I hope you have been enjoying the wonderful events that are so much part of our traditional “Christmas New Orleans Style.” For more detailed information please visit http://www.christmasneworleansstyle.com/ .
One of the many events that I attended this weekend was the opening of a very wonderful art exhibition of native-born artist George Rodrigue at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel As a tribute to his immense commitment to the rebuilding and revitalization of the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina, the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel has dedicated a recently renovated first floor meeting space in the hotel as the “Rodrigue Gallery” The six-week exhibit includes several rare, one-of-a-kind pieces from Rodrigue’s Blue Dog series, as well as a new, never-before-seen collection entitled “Reflections of New Orleans.” The public has the opportunity to view “Reflections of New Orleans” through the exterior facing windows on Canal Street. The pieces will be lit at night for the ultimate reflection of the artist’s Louisiana spirit. Rodrigue’s poignant “Reflections of New Orleans” collection is a unique series of pieces done on chrome paper.
At the Royal Sonesta, through Tuesday, December 23, Holiday Choirs by the Courtyard will be presented FREE! School choirs from across the Metro New Orleans area have once again been invited to perform in the main lobby of the Sonesta. The choirs are a tradition at the hotel, which is adorned in holiday finery for the season. Guest schools include:
·Tuesday, December 9 - St. Pius X School
·Wednesday, December 10 - St. Louis King of France
·Thursday, December 11 - St. Phillip Neri School
·Friday, December 12 - Our Lady of Prompt Succor School
Holiday Brunches at Begue's Restaurant, and the popular Royal Teddy Bear Teas on December 13-14 and December 17-23 with seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. During the month long celebration, the hotel is transformed into a Royal Winter Wonderland and special Papa Noel Rates can be enjoyed, beginning at $109 per night.
Local choirs and New Orleans artists herald the season at St. Louis Cathedral with Cathedral Concerts of classical music, holiday carols, jazz, and gospel favorites in one of the country’s most historic churches. All concerts are FREE! They begin at 6 p.m. and last approximately one hour. Here is the schedule:
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9-6:00 PM-7:00 PM- Mahalia Jackson Gospel Choir
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10- 6:00 PM-7:00 PM- Philip Manuel
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14- 6:00 PM-7:00 PM- Ellis Marsalis
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15- 6:00 PM-7:00 PM-Rudy Mills and the Caribbean Funk with Los Sol Dados
Tuesday, December 9, John Rankin -Super trio with Jesse Boyd, upright bass, and Herman LeBeaux, drums.
These guys can make anybody sound good, and they’ll be here to prove it.Tuesdays, 8-11 p.m.
COLUMNS HOTEL- 3811 St. Charles Ave, in New Orleans
The sounds of children’s choirs make the holidays even more special at The Omni Royal Orleans. Area schools will perform at 12 noon in the lobby unless otherwise noted, next to the three gloriously decorated Christmas trees flanking the floor-to-ceiling windows along St. Louis Street. Afterwards, the hotel will treat the children to lunch. Performances are free and the public is invited to attend. Performances start at 12:30 p.m.
Date School
Thurs., Dec. 11 McGehee Choristers
Fri., Dec. 12 Belle Chasse Primary School
Thurs. Dec. 18 Clearwood Elementary
Starting December 6, historic and seasonal characters will roam the streets singing and being jolly to set the mood.. Participating businesses will open with each having something unique to offer from author book signings on Jackson Square to champagne on Royal Street each Saturday in December. Special Holiday shopping hours are 6–9 p.m.
Wednesday, December 10, the New Orleans Museum of Art will offer free admission to all through January 18, 2009. The dates of the free admittance offer, coincide with both Prospect.1 New Orleans, the international contemporary art biennial which is free at all of its 25 venues throughout the city, and Objects of Desire: Fabergé from the Hodges Family Collection, an exhibition of 108 precious objects by famed master jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé.
At Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar,5535 Tchoupitoulas St. (504) 891 8500;; dosjefescigarbar.com
Tuesday, December 9,16,23, 30, Tom Hook at 9:30 p.m. Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar, 5535 Tchoupitoulas St. (504) 891 8500
Wednesday, December 10-Prospect.1 conversation: Willie Birch and Dan Cameron. Renowned New Orleans-based artist Willie Birch discusses his contribution to the historic Prospect.1 contemporary art biennial, an installation of several recent works in the New Orleans Museum of Art, with Prospect.1 Founding Director and Chief Curator Dan Cameron.
