Let’s Fest!
A major cultural event in the city, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival celebrates a slew of indigenous attractions, drives the local tourism economy, and showcases musicians, many from the area, others internationally known. Plus, it provides two weekends of a heap of fun.
Just prior to the first day of Jazz Fest, which was presented by Shell, there’s a fete. This year, as it has been for many a moon, the spectacular New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Gala took place at Generations Hall. A one-hour patron party with performances by Steel Drum Orchestra preceded the three hours of the main event under the theme “From Kingston to Congo Square: One Love, One Music, One people.” Spotlighted were legendary artists whose work embodies the fusion of Jamaican rhythm and New Orleans soul, such as The Wailers, featuring Julian Marley, and Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Also showcased was the foundation’s education program, the Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music All-Stars (with Deacon John slated), which had folks hearing and hailing emerging talent in the Crescent City. Several top names under the aegis of the Hancock-Whitney-sponsored Heritage Stage were Malia Suggs, Akeel Haroon, Alez Pereira, Mason Tanner, Deuce Brown, and Kamara Dupree.
In huge lighted letters were the words “Jazz Fest Gala” that greeted the party pack, who immediately noted the framed poster of the crisscrossed flags of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (NOJHF), which had black lettering and musicians’ silhouettes on a vibrant gold background, and the national one of Jamaica, in colors of gold, green and black. Beneath the flags was “Welcome.” After patrons partied, the Gala and Champion of Culture Honoree presentation occurred during the course of which media personalities Lebron “LBJ” Joseph and Cole Williams were slated to co-emcee.
Further excitement was generated by auction action (and unique offerings), as well as a curated culinary experience. Raves went to Dooky Chase’s fried chicken. Local loves, namely jambalaya, bread pudding and beignets, drew scores of eager eaters, who sat at tables centered with arrangements of leaves, ferns, spider mums and other flowers in small bronze metallic containers.
The festival presented by Shell is produced by Quint Davis, producer/director, and Jay Marciano, chairman and CEO, AEG Presents, while Rachel F. Cousin answers to president of NOJH Festival and Foundation, Inc., and Sarita M. Carriere, to interim executive director. The board members are Cousin, first and second vice presidents Sidney H. Cates IV and J. R. Pegues, secretary/treasurer Ellen M. Lee, Candace Bates Anderson, Jay H. Banks, Abhi Bhansali, Cecil “C.J.” Blache, Skipper Bond, Richard F. Cortizas, Flozell Daniels Jr., Kelly Dixon, Daniel Hammer, Deborah D. Harkins, Courtney S. Katzenstein, David A. Kerstein (who just received The Times-Picayune Loving Cup), Brittany Major, Ronald P. McClain, Virginia Miller, Monique Morial, Julie Wise Oreck, Gregory Rattler, Howard L. Rodgers III, Caryn Rodgers-Battiste, Katy Roubion, Leonard Smith III, and Karen B. Solomon. Colette Hirstius is the President of Shell, USA.
Many of the above made their moves at the bash. Sighted, too, were George Demmas, Bob and Caroline Brickman, Demetric Mercadel, Donna Kay Berger, Kathy Saloy, and scores more who were too busy boogieing to be identified. All, however, identified with the spirit of the evening and the promise of the Fest.
Guild Generosity
“This is like a reunion,” stated master of ceremonies Mark Romig as he surveyed the scene in the Grand Ballroom of the New Orleans Hilton Riverside. Gathered were faithful supporters of St. Elizabeth’s Guild, who attended the 2026 Volunteer Activists Awards Luncheon, with many having done so for decades. Of course, there were new faces joining the latter to experience the multiple facets of the luncheon, which has recognized worthy community volunteers since 1971. The annual event – and St. Elizabeth’s Guild – also raises funds to further the work of children’s programs of Catholic Charities, including Padua House, Catholic Charities Homeless Services, and Therapeutic Family Services. The top sponsors, called 2026 Partners, were Angel Wings Foundation, in the Guardian Angel category, and for Faith, JP Hymel, J. Edgar Monroe Foundation, and Luther and Zita Templeman Foundation.
