NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Historic BK House & Gardens will again honor the Patron Saint of Sicily with its annual St. Joseph’s altar March 18-19. Once home to the Corrado Giacona Family from the 1890s to 1925, BK House embraces this sacred Sicilian tradition which has been celebrated in the French Quarter since Sicilian immigrants began arriving in the city in the late 19th century.
There will be a private blessing of the altar by Father Damien Zablocki on the 18th, after which the public will be invited to visit and learn more about this important ritual. The altar will officially open at 11 a.m. remain available for viewing after 11 a.m. and on the 19th and 20th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Each visitor will be given the traditional prayer card, an Italian cookie, blessed bread, and lucky bean.
In preparation for the altar, advance culinary and financial contributions are welcome. Anyone who would like to donate to the altar may contact Joseph at joseph@bkhouse.org.
Italian Wine & Food Pairing – March 17
On Sunday, March 17, BK House will host Cin Cin! featuring five wines from Sicily, curated by Grand Krewe – Fine Wine & Spirits. Sommelier Wes Kohler-Bergene will lead participants through a tasting of selected varietals paired with dishes specially created by Messina’s Catering. The Glow Worm Trio (Guitar, Violin, Mandolin) will be performing Italian American music in the courtyard. Tickets are $45 for BK Members and $50 for non-members. Doors will open at 5:30 and the event is 6-8 p.m. While not officially blessed and open for viewing, attendees will have the opportunity to preview the uniquely Sicilian St. Joseph’s Altar at the event.
Also in March, the Historic BK House & Gardens presents the Rhythm & Roses Concert Series in the Parterre Garden on Ursulines at Chartres Street. Concerts will commence on Thursday, March 14, with Amanda Shaw kicking off festivities, and will end, Thursday, May 2, with a rousing close by Marcia Ball.
Performances will take place from 6-9 p.m.; gates to the beautifully manicured garden will open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $30 for nonmembers and $25 for BK members, with a special multiple concert package offered at www.bkhouse.org. Beverages will be sold on site to support on-going maintenance of the garden; no outside beverages will be permitted. Rhythm & Roses is sponsored by BK neighbor and benefactor James Douglas Hislop.
All events take place at the Historic BK House & Gardens at 1113 Chartres St., across from the Old Ursuline Convent.
Future programs will include art classes in the spring, literary presentations, and a spectacular Dining by Design seated dinner on May 19. For details about upcoming BK House events and membership information, visit www.bkhouse.org.
