Fun events September 20-25,2006

Darling readers,

It feel great to be back in New Orleans. Even for me - a seasoned social athlete, it is difficult to keep up with the social/cultural scene post-Katrina in New Orleans. On Sunday, my heart wanted to go to the KOMENKA "Ethnic Fallapalooza",at Loyola University in addition to Noche Latina at Tommy's Wine Bar which was fabulous and to Monday's "Music for Tomorrow" at Tulane's but my body would not go. I was jet-lagging real bad. I am sure that both of these events were superb. My apologies to the organizers!

I want to congratulate Maestro Carlos Miguel Prieto and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra for its fabulous season premiere. While in Liverpool, I attended the opening of the season of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of young Russian-born Vasily Petrenko. I truly enjoyed but he did not get standing ovation as Maestro Prieto and the orchestra here did. I am understand that fortunately for me, J. Pablo Moncayo's "Huapango" will be reprised next January in a program dedicated to Latin American music. I can't wait.

I also want to congratulate my darling friend Kevin Kelly, owner of Houmas House, Garden and Plantation for being selected as one of 2006 People to Watch by New Orleans Magazine. Aplausos Kevin!

On a sad note, I am mourning the loss of a truly great person: Eduardo Marvez-Valls, a medical doctor, educator and a founding member of the Krewe of Barkus. My sympathy to his companion Robert Ripley and to his family. We will miss you Eduardo!

This week is going to be brilliant. (That is what my English friends will say) I started my week going to the top of the Royal Orleans for "Sipping at Sunset " with Fredy Omar con su Banda. He plays every Tuesday at the Riviera Bar from 5 to 7:30. Check it out- the view is spectacular.

On Wednesday, I will be hosting my Round Table Luncheon (in the style of Dorothy Parker) at Begue's at the Royal Sonesta Hotel at noon. Octavia Books is hosting a book reading and signing of NY Times bestselling author Kathleen McCowan's book The Expected One at 6 p.m.

On Thursday, are you ready for this? It is going to be a super Thursday: The Historic New Orleans Collection is hosting a reception and book signing of Printmaking in New Orleans from 5 to 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public. By the way, the wonderful exhibit CITY OF HOPE-New Orleans After Hurricane Katrina has been extended by popular demand until January 6,2007.

The French American Chamber of Commerce" Member Appreciation Evening is taking place at the Flaming Torch at 737 Octavia Street from 6 to 7:30 p.m. That is how the FACC-Louisiana chapter says "Merci" for the support given by its members. You will be treated to a fabulous array of French wines paired with a fine selection of cheeses and pates. Free for members and $20 for non-members.

Also on Thursday, the ribbon cutting ceremony for Harrah's New Orleans Hotel and the Fulton Street Celebration will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at 228 Poydras. I think is by invitation only. In addition the Beethoven Concert will be taking place at the First Baptist Church, 5290 Canal St. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents an all-Beethoven concert conducted by Carlos Miguel Prieto with pianist Dubravka Tomsic. WOW! (Call 523-6530 for tickets.)

On Friday, The Young Audience Artist Showcase at the New Orleans Museum will present a sampling of its performing artists roster through a program of music, theater, dance storytelling and art. It is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

On Saturday, New Orleans Saints teammates and fellow Pro-Bowlers Deuce McAllister and Drew Brees will host Cocktails for Katrina - a spirited NFL fundraiser - Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at Generations Hall (310 Andrew Higgins Drive) in New Orleans.



On Sunday, I will once again be hosting Latin Night at Tommy's Wine Bar at Tchoupitoulas and Julia. By popular demand Julio and Cesar Band will playing from 6 to 10 p.m.

