Darling friends,

What an exciting week! With Saints winning and the glorious fall weather in town, we were indeed blessed. Let’s hope our good luck continues. I had a frenetic week that started with my monthly Round Table Luncheon at Begue’s of the Royal Sonesta Hotel. It was well attended, very informative and a lot of fun.

During the week I attended Kickoff Gala and Key To The Cure Charity Shopping Weekend at Saks Fifth Avenue New Orleans sponsored by the Louisiana Cancer, followed by Pretty In Pink- “Bras For A Cause” sponsored by The Women’s Council of Realtors and The National Association of Professional Mortgage Women GNO benefiting Breast Cancer Research. Then there was the Gambit “Red, Whites and Blues”; the 14th Annual Pasta and Puccini Gala benefiting Jefferson Performing Arts Society in which I enjoyed an evening of world class entertainment, delicious food, and exciting auctions to the music of the great Giacomo Puccini.

Click here to see the full photo gallery!

On Saturday, I judged the scarecrows at the Botanical Gardens at City Park. That was a lot of fun. By that time I got home that Saturday, I was so tired that unfortunately I missed attending Ogden Museum of Southern Arts’ “O What a Night.” I heard I missed a great one.

I think the highlight of my week was attending the electrifying concert of cellist Yo-Yo Ma with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the New Orleans Chorus under the baton of Maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto. I got a change to say hello to Ma and get my picture taken with him, and he loved my little hat. I was thrilled.

This week is not going to be any different. There is – as is usual this time of year – a lot going on. I will be extremely busy as well. I am looking forward to attending the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's networking night, the Houston Ballet, March of Dimes Parade of Chefs honoring my darling friend Marlene Donovan and of course I do not want to miss stopping by Vega Tapas Cafe this Wednesday to see a new show by New Orleans photographer Stephanie Hierholzer, benefiting Southern Animal Foundation.

“Chasing Tail” showcases adorable rescue dogs and cats and you can pick up a copy of Culinary Canines, my new chef/doggie calendar to benefit SAF. Come Wednesday, October 21, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for FREE tapas, wine, sangria, and “Chasing Tail” at Vega Tapas Cafe on Metairie Road in Old Metairie. This is one Yappy Hour you won't want to miss!

Here’s what we have going on in town this week:

Tuesday, October 20,

Joy of Oysters - an oyster tasting event
The Uptowner, 438 Henry Clay Avenue, 6-8 p.m. $15 Slow Food members; $20 non-members
Join Taylor Shellfish's Oyster Bill Whitbeck, author of The Joy Of Oysters for a comparative tasting of Pacific Northwest oysters (Olympias, Kumomotos! YUM!) He'll be joined by Sal Sunseri of New Orleans' own P & J Oysters who will be featuring Gulf oysters from various area of our region. Want to receive regular updates on Slow Food New Orleans events? Become a subscriber at slowfoodneworleans.com. Tuesday, Oct. 20-24

Garden District Book Shop is having  6 great authors signing and discussing their books

Fred Ernst, M.D. -  Oct 20 -5:30 p.m. Discussion & Booksigning

Barb Johnson -Wednesday Oct. 21, 5:30 PM -Reading & Booksigning

Eva Augustin Rumpf  -Thursday Oct. 22, 5:30 PM -Reading & Booksigning

Peggy Scott Laborde & John Magill- Saturday Oct. 24, 12:00 PM-   Discussion & Booksigning  
Jean Seidenberg  -   Saturday Oct. 24, 2:00 PM- Booksigning.  
Call or email us to order your signed 1st editions.Garden District Book Shop,phone: 504-895-2266   2727 Prytania St Wednesday, October 21

AN EVENING OF CULTURAL INDULGENCES

Experience an evening of cultural indulgences at the JW Marriott Lobby Lounge featuring works by local artists. 5:30-8 p.m. Featuring Dolores Dufour (Contemporary works in acrylic) Live Entertainment by Tony Seville (multi instrumentalist). Spirit tasting and complimentary hors d'oeuvres

