The Oretha Castle Healthy Art Market is excited to present a Wellness Themed Art Market on Saturday March 10th from 10am to 3pm, at Zeitgeist 1618 OC Haley Blvd. focusing on Health & Wellness products and businesses.  Come learn more about  yoga, nutrition, raw food, meditation, metabolic typing from some New Orleans Wellness retailers who will be on hand.  A large selection of ealth and wellness products including organic candles, perfumes,  exoric stones, salts and herbs will be available for purchase.  As always come shop in the wide variety of  the  most unique, locally and hand made arts and crafts.

Again we are  happy to have the NOLA Locavore’s Local Foods Cafe serving an all local ingredient arts brunch to market vendors and shoppers. Come find out how good a brunch can taste when made with only fresh ingredients sourced within a 200 mile radius.  NOLA Food Swap, will be holding their local foods swap meet up at the OCH Wellness market.  Be sure to bring your children as there will be special kids wellness activities including kids zoomba, a nutrition education class and a creative movement workshop.  Special thanks to our three sponsors Natural Awakenings Magazine, Divine Yoga Studio, and Friday Night Fights.  Friday Night Fights, the newest business to join the OC Haley revitalization effort will be giving tours of their facility and will be giving out free memberships as door prizes as well.

Additionally,  a mobile health screening unit, courtesy of St. Anna’s Medical Mission will parked in the front providing free blood pressure and diabetes screenings.  This service will be a great assett for this community that is underserved by preventative health care.    Enjoy live music performances by both Michelle Cunningham and Harvey Castle.

As at every market, produce boxes from Hollygrove Farm & Market will be available for pickup (make sure to reserve one online!) Fresh Food, Live Music, Local Arts, and Wellness is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. You will be a better person when you leave.  There will truly be something for everyone.

The OCH Art Market is a monthly event located in the heart of Central City on 1618 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard  at the Zeitgeist theatre.  The often underrated Central City neighborhood is a thriving community, full of creative and social ventures alike.  The OCH Art Market is working to raise awareness and appreciation of this up and coming neighborhood and nationally recognized historic district. The OCH Art Market serves as a monthly creative center for neighbors and visitors from all over the city to experience art, culture, history, and (this month) wellness.  Come enjoy shopping therapy, art therapy and wellness at this month’s Oretha Castle Healthy Art Marlet.

So on March 10th take a break and treat yourself to a little healthy living at OCH Art Market, 10AM-3PM at 1618 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. Revitalize your life, revitalize our neighborhood!

For more information on the market (or for a vendor application) check out our newly minted website http://www.ochartmarket.com/. You can also find us on Facebook (OCH Art Market) or Twitter (@OCHArtMarket). Contact our new market manager MaryKate Romagnoli at ochartmarket@gmail.com with any questions or comments.
For more information on our sponsors visit
http://www.yoganola.com
http://www.naturalawakeningsmag.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Freret-Street-Boxing-Gym/112482645467430
For more information on NOLA Food Swap visit
http://nolafoodswap.wordpress.com/

Casting has been announced for the New Orleans premiere engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING. New Orleans’ most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts’ stage from Wednesday, March 14 to Sunday, April 15. The press opening night is Friday, March 16 at 8:00 p.m.

The talented cast of more than 40 actors includes a local connection; Maurica Roland (Ensemble/Understudy Nala, Shenzi & Sarabi) is a Pensacola, FL native and graduate of the Louisiana State University music education program. Recently, Roland appeared in American Vybe at Walt Disney World in Orlando and Hairspray First National Tour (swing, u/s Dynamite). She is thrilled to be in New Orleans and close to all her college friends and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters.

The sardonic and deviously cunning “Scar” is played by J. Anthony Crane. Dionne Randolph is “Mufasa,” the great warrior and ruler of the Pridelands. Buyi Zama is the wise baboon shaman “Rafiki.” Mark David Kaplan portrays the prim and proper hornbilled bird “Zazu.” Adam Kozlowski is the carefree warthog “Pumbaa” and Nick Cordileone is the wisecracking meerkat “Timon.” Mufasa’s son, “Simba,” the lion prince born to be king, is played by Jelani Remy and Syndee Winters is the loyal lioness “Nala.”

The three evil hyenas are played by Keith Bennett (“Banzai”), Rashada Dawan (“Shenzi”) and Robbie Swift (“Ed”). The role of “Young Simba” is alternated between Zavion J. Hill and Adante Power and the role of “Young Nala” is alternated between Sade Phillip-Demorcy and Kailah McFadden.

