Book Club discussing “Smoke City” Today Saturday June 8

NOTE DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE!!!!

Join us at Twelfth Night Coffee (perhaps you’ll want to try their “Joanie on the Pony” latte!) to discuss the novel Smoke City, a quirky modern tale about a mixed-up young man working through his guilt with his psychiatrist and seeking forgiveness. And we’re talking some serious guilt here — he’s the reincarnated executioner of Joan of Arc!  Smoke City by Keith Rosson has already won several awards. Get your copy from Frenchmen Art and Books, and come enjoy the discussion (even if you haven’t read the book).  Saturday June 8, 10-11:30 a.m. at Twelfth Night Coffee (628 N. Rampart, map). Full book club details

Remembering Joan on her feast day

May 30 is the day teenage Joan of Arc was burned at the stake by a corrupt church court. Even if you can’t be with us today, take a few moments to celebrate the short blaze of glory that was her young life. Here’s Captain Amanda’s favorite Joan of Arc song for inspiration — feel free to explore our virtual library for more Joan of Arc feast day inspiration.

Coming Up….

• May 30 Feast Day party with prayer service at the Old Ursuline Convent. Dress in white and bring flowers to leave at the statue.
• May 30: Last day for early bird membership prices
• June 8: Book Club discussing “Smoke City” [NOTE DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE]

Details of all events below; full calendar

2023 Feast Day, photo by Margarita Bergen

Thursday May 30 Feast Day Prayer Service and Party

Thursday May 30 will be our annual prayer service and party in honor of the Feast Day (death day) of Saint Joan of Arc. We’ll have the service at 6 p.m. in the St. Mary’s Chapel at the Old Ursuline Convent (chapel doors open at 5:45) and then around 6:30 we’ll make a short progression over to lay flowers at the Joan of Arc statue and recite a few statements there. Following the statue ceremony (around 6:45), we’ll gather informally at Market Café at the foot of the Joan of Arc statue for dinner and/or drinks. RSVP would be helpful for dinner so we can give Market Café some idea of how many to expect. Feel free to join us for all or any part of the festivities. We’ll start the prayer service at 6 p.m. sharp; all other times are estimates.

Prospective members welcome — bring a friend!

Early Bird Membership Pricing ends May 30

Membership prices go up after Joan’s Feast Day May 30th, All Saint’s Day Nov. 1, and Dec. 1. Here’s the link to join!

Book Club discussing “Smoke City” Saturday June 8

NOTE DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE!!!!

Join us at Twelfth Night Coffee (perhaps you’ll want to try their “Joanie on the Pony” latte!) to discuss the novel Smoke City, a quirky modern tale about a mixed-up young man working through his guilt with his psychiatrist and seeking forgiveness. And we’re talking some serious guilt here — he’s the reincarnated executioner of Joan of Arc!  Smoke City by Keith Rosson has already won several awards. Get your copy from Frenchmen Art and Books, and come enjoy the discussion (even if you haven’t read the book).  Saturday June 8, 10-11:30 a.m. at Twelfth Night Coffee (628 N. Rampart, map). Full book club details

Coming Up….

• May 30 Feast Day party with prayer service at the Old Ursuline Convent. Dress in white and bring flowers to leave at the statue.
• May 30: Last day for early bird membership prices
• June 8: Book Club discussing “Smoke City” [NOTE DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE]

Details of all events below; full calendar

2023 Feast Day, photo by Margarita Bergen

Thursday May 30 Feast Day Prayer Service and Party

Thursday May 30 will be our annual prayer service and party in honor of the Feast Day (death day) of Saint Joan of Arc. We’ll have the service at 6 p.m. in the St. Mary’s Chapel at the Old Ursuline Convent (chapel doors open at 5:45) and then around 6:30 we’ll make a short progression over to lay flowers at the Joan of Arc statue and recite a few statements there. Following the statue ceremony (around 6:45), we’ll gather informally at Market Café at the foot of the Joan of Arc statue for dinner and/or drinks. RSVP would be helpful for dinner so we can give Market Café some idea of how many to expect. Feel free to join us for all or any part of the festivities. We’ll start the prayer service at 6 p.m. sharp; all other times are estimates.

Prospective members welcome — bring a friend!

