I Love You Bigger Than The Sky!
Hey y’all! My first children’s book is now available. WHOOP! WHOOP! This is so exciting! This first book is a true labor of love dedicated to my beautiful granddaughters. It is also extra special because the illustrations were done by my daughter, Laura Ashley Talbot. “I Love You Bigger than The Sky!” is not only a favorite saying that my little hunny bunnies and I share, but the book is full of our favorite things that pale in comparison to how “BIG” we love each other! I know you can relate.
I love being a parent but for me being a grand- parent is a whole new kind of joy. Who knew?! It has inspired me in so many ways. Whether you are a grand-parent, parent or just have a little someone who you love really “BIG” tell them with this super cute book. This is a tuck-in time essential!
Follow the link below to order your first edition copy of “I Love You Bigger Than The Sky!” Check back for dates and locations of forthcoming book signings. Bring your copy!
https://www.createspace.com/3433038
Look for more of my upcoming children’s books to be available shortly. Thanks so much for your support!
Sharon Denise Talbot 
DSCB & Mrs. Einstein – Bourbon Street Parade
Dutch Swing College Band & Mrs. Einstein – Bourbon Street Parade
Burghausen (Germany), 2007 March 17
A popular saying goes: “There are two kinds of music, good music and bad music”. For the true fan of good traditional jazz music the choice is simple, because there is only one Dutch Swing College Band. The Dutch Swing College Band started out as an amateur-college combo on liberation day (1945, may 5th) and through the years it has grown into a worldfamous jazz ensemble that has toured all five continents to much acclaim. The DSC played a prominent role during the post-war period. At the time many youngsters fell under the spell of the original Amerian music: jazz. The band, which has existed for more than sixty years, has given concerts all over the world and the sounds have been registered on practically all types of sound recordings since 1945. The band also appeared frequently on TV and in film productions. Through the years many big names in jazz music were backed by the DSC, from Sidney Bechet, Joe Venuti and Rita Reys to Teddy Wilson. The expression “The Haque School” was born out of the big influence of the DSC on the Dutch jazz scene. Deservedly many jazz fans consider the DSC almost as an institution. Fortunately, the Dutch Swing College Band has never presented itself as a show or glitter orchestra. The musicians have always succeeded in capturing the public’s attention with their excellent jazz performances. Cheap show tricks were absolutely out of the question. In 1960, the DSC turned professional. Throughout the music’s evolution and in spite of quite a number af personnel changes (and contary to many imitators) the DSC remained the showpiece of Dutch traditional jazz music. Bob Kaper heads the current line-up, in succession to Frans Vink Jr (1945-’46), Joop Schrier (1955-’60) and Peter Schilperoort (1946-’55 and 1960-’90). From the very beginning the most striking characteristic of the band has always been its unique and recognizable sound. In other words, no recordings of American virtuosos were ever copied: the DSC created their own interpretations, arrangements or compositions. An entirely personal approach. The current line-up of the highly experienced band has proved that the old name Dutch Swing College Band still guarantees professional performances of traditional jazz music of international standard!
Duration : 0:2:19
New Orleans Weather 10 Day Forecast 03 18 12
Hello NOLA! Hello Monday morning! It was a wonderful St. Patty’s Day weekend with lots of fun and great weather. The spring fun is just getting started in the Big Easy. See you out there!
- New Orleans Weather 10 Day Forecast
Welcome to the Who Dat? Do Dat! New Orleans weather 10 day forecast! This is your New Orleans weather 10 day forecast. It will be updated daily. The New Orleans weather 10 day forecast is a valuable tool for planning all of your New Orleans outings. While you are here in NOLA there are plenty of people to see, places to go and things to do and the New Orleans weather 10 day forecast will come in very handy. The weather in New Orleans changes day to day. This is because of the city’s proximity to water. This is one of the reasons the New Orleans weather 10 day forecast is so valuable if you are traveling to New Orleans. Don’t miss any of them. Make sure you are not caught unawares. Be prepared for the Louisiana weather changes. Quick and convenient, just check here before you make your plans for the day!
