Thursday, November 02, 2006

The Social Scene in New Orleans by Margarita (Darling) Bergen

The Social Scene in New Orleans by Margarita (Darling) Bergen



Darling friends,

The week of October 24-30 was just fabulous. Once again there were more fun events than I could possibly attend but I sure had a ball trying to make most of them.

My week started by hosting my monthly "Round Table Luncheon" at Begue's Restaurant in the Royal Sonesta Hotel. My invited guests were Councilman-at-large Oliver Thomas and Roger Wilson who presented a very interesting presentation about his vision of "Broadway South." His passionate lecture sold the idea to the audience who cannot wait to see his vision become a reality. The luncheon was well attended. The three-course meal was delicious but the dessert was out of the world. Lovely cabaret singer Suzaune Yee McKamey won the prize for the most original costume. She was presented with a gift certificate to the delicious Friday's Seafood buffet at Begue's by General Manager Al Groos.

I am proud to report that my Halloween Chapeau won the Grand Prize at the Witches and Warlocks Tea at Le Salon, Windsor Court. I am looking forward to my prize: Dinner for two at the fabulous Grill Room of the Windsor Court. Chef Michael Collins, as always, along with his staff, will cook a sublime dinner. I cannot wait. My darling friend Gerry Valene won for the most humorous. She looked precious carrying the skeleton of a ballerina. All the proceeds, including the dinner for eight at the table in the kitchen of the Grill Room that was auctioned off, will benefit Bravo, the Ballet Resources and Volunteer Organization of the New Orleans. I have never seen so many delightful decorated witches hats.
I am very grateful that I was invited to attend Emeril's Lagasse's 2nd Annual culinary "Carnivale Du Vines." I knew it was going to be fabulous but I just did not know how immensely spectacular it was going to be. It was mindblowing! The Gala and Auction raised record amount of over $2.5 million to benefit children in the New Orleans area. The sold-out black tie event began with a reception showcasing the chefs of all nine of Emeril's restaurants, and special Carnivale du Vin bottling, created by honorary event "Bacchus" Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat. Afterwards, there was a five course seated dinner featuring food and wine pairings by the world's top chefs Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich and local pastry chef duo Tariq Hanna and Joel Dondis; with wines by some of the country's most renowned vintners.

The evening featured a live auction filled with one-of-a-kind experiences that garnered over $1.6 million of the night's proceeds. Guests then danced into the early morning hours to musical performances from renowned New Orleans artists' the legendary Allen Toussaint and his band, Irma Thomas, Davell Crawford and Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue and the New Birth Brass Band. Special guest Michael McDonald performed many of his hits along with a song that he wrote as a special tribute to New Orleans with a surprise performance by Emeril Lagasse on percussion. Over 600 guests attended the event on Saturday, October 28 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Guests of the event came from across the United States, with huge support from local New Orleans businesses and individuals. Major sponsors included Food Network, Wine Spectator, American Airlines and the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Partners included Republic Beverage Company and USA Hosts.
At the event, the Foundation announced over $320,000 in grants to New Orleans charities including a $250,000 initial grant towards the Cafe Reconcile Capital Campaign to create the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Culinary Learning Center; as well as large grants to America's Second Harvest Kid Cafe and Covenant House's Covenant Cafe. The highest bidder of the evening was New Orleans businessman Ray Wooldridge, whose generosity totaled $385,000 in bids toward top lots -- the Emeril's Food Network Experience and the Ultimate Birthday Celebration with Emeril and Sammy Hagar in Cabo San Lucas. Other high bids included Shrader Cellar's Napa Valley Getaway for $170,000, a Domaine Serene Oregon Package which brought two bids of $120,000 each. A last minute addition from Wolfgang Puck to cook dinner at the home of Emeril and Alden Lagasse resulted in three bids of $100,000 each. For more information on the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, please visit www.emeril.org
I also attended the fantastic VIP reception at Latrobe's on Royal in the French Quarter on Friday night. Twenty local New Orleans chefs and restaurateurs, including Leah Chase, Paul Prudhomme, Susan Spicer and John Besh served their signature New Orleans fare to many local benefactors and out-of-town visiting corporate sponsors. It was so good to see Jeremy Davenport performing once again in New Orleans. I was in heaven because Republic Beverage donated the fabulous wines including one of my favorites: Perrier Jouet Champagne.
I concluded my week by attending two fabulous events: "Tea and Tunes“ a presentation of the Woman's Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association."Let's us Entertain You"“ with five acts of frivolity was masterminded by Mary Flynn Thomas and Jacquee Carvin who co-chaired the fun event. Nell Nolan, Celeste Judell, Suzanne Parker, Katherine Chamlee, Julia Newsham, Barbara Nester, Lorraine Alfaro, Sandi Smith, Janet Renaudin, Eileen Capritto, Paulette Crain, Terri Romano, Sybil Naquin, Janet Philpott were some of the fabulous performers. It was a great soiree. I am sorry that I could not stay because I was hosting along with Julio Gonzalez of Sauza Tequila our Halloween/ Dias de los Muertos Fiesta at Tommy's Wine Bar. It was superb. Julio presented great bottles of Sauza Tequila to the winners of the costume's contest.

This week is going to be really exciting as well. One of my favorite events is going to be taking place from November 1 to November 6: Words and Music: Dreaming the Impossible Dream- The Contribution of Spain and Latin America to U.S. Life & Literature. World and Music opens with the Faulkner Society annual Master Class for High School Students, presented with New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) Riverfront at 1p.m. on Wednesday, November 1. Dias de los Santos. General public programming opens with latte y dolce at 8 a.m. on November 2, Dias de los Muertos. And it will run through the final Literature and Lunch session on Monday, November 6, a humorous exploration of the Legends of Latin Lovers Myth or Reality? I want to call to your attention that I have included at the end of this column the entire schedule for 2006 Words and Music. I am going to be hosting Margaritas and Tortillas on Thursday from 5:30 p.m at the Cabildo. Come by and enjoy delicious Margaritas.