A Birthday Salute to William Faulkner will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cabildo.My New Orleans is Storytellers and Their Tales, will be a birthday salute to William Faulkner, and those following in his footsteps. Featured authors will include Howard Bahr, whose best-selling Civil War novel. The Black Flower, won numerous prizes and who has a new novel set in the period, The Judas Field. He will be joined by Tom Franklin, winner of an Edgar for his first collection of short fiction, Poachers, and selected for the Philip Roth Prize and Chair and the John and Rene Grisham chair at the University of Mississippi. His new novel, Smonk, is much in the Faulkner tradition. Franklin will be joined by NPR talk show host, screenwriter, actor Harry Shearer, whose debut novel, Not Enough Indians is out this month. Bret Lott, prize winning novelist and editor of The Southern Review and a contributor to the book which inspired the series, My New Orleans: Ballads to the Big Easy by Her Sons, Daughters, and Lovers, will speak, as as will well known non-fiction author Jason Berry, whose debut novel, The Last of the Red Hot Papa,is reminiscent of every Louisiana governor you have ever loved or loved to hate!
The event will begin at 6 p. m. at The Cabildo and will feature food,wine,and music. It is free and open to the public by prior RSVP, as the venue is limited in capacity. You can RSVP to Faulkhouse@aol.com. To reserve copies of books by participating authors, call 524-2940 with credit card.

Have a wonderful week and check SAVE A DATE at the end of my column.!









WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

ARTIST'S RESPONSES TO HURRICANE KATRINA.The Historic New Orleans Collection,533 Royal Street.In conjunction with the exhibition City of Hope: New Orleans After Hurricane Katrina, The Collection will host presentations Wednesdays throughout the fall by area artists who have created works in response to Hurricane Katrina. Featured artist: Phil Sandusky, painter Hurricane Destruction Series6:30 p.m.

COOLinary NEW ORLEANS

July 1 through September: COOLinary NEW ORLEANS.Celebrating Dining in America´s Most Delicious City!
The celebration, which features special menus and pricing at restaurants throughout the city, is a natural fit for a city whose cuisine is an integral part of its history, fabric and culture.
Restaurants are offering specially priced COOLinary three-course menus during July, August and September. Enjoy lunch for $20.06 or LESS and dinner priced at $30.06 or LESS. For information about participating restaurants visit: www.nomcvb.com



CITY OF HOPE-New Orleans After Hurricane Katrina. The Historic New Orleans Collection, Williams Gallery, 533 Royal Street. Historic photographs, prints, maps, and books trace New Orleans’s perseverance through 300 years of periodic flooding and natural disasters, while contemporary photographs, oral histories, video footage, and ephemera explore Hurricane Katrina’s impact and the city’s will to survive and rebuild against all odds. Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Exhibition has been extended until January 6, 2007

AFTER THE STORMS. The Cabildo,701 Chartres St., Jackson Square.
National Geographic Magazine and the Louisiana State Museum have put together an exhibition of photographs by David Burnett & the 2006 New Orleans Photo Camp students.





Free jazz concerts: National Jazz Historical Park Visitors Center,916 N. Peters St.,(504) 589-4841.
Gospel Piano Styles with Al Bemiss 12:00 1:00 Pianist and musical,director Al Bemiss is
joined by park rangers Matt Hampsey and Bruce Barnes for our lunch,time piano hour
exploring Gospel music styles and their relationships with New Orleansjazz. 3:00 - 4:00
p.m. U. S. Army Band Jazz Combo Don't miss this exciting chance to hear the touring U.S.
Army Band Jazz Combo which is attached to the official band of Arlington Cemetery.

THE EXPECTED ONE BY KATHLEEN McCOWAN-AUTHOR SIGNING AND READING. Octavia Books, 513 Octavia Street, 899-READ(7323). NY Times best selling author Kathleen McCowan will be reading and autographing her book The Expected One at 6 p.m.

Two thousand years ago, Mary Magdalene hid a set of scrolls in the rocky foothills of the French Pyrenees, a gospel that contained her own version of the events and characters of the New Testament. Protected by supernatural forces, these sacred scrolls could be uncovered only by a special seeker, one who fulfills the ancient prophecy of l'attendue -- The Expected One.


WOMEN AND WINE. The W Hotel new Orleans,333 Poydras Street;womenwinewednesday.comThere is no admission fee and everyone is free to choose to drink wine or not.Women & Wine on Wednesdays fulfills a need in New Orleans for an ongoing, social networking event for women; connecting people and resources, fostering an environment for idea exchange and discussion. Come enjoy a glass of wine, relax with old friends or meet new people. 5:30 to 7 p.m.