 |
High / Low (°F) | Precip. % | |
||
| Tonight Mar 18 |  |
Partly Cloudy | 60° | 20 % | |
| Tue Mar 19 |  |
Mostly Sunny | 75°/58° | 20 % | |
| Wed Mar 20 |  |
Few Showers | 70°/53° | 30 % | |
| Thu Mar 21 |  |
Cloudy | 68°/63° | 20 % | |
| Fri Mar 22 | |
Few Showers | 77°/64° | 30 % | |
| Sat Mar 23 |  |
AM Clouds / PM Sun | 73°/56° | 10 % | |
| Sun Mar 24 | |
Partly Cloudy | 69°/49° | 10 % | |
| Mon Mar 25 | |
Partly Cloudy | 64°/50° | 10 % | |
| Tue Mar 26 |  |
Sunny | 67°/51° | 0 % | |
| Wed Mar 27 | |
Sunny | 69°/52° | 0 % | |
| Last Updated Mar 18 12:06 p.m. CT | |||||
Little rain and warm temps for the next little while. There is alot coming up on the NOLA event schedule so this works on so many levels. According to the weather report for today we will have partly cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms possible. High 78F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%. See you in NOLA!
Sharon Denise Talbot
Resources:
Things To Do In New Orleans?
New Orleans Louisiana is a place that is a melting pot of cultures. This article “Things To Do In New Orleans” is in response to a question from a person planning to visit New Orleans. There are additional links below to sites that are resources for things to do in New Orleans.
Things to do in New Orleans
Things to do in New Orleans
I’m vacationing to New Orleans in a week, and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on places to go for food, cultural experiences, bars, tourist attractions??? Thanks 
New Orleans is hot & humid in August so pack lightweight, light color, all-cotton clothing. A hat, sunglasses, good walking shoes, and a travel umbrella can be important. Do outdoor things (ex. Zoo) in the mornings and save air conditioned things (ex. museums) for the afternoons. Note that many restaurants are VERY air conditioned.
Things to do in New Orleans:
Mardi Gras and the Jazz Festival are world famous events, but New Orleans hosts many festivals and celebrations throughout the year: www.nola.com/festivals
There are many tours offered and an example is: http://www.graylineneworleans.com/
The Saint Charles Streetcar is the oldest continuously operating street railway in the world and is a “tourist attraction” in its own right. It is part of the public transit system, as are the Canal Street and Riverfront streetcar lines: www.norta.com
There is always music, but the bands change: Go to www.bestofneworleans.com and click on Music then Listings or to www.offbeat.com and click on Listings, then Music.
Note that music clubs often advertise “No Cover”, meaning there is no charge for entering. However, clubs with “No Cover” often require that customers buy a beverage each for every “set ” of music (which can be every 20 minutes) so KNOW THE PRICE before you sit down. Clubs do that because some people will sit in the club all evening drinking nothing (clubs only make money from the drinks they sell – not from the music). It is also a good idea to pay for each round of drinks (in clubs on Bourbon Street) as it is delivered so there can’t be any confusion at the end of the evening.
An incomplete guide to bars & clubs:
http://www.10best.com/New_Orleans,LA/Nightlife/
www.neworleanscheapdrinks.com
About certain alcoholic beverages: Realize that some famous drinks are VERY potent compared with regular cocktails that have only 1 to 1 ½ ounces of alcohol. For example, a Hurricane is basically 3 or 4 ounces of rum in something like red Kool-Aid, and a Hand Grenade has at least 4 ½ ounces of Everclear + rum + vodka mixed with melon liquor. They don’t necessarily taste like an alcoholic beverage and it is easy to over-indulge.
Wander around the French Quarter, enjoy the architecture, watch the street entertainers (do tip), and visit some of the historic buildings that have been turned into museums (go to www.frenchquarter.com and click on Historic Attractions).
Assuming the weather is good, you can collect a sandwich lunch and eat in the riverfront park (watch the shipping) or in Jackson Square (a very nice park).
The Riverwalk shopping center has an air-conditioned food court with dining overlooking the river (www.riverwalkmarketplace.com). The Canal Place shopping center is in the French Quarter and has a cinema and higher-end shopping (Saks 5th Avenue, Brooks Brothers, etc.). http://www.landmarktheatres.com/market/NewOrleans/CanalPlaceCinema.htm
Magazine Street is a miles-long shopping district: www.magazinestreet.com
Louisiana is the only US state that offers tax-free shopping for international visitors: http://www.louisianataxfree.com/
The lobby for the Westin Canal Place Hotel is on the 11th floor and overlooks the French Quarter. It is a great place for an afternoon drink/snack:(www.westin.com).