Public hours
Museum hours are Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m., and Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is open Wednesday to Sunday,
10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Experience an evening of cultural indulgences at the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge featuring works by Local Artists
Wednesday, December 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Objets Trouves presents: Linda Friedlander
(Photographs from her series Art Among Us: Art, Architecture and Angels in New Orleans) Live Entertainment by: Johnny Pennino (The tenor sax king of New Orleans).Wine Tasting and complimentary Hors D’oeuvres
"New Orleans Free People of Color & Their Legacy" Contemporary Portraits of 19th Century Creoles by
José Torres Tama at Dillard University Art Gallery and the Louisiana Creole Research Association present a closing event of the traveling exhibit from The Ogden Museum of Southern Art on Wednesday, December 10 from 5 to 7 p.,. There will be a "gallery talk" that begins at 6 p.m. and performance to follow. s at 6PM, and performance to follow. Dillard Gallery is located inside the Cook Communications Center, Room FN 116 on campus, 2601 Gentilly Blvd. The event is free and open to the public, and parking free parking is available in the back lot of the auditorium.
December 10 -14-DESCOURS Presented by AIA New Orleans
The American Institute of Architects, New Orleans chapter will host the 2nd annual DesCours (dey-kohr) event bringing five days of architecture, art, design and music to New Orleans, December 10- 14. This year’s event will include 16 installations by internationally recognized architects and artists located within hidden spaces of the French Quarter and Central Business District including courtyards, lobbies and walkways. This event is free to the public for more information, please visit http://www.descours.us/ or Call 504-525-8320 to order
HOLIDAY POSH PARTY-Thursday, December 11th -5-8PM. at Inside Design LLC,1623 Metairie Road, 504-833-8686
TV Personality Meg Farris’ jewelry Stiletto Vodka will make us special drinks ,Wine Sampling from Partysist
Goodies from Bittersweet Confections,Chaille Delerno will do hypnotherapy ,Makeovers by Celeste from Make Me Up
Gary Hamann will do chair massages,The Material Girl’s Famous T-Towels and Scarves,Shane French and her fabulous handbags and wallets ,Kara French and her Italian jewelry ,Artists: Margo Baker, Traci Hansen, Kerrie DeVay, Charlene Dunham,Glass Artist Paulette Lizano,Original Creations by Reesi Turchi ,Business person and Writer John Lee
Peggy Key will buy your old gold jewelry ,Trudy Schmidt of Singer Kitchens and Closets ,'King of Hair' Glenn Michael will do Hair makeovers , Shoe Cookies from The Cookie Lady ,Maggie with $10 Brow waxing,Jewelry by DMS Designs
Food by Napoleon Room
Thursday, December 11 &13, 2008
Dec. 11th & 13th LPO - Trinity Church Presents The Christmas Oratorio
- Thursday, December 11 &12, 2008
Two over "Easy" in new pieces by Tsarov
Local talents CHRIS LANE and VERONICA RUSSELL present two quick and deft one-acts, scored from the page with a razor by New Orleans's Master of the Macabre, RJ TSAROV. Two Easy Pieces; one-act dramas by RJ Tsarov.
Produced by Texpatriate Productions with Gulf Coast a Nostra. Written by RJ Tsarov; featuring Chris Lane and Veronica Russell.The Voodoo Mystere Lounge, 718 North Rampart at Orleans.Thursdays & Fridays 9pm, December 11-19. 4 performances only.
$12. 504.304.1568
Thursday December 11, 2008
A Christmas Carol – The Whole Story written and directed by René J. F. Piazza. The cast features Robert Facio, Kellie Gleason, Gerrit Hagen, Michael Hennessey, Starr Mason, Jessi Norton, Jack Quarles, Jr., Vanessa Quarles and Piazza as ‘Scrooge’.
Recommended for the whole family! Show Dates and Times:
A Christmas Carol – The Whole Story: 12/11, 12/12, 12/13, 12/18, 12/19, 12/20 @ 7:30pm
12/7, 12/14 & 12/21 @ 2:30pm-Chelle Ambrose at (504) 382-7291.