There so many events but I do not think you would want to miss the special performance of Spanish classical guitarist : Francesc de Paula Soler with New Orleans poets James Nolan and Andrea Young reading from Federico Garcia Lorca on Friday November 3 at the Monteleone Hotel. There will be a series of lunches throughout the festival and lot of great music as well. For more information on the entire festival, visit the Faulkner Society website: www.WorldandMusic.org

Talking about Spain, I am looking forward to enjoying the rich tastes of the Castilla y Leon region of Spain as part of Omni Hotel's sensational fall dining experience, the Festive Flavors of Spain, a brand-wide program running from November 1, 2006 through January 31, 2007. Guests can enjoy award winning wines and special menus bursting with Spanish delights, such as the tortilla Espanola (Spanish omelet), Jamon Serrano (Spanish ham) and delicious regional cheeses (including cow, goat, and sheep cheeses) in New Orleans at The Omni Royal Orleans and the hotel's award-winning restaurant, The Rib Room.
"Spain is a delight to the senses, from gorgeous scenery and awe-inspiring music to its culinary marvels," said Fernando Salazar, Vice President, Food & Beverage Operations Omni Hotels. "With wonderful spices and appealing textures, interesting food presentation, exciting aromas and music drifting through the air, guests can discover Spain through an enrichment of the five senses."
Located in Europe's southwest region, Spain boasts a population of 41 million, allowing for plenty of locals who love to share food trends and traditions with the rest of the world. Taking cues from the capital city of Madrid, known globally to be a culinary mecca, and Castilla y Leon region, largest region of the country, Spanish foods are gaining prominence across North America.

Guests will be able to learn about the foods, wines and culture of Spain by relishing: Wines from the famous regions of Ribera del Duero, Rueda, Toro, Bierzo and Cigales as well as little know varietals such as Godello, Verdejo, Malvasia (whites) and Mencia (red). Cheeses from Castilla y Leon: El Pastor Iberico (3 milks - Goat, Sheep and Cow), El Pastor Zamorano (a raw sheep milk aged for at least four months) and Valdeon blue cheese . A variety of tapas including Serrano Ham Croquettes, Aged Cheese with Membrillo and Jamon Serrano and Tomato Confit on Toast Additional products from Castilla y Leon such as Roasted Red Peppers from the Bierzo region, Iberico Pine Nuts (heralded as some of the best pine nuts in the world) and Chestnuts from El Bierzo region Dinner items including Pato Asado con Higos en Almi­bar y Sesamo (Roasted Duck with Figs in Syrup and Sesame Seeds) and Bacalao a la Plancha con Verduras Asadas y Vinagreta de Pinones Ibericos (Pan Seared Cod with Roasted Vegetables and Iberico Pine Nut Vinaigrette) The Festive Flavors of Spain will offer guests a Discover Spain package including a hands-on Spanish cooking lesson with Omni's chefs, a Spanish breakfast, lunch and dinner experience, overnight luxury accommodations and a memorable take-home package with specialty ingredients and recipe cards.Guests can locate hotels and book accommodations by visiting www.omnihotels.com or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI.www.omnihotels.com Not be missed.!

On November 2 my darling friend and client Mark Carroll is premiering his award-winning documentary "Marching With The Saints- Mardi Gras 2006" at Canal Place Cinemas at 8 p.m. The documentary captures the resilience and beauty of the citizens of New Orleans as they celebrate the first Mardi Gras following Hurricane Katrina. "Marching with the Saints" is a joyful, musical celebration of the city and its people as they rebuild their homes, lives and communities.
The soundtrack includes a diverse blend of Gospel, Zydeco, Blues, Jazz and Swamp Rock from several local musicians such as John Boutte, Big Chief Monk Bordreaux, James and Troy Andrews, Kermit Ruffins, and Mike Hood.The rich color and character of the Crescent City is portrayed through interviews with John Boutte, Mike Hood, Patrick Van Hoorebeek, and others, including me. Tickets are $10. You do not want to miss it. I understand that my darling mini pinscher Tito and I look like real movie stars.

On Friday, November 3, there will be two wonderful fundraising events: The 18th ANNUAL WINE AUCTION OF THE WOMEN'S GUILD of the New Orleans Opera Association will take place at the New Orleans Board of Trade, 316 Board of Trade. 7-8 p.m. Patron Party, 8-11 p.m. and The Louisiana State Museum and The Louisiana Museum Foundation will celebrate their centennial and silver anniversaries. The Black-tie gala will include a patron party followed by the gala event featuring restaurant samplings and dancing to Deacon John in Jackson Square. The one hundredth anniversary is a historical milestone. Set under the oaks with the backdrop of our treasured resources, The Cabildo, The Presbytere, and St. Louis Cathedral, the evening promises to be magical and elegant. To purchase tickets or find out more information, please call 504-558-0493.

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists presents two media events in Louisiana during the first weekend of November.
The weekend begins with a Town Hall session on the media's role in the Hispanic Community in New Orleans on Friday, Nov. 3. And a daylong workshop for students and professionals who write and edit in Spanish is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4. The bilingual town hall session "The Role of the Media in the Hispanic community in Post-Katrina New Orleans" will begin at 7 p.m., Nov. 3 at Tulane University's Goldring/Woldenberg Hall 131, on the ground floor of the A.B. Freeman School of Business. Attendees are invited to attend a reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The Latin American Library of Tulane University. Admission is free but attendees are asked to RSVP at (504) 865-5681 by Wednesday, Nov. 1, or via e-mail at http://by107fd.bay107.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=D24DC954-3D96-44E0-84CF-EF8FF082EFAC&start=0&len=35577&src=&type=x&to=mespinos@tulane.edu&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&a=fe9be737b705035e335bb0d6b06457cd60b4e2c6c6b9cc3ef3211929d2af0501. The town hall panelists include Beth Fussell, a sociologist at Tulane University; Martín Gutierrez, executive director of the Hispanic Apostolate Archdiocese of New Orleans; Vanessa Oubre, general manager of WVUE Fox 8; Ernesto Schweikert, general manager of Radio Tropical KGLA 1540; Julio Guichard, host and producer of De Todo Un Poco, Cox 10; Bob Noonan, news director of WGNO ABC 26; and David Meeks, city editor of The Times Picayune. News anchor Lucy Bustamante of WWL-TV Channel 4, will moderate the town hall.

