What a weekend! I truly enjoyed attending on Friday, the opening of the fabulous exhibit “From Tramps to Kings:100 Years of Zulu." at the Presbytere in Jackson Square. The Louisiana State Museum presents this yearlong exhibit exploring the origins, unique Carnival traditions, and cultural and civic contributions of Zulu from 1909 to the present. On Saturday the Zulu Club and its members had a colorful second-line parade through the French Quarter.
That evening I attended the reopening -opening of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre of Performing Arts led by Maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto, with performances featuring world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman, the LPO and guests from the San Francisco Ballet presented by the New Orleans Ballet Association. The elegant concert was completely sold out and the audience was treated to champagne during intermission. I cannot wait to come back for the Theatre this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra's presentation of “Beethoven and the Blues” with a special performance by talented pianist/ composer Allen Toussaint. The New Orleans Opera is presenting, for its opening on Saturday, January 17, "A Glorious Gala Concert featuring Placido Domingo.” It is sold out but hopefully I will be able to get a ticket because I do not want to miss it.
I also attended the delicious Meals on Wheels Gala “An Evening on the Red Carpet” at the W Hotel. The annual black-tie gala supporting New Orleans Council on Aging featured food by legendary New Orleans Chefs, entertainment by Deacon John and the Ivories and wonderful auction items.
I want to remind everyone that this week is the last one to see the fabulous Prospect 1 installations all over town. Make sure you do miss it.http://www.prospectneworleans.org/
Before, I share with you all the wonderful fun events scheduled for this week; I want to express my sympathy to the family of restaurateur/hotelier extraordinary, Archie Casbarian, owner of the world famous Arnaud’s. Restaurant. I knew him and his family for over 30 years. He will be sorelymissed! See the story on him at http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/about.html>
Asa former Queen of Krewe of Cork, I would like to invite you to ride with us in the annual Krewe of Cork Parade on Friday, February 13
The Mardi Gras parade day celebration is filled with the three things the Krewe loves most- Wine, Food, and Fun! The day begins with the check in party and continues as we parade through the French Quarter donning wine and grape related costumes. The event culminates with a King and Queen’s party that evening. In between there will be of course wine, and lunch, and wine, and a brass band, and more wine.
There are two membership options for the Krewe of Cork - Sparkling and Still. For the adventurous, interested in parading during Mardi Gras, a Sparkling ($275) membership includes all of the festivities on parade day, including the lunch, wine, and parade, an official Krewe Pin, a baseball cap, one dozen custom made beads, a gift from the King, and the King and Queen’s Party. For others who choose to remain Still, ($25) the non-parading membership includes an official Krewe Pin. All members will receive periodic newsletters from the Krewe of Cork. Still members may attend the wine dinners and other functions throughout the year. For more information visit www.kreweofcork.com or see the excellent storyexcellent story on the krewe written by Dean Shapiro for the 2009 edition of Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide.
January 13 LPO Presents "Beethoven and the Blues" featuring Allen Toussaint
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will perform four of Allen Toussaint's classic compositions, along with Beethoven's 5th, at the newly reopened Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts. 6:30 P.m. ”Beethoven and the Blues” will feature conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto and guest artist Allen Toussaint. Tickets are $10 and $20. To purchase tickets, visit lpomusic.com
January 13-19 MUSIC AT DOS JEFES UPTOWN CIGAR BAR 5535 TCHOUPITOULAS ST. (504) 891-8500; Dosjefescigarbar.com
TUE., 1/13 - TOM HOOK @ 9 30 p.m.
WED., 1/14 - BOB ANDREWS @ 9 30
THU., 1/15 - RICK TROLSEN & THE N.O. PO'BOYS @ 9 30
FRI., 1/16 - THE BLUTOS W/BOB ANDREWS @ 10
SAT., 1/17 - THE WASHBOARD RODEO @ 10
SUN., 1/18 - THE MP' JELLY BLUES BAND @ 9
MON., 1/19 - JOHN FOHL @ 9 30pm
This week I am looking forward to my monthly Round Table Luncheon which is featuring an outstanding panel of very interesting featured guests. (See below)
January 14
ROUND TABLE LUNCHEON
Round Table Luncheon will be held Wednesday, January 14 at noon at Begue’s of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. The featured guests are writers Kit Wohl that will speak about her new book: “New Orleans Classic Gumbos and Soup”; Errol Laborde who will speak about his new book: “KREWE The Early New Orleans Carnival Comus to Zulu” and as lagniappe Mr. Mardi Gras: Blaine Kern Sr. 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
Wednesday Nights at the JW MarriottExperience an evening of cultural indulgences at the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge featuring works by Local Artists Wednesday, January 14, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Local Featured Artist: Bedonna Wakeman (Acrylics on canvas - fine art done in the Pop Art Style)www.bedonnasneworleansart.com Live Entertainment by Tony Seville (multi-instrumentalist) Wine Tasting and complimentary Hors D'oeuvres.
