.
9:38 a.m. London Avenue Canal Wreath Laying Ceremony-Corner of Mirabeau Avenue & Pratt Drive
9:38 a.m. Ceremonial Bell Ringing -Katrina Memorial/Charity Hospital Cemetery, 5056 Canal Street
For two minutes, a ringing bell will signify the series of levee breaches that occurred throughout the city.
10 a.m. Hurricane Katrina Memorial Ceremony Gulf Coast Bank, 848 Harrison Avenue, 2nd Floor
10 a.m.. Humane Society Pet Memorial Dedication -City Council Chambers, City Hall, 1300 Perdido Street
11 a.m. Lake Area High School Groundbreaking -6026 Paris Street
7:30 p.m. Candle Lighting Ceremony -Jackson Square
Citizens will light candles to commemorate and participate in a vigil to remember the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
There will be a Lakeview Katrina Recovery Celebration Sponsored by The Beacon of Hope, St. Paul's HomecomingCenter, and the Lakeview Civic Improvement Association on Friday,August 29th, at St. Domenic School Yard at 8 a.m.
8:30 AM-* Celebratory Mass at St. Dominic Church
10:00 AM- Press Conference with Councilwoman Shelley Midura and Community Leaders at Gulf Coast Bank & Trust,
848 Harrison Avenue, New Orleans LA, 2nd Floor .
The Faulkner Society will observe the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on August 29 with MEET THE AUTHOR event, celebrating publication of books of fiction related to Katrina by two New Orleans authors, Tom Piazza and Amanda Boyden. Piazza's new novel, City of Refuge, and Ms. Boyden's debut novel, Babylon Running take place in New Orleans. The Faulkner House on Pirate Alley will be the setting for the event from 6 to 8 p.m. It is free and open to the public., RSVP are requested and you could reserve signed copies by calling 504-524-2940 or e-mailing Faulkhouse@aol..com
From August 27 to November 2, the New Orleans Museum of Art will present Coping with Katrina:Artwork from the Hyogo-NOMA Children's Art Therapy Initiative, an exhibition of artworks by children who lived through the 2005 hurricane and subsequent flooding. A public reception in honor of the participants will be held at the Museum on Wednesday, September 3, from 6-8 p.m.
Every Wednesday, the New Orleans Museum of Art is featuring special program to highlight the Hispanic culture and this Wednesday, August 27, there is SALSA DANCE LESSONS and a film on Katrina : Last Things in New Orleans (Please note that this film begins at 7 p.m.)
The Official Marigny Decadence XXXVII Kick-off Party will be on August 27 at Tomatillo's, 437 Esplanade Ave from 11 p.m.
Sippin' in Stilletos -an evening of shoes cocktails food and fun will take place this Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Belli Baci Lounge at Cafe Giovanni, 117 Decatur Street. The Humane Society of Louisiana, a New Orleans-based humane organization whose facility was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, has created the first national monument that will pay tribute to the animals lost during the 2005 storm season and to the people who aided them. It is estimated that more than 50,000 animals were saved by rescue groups, some of them with only a small staff or a few members. During a ceremony in the chambers of New OrleansCity Hall (August 29, 10 a.m.), Councilwoman Stacy Head will accept a sculpture to honor those heroic groups and their actions. The sculpture, which will remain on permanent display in the foyer of City Hall, is a bronze, life-sized statue of a cat and dog trying to stay afloat during the flooding of New Orleans. A reception will be held at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel immediately after the unveiling of the statue. A concert benefit for the Humane Society of Louisiana will follow at Tipitina's, located at 501 Napoleon, one of New Orleans’ most renowned nightclubs. Tickets are $10 at the door which open at 9:00 pm. Music by Billy Iuso and Restless Natives.
The New Orleans Opera Club is pleased to announce a fund-raising wine dinner at Peristyle’s Restaurant, 1041 Dumaine St. (corner of Rampart in the Quarter) at 7PM on August 29. Valet parking will be available. The menu designed by Tom Wolfe, owner/chef of Peristyle’s, is a
This delicious six course dinner will be complemented by wines .the price is $125 per person including tax and gratuity. Part of the cost will be tax-deductible as a donation to the Opera Association. Sitting is limited. Please contact Gina Klein at the Opera Office, 529-2278 x227.
Talking about food and chefs, WYES' Season of Good Taste is continuing at one of my favorite restaurant:,Latil's Landing at Houmas House - Friday, August 29, 7 PM (Bus $10.00 per person)
Please visit our website at http://www.wyes.org/ for menus. Dinners are $85.00 per person tax and gratuity inclusive. Reservations will be accepted, via phone at (504) 840-4886, on a first come first served basis.
