TENNESSEE WILLIAMS/NEW ORLEANS LITERARY FESTIVAL Reminder

The beauty of springtime in New Orleans is unparalleled. Especially in the French Quarter. The sun is bright and warm on the faces of school children on field trips, walking hand-in-hand with their little heads cocked back as they watch the centuries old architecture move slowly along. Foliage on the trees that line select streets is as green as you’ve seen anyplace else. Sweet breezes flow into open doors and floor-to-ceiling windows and rustle unfolded napkins in the laps of restaurant patrons. Sunlight presses softly on the shoulders of young Spring-breakers getting an early start on Bourbon Street. Coming out of winter and just before summer, the weather in New Orleans is perfect and Tennessee Williams, whose birthday is situated in the center of that corridor of time, would not have had it any other way. It has been during this time for the past twenty-five years that New Orleans has hosted a festival in the playwright’s honor. For a long four-day weekend, The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival takes over various venues across the French Quarter, not only to commemorate the author and his contributions to American arts and letters, but also to observe other leaders in literature, film, music, and other creative arts.

The Festival’s appeal is broad, covering topics everywhere from jazz music, to sports writing, to cooking demonstrations. The Festival draws presenters who have reached worldwide acclaim and although the Festival brings in these varied talents and does not generally operate on a central “theme,” when I attended the Festival on Friday, March 25 I seemed to fall into events that centered on the distinct Southern-ness of the works of the Festival’s presenters.

The first panel I attended was all about rising talents in Southern literature. I took a seat in the nearly-full grand ballroom of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, which occupies a block of Bourbon Street between Bienville and Conti. The room, a large rectangle, had three double-door entrances at the rear and was filled with chairs laid out in long, neat rows. Large, ornate chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, decorative trim lined the walls, and intricate plaster patterns adorned the bases of fixtures. In the front of the room was a modest stage with a skirted table, just high enough that anyone seated in the audience could see. Flanking the table on one side was a large podium bearing the hotel’s insignia. A modest banner hung in the center of the stage above the table which read: TENNESSEE WILLIAMS/NEW ORLEANS LITERARY FESTIVAL—a simple reminder.

YLC KICKS OFF 2011 WEDNESDAY AT THE SQUARE CONCERT SERIES

The city’s official kickoff to spring is back! Wednesday, March 30 marked the first Wednesday at the Square (WATS) concert of 2011 and featured a performance by The Radiators. Young Leadership Council (YLC), the country’s oldest independent young professionals’ organization, serves as host of the event, which serves as the organization’s largest fundraiser. Since its founding in 1986, the YLC has raised more than $25 million for the community.

The 2011 Wednesday at the Square concert schedule is listed below:

·         April 6: Soul Rebels Brass Band / Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

·         April 13: Coot / Kermit Ruffins

·         April 20: Honey Island Swamp Band / Anders Osborne

·         April 27: Irvin Mayfield & the Jazz Playhouse Revue

·         May 4: Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue / Marcia Ball

·         May 11: The Lee Boys / George Porter, Jr.

·         May 18: Los Po-Boy-Citos / The Iguanas

·         May 25: Navy Band New Orleans Full Steam Brass Band / Tab Benoit

·         June 1: The Revivalists / Eric Lindell

·         June 8: Marc Stone / Galactic

·         June 15: Gravy / Cyril Neville and Monk Boudreaux

Because of the increasing popularity of the free concert series, the YLC is expanding the footprint of the concert grounds to include North Mae St., the area between 650 Poydras and Lafayette Square. The enlarged concert area will accommodate the growing crowd and will help to provide faster service. It will feature an Abita Beer tent, cocktail tables and more ticket booths. Also new this year will be extended sets by premier local performers on select days.

In addition to offering great music, YLC’s Wednesday at the Square features artists from around the city and across the region selling glass art, handmade jewelry, ceramics, photographs, t-shirts, paintings and more. A varied selection of food and beverages is available with proceeds from these sales benefitting the YLC’s many community projects that help to improve the quality of life in the region such as Power Ties, College Admissions Project, Seeds of Change and One Book One New Orleans. Food and beverage tickets are available on-site and online at www.wednesdayatthesquare.com.

Outdoor Nola: Festivals

I am one of the least outdoorsy people I know.  I don’t camp, don’t fish, don’t hike (you get the picture!),  but living in New Orleans I have found that there are many fabulous things to do outside at all times of the year.  Soaking up the sun, drinking a cold Abita and listening to live local music is a magical combination and I’m a huge fan of being anywhere you can create this experience. There are the obvious outdoor things in NOLA to do such as Jazz Fest and parades at Mardi Gras, but I am going to uncover lesser-known, but equally as awesome outdoor activities in New Orleans and bring them to you from time to time: Welcome to Outdoor Nola. 