Early Bird Membership Pricing ends May 30

Membership prices go up after Joan’s Feast Day May 30th, All Saint’s Day Nov. 1, and Dec. 1. Here’s the link to join!

Book Club discussing “Smoke City” Saturday June 8

NOTE DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE!!!!

Join us at Twelfth Night Coffee (perhaps you’ll want to try their “Joanie on the Pony” latte!) to discuss the novel Smoke City, a quirky modern tale about a mixed-up young man working through his guilt with his psychiatrist and seeking forgiveness. And we’re talking some serious guilt here — he’s the reincarnated executioner of Joan of Arc!  Smoke City by Keith Rosson has already won several awards. Get your copy from Frenchmen Art and Books, and come enjoy the discussion (even if you haven’t read the book).  Saturday June 8, 10-11:30 a.m. at Twelfth Night Coffee (628 N. Rampart, map). Full book club details

Coming Up….

• May 8, 7 p.m. Post-parade viewing party and debrief, member meeting to elect board
• May 30 Feast Day party with prayer service at the Old Ursuline Convent
• May 30: Last day for early bird membership prices

Details of all events below; full calendar

Photo by Kim Welsh

Photo and Video Review Party and Board Election

Wednesday May 8 at 7 p.m., at the Beauregard Keyes House, we’ll celebrate the anniversary of Joan’s victory day at Orléans with our annual post-parade photo and video watch party and debrief, and we’ll also have a short member meeting to elect the board. Members, group members, foot soldiers and prospective members welcome, so bring a friend!

Thursday May 30 Feast Day Prayer Service and Party

Thursday May 30 will be our annual prayer service and party in honor of the Feast Day (death day) of Saint Joan of Arc. We’ll have the service at 6 p.m. in the St. Mary’s Chapel at the Old Ursuline Convent, and then, around 6:30, we’ll make a short progression over to lay flowers at the Joan of Arc statue and recite a few statements there. Following the statue ceremony (around 6:45), we’ll gather informally at Market Café at the foot of the Joan of Arc statue for dinner and/or drinks. RSVP would be helpful for dinner so we can give Market Café some idea of how many to expect. Feel free to join us for all or any part of the festivities. We’ll begin the prayer service at 6 p.m. sharp but all other times are estimates.

Prospective members welcome — bring a friend!

Early Bird Membership Pricing ends May 30

Membership prices go up after Joan’s Feast Day May 30th, All Saint’s Day Nov. 1, and Dec. 1. Here’s the link to join!

Heading out to the statue at the 2023 Feast Day prayer service and party (photo by Margarita Bergen)

Coming Up….

• April 6, 2-5 p.m. Work Day at the new krewe storage unit
• April 6, 5-7 p.m. Krewe social at Barracuda
• May 8, 7 p.m. Post-parade viewing party and debrief, member meeting to elect board
• May 30 Feast Day party with prayer service at the Old Ursuline Convent
• May 30: Last day for early bird membership prices

Details of all events below; full calendar

Social Tomorrow Saturday April 6, 5-7 p.m. at Barracuda’s Taco Stand

After the work day, head down the block for a refreshing margarita at Barracuda’s Taco Stand / margarita garden for a krewe social. It’s ok if you come for the social only, too!

Workshop Tomorrow Saturday April 6, 2-5 p.m.: Organize the new storage unit

We’re so excited to have all of our stuff moved into our big new storage unit at 3900 Tchoupitoulas, Public Storage Unit #2 (map). Now it’s time to organize it. Park in the small parking lot out front and then come through the security gate if it’s open.  If the gate isn’t already open, our unit is very close to the security gate, so you’ll probably be able to see and holler to someone so we can open the gate for you, or call Captain Antoinette’s cell (504-717-1451).

Many thanks to our parade marshall Rafael Monzon, Chris Caravella, Thomas Lemoine, Terri Wilkinson, Irwin Langhoff, and Rich and Judy Helm and anyone else who helped with the various stages of this move, and to Rich and Judy Helm who donated money for the new costume racks, locks, lights, truck rental, and other supplies to set up the new space.

Save the Dates!!!!

