Programs
PAST PROGRAM: St. Joseph’s Day Altar Returns in 2024
St. Joseph’s Day Altar Returns
The Historic BK House & Gardens honors St. Joseph’s Day with an altar every year. Join us in marking this sacred Sicilian tradition, which has been celebrated in the French Quarter since Sicilian immigrants began arriving in the city in the late 19th century.
The altar will open on Monday, March 18 through Wednesday, March 20 from 10 AM – 4 PM. The public will be invited to visit and learn more about this important tradition.
To Contribute to the BK House St. Joseph’s Altar contact Joseph at [email protected] Contributions from the community are cherished and appreciated!
PAST PROGRAM: Cin Cin! Wines of Sicily
On Sunday, March 17, BK House will host Cin Cin! featuring five wines from Sicily, curated by Grand Krewe – Fine Wine & Spirits. Sommelier Wes Kohler-Bergene will lead participants through a tasting of selected varietals paired with dishes specially created by Messina’s Catering. The Glow Worm Trio (Guitar, Violin, Mandolin) will be performing Italian American music in the courtyard. Tickets are $45 for BK Members and $50 for non-members. Doors will open at 5:30 and the event is 6-8pm. While not officially blessed and open for viewing, attendees will have the opportunity to preview the uniquely Sicilian St. Joseph’s Altar at the event.
PAST PROGRAM: Haiti-Louisiana: Tides of Freedom
Background: The BK House owes its existence to Haiti and the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804). As the enslaved population in Saint-Domingue rebelled for freedom, numerous families, especially wealthy slaveholders, sought refuge in Louisiana. Notably, Joseph LeCarpintier, fled Haiti and became an auctioneer deeply involved in New Orleans’ slave trade. In 1825, he commissioned the BK House’s construction. The House was designed by another Haitian migrant, architect Francois Correjolles. The Haitian Revolution prompted several thousand people, both free and enslaved, to move to Louisiana, forging a lasting connection between these two places.
The Exhibit: The Nous Foundation, the Historic BK House & Gardens, and Max Jean-Louis are thrilled to co-present their original exhibition, Haiti-Louisiana: Tides of Freedom, which will be on display from January 12 to March 17, 2024, at the Historic BK House & Gardens.
This groundbreaking exhibition features two collections: 41 works from the Jacques Bartoli Collection of contemporary Haitian art (30 paintings and 11 beaded flags), previously presented at UNESCO in Paris and making its debut in Louisiana, and 36 original paintings and photographs by eight Haitian and Louisianan artists commissioned for the occasion by Haitian-born curator Max Jean-Louis.
This exhibition aims to commemorate Haiti’s 220th anniversary of independence and celebrate the deep-rooted connection between Haiti and Louisiana.
The Team:
Curator: Max Jean-Louis
Co-Curators: Annie Irvin, Scott Tilton, Rudy Bazenet, Joseph Makkos, Jane Hill
Graphic Designer: Katya Vaz
Host Committee: Sandra Dartus, Denise Frazier, Régine René Labrousse, Jacqueline Simon, Nathalie Simon
PAST PROGRAM: A charming evening of Jazz with Cyrille Aimée
On Sunday, February 25, acclaimed French Jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimée will perform in concert with guitar accompaniment Historic BK House & Gardens. Described by a New York Times music reviewer as “a blend of Michael Jackson and Sarah Vaughan, the saucy singer was nominated for a Grammy in 2019 for her recording of Sondheim’s “Marry Me A Little”. The concert begins at 6 pm; doors open at 5:30. Tickets are $30 for nonmembers and $25 for members and are available HERE Light refreshments will be served but guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages of choice, openers, and extra cups.
PAST PROGRAM: BK House’s Annual Kids Holiday Tea Party!
Join us at The Historic BK House & Gardens on Saturday, December 9 from 10am til 1pm for our annual Holiday Tea party!