Festival Season is upon us!!! If it seems everywhere you look people are celebrating something (including every ingredient of every Louisiana dish), it’s because they are.  In the coming months, there will be festivals in the Greater New Orleans area dedicated to each of the following: wine, French culture, oysters, strawberries, jazz, barbeque, tomatoes, Italian culture, crawfish, Zydeco music, watermelons, beer, gospel, cocktails, shrimp, oranges, Greek culture, and many, many more.

This past weekend was Roadfood Festival and the Tennessee Williams Festival.  The Roadfood festival, , which took place on the 300-600 blocks of Royal St. in the French Quarter, featured small plates from all over the United States. It also featured a beignet-eating contest between the Fire Department and the Police Department as well as free samples of the world’s largest po-boy, estimated at three city blocks long. The Tennessee Williams Festival, always a classic in New Orleans, took place last weekend as well, featuring literary events as well as its infamous “Stella” shouting contest.

Coming up this weekend, we have the Freret Street Festival on April 2^nd, which is basically a mega-version of the usual market. This year there will be four stages of music as well as the usual food, crafts, drinks, and general merriment. If you’re feeling cultural, also stop by the annual Fete Français at Ecole Bilingue on General Pershing Street. This event features French food, music, and children’s activities.

If you were hoping to escape the city, it’s a perfect weekend to head over to Algiers Point on the free ferry leaving from the French Quarter. This weekend is the annual Old Algiers River Fest featuring gospel and brass band music, food, and a Mardi Gras Indian parade! There will also be free shuttles from the ferry landing to the festival.

On Saturday night, if you are feeling artsy, the New Orleans Art District is presenting Jammin’ On Julia- a fundraiser featuring music, food, and 21 museums and galleries opening from 6-9 to showcase some amazing artwork.

All of these events are going on THIS weekend! It is a perfect weekend to take advantage of all of these wonderful free outdoor events complete with music, food, and drinks- what more could you want? This, in fact, is only a preview of even more Louisiana festivals to come later on this month. Next week is the famous French Quarter Festival, the Cajun Hot Sauce Festival, and the Fleur de Lindy Exchange (featuring swing dance bands & competitions from around the U.S.)!

Even though it’s only the beginning of the week, it’s never too early to start planning for the weekend! Check nola.com’s festival calendar here: 

(http://www.nola.com/festivals/index.ssf/2011/03/south_louisiana_festival_guide.html) , pick some festivals that sound good, and mark your calendar.  I hope you are feeling FESTIVE and ready to enjoy free Louisiana entertainment at its best! 

Spring Is back- ADD COLOR TO YOUR LIFE!

Save the Date -
SATURDAY, APRIL 2nd
12 Noon to 4pm
UNO Amphitheater
Admission is FREE!

UNO's Student Activities Council, Chakra Indian Student Association, and the Nepalese Student Association have teamed up to bring the Hindu festival, Holi, to UNO's campus for one of the craziest, most memorable experiences that you will never forget.

OPEN TO STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF, COMMUNITY MEMBERS, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS!

Have we struck your curiosity or not sure what the festival is all about, GOOGLE IT!

You can expect:
-Free Traditional Indian Cuisine
-Live Performances and Music
-Messy Unadulterated Fun with Colored Powders
-Water Activities
-Henna Tattoo Artists
-and MUCH MORE!

Important Information:
-You will check-in either as a student or community member.
--Student Participants (with college ID) - receive 2 packages of free colors (Can purchase more after)
--General Participants - $5 for 2 colors
-Traditionally people wear white clothes.
-Colorful old clothes are advisable.
-Bring a few extra dollars for henna tattoos and goodies from Student Organizations.
-COME READY TO HAVE FUN AND GET MESSY!

Tell ya friends, tell ya mom, and tell ya sister too, because this is the UNO Event of the Year that won't want to miss!!!!!

For more information contact,
SAC at sac@uno.edu or visit our website http://www.sac.uno.edu/

Chakra at chakra.uno@gmail.com

Good Things to Do in New Orleans

With the arrival of warm (soon to be HOT) weather, it’s time to get outside and experience some of the great events the city has coming up.

April 16^th looks like it will be a busy one for the city. A number of events are going on, but two of my favorites are the Community Records’ Block Party and Crawfest. The Community Records’ Block party, headlined by California’s RX Bandits, will feature 2 stages of 20 touring and local punk, ska, and reggae bands. The Block Party gets better every year and you’re sure to discover some new, amazing bands. Tickets are $20 or $17 in advance.

