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| Morgan Grays Mardi Gras Ball Performances by Comic Dennis Fowler and Vocalist Leslie Nesbitt, Morgan Grays Handsome Style, the California-based designer of men's lifestyle accessories will host a New Orleans-style Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, February 25th at the Omni Hotel Los Angeles to benefit the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra . Summer when hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. "The Orpheum Theater, our historic downtown home, flooded, " lamented Babs Mollier, LPO managing director. "Also, several of the musicians lost their homes and their instruments, so we're fighting a battle on many fronts." The ultimate fate of the LPO, now sharing an office with the Baton Rouge Philharmonic Symphony, remains uncertain. LPO Cellist David Rosen was visiting California when the hurricane hit. "When I went back to New Orleans in October, I found my apartment roof damaged, " said Mr. Rosen, "I retrieved some belongings and my music and returned to Santa Monica." Mr. Rosen is remaining in California with family for now; indeed, many of his colleagues remain scattered throughout the country. But the LPO still plans an abbreviated season this March, a good sign according to Morgan Molthrop, Crescent City native and CEO of Morgan Grays, the ball's organizer. "Music is the lifeblood of New Orleans, " said Mr. Molthrop. He and his partner, London-born designer Stewart Grays, traditionally throw a private Mardi Gras fete, but this year decided to open the event to support the LPO. "It is important that we help these musicians find their way home." The ball, at the Grand Cafe of the Omni Hotel Los Angeles, begins at 8 PM with a silent auction of the entire 2006 collection of Morgan Grays bags and accessories. The evening will include all the trappings of Mardi Gras: king cakes, beads, doubloons, a tableaux of costumes and a Dixieland band. A live auction will be hosted by MG's Official Jester, Dennis Fowler. "While there is nothing funny about what happened in New Orleans, " said Mr. Fowler, "New Orleaneans have always used Mardi Gras as a release. And humor has always been part of that tradition." "Music and celebration are part of Creole culture, " agrees Leslie Nesbitt, LA vocalist who is performing at the benefit with a jazz trio. "All musicians owe a great debt to New Orleans, so I think it's appropriate that we sing, dance and give a little of our time to recognize that debt." Besides Morgan Grays, sponsors for the event include Mimio, Pasadena's premiere paper boutique, The Glove Lady, and The Brand Equity Showroom. Advance tickets for the LPO benefit, $20 per person, can be purchased online using any major credit card. Log onto www.morgangrays.com and click on "Events." Tickets at the door will be $25 per person. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |