Programs
PAST PROGRAM: The Brandy Crusta & The Bersaglieri: Lecture & Tasting with Charles Marsala
Join us for a captivating presentation on the Italian history of the French Quarter and learn about the origination of the Brandy Crusta.
To celebrate the Museum’s Italian heritage, a unique program is planned on Thursday, November 30, entitled, “The Brandy Crusta & The Bersaglieri”, highlighting Italian connections to a New Orleans cocktail. The captivating presentation will introduce attendees to the influence of Italian bartender, Joseph Santini, of the original Jewel of the South Bar as inventor of the Brandy Crusta in the 1850s, and the thrilling story of how Santini, along with 280 Italians, many members of the elite Bersaglieri, protected the French Quarter during the Union Navy occupation in 1862. The lecture by Charles Marsala will include a tasting of the acclaimed cocktail. Doors open at 5:30 for the 6 pm program. Tickets are $25 for nonmembers; $20 for members and may be purchased at via eventbrite.
PAST PROGRAM: Sounds of Brazil with Amigos Do Samba
On Sunday, November 19th, The Historic BK House & Gardens presents Amigos do Samba!
Amigos do Samba specializes in samba traditionally played around a table with a variety of Brazilian percussion, string, and wind instruments. Since 2016, their mission is to bring the “Roda de Samba”, well-known in Brazil, to New Orleans. The group is formed by a mix of US natives, Brazilians, and beyond, including Victoria Douton, Felipe Leite, Fernando Lima, Scott Myers, Leo Oliveira, Tedo Oliveira, Ezra Spira-Cohen, and more.
Tickets are $40 ($30 for members). Light refreshments will be served but guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages of choice, openers and extra cups.
Doors will open at 5:30 pm for the 6 o’clock show.
PAST PROGRAM: Carnival of Souls film screening & spooky dance party with DJ The Archivist
Join us for an extra spooky evening at the Historic BK House & Gardens to start your Halloween weekend off right! We will be showing the cult-horror film classic Carnival of Souls, starring Candace Hilligoss, on a big screen accompanied by our resident vinyl DJ, The Archivist, who will be spinning a Halloween inspired soundtrack fit for a dance party! Special guests, The Krewe of Vaporwave, will be putting on an installation of chilling and thrilling projections around the house and grounds for an atmospheric experience!
Tickets are $15 ($10 for members) and may be purchased via Eventbrite. Light refreshments will be served but guests are encouraged to bring beverages of choice, openers and extra cups. Doors will open at 6:30 pm.
PAST PROGRAM: Letterpress Printing Workshop
Introduction to Letterpress Printing – October 2`8th + Letterpress Printing Studio Workshop – November 4th
This course delves into the historic and artistic significance of letterpress, tracing its evolution from Gutenberg’s movable type to contemporary applications. Participants will acquire hands-on experience with vintage letterpress forms and machines, learning the intricate art of typesetting and honing skills in inking, impression, and paper selection. The curriculum delves into the influence of typography on design aesthetics and the development of printed materials. Ideal for design enthusiasts, aspiring printers, and history aficionados, this course fosters a deep appreciation for the technical finesse and artistic legacy of letterpress and typesetting, empowering participants to create dynamic printed works.
Workshops will run each Saturday from 10 am until 1 pm. Tickets range from $45 – $100.
PAST PROGRAM: VINS DU SUD
A wine tasting of Southern France, featuring a selection of five wines, paired with a tasting provided by La Madeleine Country French Café.
Breakout sessions will be hosted in both French and English. Sponsored in part by the NOUS Foundation.
Doors will open at 5:30 with seating in the historic courtyard and the tasting will begin at 6:00.
PAST PROGRAM: Songs of Humanity & Passion with Cole Williams!
On Sunday, October 1, The Historic BK House & Gardens presents singer-songwriter, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Cole Williams as part of the NolaXNola concert series.
Cole’s incredible sound possesses a captivating blend of humanity and passion that is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage, yet her talents extend beyond music. Described by the Huffington Post as having “the heart of Bob Marley, soul of Sam Cooke and grit of Etta James”, Cole Williams is a multidisciplinary entertainer hailed as “The Empress Of Storytelling.” Inspired by the legendary Gil Scott-Heron, Cole channels her artistry into creating songs of love and humanity that shed light on the everyday experiences and hopes of The Unhoused.
Tickets are $40 ($30 for members). Light refreshments will be served but guests are encouraged to bring beverages of choice, openers and extra cups. Doors will open at 5:30 pm for the 6 o’clock show.
PAST PROGRAM: Selected Works of Carmen Parra
On Sunday October 1 through Friday October 6, selected works of Carmen Parra will be featured in a pop up exhibit at the Historic BK House & Gardens in a contemporary gallery space. At a reception on October 3rd from 4-6PM, the artist will discuss her work with the Monarch Butterfly and how it represents migration and evolution in the Americas. Carmen Parra is visiting New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, Sept 29-Oct 15 and presenting, among other places, at Tulane University ́s Stone Center for Latin American Studies and the Mexican Consulate in New Orleans.
MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Throughout her career, Carmen Parra has felt a close kinship to colonial-era artists, finding inspiration in their time and their iconography — altars, baroque architecture, angels, archangels, eagles, butterflies and flowers abound in her work. The world of El Aire populates her dreams. Declaring herself to be the nation’s witness, Mexico’s roots are Carmen Parra’s wings. She was recently named Creadora Emerita by the Mexican Government, one of the highest national honors for a visual artist. For the past several years she has been working with Visual Historian Sarah Borealis on a multi media biography of her life and work.
PAST PROGRAM: BUBBLES & BURGUNDY
Thursday, September 28th, 2023
Join us for a tasting of French Wines featuring a selection from Champagne and Burgundy. Presented by Vivant and Château de Pommard!