All Star Concert to Take Place May 30, 2009 in New Orleans
NFL Quarterback, Musical Legends Join Forces to Help Displaced Children
New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Rock and Roll legend Fats Domino have joined forces on The Domino Effect, a start-studded concert that will raise money to rebuild damaged schools and playgrounds in the New Orleans area. The May 30, 2009 event will donate a portion of proceeds to the Brees Dream Foundation’s important work in the revitalization of New Orleans.
“I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening than listening to Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and Little Richard while at the same time helping the kids of New Orleans,” said Brees’, whose charity has donated over $1.6 million to various efforts supporting the New Orleans community. Funds raised from The Domino Effect will go directly towards the Brees Dream Foundation’s “Operation Kids: Rebuilding Dreams” campaign, which supports education and mentoring programs as well as rebuilds athletic fields and parks.
The Domino Effect will take place May 30, 2009 at the New Orleans Arena and will feature living legends Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and Little Richard along with Ozomatli, Keb Mo, Junior Brown & Taj Mahal. Other special guest will be announced closer to the concert.
Tickets for this can’t-miss evening range from $50.00 to $500.00 and can be purchased by calling 504.587.3822 or visiting www.dominoeffectnola.com – Many New Orleans hotels are offering special room rates during this weekend. To learn more about these and special airfare rates, please visit www.dominoeffectnola.com
In 2008, New Orleans was named one of "America’s Favorite Cities" by Travel & Leisure magazine. With the plethora of affordable, accessible and family-friendly destinations, New Orleans continues to be an enjoyable destination.
Men and Women of Fashion to Host 37th Annual Prix D’Elegance Awards Luncheon
Proceeds Benefit NOBA’s Scholarship Program for Talented Youth
On Tuesday, April 14, The Men and Women of Fashion will host the 37th annual Prix D’Elegance Luncheon at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel. This event, which will introduce the 2008 “Best Dressed” honorees, benefits the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) and BRAVO (Ballet Resource And Volunteer Organization), helping to continue NOBA’s nationally award-winning scholarship program.
NOBA’s education programs provide access to quality arts programs with 2,500 free dance classes and workshops annually at eleven sites throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Annually, scholarships are provided for talented youth to study dance at prestigious schools around the country, including Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco’s LINES Ballet, and American Dance Festival.
Men and Women of Fashion Honorees
Men
Bobby Asaro
Brett Bauman
Calvin Fayard
Byron Harrell
Dr. Corey Hebert
Alexis Hocevar
Shelby P. LaSalle, Jr.
Newell Normand
Carl Panebiango
Ted Selogie
Women
Cat Aschaffenburg
Toni Bachmann
Dr. Laura Badeaux
Nancy D’Amico
Myra deGersdorff
Judy Rush Eckhardt
Kay McArdle
Helena Moreno
Joyce Pulitzer
Cathy L. Vaughn
Each year, the members of the Men and Women of Fashion organizations choose a former recipient to receive the special honor of Hall of Fame for sustained excellence. The Hall of Fame Honorees for 2008 are Blaine Kern, Sr. and Mimi Bowen.
The Men and Women of Fashion are philanthropic organizations that recognize outstanding members of the community while supporting fashion and retail in New Orleans and creating a forum for further charitable outreach. For more than 37 years, the Men and Women of Fashion organizations have paid tribute to dozens of men and women in New Orleans who exemplify unique personal style, as well as excellence through business, civic and charitable endeavors that specifically better the local community.
“For more than 35 years, the Men and Women of Fashion organizations have had the honor and privilege of recognizing men and women not only of fashion and style, but also of substance, of integrity and of community involvement. Through their efforts, the annual award recipients truly exemplify outstanding leaders who make a difference in our community,” said Kathleen N. Mix, Women of Fashion President.
This year’s event is chaired by Jacquee Carvin and Teresa Guzzetta. Festivities will begin at 10 a.m with a patron party, followed at 11 a.m. by a silent auction featuring an array of items, including an exclusive live auction item—an exquisite south sea pearl necklace donated by Friend & Co Fine Jewelers. The luncheon will also include a style show with the latest fashions by Mimi and Jeff’s Haberdashery.
Tickets to the event are $75 (table of 10 for $750) and $100 (table of 10 for $1000), which includes a champagne patron party at 10am. For more information or to order tickets, contact NOBA at 504.522.0996.
BRYAN BATT DONATES BENEFIT PERFORMANCE
“Mad Men” Star to Raise Funds April 11 for Le Petit Theatre
Award winning Broadway and television actor Bryan Batt is reclaiming his roots by doing a benefit performance April 11th at the historic theatre where he got his start. He will perform “Batt on a Hot Tin Roof”, a one-man show to benefit Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré, as part of a drive to bolster the theatre’s sagging revenues.
“Le Petit Theatre introduced me to my love of the theatre,” said Batt. “I will do whatever is in my power to save this 93-year-old landmark that sits on the corner of Jackson Square.”
Tickets can be purchased by going to www.LePetitTheatre.com. Ticket prices range from $20.00 to $100.00 with a special post-concert party hosted by Bryan Batt offered to those purchasing at the $100.00 level. Show time is at 7:00 p.m.
In addition to his award-winning Broadway performances, Batt currently plays “Salvatore Romano” on the critically-acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe lauded dramatic series MAD MEN. His recent sold out cabaret appearances have garnered the New York Backstage Bistro and the New Orleans Big Easy awards. Reviews for his cabaret act have been glowing:
"Bryan Batt’s ‘Batt on a Hot Tin Roof’ is wondrously sung, blissfully funny, with delightful and moving juxtapositions of songs. He’s a ‘Mad Men" marvel.”
David Cuthbert, former New Orleans Times Picayune theatre critic
"Bryan Batt is the best cabaret act I have ever seen in my life.”
Frank Gagnard, The New Orleans Times-Picayune Critic Emeritus
“There are triple-threat stars, and then there’s Bryan Batt. He sings. He dances. He acts. And he’s one of the most brilliantly funny comedians on Broadway today. His pitch-perfect sense of comic timing has served him well in such fun fare as Jeffrey and La Cage Aux Folles, but now he’s taking it to the next level and simply being his hilarious, endearing self in his new cabaret act.”
Jenna Tesse Fox – Broadway World
Bryan Batt sits on the Board of Governors for Le Petit Théâtre duVieux Carré. New construction delayed by Hurricane Katrina, the loss of programming and membership due to the storm, and the extraordinary economic climate created short-term cash flow problems that caused the theatre to lay off its entire staff. Solomon Group, an entertainment management company has stepped forward to run the theatre on a pro-bono basis while the Board of Governors and volunteers restructure the theatre and raise much-needed funds.
Le Petit Théâtre duVieux Carré is the oldest continuously operating “little” community theatre in America. The 93-year-old organization is located at 616 St. Peter Street on the corner of Jackson Square in New Orleans. For ticket information, call (504) 522-2081, or visit www.LePetitTheatre.com
CURTAIN CALL
CELEBRATE THE STARS AND PERFORMANCES OF LE PETIT THEATRE!
April 14 – Doors and Auction at 6:00 p.m. Show at 7:30 p.m
Tickets from $20.
Come enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the beautiful Le Petit lobby and courtyard, and bid on fabulous items such as a cruise, artwork, season theatre tickets and more, with musical entertainment by Harry Mayronne.
Then move into the theatre for a stroll through memory lane with host Becky Allen and performances by an all-star New Orleans cast, including Janet Shea, Lara Grice, Gary Rucker, Anais St. John, Meredith Long, Chris Wecklein, Joan Spraggins, Tracey Collins, Vatican Lokey, Uncle "Wayne" Daigrepont, Eddie Cox, Cathy Choppin Weinstein, Trina Beck, AJ Allegra and more with a special appearance by Miss Viola, all of whom have performed at Le Petit Theatre in its history.
Don’t miss this all-star New Orleans cast!
Wine Institute New Orleans
HOLDS FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT LE PETIT THEATRE!
April 22 – 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
W.I.N.O, 610 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans
Tickets only $25
Join us at the hip and sleek W.I.N.O., 610 Tchoupitoulas in the warehouse district on Wednesday, April 22 from 7 to 10PM. Enjoy a walk-around style wine tasting featuring 20 fabulous wines from around the world, gourmet cheeses, meats and appetizers for just $25! Owner and Certified Wine Educator Bryan Burkey, as well as other wine experts, will be on hand to answer all your wine questions. We will also be raffling off some special goodies as well. What an enjoyable way to support the oldest continuously operating community theatre in the country!
(Did you know that W.I.N.O. is owned by Bryan Burkey and Leslie Castay?
Yes, that Leslie Castay – star of Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast…and star of Le Petit’s most recent musical, ALL SHOOK UP!)