I spent Saturday morning judging the scarecrow contest at the Botanical Garden where the Fall Garden Show was taking place. I have never seen the garden looking so pretty. We had so many creative and scary scarecrows that made it very difficult to select the winners, but I loved being in the garden.
I also enjoyed very much the opening of the Opera Season with Puccini’s Manon Lescaut and cannot wait for Mozart’s Don Giovanni on November 14 and 16 at Tulane’s McAlister Auditorium. This will be the last opera at Tulane, now that the Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts is scheduled to reopen in January with a gala concert headlined by Placido Domingo. Tickets are on sale for that event on January 17, and you know I am not going to miss it. Call the opera at 529-2278 to reserve your seats.
In addition, I got to spend a few minutes at the Chinchuba Institute KidSpeak Learning Center’s fundraiser, “Look Who’s Talking Now,” this past Saturday night. I wished I could have stayed longer because I saw a lot of my dear friends there and everyone looked like they were having a great time being entertained by Benny Grunch and the Bunch and Becky Allen.
This week is going to another extraordinary week full of social/cultural activities such as Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s presentation of Ibarra’s “Cello Concerto No 1,” Faure’s “Elegy” and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” on Thursday, Oct 23 and Friday Oct 24 at First Baptist Church, New Orleans. Maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto is going to be conducting his father, famous cellist Carlos Prieto..
Also later this week, Ballet Hispanico heats up the stage for the premiere of the 2008 Season of Dance for the New Orleans Ballet Association with colorful, entertaining and stylish dances that are inspired by many cultures of Latin America. Performances at 8 p.m. at Dixon Hall, Tulane University, October 24 and 25. For tickets call 504-522-0996, ext 201 or visit www.nobadance.com .
On Friday, October 24 NOCCA Institute will be the beneficiary of an Opening Day party for Macy’s at Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie. Martha Stewart and Chef Emeril Lagasse will serve as honorary co-chairs for the star-studded cocktail gala. The evening will feature invited fashion designers Tommy Hilfiger, Clinton Kelly, Tyler Florence, Cat Cora and many more in an evening full of great food, music, fashion and fun. Tickets $150 and up. Call 504-940-2900 or visit www.nocca.com .
The much anticipated “Sentimental Journey” for the benefit of Longue Vue House and Gardens takes place on Oct 24 and 25 with a very special patron party on the 24that the lovely residence of Pixie and Jimmy Reiss on Audubon Place. Seven Vintners will be pouring wines from their reserve collection accompanied by food by Chef Susan Spicer of Bayona Restaurant.Music by Ashé Son.Cocktail attire requested.
The merriment continues the following night with “A Night in Old Havana,” theme for the elaborate black-tie gala on October 25, at the Riverview Ballroom at Kern Studios Entertainment Center, 1370 Port of New Orleans Place. The Gala includes a wine-pairing dinner, and live auction of 30 exclusive travel experiences. Food by Chef Philip DuBose of Asia de Cuba Mondrian of Los Angeles. Entertainment by Acoustic Swiftness and the Junkyard SaintsTickets are $250 per person,. For more information, call 504-4888 ext 337 or email sj@longuevue.com .
But prior to all these major events, we have quite a few soirees that we do not want to miss, including Cinq a Sept, October 21, at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFAB) in the Riverwalk.They are presenting live music, wine and food from 5-7 p.m.
After work, drop by the museum for live music by Armand St. Martin as they celebrate the release of his newest album, "Katrina Anthem." He will be playing "Katrina Anthem" solo on the piano. Also enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres from South of the Border, and a cash wine bar provided by The Savvy Gourmet. Cinq a Sept guests receive 25% off all Southern Food and Beverage Museum merchandise. The first 50 attendees receive free admission. Call 504-569-0405 for more information.
The fun continues at SoFAB this Saturday at 2 p.m. with "Around the World in 80 Dinners: 50,000 Miles, 10 Countries, 800 Dishes, 1 Rogue Monkey." Cheryl and Bill Jamison, authors of Around the World in 80 Dinners, will offer a slide show as an entertaining look at the global culinary adventures and misadventures during their three-month trip. They will also talk a bit about the Creole food they found in Bahia, Brazil, and its commonalities and differences with Louisiana's Creole heritage.