This Friday, August 29, the weekly meeting of the Obituary Cocktail Society will chill out at the Oasis Bar at the Pool in the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Chef Peter Page will be grilling specially selected menu items from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests will experience the cool Latin rhythms of Riccardo Crespo's music as you settle in to enjoy informal modeling by Hemline presenting stylish fashionable trends. Not to be missed!
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.
The Chateau Sonesta is hosting on Saturday, a pool party and fashion show to benefit Project Lazarus from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 586-0800.
Saturday, August 30 at 2 p.m., Chef Frank Davis will be signing and discussing his book "Making Good Groceries" at the Southern Food and BeverageMuseum better known as SoFAB at the Riverwalk. Books available for purchase in the museum store. Members enjoy free admission to weekend programming.
Take a "Staycation" with a tropical flair at the Arts Market of New Orleans on Saturday, August 30th in Palmer Park. Visit the perfect destination to be a tourist in your own hometown. Dress loudly and lightly to cruise colorful art by inspired local artists. Presented by the Arts Council of New Orleans, this monthly open air festival of creativity features art influenced by the exotic array of plants, flowers, wildlife, and scenes to be found in our port city and surrounding bayous.
Sway to the sizzling sounds of Riccardo Crespo & Sol Brasil at 1:00 pm, followed by Rudy's Caribbean Funk Band at 2:30 pm in the Music Tent. In the Kids Tent, see the Porta-Puppet Players performance of "Pork in Teams" the comedic courtroom drama of the Three Little Pigs. Children will make their own Sock-a-Saurus puppet after the show.
The Arts Market of New Orleans is Saturday, August 30 in Palmer Park (the final stop of the St. Charles streetcar) at the corner of Claiborne and Carrollton Avenues, 10 am - 4 pm. Enjoy foods sold to satisfy any craving. Free. Visit artscouncilofneworleans.org or call 504.523.1465.
As a part of the 3rd Anniversary commemoration of the Katrina disaster and its aftermath, the AALP will host its 3rd "Hands Around the Dome Ceremony" on Saturday, August 30, from 1 pm to 3:30 pm at the Louisiana Superdome (plaza level and parking is free).
A second benefit for Humane Society of Lousiana( HSL), entitled "Yappy Hour New Orleans," will take place at the Ritz-Carlton, 921 Canal, on Saturday, August 30, from 5-7 p.m. Ms. Diamond and her traveling canine companion, Lucky, will also be the recipients of the Humane Society of Louisiana's International Animal Ambassador Award, for her work to promote the humane treatment of animals throughout the world. Cost of the event is $50 per person. For information, please call 1-888-6-humane.
Krewe of Boo is having their first Black-Tie Soiree this Saturday, August 30 at Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World in Algiers. There will be a "Silent Auction" to the Soiree's agenda in which guests will be able to bid to be part of the inaugural Krewe of Boo Royal Court, including the opportunity to become the first annual King, Queen, Count or Countess. Royal Court positions are available to both members and nonmembers. Entry to the Soiree' for nonmembers (not accompanied by a member) is $50 at the door. An additional 40 fantastic New Orleans items are also included in the auction. Payments may be made by check or credit card upon auction closings and item(s) must be taken at the end of the night. The auction tables will open at 8:00 pm and bidding will end at 10:00 pm. Black Tie or Official New Orleans Police, Fire, or EMS Uniform preferred for entry.
If you haven’t made plans yet for Labor Day you’re in luck! Saturday August 30th at 5pm is the BOURBON STREET EXTRAVAGANZA! It is a free outdoor concert held on the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Ann. This year’s concert boasts a great line up with headliners: Deborah Cox, (“Nobody’s supposed to be here”) Kimberly Locke , (from American Idol Season 2) Thea Austin, (“Rhythm is a Dancer”)
and Jeanie Tracy (Everybody Up).
Opening the show will be Carlos Saenz (a top 25 finalist in the casting for the band O-Town)
Capricious Production present at the The Basement Theatre of St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2624 Burgundy Street the play "CampWinnetka" on Saturday, August 30- 7 p.m. and Sunday, August 31- 3 p.m. For more information, call 504-945-3741.
Put on your calendar that on September 3, at the Prytania Theatre, there will be a premiere of documentary "Walking on Death Fish" at 7 p.m. to be followed by a party at Handsome Willy's, 218 S. Robertson.