• Wednesday May 8 at 7 p.m., Beauregard Keyes House:  We’ll celebrate the anniversary of Joan’s victory day at Orléans with our annual post-parade photo and video watch party and debrief, and we’ll also have a short member meeting to elect the board. 
• Thursday May 30 will be our annual prayer service and party in honor of the Feast Day (death day) of Saint Joan of Arc. We’ll have the service in the St. Mary’s Chapel at the Old Ursuline Convent and then make a short progression over to lay flowers at the Joan of Arc statue.
• Prospective members welcome — bring a friend!

Early Bird Membership Pricing ends May 30

Membership prices go up after Joan’s Feast Day May 30th, All Saint’s Day Nov. 1, and Dec. 1. Here’s the link to join!

2023 Feast Day, photo by Margarita Bergen

Upcoming in March

• Book Club: Saturday, March 2 10-11:30 a.m. at the Rosa Keller Library 4300 S. Broad Street
• Mother of the Maid play in Baton Rouge Saturday March 9
• Marley Marsalis fundraiser piano concert: Sunday, March 10, 2:30 p.m. at a French Quarter home (SOLD OUT)
• Fête Française March 23 (support our partner French immersion school Ecole Bilingue)
• Various upcoming performances by King Louis Michot and Queen Hannah Kreiger-Benson

Scroll down for details of all events. 

Book Club 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday March 2nd

Saturday, March 2^nd from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  We will be discussing “The Hundred Years War: 1337-1453” by Anne Curry. All are welcome. The book is only 144 pages so you still have time to read or listen to it! Even if you don’t, we welcome you to join us for the discussion. Our book club coordinator and host, Gretchen Zalkind, co-owner of Frenchmen Art and Books, will generously bring coffee, juice, water, pastries, and snacks to share. We meet in the beautiful sunroom at the Rosa Keller Library at 4300 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70125.

Baton Rouge “Field Trip” Saturday March 9

We are excited that this play about Joan’s mother Isabelle Romee, (which ran on Broadway in 2018 starring Glenn Close as Isabelle), is being staged in Baton Rouge from March 7-16^th.  We are going to meet up on March 9^th for whomever can attend, but you are welcome to experience it whenever it works for your schedule!

Buy your tickets here: https://www.redmagnoliatc.org/upcoming-production

Red Magnolia Theatre Company Presents MOTHER OF THE MAID by Jane Anderson: Mother of the Maid is a story of Joan of Arc’s mother, a sensible, hard-working, God-fearing peasant whose faith is upended as she deals with the baffling journey of her odd and extraordinary daughter. Set during the most violent time in France’s history, Isabelle Romee follows her daughter from their village of Domremy, through French Court, and into an English prison cell.

Buy your ticket and show up, or email us if you want to coordinate rides. We have two vans going with a couple of seats still available in each. Also, krewe member Cynthia purchased a ticket but is now unable to attend; she would love to sell her ticket 504-864-3422.

March 23 Fête Française – costume volunteers needed

Come out for French food and music and show your support for our partner French immersion school Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle Orléans Fête Française French fundraiser festival. Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc will have an information table at the Fête, and we also need costumed volunteers to help work the table. Contact Founder Amy to volunteer.

See more downloadable and printable photos from our volunteer krewe photographers Kim Welsh and Gary H. Jones here! (Photo by Kim Welsh)

Catch our musical 2024 court in concert

Our 2024 “Joan” Marley Marsalis’s concert is sold out, but you can still catch our 2024 king and queen performing this month!

King Louis Michot

• March 8: Maple Leaf Bar: Le Family Michot 8-10 p.m., followed by Louis’s Grammy-winning band Los Bayou Ramblers (tickets)
• March 22: 7 p.m. as part of the Shell-a-Bration with fresh oysters, Cajun music and fundraising for oyster shell recycling and coastal restoration (tickets)
• March 23: Free show noon-1 as part of the Fête Française French fundraiser festival supporting our partner French immersion school Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle Orléans.

