New Orleans Area Events: Week of June 17

Darling readers,

Find out what is happening and put up your events--the statewide Bayoubuzz Calendar

I hope you enjoyed Father's Day, the opening of the Insectarium and the New Orleans Vieux to Do last weekend.

I had a fabulous time at the very elegant Faulkner House's Juleps in June at the historic Jefferson Davis house, now owned by the Strachan family. I also managed to take advantage of the cooking classes at the Creole Tomato Festival and, of course, enjoyed the drinks, the wonderful cuisine and music of the New Orleans Vieux to Do, which included The Great French Market Creole Tomato Festival, the Louisiana Seafood Festival and the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival.

This week we have some exciting events as well.

I am really excited about my next Round Table Luncheon to be held Tuesday, June 17 at noon at Begue's of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. I have put together an outstanding panel that will inform us about all the exciting events that will keep us cool and occupied during the summer months.

The featured speakers will be:

Burl Salmon, Director of Development and External Affairs of the Historic New Orleans Collection; Miranda Lash, Curator of Contemporary Art at New Orleans Museum of Art; and
Dennis G. Assaf, Executive/Artistic Director of Jefferson Performing Arts Society. For reservations, call or email Noel Scallan at (504) 553-2220, nscallan@royalsonestano.com .
The three-course gourmet luncheon is $35 per person including complimentary wine/parking.

The National World War II Museum is presenting, from June 17–August 31, “Schindler, A traveling exhibition from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum at 945 Magazine Street (at Andrew Higgins Drive). Oskar Schindler, subject of the celebrated film Schindler’s List, gave up his ill-gotten fortune to save the lives of over 1,000 Jews in WWII. His conversion from a materialistic Nazi to the savior of so many people who would have found themselves in concentration camps without his intervention is profiled in this exhibition. For more information on the exhibit, visit http://www.ushmm.org/.

Women & Wine on Wednesday will be gathering Wednesday, June 18, 5:30-7 p.m. at Michaul's, 840 St. Charles Avenue. The tasting will be featuring Yellow Tail wine from Australia, including Chardonnay, Shiraz, & Merlot. Details at http://www.womenwinewednesday.com/ .

Wednesdays at the JW Marriott is inviting everyone to experience an evening of cultural indulgences at the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge featuring works by Local Artists from 5:30-8 p.m. This week local artist is James McKinne Porche (Casting/Contemporary/Metal Sculpture), and entertainment by Riccardo Crespo (Brazilian musician, singer and songwriter who plays acoustic guitar and harmonica)

The last of Wednesday at the Square concerts, Lafayette Square (St. Charles Ave. Across from Gallier Hall) is presenting the Blue Jackets featuring Ed Burns + Bag of Donuts from 5-7:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, June 18, at 7 p.m. there will be a benefit party for Margaret, the lovely lady behind the bar at Donna's. Margaret has not been well lately and her friends are trying to raise money to help with her medical bills. Featured entertainment will be by KERMIT RUFFINS & THE BBQ SWINGERS, BOB FRENCH, JOHN BOUTTE, GEORGE FRENCH, TREME BRASS BAND, SHANNON POWELL and many more. Sidney's (Kermit’s) Saloon, 200 St. Bernard (1 block from St. Claude).

The Consulate General of France and the Southern Food and Beverage Museum present The Art of Tasting, a gourmet dinner presented at the Mélange restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in New Orleans, on Thursday June 19.

This culinary event features a specially paired menu with wines selected by Jacques Puisais, founder of the "Institut du Goût" (Taste Institute) in Paris, in collaboration with Mathew Murphy, Chef of The Ritz-Carlton.

The dinner, presented as a theater performance by Chef Puisais, renowned as the James Beard of France, will explore the relationship between the senses and food. Mixing his scientific knowledge with his poetic sensibility, he has created a "philosophy of taste." Chef Puisais has traveled the world, teaching his philosophy of appreciating the simple pleasures of taste. This is a unique opportunity to hear him speak and explain his philosophy.

Jacques Puisais will also speak at the new Southern Food and Beverage Museum on Saturday June 14 at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum at the Riverwalk at 2 p.m. He will discuss gastronomy and educating children's palates. For information and reservations call 504-524-1331. The dinner costs $125 and is given in support of the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, the Riverwalk.

On Thursday, June 19, do not forget to bid on art, antiques, jewelry, pottery and more during WYES-TV/Channel 12’s ART COLLECTION TWELVE. Viewers can bid live right in the comfort of their own home, or they can visit the WYES Studios at 916 Navarre Avenue and bid in-house. Also on Thursday, June 19, from 7 p.m.-12:00 midnight, is the WYES TRAVEL AUCTION. Bid on vacation getaways for you and your family. Look for these special trips and more: the Friendship Tour valued at $5,236; Elvis Presley’s Graceland valued at $180; Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort valued at $700; Planters Inn on Reynolds Square in Savannah, GA valued at $675; and West Palm Beach Marriott in West Palm Beach, Florida valued at $300. All proceeds from WYES’ ART COLLECTION TWELVE and WYES’ TRAVEL AUCTION benefit WYES, New Orleans’ premier public television station.

The Sula Foundation (http://www.sulafoundation.org/) will hold its first major fundraiser on June 19 from 6-8 p.m. at Canine Culture, 8110 Hampson Street, New Orleans. Dedicated to fostering responsible pit bull ownership, The Sula Foundation was created by local author Ken Foster and named after his pit bull, Sula, featured in the bestselling book, The Dogs Who Found Me. The June 19 "Pitching for Pit Bulls" party will feature raffle prizes and silent auction items from a wide variety of local businesses who support the cause.

Dive in with the W New Orleans French Quarter and New Orleans Film Society for poolside screenings from FOX & MGM Home Entertainment. FREE Summer Cinema in The Courtyard where you can sip summer cocktails and nibble on popcorn and candy for a picture perfect evening! On Thursday, June 19, The Devil Wears Prada will be the featured movie. The W New Orleans French Quarter is at 316 Chartres Street. Parking $6. Show starts at sunset

The Music Continues with “Thursdays at Twilight” when it presents The Anderson Duo (David and Catherine Anderson) – A musical match made in heaven, performing David’s own compositions for double bass and harp. Pavilion of the Two Sisters New Orleans Botanical Garden, City Park.

Ogden After Hours is presenting this Thursday, Alfred “Uganda” Roberts 6-8 p.m. Lobby Atrium of The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp Street. Alfred Roberts was born in the historic 6th ward of New Orleans, better known as Treme. He was sitting in with jazz greats such as drummer Smokey Johnson at Holly’s on Basin Street in the 1950s. When Smokey wasn’t there, he played with the legendary James Black on drums.

Fredy Omar and guitarist Pepe Coloma are playing every Thursday at the Columns Hotel, 3811 St. Charles Avenue from 8-11 p.m., and on Saturday you will find them along with Fredy’s group at Tomatillo's on Frenchmen Street and Esplanade Ave. Nos vemos!!!!

On Thursday, June 19, Riccardo Crespo & Sol Brasil are having a CD Release Party at Snug Harbor, 626 Frenchmen Street. For reservations, please call 504-949-0696

On Thursday, June 19, Louisiana State Senator Ann Duplessis and the District 2 Community Enhancement Corporation present the "Passion for Fashion" fashion show hosted by the Fashion Institute of New Orleans. The show will be held 6:30-10:30 p.m. at Ray's Over The River - World Trade Center - 2 Canal Street, 31st Floor.

Are you ready for a treat? On Thursday, June 19 you will get the rare opportunity to hear one of New Orleans' most reclusive cultural icons discuss his art (and see a preview of work yet to be displayed!). History Ya-Ya presents A Conversation with Bunny Matthews: An interview with the artist, creator of Vic and Nat'ly, by D. Eric Bookhardt, Gambit art critic at the Cabildo, 6 p.m. Free.

Novelist Josh Emmons, who lived and taught in New Orleans before Katrina, will sign books at Faulkner House, 624 Pirate's Alley, on Thursday, June 19, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wine and nibbles will be served. His first novel, The Loss of Leon Mead, received high critical praise and his new novel is receiving excellent reviews as well. The new novel is Prescription for a Superior Existence.

Preservation Resource Center's annual “Ladies in Red” is taking place Friday, June 20, At the Howlin' Wolf, 907 South Peters Street. Patron Party: 7-8:30 p.m. Main Event: 8:30-11 p.m.
The 8th annual “Ladies in Red” will honor noted local jazz musicians Peter "Chuck" Badie, Lawrence Cotton, Lionel Ferbos, Joseph "Smokey" Johnson, and Porgy Jones. The Patron Party will feature music from Bob French and Friends, Germaine Bazzle, and Topsy Chapman. The Main Event will feature R&B Group BRW. The PRC's African American Heritage Program (AAHP) focuses on identifying and preserving the homes and cultural legacy of New Orleans jazz musicians. It is important to save the houses and to recognize the musicians who lived there, at the same time generating awareness of the cultural significance of the older neighborhoods of the city.

Patron $150 - 1 ticket to the Patron Party and Event; Jr. Patron (21-35 years of age): $75 - 1 ticket to Patron Party and Event. Event: $75 - 1 ticket to the Event. Please contact Averil Oberhelman at 504-636-3040 or aoberhelman@prcno.org for more information.

On Friday, June 20, the Obituary Cocktail Society will be meeting as usual from 6-7 p.m. at 7 On Fulton - in The Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, 701 Convention Center Blvd. Phone: 525-7555. Special Drink Price: 7 cent Mojito until 7.

Suzaune Yee McKamey & Co will be playing at The Bombay Club, 830 Conti Street from 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on Friday, June 20.

