SOCIAL CALENDAR | October 2012
Margarita Bergen’s Social Calendar
Oct 5
Louisiana Legends of Rock and Roll
The Louisiana Legends of Rock and Roll Gala presented by the Louisiana Museum Foundation will transport attendees back to the late 1950s with electrifying concerts by two Broadway stars: Levi Kreis as a young, hip and happening Jerry Lee Lewis and Louisiana native Brandon Bennett impersonating Elvis Presley. The Gala will feature food by New Orleans’ finest restaurants and specialty 1950s era cocktails, along with an exclusive live auction with fantastic items, such as a Saints VIP Game Day Experience Package. Patron Party: 6:30-8:00 pm, Main Party: 8:00-11:00 pm at the Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave. For more information or to purchase a ticket, please visit www.thelmf.org, email [email protected] or call the Louisiana Museum Foundation at (504) 558-0493.
Oct 6
Here to Stay: The Gershwin Experience
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Here to Stay, a new multimedia concert celebrating the greatest team of collaborators in the history of American music. With a top-notch touring party, including Kevin Cole, the leading Gershwin interpreter, and Grammy Award-winning soprano Sylvia McNair, this concert event provides an unprecedented insider view into the legendary duo, complete with photos from the Gershwin family archives, rare video clips, and elegant, state-of-the-art visual elements. 8 pm. Mahalia Jackson Theater. For more info, visit www.lpomusic.com
Oct 11
5th Annual Lambeth on Broadway
Lambeth House Foundation’s annual Lambert on Broadway features cocktails, dinner, music, entertainment and dancing on the patio to the sounds of The Yat Pack, a cabaret performance in the parlor by Jeffrey Pounds and a lavish buffet by Chef John Joffe. Lambeth House, 150 Broadway St. $150. For tickets, call (504) 865-1960.
Oct 12-14
Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival
A showcase for Louisiana barbecue and crafts with two stages featuring blues and R&B performances from the region, including legendary blues man Keb’ Mo, veteran soul singers Clarence Carter and Latimore, blues harmonica ace Sugar Blue, guitar shredder Larry Burton and Baton Rouge’s Grammy-winning blues artist Chris Thomas King. Friday, Oct. 12, 5:30-8 pm; Saturday, Oct. 13 & Sunday, Oct. 14, 11 am-8 pm. Lafayette Square Park, 540 St. Charles Ave.
Oct 12
Placido Domingo in Concert
Placido Domingo will perform with some of the world’s leading operatic talent, including Stephanie Blythe, Ana Maria Martinez, David Lomeli and New Orleans’ own Sarah Jane McMahon. They will be joined by the 80-voice New Orleans Opera Chorus and accompanied by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra for a glorious musical evening conducted by Robert Lyall and hosted by New Orleans’ own Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Academy Award nominee, Patricia Clarkson. Mahalia Jackson Theater. Tickets available only to subscribers. Contact the New Orleans Opera Association to become a subscriber.
Oct 13
Touro Here for Life Gala
Celebrate Touro Infirmary’s 160th anniversary in style with dinner, a stage show, a silent auction and dancing. The 2012 Judah Touro Society Award will be presented to Marvin L. “Buddy” Jacobs and guests will be treated to the sounds of Preservation Hall Jazz Band, featuring Leroy Jones. Grand Ballroom, Marriott Hotel, 555 Canal St. Patron: $500; General: $200. Contact Harriett D. Cortez at (504) 897-8744 or [email protected].
Oct 15
Fall Into Fashion
The upscale Encore Shop, the proceeds of which benefit the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, will host a fashion event to introduce the new line of fall clothes. This year, the shop has will allow those who pay a little extra to have an opportunity to shop before the clothes are available for sale. $50 per ticket for preview shopping and party; $35 for party only ticket. Encore Shop, 7814 Maple St. Contact: (504) 861-9028.
Oct 17
Round Table Luncheon
The popular Round Table Luncheon hosted by yours truly at noon at the Fleur de Lis Suite of the Royal Sonesta Hotel will be a literary one this month, featuring speakers Randy Fertel, author of “The Gorilla Man and the Empress of Steak;” Peggy Sweeney-McDonald, creator and editor of “Meanwhile Back at Coffee Du Monde,” a coffee table book with 67 life stories about food. Psychic to the stars Cari Roy will bestow us with her Halloween predictions. Entertainment will be provided by the operatic star of JPAS. Executive Chef Peter Page is planning a three-course gourmet menu with wine pairing. $45 inclusive, $50 at the door. Parking will be validated. For reservations, contact Noel Scallan at (504) 553-2220 or [email protected].