Cafe du Monde is in the French Quarter and you shouldn’t miss having cafe au lait & beignets (www.cafedumonde.com). Another great coffee shop is the Croissant d’Or (at 615 Ursulines Street), which is open from 7:00am to 2:00pm and has food in addition to pastry.
The Palm Court restaurant is very nice, has moderate prices, and offers traditional live jazz starting at 8:00pm: 1204 Decatur Street, tel 504-525-0200 (reservations are important and they are not open every day). The Palm Court is closed from about mid-July 25th to sometime in August each year: http://www.palmcourtjazzcafe.com/
Maximo’s Italian Grill has great food and atmosphere: 1117 Decatur Street in the French Quarter, (504) 586-8883.
All of the famous restaurants (Antoine’s, Arnaud’s, Brennan’s, Commander’s Palace, etc.) have reopened. The Pelican Club (on Exchange Alley in the FQ) is not as well known but is the same type experience. Reservations are a good idea, and probably essential on weekends. Tujaques Restaurant (823 Decatur Street) is very traditional and has moderate prices.
Cafe Degas is a very French restaurant near City Park at 3127 Esplanade – which is not within walking distance of downtown (5 to 10 minutes by taxi). They are closed on Mondays & Tuesdays (504-945-5635).
The Napoleon House restaurant is at 500 Chartres Street in the FQ, and has a menu of great local dishes.
More restaurant suggestions: http://www.10best.com/New_Orleans,LA/Restaurants/
Preservation Hall has traditional live Jazz, and doesn’t serve alcohol so all ages are welcome.
New Orleans has ballet, opera, a symphony orchestra, and theatre:
www.nobadance.com
www.neworleansopera.org
www.lpomusic.com
www.lepetittheatre.com
There is a free ferry across the Mississippi at the “foot” of Canal Street. It is a short trip but like a harbor cruise w/o a guide.
The Aquarium, Audubon Zoo, and the new Insectarium are world-class attractions and you should see them if you can. The Zoo is several miles from downtown. You can drive to the Zoo (which has free parking) or take public transit from the French Quarter.
The Louisiana State Museum is in the French Quarter is also home to a number of other museums, such as the National World War II Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Both can be reached by public transit: The WWII museum is in the central business district but a long walk from the French Quarter. NOMA is not within walking distance of downtown but has free parking click on the link above for more info on additional museums.
Harrah’s Casino is in the Central Business District. (age 21 required for entry)
New Orleans City Park has a variety of attractions + free parking.
Check French Quarter and NOLA.com for ideas about other things to do.
Hope you have a great time while you are staying in New Orleans.
Things to do in New Orleans
New Orleans Hooray!
This is the video from my set at La Noir Comedy Theater in NEW ORLEANS! Some old stuff, some new stuff, enjoy it. I love NOLA now and you can tell because I called it NOLA. Honestly, the comedy down there is really tight and the people are so supportive, creative, and of course funny. Thank you New Orleans for the best trip of my life. I’m going to try and recreate that scene up here or (what is more likely than changing the CT) I’ll live there. Check ‘em out http://nolacomedy.com/
Duration : 0:6:4
NOLA 10-28-01 SandboxCirque Dreams comes to NOLA
See below for info on local musician auditions for Jammin with Cirque Dreams. See ya in NOLA!
Sharon Denise Talbot
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***MEDIA ALERT***CALENDAR LISTING***
Jammin’ with Cirque Dreams Contest CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION offers a local musician the opportunity to perform with the WORLD RENOWNED PRODUCTION
WHAT: New Orleans is known for its music and talent so come blow your horn, slap the bass, tickle the ivories, shred your axe or whistle, snap or tap your way into the experience of a lifetime by Jammin’ with Cirque Dreams. Bring your rhythm, soul and talent to the Mahalia Jackson Theatre and win an opportunity to accompany the world renowned, international artistry of Cirque Dreams when it illuminates New Orleans with its newest and grandest production of Cirque Dreams Illumination. One lucky musician will be selected to perform live on stage as part of the national tour launch of Cirque Dreams Illumination and integrate their style of music into this multi-cultural, diversified genre of cirque, music, theatre and stage spectacle beyond imagination. The winner will train locally with the Cirque Dreams design team for their debut performance and will receive six complimentary tickets to the show in which they appear.