Emcee Mark Romig opened the program, which continued with luncheon chair Anita Hymel’s welcome and acknowledgements, Sarah Jane McMahon’s singing of the national anthem, and the invocation and remarks (as well as the later blessing) by Archbishop James F. Checchio, who then joined SEG co-presidents Erin Stahnke and Julie Vanderbrook for the presentation of the 2026 Volunteer Activists.
Take a bow, Mason G. Couvillon, Jane Heidingsfelder, Nancy Iovino, Dr. Thomas J. Kennedy, Tricia Stella Lincoln, Rhesa Ortique McDonald, Dr. Bennie Nobles, Cynthia Pazos, Karen Fox Pilié, and Mark John Spansel. Jack Dardis and William Claiborne Perrilliat Jr. were the year’s Hall of Fame honorees. Robust applause recognized the limelighted dozen during the event, the 54th annual presentation in recognition of exemplary volunteer service.
Lunch was served, starting with a wedge salad and continuing with a main course of chicken piccata and traditional cheesecake for dessert. As guests enjoyed mealtime conversation, they also admired the centerpieces composed of a small potted fern, encased in silver foil and inserted within a white beribboned arch. It represented the guild’s signature archway, topped with a crown, to symbolize the royal life of St. Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231), who cared for the poor at the city gates.
Prior to lunch, Bobby Ohler provided the music, and during and afterward, the Big Easy Boys (with continued thanks to Rich Arnold) entertained. More robust applause.
In closing, SEG co-presidents Erin and Julie, and luncheon chair Anita did raffle drawings and made final remarks. Along with that threesome were more committee stalwarts, such as auction chairmen Suzette Herpich and Cindy Wooderson, who rounded up hundreds of exciting items, and committee chairs Debbie Alciatore Empey, Lisa Baynham, Ellen Bricker, Debbie Buchler, Nancy Colomb, Ana Eller, Carolyn Escher, Anne Gaffney, Jeanne Gallo, Jamie Moreau, Toni Murphy, honoree Karen Pilié, Angela Rottman, Jennifer Taylor, Anne Bailey Theard, Wanda Tiblier, Cindy Wooderson, Kathi Zimmerman, and the above Suzette, Erin and Julie. Eighteen committee members rounded out that roster.
In full completion, Mark Romig issued final words and thanks aplenty. Again, he surveyed the assembly, and with a smile, said, “See you next year.”
Passing of the Flag
The invitation extended by the Southern Yacht Blub began with, “Commodore and Mrs. James R. Sanchez Jr. cordially invite you to The Commodore’s Ball.” It honored the flag officers, governing committee, past commodores and traditions of the yacht club. As attire, “black tie” was optional.
The decorations of nautical trophies were arranged by Mrs. Sanchez, Christy, along with Lisa Millar, Katharine St. Paul, Debra Davis, Shannon Davies, and Wendy Adams, and the flowers, by Stephen and Laura Sanchez, brother and sister-in-law of the new commodore, who answers to Rocky. A significant moment of the formalities occurred when the outgoing commodore, Dr. Timothy “Tim” Molony passed the flag to Rocky Sanchez.
Additional Sanchez family member included Brandon and Jasie Sanchez, Chelsea and Zach Halley, Rachel Sanchez, and Shari Curtis. Noted, too were Regina Molony with Tim, the James Fabachers, the George Gsells, Dr. and Mrs. Dan Harris, and Olympic Silver Medalist John Lovell II and Katy.
The lively lot relished the delicious food, beginning with passed appetizers, and including plated gnocchi Bolognese and roasted sirloin. Customized Hubig’s pies with the name of the new commodore on the wrapper were a surprise and a special treat.
Musical treats came thanks to The Topcats, which bills itself as “The little band with the big sound!” The music makers rallied hordes to the floor and dancing dominated.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nola.com ’