And talking about food, we have another post-Katrina milestone for the French Quarter.Cafe Sbisa, a fixture of New Orleans dining since 1899, reopened on Friday, October 17, under the experienced leadership of Chef-owner Glen Hogh. Cafe Sbisa will serve classic and updated Creole dishes, Wednesday through Sunday, 5:30-10 p.m. Located at 1011 Decatur Street in the French Market area, Cafe Sbisa occupies a historic 1820s ship-chandler's building. It features a full bar, private dining areas for up to 250 people, two balconies and a patio.
Cafe Sbisa operated continuously until it was shuttered by Hurricane Katrina. Glen Hogh has retained the historic look of the interior, as well as the original painting by New Orleans artist George Dureau. The casual, yet elegant three-story eatery has a traditional New Orleans feel with brick walls, exposed beams, antique mirrors and fixtures, dark wooden accents and a grand mahogany bar. The third floor, which will open in mid-November, is ideally suited for private dinners, receptions and corporate events. Check it out!
On October 21the Louisiana Landmarks Society’s 2008-09 Lecture Series presents “Moving Beyond Planning By Surprise: The Importance of a Master Plan with the Force of Law.” Guest Speaker is William E. Borah, Attorney & Counselor at Law, who is widely known for his successful fight against the proposed Riverfront Expressway in the 1970s. It is being held in Turners’ Hall Auditorium, 938 Lafayette Street, (on the corner of O’Keefe) at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public; reserved parking available. For more information contact the Louisiana Landmarks Society Office at504-482-0312 or info@louisianalandmarks.org .
October 21-25 at 8 pm, October 25 & 26 at 2 pm Production: Arabian Nights by Mary Zimmerman at
Lupin Theater, Dixon Annex, Tulane University.Professor Lorenzo Gonzalez opens the 2008-2009 season with his production of Arabian Nights by Mary Zimmerman. A celebration of the magic of storytelling, Scheherezade’s cliffhanger tales of lust, dreams and love enchants her cruel husband and prevents him from murdering her for 1001 nights.(504) 865-5106 or edimitri@tulane.edu
Tuesday, OCTOBER 21, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Kit Wohl, author of Arnaud’s Restaurant Cookbook, New Orleans Classic Desserts, New Orleans Classic Seafood, and the NEW New Orleans Classic Appetizers will be giving a talk and autographing her books at the Tout de Suite café, 347 Verret Street, Algiers Point, as part of the Algiers Point Hubbell Public Library author series.
Join Alvar Branch Library, 913 Alvar Street in the Bywater, from 7 to 9 p.m. this Tuesday, October 21 for the new season of Alvar Arts programs showcasing the creative talent from our neighborhoods.
The program Free and open to the public will feature a forum highlighting the galleries and art collectives in the St. Claude Arts District. Featuring representatives from Antenna, Barrister's Gallery, Farrington Smith Gallery, The Front,
Good Children Gallery, l'art Noir, Recycle for the Arts and X/O Studios. Loyola University professor Simeon Hunter will
moderate a panel discussion of the growing St.Claude arts scene. A reception follows each presentation. Library services will also be available.
I want to remind everyone that on Wednesday, October 22, it is Macy's Charity Shopping Day. The Project Lazarus Fund Developmental Committee Project hosts a charity fundraiser at Lakeside and Esplanade shopping centers, Lazarus provides a 25 percent discount shopping pass with a $5 donation
On October 22, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is having "Three-Way" Networking Evening with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, The Hispanic Lawyers Association of Louisiana and the host Loyola College of Law. The networking will take place afrom 6 to 8 p.m. at the old Dominican College campus at St. Charles and Broadway,526 Pine Street. Free Admission, cash bar and complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Do not park in the parking lot since they are reserved for students. .