Oct 19
17th Annual Pasta & Puccini’s Head Dress Ball
Jefferson Performing Arts Society’s 17th annual Pasta & Puccini event will be held at the Hyatt Regency, beginning with cocktails at 6:30 pm, followed by a sit-down dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions and a concert. This year’s theme is “Un Ballo Machera” (“The Masked Ball”). As always, the black-tie event benefits the performances and arts outreach of JPAS, including children’s programming and theatrical productions. For more info, visit www.jpas.org
Oct 20
Howling Success
The Louisiana SPCA will hold its festive 34th annual Howling Success Patron Party & Gala at the Hyatt Regency. This year’s theme is “Superheroes” to celebrate the iconic superheroes, everyday heroes and everyone’s heroes: the animals of the LA/SPCA! Join Honorary Chair Melinda Schwegmann and Restaurant Chair Chef Greg Picolo as he leads the cornucopia of 30+ landmark restaurants and businesses serving their signature dishes. Patrons will enjoy specialty hors d’oeuvres, drinks, unique auction items and mingling with guest celebrities. Patron Party: 7-8:30 pm, Gala: 8:30-midnight. For more info, call (504) 762.3307 or visit www.la-spca.org/howlingsuccess
Oct 20-21
Secret Gardens of the Vieux Carré
The Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré opens magnificent courtyards of the French Quarter for a special weekend tour. Ambassador Lindy Boggs will greet guests in her Vieux Carré courtyard. This highly anticipated event offers the allure of private and historic gardens otherwise closed to the public. Different courtyards will be open between noon and 4 pm each day for a special “self-guided” walking tour. Tickets are $20 each (children under 12 are free), and will be available for purchase prior to the tour at Creole Delicacies, 533 St. Ann St. and at French Quarter Gem & Lapidary, 527 St. Philip St. For more info, call (888) 756-6250.
Oct 20
Ghoulwill Ball
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana, Inc. will host its first annual Ghoulwill Ball, sure to become the newest “Must Boo” Halloween tradition in New Orleans. Guests will enjoy a costume contest with celebrity judges, live music by Stooges Brass Band, delicious food from popular local restaurants, a cash bar and a silent auction. Roaming entertainers including palm readers and magicians will add to the evening’s spooky good fun. 7-11 pm. Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Dr. $100. To purchase tickets, visit www.goodwillno.org/ghoulwillball or call (504) 456-3926.
Oct 21
1st Annual Fête Marigny
Faubourg Marigny’s first annual French-themed neighborhood festival “Fête Marigny,” will feature artist and food booths with French and Creole cuisine, pétanque lawn bowling, live music, a French-themed costume contest, a silent auction, a children’s activity area and much more. Washington Square Park, 700-800 Elysian Fields Ave. 10 am-5 pm. For more info, visit http://www.faubourgmarigny.org/
Oct 21
Boo Carré Halloween and Harvest Festival
This French Market festival will include daytime trick-or-treating for kids in costume, a petting zoo, pumpkin carving, live music, plenty of pumpkins and gourds for sale and delicious harvest food. This year’s pumpkin patch is four stalls long and includes a haunted house! 11 am-5 pm. For more info, call (504) 522-2621.
Oct 25
30th Anniversary Gala
Parkway Partners will celebrate their 30th birthday in style with a gala at the newly renovated Hyatt New Orleans. There will be a three-course dinner with wine, music, dancing, a silent and live auction and an awards ceremony. The ceremony will honor 30 outstanding community members who have worked to further the mission of Parkway Partners. Gala proceeds will benefit New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkway. For more info, call (504) 620-2224.
Oct 26
An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma
Maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto will conduct Yo-Yo Ma, the American cellist, virtuoso and orchestral composer in a presentation of Elgar’s “Cello Concerto.” 8 pm. Mahalia Jackson Theater. For more info, call (504)523-6350 or visit www.lpomusic.com
Oct 26-28
Friends of the Cabildo 26th Annual Ghostly Galavant Weekend
Oct 26: Friday Night Costume Party at the Cabildo. Enjoy spirits, live music by Los Po-Boy-Citos and local cuisine. Foodies: beware, your taste buds will scream! Costumes encouraged. 8-11 pm. $40; $50 at the door.
Oct 27-28: Meet historic figures of Louisiana’s past on a ghost tour of the French Quarter. Tours depart from the 1850 House Museum Store and run every half-hour from 10 am-3 pm. $15 for FOC/LMF members; $20 general admission; students: $10; children under 12 are free.
Oct 29
An Evening with Jewel
The first ever National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day will be launched right here in New Orleans. Dinner will be provided by Chefs Donald Link and Chris Wilson. World-famous singer Jewel will provide live entertainment, and many local VIPs will be in attendance. Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com
Oct 30-Nov 4
Les Misérables
Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Les Misérables, with glorious new staging and dazzlingly re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. Show times vary. For information about tickets, show times and the shows themselves, visit www.broadwayinneworleans.com or call the Broadway Across America Ticket Hotline at (800) 218-SHOW (7469).