Only in New Orleans and especially in the French Quarter can you walk around with a go cup filled with free libations, from one gallery to another enjoying the art, the architecture, the canapes and the music coming out of the festive venues. Dirty Linen Night was just fabulous as I walked along Royal Street dressed as a wench with my darling Tito dressed as a pirate of the Caribbean and stopping by Dutch Alley to sip mojitos and dance to the Latin sounds of Fredy Omar con Su Banda. Oh What a Night!
I also enjoyed on Friday “JUNGUA – The Descendants of the Dragon” at Harrah’s Theatre. It featuresShaolin Disciples (martial artists) and the Imperial Acrobats of China (contortionists, hand balancers, foot jugglers and aerialists). Catch the show at Harrah’s Theatre, Thursday through Sunday, August 14 – 17 and August 21 – 24, at 8 p.m. nightly. More information about the show and show times is available at http://www.harrahsneworleans.com/. On Sunday, I enjoyed attending the lovely Deja Vu Party for the New Orleans Opera's Junior Committee at the Maison Dupuy Hotel.
This week we have fun events as well:
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 being presented by Wines Unlimited (504) 891-8500. 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.
On Tuesday, August 12, at 9 p.m., upstairs at the Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen Street), the Open Ears Music Series presents improvised music from Robin Boudreaux (saxes), Jesse Morrow (bass), Justin Peake (drums), and Jeff Albert (trombone).
On Wednesday, August 13, my monthly Round Table Luncheon is taking place at noon at Begue's of the Royal Sonesta. The invited guest speakers are:
Toni Rice of New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network
Kelly Schulz, Vice President, Communications and Public Relations, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Sandra S. Shilstone, President & CEO of New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation
The $35 per person is all inclusive and includes complimentary parking and wine. We MUST HAVE confirmed reservations and entree selections for all guests attending the Begue's Round Table Luncheons.For reservations, please contact Noel Scallan at 504-553-2220 or email nscallan@royalsonestano.com
Wednesdays at the Lobby of the J.W. Marriott is presenting this Wednesday, local artist Colleen Shannon and music by Riccardo Crespo. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Free wine tasting and hors d' oeuvres.
“Wednesdays on the Point,”is presenting its weekly concert at Old Point Bar with live music from 5:30-7 p.m. http://www.wednesdaysonthepoint.com/
POLITICS WITH A PUNCH Louisiana's version of Politically Incorrect is scheduled for this Thursday, August 14 at their new location the Cricket Club, 2040 St. Charles Avenue.
This is a very special show, as it begins its 7th year. Jeff Crouere has assembled another outstanding panel:
Leon Cannizzaro, Former Judge, Candidate for Orleans Parish District Attorney
Suzaune Yee McKamey, Cabaret performer
Newell Normand, Jefferson Parish Sheriff
Cedric Richmond, State Representative and Candidate for Congress
Mark Singletary, PublisherNew OrleansCity Business
Mike Smith, Comedian, Contributor to New Orleans Levee Newspaper
Dr. Michael White, Legendary Jazz Musician
As usual, the doors open at 6 p.m. for happy hour, delicious appetizers and socializing. Our show starts at 8 p.m.
The Cutting Edge Music Business Conference and Roots Music Gatheringreturns Thursday, August 14-17, with the conference centered at Westin-Canal Place. This year's conference will include a keynote discussion between Bug Music CEO John Rudolph and Loyola Music Business Chair John Snyder, and producer/songwriter/musician Jim Dickinson (pictured) will be the subject of an oral history.There's also a new band showcase series, this year including New Orleans artists Dizzy, Elliot Cohn, Kerry Grombacher, Kid Merv, Riccardo Crespo, Smoky Greenwell, the Revivalists and Won Ton Lust.
“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.
The New Orleans Botanical Gardens’ “Music in the Garden Series” continues with “Thursdays at Twilight" presenting on Thursday, August 14, Paul Soniat and Friends, performing Paul's original music. 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.
Ogden After Hours is presenting this Thursday Mark Adam Miller & Jim McCormick (country)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.
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 Lazzisa, 2106 Chartres St, in the Faubourg Marigny.
On Thursday, August 14, Julia LaShae Trio - Women in Jazzwill be performing at The Mystick Den, Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon Street. All Shows 9 p.m.-12 midnight. No cover.
My darling friend Vincent Marcello is inviting everyone to the big opening of Discoveries Furniture's French Quarter location at 318 N. Rampart St. (between Conti and Bienville) from 5:30 to 9 p.m. We welcome the furniture business that is going to be playing a strong role in the revitalization of N. Rampart, the important gateway to the French Quarter. Lots of Margaritas and great food from Tomatillo's. Not to be missed!
On Friday, August 15, The Mystick Den at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon Street, announces the return of 1950s-style entertainment to Bourbon Street.Turn back the clock to a moment in time when ladies donned fine hats, slipped on stockings with their high heels, and grabbed a pair of white gloves for a night out on the town with their man. After dinner, entertainment crowned the evening and more often than not couples found themselves on Bourbon Street. Bustling with action, one of the premier entertainment corridors in the country packed patrons into places like the Sho-Bar or the 500 Club. Stars like Lilly Christine the Cat Girl, Evangeline the Oyster Girl and Blaze Starr held court while live jazz bands serenaded their every move. That was Bourbon Street during the 1950s in its heyday. On Friday August 15 at 10 a.m., a historic announcement will take place at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. You are invited to bear witness and record it as it unfolds.
Talking about the Royal Sonesta, every Friday, as the summer heats up, plan to chill out at the Oasis Bar at the Pool. 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.
The Obituary Cocktail Society is meeting as usual this Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. at Buffa's Elbow Room Bar at 1001 Esplanade Avenue, 949-9098.
Friday Night is Cabaret Night at The Bombay Club, 832 Conti Street when exotic Suzaune Yee McKamey performs, accompanied by Leslie Martin on piano and Will Buckingham on bass from 9 p.m.-12 midnight.
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 15, 22 & 29, Ed Perkins 9 p.m.–12 Midnight
Saturdays, August 16, 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.
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.
This weekend the Southern Food Museum(SOFAB) at the Riverwalk is presenting two events: Susan Spicer signs and discusses "Crescent City Cooking" Saturday, August 16, 11 a.m. and on Sunday, it presenting " The Blessing of the St. Joseph's Altar" featuring a musical performance by Jessica Bryan and David Bryan, a presentation on the Sicilian heritage of the St. Joseph's altar. Msgr. Ignatius M.Rappolo will bless the altar. Reception to follow . 3 p.m.
August 17 is SUNDAY SWING with Music by Joe Krone, 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.”
Darling friends,