Adults = $20 -Seniors, Students (Children) = $18
Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans,4539 N. I-10 Service Road, Suite 200.Metairie,
Thursday, December 11, Ogden After Hours -Creede Williams (songwriter)Southern Music.6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Lobby Atrium of The Ogden Museum of Southern Art's Stephen Goldring Hall.
Friday, December 12 & 13, 2008-HARRAH’S NEW ORLEANS PAYS TRIBUTE TO MUSICAL LEGEND LUTHER VANDROSS THIS DECEMBER
Acclaimed Songwriter Terry Steele to Perform at Harrah’s Theatre Dec. 12 - 13
If you love the music of Luther Vandross, “Terry Steele: Here and Now…The Legacy of Luther Vandross,” is a must-see. This acclaimed songwriter will present an evening of endless love at Harrah’s Theatre Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12 & 13, at 8 p.m. nightly.
Tickets for Terry Steele are on sale now and may be purchased in person at Harrah’s box office, by calling 504-533-6600 or online at Ticketmaster.com. You must be at least 21 to enter the casino and attend shows at Harrah’s Theatre.
Starting at 9 p.m. every Wednesday in Masquerade, groove to the sounds of DJ Captain Charles. New Orleans’ most renowned DJ, $10 cover charge.More information about entertainment, including special guest DJs, at Harrah’s New Orleans is available at http://www.harrahsneworleans.com/.
A life-sized Gingerbread House, will welcome guests throughout the holidays at the Ritz Carlton on Canal Street. On their way to “Mélange On Trois,” adults can wander through and remember the awe and wonder they felt during Christmastime when they were 10 years old!
At the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Cynthia Weisinger welcomes potential members into THE LIBRARY,”A Private Cigar Club”. Interested parties should contact Cynthia at 524-1331 for a tour and information. She can also be reached by email at: cynthia.weisinger@ritzcarlton.com . A membership makes a very affordable Christmas present!
Performing musicians are, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: Early evening, George French; Later evening, Jeremy Davenport; Sunday Brunch: Armand St Martin.
The Polo Club Lounge, “Playin’ At The Polo,” featuring popular local musicians performing a repertoire of sophisticated jazz is presenting the following: Friday Vocalist Leah Chase - 9 p.m. – 12 Midnight; Saturday Cabaret singer Anais St. John
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays: Pianist Michael Pellera, 7-11 p.m. Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. Fridays, 6-9 p.m. Saturday; Sundays – Wednesdays: Pianist Jim Harris, 6–10 p.m.;
Sunday Brunch: Christopher Kohl Trio,11 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Obituary Cocktail Society is meeting this Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. at Cafe Sbisa 1101Decatur St. Phone: 522-5565.
At the Bombay Club, 830 Conti Street, Sunday –Thursday, local artist Philip Melancon entertains on the piano from 7–11 p.m. with R&B, original local melodies and a lot of fun. Phil is a great all-around entertainer who will make you laugh and feel good, so come on out and give him a good audience.On Saturday Julie Jules at 9 :30 p.m.
The ELEON Ensemble from Russia with Anais St. John, Kevin Rouchell, Brendolyn McKenna, Diane Jennings, Chris Turgeon, Vicki Moran, Givonna Joseph, and other exciting soloists and instrumentalists from the Greater New Orleans. Albinas Prizgintas directs from the organ.
Join the singing: the audience sings the choruses. Scores are provided.
Cajun Zydeco Dance Festival @ Tipitina's (Uptown)- Sunday, December 14-Presented by Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys-$10-Proceeds to Benefit Bridge House and Grace House. Sunday's festival lasts from 3pm until 11:00pm.
Lineup:
The Electrifying Crown Seekers (5-7pm)
Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys (5-7pm)
Bruce Daigrepont (7:10-9pm)
Leon Chavez and the Zydeco Flames (9:10-11:10pm)
Dance Contest and other great prizes.
Please put in your calendar and save this date:
I am inviting you to come out and enjoy our annual Holiday Round Table Luncheon on Wednesday, December 17 at noon at Begue’s of the Royal Sonesta Hotel .
The guest speakers for the festive luncheon are Lisa Tull and Fred Holley of Republic Beverage that will be giving a very special tasting of my favorite beverage CHAMPAGNE!