Wednesday, October 21

Patio Planters presents An October Soiree
6:00 - 8:00 pm-Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carree,616 St. Peter St..Piano Music by Tom McDermott, Wine and other Beverages, Ham and Chicken Sandwiches provided by Patio Planters.$5.00 per person at the door

Wednesday, October 21

Decorative Arts & Design Series: “Going! Going! Gone to Auction!” at Longue Vue Garden
A panel takes the mystery out of shopping at auctions. Learn how to be a savvy bidder and walk away with great deals on one-of-a-kind auction items. This program is free and open to the public, thanks to a generous grant from the Helis Foundation. The afternoon program is a repeat of the morning program. Reservations are required, and seating is limited. Contact Jen Gick at 504-488-5488, ext. 320 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   for reservations. 10 a.m. – noon; 1 – 3 p.m. Longue Vue Garden is located on Bamboo Road, New Orleans, between Metairie Road and Palmetto Street.

October 21

MUSICAL LISTING AT TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH,1329 Jackson Avenue

7:00 pm: Three Musicians from Italy ! Internationally acclaimed Elena Cecconi, brings her golden flute and Italian brand of passion with celebrated harpist Paola Devoti & flutist Valentina Puddu who will play second flute . Music by Saint Saens, Ravel, Debussy, Piazzola. Oct. 25 New Orleans Banjos Plus Two including 4 banjos, bass, piano,vocals Will perform Old favorites music from the 30'sto the 60's

Thursday, October 22

HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NETWORK MEETING
If you are interested in doing business with the Hispanic market, both domestically as well as in Latin America, don’t miss this network meeting from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Grand Isle Restaurant, which opens onto the Fulton Street Mall adjacent to Harrah’s Hotel. 575 Convention Center Blvd. (corner of Lafayette Street).  Park in the self-park garage for the Harrah’s Casino.

October 22
New Orleans Fire Fighters Foundation Launch Party for the 3rd Annual New Orleans Fire Fighters Look Hot Calendar -5:00PM-7:30p.m.,  Bienville House Hotel & Decatur Street fire station,  320 Decatur Street , Free and open to the public.

October 22- November 1

DAMN YANKEES

Le Petit Theatre continues its 94th season with Damn Yankees by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. Songs you will know include "Heart" and everyone's favorite hummer, "Whatever Lola Wants." 616 St Peter Street. 504-522-2081 or www.LePetitTheatre.com. Thursday, October 22–December 3

SWING, SALSA, TANGO AND MORE
Knock off inches from your waist and hips w hile enjoying basic salsa, merengue, foxtrot, samba, cha cha, and rumba. Partner not required. Thursdays, 7:30–8:15 p.m. $40 for East Jefferson General Hospital‘s Wellness Center members, $80 (nonmembers), to register call 456-5000.

Thursday, October 22

JEREMY DAVENPORT AT THE DAVENPORT LOUNGE
Trumpeter Jeremy Davenport takes the stage every Thursday, Friday and Saturday to entertain visitors and guests at no charge at Trois Lounge in the 3rd floor of the Ritz Carlton, 921 Canal Street.

Thursday, October 22

Lakeview Presbyterian Weekday School presents its 13th Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Dine-in or take-out. 5-7 p.m. Opens at 4:30. 5915 Louis XIV Street; enter From Canal Blvd. at Brooks Street.

Friday, October 23 - Sunday, October 25

BOO CARRE HALLOWEEN AND HARVEST FESTIVAL-FARMERS MARKET AND DUTCH ALLEY
Friday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m. in the French Market area of the French Quarter, Dumaine and Decatur streets.

Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25

GRAND OPENING GALA OF ROOSEVELT HOTEL
The Neville Brothers will be rocking the Ballroom at 8 p.m. on Friday. The celebrations continue on Saturday with New Orleans's own Grammy Award-winner Irma Thomas and musician, composer and producer Allen Toussaint at the Black -tie event at the Roosevelt Ballroom and conclude on Sunday with a Champagne Jazz Brunch with Clarinetist Tim Laughlin in the Blue Room. For reservations call 504-648-1200.

October 23, 24, 25

BOO AT THE ZOO

The popular Halloween event is held in conjunction with Children’s Hospital, Boo at the Zoo features games, fun activities, candy, decorations and entertainment. Boo at the Zoo is a separate admission party that frequently sells out, so everyone is encouraged to pick up their tickets early. Visit Audubon’s web site at www.AudubonInstitute.org to purchase tickets. Audubon Zoo, 5-9:30 p.m., $16; 7– 9:30 p.m., $13.

Friday, Oct 23

The Big Read Kick-off Party – It’s Free
The Southern Food and BeverageMuseum and the New Orleans Public Library have formed a partnership to conduct The Big Read. The selected book is Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. During the fall of 2009, the two cultural institutions will host or organize numerous events that focus on this classic Southern novel. 6 to 9 p.m.,Southern Food and BeverageMuseum,1 Poydras St. (Julia Street entrance)

Friday, October 23

UNMASKED THE CURE
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be the beneficiary of the masked costume event with a costume contest, live music and a open bar at the Metropolitan, 310 Andrew Higgins Drive. Tickets: $35. For info call 455-5194.

Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24

JOINT’S JUMPIN’

“The Good Times Will Be Rolling” once again this weekend with timeless Crescent City R&B classics at Harrah’s Casino Theater. This fabulous show will knock your socks off and you’ll be “Barefootin’,” Strollin’ and Second-Lining to the freewheeling, happy-go-lucky music with high-energy arrangements, soul-shaking horns, and locally flavored vocals that made New Orleans a major player in the popular music stream of a carefree, fun time in our nation’s post-war history. Joint’s Jumpin’ showcases nearly three dozen milestone hits that dominated the Billboard Rhythm & Blues charts and helped define the music world of half a century ago. Led by Musical Director and pianist, Lawrence "Larry" Sieberth, Joint's Jumpin' features a 15-piece "A-list" ensemble of New Orleans musicians and vocalists!

Shows start at 8 p.m. and all tickets are $25. They can be purchased at the Harrah’s Theatre box office on performance nights or ordered through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000. For a “sneak preview” of the show log on to http://jointsjumpin.com. Newly released CDs of the Joint’s Jumpin’ ensemble will be on sale in the theater lobby.

Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25

Boo Carre Halloween and Harvest Festival at French Market
Fridays at the French Market preview party for the 1st annual Boo Carre Halloween and Harvest festival which is Saturday and Sunday. Friday 5-8 pm live music with 101 Runners Mardi Gras Indian funk and man-witch all-female rock band at Farmers Market stage. Then on Saturday and Sunday, 12 noon to 6 p.m., live music, harvest foods, spooky characters, haunted tours, trick or treating, pumpkin carving and more!

Oct. 23

OBITUARY COCKTAIL

Obers will gather as every Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. at a great saloon and thuis week is at Chartres House Cafe, 601 Chartres (Across form Regions Bank).

Saturday, October 24

HOUSTON BALLET
Following the huge success of Marie, Houston Ballet returns for a special command performance to open New Orleans Ballet Association's 40th Anniversary Season. The company brings an extraordinary program of work by four of the world's preeminent choreographers, including Nacho Duato's haunting “Jardi Tancat,” Stanton Welch's playful “Falling,” William Forsythe's brilliant “The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude” and Twyla Tharp's masterwork “In the Upper Room.” 8 p.m. Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts , 801 North Rampart Street in Louis Armstrong Park. For tickets call 504-522-0996 or visit www.nobadance.com. Saturday, October 24

KREWE OF BOO PARADE
Created by New Orleans' own Blaine Kern, Sr., the Krewe of Boo is one of a kind. Unlike other parades, this one has a charitable cause - to benefit the First Responder's Fund of New Orleans. Join us in having a great time for a great cause. Laissez les bons temps rouler! For additional information and parade route visit www.kreweofboo.org.

Saturday October 24

SUZAUNE & COMPANY

7:30 ~ 10:30 at Coconut Club, Royal Palm Restaurant,Fountain Park Center, 1901 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey, No cover charge, but call 644-4100 for dinner reservations.

Sunday, October 25

Louisiana Governors Jazz Brunch
Governor and Mrs. Mike Foster and Governor Kathleen Blanco and Raymond Blanco will be the honorees and co-host of the annual Jazz Brunch to benefit Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Foundation. The soiree will be held at Tiffa and Kerry Boutee. For reservation call 337-828-5777 or visit This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Sunday, October 25

RACE FOR THE CURE
The 13th Annual Komen New Orleans Race for the Cure will take place at City Park to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure at 9 a.m. Call for information Lisa at 455-7310.

NICKELL A DANCE presents  Lionel Ferbos and the Palm Court Jazz Band
Children are most welcome!!!La Maison de la Musique, under new ownership, features many renovationsand improvements, a wrap-around balcony, big dance floor, renovatedrestrooms, and a new sound system.Mark your calendars:Sun.,  Oct. 25: Lionel Ferbos and the Palm Court Jazz Band

Sunday, October 25

MARCH OF DIMES SIGNATURE CHEFS GALA

“Second Line for the March of Dimes” is the theme for the annual acclaimed gourmet extravaganza, at the New Orleans Marriott. This year’s honoree is Marlene Donovan, the 2009 Freda Lupin Butterfly Award recipient for outstanding dedication to our community. The event, that has sold out for the last five years is a spectacular gourmet fete featuring a live and silent auction. The fundraiser will be an evening of unsurpassed dining, dancing and excitement. Be up close and personal with our city’s finest chefs to sample their signature dishes, enjoy a champagne reception and great entertainment while doing something good at the same time! Contact Pam Cooper at (504) 836-2087 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Sunday, October 25

Lower Garden District’s 35th Annual Home Tour
Coliseum Square Association is proud to present its 35th Annual Home Tour. Concurrent with the tour will be an Arts Market in Coliseum Square. This year’s tour will highlight masonry architecture in one of New Orleans’ most eclectic neighborhoods. Among the diverse selection of residences presented: a home which was destroyed during hurricane Katrina and was completely rebuilt using sustainable building features in a contextual style that fits seamlessly into its historic surroundings and a newly renovated antebellum Greek Revival brick side-hall with a commanding view of Coliseum Square. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the tour is $25 in advance and $30 the day of. Children age 10 and under are free. For more information, and advance tour tickets, please visit our website: http://www.coliseumsquare.org/ October  25

A Purrfect Evening: The Songs of Eartha Kitt Sultry Songstress Anaïs St. John returns to Le Chat Noir in her tribute to the late great Queen of Sultry Songstresses, Eartha Kitt. Pianist Harry Mayronne, with whom Anaïs has performed in New Orleans and NYC, serves as Musical Director. Musicians include Michael Skinkus on percussion and Mark Brooks on upright bass. 8p.m. Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave. Admission: $25, which includes a $5 drink credit. Parking next door is $2. Reservations: 504-581-5812 or www.Cabaretlechatnoir.com BOMBAY CLUB MUSICAL LISTINGS, 830 Conti St- NO COVER CHARGE

Thursday October 22nd Pianist David Armstrong @ 6 – 8pm Classical, Jazz
Friday October 23rd Tim Laughlin & Trio @9:30 – 12:30am
Saturday October 24th Cindy Chen & friends @ 9:30 – 12:30am, New Orleans blues and R & B
Sunday October 25th Pianist David Armstrong @ 6 – 8pm Classical, Jazz

DOS JEFES UPTOWN CIGAR BAR, MUSIC LISTING,5535 TCHOUPITOULAS ST. NOT COVER CHARGE (504) 891 8500-dosjefescigarbar.com

