April may be my favorite month of the year in New Orleans. The weather, by and large, is still beautiful; the flowers and flowering trees are in bloom; the city is full of music and musicians; and, while Carnival and St. Patrick’s Day (and my birthday and wedding anniversary) have passed, the city is still abuzz with energy.
You may notice that I’ve added my married name to my signature here. While I legally changed my name a short time after my wedding day, it’s only now that I feel confidant enough that you know me to change it here (I’m only mostly kidding).
Part of that confidence comes from finalizing this, the fifth annual Courts of Carnival section of St. Charles Avenue. This year we’ve added a couple profiles and more than doubled the size of the section as a whole. For me, it’s a labor of love, and I hope that you enjoy learning more about these courts as much as I do!
This issue also includes a fabulous feature on eight of our favorite French Quarter merchants – food and shopping – and a spring fashion feature with pieces by local and national designers that you’ll want to purchase now and wear all season long.
So get outside (while you can) and enjoy all that April in New Orleans has to offer!
Morgan Packard
April Events
Through 1
“Hogs for the Cause,” HogsForTheCause.org
1
“NOMA Egg Hunt and Family Festival,” 568-4121
1
“Jewish Roots of Past, Present & Feature Gala,” benefiting Jewish Children’s Regional Services, 828-6334
1
“Sugarplum Ball,” benefiting Children’s Hospital, 896-9373
1
“80s Prom Spring Gala,” benefiting St. Martin’s Episcopal School, StMSaints.com
1-2
“2017 Leukemia Cup Regatta,” benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 837-0945
2
“Parkway Promenade XXVI: April in Paris,” benefiting Jefferson Beautification, Inc., 887-8992
5
“Prix d’Elegance Luncheon & Fashion Show,” benefiting the New Orleans Ballet Association’s Youth Ballet Program, 522-0996
6
“French Quarter Festival Opening Night Gala,” 522-5730
7
Great Houses of Havana: A Century of Cuban Style Book Presentation and Author Event, benefiting the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation, NOHHF.org
8
“Art in April,” benefiting The Friends of St. Alphonsus Church, FriendsOfStAlphonsus.org
8
“Cochon Cotillion XXI,” benefiting Bridge House / Grace House, 821-7134
10
“Aces Against Aneurysms,” benefiting Brain Support Nola, 626-3706
10
“Johnny & Friends Visiting Chefs Series: Michael Solomonov,” benefiting the John Besh Foundation, 323-7642, extension 31
11
“NORD Foundation Inaugural Foundation Gala,” benefiting New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation, 888-7608
22
“Take Steps New Orleans,” benefiting Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, (225) 955-0959
22
“A Dozen Decades of Dedication,” benefiting the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Section, 861-7788
22
“Magic Carpet Ride,” benefiting Isidore Newman School, NewmanSchool.org
22
“Tails But No Black Tie,” benefiting City Park, 483-9398, TailsButNoBlackTie.org
23
“Sunset Garden Gala,” benefiting the Beauregard-Keyes Historic House and Garden, 523-7257