Of course, we also need to talk about food and I have enlisted my friend Lorin Gaudin, better known as the Food Goddess and food editor of NewOrlens.com, appears weekly on“Steppin’ Out,” WYES –TV, Channel 12 and ABC 26 mid-day show covering New Orleans restaurants, food and dining scene.
In addition, we will be entertained by exotic, talented cabaret singer Suzaune Yee McKamey.
I urge you to bring your camera and take advantage of the exquisite decorated halls and the performance of McDonald 35 Chorus.
Ladies are encouraged to wear festive holidays clothes-red or green and hats if available. You know I will be decked out.
The three-course gourmet luncheon is $35, all inclusive including complimentary parking and wine. For reservations, please contact Noel Scallan at 504-553-2220 or email her at nscallan@royalsonestano.com
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Norwegian Seamen's Church announces a concert by Young Norwegian Singing Sensation, Nathalie Nordnes.
Friday, December 12, 6:00 pm, Norwegian Seamen's Church, 1772 Prytania Street, New Orleans. 525-3602. $5.00 suggested donation
Friday, December 12, 2008-JPAS presents MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
Celebrate the magic and the joy of the holiday season with the Jefferson Performing Arts Society's production of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, on stage December 5-14 at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox Street in Metairie. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Janet Shea directs this heart-warming Christmas story.
Tickets are $25-30 for adults, $22-27 for seniors and military, and $19 for students (with valid ID), and $12 for children (12 and under). For tickets call 504.885.2000 or visit http://www.jpas.org/ to reserve your tickets today!
Friday, December 12, 2008
SCROOGE IN ROUGE!
A British Music Hall Christmas Carol
Friday, December 12, 2008 at 8:00pm through Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 6:00pm
Le Chat Noir,715 St. Charles Avenue,504.581.5812.lechat@bellsouth.net
Friday, December 12, 2008
Running With Scissors celebrates turkey, tinsel, and trailer parks in...
Grenadine McGunkle's Double-Wide Christmas!
SIX SHOWS ONLY! Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00pm, December 5 - December 20 at One Eyed Jacks
Grenadine McGunkle's Double-Wide Christmas plays Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm from December 5 - 20 at One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse Street, in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter. Tickets are $20 and can be reserved at NORunningWithScissors.com or 504- 606-9903.
December 11 and December 13
Christmas Oratorio presented by Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
Come experience the magic of Bach’s rarely performed Oratorio written for performance over the Twelve Days of Christmas.. Maestro Prieto will lead the LPO, Symphony Chorus of New Orleans, and vocal soloists in Cantatas I, III, V, and VI, each of which tells a part of the Christmas story. Trinity Episcopal Church,1329 Jackson Avenue,New Orleans,
December 12
KINGDOM OF THE SWEETS GALA
Delta Festival Ballet's annual Kingdom of the Sweets Gala, in junction with the 27th annual Nutcracker with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Rivertown Mardi Gras Museum,415 Williams Blvd ,Kenner, 504-468-7231 phone.$20-$35.Call 504-888-0931 to order
December 13- 14 First Annual Treme Creole Gumbo Festival and Holiday Bazaar.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation will present the first annual Treme Creole Gumbo Festival on Saturday, Dec. 13, and the third annual Holiday Bazaar Dec. 13 and 14.
The Treme Creole Gumbo Festival celebrates the history of Faubourg Treme as a hotbed of New Orleans' musical and culinary culture.
The festival takes place on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the parking lot of the new Jazz & Heritage Center (formerly the Tharp-Sontheimer- Laudumiey Funeral Home) at 1225 N. Rampart Street.
Admission is free.For more information, please call (504) 558-6100, or visit http://www.jazzandheritage.org/.
Thursday, December 11th
5-8PM.
December 13 -14
2008 PRESERVATION RESOURCE CENTER HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
The PRC's 33rd annual Holiday Home Tour, featuring some of the most magnificent private homes in the Garden District will take place on December 13 and 14. . You will be able to view art, architecture treasures and holiday decorations in seven Garden District homes; live music in each home. Ticket sales will benefit the PRC's Homeowner Assistance and Neighborhood Recovery Fund. Self-guided tour from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Ticket sales, will call, boutique, and cafe will be located at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Avenue. Call 504.581-7032 to order tickets.