Kids and guardians are welcomed to attend the party filled with snacks and fun activities ranging from storytelling, holiday crafts, and a visit from a surprise guest! (Refreshments will be available for adults and kids alike!)
Kids can bring their favorite doll to show off as well!
Space is limited! Tickets are required for each adult and child attending. Children 2 years old and younger may attend for free, no ticket required.
Tickets can be purchased via eventbrite.
PAST PROGRAM: The Magic of Christmas with Tim Laughlin trio, featuring Yolanda Robinson
The Magic of Christmas Concert with the Tim Laughlin trio, featuring Yolanda Robinson
PAST PROGRAM: The Brandy Crusta & The Bersaglieri: Lecture & Tasting with Charles Marsala
Join us for a captivating presentation on the Italian history of the French Quarter and learn about the origination of the Brandy Crusta.
To celebrate the Museum’s Italian heritage, a unique program is planned on Thursday, November 30, entitled, “The Brandy Crusta & The Bersaglieri”, highlighting Italian connections to a New Orleans cocktail. The captivating presentation will introduce attendees to the influence of Italian bartender, Joseph Santini, of the original Jewel of the South Bar as inventor of the Brandy Crusta in the 1850s, and the thrilling story of how Santini, along with 280 Italians, many members of the elite Bersaglieri, protected the French Quarter during the Union Navy occupation in 1862. The lecture by Charles Marsala will include a tasting of the acclaimed cocktail. Doors open at 5:30 for the 6 pm program. Tickets are $25 for nonmembers; $20 for members and may be purchased at via eventbrite.
PAST PROGRAM: Sounds of Brazil with Amigos Do Samba
On Sunday, November 19th, The Historic BK House & Gardens presents Amigos do Samba!
Amigos do Samba specializes in samba traditionally played around a table with a variety of Brazilian percussion, string, and wind instruments. Since 2016, their mission is to bring the “Roda de Samba”, well-known in Brazil, to New Orleans. The group is formed by a mix of US natives, Brazilians, and beyond, including Victoria Douton, Felipe Leite, Fernando Lima, Scott Myers, Leo Oliveira, Tedo Oliveira, Ezra Spira-Cohen, and more.
Tickets are $40 ($30 for members). Light refreshments will be served but guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages of choice, openers and extra cups.
Doors will open at 5:30 pm for the 6 o’clock show.
PAST PROGRAM: Carnival of Souls film screening & spooky dance party with DJ The Archivist
Join us for an extra spooky evening at the Historic BK House & Gardens to start your Halloween weekend off right! We will be showing the cult-horror film classic Carnival of Souls, starring Candace Hilligoss, on a big screen accompanied by our resident vinyl DJ, The Archivist, who will be spinning a Halloween inspired soundtrack fit for a dance party! Special guests, The Krewe of Vaporwave, will be putting on an installation of chilling and thrilling projections around the house and grounds for an atmospheric experience!
Tickets are $15 ($10 for members) and may be purchased via Eventbrite. Light refreshments will be served but guests are encouraged to bring beverages of choice, openers and extra cups. Doors will open at 6:30 pm.
PAST PROGRAM: Letterpress Printing Workshop
Introduction to Letterpress Printing – October 2`8th + Letterpress Printing Studio Workshop – November 4th
This course delves into the historic and artistic significance of letterpress, tracing its evolution from Gutenberg’s movable type to contemporary applications. Participants will acquire hands-on experience with vintage letterpress forms and machines, learning the intricate art of typesetting and honing skills in inking, impression, and paper selection. The curriculum delves into the influence of typography on design aesthetics and the development of printed materials. Ideal for design enthusiasts, aspiring printers, and history aficionados, this course fosters a deep appreciation for the technical finesse and artistic legacy of letterpress and typesetting, empowering participants to create dynamic printed works.
Workshops will run each Saturday from 10 am until 1 pm. Tickets range from $45 – $100.