WHEN: Saturday, September 18th, 2010 11:00AM-2:00PM WHERE: Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116 (Theatre Lobby)
WHO: The audition is limited to the first 100 attendees and is open to performers of all ages. Participants will be given two minutes to impress the judges with their musical skills and must provide any equipment required for their audition. A sound system with CD & digital input will be provided. Complementary parking will be available in the Mahalia Jackson parking lot.
WHY: This special event celebrates the return of Broadway Across America to New Orleans and the first show of the 2010-11 season. Tickets for Cirque Dreams Illumination are affordably priced stating at $25.00. Cirque Dreams Illumination will perform eight shows at the Mahalia Jackson Theater September 28 through October 3, 2010.
Tickets for Cirque Dreams Illumination are available for purchase at the Mahalia Jackson box office located in Armstrong Park at 801 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-982-2787 (ARTS). 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, including group discounts for 20 or more, is available by calling 504-287-0372. Box Office information is available at 504-287-0351. For more information on Cirque Dreams Illumination, please visit: www.cirqueproductions.com Become a Fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cirquedreams Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cirquedreams Check out our Videos on YouTube: www.youtube.com/cirquedreams New Orleans Theatre Association 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 which are dedicated to the furtherance of theatrical and musical education and production. 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 on line at www.mahaliajacksontheater.com. Broadway Across America 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 Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 43 North American cities.
Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theatre for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world. Broadway Across America most recently produced the Broadway productions of HAIR, WEST SIDE STORY and Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS. Upcoming productions include MINSKY’S, PROMISES, PROMISES, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and the West End production of BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S. Touring productions include Nickelodeon’s STORYTIME ADVENTURES featuring Dora the Explorer and DREAMGIRLS. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent go to BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.
New Orleans Weather 10 Day Forecast 01 10 13
Hello NOLA! It’s a wet and nasty hump day in the metro and surrounding areas. This nothing to take lightly. Be safe y’all. See you out there!
- New Orleans Weather 10 Day Forecast
Welcome to the Who Dat? Do Dat! New Orleans weather 10 day forecast! This is your New Orleans weather 10 day forecast. It will be updated daily. The New Orleans weather 10 day forecast is a valuable tool for planning all of your New Orleans outings. While you are here in NOLA there are plenty of people to see, places to go and things to do and the New Orleans weather 10 day forecast will come in very handy. The weather in New Orleans changes day to day. This is because of the city’s proximity to water. This is one of the reasons the New Orleans weather 10 day forecast is so valuable if you are traveling to New Orleans. Don’t miss any of them. Make sure you are not caught unawares. Be prepared for the Louisiana weather changes. Quick and convenient, just check here before you make your plans for the day!
| High / Low (°F) | Precip. % | |
|||
| Today Jan 10 |  |
Heavy T-Storms | 70°/64° | 100 % | |
| Fri Jan 11 | |
Few Showers | 73°/65° | 30 % | |
| Sat Jan 12 |  |
AM Showers | 72°/65° | 30 % | |
| Sun Jan 13 |  |
Isolated T-Storms | 76°/59° | 30 % | |
| Mon Jan 14 |  |
Scattered T-Storms | 68°/59° | 60 % | |
| Tue Jan 15 | |
Scattered T-Storms | 68°/51° | 30 % | |
| Wed Jan 16 | |
Few Showers | 60°/49° | 30 % | |
| Thu Jan 17 | |
Few Showers | 56°/48° | 30 % | |
| Fri Jan 18 | |
Showers | 55°/41° | 30 % | |
| Sat Jan 19 | |
Mostly Sunny | 53°/41° | 10 % | |
| Last Updated Jan 10 10:24 a.m. CT | |||||
Yes it’s wet so if you have to be out, be prepared and park high. According to the weather report for today we will have thunderstorms, accompanied by locally heavy rainfall at times. A few storms may be severe. High near 70F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Rainfall possibly over one inch. See you in NOLA!
