September Events at BK Focusing on History & Preservation
A Symposium on Historic Gardens of New Orleans, a Soiree' in the Vieux Carre and
a new Fall Rhythm & Roses Concert Series to Benefit the Parterre Garden
On Saturday, September 14, Beautiful Spaces: A Symposium - Exploring the History and Legacy of New Orleans Gardens will take place in one of the French Quarter’s most beautiful spaces—the salon at Historic BK House. Participants will focus on the cultural legacy of gardens in New Orleans. This is the second year of the Symposium, an information-filled, inspiring day – this year, dedicated to the rich history, design and cultural significance of the city’s gardens.
The program will feature distinguished experts sharing their knowledge and insights, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of the landscapes that have shaped our city. Speakers will include Lake Douglas, FASA, addressing “New Orleans Landscapes, 1720s-1960s, Anna Timmerman, speaking on “Formal Parterre Gardens and Their Creation, Dr. Tammy Greer, offering insights on “Yakni Achokma, Okla Achokma: Wild Tending the Southern Mississippi Medicine Wheel Garden”, and Rene Fransen, FALSA, reflecting on “Garden Journeys: Exploring the History and Design of New Orleans Landscapes”.
The Beautiful Spaces Symposium will take place from 10 am to 3 pm, opening with coffee and pastries and includes a box lunch, ending with a reception featuring herbal cocktails. The insightful program offers an opportunity to be inspired by this legacy of design and to experience a beautiful space. Tickets can be purchased at www.bkhouse.org and are $60 for non-members ($50 for members).
On Sunday, September 29, the Historic BK House & Gardens will host its annual fundraiser, Soirée in the Vieux Carré from 5-8 pm. The festive event will feature music by New Orleans’ own John Boutte in the Courtyard and Amber Rachelle & the Sweet Potatoes in the Parterre Garden, cocktails, and a delicious Sunday supper by 12 Seasons Catering & Events. The 2024 Soirée in the Vieux Carré willCo-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.
This year’s Soiree’ in the Vieux Carre is celebrated in honor of the late Avis Ogilvy Moore, whose bequest has allowed the Historic BK House to establish an Endowment Fund, ensuring the long-term violability of our nonprofit organization.
Additionally, 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, September 27, at 6 pm. Cleary, an accomplished pianist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter, will perform from 6-9 pm in the beautifully manicured BK House Parterre Garden on the corner of Ursulines and Chartres Streets.
Rhythm & Ross Concerts, presented by BK house neighbor and benefactor James Douglas Hislop, will run on a number of Friday evenings through November 1and will feature Glen David Andrews, Helen Gillet and Rebelle Musique, Dusky Waters & Rachel Maxann, and Jelly Joseph. The opening concert will be presented in part by NOLAxNOLA.
Tickets are $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 will support ongoing maintenance of the garden, outside beverages will be prohibited.
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 details for current and upcoming events at the BK House may be found at www.bkhouse.org.
The Historic BK House & Gardens is located at 1113 Chartres Street, across from the Old Ursuline Convent, in the French Quarter.
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About The Historic BK House & Gardens: Now distinguished as a National Historic Landmark, the house was built in 1826, purchased by noted author Frances Parkinson Keyes in 1948 and restored under her loving care. Programming has evolved in the last several years to focus on the seven families who lived on the property, as well as influences of the French Quarter neighborhood. A new interpretative program is underway to better reflect the heritage of the site. Membership, events, grants, donations, and fundraising activities generate revenue needed for ongoing restoration and future capital improvement projects
