What an exciting week! The whole town has gone Saints-Mania. As far as I know, we are not seeing heavenly stars but Fleur de Lis. I personally have been going through my closet to find black and gold outfits and . . . guess what . . . some of them fit. I love it!
Among the many events that I attended this week was politically irreverent Politics with a Punch at the beautifully renovated Blue Room in the Roosevelt Hotel. I also attended the hilarious performance of Les Ballets Trocaderos de Monte Carlo at Mahalia Jackson Performing Arts. They were as funny as I remember seeing them 25 years ago. The New Orleans Ballet Association had a post-performance fundraising party to meet "The Trocks" at the exquisite, artsy residence of Vincent Saia and Glyn Stephens on Exposition Boulevard. I had a chance to mingle with them and they were from many different countries, including Spain, Venezuela, France, Italy and the USA.
If you like ballet as much as I do, please make sure that you pick up tickets for the upcoming performance of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Ballet on February 26 and 27. I already have my tickets since I am afraid they may have sold-out. To order call 504-522-0996.
The annual Krewe of Vieux was, as always, a hoot, with lascivious and risque themes and costumes..
This week is not only my favorite and most important week in my Carnival season, but I am also looking forward to attending on Tuesday, the Broadway Across America's production of “Mamma Mia!,” and on Wednesday, the Fourth Annual “Made in Louisiana” Concert with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra at the historic St. Louis Cathedral (read the calendar for more details).
My Carnival festivities will start on Thursday with a private reception in honor of Clovis Taittenger, and then on Friday morning at the Queen’s breakfast for the Krewe of Cork. This year, the nine former queens are being honored and I am happy to report that I am Queen II, the first one to parade down the historic streets of the Vieux Carre. This year’s Grand Marshal will be Clovis Taittinger of the House of Taittinger Champagne.
On Saturday, my civic duty as a poll commissioner prevents me from participating in the fun-filled Shangri-la Stroll. I really hate to miss it since my darling friend, Sammy Steele, hairdresser to the Carnival Queens will be this year's Grand Marshal. See calendar below for more details.
On Sunday, besides being Super Bowl Sunday, one of my favorite parades will be strolling and sniffing along through the French Quarter: The Mystic Krewe of Barkus, starting at 1 p.m. rather than 2 p.m. due to the game.
You should be on the lookout for my darling Chiquita Linda who is making her debut as 2010 Duchess of the Mystical Krewe of Barkus. What an honor but, are you ready for this? On Friday night, February 5, at the annual Barkus Ball (for humans only) at the elegant Windsor Court Hotel, I will be honored as an honorary Duchess of the Krewe of Barkus. I am sure my darling friends, you do not want to miss it if you are in town. See the calendar for all the details.
I must congratulate my darling friendsIrvin Mayfield and The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Terence Blanchard and Buckwheat Zydeco for winning three trophies at this year's Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
My darling friend, Phyllis Taylor, is urging everyone to vote for Drew Brees since THIS COULD MEAN $100,000 FOR THE PATRICK F. TAYLOR HOPE LODGE, a residence for out of towners receiving cancer treatments in New Orleans. PLEASE VOTE. Pepsi is awarding millions of dollars in grants across the country this year for various projects. Here’s an online contest where you can vote on a grant Drew Brees submitted for the Hope Lodge.
Please select the link and vote for Drew.. Pass it on to everyone you know.
The Roosevelt New Orleans will join jovial locals and visitors in celebration of the Saints' first trip to the Super Bowl by offering a special weekend rate and menu, as well as several themed drinks, for guests and patrons in the Sazerac Bar on Sunday, Feb. 7.
A big-screen television will greet visitors in the Sazerac Bar, where they can settle in to watch the game while sipping on three different "Saintsational" martinis, known at the Roosevelt as the Black & Gold, the Who Dat and the Brees-y. A special game-day menu also will be offered, featuring five delicious entrée options. This special menu also will be available for in-room dining in case fans want to celebrate the team's accomplishment in a more private setting.
Super Sunday Brunch in the Blue Room will be served with a special black-and-gold-themed flair, and breakfast will be served in the Sazerac Restaurant until noon.For more information on The Roosevelt New Orleans, log on to http://www.therooseveltneworleans.com.
February 1–12 Myth, Mayhem, and Majesty: A History of Mardi Gras in New Orleans Tuesday–Sunday at 2 p.m. Louisiana History Galleries, The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street. Admission: $5, free for THNOC members. No reservations taken. “Myth, Mayhem and Majesty: A History of Mardi Gras in New Orleans” follows the city’s Carnival traditions, beginning with the celebrations during the French and Spanish colonial periods and in the early days of statehood. Utilizing items from The Collection’s holdings, the guided tour will then examine the additions of Comus, Rex, Zulu and Mardi Gras Indians to current Mardi Gras traditions. Each tour lasts approximately one hour.