December 13
OPENING OF LOUISIANA ARTWORKS
Visit Louisiana ArtWorks, 725 Howard Avenue when it opens its doors at 6:30 pm. with an exhibition curated by Rose Courtville. 504-571-7373
December 13
LAWN VIEW: AFAMILY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION @ LOUNGUE VIEW GARDEN
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Join Longue Vue in celebrating the Holiday Season with crafts, games, and yummy holiday treats. Bring your gingerbread house creations for display and prizes will be awarded.. This celebration will feature a visit with Santa Clause. Cost per person is $5 for FLV; $7 for non-members. Tickets available online at http://www.longuevue.com/ or call 488-5488, ext. 320.
December 13 - 23
ROYAL TEDDY BEAR TEA
Royal Teddy Bear Tea offers children and adults a whimsical afternoon celebration featuring a full tea menu, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas storytelling and holiday sing-a-longs. Special treats include a keepsake cup and Royal Teddy Bear. Transformed into a magical wonderland, the Royal Sonesta will be brimming with holiday cheer and festive decorations. 11am and 3pm, 2 seatings.Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon St,504-553-2205;www.sonesta.com
Saturday, December 13
TEA PARTY FOR THE DOLLS
Boys and girls enjoy a Christmas tradition at the Beauregard-Keys House. Bring your doll or toy and take part in a sing-along, listen to a story in the elegant ballroom by the old-fashioned Christmas tree, see dolls "at tea" and a Victorian doll house. Parents tour house and all guests have refreshments & meet Santa Claus. 2pm - 3pm; doors open at 1:45pm,1113 Chartres St,504-523-7257.$5 Children and Parents.
Saturday, December 13
KIDS ON CANAL
Radio Disney will be on site with songs and lots of give- aways.Santa will make a special appearance at the Astor Crowne Plaza , and children ‘s programming and entertainment , including puppet show by Calliope Puppets, will take place at various locations from 10 am. to 3 p.m.
My darling friend vocalist Mary Flynn Thomas wants to remind everyone that she is playing every Saturday at Andrea’s Capri Blu Lounge at 8 p.m.
From now through March 1, 2009, the New Orleans Museum of Art presents Photography and Depression, an examination of depression in all its forms, including mental and financial, through 82 works from the Museum's permanent collection.
Featured artists represent a who's who of photography, including Ansel Adams, William Eggleston, Walker Evans, Andrew Feininger, Lewis Hine, Dorothea Lange, Danny Lyon, Eadweard Muybridge, George Tice, Alfred Steiglitz, Weegee and many more.
The works are accompanied by text excerpted from Culture and Depression, a 1985 book by Dr. Arthur M. Kleinman, the distinguished professor, psychiatrist, medical and social anthropologist based at Harvard University.
“Beauregard-Keyes House in Holiday Trim -December 8-30, except 12/25
10am - 3pm Monday - Saturday, Close at noon on December 13, 24, 31
1113 Chartres St
$5, $4 for Students & seniors, $3 for children 6-12
Step into Christmas past for a look at the House in Venetian style trim. Dressed in greenery velvet ribbons and lace, hourly tours include the 1826 house, Frances Parkinson Keyes' doll collection, folk costumes, and fans.
On December 14 the “Amazing Holiday Adventure” is featured at the House of Broel Mansion & Dollhouse Museum. Come join in the magical fun at House of Broel’s Dollhouse Museum this holiday season! This enchanted Victorian mansion is home to an incredible array of thousands of miniatures. Savor delectable treats to thrill and delight the young at heart of any age. Each child will receive a teddy bear from Santa himself! 5–7 p.m., 2220 St. Charles Avenue (at Jackson Avenue in the Garden District). Adults $15, Children $10. For more information call 504-494-2220, email info@houseofbroel.com or log on to http://www.houseofbroel.com/ .
On December 14, come and celebrate Christmas in the Marigny at Washington Square Park,700 Elysian Fields Avenue. The Faubourg Marigny Improvement Association hosts a market featuring live music, a kids activities area and an art market followed by the 24th annual neighborhood Christmas Caroling.10 a.m. to 8 p..m.
ON Sunday,December 14,at 5 p.m.,Trinity Episcopal Church is presenting :Messiah Sing Along XXII Annual with The ELEON Ensemble from Russia
Darling friends, 