The Ferrari Club of Louisiana is pleased to announce the Ferrari French Quarter Classic, a two-day viewing of automobiles from the manufacturer of racing cars, Ferrari of Italy. The event takes place on Friday, November 3, and Saturday, November 4, 2006, and all proceeds benefit the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department and the Louisiana State Police.
Friday, November 3, at 9:30 a.m. more than 50 Ferraris will converge on No Problem Raceway Park near Donaldsonville, less than a one-hour drive from New Orleans (www.noproblemraceway.com). Attendees can witness Ferrari super cars, such as F40, F50 and Enzo, racing head-to-head with Ferrari factory races cars such as Ferrari 333SP, LeMans racers, along with 360GT and Challenge cars. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m. Admission is $10 per person; children under 10 years-old, law enforcement and military personnel enter free.

On Saturday, November 4th, the public is invited to view more than 50 Ferraris along the 300 & 400 blocks of Royal Street in the French Quarter. Vintage and one-of-a-kind race cars will be displayed and car owners will be on hand during the concorso. The event opens to the public at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. For more information please visit ww.FrenchQuarterClassic.com.

Swamp Fest will take place Saturday and Sunday at the Audubon Zoo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Annual Swamp Fest, a two- day celebration will feature live music and special programs. Visit www.auduboninstitute.org for complete details.

THE 2006 MIRLITON FESTIVAL at Markey Park between Piety and Royal Streets in the Bywater will take place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The music, the food and the ambiance will be fabulous. For more information visit: www.bywater.org

The Annual Parkway Partners's Feast with the Stars will take place this Sunday at Gallier Hall from 11:30 A.M.TO 2 P.M. Visit wwww.parkwaypartner.com for more information. On Sunday as well, Trinity Artist Series Benefit Concert will be taking place at Trinity Episcopal Church at 1329 Jackson Ave. The fundraising concert that will benefit the New Orleans Musician Hurricane Relief Fund will feature the Symphony Of New Orleans performing Mozart's Requiem and the University of Wisconsin Madison Concert Choir performing Luna Pearl Woollf's contemporary Apres Moi, Le Deluge. www.trinitynola.com
Please check out my Save a Date at the end of my column (the list keeps growing.... )and the complete schedule of 2006 Words and Music. Enjoy it!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2- DIAS DE LOS MUERTOS

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. Until–November 4, 2006

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.

THE FESTIVE FLAVORS OF SPAIN .NOVEMBER 1 -JANUARY 31. Omni Royal Hotel. St Louis and Royal Street. Festive Flavors of Spain, a brand-wide program running from November 1, 2006 through January 31, 2007. Guests can enjoy award winning wines and special menus bursting with Spanish delights, such as the tortilla Espanola (Spanish omelet), Jamón Serrano (Spanish ham) and delicious regional cheeses (including cow, goat, and sheep cheeses) in New Orleans at The Omni Royal Orleans and the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, The Rib Room.

WORD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL 2006. The Pirate Alley’s Faulkner Society, Delta Airlines, Faulkner House Books and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation presents the annual literary feast open to writers, readers and the general public. This year’s theme focuses in the contribution of Spain and Latin America to the US, life and literature. Visit: www.wordsandmusic.org for details, schedules and locations. The program runs Nov. 1-6.-SEE THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE AT THE END OF THIS COLUMN.

WORDS AND MUSIC.

5:30 p. m. Second Floor Gallery, The Cabildo, Jackson SquareViewing, Dias de Los Muertos Altar ExhibitThe Cabildo is one of the oldest buildings in New Orleans and a fine example of colonial architecture. It was the seat of Spanish colonial government for the Louisiana territory. It belongs to The Louisiana State Museum, under the direction of David Kahn. The State Museum is a co-presenter of Words & Music this year.Margaritas y Tortillas with Margarita Latina socialite and member of the Words & Music, 06 Latin Program Committee, Margarita Bergen, will host this event.PoetryThe Muse on the Mississippi Has a Spanish AccentManuel Ramos of La Bloga is invited to introduce Ana Castillo, Luis Rodriguez, and Jose Torres Tama, who will read from their work at this event. 7:30 p. m. Jackson Square, The Founding Site, City of New OrleansPerformance by The Iguanas, with Jose Cuellar, A.K.A. Dr. Loco sitting in, presented by The Louisiana State Museum.

OGDEN AFTER HOURS PRESENTS:Jonathan Freilich. Lobby Atrium of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art's Stephen Goldring Hall. 6 to 8 p.m.

HENRI SCHINDLER BOOK-LAUNCH PARTY. Louisiana State Museum Cabildo. 701 Chartres St., 596-6968. The author presents his third and final book in the Mardi Gras Treasures Series called: Jewelry of the Golden Age. Free admission. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"Marching With The Saints -Mardi Gras 2006” at Canal Place Cinemas at 8 p.m. The documentary captures the resilience and beauty of the citizens of New Orleans as they celebrate the first Mardi Gras following Hurricane Katrina. “Marching with the Saints” is a joyful, musical celebration of the city and its people as they rebuild their homes, lives and communities. The soundtrack includes a diverse blend of Gospel, Zydeco, Blues, Jazz and Swamp Rock from several local musicians such as John Boutte, Big Chief Monk Bordreaux, James and Troy Andrews, Kermit Ruffins, and Mike Hood.The rich color and character of the Crescent City is portrayed through interviews with John Boutte, Mike Hood, Patrick Van Hoorebeek, Margarita Bergen and others. Tickets are $10. You do not want to miss it. I understand that my darling mini pinscher Tito and I look like real movie stars. "Marching with the Saints - Mardi Gras 2006" was produced by Mark W.Carroll and Larry Baldauf.

Vavavoom (New Orleans gypsy jazz bistro),Spotted Cat,623 Frenchmen St, 10 p.m.to 2 a.m. Free Admission
Zydeco Night with Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Cha. Mid City “Rock n’ Bowl” ,4133 S. Carrollton Ave $8, 8 :30 p.m.