The French Quarter Town Hall Meeting. Palm Cafe,606 Frenchman St. (the same block as Snug Harbor) in the Fauborg Marigny.8p.m. It is free to the public.


Swing Night at Rock N Bowl ,133 So. Carrollton Ave ,482-3133 .8:30 p.m. $5


Fredy Omar con su Banda.Cafe Brasil (2100 Chartres St., corner of Frenchmen)
10pm, free Latin dance lessons 9pm .$5 cover charge.


CONCERT AND JAM SESSIONS BY MUSICIANS FOR MUSICIANS.St. Anna's Episcopal Church
1313 Esplanade Avenue ,(Between N. Rampart & N. Claiborne).Support a Living Heritage,
Free live music featuring JERRY JUMONVILLE and the JUMP CITY BAND.Jerry Jumonville and the Jump City Band play jazz standards, R&B,whispering ballads, and wailing getting down sounds
featuring Jerry Jumonville: Tenor Sax,Jim Harris: Piano,Spike Perkins:Â Bass,Freddie Steahle: Drums.7pm-9pm .The general public is invited with no cover charge .

Pfister Sister Pfestivities .Every Wednesday .Spotted Cat, 623 Frenchmen St. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.


Walter Wolfman Washington- d.b.a New Orleans ,618 Frenchmen St, New Orleans.10 p.m.





Rick Trolsen & Gringo do Choro.Chickie Wah Wah ,2828 Canal Street • (504) 304-4714,10 p.m.Admission



THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21






OGDEN AFTER HOURS PRESENTS: Packway Handle Band (bluegrass)
Lobby Atrium of The Ogden Museum of Southern Art's Stephen Goldring Hall.925 Camp St.,539-9600;www.ogdenmuseum.org -6 to 8 p.m. Originating in Athens, Georgia in 2001, the Packway Handle Band is a solid and innovative bluegrass quintet. The band?s appeal lies rooted in tight three- and four-part vocal harmonies, extensive and progressive original material, off-the-wall covers, and energetic performance dynamics around two tightly-spaced condenser mics. Fans of the band include bluegrass traditionalists and those who say they usually don't like bluegrass.



BOOK RELEASE RECEPTION AND BOOK SIGNING: Printmaking in New Orleans . The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street. Printmaking in New Orleans offers the first in-depth examination of the printmaker’s art in Louisiana, from colonial times to the present day. Co‑published by The Historic New Orleans Collection and the University Press of Mississippi, Printmaking in New Orleans is edited with an introduction by Jessie J. Poesch, professor emerita of art history at Newcomb College of Tulane University. The book’s fourteen chapters were prepared by an impressive group of experts familiar with engravings, lithographs, photographs, maps, commercial illustrations, and sheet music of New Orleans. 5 to 7 p.m. Free and Open to the public.



French American Chamber of Commerce's Appreciation Evening.The Flaming Torch at 737 Octavia Street from 6 to 7:30 p.m.FACC-Louisiana chapter says Merci for the support given by its members. You will be treated to a fabulous array of French wines paired with a fine selection of cheeses and pates.Free for members and $20 for non-members. For reservation call Nathalie at 561-0070.



17 Poets! Reading Series. Gold Mine Saloon.701 Dauphine., 568-0745.(Doors Open @ 7:00pm)featuring novelist & short story writer MOIRA CRONE followed by OPEN MIC.* SPECIAL dessert this week "Bananas Foster"will be served up before the show!NOTE: B.Y.O.M. ( Bring Your Own Meat ) -- As part of a "new" tradition Dave B will have the B-B-Q Grill going from 7:00 - 8:00pm, so bring your own steaks,sausages, fish, or whatever favorite edibles you like,and he'll cook 'em to order!







Great Chefs Summer Series® presents:Frank Brigsen of Brigsen's
866/500-NOCE (toll free)
2275 Bayou Road. Special rate of $150 per person.




Zydeco Night with Geno Delafose,Mid City “Rock n’ Bowl” ,4133 S. Carrollton Ave $8, 8 :30 p.m.

Martin Krusche's Magnetic Ear..Snug Harbor ,626 Frenchmen St, 8pm & 10pm.Admission: 504-669-4744



The Soul Rebels .Le Bon Temps Roule,4801 Magazine St.897-9448,10 p.m.



Donna’s Bar & Grill presents:Donna’s Traditional Jazz Band,10 pm,Cover: $10 ,800 N. Rampart New Orleans.



Vavavoom (New Orleans gypsy jazz bistro) ,Spotted Cat,623 Frenchmen St, 10 p.m.to 2 a.m.Admission: Free

Kirk Joseph and the Backyard Groove.Chickie Wah Wah,2828 Canal Street •10 p.m.Admission: Average $5







FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22





Sip Wines Free Wine Tasting. 3119 Magazine St,6 -8pm





OBITUARY COCKTAIL: The Court of Two Sisters, 613 Royal St.
Weekly gathering of locals at legendary saloons of New Orleans. Always from 6 to 7 p.m. Please check www.orbituarycocktail.org for place of gathering.

FLANAGAN WAKE.Teatro Wego! Dinner Theatre, 177 Sala Ave. in Westwego Celebrate the New Orleans Premiere of one of the longest-running hit comedies in Chicago theatre history and grieve as only the Irish can September 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th and October 6th and 7th at 7:30 p.m. Mourners of the matinee kind can attend Sept. 24th and October 1st and 8th at 2p.m. in Teatro Wego! Dinner Theatre located at 177 Sala Ave. in Westwego. It costs just $26 for adults, $23 for seniors, $19 for students and $12 for children to pay their respects. A gourmet buffet dinner is offered two hours before show time for only $19 (adult) or $12 (children)Featuring the talents of Jeffery Martorell as Mayor, Bob Scully as Flanagan, Michael P. Sullivan as Father, Krista Schafer as Fiona, Kerry Cahill as Kathleen, Barry Hubbard as Brian, Jerry Lee Leighton as Mickey, and Dane Rhodes and Morla Gorrondona, this fabulous cast will make you laugh ‘til you cry in your Guinness. .



SIPPIN' AT SAVVY:Cocktail Party with TALES OF THE COCKTAIL.
4519 Magazine Street.7pm-10pm. $35 per person . It includes food and cocktails.


R Bar 1431 Royal St., Free Oyster Fridays . Every Friday starting at 6 pm . Fresh, cold oysters shucked by Shaggy of Boil, Inc.

CINEMA AL FRESCO. Bacchanal Wine. 600 Poland Ave.,948-9111. One showing only, 9pm.

ANAIS ST. JOHN. King Bolden's, 820 N. Rampart St., 525-2379. 6:30 p.m.

JULIO AND CESAR. Azul´s Restaurant and Lounge,535 Tchoupitaulas St.(Ambassador Hotel) 599-2111. Very popular Spanish Guitarists Julio and Cesar play to the guests delight from 7:30 p.m.


"PLAYING AT THE POLO" FRIDAY NIGHTS : John Rankin Trio. Polo Lounge, Windsor Court Hotel, 523-6000. 8 p.m. to Midniight. Drawing each Friday night in the Polo Lounge for a one night stay at the Windsor Court Hotel.

SUZAUNE YEE McKAMEY with Bruce Elsensohn. Bombay Club, 830 Conti St., 586-0972, Talented and sophisticated Suzaune Yee McKamey with pianist Bruce Elsensohn invite you to "Come to the Cabaret". 9:00 p.m. to midnight.


Donna's Bar & Grill.Treme Brass Band,800 N. Rampart ,10:30 pm,Cover: $10


JOHN BOUTTE. Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal Street, 412-8972. 7 p.m.

Kirk Joseph and the Backyard Groove.Chickie Wah Wah,2828 Canal Street, 304-4714.Admission .10 p.m.

