Programs

Dec. 11: Quarter Kaleidoscope

Quarter Kaleidoscope

Quarter Kaleidoscope is Back!

On December 11th, 2024, the Historic BK House & Gardens, in collaboration with VCPORA and the French Quarter Journal, will host another unforgettable evening of Quarter Kaleidoscope, a live storytelling event that celebrates the vibrant spirit of the French Quarter community.

Join us as residents, business owners, and community members share personal stories that weave together the unique history of the Quarter. These heartfelt tales showcase the people, places, and traditions that make this neighborhood a true living treasure.

This event, supported by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation – Louisiana Cultural Equity Arts & Creation, offers a rare opportunity to experience the French Quarter as more than a destination—it’s a home, a community, and a legacy.

Tickets are limited, so secure your spot now for this special night of storytelling, starting at 6:00 PM at the Historic BK House. We can’t wait to see you there!

Dec. 12: A Bubbly Holiday Wine Tasting

A Bubbly Holiday Wine Tasting 
Thursday, December 12, 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)

Raise a glass and toast the season at our elegant holiday wine tasting! Join us in the beautifully appointed Ballroom at BK House, a historic gem in the heart of the Vieux Carré, for an evening filled with sparkling wines and gourmet delights.

Curated by Sommelier Wes Kohler-Bergene and paired with exquisite creations by Chef Glen Hogh, this festive affair promises a refined tasting experience that will delight even the most discerning palates. Celebrate in style with friends, savor seasonal flavors, and indulge in an unforgettable night of holiday cheer.

 Event Highlights:

A selection of fine sparkling wines to ring in the season
Gourmet pairings crafted to complement each wine
An elegant holiday setting in the historic BK House Ballroom
Tickets are $75 for non-members and $65 for members. 

Dec. 15: Holidays with The Big Easy Boys

Sunday, December 15th, 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)

Celebrate the season in the beautiful, historic setting of the BK House with New Orleans’ own Big Easy Boys! Known for their lively style and soulful harmonies, this local favorite will fill the halls with festive classics, inviting you to sing along and relive the magic of Christmases past. Perfect for all ages, this concert promises holiday cheer for the whole family.

 Event Highlights:

Classic holiday tunes and sing-alongs
Refreshments to warm your spirits
A stunning, picture-perfect setting in one of New Orleans’ cherished historic homes
Tickets are $30 for non-members and $25 for members. Reserve

PAST PROGRAM: RHYTHM & ROSES – FALL 2024

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, 1113 Chartres Street.

Rhythm & Roses, presented by BK house neighbor and benefactor James Douglas Hislop, will run through Friday, November 1, except for October 11, and will feature a wide array of popular New Orleans talents. The opening concert will be presented in part by NOLAxNOLA.

September 27: Jon Cleary
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.

PAST PROGRAM Sept. 14: Beautiful Spaces Symposium: Exploring the History and Legacy of New Orleans Gardens  

 

Location: BK House, 1113 Chartres Street,  New Orleans, LA

Date: September 14, 2024  10am- 3pm

The annual Beautiful Spaces Symposium, scheduled for September 14, 2024, at the historic BK House in the French Quarter, will focus this year on the cultural legacy of gardens in New Orleans. This well-rounded event promises to be an inspiring day dedicated to exploring the rich history, design, and cultural significance of the city’s gardens. Distinguished experts will share their knowledge and insights, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of the landscapes that have shaped this unique city. From formal parterre gardens to indigenous wild spaces, the symposium will cover a broad spectrum of garden design and history, celebrating the artistry and cultural heritage embedded in New Orleans’ outdoor spaces.

Event Schedule:

9:30 – 10:00 AM: Coffee & Registration  
10:00 – 10:10 AM: Welcome & Introduction 
10:10 – 11:00 AM: Lake Douglas, FASLA – “New Orleans Landscapes: 1720s-1960s”  
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Anna Timmerman – “Formal Parterre Gardens and Their Creolization”  
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Hosted Lunch  
1:00 – 2:00 PM: Dr. Tammy Greer – “Yakni Achokma, Okla Achokma: Wild Tending the Southern Missssippi Medicine Wheel Garden”  
2:00 – 3:00 PM: René J. L. Fransen, FALSA – “Garden Journeys: Exploring the History and Design of New Orleans Landscapes”  3:00 PM: Closing Reception, Immediately followed by light herbal cocktails  

Presentation Descriptions:

• Lake Douglas, FASLA – “New Orleans Landscapes: 1720s-1960s”  

This presentation will take you through 240 years of New Orleans’ garden history, from the colonial period’s elegant designs to landscapes shaped by a blend of cultural influences. Lake Douglas will use engaging visuals to help attendees gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of the city’s gardens.

• Anna Timmerman – “Formal Parterre Gardens and Their Creolization”  

Anna Timmerman will explore the influence of French garden design on New Orleans’ landscapes. Attendees will trace the origins of parterre garden design in Europe, understand its key elements, and see how these formal gardens were adapted to fit the local environment of New Orleans.

• Dr. Tammy Greer – “Yakni Achokma, Okla Achokma: Wild Tending the Southern Miss Medicine Wheel Garden”  

Dr. Tammy Greer will share insights into the vital role that tended wild spaces played in indigenous survival. Her presentation will focus on the importance of these spaces in modern sustainability efforts and offer wisdom on community, balance, and reciprocity through the lens of native plants and wild spaces.

• René J. L. Fransen, FALSA – “Garden Journeys: Exploring the History and Design of New Orleans Landscapes”  

René Fransen will take you on a journey through the evolution of New Orleans gardens, examining the use of design materials, garden ornaments, and plant selections that have shaped the city’s landscapes. The presentation will also explore the integration of functional elements, such as drainage and raised homes, to create unique and captivating gardens.

About the Presenters:

• Anna Timmerman is an Associate Horticulture Agent for the LSU AgCenter, specializing in historical gardening. With a rich background in landscape horticulture, Anna brings her expertise to the symposium, sharing insights into the creolization of formal parterre gardens in New Orleans.
• Lake Douglas, FASLA, Professor Emeritus at the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture, LSU, has dedicated his career to studying and preserving the history of designed landscapes in New Orleans. His presentation offers a historical journey through the city’s gardens.
• René J. L. Fransen, FALSA, founder and senior designer of Fransen Mills Landscape Architects LLC, combines his passions for architecture and horticulture to create distinctive residential designs in New Orleans. René’s lecture will explore the evolution of the city’s gardens.
• Dr. Tammy Greer, Director of the Southern Miss Center for American Indian Research and Studies, brings a unique perspective on the role of indigenous wild spaces in garden design. Her work emphasizes sustainability and food sovereignty through the tending of native plants.

This symposium provides a rare opportunity to delve into the rich history and design of New Orleans’ gardens, offering both historical context and practical knowledge for garden enthusiasts and professionals alike. Join us on September 14th for a day of learning, inspiration, and appreciation of the beautiful spaces that define New Orleans.