One of the most anticipated fundraisers of the season is the "O" vowel vibe. It encompasses two exciting events by the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The first was a Thursday patron party, followed by a Saturday event with two festive formats. Patrons mingled for two hours, perusing the live auction art displayed in the beautiful Garden District home of Fern and Kevin Watters. The music and cocktail fare added to the chic atmosphere.

O What an Evening! at the Ogden Museum

On Saturday, "O What an Evening!" kicked off double-fold fun in the Patrick F. Taylor Library with cocktails, a silent auction, and sponsorship by Neal Auction. Palate New Orleans provided the culinary delights, while Sporty's Brass Band delivered the musical entertainment. The black-tie crowd then moved to the massive tent next to the Ogden Museum for the presentation of the 2024 Opus Awards to community and cultural activists Betsy Nalty and Lloyd "Sonny" Shields and artist James Surls. Entertainment was provided by Jeremy Davenport and Water Seed, and the auction was led by CK Swett. A seated dinner by Palate, prepared by executive chef and owner Glenn Vatshell, and dessert crafted by Beth Biundo added to the festivities. Top sponsors included ELEMENT, Entergy, The Helis Foundation, Premium Parking, SAZERAC/Goldring Family Foundation, Neal Auction, St. Charles Avenue, and The Times-Picayune| Nola.com. In the next tier were Benefactors such as a host of galleries, the Surls + Locke Museum, and individuals like Coleman E. Adler II, Beverly Dale, Peggy and Timber Floyd, Roger Ogden (whose name the museum bears), Ken Barnes, Charles D. Urstadt, and David Bernard, as well as Fern and Kevin Watters.There were about 100 donors to the silent auction, and in the live excitement, names like Alex Beard, Aron Belka, David Borgerding, Michael J. Deas, Thomas Deaton, Ben Depp, Keith Duncan, Simon Gunning, Kelli Scott Kelley, Kaori Maeyama, Jeremy Novy, Anastsia Pelias, Matt Scobey, Carlton Scott Sturgill, and Opus honoree James Surls stood out. Surls's "Dark Center Flowers" sold for $58,000. A paddle raise followed the bidding to support The Shields-Nalty Fund for Excellence in Professional Development, established with a lead gift by museum trustee Sonny Shields and former trustee Betsy Nalty (his sister-in-law) and additional gifts from their spouses. Dancing under the eight chandeliers of the tent capped off the evening. Water Seed's "Future Funk" got the crowd grooving.

Asian Pacific American Society's 45 Years

The Asian Pacific American Society (APAS) of New Orleans celebrated 45 years at the Panda King Grand Ballroom in Terrytown. Society president Grace Chan expressed her joy in sitting among friends and colleagues who represent the love, culture, traditions, and dedication of APAS. A partnership with the French Market has continued the APAS Heritage Festival and the awarding of three high school graduates the Cecil J. Murphy Scholarship. The annual Children's Holiday Party is set to take place next month. She concluded by thanking gala chair Nellie Yip Underwood, who serves on the executive committee with Grace Chan, Tu Dave Nguyen, Sheila Lumod-Jumoad, and Gerlie San Agustin.The Marrero Lion Dance Team's traditional dance opened the formal program, featuring principals Anum Siddiqui, George Jackson, president Chan, Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, and the New Orleans Skylark Arts Troupe. In addition to recognitions and dinner, the program honored Frank Hara Community Service Award recipients from different countries like Dr. Fokrul Hossain (Bangladesh), Marom Kemp (Cambodia), Nellie Underwood (China), Marwoto Mariyono (Indonesia), Rosalie Dalistan (Philippines), Dr. Wendy Jung (Taiwan), Mana Wongwai (Thailand), and Thuy Pham (Vietnam). The APAS Ambassador 2023 was Mia Rodriguez (Philippines), and candidates for 2024 included Anindita Barua (Bangladesh), Dr. Cecilia Chea Walker (Cambodia), Jeanna Chen (China, second place), Karina Shareen (Indonesia), Yeajin Lee (Korea, third place), Erna Guckenburg (Philippines, first place and the APAS Ambassador for 2024), Christine Tseng (Thailand), Ploynalin Kotpartoom (Thailand), and Jennifer Nguyen (Vietnam).

Musical Friends and the Friends of Music

A pair of social gatherings flanked the opening concert of Le Consort to recognize the 70th anniversary of the all-volunteer Friends of Music. On the eve of the French quartet's "musical journey" playing works by Henry Purcell, Nicolas Matteis, and Miss Philharmonica (a mysterious 18th-century female composer), pianists Michael Harold and Dr. Quinn Peeper gave an at-home cocktail party to honor the musicians.The next evening, Le Consort played to acclaim in Tulane University's Dixon Hall. Right after, the FoM's 70th anniversary celebration took place in Dixon Hall's event space with a buffet dinner by Nora Wetzel's Educated Palate and wines from Kiefe & Co. Among the attendees were FoM president Ben Karp, Price and Christine LeBlanc, Ranney and Emel Mize, Christopher Tidmore, Jonathan McCall, Christian Aldrige, Chad Hille, Paul Mauffray, Margaret Shields, Jenny Windstrup, and Edward and Anne-Marie Karp. There were many more who just enjoyed pianist David Greilsammer (Nov. 11) and are awaiting the chamber music of the Dover Quartet in December, Isidore Quartet in February, Trio Virado in March, and in April, Escher Quartet with Terrence Wilson, piano, to close out the celebratory season.

High "C's" at the Prytania Theatre

Cinema, candles, and Carville (political strategist James) fused for an enlightening and festive evening. It started at the Prytania Theatre with the premiere of the documentary about him: "CARVILLE: Winning Is Everything, Stupid." Attendees then made their way to the nearby home of Jennifer and Fred Heebe for a celebratory nod to James's natal day with music and delicious food. On top of the whimsical cake was a picture of him and his wife Mary Matalin. The director Matt Tyrnauer and a host of the birthday boy's nearest and dearest also made rounds.