On Thursday, October 23, “The Voodoo Photographic Experience: A 10 Year Retrospective” is being heldat Tipitina's French Quarter, 233 N. Peters Street, from 8-10 p.m. Opening reception and exhibit upstairs. The event will consist of an opening ceremony and photographic exhibit featuring the work of preeminent photographers that have captured the magic of the Voodoo Experience throughout the years. The event is free and open to the public.
ON Thursday, October 23, the Food Harvest presents at Lafayette Square from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.- Lafayette Square :10/23 The Radiators.
Ogden After Hours is presenting talented Riccardo Crespo (latin)from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Lobby Atrium of The Ogden Museum of Southern Art's Stephen Goldring Hall ,925 Camp Street. Riccardo Crespo is a South Brazilian musician, singer and songwriter who plays both acoustic guitar and harmonica. He performs with his group "Sol Brasil" and also appears often as a solo artist. Riccardo Crespo has released two compact discs. Riccardo third New CD entitle "Milonga di NOLA", "Milonga of New Orleans" has just arrived. Riccardo's original compositions are a gentle mix of MPB or Musica Popular Brasileira and contain elements of Folk, Bossa Nova, Jazz and Latin Music. The result is a beautiful blend of "World
On Thursday, October 23, “Tastings at the Track,” a new monthly series of spirited events hosted by Fair Grounds Race Course, will be sponsored by Dorignac's "All-American All-Stars," a wine tasting featuring top wines made in the U.S.A. You will be able to enjoy 20 quality wines by well-known producers and gourmet cheeses. 6-8 p.m. on the fourth level of the Fair Grounds Clubhouse, 1751 Gentilly Blvd. $25 per person sold at Dorignac's, 710 Veterans Blvd., in advance only. Lots of secure, free parking. For more information, visit www.fairgroundsracecourse.comor call 504-948-1285.
On Thursday, October 25 , is Halloween 25- Saks Loves the Silver Screen. Halloween's in New Orleans 25th year of parties benefiting Project Lazarus. Premium OPEN BAR, hors d'oeuvres, DJ, entertainment, The Halloween silent auction and shopping at Saks! 10% of sales will be donated to Project Lazarus, valid 10/23 - 10/26.
Friday, October 24- Halloween 25 - Shiny Disco Balls. Halloween's in New Orleans 25th year of parties benefiting Project Lazarus. OPEN BAR, DJ Roland Belmares and DJ Chad Guidry spin simultaneously, DC Cowboys performance, VIP Lounge for Patrons and Hosts. Generations Hall
310 Andrew Higgins Drive,(504) 581-4367 phone
On Friday, October 24 you will be able to see :GLITZ: The Art of Impersonation @ The Theatre at Harrah's .
You won't believe your eyes!
Bianca Del Rio is a smash hit! Starring Roy Haylock as the infamous Bianca Del Rio and performing as
Cher! Glitz includes a full cast
of female impersonators performing as Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross, Liza Mannelli, Judy Garland,
Tina Turner, Marilyn Monroe,
Paris Hilton, and Carol Channing! This show also features a brand new country segment with Reba McIntire and
Dolly Parton! Tickets on sale now at
Harrah’s Box Office, 504-533-6600, or online at ticketmaster.com
ON Saturday, Halloweeen 25 presents at 10 p.m. the Silver Party.-Halloween's in New Orleans 25th year of parties benefiting Project Lazarus. OPEN BAR, costume mandatory dance extravaganza, dance to DJ Brett Henrichsen, Midnight show featuring THE GREATEST MOMENTS IN HALLOWEEN'S IN NEW ORLEANS' HISTORY and Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu from San Francisco. The Sugar Mill ,1101 Convention Center Blvd .(504) 586-0004 phone
On Friday, October 24, my darling friend Chanteuse Anais St. John is inviting everyone to come to Le Chat Cabaret to her 35th Black Cat Birthdate Bash. This is a one night only. The special performance will feature Anais accompanied by Harry Mayronne Trio and some very special guests. Show starts at 8 pm.Doors open at 7 pm for cocktails and light hors d'oeuvres in Bar Noir.Reserved Seating - Please call 581-5812 to purchase your $15 event ticket. Suggested Attire: Black Cat Couture
The Obituary Cocktail Society is having its annual Streetcar Ride this Friday, October 24. from 6 to 9 p.m. . "The Great Street Car Ride. Obit will gather at The Ohm Lounge, 135 St. Charles Ave. in the Royal St. Charles Hotel. At 6:15 P.M. Obiters will board a street car on St. Charles Ave. and honor three great saloons located on St. Charles Ave. Bars TBA when you board the street car.