January 14
TASTING AT THE FAIR GROUNDS
The Bold and The Beautiful … Remarkable Reds from Refined to Robust
Enjoy a casual, reception-style tasting of more than 25 fine red wines and from around the world and a selection of savory cheeses! 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and available at Dorignac's
January 14-17
TIPITINA'S 31st ANNIVERSARY Featuring Ivan Neville and Friends, Midnight Disturbers, Porter/Batiste/Stolz, Good Enough for Good Times, Johnny
Sketch and the Dirty Notes, 504 Brass Band, and Groovesect. Tickets on sale now! Or get the week pass for $100 which includes: 1 VIP ticket to Friday 1/16 show; 1 general admission ticket to Wednesday 1/14,
Thursday 1/15 and Saturday 1/17 show; a commemorative Tipitina's 31st Anniversary poster; 6 complimentary drink tickets. Buy Anniversary Pass online or call the box office for more info. http://tipitinas.com
January 14 through February 8
DYING CITY
DYING CITY, by Christopher Shinn, directed by Julie Hamberg, the enthralling new play Lincoln Center produced to wide acclaim, makes its regional premiere at Southern Rep in January 2009. Southern Repertory Theater, 365 Canal St. Canal Place Center, 3rd floor .504-891-8332 phone
January 15-Feb 13,
“FRANKLIN ADAMS: A RETROSPECTIVE”
The Carroll Gallery of the Newcomb Art Department will present “Franklin Adams: A Retrospective” opening January 15. The exhibition was curated by artist and Loyola professor, Carol Leake, a longtime friend of Adams. The New Orleans art community has long recognized Franklin Adams as a painter, draughtsman and sculptor of excellence. This exhibition will give the public a rare opportunity to see the depth and breadth of the late artist’s work, with an accompanying slide show of much more.
Opening Reception: Thursday, January 15, 2009, 6:30-8:30 PM. Free and open to the public at Carroll Gallery, Newcomb Art Department, Woldenberg Art Center at Tulane University, Gallery hours: Mon - Fri, 9 am - 4 pm
January 15, Ogden After Hours Ernie Vincent, presented in collaboration with Ponderosa Stomp Foundation. 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Lobby Atrium of The Ogden Museum of Southern Art's Stephen Goldring Hall , 925 Camp Street .
January 15 "All Shook Up"at Le Petit Theatre
8 pm. is the last fundraiser of Krewe of Satyricon before their ball on Sunday, February 15. Tickets are $30 ans should be reserved by calling Mickey Gil at 525- 4498.
January 15 An Evening with Small Batch Boutique Bourbons
5:30-7:30, Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Upstairs at Bourbon House, 144 Bourbon Street
New Orleans native, Hunter Chavanne of KBD, Ltd. will lead an informal guided tasting of his award-winning Small Batch Boutique Bourbons. The relaxed get together includes hors d'oeuvres and cocktails for $20 inclusive per person. Signed bottles will be available for sale with proceeds benefiting the Southern Food & Beverage Museum. Reservations can be made by email: nobs@bourbonhouse.com or by calling 504-274-1829.
January 15 -18 Music at the Bombay Club
15-Phillip Melancon on the piano 7pm-10pm R&B, Jazz & Original Local Melodies
16-Lisa Lynn Trio 9:30pm-12:30am R&B, Jazz
17-Johnny Angel & Swinging Demons 9:30pm-12:30am Swing, R&B
18-Phillip Melancon on the piano 7pm-10pm R&B, Jazz & Original Local Melodies
January 16 SWEETARTS 2009: AN INTERNATIONAL TRYST
9pm-midnight. The CAC and Regions Bank present SweetArts 2009, an annual benefit for the CAC, which also salutes this year’s SweetArts Honorees. This year’s theme is “An International Tryst,” and features 4 floors of international art (courtesy of Prospect.1), complimentary cuisine and cocktails, and entertainment ranging from African stilt dancers and strolling Geisha Girls to the Versai Lion Dance Team and the Haptic Heat Hip Hop Dance Team. SweetArts 2009 is also the official “P.1 at the CAC” closing celebration, and will be one of the last chances to view Prospect.1 before it closes on Sunday, January 18.