JOHN FOHL @ 9 30~TUESDAY, 10/20 - TOMHOOK @9 30~WEDNESDAY, 10/21 - BOB ANDREWS @ 9 30thur.,10/22 - rick trolsen & the po' boysfri.,10/23 - the eric traub triosat.,10/24 - sunpie & the la. sunspotsmon., 10/26 - john fohl

IRVIN MAYFIELD PLAYHOUSE- ROYAL SONESTA HOTEL-NO COVER CHARGE

Tuesday, October 20                   Jason Marsalis
Wednesday, October 21              Irvin Mayfield’s NOJO Jam Session
Thursday, October 22                  Johnaye Kendrick
Friday, October 23                      Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown
Saturday, October 24                  Shamarr Allen
Sunday, October 25                     David Torkanowsky presents Mason’s VIP Lounge  Revisited featuring Germaine Bazzle and special guests               
Monday, October 26                   Bob French and the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band


And here are some great things to look forward to next week . . . October 27-November 1

CATS

As a special attraction to the return of the Broadway plays to New Orleans after a four-year absence, Cats will be presented at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts. There’s no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theatre than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical. For information visit: www.broadwayacrossamerica.com or call 1-800- 218-SHOW .

Tuesday, October 27 YE OLDE COLLEGE INN KW CARES FUNDRAISER
There will be a fundraiser for KW Cares at the College Inn, located at 3000 S. Carrollton Avenue, from 4-11 p.m. College Inn will donate 20% of the net sales during this time to KW Cares. So stop by the College Inn and have some good food & drink and contribute to KW Cares all at the same time!

October 27 – November 7

DAY OF THE DEAD FESTIVITIES
Come out to the Old U.S. Mint for a week-long celebration of Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions with authentic arts, music, food, and family fun presented by the Mexican Consulate of New Orleans, The Stone Center for Latin American Studies at Tulane University, and the Louisiana State Museum. All events are free and open to the public, including a Traditional Day of the Dead altar by artist Cynthia Ramirez and photography exhibit of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mexico. A Mariachi band, folkloric dancing, and a taqueria truck, family-friendly fun will be in the outdoor courtyard, Barracks Street side, on Sunday, November 1, 2-4 p.m.  The Old Mint is located at 400 Esplanade, opposite the French Market. Hours are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closed Mondays. Wednesday, October 28

A  BETWITCHING AFFAIR

The New Orleans Garden Society invites you to the Annual Halloween Hat Contest, Fashion Show and Luncheon at Audubon Tea Room. The Bewitching Affair will feature the ultimate in style, fall and winter collection of Ballin’s Ltd.  10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets $45 per person

Wednesday, October 28

Gowns and Tassels
Burlesque Sensation Perle Noire the Black Pearl and yours truly Present "Gowns and Tassels" a Burlesque Benefit. This one of a kind benefit brings Burlesque and Fashion together.

The benefit will include performances from Burlesque Queens, poets and special surprise guests. You will be in heaven as you soak up the latest fashions during a spectacular runway show from upcoming designers including Ottilie Brodmann. All proceeds will go to Perle Noire's "Vegas or Bust!!" Campaign in a pursuit to compete and win at the 2010 Burlesque Hall of Fame Pageant to be crowned Reigning Queen of Burlesque. For more information please contact Perle Noire at 218-5778 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  7 p.m. at Allways Lounge (Marigny Theatre), 2240 St. Claude Avenue. Tickets 20.00


Thursday, October 29

“DEATH BY OPERA” – 21st ANNUAL WINE & SPIRITS AUCTION
The Junior Committee of the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association presents its annual wine and spirits auction for the benefit of the Opera Association at The Inn on Bourbon, 541 Bourbon Street at Toulouse – site of the Old French Opera House from 1859-1919. The theme is “Death by Opera” and patrons are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite opera character. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Gina Klein in the Opera Office at 504-529-2278 ext. 227 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Have a great week!

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