October 24-Secrets in Lace Presents Bustout Burlesque in The Mystick The Royal Sonesta Hotel Returns1950's-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.
That was Bourbon Street during the 1950's in its heyday.. Today experience the glamour and excitement of traditional Burlesque in The Mystick at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Show times:8 pm and 10 pm.Tickets are from $25. Preferred seating will also be available. Please call 504-586-0300 to purchase tickets in advance.
The Bombay Club is presenting: Lisa Lynn and her trio on Friday at 9 p.m. and Luther Kent will be on Saturday. Phil Melacon plays from Sunday through Thursday .
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The Polo Club Lounge, named by Zagat as one of New Orleans’ best places to drink, 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.
Saturdays, 25, 2008
Vocalist Anais St. John with The Harry MayronneTrio -9 p.m. – Midnight
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays- Pianist Michael Pellera
7 p.m. – 11 p..m. - Thursdays
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. - Fridays
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Saturdays
Sundays - Wednesdays
Pianist Jim Harris-6 p.m – 10 p.m.
Sunday Brunch
Christopher Kohl Trio- 11 a.m – 2 p.m.
Oktoberfest is underway at The Deutsches Haus, 200 S. Galvez Street. It’s that time of year when the glories of German culture, music, food and especially! " beer" is celebrated in Germany and among the New Orleans German community. Oktoberfest began on September 26 and ends on Friday, October 31. The festival is held every Friday from 3 p.m. to 1a.m., and every Saturday from 6 p.m. to 1a.m. Deutsches Haus was founded in 1928 as a benevolent and social organization for local Germans and it keeps those grand traditions alive today. Beifallsrufe! (Cheers!)
On Friday, October 24, The Krewe of Grela is hosting an "all-you-can-eat" Bar-B-Que Shrimp dinner and homemade cake auction on Friday, October 24, 7 p.m., at the Westbank Lions Club. The club is located at 476 Franklin Avenue, Gretna, two blocks from the Orleans Parish line, near the Crescent City Connection overpass. Donations are $15 per person, all of which goes toward the Krewe and its 2009 parade on Fat Tuesday. Grela is the only krewe that parades exclusively within the Gretna city limits and is the only Westbank krewe parading on Mardi Gras Day. The krewe has been around for about 60 years and is determined to keep the Westbank parading tradition alive.
If you plan on coming, please call 391-3607 or 347-0595 to confirm so the organizers know how much food to prepare. Payments at the door will be accepted. To get there from the East Bank go across the Crescent City Connection, exit at Stumpf Boulevard, make a right on Stumpf and another right at the first traffic light, which is Franklin Avenue. Proceed back toward the bridge and the Lions Club is about a mile up on the right.
Friday, October 24, 2008
IT TAKES A VILLAGE! PRESERVATION HALL AND VOODOO DEBUT THE PRESERVATION HALL VILLAGE AT THE TENTH ANNUAL VOODOO EXPERIENCE!
Performers to include Grammy Winner Irma Thomas, The Preservation Hall Jazz with Special Guest Big Al Carson, Leo Nocentellii’s Funkin’ Truth with Special Guest Donald Harrison, Deacon John’s New Orleans R&B Revue featuring Wardell Quezergue, Marva Wright, Soul Rebels, The Iguana’s and many more!
Macy's grand opening to benefit The NOCCA Institute
Macy's is celebrating its return to New Orleans in a very big way--by hosting a fabulous cocktail gala featuring lively entertainment, culinary delights and a high-energy fashion show, all to benefit The NOCCA Institute on the night of Friday October 24, 2008 at Macy's Lakeside Shopping Center. Mingle with Macy's famous friends including Steve Madden, Chef Tyler Florence, Clinton Kelly, TommyHilfiger, Gavin DeGraw, Irma Thomas, Nestor Torres, Chef Cat Cora, Russell Simmons, Chef Dave Lieberman and of course, the event co-hosts, Martha Stewart and Emeril Lagasse! Visit www.NOCCA.com for more info and to order tickets.