Queen Hannah Kreiger-Benson

• Most weekend nights you can catch Hannah as one of Pat O’Brien’s famous dueling pianists
• March 13: 8 p.m. at Saturn Bar
• Every Thursday in the Van Ella Bordella Storyville Burlesque (tickets)

Marley Marsalis in concert March 10 for Rotary fundraiser (sold out)

2024 “Maid of Honor” Joan of Arc, Marley Marsalis, will play the piano Sunday March 10 in a private house concert with food and wine to help raise funds for the New Orleans Rotary Foundation Scholarship for the exchange program for the New Orleans “Joan” to travel to France and the Orléans, France, “Jeanne” to travel here. Rotary members Jane Cooper and Bob Heaps will host this soiree in the French Quarter home.  We’re delighted to report this concert is sold out. Email Rotary exchange coordinator Gayle Dellinger if you would like to be on a wait list.  

Thank you again for your support of this Rotary exchange project with our sister club in Orléans, France.

• Book Club: Saturday, March 2 10-11:30 a.m. at the Rosa Keller Library 4300 S. Broad Street
• Marley Marsalis fundraiser piano concert: Sunday, March 10, 2:30 p.m. at a French Quarter home (advance ticket required)
• Mother of the Maid play in Baton Rouge Saturday March 9

Scroll down for details of these events; click here to view the full Calendar

Book Club 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday March 2nd

Saturday, March 2^nd from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  We will be discussing “The Hundred Years War: 1337-1453” by Anne Curry. All are welcome. The book is only 144 pages so you still have time to read or listen to it! Even if you don’t, we welcome you to join us for the discussion. Our book club coordinator and host, Gretchen Zalkind, co-owner of Frenchmen Art and Books, will generously bring coffee, juice, water, pastries, and snacks to share. We meet in the beautiful sunroom at the Rosa Keller Library at 4300 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70125.

Marley Marsalis in concert March 10 for Rotary fundraiser

2024 “Maid of Honor” Joan of Arc, Marley Marsalis, will play the piano Sunday March 10 in a private house concert with food and wine to help raise funds for the New Orleans Rotary Foundation Scholarship for the exchange program for the New Orleans “Joan” to travel to France and the Orléans, France, “Jeanne” to travel here. Rotary members Jane Cooper and Bob Heaps will host this soiree in the French Quarter home, where Marley will play a piano on which both Duke Ellington and, her grandfather, Ellis Marsalis played.   

She will be joined by Oscar Rossignoli and Jason Stewart.  

Oscar is an accomplished pianist and composer in both jazz and classical music.  He was recognized as a finalist for the Ellis Marsalis International Jazz Piano Summer 2018 Competition, a contest meant to be the most comprehensive, challenging, and in-depth jazz piano competition in the world.  Rossignoli folds many traditions into his music, from his classical music formation to this passion for Latin and North American jazz.  

Jason Stewart started playing the double bass at the age of 17 in his hometown of New Orleans.  He was introduced to Black American Music at NOCCA where he studied with the great trumpeter and educator Clyde Kerr, Jr. and master bassist Bill Huntington.  He received an Artist Diploma from the Juilliard school of music in 2009-2011.  He performed with the Ellis Marsalis trio, quartet, and quintet from 2007-2020.  

Both of these artists are donating their time and performance to support Marley and help Rotary raise the funds for the Joan of Arc Exchange. 

Marley and her mother will visit Orléans, France in June 2024 when they will be the guests of the Orléans Rotary Club.  

Jane Cooper and Bob Heaps are hosting this event in their home, 931 Barracks St  in the French Quarter.  Arrive at 2:30 to 2:45 pm and enjoy a delicious spread of food and sparkling wine along with red and white wines carefully selected by Bob and Jane.  Tickets are very limited and available for $100. each.  You may Venmo, Zelle or write a check. Respond to Rotary exchange coordinator Gayle Dellinger for specific ticket-buying instructions.  

Thank you again for your support of this Rotary exchange project with our sister club in Orléans, France.

Baton Rouge “Field Trip” Saturday March 9

We are excited that this play about Joan’s mother Isabelle Romee, (which ran on Broadway in 2018 starring Glenn Close as Isabelle), is being staged in Baton Rouge from March 7-16^th.  We are going to meet up on March 9^th for whomever can attend, but you are welcome to experience it whenever it works for your schedule!

Buy your tickets here: https://www.redmagnoliatc.org/upcoming-production

Red Magnolia Theatre Company Presents MOTHER OF THE MAID by Jane Anderson: Mother of the Maid is a story of Joan of Arc’s mother, a sensible, hard-working, God-fearing peasant whose faith is upended as she deals with the baffling journey of her odd and extraordinary daughter. Set during the most violent time in France’s history, Isabelle Romee follows her daughter from their village of Domremy, through French Court, and into an English prison cell.