On Friday, June 20, you can also help celebrate Al "Carnival Time" Johnson's 69th Birthday party at Ernie K-Doe's Mother In Law Lounge, 1500 N. Claiborne Avenue. Come celebrate with Al, the man who gave you “She Done Me Wrong,” “Lena,” “Mardi Gras Strut,” and, of course his most famous Mardi Gras anthem, “Carnival Time.” Plus his latest release, “Lower Ninth Ward Blues.” Joining Al on stage will be John T. Lewis & the Carnival Time Band, plus: Special Guest & Musician's Jam Session. The fun starts at 8 p.m. Convenient parking under the I-10 expressway.

Also on Friday, June 20, The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street, concludes its spring series of concert with music by Vavavoom, and the featured drink will be Dixie Beer. Vavavoom calls their music " a synthesis of New Orleans jazz and the French Gypsy tradition of Django Reinhardt, as well as what Jelly Roll Morton called, 'the Spanish tinge."' 5:30 p.m. $10 admission. Visit their website: http://www.hnoc.org/ .

On Saturday, don’t forget that the Traffic Court of New Orleans is hosting a WARRANT AMNESTY DAY AT LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTER FROM NOON TO 5 P.M.

On Saturday, June 21, my darling friend Maryflynn Thomas is celebrating her birthday with a beautiful cake at Andrea's Blue Capri where she is singing along with Rhode Spedale at the piano. The gentle sound of jazz will be heard at Andrea's Restaurant’s new "Capri Blu Lounge" Piano Bar every Saturday from 8-11 p.m. The new lounge is located at 3100 19th Street at Ridgelake, Metairie. Call 834-8583 and check it out!

On Saturday, June 21, Bobby Cure is the featured entertainer for the 19th annual Back to the Beach Patron Party. The annual fundraiser benefiting the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation will be held at Lakeway Two Mezzanine from 7-10 p.m. and will include, food, music and silent auction. Admission $50 tickets-Sponsorships $250 - $500. For reservations call 836-2205 or visit http://www.saveourlake.org/ .

On Saturday, June 21, BOURBON & BURLESQUE will be at the Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp Street, from 8-11 p.m. The second annual Bourbon & Burlesque, a swinging soiree with proceeds benefiting the CAC, will feature complimentary specialty cocktails created with premium bourbons (Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Gentlemen Jack, Eagle Rare, Wild Turkey); an aerial striptease by world-renowned burlesque artist Angela Eve; a spectacular burlesque review featuring members of Fleur de Tease, Storyville Starlettes, plus Kitty Twist; Foxy Flambeaux from Bustout Burlesque, and Reverend Spooky and her Billion Dollar Baby Dolls; live music with the Kaya Martinez and Meghan Swartz Jazz Duo; bourbon-inspired cuisine by Bourbon House; a House of Lounge lingerie fashion show. Advance tickets - $50 general admission; $25 for CAC members. At the door - $60 general admission, $40 for CAC members. Special: Receive 2 free VIP tickets by becoming a CAC member at the Collectors Club level (or above).

Multi-talented pianist Quinn Peeper, M.D. will be the featured performer at the Symphony Volunteers’ Summer Recital at the J.W. Marriott on Sunday, June 22 from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person and can be reserved by calling 281-4335.

Don't miss seeing Cabaret, the John Kander-Fred Ebb-Joe Masteroff musical, based on Christopher Isherwood's "Berlin Stories" and John Van Druten's “I am a Camera." It is getting rave reviews at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, 616 St. Peter Street. Directed by Derek Franklin and Sonny Borey, with choreography by Karen Hebert, it will feature talented Jessie Terrebonne, Roy Haylock, Richard Arnold, Bob Edes Jr., Beverly Trask, Jimmy Murphy, and Dane Rhodes. NOT TO BE MISSED! For reservation call 522-2081.

I also do not want you to miss AND THE BALL AND ALL, New Orleans’ longest running hit at Le Chat Noir until June 22. Join Becky Allen, Amanda Hebert and the girls of The Mystic Krewe of Terpsichore, that famous, infamous, yatty, batty bunch, which first won the hearts of theater-goers at the True Brew Theater in 1995. For more information and reservation call (504) 581-5812 or visit http://www.cabaretlechatnoir.com/

Please put in your calendar: THE BAROQUE WORLD OF FERNANDO BOTERO DINNER.
The New Orleans Museum of Art is having a very special dinner to welcome the exciting exhibit “The Baroque World of Fernando Botero” The dinner in honor of the exhibit of the works of the Columbian painter famous for his smooth, inflated/bloated shapes and people will feature Latin American Cuisine, Music and Dancing. Que Rico! Cocktails at seven o’clock in the evening, followed by dinner at 8 p.m. Tickets $75 single. Festive attire. For information please contact the Museum at 658-4100.

Enjoy your week.

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