NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Spring has sprung and there is so much excitement at the Historic BK House & Gardens as the calendar of events unfold with something for everyone in the treasured French Quarter Museum, located at 1113 Chartres St., across from the Old Ursulines Convent.
Thursday, May 2, brings the final Rhythm & Roses performance with the incomparable Marci Ball in the Parterre Garden from 6-9 p.m., sponsored by BK neighbor James Douglas Hislop. Gates to the beautifully manicured French Quarter green space will open at 5:30 pm. Tickets are priced at $30 for nonmembers and $25 for BK members. ETC Catering will offer festi-food for purchase by concert goers and beverages will be sold to support on-going maintenance of the garden. Outside beverages will be prohibited. Tickets are limited and may be purchased here.
Saturday, May 4, from 7:30-9:30 p.m., BK House is proud to present Judith Owen – Jazz by Candlelight in the beautiful Grand Salon, featuring the Gentlemen Callers. Described as “Delightful, daring, insightful, seductive and fun”, Judith’s performance promises to be memorable. Tickets are $40 for VIP seating (limited) and $30 for general admission. There will be a cash bar provided by BK House. Click here to purchase tickets.
Diego Larguia will return to Historic BK House to teach a watercolor class on Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The instructor will provide a photo reference and execute a full watercolor demo. Participants will then paint their own version. The session will finish with a brief critique of the work produced. Open to all skill levels. Cost is $60 for non-members and $50 for members. Tickets available here.
The second annual Dining by Design showcase will take place throughout the Historic BK House site at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, May 19, featuring elaborate table settings by a dozen well-known New Orleans designers and decorators. The multi-course, seated dinner will be preceded by cocktails and music by Harpist Rachel Van Voorhees in the elegant BK Courtyard. The menu, created by Palate New Orleans, will include specially curated wines to accompany each course. Tickets are $250 per person, benefitting the BK House Interior Restoration Project. Sure to sell out! Check bkhouse.org/djiningbydesign for the menu and a list of designers. To purchase tickets and select your preferred table options.
Moving into June, wine and food aficionadas will be treated Rhythm & Rose’ onThursday, June 6, at 6 p.m. Friends do indeed serve friends Rose’ and this is the perfect opportunity to sample five incredible varietals, curatedby Sommelier Wes Kohler-Bergene. Everything is coming up Rose’ in a fabulous tasting paired with dishes especially created for an exquisite wine and food experience, starting with the Cuban sounds of Victor Campbell. Tickets are $50 for BK Members and $45 for non-members. Doors will open at 5:30 and the event is 6-8 pm. Limited availability; reserve your place early at www.bkhouse.org.
Chess enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Paul Morphy Quick Chess Tournament on Saturday, June 8, from 12 – 4 p.m. in the very house built by Morphy’s grandfather, Joseph La Carpentier, in 1826. Players will have an opportunity to compete in a tournament and to take home cash prizes. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to enter. The event is co-sponsored by the Downriver Chess Club and The Chess Cave. Tickets are $10 if purchased by June 6 and $15 at door. Participation is limited to 40 players. Pre-registration is highly encouraged to guarantee a slot. Visit kingregistration.com/event/bkhouse.
On Thursday, June 13, Frank Perez, Executive Director of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, will present on New Orleans focused LGBT+ literary contributions. The informative presentation entitled “Queer Letters: Homosexuality in New Orleans Literature” will take place in the beautiful, air-conditioned parlor at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30. Tickets are $15 for non-members, or $10 for members and may be purchased at www.bkhouse.org.
June and July programming will also appeal to children ages 7-13 who are invited to participate in “Making History”, a historical arts and crafts camp that will provide a hands-on journey through time, allowing them to explore the vibrant history of New Orleans while creating arts and crafts. The three separate camp weeks, June 24-28, July 1-5, and July 15-19 will feature two components: first, an off-site adventure as campers embark on guided tours of iconic sites around New Orleans; and second, a maker’s space where children use the trips as inspiration for the day’s crafts, enabling campers to create meaningful and historically relevant mementos to take home. Additionally, campers will receive a time traveler’s notebook to document their experiences, complete with recipes, instructions, and explanations, ensuring that the memories of their journey will last a lifetime. Registration is a must! Each class is priced at $275 per child. Register at
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For details about upcoming BK House events such as the Sept. 29 Soiree in the Vieux Carre annual fundraiser and membership information, visit www.bkhouse.org. Membership features discounted admission to most Museum programs.
