Darling readers,

These past few days I have been in heaven! Tales of the Cocktail, the opening of the Museum of American Cocktail and the Absinthe Museum of America were the most spirited events of the year.

Tales of the Cocktail, the annual culinary and cocktail festival that showcases New Orleans’ colorful mixological history was a great success. Seminar after seminar featured the presence and expertise of the world’s most respected mixologists who shared their wealth of knowledge with the thirsty guests. I enjoyed every seminar that I attended, as well as the tastings that went along with them. Every speaker was very informative and the libations were extremely generous.

I learned so much and I cannot wait for next year’s Tales of the Cocktail.

Visit the Bayoubuzz Calendar and put up your own content;  check out what is happening throughout the state 

Visit the new Bayoubuzz Dance site at http://www.bayoubuzzdance.com.  Get the latest news and make friends.  Invited others to join.

I started my week by taking a wonderful spirited tour sponsored by Absolut Vodka –“The History of the Bloody Mary” at Avery Island, home of the world-famous Mcllhenny’s Tabasco products. Avery Island is fascinating. I learned that the high land sits on top of a huge salt dome or monolith deposited by the sea some 200 million years ago. They also have very nice gardens and a bird sanctuary which, unfortunately, I didn’t get to see. If  you have never been there you should. They have daily tours and a wonderful Country Store with lots of Tabasco products and colorful souvenirs. Visit www.Tabasco.com .

I enjoyed very much the opening of two great museums: The Museum of the American Cocktail, located inside the Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFAB) in Food Court of the Riverwalk. Designed by Curator Ted "Dr. Cocktail" Haigh, this exhibit features 200 years of cocktail history, including vintage cocktail shakers, Prohibition era literature, music, bar tools and exciting bar memorabilia from the collections of the museum's friends and founders. They even have an old-time “still” on display with an explanation of how it worked.

I enjoyed the opening that featured  Gourmet Cocktails by the world foremost mixologists, Breakfast Beignets from Cafe Adelaide and music by Dr. Michael White and his quartet.

The other museum opening that I enjoyed attending was the Absinthe Museum of America at 823 Royal Street in the French Quarter.  The Absinthe Museum explores the interesting and misunderstood life of absinthe. It is the first of its kind in the United States to showcase the antique items and to explore the renowned liquor’s complex and fascinating history. Free Admission. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tales of the Cocktail is over but we are going to have more great celebrations this week. The 20th Annual New Orleans International Piano Competition is continuing this week at Roussel Hall, Loyola University. A dozen world-class pianists compete for honors, cash and performance opportunities in a contest that has emerged as a key career steppingstone for young artists. Additional events include a jazz dinner on Sunday with Ellis Marsalis July 25, and a host of master classes at Loyola.

British comedy on the big screen: BRIT WIT NIGHT! Is every Tuesday night throughout the summer at The Big Top Gallery, 1638 Clio Street. Doors open at 7 p.m.; shows at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Three episodes each Tuesday night

Wine tastings are this Tuesday, July 22 at Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar, 5535 Tchoupitoulas Street from 6-8 p.m. The tasting is free for the ladies, $10 for the gentlemen. The featured wines will be Whitehaven sauvignon blanc, Firesteed pinot blanc, Clos du Bois Sonoma reserve cabernet and Segura Viudas cava brut.

Check out two great book events at the Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St.,504-895-2266: 
 Tuesday July 22,5-7:00 p.m. Jack Pendaris and on Thursday, JUly 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. Steven & Rebekah Hren

TechAssistLA Director Will Norris and leading experts in the field are presenting a series of seminars that help small businesses from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Louisiana Technology Council, 1215 Prytania Street, New Orleans. Log on to http://www.TechAssistLA.com/training.php . This Wednesday’s seminar is “Open Source CMS” with computer whiz and Web designer Cherry Cappel, of CherryCappel.com .

The Hispanic Chamber is hosting a quarterly luncheon on Wednesday July 23 at the JW Marriott Hotel, 614 Canal Street.  The featured speaker is General Douglas O'Dell , Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding, United States Department of Homeland Security. For reservations call 504-885-4262 or e-mail info@hccl.biz .

On Wednesday, from 6-8 p.m. you can enjoy the Festival of Flavors at the New Orleans Museum of Art, City Park, when you can sample Mexican tapas from Nacho Mama’s, sponsored by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. While there make sure you see the wonderful exhibit of  Colombian-born Fernando Botero. 

Wednesdays at the JW Marriott features, from 5:30-8 p.m., local artist Benjamin Bullins (Mixed Media Sculpture made of found objects), and entertainment by Riccardo Crespo (Brazilian musician, singer and songwriter who plays acoustic guitar and harmonica). Complimentary wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres.

Also on Wednesday you need to check out “Wednesdays on the Point.” This week at Dry Dock Café at Algiers Point there will be free music from 5:30-7 p.m.

Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans (ATNO), 4539 N. I-10 Service Road, Suite 200, is proud to present The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, written by John Bishop and directed by René J. F. Piazza, with performances Thursday through Saturday, July 24-26, at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees on July 13 and 20 at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $18 for adults and $16 for students (with valid ID), and seniors 60 and over. This play is suitable for the entire family. For reservations or more information, call (504) 456-4111 or visit their website at www.actorstheatreofneworleans.com .