On Sunday, October 26, The Los Islenos Cultural and Heritage Society cordially invites you and a guest to attend a Fiesta Campestre. Fiesta 2009 Fundraiser - Silent Auction - Cash Bar. Begins at 1:00 p.m..at 3201 Bayou Road, St. Bernard, LA $25.00 per person.Please RSVP: 504-524-1659
Please put on your calendars two events that I will be participating:
October 29 -HARRAH’S NEW ORLEANS TO HOST 1ST ANNUAL “SAY YES! TO LITERACY” CELEBRITY WAITER LUNCHEONEvent to Support YMCA’s YES! Program
Due to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, the YMCA Educational Services Celebrity Waiter Luncheon has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October r 29 from 11am-1pm. The event will take place at Harrah’s Theater.WDSU-TV news anchor Roop Raj and local actor Chris Lane will co-emcee the event. Celebrity waiters include Inspector General Robert Cerasoli, television personality Nikki Reyes, her sister and WGNO-TV anchor Liz Reyes and King of the Krewe of Cork Patrick Van Hoorebeek and Margarita Bergen among others. The celebrity waiters will compete against each another to provide the best service and earn the most tips from guests. Tickets .are $100 each and may be purchased by calling Amy Brown at ( 504) 568-9622 or emailing her at amyb@ymcaneworleans..org.
October 31--GREATER NEW ORLEANS FIRST RESPONDENT FUND: Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade/Party The Krewe of Boo- New Orleans' Official Halloween Parade- is the newest addition to the City's festival season!
Created by New Orleans' own Blaine Kern Sr., the mastermind producing Mardi Gras for over 60 years, the Krewe of Boo will be unlike any other parade in the world. The first ever Halloween Parade of the Krewe of Boo to benefit the Greater New Orleans First Respondent will roll on October 31 starting at 5:15 p.m. in Elysian Fields and Decatur Street, passing in front of St Louis Cathedral and Cafe Du Monde, rolling along Canal, then it makes an u-turn where Bourbon and Carondolet intersect with Canal, proceeds backs toward the river and will end up at the new East Bank Blaine Kern Studios near the robin Street Wharf, where there will be a post-parade soiree called the Halloween Costume Expose. . This black and orange extravaganza is outfitted in first-class décor, exquisite Mardi Gras World props, themed lighting, thousands of costumed patrons, and phenomenal entertainment! Membership is $650 and party afterward is $100 per person. I am a lieutenant in the Wolfman float so if you will like to ride with me send me an e-mail at margaritaberen@hotmail or just visit www.kreweofboo.org and tell them that you want to be with me.
October 31, 7:30 p.m. BRAVO Witch's Brew at the home of the King and Queen of Witch's Brew -4509 St Charles Avenue. Costumes are encouraged and a prize will be given to the top 3 costumes. Cost is $35 per person to benefit Bravo, the volunteer organization of the New Orleans Ballet Association. Need to make reservation by October 29 by calling 522-0996, ext 208
November 1st: ""Day of the Dead party”,ANDREA’S CAPRI BLU LOUNGE, 3100 19th St at Ridgelake, Metairie, 834-8583
APPROX 3 BLOCKS OFF VETS BLVD-HALLOWEEN PARTY, AT 8PM-COSTUME CONTEST 10PM,PRIZES - – MUSIC
MARYFLYNN & SCOTT PERRO-WITCHES BREW COCKTAILS
As every Wednesday, you can Experience an evening of cultural indulgences at the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge featuring works by Local Artists October 15, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.,Local Artist : Mickey Strain of MStrain Creations (3-Dimensional Paintings with a New Orleans Flair)www.strainmickey.com .Live Entertainment by: Tony Seville (Multi-instrumentalist) Wine Tasting and complimentary Hors D’oeuvres
Darling friends,