PFISTER SISTERS .Snug Harbor ,626 Frenchmen St, 8pm & 10pm.Admission: 504-669-4744
SUPLECS .Chickie Wah Wah,2828 Canal Street •10 p.m.Admission


FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3

“The Role of the Media in the Hispanic community in Post-Katrina New Orleans”– Tulane University’s Goldring/Woldenberg Hall 131, on the ground floor of the A.B. Freeman School of Business. 7 P.M. Attendees are invited to attend a reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The Latin American Library of Tulane University. Admission is free but attendees are asked to RSVP at (504) 865-5681 by Wednesday, Nov. 1, or via e-mail at mespinos@tulane.edu.

OBITUARY COCKTAIL: May Bailey's Place the bar in the Dauphine Orleans Hotel, 415 Dauphine Street 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.
Spanish classical guitarist : Francesc de Paula Soler with New Orleans poets James Nolan and Andrea Young reading from Federico Garcia Lorca The Monteleone Hotel, Queen Anne Room. 7 p.m. $25 if purchase a the door.

LARRY L GRAHAM’S THE FACE OF GOD. Perrin Benham Gallery, 1914 Magazine Street, 565-7699. Artist reception for The Face of God- The Biblical Tableau by Larry L. Graham. 6 to 9 p.m.

18TH ANNUAL WINE AUCTION OF THE WOMEN 'S GUILD of the New Orleans Opera Association. The New Orleans Board of Trade, 316 Board of Trade.7-8 p.m. Patron Party, 8-11 p.m.

CENTENNIAL AND SILVER ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOUISIANA MUSEUM. The Louisiana State Museum and The Louisiana Museum Foundation will celebrate their centennial and silver anniversaries. Our Black-tie gala will include a patron party followed by the gala event featuring restaurant samplings and dancing to Deacon John in Jackson Square. The one hundredth anniversary is an historical milestone. Set under the oaks with the backdrop of our treasured resources, The Cabildo, The Presbytere, and St. Louis Cathedral, the evening promises to be magical and elegant. Your presence will make it fun and a big success. To purchase tickets or find out more information, please call 504-558-0493.

"PLAYING AT THE POLO" FRIDAY NIGHTS :The Cindy Scott Trio. Polo Lounge, Windsor Court Hotel, 523-6000. 8 p.m. to 11 P.M. Midniight. Drawing each Friday night in the Polo Lounge for a one night stay at the Windsor Court Hotel.
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.
SOUL PROJECT Chickie Wah Wah,2828 Canal Street, 304-4714.Admission .10 p.m.
WARDELL WILLIAMS. Parkway Bakery & Tavern,532 Hagan Ave, 482-3047.Free Live Music.7-10pm
ELLIS MARSALIS TRIO. Snug Harbor ,626 Frenchmen St, 10pm and Midnight.Admission: 504-669-4744

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4


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.

GREEN PROJECT'S FALL HOME FAIR. 2831 Marais St., 945-0240. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

THE 2006 MIRLITON FESTIVAL at Markey Park between Piety and Royal Streets in the Bywater will take place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The music, the food and the ambiance will be fabulous. For more information visit: www.bywater.org

BACCHANAL WINE TASTING. 600 Poland Avenue,948-9111. Noon to 3 p.m. FREE Wine Tasting. 5 - 10pm: Red Light Records

HENRI SCHINDLER
. Garden District Book Shop. The Rink,2727 Prytania St., 895-2266. The author discusses and signs : Jewelry of the Golden Age. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

10th Annual NO DEAD ARTISTS juried exhibit of Contemporary Art. The show opens on Saturday November 4, 2006 with an artists’ reception from 6 – 10 pm. This year the show draws attention to an emerging generation of contemporary artists who survived Katrina. After being postponed by several adjustments made to the initial show, between trying to locate the individual artists and moving the gallery to it’s more intimate “SoHo style” space, the Jonathan Ferrara Gallery is more dedicated than ever to see that Art Lives on in The Big Easy.Jonathan Ferrara Gallery, 843 Carondolet Street, Suite #1, 522-5471.

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.

Louisiana Music Factory Free Concert Series: 3 p.m., at 4 p.m.., 210 Decatur St.,504-586-1094.


MICHEL DELACROIX'S OPENING RECEPTION
. Axelle Fine Arts Galerie Royal, 709 Royal Street, 299-1666;www.axelle.com -Solo exhibition of the French painter Michel Delacroix who will be in attendance. 6 to 9 p.m.
Bayou Deville- Cajun Dance Band .Mulates, 201 Julia Street, 522.1492. 7p.m

VIVAZ LATIN BAND. Café Brazil, 2100 Chartres Street; www.vivazlatinband.com 10:30 p.m.

ANAIS ST. JOHN TRIO.
Polo Club Lounge in the Windsor Court. 300 Gravier Street. 523-6000. 9 p.m. to 12 Midnight. Michael Pellara Trio, 6 to 9 p.m.No cover charge.


TOM McDERMOTT & EVAN CHRISTOPHER. Snug Harbor, 626 Frenchmen Street. Shows at 10 p.m. and Midnight

SNOOK EAGLIN. Rock'n'Bowl. S. Carrollton Avenue and Tulane Avenue. 482-3133 .10 p.m.

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 with a live jazz accompaniment under the direction of bandleader Jerry Christopher. The 1950-style burklesque shows features Mc Dante, the Magician, singer and DANCER Athena, Harry Mayronne’s marionette Ms. Viola and exotic striptease Kitty Twist, Stormy Gayle, Foxy Flambeaux and Perle Noire.

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

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Literature & Lunch:Everything You Need to Know About Latino History:Stunning Views, Gold & Silver, Ancient Native Cultures, Catholicism, Dictators, Sephardic Jews, and Super Novas. Monteleone Hotel, Queen Anne Room, 1:15 Introduced by novelist Loida Maritza Perez with Cuban-American intellectual Himilce Novas, a woman for all seasons: journalist, novelist, human rights activist, professor, cookbook collaborator, and author of the best-selling Everything You Need to Know About Latino History, soon to be released in its seventh edition, lecturer.

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.

NICKEL-A-DANCE presents Mark Braudâ’sNew Orleans Jazz Giants. Cafe Brazil,2100 Chartres St. 4 TO 7 P.M. FREE. Lagniappe-last of the series.
The Pfister Sisters. The Marigny Brasserie. Frenchman and Royal Streets. A trio of jazz vocalists specializing in swing-era songs entertains 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.

