Programs
PAST PROGRAM: Haiti-Louisiana: Tides of Freedom
Background: The BK House owes its existence to Haiti and the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804). As the enslaved population in Saint-Domingue rebelled for freedom, numerous families, especially wealthy slaveholders, sought refuge in Louisiana. Notably, Joseph LeCarpintier, fled Haiti and became an auctioneer deeply involved in New Orleans’ slave trade. In 1825, he commissioned the BK House’s construction. The House was designed by another Haitian migrant, architect Francois Correjolles. The Haitian Revolution prompted several thousand people, both free and enslaved, to move to Louisiana, forging a lasting connection between these two places.
The Exhibit: The Nous Foundation, the Historic BK House & Gardens, and Max Jean-Louis are thrilled to co-present their original exhibition, Haiti-Louisiana: Tides of Freedom, which will be on display from January 12 to March 17, 2024, at the Historic BK House & Gardens.
This groundbreaking exhibition features two collections: 41 works from the Jacques Bartoli Collection of contemporary Haitian art (30 paintings and 11 beaded flags), previously presented at UNESCO in Paris and making its debut in Louisiana, and 36 original paintings and photographs by eight Haitian and Louisianan artists commissioned for the occasion by Haitian-born curator Max Jean-Louis.
This exhibition aims to commemorate Haiti’s 220th anniversary of independence and celebrate the deep-rooted connection between Haiti and Louisiana.
The Team:
Curator: Max Jean-Louis
Co-Curators: Annie Irvin, Scott Tilton, Rudy Bazenet, Joseph Makkos, Jane Hill
Graphic Designer: Katya Vaz
Host Committee: Sandra Dartus, Denise Frazier, Régine René Labrousse, Jacqueline Simon, Nathalie Simon
PAST PROGRAM: A charming evening of Jazz with Cyrille Aimée
On Sunday, February 25, acclaimed French Jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimée will perform in concert with guitar accompaniment Historic BK House & Gardens. Described by a New York Times music reviewer as “a blend of Michael Jackson and Sarah Vaughan, the saucy singer was nominated for a Grammy in 2019 for her recording of Sondheim’s “Marry Me A Little”. The concert begins at 6 pm; doors open at 5:30. Tickets are $30 for nonmembers and $25 for members and are available HERE Light refreshments will be served but guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages of choice, openers, and extra cups.
PAST PROGRAM: BK House’s Annual Kids Holiday Tea Party!
Join us at The Historic BK House & Gardens on Saturday, December 9 from 10am til 1pm for our annual Holiday Tea party!
Kids and guardians are welcomed to attend the party filled with snacks and fun activities ranging from storytelling, holiday crafts, and a visit from a surprise guest! (Refreshments will be available for adults and kids alike!)
Kids can bring their favorite doll to show off as well!
Space is limited! Tickets are required for each adult and child attending. Children 2 years old and younger may attend for free, no ticket required.
Tickets can be purchased via eventbrite.
PAST PROGRAM: The Magic of Christmas with Tim Laughlin trio, featuring Yolanda Robinson
The Magic of Christmas Concert with the Tim Laughlin trio, featuring Yolanda Robinson
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.