Halloween New Orleans, one of the largest celebrations in the city for the holiday, took place on October 23 – 26, 2014. The event consists of a four-day weekend to support Project Lazarus, a housing facility for those living with HIV/AIDS. The mission of Project Lazarus is to help heal and empower people living with HIV/AIDS by focusing on wellness, providing housing and offering important support services. Project Lazarus is a place of healing – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Our programs are designed to address the issues faced by their residents and help them gain skills that lead them to independence.
The benefit weekend began on Thursday with the Lazarus Ball held at the World War 2 Museum. HNO, which consist of over 300 hosts whose donations help throw all the events, pulled out all the stops for this elegant, black-tie party. They had a fabulous dance band (Groovy 7), delectable cuisine, and a top notch silent auction with artwork from famous talents like David Harouni and Carlos Lopez. This is truly one of the best auctions in the city. The setting amongst all the planes and military equipment was an ideal way to kick off the Halloween weekend.
Friday turned into a neon jungle as Halloween New Orleans had their second night at the Republic in the Warehouse District. This was an old fashioned dance party with lots of glowing neon bodies of dancers on pedestals moving to the rhythm. All I have to say is blacklight enhances everything.
But all events were leading up to Saturday, the big night which was held at this cool venue appropriately entitled the Trash Palace since it was the old warehouse where the garbage trucks previously parked. I loved the place; it was a great use of the space, innovative, unique and really creative. There was some killer DJ’s keeping the dance floor filled the entire night. But my favorite part every year is the costumes of which there were some great ones. Our group thanks to Chris Arthur (aka Barbara Ella who is the current reigning King Cake Queen in the city) went as the cast of Hairspray. Other noteworthy costumes were Death Becomes Her (my favorite, great job Cookie Baker), Mary Poppins and Gays of Thrones.
Sunday ended the festivities with a fabulous brunch at the House of Blues with recording artist Frenchie Davis from The Voice and American Idol. She belted out some incredible numbers. Comedian Shawn Pelofsky was the emcee and was hysterical. The food was home-cooking at its finest with fried chicken, mac and cheese, bacon, sausage and eggs. The event ended with a Gospel choir lifting everyone’s spirits then a second line band brought the party down to the corner of St. Ann and Bourbon in true New Orleans fashion. Congratulations to Halloween New Orleans on another successful year. For more information on the organization or how to be a host next year; go to www.halloweenneworleans.com.
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