Programs
June 30 | The Rainbow South: Queer Historian Author Talk
Join us for an illuminating evening with several celebrated authors who will share insights from their latest book exploring untold LGBTQ+ narratives in Southern and Creole history. This special event will include a reading,Q&A session, and a book signing opportunity in the historic salon of BK House. Wine and light refreshments will be available.
Larry Bagneris, a life long civil rights activist and founder of Houston’s first Gay Pride parade, will share his powerful memoir Call Me Larry. Award-winning journalist and scholar Rober Fieseler, author of Tinderbox and the newly released American Scare, explores hidden queer histories with bold insight. Local historian Frank Perez, Executive Director of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, brings New Orleans’s rich queer past to life through his latest work, Rainbow Fleur De Lis. Don’t miss this inspiring event spotlighting voices that preserve and honor LGBTQ+ history.
July 13 | Red White and Rosé: an American Wine Tasting
Sunday July 13, 2025
No Tariffs, Just Tannins
Raise a glass to freedom—and fermentation!
Join us for Red, White, and Rosé, a relaxed and elegant evening celebrating the vibrant world of American winemaking. Sample a curated selection of wines from U.S. vineyards, all free from foreign tariffs and full of bold, homegrown flavor.
Uncork and Enjoy:
Tastings of American reds, whites, and rosés
Light bites perfectly paired with each pour
Laid-back tunes + delightful conversation
Member Tickets: $50 | Non-Member Tickets $65
July 14 | Revolution Across the Atlantic
A Bastille Day Immersive Sound Experience
July 14, 2025 | 
7:00–9:00 PM
Historic BK House and Gardens
Members $5 | Non-Members $10 | RSVP encouraged
What does a revolution sound like?
Revolution Across the Atlantic brings history to life through an immersive sonic journey connecting three powerful uprisings: the 1789 French Revolution, the 1791 Haitian Revolution, and the 1811 Louisiana Slave Revolt.
Step into the historic rooms of the BK House as they are transformed by sound—where revolutionary declarations, defiant drumming, and freedom songs rise from the walls and gardens, echoing centuries of struggle and hope.
Experience includes:
Revolutionary texts brought to life through performance Archival songs and poetry from three continents Drum rhythms and spirituals from Haiti and Louisiana Contemporary reflections by local artists and culture bearers
Join us on Bastille Day to explore the shared pulse of rebellion that traveled across oceans and empires—and still resonates today.
PAST PROGRAM Rhythm & Roses: A Spring Concert Series 🎶🌹
Rhythm & Roses is back for its highly anticipated 2025 season, bringing real New Orleans music to the rose-filled garden of the BK House. This beloved live music concert series showcases the best of jazz, blues, funk, and folk, celebrating the city’s rich musical traditions in an unforgettable outdoor setting.
🎵 Join us for an incredible lineup:
🌹 March 27 – Cha Wa
🌹 April 3 – Yusa
🌹 April 17 – Amanda Shaw
🌹 April 24 – Amina Scott
🌹 May 1 – Kristin Diable & Radiobird String Quartet
Enjoy live music under the stars, a breathtaking garden atmosphere, and the soulful sounds of New Orleans musicians. Get your tickets now!
PAST PROGRAM: An Intimate Evening With Judith Owens
On Sunday, May 4th at 7:00, Historic BK House presents an Intimate Evening with Judith Owen.
Delightful, daring, insightful, seductive and fun: these are just some of the many adjectives that could be used to describe Judith Owen’s charming and seductive musical style.
Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $45 for VIP seating (very limited) and $25 – $30 for general admission. There will be a cash bar provided by the Historic BK House.
PAST PROGRAM: March 23 | That’s Amore with Bon Operatit!
Join us at BK House on Sunday, March 23, for a special evening of Neapolitan songs and opera classics with Bon Operatit! In honor of St. Joseph’s Day, we celebrate our Sicilian heritage with the timeless music that has been passed down through generations. Enjoy an unforgettable performance in the stunning historic setting of BK House!
📅 Date: Sunday, March 23
📍 Location: BK House, 1113 Chartres Street, New Orleans
🎶 Featuring: Bon Operatit! performing beloved Neapolitan and opera favorites
🎟️ Tickets: $25 for members | $30 for non-members
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience opera in one of New Orleans’ most beautiful historic venues!
PASt PROGRAM: March 19 | Sicilian Wine Tasting with Chef Glen Hogh & Nina Tramuta
🍷 Sicilian Wine Tasting with Chef Glen Hogh & Nina Tramuta – March 19
This St Joseph’s night, raise a glass to our Sicilian heritage! Chef Glen Hogh and Nina Tramuta, Director of Fine Wine at Southern Glazer’s, will guide us through a special tasting of Sicilian wines. A huge thank you to Southern Glazer’s for their generous wine donation, helping us bring this cultural experience to life.
PAST PROGRAM: March 19-21 | 2025 St Joseph’s day Altar
Each visitor will learn more about the history of the St. Joseph’s Altar and will receive a
traditional prayer card, an Italian cookie, blessed bread, and a fava bean, traditionally known as
a “lucky” bean. Visitation is free.
The Sicilian heritage is deeply rooted in the histories of both BK House and St. Mary’s,
formerly named St. Mary’s Italian Church. Sicilian immigrants began arriving in the city in the
late 19th century, significantly contributing to the French Quarter’s cultural and culinary
landscape and customs, such as the St. Joseph Altar. BK House was home to the Sicilian
Corrado Giacona Family from the 1890s to 1925. The family, and now BK House, continues to
honor this sacred tradition.
Additionally, BK House continues its practice of collecting donations for Covenant House New
Orleans during this time. Covenant House is a shelter and crisis center that provides support
and services to homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth aged 16 to 22. As part of St. Joseph’s
tradition, any remaining food will be distributed to those in need once the altar is dismantled.
Keeping in the spirit of giving, BK House has collected donations for the past decade to
support young adults during challenging times by dedicating altar donations to programs
offered at Covenant House.
PAST PROGRAM: March 16 | QUARTER KALEIDOSCOPE
On March 16, 2025, the Historic BK House & Gardens, in collaboration with VCPORA and the French Quarter Journal, will host another unforgettable evening of Quarter Kaleidoscope, a live storytelling event that celebrates the vibrant spirit of the French Quarter community.
Join us as residents, business owners, and community members share personal stories that weave together the unique history of the Quarter. These heartfelt tales showcase the people, places, and traditions that make this neighborhood a true living treasure.
This event, supported by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation – Louisiana Cultural Equity Arts & Creation, offers a rare opportunity to experience the French Quarter as more than a destination—it’s a home, a community, and a legacy.
Tickets are limited, so secure your spot now for this special night of storytelling, starting at 6:00 PM at the Historic BK House. We can’t wait to see you there!
PAST PROGRAM: Feb 19 | The Baby Dolls: Frilly and Fierce
The Baby Dolls: Frilly and Fierce A Talk with Scholar Kim Vaz-Deville
Discover the rich history and cultural impact of the Baby Dolls, one of New Orleans’ most enduring and groundbreaking Mardi Gras traditions. Join us at the BK House for an evening with renowned scholar and author Kim Vaz-Deville, whose pioneering research has brought this fascinating story to life. From breaking race and gender barriers to shaping the city’s cultural landscape, the Baby Dolls are a powerful expression of resilience and creativity. Vaz-Deville’s work, featured in acclaimed books and international exhibitions, offers a deep dive into the legacy of these remarkable women. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the leading voices in New Orleans cultural history!