In New Orleans, THE LION KING will play Wednesday, March 14 through Sunday, April 15 on the following schedule:

Tuesdays: 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 p.m.
*Thursdays: 8:00 p.m.
Fridays: 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 2:00 and 8:00 p.m.
**Sundays: 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.
*There will be special 2:00 p.m. matinees on Thursday, March 15 and Thursday, April 12.
**There will not be a 6:30 p.m. performance on Sunday, April 15.

Ticket prices start as low as $30.25. Premium Ticket Packages, which include prime seat locations, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available. Beginning Saturday, November 12, tickets will be available in person at the Mahalia Jackson Box Office, via phone at 800-982-2787 (ARTS), and online at BroadwayInNewOrleans.com. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling 504-287-0372.

The North American touring production of THE LION KING has been seen by over 13.5 million theatergoers and grossed over $875 million to date. Having already played more than 60 cities across North America, THE LION KING now proudly makes its New Orleans premiere at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. The current schedule is listed below.

ABOUT THE LION KING
In its 15th year, THE LION KING remains ascendant, continuing to reign as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 19 productions around the globe have been seen by more than 63 million people, grossed over $4.7 billion and have, cumulatively, run a staggering 89 years. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the seventh longest-running musical in Broadway history and one of only six productions in theatre history to play for ten years or more both on Broadway and in the West End. Translated into seven different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Mandarin, Spanish), the show has been performed in 14 different countries on five continents. THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway, on stages across North America, and in Tokyo, London’s West End, Hamburg and Madrid.

THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical, making Taymor the first woman in theatrical history bestowed with the honor. THE LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

On stage, Taymor’s creative vision blends elements of African art and Broadway artisanship to depict anthropomorphic animal characters. Taymor, along with designer Michael Curry, has created hundreds of masks and puppets for THE LION KING. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay. Other members of the creative team include: Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor). Anne Quart serves as associate producer.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.”

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.

The New Orleans engagement of THE LION KING is presented by arrangement with East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans and is a subscription offering of the Broadway Across America Series.

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR SCHEDULE THROUGH OCTOBER 2012:
Richmond – Landmark Theater
February 15 – March 11, 2012
New Orleans – Mahalia Jackson Theatre
March 14 – April 15, 2012
Orlando – Bob Carr Performing Arts Center
April 17 – May 13, 2012
Miami – Adrienne Arsht Center
May 17 – June 10, 2012
Greenville – Peace Center for Performing Arts
June 12 – July 8, 2012
Houston – Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
July 10 – August 12, 2012
St. Louis – Fox Theatre
August 15 – September 2, 2012
Wichita – Century II Concert Hall
September 4 – 30, 2012
Albuquerque – Popejoy Hall
October 2 – 28, 2012

The Mahalia Jackson Theater is located in Armstrong Park at 801 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. Information on the Broadway Across America – New Orleans series and venue policies and accommodations may be obtained online at www.mahaliajacksontheater.com. Group Sales information is available at 504-287-0372. Box Office information is available at 504-287-0351.

Arts Center Enterprises – New Orleans, LLC – (ACE) is a theatrical facility management company with more than 30 years of experience in the field of professional performing arts facility management and theatrical property development. Allen Becker, together with his partners David Anderson, Gary Markowitz and Kirk B. Feldmann have succeeded in establishing a successful business model that combines an entrepreneurial operating strategy, with a wealth of industry relationships, which result in active, vibrant, well-managed and self-sustaining performing arts facilities. Not only has this business model served to uplift communities through the presentation of powerful live performances, but it has served to also provide economic stimulus into urban corridors in need of revitalization. Please visit ACE New Orleans online at www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA (Producer), part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies which includes Broadway.com, is owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman). Broadway Across America presents first-class touring musicals and plays across 40 North American cities. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. Under the supervision of Beth
Williams (CEO—Theater Division), Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse theatre. Current Broadway productions include How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying starring Darren Criss and Beau Bridges, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever starring Harry Connick Jr, The Mountaintop starring Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Godspell, Memphis, Lysistrata Jones, and the New York, West End, and national touring productions of Million Dollar Quartet. For more information, please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

New Orleans Theatre Association (NOTA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to attract and present the finest theatrical and performing arts attractions available in New Orleans. NOTA is also dedicated to financial and technical support of local non-profit institutions in New Orleans that are dedicated to the furtherance of theatrical and musical education and production.