Sharon Denise Talbot
Resources:
Wet, Wild and Wonderful
Spring is festival season in Louisiana and at the New Orleans Audubon Zoo. Soul Fest was last weekend, a colorful celebration of African-American culture. Creole cuisine and soul food mixed with R&B and hip hop kicked off a round of happenings at NOLA’s own “animal house”. I have been to my share of Zoos and believe me when I say Audubon Zoo out shines them all. The Audubon Nature Institute is one class act.
Following directly on the heels of Soul Fest is Earth Fest, Asian Pacific American Society and then popular fund raisers for the Audubon Society, the Whitney Zoo To Do and Zoo To Do for Kids sponsored by Humana. These fundraisers will help underwrite a new attraction at our favorite Zoo called Cool Zoo, an animal themed splash park. Wet, Wild and Wonderful!
Cool Zoo is a new wet and wild splash park right at the Zoo. Highlights include jumping water spouts, a huge alligator (we are in Louisiana after all) water slide, a spider monkey soaker and water spitting snakes just to name a few! The splash park will offer three different splash zones with one specifically for toddlers and younger zoo goers.
In addition to all the custom animal features in the new Cool Zoo, there will be animal sounds in the “Sound Spray” area. When the water sprays you hear matching animal sounds like croaks, bleats, roars or squawks. The Caterpillar sprayer is designed to look like a monarch butterfly and the giant alligator’s tail is the waterslide! This new hot spot will be located between the Endangered Species Carousel and the Embraceable Zoo. Construction should begin soon. So get ready for some Cool Zoo fun.
Another exciting new attraction set to open this summer is Parakeet Pointe. Located at the Aquarium of the Americas, this will be an 800 square foot tropical environment and home to more than 1,000 free flying parakeets! For an even closer encounter, purchase a feed stick for a dollar and feed the bright beautiful little birds. These guys are all naturally curious and playful. The kids and you kid-like adults will love it!
By Sharon Denise Talbot
New Orleans Weather 10 Day Forecast 01 07 13
Hello NOLA! It’s a clear and cold Monday morning out there. So bundle up before you head out to start your day. Have a great day y’all! See you out there!
- New Orleans Weather 10 Day Forecast
Welcome to the Who Dat? Do Dat! New Orleans weather 10 day forecast! This is your New Orleans weather 10 day forecast. It will be updated daily. The New Orleans weather 10 day forecast is a valuable tool for planning all of your New Orleans outings. While you are here in NOLA there are plenty of people to see, places to go and things to do and the New Orleans weather 10 day forecast will come in very handy. The weather in New Orleans changes day to day. This is because of the city’s proximity to water. This is one of the reasons the New Orleans weather 10 day forecast is so valuable if you are traveling to New Orleans. Don’t miss any of them. Make sure you are not caught unawares. Be prepared for the Louisiana weather changes. Quick and convenient, just check here before you make your plans for the day!
| High / Low (°F) | Precip. % | |
|||
| Today Jan 07 | |
Partly Cloudy | 59°/51° | 10 % | |
| Tue Jan 08 | |
PM T-Showers | 66°/60° | 60 % | |
| Wed Jan 09 | |
Scattered T-Storms | 70°/64° | 50 % | |
| Thu Jan 10 | |
T-Storms | 72°/61° | 70 % | |
| Fri Jan 11 | |
Isolated T-Storms | 75°/64° | 30 % | |
| Sat Jan 12 | |
Partly Cloudy | 74°/61° | 20 % | |
| Sun Jan 13 | |
Isolated T-Storms | 70°/54° | 30 % | |
| Mon Jan 14 | |
Showers | 60°/52° | 40 % | |
| Tue Jan 15 | |
Showers | 59°/46° | 60 % | |
| Wed Jan 16 | |
Cloudy | 55°/41° | 20 % | |
| Last Updated Jan 7 11:09 a.m. CT | |||||
The high today is only 59 so dress accordingly. We are happy to see the sun even for a short time. Be prepared for even colder temps for the evening. According to the weather report for today we will have sunshine and clouds mixed. High 59F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. See you in NOLA!
Sharon Denise Talbot
Resources:
