NEW ORLEANS (press release) – On Thursday, March 14, energetic Louisiana fiddler Amanda Shaw will dazzle attendees is the first Rhythm & Roses concert in the Parterre Garden at the Historic BK House & Gardens on Ursulines at Chartres Street. The series will feature a wide array of top-notch New Orleans talent on Thursdays over an 8-week period from 6-9 p.m. from March 14 with a pause for French Quarter Festival. Marcia Ball provides a rousing close on May 2. Shaw will be accompanied by a guitarist in the intimate setting, blending authentic Cajun culture with endearing local charm and delivering a show that bursts with Louisiana flavor.
Gates to the beautifully manicured French Quarter 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. Outside beverages will be prohibited.
The exciting schedule, sponsored by BK neighbor and benefactor James Douglas Hislop,
Amanda Shaw March 14
The New Orleans Nightcrawlers March 21
Erica Falls March 28
The Rumble April 4
James Andrews April 18
George Porter Trio April 25
Marcia Ball May 2
Hislop, who hails from Australia and moved to the Vieux Carre during the pandemic, is enthralled with the joie de vivre of historic neighborhood. “What better place to celebrate the music and culture of New Orleans than the lovely BK House Parterre Garden”, said Hislop. “Last year’s Rhythm & Roses premiere was so well received that we decided to make it even more spectacular this year.”
Concert-goers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance due to anticipated popularity of the event and size of the historic setting. Limited seating will be provided; however, attendees may bring small chairs provided space allows.
Also, this month BK House will host Cin Cin! on Sunday, March 17. Five wines from Sicily, curated by Grand Krewe – Fine Wine & Spirits, will be featured. 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. Weather permitting, the tasting will likely be held in the lovely BK Courtyard. While not officially blessed and open for viewing, attendees will have the opportunity to visit the house to preview the uniquely Sicilian St. Joseph’s Altar at the event.
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.
Information about BK membership, which provides for a discount to Museum events, as well as current and upcoming events at the BK House may be found at www.bkhouse.org.