SUNSET SUNDAYS CONCERT SERIES. RUBY RENDRAG PLUS MORNING 40 FEDERATION.City Park Botanical Garden., near Pavilion of Two Sisters., 483-1700. Fun for the entire family.

TRINITY ARTIST SERIES. Trinity Episcopal Church. 1329 Jackson Ave., 522-0276;www.trinitynola,com- Trinity Artist Series presents a concert with organist Albinas Prizgintas Free admission.5 p.m.

CHEF PETE COOKOUT featuring Chef Peter. Bacchanal, 600 Poland Ave., in the Bywater. 6 p.m. or until they run out of food!. Live music by Jimmy Mack & Friends. 6 - 9pm. No cover charge!

"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.
8 and 10 p.m.. Snug Harbor, 626 Frenchmen St., 949-0696
NEW ORLEANS DIXIE JAZZ .Parkway Bakery & Tavern, 538 Hagan St., 482-3047
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Savvy Gourmet. 4519 Magazine Street, 895-2665 - 6:30-9:00pm. $45.00
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 Jerry Jumonville and the Jump City Band.6:30.,Jazz Vipers 10pm and 2am.Spotted Cat623 Frenchmen St.
Charmaine Neville. Snug Harbor,626 Frenchmen St, Admission: 504-949-0696. 8 and 10 p.m.
TUESDAY- NOVEMBER 7 - ELECTION DATE.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE: Why pay 7 assessors to do the job of 1? Do not let the Assessors trick you into voting against yourself. VOTE FOR AMENDMENT 7PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND ASSOCIATES TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT POSSIBLE TO VOTE IN THE NOVEMBER 7TH ELECTION. Constitutional Amendment 7 reduces the number of assessors in Orleans from 7 to 1.
SAVE THESE DATES:

Thursday ,November 9-Saturday,November 11. A SYMPOSIUM OF BRITISH HOMES, GARDENS AND FAMILIES. The symposium organized by the New Olreans Branch of the English- Speaking Union will feature Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill who will have a book signing and lecture of her newest book: Blenheim and the Churchill Family- A Personal Portrait at the Audubon Tea Room. Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. The luncheon will be at 12:00 noon and her lecture to follow. On Friday, there will be a patron party honoring Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill,Lady Shaw Steward and Ms.Caroline Knight. 6 to 8p.m. On Saturday, November 11, Lady Shaw Stewart of Ardgowan in Scotland and her sister Caroline Knight, will lecture on 17th and 18th century Scottish country houses and gardens at 2 p.m. in the afternoon at Longue Vue House followed by tea and light refreshments. For more information and to reserve tickets, please call (504) 269-5592.

NOVEMBER 11. 2006 AZUCAR BALL. This year, the theme of the event will be “Nueva Orleans Renace” or “New Orleans Rises”. It will be a magic night of remembrance of times past, dancing, fun and the celebration of being back in our magical city. This black tie affair will take place in the LaSalle Ballroom at the InterContinental New Orleans, 444 St. Charles Avenue with non-stop music from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 am by Julio and Cesar Band and Ashe’Son.Individual tickets to the Ball are $100.00. Tickets to the Patron Party and the Ball are $125.00 per person. Junior tickets for those under twenty five years old are $35.00. There are also special patron tables of 10 people at $3,000, $1,300.00 and $1,100.00 each with special sponsorship features. For ticket information call Rosa Rodriguez at 523-2600 Ext. 139.
Sunday, November 12. 200 Anniversary of Faubourg Marigny . There will be walking tours of the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood given by residents and friends of the neighborhood. The emphasis will be to celebrate Bernard de Marigny's contribution to his faubourg. The walking tour will begin on Washington Square from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, November 12.CELEBRATION OF WINE AND FOOD. 6-9pm at Jefferson Orleans South for a grand tasting of 200 exceptional wines, 50 specialty spirits and divine cuisine as Dorignac's presents our first annual Holiday Wine & Food Fest. Tickets ar $40 per person and are available at Dorignac's. Must be 21 to attend.

Thursday, November 16.FESTIVAL DU BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU.Royal Sonesta Hotel,300 Bourbon Street;www.info@fccla.com. The French-American Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Chapter cordially invite you to th eTenth Annual Festival du Beajolais Nouveau. 6 to 9 p.m. For tickets callNathalie at 561-0070.
Friday, November 17. UNCORKED! ...A TASTE OF CANAL PLACE. Save Our Cemeteries will benefit from this epicurian treat which will include delicious food from Dickie Brennan's, Bourbon House, Morton's Steakhouse. Phillip Manuel and Leah Chase will provide the entertainment. 6-9 p.m. Call 522-9200 fro tickets. $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18- THE TOAST OF NEW ORLEANS- GRAND GALA CONCERT. Morial Convention Center Auditorium.
Sunday, November 19.March of Dimes's 2006 Signature Gala Chefs Gala. Marriot New Orleans Convention Center. - For reservation cal Pam at 1-800-460-0865