Today, I finally get to partake in one of my life goals…A career that I think many people wished they could do.. Be a Cupcake Judge! Yes, I said it due to my extreme professional cupcake eating ethics I was asked to take part in the Nola Cupcake Competition at the Kupcake Factory.  The Kupcake Factory is celebrating its Four Year Anniversary, which I’m very excited to take part in this serious cupcake eating matter.

“We are delighted to be able to celebrate four years in business here at The Kupcake Factory,” said Owner Claudia Melgar. “It has truly been a pleasure to serve our local New Orleans communities and I am so grateful for the support that we’ve received from them all to make our shop a success for these great four years.”

I will judge on eight yummy flavors that I have a great feeling will be difficult to choose from: Chubby Hubby, Bacon Maple, Turtle Soup, Cherry Chocolate, Salterd Caramel Pistachio, Lemon Blueberry, Cinnamon Pecan, and Strawberries & Cream (w/almonds).  Of these flavors, four will make its way on the spring menu. The judging criteria will consist of Bite-Ability, Frosting, Cake, and Presentation. I won’t be swayed by the bacon if that’s what’s on your mind!  In honor of all my readers, I will take this duty seriously so when you go into the Kupcake Factory this spring (and before that!)  there will be new flavors to bring about your happy food dance.

Today would be the perfect day to check out the Kupcake Factory! The fourth customer at each location will receive a $20 gift card.  All patrons at any of the three locations will receive two additional cupcakes when you purchase four. These are the type of special deals I can stand by with my heart. I’m trying hard to not be cupcake bias today.

About The Kupcake Factory

The Kupcake Factory  is New Orleans’ own sweets boutique, locally owned and operated by two native New Orleanians. When Claudia Melgar and her sister Victoria came back to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, they realized they wouldn’t be able to open their former business. This allowed them to do some soul searching and their love for their city, and for cupcakes, lead them to open The Kupcake Factory in 2008. Now with three locations (and a fourth opening soon downtown), The Kupcake Factory now touts more than 32 original cupcake flavors, all made from scratch daily.

Photo Credit: Playnola.com

PLAYNOLA offers softball, volleyball, dodge ball, flag football, soccer and even kick ball at a variety of skill levels. PLAYNOLA has over 2,500 members who are are young professionals from all over the city. Memberships are free and can be found on their website. They also host a diverse range of events that members can participate in.

Find them online at:

http://playnola.com/

The New Orleans Jewish Community Center is also a source for sports that adults can participate in New Orleans. Adult members can just come on by and join a pick-up basketball game. Members also have access to the wide range of facilities which includes a batting cage with a pitching machine.

Find them online at:

http://nojcc.org/sports/adult-sports

The Reilly Center at Tulane offers a more eclectic mix of sports and activities adults can take part in. They offer yoga, tennis, golf and scuba diving as well as martial arts and dance. There are pick-up basketball games that members can join and additionally there are swimming pools, tennis courts, racquet ball courts and ping-pong tables.

Find them online at:

http://www.reilycenter.com/

Kupcake Factory.

I think there is no better way to say I love you than gourmet cupcakes. Imagine getting Strawberry Fields Gourmet Cupcakes, Very Berry Blueberry, Red Velvet, Lemon Raspberry, and let’s not forget Reese Pieces cupcakes. If that thought isn’t enough for you I don’t know what will be . If you’re feeling a little creative you can even build your own at The Kupcake Factory!  They currently have a Valentine’s Box Special available which consist of two rose cupcakes, fondant heart cupcakes for $12. Check them out!

Photo Credit: http://theoccasionalwife.com/

Occasional Wife.

This is the perfect gift for those with the love of organizing. It’s the gift that keeps on giving; a gift card for organizing services from The Occasional Wife. Give the gift of time. Someone has a special project they need help on or someone to do some shopping , then this is the gift. So many options that can go along with this!

My painting completed at Paint N' Party

Paint N’ Party.

For the creative, a great gift is a wonderful date for you and your loved ones to get a little painting in and channel your inner artist. Paint N’ Party is a great spot for intimate classes with art surrounding you, to inspire you just a little more to give your best effort. I had the pleasure of visiting Paint N’ Party and had an amazing time painting. The level of help and fun makes it a great process to create quality piece of personal art!

No experience is necessary, and there are jobs for people of all ages and abilities. Volunteers must pre-register by contacting lhakaboom@gmail.com or 504-307-2383.