Lil Red & Big Bad Rock & Blues.Parkway Bakery & Tavern,532 Hagan Ave, 482-3047.Free Live Music.7-10pm



SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23



MAGAZINE STREET FARMERS MARKET.Magazine and Girods Streets;www.marketumbrella.org Crescent City Farmers Market holds its weekly Saturday market. Fresh produce, flowers and food available. 8 a.m. to noon.


GRETNA FARMER'S MARKET . Huey P. Long Avenue,between 3rd && 4th Street .8:30AM until 12:30PM.

BACCHANAL WINE TASTING. 600 Poland Ave.,948-9111.FREE wine tasting with resident sommelier, Chris Rudge of Bacchanal. FREE Wine Tasting featuring the Wines of The Central Coast with Guest Sommelier, George Brown of East - West Wines. 12 noon to 3 p.m. Red Light Records from 6 to 9 p.m.

DORIGNAC WINE AND SPIRIT FREE WINE TASTING. 710 Veterans Blvd. Dorignac´s Wine and Spirits invites customers to explore the world of wine every Saturday during their complimentary wine sampling from noon until 5pm..Featured wines will include varietals favorites such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and more. Wines from renowned wine producing regions including California, Italy, Australia, Bordeaux, Rhone, Alsace, Spain, Germany and Chile will be featured. Customers will have the opportunity to taste select wines from well-known producers as well as wines from up and coming boutique wineries.

Bayou Deville" Cajun Dance Band .Mulates, 201 Julia Street, 522.1492.7p.m.



Louisiana Music Factory Free Concert Series: 210 Decatur St.,504-586-1094








BUSTOUT BURLESQUE.The Tradition Continues! Tipitina´s French Quarter.233 N. Peters (between Iberville St. and Bienville St.).(504) 566-7095.Saturday Nights 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm. ADMISSION: $15.00 general admission/$20.00 reserved table seating. This robust show stirs up lively, spontaneous pleasure. On Saturday nights at the French Quarter Tipitina´s, men and women can relax in a congenial atmosphere and enjoy the uninhibited jokes of emcee Johnny Rock, the smooth stylings of songstress Debbie Davis, the tantalizing exotic dances of Athena, the Seductive Harem Girl, Trixie Minx the Tassel Twirler, and others, with a live jazz accompaniment under the direction of bandleader Jerry Christopher.

RICKY GRAHAM´S NAUGHTY BITS. Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., 581-5812.12;www.cabaretlechatnoir.com -Ricky Graham presents a lnew late-night show in tribute to his old days at the Mint and subtittled " An evening of Dirty Jokes, Risque Songs and Big Wigs." Graham is joined by Jefferson Turner and Su Gonczy. Tickets $18. 11 p.m.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24



JAMES RIVERS JAZZ BRUNCH.New Orleans HiltonThe band, appropriately called The James Rivers Movement, appears at the New Orleans Hilton´s Jazz Brunch each Sunday from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Kabby´s at the River.

Sunday Jazz Brunch 1:30-3:30 pm. Spotted Cat 623 Frenchmen. Free food.



The Pfister Sisters. The Marigny Brasserie located on Frenchman and Royal Streets in the Marigny .A trio of jazz vocalists specializing in swing-era songs entertain a room full of drinkers, diners and dancers ,every Sunday afternoon.10:30a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Sisters are usually backed up by a piano player, but on occasion, various area musicians will sit in.

NFL & NOLA Musicians: U2 and Green Day Feat. NOLA's own Big Sam ,Irvin Mayfield , Troy Andrews , and Rebirth Brass Band. New Orleans Superdome,Atlanta Falcons vs Saints Monday Night Football. 6p.m.NFL & NOLA Musicians: U2 and Green Day Feat. NOLA's own Big Sam


JULIO AND CESAR BAND- LATIN NIGHT AT Tommy's Wine Bar at 752 Tchoupitoulas Street Street and Julia. Popular Spanish guitarists Julio and Cesar and its band will be playing from 6 to 10 p.m .

TRINITY ARTIST SERIES. Trinity Episcopal Church. 1329 Jackson Ave., 522-0276;www.trinitynola,com- Trinity Artist Series presents a concert with Hazel & The Delta Ramblers, playing old timey country bluegrass music. Free admission. 5 p.m.