Cuisine by ASADA, Ben and Jerry’s, El Gato Negro, Food Art, Karma Kitchen, The Melting Pot, Nirvana, Patton’s, Rock-N-Sake, Sun Ray Grill, Superior Grill, St. James Cheese Company, VooDoo BBQ and more. Open bars featuring sake, rum, Asian beers, tequila, international wines and specialty cocktails..
This year’s SweetArts Honorees are Pam Breaux, Jacquee Carvin, Rick Gruber, Patrick Lee, Aimee Smallwood, John Snyder and Steve Perry.
Party admission, honorees' reception & VIP levels range from $100-$500, with corporate sponsorships and discounts for CAC members available.For more info or to purchase tickets, call 504-528-3800 or visit http://www.cacno.org/. January 16 American Routes at Ten! Public Radio Program from New Orleans Celebrates a Decade on the Air with an Anniversary Concert and Broadcast
To celebrate a decades worth of great programs, American Routes is hosting a 10th Anniversary Extravaganza in front of a home audience at the New Orleans House of Blues, 225 Decatur St, on Friday, January 16 at 8 p.m. The show, to be recorded for network broadcast during the week before Mardi Gras, will feature the spirited R & B of Deacon’s John’s big band, neo-traditional Cajun music from Feufollet, and Dr. Michael White’s Original Liberty Jazz Band. Additional guests include vocalist Topsy Chapman, Trombone Shorty and Al “Carnival Time” Johnson. A national travel contest will bring winning out-of-town listeners in from public radio markets across the country. Tickets are available at the door, or from the House of Blues website, http://www.hob.com/
January 16 Yolanda Adams with Irvin Mayfield 7:30 p.m.The Mahalia Jackson Theater801 N. Rampart, TremeTickets: $10 - $35Available at all TicketMaster outlets or by calling 1-800-982-2787 Grammy winning Gospel great Yolanda Adams teams up with a New Orleans All Star Gospel Choir and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra fronted by Irvin Mayfield in a tribute to the theater's namesake, Mahalia Jackson. 7:30 p.m.
January 16
Obituary Cocktail Societywill be meeting as usual from 6 to 7 p.m. at Tony Moran's on the third floor (over the Old Absinthe House Bar). Chocolates and Drinks Specials and appetizers provided access to balconies overlooking Bourbon and Bienville.
January 16
The Pussyfooters' Blush Ball Featuring Big Sam's Funky Nation @ Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
Start your Mardi Gras season off with The Pussyfooters! Big Sam's Funky Nation will be performing as well as DJ Butterfoot and Mardi Gras Indians. Of course, there will be lots of food and libations (cash bar). And on top of all the fun the event is a fundraiser for Metro: The Metropolitan Center for Women and Children. Support your local marching group (who just happens to like pink!) and we'll show you a good time!$20-$25. 233 Newton St. Algiers, (504) 361-7821
January 16
Tipitina's 31st Anniversary Bash: Tipitina's All-Stars Featuring Ivan Neville and Friends + Billy Iuso and Restless Natives. GENERAL ADMISSION: $15 / VIP: $60 (VIP admission includes upstairs VIP Balcony Access and open bar from 9pm to midnight)10 p.m.