SCHEDULE OF WORDS AND MUSIC. November 2-November 6
Thursday, November 2 Dias de los Muertos Comes Alive in New OrleansAdult Programming OpensThe principal programming of Words & Music, 2006 opens on November 2, Dias de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), one of the most important cultural celebrations in Mexico, other Latin American countries, and in many parts of the United States where there are sizeable Hispanic populations. The Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society is honored to celebrate this important day in the Hispanic calendar with programs devoted to Mexican-American customs and authors, the controversy surrounding are especially pleased to be joining hands with The Louisiana State Museum in this endeavor, which includes the unveiling of a Dias de los Muertos exhibit at the museum and an accompanying party, featuring the renowned Iguanas, with Jose Cuellar, aka Dr. Loco, sitting in.8:00 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans Suite illegal border crossings, and using creativity to combat ethnic discrimination. WeBuenos Dias!Conference opens with complimentary continental breakfast of latte, tropical fruit, and sweet tortillas, etc. Welcome. Announcements.9:00 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans Suite Nueva Orleans, Mi Amor The Hispanic Face of New OrleansAlthough outsiders think of New Orleans as a French city, it's heritage is as much Spanish as French and its population today includes a lot more Spanish speaking men and women than than those who speak French. Led by Architect Ivan Mandich, with Vieux Carre Commission Director, Lary Hesdorffer, and archivist Charles Nolan of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The four panelists have joined hands to create a short film to give our out of town visitors the flavor of Nueva Orleans.10:15 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans Suite CommunicationA New Key to Success: The Art of Blogging with The MastersPanelists will discuss the the importance to writers, readers, and minorities who may be denied access to conventional media. Blogs are giving conventional media fits! How to make the blogs work for you, without having fits. Introduced by non-fiction author and journalist Rosemary James, who recently has been participating in a blog project of Loyola University and the blog site TCP Café. Led by Ron Hogan of Beatrice.com, among the finest of the literary blogs, with Manuel Ramos, creator of La Bloga, one of the most successful blog sites with the large Hispanic population of the United States, and Luis Rodriguez, creator of his own very important blog in the fabric of Hispanic communication, whose career motivation is to "create community in these violent times."11:30 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteThe Impact of Hispanic Cultures on U. S. Life & Literature Dias de los Muertos: A Symbol of Latin American Magic and JoyPanelists will examine Latin American cultural observances and their impact on the U. S. cultural scene. Do such cultural observances soften hard-line attitudes and create an atmosphere in which the enormous problems related to immigration can be resolved. Or are Anglos so afraid that their own culture will swallowed that they can't relax and allow their own imaginations to soar with the stimulation of exotic happenings. Dr. Jose Cuellar, an authority on Mexican American culture is invited to set the stage for this discussion with an explanation of Dias de los Muertos, its significance and symbols. Invited to join him are Ana Castillo, poet and fiction writer, and Latina activist, whose most recent novel, Watercolor Women, Opaque Men, is written in poetry, and Rolando Hinojosa. They will be introduced by Gabriela Hernandez, curator of music and education projects for the Louisiana State Museum, whose heritage is Mexican American. Ms. Hernandez will participate in the discussion.12:30 p. m. Queen Anne Ballroom, Hotel Monteleone, Mezzanine EastCash Bar Opens12:45 p. m.Literature & Lunch Don Quixote in Hollywood: Zorro Rides Again!The inspiration of Spain, Mexico, and the Mexican American border for creative inAmerican Cinema. Featuring well known Hollywood screenwriter, director, and producer, Ron Shelton, who will discuss the connections between the Don Quixote of Miguel Cervantes and the Mexican Zorro legend, which was adopted as a classic Hollywood theme in a variety of guises including The Lone Ranger. The most recent version of the legend was a box office hit starring Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta Jones. His discussion will also include other Hollywood creations inspired by the Border, such as The Magnificent Seven and, more recently, Traffic. 2:45 p. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans Suite, Mezzanine West The Impact of Hispanic Cultures on U. S. Life & LiteratureThe Wild Life of the Border and its Inspiration for Fine Fiction.Well known Hollywood Character Actor Anthony Zerbe will set the stage with a reading from Cormac McCarthy's border trilogy, then participate in this discussion led by Rolando Hinojosa, whose prize winning novels examine relations between Mexican Americans and Anglos in the fictional Rio Grande Valley town, Klail City, TX. Dr. Hinojosa is the recipient of numerous literary awards, including the most prestigious prize in Latin American fiction, Casa de las Américas, for the best Spanish American novel in 1976. Several of his novels have been translated into German, and The New York Times Book Review has compared him to William Faulkner, saying: "Although his sharp eye and accurate ear capture a place, its people and a time in a masterly way, his work goes far beyond regionalism, He is a writer for all readers." He will be joined by Mary Helen Lagasse, Latina author of prizewinning novel, The Fifth Sun, which focuses on the Mexican American experience in the U. S., and Jose Cuellar, Ph.d., who collaborated on the prizewinning documentary, Alambrista, about the Mexican American experience and is an authority on Meso American culture.4:00 p. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nourvelle Orelans SuiteMaster Class: We Shall Overcome With Poetry: Creating Community in Violent TimesThe long tradition of using poetry as a vehicle for uniting disparate groups will be the focus of this session. Prizewinning Latin poets Ana Castillo, Luis Rodriguez, Jose Torres Tama, and New Orleans poet Andrea Young, co-creator of a new small press publication, Meena, will discuss the traditional role of poets and writers as instruments of social change and bridges between warring factions . Castillo's latest novel, Watercolor Women, Opaque Men, is written in poetry. Rodriguez is author of the poetry collection, The Concrete River, which won the Pen West/Josephine Miles Award for Literary Excellence. Jose Torres Tama, well known New Orleans performance poet, who has performed his work all over the country at prestigious colleges and universities and before Latin organizations and is now working on a collection of essays. Castillo, Rodriguez, and Torres, will read from their work at The Cabildo at 6 p. m. Young will read at guitar recital on Friday evening.5:30 p. m. Second Floor Gallery, The Cabildo, Jackson SquareViewing, Dias de Los Muertos Altar ExhibitThe Cabildo is one of the oldest buildings in New Orleans and a fine example of colonial architecture. It was the seat of Spanish colonial government for the Louisiana territory. It belongs to The Louisiana State Museum, under the direction of David Kahn. The State Museum is a co-presenter of Words & Music this year.Margaritas y Tortillas with Margarita Latina socialite and member of the Words & Music, 06 Latin Program Committee, Margarita Bergen, will host this event.PoetryThe Muse on the Mississippi Has a Spanish AccentManuel Ramos of La Bloga is invited to introduce Ana Castillo, Luis Rodriguez, and Jose Torres Tama, who will read from their work at this event. 7:30 p. m. Jackson Square, The Founding Site, City of New OrleansPerformance by The Iguanas, with Jose Cuellar, A.K.A. Dr. Loco sitting in, presented by The Louisiana State Museum.8:30 p. m. Free Time to enjoy New Orleans restaurants and Nightlife.Recommended restaurant, Muriel's corner of St. Ann Street and Jackson Square, half a block from The Cabildo, or Irene's, corner of Chartres and St. Philip Streets, two blocks from the Cabildo.Advance reservations recommended. Tipitina's music hall in the French Quarter on Decatur Street. (Between Jackson Square and Bienville Street)
Friday, November 3 American Culture & Its Echoes of Spain8:00 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteBuenos Dias!Continental breakfast, Announcements.8:30 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteMaster ClassMenage à Tres Plus UnoThe important relationship between author, agent, and editor who work in concert to produce a book to make their publisher happy and their readers happy! Led by Elizabeth Dewberry, author of the critically acclaimed new novel His Lovely Wife with her agent, Emma Sweeney; and her editor, Ann Patty of Harcourt. André Bernard, who published Elizabeth's book while he was Publisher, Harcourt/Adult Trade, is invited to introduce the session.9:45 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteMaster ClassThe Role of the Memoir In Contemporary Life: Personal Mirrors of RealityHas the memoir, based in reality, taken the place of fiction with many contemporary readers?Introduced by Jonathan Yardley, noted Washington post critic and author, and featuring his wife and colleague, Marie Arana, Editor of the Washington Post Book World, and author of the memoir, American Chica and her new, related novel, Cellophane, both of which draw heavily on her Peruvian family heritage; Luis Rodriguez, author of the bestselling memoir about gang life in the barrios of the border and Los Angeles, Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A., which was an international bestseller, and received The Carl Sandburg Award. They will be joined by Michael Dirda, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The Washington Post Book World. His books include two collections of essays, Readings and Bound to Please; the memoir, An Open Book; and, just out, Book by Book: Notes on Reading and Life.
11:00 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans Suite The Impact of Hispanic Cultures on U. S. Life & LiteratureSpain & Hemingway:A Love Affair Which Changed the Course of American Literature & CinemaThe scene for this session will be set by master character actor Anthony Zerbe, who will read a passage from Hemingway. Possibly more than any other writer of the 20th Century, Ernest Hemingway was under the spell of Spain and in turn brought Spain to life in the imaginations of American readers and filmgoers. Led by Dr. Matthew Bruccoli, the world's leading authority on American master Ernest Hemingway, author of Farewell to Arms, The Sun Also Rises, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Death in the Afternoon. All of these works were made into movies and Dr. Bruccoli will be joined in the discussion by Academy Award-nominated screenweriter and director, Ron Shelton. They will be joined by Zerbe, who divides his time between the United States and Spain. 12:30 p. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteLiterature & Lunch The Impact of Hispanic Cultures on U. S. Life & LiteratureDon Quixote in the New World This romp with "the old knight", Spain's greatest gift to Western literature, will focus on the inspiration the endearing old fellow has had for contemporary authors. Featuring Michael Malone, southern humorist and author of the southern classic, Handling Sin, and humorist Phillip Jennings, author of Nam-a-rama, both inspired by Don Quixote. Humorist Roy Blount, Jr., who wrote the foreword and afterword for A Murder, a Mystery, and a Marriage, a previously unpublished tale by Mark Twain. will discuss Don Quixote and Twain. They will be joined by humorist Ken Wells, feature writer for The Wall Street Journal and currently completing the fourth in his series of picaresque novels, Crawfish Mountain, a sprawling tale of a fight to save a spectacular corner of Louisiana's endangered wetlands from a predacious oil companyan impossible dream if ever there was one!
2:45 p. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteMaster ClassLate Bloomers: Writing & Publishing Novels & Winning Prizes for ThemIt Can All Come Together When You Least Expect It!Led by Loraine Despres, successful screenwriter turned novelist, whose latest book isThe Bad Behavior of Belle Cantrell; with Julia Glass, who published her National Book Award novel, Three Junes, "well after 40;" Pamela Binnings Ewen, whose debut novel Walk Back the Cat appeared this year following a long and successful career as a partner in one of the most important largest law firms in Houston. They will be joined by Marie Arana, whose primary career has been as a critic and editor of The Washington Post's review section, Book World. Ms. Arana has just published her critically acclaimed first novel, Cellophane, which draws heavily on her Peruvian family's heritage, as does her earlier book, a memoir, American Chica.
4:00 p. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteThe Aesthetics of LiteratureThe Art of Writing MysteriouslyLed by Edgar winner Julie Smith, whose latest mystery novel is P.I. on a Hot Tin Roof, with Toby Dunbar, mystery novelist whose most recent book is Tubby Meets Katrina, and South Carolina author Carl Smith, author of the new mystery thriller, Louisiana Burn, and Edgar nominated mystery writer Manuel Ramos.5:30 p.m. Hotel Monteleone, Queen Anne RoomUpstagingDon Quixote in the SouthStaged Reading from Camino Real by Tennessee WilliamsIntroduced by W. Kenneth Holditch, an authority on the work and life of Tennessee Williams. Produced by Robert Florence, Dog & Pony Theater.7:00 p.m. New Orleans Board of Trade (To Be Confirmed) Advivinanza de la Guitarra Classical Guitar Recital by Francesc de Paula Soler, one of Spain's leading musical artists. His performance in New Orleans is co-sponsored by The Consul of Spain and The Spanish Society with the Faulkner Society. The event will include poetry readings from the Spanish master Lorca. Invited to read are James Nolan and Andrea Young, New Orleans poets fluent in Spanish, who spend part of their year in Spain. Reception following with Spanish wines and cocktail nibbles. 8:30 p. m. Free Evening