Gordon Biersch on Poydras Street at Convention Center Boulevard, across from Harrah’s Casino, is celebrating its 20^th year! Bring your friends and enjoy their 'Totally Awesome ‘80s Party' on Thursday, July 24 from 6-9 p.m. You can enjoy signature appetizers, ‘80s music and  ‘80s costume party. Dress your best, since the restaurant will be awarding prizes for best ‘80s costume.

Also on Thursday, July 24 you can “Dive In With the W New Orleans,” 316 Chartres Street in the French Quarter, and see Free Summer Cinema in the Courtyard. You can enjoy summer cocktails and munch on popcorn and candy for a picture perfect evening! This week presentation is Annie Hall. Show starts at sunset

The New Orleans Botanical Gardens’ “Music in the Garden Series” continues with “Thursdays at Twilight.” This week the featured entertainers are Darryl Barnes and the New Orleans Jazz Band. Great traditional toe-tapping jazz. Pavilion of the Two Sisters, New Orleans Botanical Garden, City Park. 5–8 p.m.

Ogden After Hours is presenting this Thursday from 6-8 p.m., Michael Skinkus and Moyuba, a cross-cultural ensemble that combines ancient Afro-Caribbean religious chants with the fundamentals of small-ensemble modern jazz. Lobby Atrium of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 930 Camp Street.

Latin vocalist Fredy Omar and guitarist Pepe Coloma are playing from 8-11p.m. at the Columns Hotel, 3811 St. Charles Avenue, every Thursday. You will also find them on Saturday with the full band at Tomatillo’s on Esplanade Avenue and Frenchmen Street.

The Ritz-Carlton  is presenting every Thursday: Tipsy Tini  from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the French Quarter Bar (3rd Floor) . There is complimentary Sushi Tastings, 2 for 1 Rain Vodka Martini and Live entertainment.

 You can dance the night away every Friday thru September at the French Quarter Bar from 7:30 p.m.Dance lesson starting at 8 p.m. $30.00 cover charge for General Admission. $50 VIP includes lesson, 1 ticket for signature drink, valet parking. Reservation required at 504-670-2828 . You could reserve a table but there is $50 per person minimum bar tab..

 At the Bombay Club, Phil Melacon plays Sunday thru Thursday at 9 p.m.; Johnny Angel & The Swinging Demons on Friday at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday,Luther Kent will be playing at 9:30 p.m. 

Obituary Cocktail is meeting this Friday as usual from 6-7 p.m. at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop and Bar, 941 Bourbon Street. Phone 523 0066.

 Sebastian Bach will be performing Friday, July 25 at 9 p.m. at the House of Blues, 225 Decatur Street, 310-4999; www.hob.com

The Polo Club Lounge at the Windsor Court Hotel  is jazzin’ it up every Friday and "Playin’ at the Polo," is featuring these popular local musicians performing a repertoire of sophisticated jazz:

Friday, July 25: Troi Bechet, 9 p.m.-12 midnight

Saturdays, July 26: Leah Chase, 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 a.m.–3 p.m.

“Where The Girls Were” will be performed through Sunday, July 27 at Le Petit Theatre. 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 has returned 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. Armand continues 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.

This Saturday is the monthly open air and creativity in Palmer Park from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There is live music, creative activities for kids and food to satisfy every palate while you view the original handmade art from the region’s best visual artists.

My darling fellow Realtor MaryFlynn Thomas is performing every Saturday at Chef Andrea Apuzzo's beautiful new lounge "Capri Blu Lounge" at Andrea’s Restaurant in Metairie.  MaryFlynn  is accompanied by Rhodes Spedale on piano.

On Saturday, July 26, you do not want to miss New Orleans’ first “Sound of Music Sing Along,” starting Mandy Zirkenbach, Becky Allen and Sean Patterson at The National World War II Museum, Andrew Higgins Drive between Camp and Magazine streets. It will be an evening of high-camp, highjinks, high notes and low comedy. Costumes encouraged. Come boo the Nazis while you enjoy complimentary pretzels and popcorn! Admission is $10 ($5 for anyone in a costume related to the film) and a cash bar will be on hand. Performance is at 8 p.m. For more information, call 504-527-6012 x 355.

On Sunday, July 27 kick up your heels from 1–4 p.m. and do not miss “Sunday Swing”  with  music by St. Louis Slim at The National World War II Museum. Professional swing dancers from NOLA will be there to help you master the steps.

My darling friend Trevor Wisdom sent me this schedule of Jazz entertainers at COCO Club and Jazz Emporium

 COCO CLUB-241 Bourbon Street -Corner of Bienville and Bourbon Streets, across the street from The Old
Absinthe Bar,587-7172-Shows start at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 22 - Wednesday, July 23:Marva Wright "The Blues Queen of New Orleans"
Thursday, July 24 - Saturday, July 26:Jeff Spence "Rockin' Louisiana Man"
Sunday, July 27 - Tuesday, July 29:Kurt Brunus Project-(Jazz to Rock and Everything in Between)
Wednesday, July 30 - Thursday, July 31:Bryan Lee & The Blues Power Band

JAZZ EMPORIUM-424 Bourbon Street(between Conti & St. Louis Streets)525-1426
Sunday, July 27: -BRW-High energy R&B and Soul- 8p.m.
Monday, July 28 - Tuesday, July 29:Jeff Spence "Rockin' Louisiana Man" 8p.m.

 Have a great week!