February 2
Open House for Candidates for Council District C
The Degas House and 2300 Block of Esplanade invites you to come join us on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.. We will be hosting an open house along with our neighbors, offering a 'meet and greet' with the candidates for Council District C. The Degas House will be providing refreshments and appetizers.
February 2-7 MAMMA MIA!
Over 30 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show! Writer Catherine Johnson's sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives. Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts. 8 p.m.
February 2
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra tohost Kennedy Center President Michael M. Kaiser Michael M. Kaiser, President of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., will visit New Orleans on Tuesday, February 2 as part of a national tour for Arts in Crisis: A Kennedy Center Initiative. Kaiser will lead an arts management symposium at Le Petit Theatre located at 616 Saint Peter St. in New Orleans at 10 a.m., with a meet and greet preceding the presentation at 9 a.m.
The event will consist of an arts “Community Conversation” moderated by WWL-TV news anchor and community activist Angela Hill. Kaiser will address the challenges facing non-profit performing arts organizations today in such areas as fundraising, building more effective boards, budgeting, and marketing. The event is free and registration is available at www.artscouncilofneworleans.org.
Wednesday, February 3 Fourth Annual “Made in Louisiana” Concert with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, French Quarter at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will continue their annual program celebrating Louisiana’s musical heritage by exploring Louisiana’s role on both national and international concert stages. This year’s concert will feature selections from Rossini (who was introduced to the United States via Louisiana) and the music of native sons and daughter, Edmond Dédé, Ernest Guiraud, Louis Moreau Gottschalk and Genevieve Pitot.
Wednesday, February 3
AN EVENING OF CULTURAL INDULGENCES
Experience an evening of cultural indulgences at the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge on Canal Street featuring works by local artists Beverly Boulet, Isaac Johns, and Liz Blaz. (Original Mardi Gras masks created out of feathers, leather and lace). Live entertainment by Raphael Bas and Pierre Pichon,"Gypsy Swing Duo"Spirit Tasting and complimentary hors d’oeuvres, 5:30-8 p.m.
Thursday, February 4 Dogs Bark All the Way Black & Gold Pup Rally and Meet-n-Sniff…for Pet-Loving Singles Hosted by Canine Connection and Walkin’ the Dog to benefit the Louisiana SPCA will be held at Canine Connection located at 4920 Tchoupitoulas St., from 6:00pm-8:30pm. Singles looking for “Playdates” may register by bringing a photo of themselves and their pet. Their pictures will be posted on a wall by their assigned ID numbers. When a participant spots someone he/she would like to connect with, they can discreetly place an "I Want to Meet You" card in that person's envelope on the wall beneath their photograph. The $10 entrance fee benefits the LA/SPCA. Costume Contest Categories: Black & Gold, Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day, Music, Appetizers & Libations! Meet-n-Sniff~~an opportunity for single dog lovers and their dogs to connect; because if your pets can’t get along it’s just not going to work! Call 218-4098 or visit www.la-spca.org for more information.
Thursday, February 4 BENEFIT CONCERT FOR HAITI From 3:30-6:00 p.m. @ Galvez Restaurant in the French Market . The concert will feature musicians from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Panorama Jazz Band.
Performing will be a String Chamber Orchestra conducted by Maestro Carlos Riazuelo, The New Orleans Uptown Brass Quintet, Panorama Jazz Band, and others.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Parking is conveniently located just behind the restaurant, at the French Market Parking lot. Visit www.frenchmarket.org for map & directions.
Galvez Restaurant is located in historic Dutch Alley, where Dumaine meets the River..
DONATIONS GO DIRECTLY TO THE RED CROSS
Friday, February 5
TENTH ANNUAL KREWE OF CORK PARADE
In celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of Krewe of Cork, the krewe is honoring the past nine queens: Mary Reynolds 2001, Margarita Bergen 2002, Debbie Gagne 2003, Mary Ann McDougal 2004, Kate Bishop 2005, Annie Lewis 2006, Gillian Pierce 2007, Sam Poche 2008, and Melanie Talia 2009. They will be joining the Grand Marshal Clovis Taittinger from France representing Champagne Taittinger.
The day begins at noon at the Court of Two Sisters with a bloody mary reception, followed by a gourmet lunch with champagne, red, and white wines. The parade assembles at 3 p.m. and starts down Royal Street toward Canal. The parade route ends at the Royal Sonesta where the King and Queen's Party begins at 5 pm. Send email requests to Gillian@kreweofcork.com to purchase additional party tickets for $75.00.