A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF WILLIAM FAULKNER. My New Orleans is Storytellers and Their Tales . The Cabildo, Jackson Square .5:30 TO 7:30.My New Orleans is a new series sponsored by the Faulkner Society with The Louisiana State Museum, designed to highlight the various aspects of the special persona of our city. Each event, one per month, zeroes in on a facet of the city's unique character. For more information about the series, check
the Society's web site, www.wordsandmusic.org or e-mail Faulkhouse@aol.com.The September event, My New Orleans is Storytellers and Their Tales, will be a birthday salute to William Faulkner, and those following in his footsteps. Featured authors will include Howard Bahr, whose best-selling Civil War novel,The Black Flower, won numerous prizes and who has a new novel set in
the period, The Judas Field. For some years Bahr was curator of Faulkner's Oxford, MS.home, Rowan Oak, and his friends joke, saying Howard actually is the current personification of Faulkner's restless ghost. He will be joined by Tom Franklin, winner of an Edgar for his first collection of short fiction, Poachers, and selected for the Philip Roth Prize and Chair and the John and Rene
Grisham chair at the University of Mississippi. His new novel, Smonk, is much in the Faulkner tradition. Franklin will be joined by NPR talk show host,screenwriter,actor Harry Shearer, whose debut novel, Not Enough Indians is out this month .Bret Lott, prize winning novelist and editor of The Southern Review and acontributor to the book which inspired the series, My New Orleans:
Ballads to the Big Easy by Her Sons, Daughters, and Lovers, will speak, as will well
known non-fiction author Jason Berry, whose debut novel, The Last of the Red Hot Papas, is reminiscent of every Louisiana governor you have ever loved or loved to hate!
The event will begin at 6 p. m. at The Cabildo and will feature food, wine,and music. It is free and open to the public by prior RSVP, as the venue is limited in capacity. You can RSVP to Faulkhouse@aol.com.
copies of books by participating authors, call 524-2940 with credit card .



BIG EASY BANNED BOOK WEEK KICKOFF. House of Blues,225 Decatur St., 310-4999;ww.hob.com -Harry Shearer is hosting a Banned Books Reading party at the House of Blues to kick off local observance of the American Library Association's(ALA) Banned Book Week(Sept. 23-30) Banned books are actually removed from the library's shelves and they have included authors such as Maya Angelou, John Steinerg, J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series, J.D> Salinger's Catcher iin the Rye. 7 p.m.


CHEF PETE COOKOUT: GERMAN. Bachannal, 600 Poland Ave., in the Bywater. 6 p.m. or until they run out of food!.Martin Krusche's Magnetic Ear




"I AM STILL HERE ME!" Le Chat Noir,715 St. Claude Ave., 581-5812. Ricky Graham performs his cabaret show accompanied by Jefferson Turner. Tickets $26 (includes $5 bar credit) 6 p.m. Sunday





MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

BANNED STAND READ-A-THON. East Bank Regional Library,4747 W Napoleon Ave,Metarie, 838-1190. -The library holds a daylong read-a-thon of banned books read by staff members,authors and local personalities., including Jed Horme, Christina Vella and Ronnie Virget. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

SHARON MARTIN. Donna's. 800 N. Rampart New Orleans .9:30pm.FREE RED BEANS AND BBQ CHICKEN



George French with Germaine Bazzle and special guest Juanita Brooks.Donna's Bar & Grill.800 N. Rampart9:30 pm.Traditional Jazz,Cover: $10.Free red beans, BBQ

Stanton Moore Trio with: Cranston Clements and Robert Walters w/ Robert Walter & Steve Masakowski.Chickie Wah Wah,2828 Canal Street • 04) 304-4714

Jerry Jumonville and the Jump City Band.6:30.,Jazz Vipers 10pm and 2am.Spotted Cat
623 Frenchmen St.


BETTY SHIRLEY, backed by the Kirk Branch Trio.. Snug Harbor,626 Frenchmen St, Admission: 504-949-0696. 8 and 10 p.m.

