NEW ORLEANS – The Historic BK House & Gardens is offering music afficionados a special treat this fall with a new Rhythm & Roses Concert Series, extending the popular spring concerts into September, October and November. British-born, American funk and R&B musician Jon Cleary will kick off the series with a solo performance on Friday, Sept. 27, at 6 p.m. Cleary, an accomplished pianist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter, will perform from 6-9 p.m. in the beautifully manicured BK House Parterre Garden, 1113 Chartres St.
Rhythm & Roses, presented by BK house neighbor and benefactor James Douglas Hislop, will run through Friday, Nov. 1, except for Oct. 11, and will feature a wide array of popular New Orleans talents. The opening concert will be presented in part by NOLAxNOLA.
Future dates include:
October 4: Jason Neville Funky Soul Band
October 18: Helen Gillet and Rebelle Musique
October 25: Dusky Waters & Rachel Maxann
November 1: Jelly Joseph
Tickets are priced at $30 for nonmembers and $25 for BK members and are available at www.bkhouse.org. Food and beverages will be sold on site. Because beverage sales support on-going maintenance of the garden, outside beverages will not be permitted.
Concert-goers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance due to anticipated popularity of the event and size of the historic setting. Limited seating will be provided; however, attendees may bring small chairs provided space allows.
Also in September, BK House will host the second annual Beautiful Spaces Symposium on Saturday, Sept. 14, focusing on the legacy of gardens in New Orleans. The inspiring day will explore the rich history, design and cultural significance of the city’s gardens and will feature distinguished experts covering a broad spectrum of landscapes from formal parterre gardens to indigenous wild spaces. The program will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with coffee, a boxed lunch and closing reception. Visit www.bkhouse.org for details.
Dedicated to maintaining the historical treasure, the annual BK House Soiree in the Vieux Carre’ will take place on Sunday, Sept. 29. The fundraiser will be held from 5-8 p.m., featuring John Boutte in the Courtyard and Amber Rachelle & the Sweet Potatoes in the Parterre Garden and a delicious Sunday Supper by 12 Seasons Catering & Events. Co-chaired by Sarah & Marshall Hevron and Carroll Gelderman Zimmer & Emory Zimmer, proceeds from the festive event will support major restorations to interior plaster and masonry, as well as the BK Endowment Fund. Tickets start at $100, with various levels available for individuals and sponsors, and may be purchased at www.bkhouse.org.
Future events will include additional concerts, literary programs, and a holiday wine tasting. Information about BK membership, which provides for a discount to many Museum events, as well as current and upcoming events at the BK House may be found at www.bkhouse.org.
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