February 5
Obituary Cocktail Society
Obers will gather at this great New Orleans saloon.......... Crescent City Brewhouse, 527 Decatur St. Phone: 522-0571. from 6 to 7 p.m.
Friday, February 5
8TH BAL MASQUE OF THE MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON
All that Jazz is the theme for my favorite Gay Krewe Ball that will take place at 8 p.m. at The Sugar Mill, 1101 Convention Center Blvd. For tickets call 525-4498 or visit MRB at 515 St. Philip Street.
Saturday, February 6
ELECTION DAY- PLEASE VOTE
Saturday, February 6
The Mystic Krewe of Shangri-LA "Imperial Stroll" The Mystic Krewe of Shangri-La anxiously waits February 6, when it will offer a grandiose French Quarter Carriage Parade and Stroll beginning at 2 p.m. Founder Mary Katherine Lonatro-Tusa says, “We are really pumped about our 2010 French Quarter Carriage Parade and Stroll. We like to think that our 2009 event was an outstanding success. We have no doubt that it brought back to the French Quarter some of the ambiance of Mardi Gras in days gone by.”
The 2010 “Stroll” will offer a traditional Imperial Court led by Queen XXXVII, Charlotte Lillian Matthew, Principal of Benjamin Franklin Elementary Mathematics and Science School. The 2010 Grand Marshal is Sammy L. Steele, a community leader and West Bank businessperson. The Krewe of Shangri-La will begin its carnival day with a formal Imperial Luncheon at the Astor Crowns-Plaza Hotel, including the Presentation of the Court. The Riverside Ramblers will “second-line” the Krewe to the staging area. After strolling through the French Quarter streets, the Krewe will return to the hotel for its Wok ‘n Roll Celebration, a non-traditional ball complete with the joy and revelry of the season, and including fine dining and dancing. Non-members welcome to join in the festivities!! For information on the Mystic Krewe of Shangri-La, visit www.kreweofshangrila.com
Sunday, February 6
SuperDogBowlSunday -BARKUS GOES TAILGATING.
The Mystic Krewe of Barkus, the only officially licensed Mardi Gras krewe by and for canines, will take to the streets of the French Quarter for the 18th year on Sunday, February 7, at 1 p.m. to the theme: BARKUS GOES TAILGATING.
The parade is starting out an hour earlier than usual to accommodate the Super Bowl game with the Saints, which starts locally at 5:30 p.m. SuperDogBowlSunday will kick off with a special pre-game tailgating “Pawty” for the canines of the WHO DAT DOGNATION in the French Quarter at the corner of St. Ann and Rampart streets. From there, over 1,000 dogs and their owners are expected to strut along the 15-block route through the French Quarter celebrating this special canine Carnival tradition while literally tailgating, tail wagging and tail sniffing in honor of the Saints. Like all other Barkus parades of the past, this is a sight you won’t want to miss!
Tuesday, February 10
Round Table Luncheon
My popular Round Table Luncheon hosted by yours truly is scheduled for Wednesday, February 10 at noon at Begue's Restaurant of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. The featured speakers are: Mark Singletary and Christian Moises of New Orleans CityBusiness, Kelly Schultz from New Orleans Tourism and Visitor Bureau and Sam Rykels from Louisiana State Museum. Entertainment by Armand St. Martin. Seating is limited. Last two luncheons have been completely sold-out. The three-course gourmet luncheon is only $35 and includes complimentary parking and wines to complement the food. For reservation: Noel Scallan at 504-553-2220 nscallan@royalsonestano.com.
Through Saturday, February 6 Steel Magnolias at Le Petit Theatre Directed by Holly-Anne Ruggiero. The play features Loni Ackerman, Leslie Castay, Becca Chapman, Cathie Choppin, Ashley Ricord and Janet Shea. It may just be the funniest show to make you cry! Steel Magnolias was written by Louisiana’s own Robert Harling (First Wives Club, Laws of Attraction), and is based on real-life stories of Mr. Harling’s experiences growing up around strong, independent Southern women. Le Petit Theatre is at 616 Saint Peter Street. (504) 522-2081.
Through April 17 Louisiana and Cuba: Multiple Perspectives
Williams Research Center. Free and open to the public. In conjunction with “¡Sí Cuba! ” a city-wide presentation of art, cultural and historical exhibitions and programs that relate to Cuban art and culture, The Historic New Orleans Collection presents “Louisiana and Cuba: Multiple Perspectives .” The exhibition, on view at the Williams Research Center January 19–April 17, features documentary photographs of Cuba in the 1980s by New Orleanian Michael P. Smith set against earlier materials (18th–19th century) featuring Cuba and Louisiana. This exhibition illustrates the cultural, political, and economic connections that have historically tied the two places together. 410 Chartres Street. Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Darling friends, 