Save these dates:

Tuesday Sept. 26 Canal Place Theater:"By Invitation Only" Documentary!!7 :30 p.m.
VERY LIMITED SEATING.Moviegoer ticket includes the tkt. & a pass to the
film after-party @ Republic 828 S. Peters.w/ Queen cocktails & DJ Butterfoot $20.*Pre-purchase of Patron party starts @ 5:30 at theWindsor Ct. Hotel Poolside Gallery and includes food/wine, a movie tkt., a pass to the after-party &the opp. to meet the filmmaker! $150(tax-deductable)

September 26. SIMPLE WINE, SIP, SAMPLE AND SOCIALIZE. Wine Tasting sponsored by Dorignac’s Food Center at Vespa New Orleans.901 Julia Street. 6-8pm. The cost of the tickets are $25 per person and are available for purchase from the manager's station at Dorignac's Food Center.Participants will sample a tasting of 14 delicious Italian wines, enjoy the taste of savory Italian cheeses and gourmet meats compliments of Dorignac’s Food Center, Sophie’s Gelato will also contribute samplings of gelato. The Italian cuisine of the evening will be prepared by Café Giovanni’s Chef, Chef Duke LoCicero.


SEPTEMBER 28. CAFE DEGAS PRESENT AN EVENING WITH JEAN TRIBACH. Cafe Degas,3127 Esplanade Avenue. 6:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 29. HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 'S QUARTELY LUNCHEON AND GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON. J. W. Marriot, 614 Canal St.( formelly The Meridian Hotel),11.30 a.m. cash bar and lunch at Noon.For more information and reservation: 885-4265;info@hccl.biz


SEPTEMBER 30.CREOLES OF COLOR IN LOUISIANA: IDENTITY, HISTORY, CONTRIBUTIONS.The New Orleans African American Museum,1418 Governor Nicholls, New Orleans, Louisiana,10:00 AM to 4:45 PM .Free and Open to the Public


October 1.The 13th Annual Nickel-A-Dance Concerts to celebrate Living in New Orleans is returning to New Orleans, October 1, with Detroit Brooks and the Syncopated Percolators opening the season. It will return to Cafe Brasil for a series of five concerts in October 2006 and one Lagniappe show in November.


October 6 and 7 will be the debut of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, presented by the New Orleans Opera with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the New Orleans Opera Chorus at Tulane's University McAlister Auditorium

October 6, 7 and 8, Gretna Heritage Festival at Huey P. Long Avenue at the historical downtown district of Gretna.

October 7-8 -Secret Patio Tour,French Quarter, New Orleans.722-3595;www.patioplanters.org



October 12-19 - New Orleans Film and Video Festival.www.neworleansfilmdest.com

October 13-15 Gumbo Festival. Bridge City,436-7212;www.hgaparish.org

October 13-15 Festival Acadians. Lafayette(800)346-1958;www.lafayettetravel.com

October 14-- Red Cross Gala honoring George Rodrigue at the New Orleans Museum of Art. All proceeds benefit the Southeast Louisiana Chapter of th eRed Cross. For reservation: 620-3148.

October 19 - THE REDS,WHITE & BLUES. City Park's Pavillion of The Two Sisters. 6 to 9 p.m. Don't miss the return of the annual wine, food & music event....The Reds, Whites & The Blues. 200 wines, 10 restaurants, live entertainment by Harry Mayronne Trio featuring Anais Patterson St. John on vocals!Botannical Gardens are looking better than ever! CALL GLORIA POWERS FOR ICKETS.486-5900 ext 3129.

October 21. Paquito D' Rivera will be presented by the CAC and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

October 28."The Surreal McCoy" presents MOMs Halloween 2006
featuring Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes,Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove,Kul and the Ganglia at the Howlin' Wolf


MARGARITA BERGEN is a Realtor with Latter and Blum, Inc., a licensed tour guide, a certified mixologist, a former columnist with City Life Magazine and Voceros News. She can be reached at margaritabergen@hotmail.com