The Big Top

1638 Clio St.

Noon- Midnight

Crawfest is Tulane University’s annual crawfish and music festival. Featuring 16,000 pounds of crawfish (your mouth is watering, isn’t it? Mine is too.) and local bands, Crawfest is a great time for anyone looking to dance, drink, and eat a ton of crawfish. Admission to the festival is free and crawfish/drinks are $10 to anyone who is not a Tulane student or staff member.

6828 St. Charles Ave.

11am-9pm

If you’re out doing some shopping, why not contribute to a good cause? The New Orleans area Habitat for HumanityHabitat ReStore holds sales for home building materials and household goods.  This is a chance to get some great deals (and score some great finds—the store recently featured some beautiful claw foot tubs) and give back to the community. If your house is too cluttered to justify buying anything else, do a little spring cleaning and make a donation. You can also volunteer to help out at the ReStore!

2830 Royal St. 

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30am-4pm

Even though school is out during the summer, there’s still an opportunity to learn some new skills! For those of us who wish we could replicate restaurant-style Cajun and Creole favorites, Crescent City Cooks offers cooking classes for $30. Each class will teach you to cook 4 different dishes, including jambalaya, etouffee, gumbo, and even pralines. With a different class each day, you’ll soon be whipping up classic New Orleans dishes like your name is Emeril. Bam!

1 Poydras Place

Monday-Sunday, 10am-12:30pm

If you’re not looking to potentially add inches to your waistline during swimsuit season, there are also various dance classes at Crescent Lotus Dance Studio. Crescent Lotus offers various dance classes throughout the year, including belly dance, burlesque, and pole fitness. Beginning May 13^th, they will also be offering a 3-part self-defense class. Be sexy AND safe!

3143 Calhoun St.

*Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=485817517446&set=a.437549817446.239187.133048957446

Miss Malaprop Earns Green America’s Business Seal of Approval

Local company Miss Malaprop is thrilled to announce it has been awarded the Green America Business Seal of Approval.  The seal is presented to businesses that go beyond product and service quality to set the highest standards in environmental sustainability and social justice, and work to solve, rather than create, environmental and social problems.

To be considered for the Seal of Approval and earn a listing in the annual National Green Pages™, businesses complete a rigorous screening process to ensure they meet Green America’s standards for the environment, community and labor. 

Miss Malaprop began as a blog in 2006, showcasing the best in handmade and eco-friendly products, as well as highlighting work by artists throughout the Gulf South region. Owner and founder Mallory Whitfield expanded Miss Malaprop's offerings in 2009, by selling carefully curated, handmade work by other artists at events throughout the greater New Orleans area. In March 2010 an online storefront was launched, and the offerings of handmade and eco-friendly products have continued to expand. Ms. Whitfield is currently working towards creating a full retail storefront for handmade goods in New Orleans.

“I'm so excited and proud to have finally received the coveted Seal of Approval!” said Ms. Whitfield. "They put you through a very thorough screening process, and they kept coming back with additional questions to make sure I am doing my very best to be as environmentally friendly as possible. I'm also proud to now be one of only 3 Green America approved businesses in the state of Louisiana! And one of the other businesses, Paper NOLA, is a local company whose recycled handmade greeting cards I already offer in my shop."

Miss Malaprop is now an Approved member of the Green Business Network, a distinguished and celebrated group of companies that use their products and services as a vehicle for social and environmental change. 
More on Miss Malaprop:

Miss Malaprop is your source for unique, handmade and eco-friendly products that you can feel good about buying. Owner Mallory Whitfield began documenting her love of all things handmade in 2006 with her blog athttp://www.MissMalaprop.com. In spring 2010, she expanded her offerings to include an online shop,http://www.shopMissMalaprop.com, which sells handmade and eco-friendly goods made by a variety of talented artists, including many artists from the Gulf South region. Mallory Whitfield is also one of the founding members of the New Orleans Craft Mafia, a collective of craft-related businesses.

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Miss Malaprop online shop | blog | Facebook | Twitter 

proud member of the New Orleans Craft Mafia

please sign up for my monthly mailing list here

Sénica Mom of the Year Essay Competition 2011

Do you think your mother should be the "Sénica Mom of the Year "? Tell us why and she could win a Sénica gift basket valued at $100 and you could win a $25 Sénica gift certificate for a job well done. The essay can be about your mother or someone who has played the role of a mother to you. Essay Submission Deadline: May 5, 2011 12:00am CST

 

http://www.senicanaturals.com/

Nomination Form