As the weather changes, so do the days of our lives. As we get closer and closer to the end of 2019, it’s a great time to reflect, reset your goals, and give yourself that high-five for everything you’ve accomplished thus far! This week we’re highlighting three great stories about growth, progression and overcoming obstacles. And for planning your pumpkin-spiced weekend to coincide with your fall feels, we also have your picks for celebrations, scary situations and musical harmonizations. Happy fall, y’all!
Ditching Booze for Burlesque
Glitter, heels, and an occasional snake or sword — these are the tools of the trade for burlesque dancer Harper Hexx. But it wasn’t always this way; Hexx uses her craft to help her deal with the darkness of being a former alcoholic. “Getting sober has been an awakening for me and given me a new fire for burlesque and performing,” she said in this touching and behind the scenes look into the mystery of one of the city’s top burlesque performers.
Inside the Shop: Privy Label
From design to delivery, Privy Label has grown their fashion brand right here in the heart of New Orleans to clients all over the world — all made in the USA. Click here to meet the local duo who started in coffee shops but have since exploded their business thanks to the spaces that help them thrive within The Shop. (This story, showing you about local people building a business from the ground up to across the globe was created in partnership with The Shop at the CAC.)
Keeping the Pages Turning
In between Magazine Street and Tchoupitoulas, among all of the cottages and crepe myrtles in the heart of Uptown New Orleans, stands a large gray building with a cheery Adirondack chair logo. Octavia Books has been a neighborhood staple for over 19 years now, for many good reasons. The independent book retailer opened in the year 2000 – a time when many small bookstores were closing. Click here to hear from the owners how they keep readers and authors coming back to their store in the digital age.
What’s Happening This Weekend
Fri. Sept. 27, 2019
Freelancer Friday | 9-5 p.m. | The Shop at the CAC | Free
Need a change of venue for work? Very Local New Orleans is hosting Freelance Friday, where you can come work in the gorgeous Shop at the CAC coworking space for free. It’s a great place to network, get some work and done and meet new people!
Black and Gold Fan Fest | 12-1 p.m. | Hancock Whitney Center | Free
Looking for something to do during lunch? The Hancock Whitney Center is teaming up with the Saints to hold a fan fest ahead of the Dallas game, with ticket giveaways and special appearances by former Saints players and Saintsations.
Love in the Garden | 6:30 p.m. – Midnight | New Orleans Museum of Art | Tickets start at $75
NOMA’s annual fall soiree in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden offers a night of dancing, food and drinks under the stars. This year is the first time the patron party will be held in the sculpture garden’s new expanded area. Food vendors include Antoine’s, Apolline, Fogo de Chao, Houston’s and Superior Seafood.
Sat. Sept. 28, 2019
Chevron Walk to End HIV | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Woldenberg Park | Suggested donation of $10
This fundraiser supports the need to find a cure for HIV and support those living with the virus. The route is 2-miles long and registration starts at 8 a.m., with the walk beginning at 10 a.m.
NOLA Horror Film Fest | 2 p.m. – Midnight | Prytania Theatre | Tickets start at $35
This four-day film festival is curated by horror filmmakers for horror fans. Saturday is jam-packed with comedy and sci-fi shorts and three feature films.
Sun. Sept. 29, 2019
Muggles, get yourselves together and gather at the closest thing New Orleans has to Hogwarts (Loyola University, of course) for the sounds of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The LPO kicks off it’s Family Series with score selections from the Harry Potter series, and if you arrive early you’ll even have a chance to interact with the orchestra members and their instruments. Accio LPO!