January 17
A Glorious Gala Concert with Plácido Domingo presented by New Orleans Opera Association
The world’s greatest tenor returns to New Orleans to celebrate the re-opening of the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts with a gala concert and dedication of The Plácido Domingo Stage within the theatre. Mr. Domingo will be joined by some of the world’s leading operatic talent, the New Orleans Opera Chorus, and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra for a glorious musical feast hosted by Robert Lyall and New Orleans’ own Academy Award nominee, actress Patricia Clarkson. Concert: 6:30 - 8:30pm, Champagne Intermission: 7:20 - 7:45pm, Dinner at Antoine’s: 9:00pm. Mahalia Jackson Theatre (Municipal Auditorium)
January 18
AN EVENING TO REMEMBER: Benefit Gala for Lady BJ Crosby
6pm at Harrah's Theatre. Performances by Grammy Award Winner Irma Thomas, Germaine Bazzle,Leah Chase, John Boutte, Phillip Manuel, Barbara Shorts, Topsy Chapman, Caesar Elloie,Thais Clark, Yolanda Windsay,Jolynda Phillips, Danon Smith and Marva Wright. Tickets start at $40 and are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or visit www.harrahsneworleans.com. You must be at least 21 to attend shows at Harrah's Theatre. Doors open at 5:00pm for silent auction. All proceeds will go toward Lady BJ's recovery. Contributions can be made to the "Friends of BJ Crosby"
Through January 18
PROSPECT1 NEW ORLEANS
Prospect.1 New Orleans [P.1], the largest biennial of international contemporary art ever organized in the United States, opened to the public on November 1, 2008 in museums, historic buildings, and found sites throughout New Orleans. http://www.prospectneworleans.org/
Through February 20 A Closer Look: The Antebellum Photographs of Jay Dearborn Edwards, 1858–1861
Williams Gallery, 533 Royal Street. The Historic New Orleans Collection presents an exhibition of the earliest-known paper photographs of New Orleans. “A Closer Look” features three dozen images of a thriving southern city on the brink of the Civil War.
Through February 20 Cajun Document, 1974: Photographs by Charles H. Traub and Douglas Baz Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres Street. For six months in 1974, New Yorkers Charles H. Traub and Douglas Baz lived in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, and photographed the community and the surrounding countryside.. Their collective work encompassed hundreds of images that depict the land, people, and life patterns of Louisiana’s Cajuns. This exhibition is a selection of 30 images from that series.
Through March 1
NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART NOMA 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.
Through December 1
“FROM TRAMPS TO KINGS: ZULU100 YEARS” at The Presbytere, 751 Chartres Street, Jackson Square, 504-586-6968. Visit http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/zulu/
The Louisiana State Museum and the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club present From Tramps to Kings : Zulu 100 Years, a yearlong exhibit exploring the origins, unique Carnival traditions, and cultural and civic contributions of Zulu from 1909 to the present.
From Tramps to Kings features more than 100 seldom-seen treasures loaned by Zulu members, as well as artifacts from the Museum, the Historic New Orleans Collection, Tulane University, and other sources.
Weekly
“PLAYIN’ AT THE POLO” at the Windsor Court
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
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: Pianist Michael Pellera, 7-11 p.m. Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. Fridays, 6-9 p.m. Sunday –Wednesday: Pianist Zaza 7–11 p.m.
Sunday Brunch: Christopher Kohl Trio, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
EVENTS AT THE RITZ CARLTON
Performing musicians are, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: Early evening, George French; Later evening, Jeremy Davenport; Sunday Brunch: Armand St Martin..
Please save these dates:
January 21
GET CONNECTED
New Orleans Living Magazine invite you to Get Connected, a networking and social for professionals from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at HelixRestaurant & Wine Bar, 936 St, Charles Avenue(on Lee Circle in the Hotel Le Cirque) Enjoy complimentary tasting of Jean-Luc Colombo Wines, courtesy of Palm Bay Import and tasty hors d’ oeuvres created by Chef Lillie Johnson of Helix. Must RSVP to Lisa@ livingneworleans..com by January 19. Must send your name, title, business and email address.
January 24
NO/AIDS 25th Anniversary Gala As you may know, this past year, NO/AIDS Task Force has been acknowledging the 25th Anniversary with an awareness campaign demonstrating the countless lives that NO/AIDS has touched over the years.
On Saturday, January 24, 2009, will culminate the 25th anniversary with a gala dinner at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans.Please consider joining us in celebrating our past successes at this milestone event featuring dinner, dancing, awards and a keynote address by Jeanne White-Ginder, mother of Ryan White. Ryan White was a teenager who tragically and famously lost his battle with AIDS in 1990.
Your participation in the 25th anniversary gala dinner demonstrates your continued commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Tickets are available for purchase at $150 per person. Additionally tables of 10 are available for $1500. Companies and individuals that purchase a table by January 15th will be acknowledged in the 25th Anniversary Dinner program. Tickets include complimentary cocktails from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards ceremony, and dancing till 11:00 p..m. For more information or to purchase tickets to the event, please contact Heidi E. Chapman at 504-821-2601 ext. 203 or by email at heidin@noaidstf.org.
Darling friends,