Buy your ticket and show up, or email us if you want to coordinate rides.

• Sweet 16: 16 Hours of your help needed
• Seeking a treasurer
• Book Club March 2 10-11:30 a.m.
• Mother of the Maid Play March 9

Sweet 16: 16 Hours of your help needed

It’s been a month since we walked in the French Quarter in honor of Joan’s 612^th birthday accompanied by guests from our sister city of Orléans, who have held their Fetes des Jeanne d’Arc for 594 years! We were very proud to ring in our 16^th year with you all, and while there is so much to celebrate with this big “sweet sixteen” milestone, it also comes with a plea for assistance as we look towards our 20^th anniversary year.

In case you missed it on Facebook or in email, here is a note from Founder Amy on January 6, echoing comments made at the January 5 banquet: “…We need your help as we continue this gorgeous and exciting journey. If every single person involved in the krewe as a member or volunteer gave just 16 (more) hours over the next year towards recruiting new members and volunteers, gluing, sewing, building, driving, cleaning, painting, etc…it will significantly lessen the burden on the ones carrying the heavy loads. Our co-captains are extraordinary, but they are not superhuman. We have a group of stellar people who do a ton of stellar work pretty much every day of the year. Please help us as we grow and continue to evolve gracefully with all the careful creative love and thoughtfulness that sets us apart. Please give a little extra in 2024 if you feel you can. The ceiling has been raised—let’s rise to the occasion together!!!!!”

Seeking a treasurer

Our board of directors elected two new members last year, Chris Caravella and Nathalie Dajko. They have been a great asset and bring different skill sets to our leadership team: Chris is a longtime krewe member (he created our battalion banners, among other things!) with expertise in building, crafting, jewelry-making and all things Mardi Gras; Nathalie is a French professor at Tulane who serves as our French liaison and our Domremy Batallion leader.

Also last year, our treasurer and longtime board member Irwin Langhoff stepped down from the role of Treasurer. We thank Irwin for holding this important position for several years, and we thank his wife Cathy, who passed away in 2022, for being our longtime board secretary and active member, workshop hostess, throws creator, and overall amazing krewe supporter. Both Irwin and Cathy were key leaders in the krewe, and we will never be able to replace their level of enthusiasm, hard work, and expertise as a couple. We thank them for their years of service!

We are seeking a treasurer for the krewe to begin in March or April. Our next board meeting is February 28^th so if you are interested, please email captain@joanofarcparade.org by Feb. 26^th. The position requires attendance at once-a-month board meetings (typically second Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m.), and approximately 2-4 hours per month of bookkeeping, tracking, and reporting, depending on the time of year.

Post-Mardi Gras Events:

Book Club 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday March 2nd

Saturday, March 2^nd from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  We will be discussing “The Hundred Years War: 1337-1453” by Anne Curry. All are welcome. The book is only 144 pages so you still have time to read or listen to it! Even if you don’t, we welcome you to join us for the discussion. Our book club coordinator and host, Gretchen Zalkind, co-owner of Frenchmen Art and Books, will generously bring coffee, juice, water, pastries, and snacks to share. We meet in the beautiful sunroom at the Rosa Keller Library at 4300 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70125.

Baton Rouge “Field Trip” Saturday March 9

We are excited that this play about Joan’s mother Isabelle Romee, (which ran on Broadway in 2018 starring Glenn Close as Isabelle), is being staged in Baton Rouge from March 7-16^th.  We are going to meet up on March 9^th for whomever can attend, but you are welcome to experience it whenever it works for your schedule!

Buy your tickets here: https://www.redmagnoliatc.org/upcoming-production

Red Magnolia Theatre Company Presents MOTHER OF THE MAID by Jane Anderson: Mother of the Maid is a story of Joan of Arc’s mother, a sensible, hard-working, God-fearing peasant whose faith is upended as she deals with the baffling journey of her odd and extraordinary daughter. Set during the most violent time in France’s history, Isabelle Romee follows her daughter from their village of Domremy, through French Court, and into an English prison cell.

Buy your ticket and show up, or email us if you want to coordinate rides.