 The new playground will provide nearly 300 children in the community with a safe place to play. Currently, the children who attend Langston Hughes Academy Charter School do not have a playground for students to enjoy.

The playground will be the first built by KaBOOM! and Verint and is one of more than 150 playground builds KaBOOM! will lead across the country in 2012 in an effort to fulfill its vision of a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.

Langston Hughes Academy

The mission of Langston Hughes Academy Charter School is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and character traits necessary to succeed in high school, college and the world beyond. Our goal is to send every student to college by preparing them for the best public and private high schools in the New Orleans area. Learn more at http://www.langstonhughesacademy.org.

FirstLine Schools

The mission of FirstLine Schools is to create and inspire great public schools in New Orleans. FirstLine currently operates Samuel J. Green Charter School, Arthur Ashe Charter School, John Dibert Community School, Langston Hughes Academy, and Joseph S. Clark Preparatory High School.

The Blue Man Group is not like your normal theatrical show. It is a truly unique experience coupled with music, neon colors, role-playing and a touch of magic. Throughout the hour and a half long show, the group performed various skits, sometimes using audience members, odd props, or making fun of our “on-the-go” culture. My favorite? The Feast and The GiPad. In The Feast, an audience member gets on stage and has a sit down dinner with three blue men. Because the men don’t talk, things can get out of hand as each tries to figure out how to impress their dinner guest. Another personal favorite was the GiPad, which poked fun at the iPad and the different ways we’ve come to use technology. The group jumped in and out of life-sized apps, exploring what each could do and bringing them to life on stage.

Laughter and magic would be good words to use when describing what you experience and see while watching The Blue Man group. I laughed throughout the performance from the group simple gestures, expressions, and how they related to the audience. I used the word magic because at times it was like watching a magician on stage. I found myself leaning forward in my chair, repeatedly asking myself “How’d they do that?” The ending was also great, with all the trimmings and fun that you would expect at a rock concert.

The Blue Man Group is an experience for all ages and groups. At every turn, the group figures out a way to excite the audience while engaging all five senses for a wonderful experience.

Schedule and Tickets

The eight performances of Blue Man Group are scheduled from Tuesday, January 31 – Sunday, February
5, 2012. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday
at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

For more information on tickets, visit BroadwayInNewOrleans.com or the Mahalia Jackson Box Office.
Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster locations or via phone at 800-982-2787 (ARTS). Group
discounts for 15 or more are available by calling 504-287-0372.

Ingredients:
1 lb. fresh baby carrots
2 T olive oil
1 T Slap Ya Mama seasoning
3 T butter
1 slice of sourdough bread – preferably the heel, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/4 c tasso, small diced
1 package Organic Girl’s Super Greens!  or any other hearty pre-washed lettuces/greens
1/4 c green onion tops, thinly sliced
To Taste:
Parmesan cheese
Meyer lemon vinaigrette – 3 parts olive oil; 1 part Meyer lemon juice (sub. regular lemon if needed); 1 t Dijon mustard; salt & cayenne

FULL RECIPE:

On Sunday, you get the chance to experience “The Two”, a native France group consisting of Ara Starck and David Jane, whom released their self-entitled debut in the United States on January 24th. Just like New Orleans the group is a gumbo of greatness, with Starck a buzzed about painter and Jarre a magician before they came together to form the duo. As the New York Times’ T Magazine recently said, “Jarre’s guitar is, as smooth as and familiar rock n’ roll riff, but its Starck’s raspy untrained voice that gives their music its magnetism.” This is definitely something you don’t want to miss out on. You don’t want to miss your chance to hear The Two sing, “I Wanna Be With You Again.” Trust Me.

The Two
Sunday @8:00om
Free of charge
Bellocq at The Hotel Modern
936 St. Charles Avenue

New Orleans’ Hip-Hop community has its fair share of legends, pioneers and daily torchbearers. However, the 2012 Uniquity year begins by showcasing several of the city’s upcoming emcees with shining performances by featured artists E.D. Nix, Tyger Da Goddess and DY with the Awayteam’s DJ RQ Away spinning.
Don’t miss out on this event!

For more info on this event including giveaways, interesting facts, etc. make sure to follow (@Uniquity_NO).

WHEN: Saturday, January 21, 2012, 10 p.m.

WHERE: Dragon’s Den (downstairs), 435 Esplanade Ave., NOLA

COVER:  $5