Saturday, November 4Special Programming for Writers (To fully participate, please submit manuscripts in advance for critique; deadline September 15. E-mail faulkhouse@aol.com for submission guidelines.)8:00 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Riverview Room (Roof) Buenos Dias!Continental Breakast, Announcements8:30 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Riverview Room (Roof)Master ClassMeet the Agents & Learn How to Select One!The scene for this session will be set by Michael Murphy, formerly Publisher, William Morrow, now an agent with Queen Literary Agency. Murphy will give writers an assessment of publishing today then turn the session over to literary agent Deborah Grosvenor, who has been a member of the Words & Music Agents' Committee since 1997. Deborah and other participating agents ­Stuart Bernstein, Liz Dawson, Jeff Kleinman, Nat Sobel, Emma Sweeney, Judith Weber, and Amy Williams­explain the ins and outs of selecting and working with an agent. At this sesson writers will meet the agents to whom they were assigned for manuscript critiques and be given their consultation appointments.9:45 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Riverview RoomMaster ClassMeet the Editors & Learn How to Work With One!This Session will be lead by literary editor Webster Younce, who has been a member of the Words & Music Editors Committee since 2001. Other invited editors are Regan Arthur, André Bernard, Gary Fisketjon, Lauren Marino, Ann Patty, Will Murphy, Jofie Farrar-Adler. At this sesson writers will meet the editors to whom they were assigned for manuscript critiques and be given their consultation appointments.Programming for General Reading Public8:30 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteBuenos Dias!Continental Breakfast, Announcements9:00 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteThe Impact of Hispanic Cultures on U. S. Life & LiteratureDreaming in Spanish, Writing in English, Reading Both WaysThis session will zero in first on the difficulties facing bi-lingual authors who must address the difficulties for their readers, some of whom read better in Spanish and some of whom may not be literate in Spanish at all. Led by Ana Castillo, Mexican American fiction writer and poet, with H. G. Carillo, author of the brilliant first novel, Losing My Espanish; joined by Mayra Montera of Puerto Rico, author of multiple novels including the compelling new novel, Captain of the Sleepers; and Santa Domingan author Loida Maritza Perez, whose new novel, The Geographies of Home, is beautifully written, full of strength of character. Panelists will read illustrative passages from their work.10:30 a. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteThe Aesthetics of Literature The Art of the Translator: Bringing the Great Literature of the world to broader audiences. Introduced by John Biguenet, New Orleans essayist, fiction writer, poet, and translator and fiction writer. Featuring prizewinning poet and translator Liliana Valenzuela, a director of the American Association of Translators and highly acclaimed Spanish language translator of works by Sandra Cisneros, Julia Alvarez, Denise Chávez, Nina Mari e Martínez, Ana Castillo, Dagoberto Gilb, Richard Rodriguez, Rudolfo Anaya, Cristina Garcia, and Gloria Anzaldúa. The discussion also will feature novelist, poet and translator Lori Marie Carlson. Ms. Carlson and her husband, fiction wirter Oscar Hijuelos, have edited, translated, and published a book of poetry by contemporary Latin American poets, with the poetry presented in both Spanish and English. Participating authors will read illustrative passages during the session.
12:00 p. m. Venue to be AnnouncedLiterature & LunchThe Culture and Cutting Edge Contemporary Literature of the Caribbean. Led by noted authority on the contributions of the Caribbean to U. S. culture, Jessica Harris, and Featuring Cuban-born Mayra Montera, who has lived most of her life in Puerto Rico; Dominican native, Loida Maritza Perez; and Cuban-American H. G. Carrillo, who will read brief illustrative passages from their new novels. Invited to set the scene for this event is Grammy-nominated Cuban guitarist, singer, composer, and poet Juan-Carlos Formell. Formell's appearance in New Orleans is sponsored by CubaNOLA Collective. He will be performing with his band, Son Radical, at Snug Harbor, 626 Frenchmen St. on Saturday evening at 8 p.m. and l0 p.m. 2:15 p. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteFaulkner & FriendsWilliam Faulkner's Latin Connection Comes Full CircleThe Reivers, Faulkner's Picaresque novel, was inspired by Don Quixote, and Faulkner in turn has inspired Latin American authors, such as Carlos Fuentes and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who in turn are inspiring contemporary American authors. Led by the renowned literary critic Jonathan Yardley of the Washington Post, who will be joined by noted Faulkner scholar Noel Polk and novelist, historian, Himilce Novas, whose father translated Faulkner into Spanish and who knew Faulkner when she was a child.
3:45 p. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteLa Nueva Orleans Sound Spanish, Caribbean, and Latin American Rhythms: Essential to The New Orleans Sound.Led by jazz authority Tom Piazza, author of Understanding Jazz, with Jose Cuellar, A.K.A. Dr. Loco, a well-known Mexican American performer and scholar in the field of Latino music. They will be joined by Juan-Carlos Formell, a Grammy-nominated Cuban singer, guitarist, composer, and poet whose cutting-edge work has been called "the magic realism of music". His recent album Cemeteries & Desire, recorded in New Orleans, was a re-evocation of the Cuba/New Orleans cultural nexus as "stars connected in a galaxy". 5:00 p. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteMy New Orleans is...Her Magnificent Obsession with Food and the Right Drinks to go With It!Introduced by noted editor and poet Dan Halpern, who is equally famous in the literary world for his food obsessions. Featuring National Book Award winner Julia Glass, who like New Orleanians has a magnificent obsession with food in her novels, including her latest, which has a brilliantly conceived character, who is a chef; and novelist Himilce Novas, who like Julia, dreams about delicious food, and has co-authored a cookbook with Rosemary Silva. Ms. Glass and Ms. Novas will read brief, illustrative passages from their novels. A lot of the dishes considered New Orleans food come straight out of the Caribbean and South America, as Jessica Harris, Caribbean culture expert will explain. The discussion also will feature Karen Page and Chef Andrew Dornenburg, bestselling authors of such bibles of the food industry as Culinary Artistry, Dining Out, Chef's Night Out, and The New American Chef and of their new book being released concurrent with Words & Music and also destined for the bestseller list, What to Drink with What You Eat. Karen and Andrew will discuss Latin food & and the best things to drink with it.6:15 p. m. Music of the Maestros :The Music of Elias Barreirohonoring the 2006 recipient of the Faulkner Society's ALIHOT (A Legend in His Own Time) award for music. Señor Barreira's arrangements of Cuban guitar music will be performed by his former student and colleague, Javier Olondo. Señor Barreiro immigrated to the United States from Cuba after the Castro revolution and takeover. He is well known in the music world as an expert arranger and composer, as well as a dazzling performer of Cuban interpretations of music for classical guitar. He is retiring after a teaching career of 40 years at Tulane University.Javier Olondo, to play in honor of Elias Barreiro 7:30 p. m. Hotel Monteleone, Nouvelle Orleans SuiteThe Tall Tales Compe

Hasta La Vista Amigos.

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