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Virgin Megastore Is Open For Business

Virgin Megastore, a multi-national conglomerate based in England, recently opened its New Orleans branch in Jax Brewery at 610 Decatur St. with a party featuring Aaron Neville.

The store is simply colossal, occupying all three floors of the original building in the three-building complex, with the only other occupant being Planet Hollywood.

The walls, distressed to resemble adobe, set off the high-tech CD and cassette fixtures to say nothing of the hundreds of chrome listening stations. Other wall areas have been painted with delicate water-colorish murals by artist Ann Marie that depict either New Orleans scenes or images that define the particular department: Clark Gable and Judy Garland in the video section; cherubs and Roman mosaics in the classical section.

The first floor features Rock and Soul, Films and Shows, New Age, Imports, Country and Hip-Hop; the second, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Gospel, Latin and Reggae along with a European style coffee shop which serves classic Italian Espresso and coffee by Tirrefazione Italia that looks out onto the Mississippi River. The third floor has an enormous Video department, an extensive book department with not only best sellers, but also Erotica and Gay Interest as well as Non-Fiction, Sports, Occult, Spirituality and Graphic Novels. There is also a comprehensive Software department to say nothing of the lavish and staid Classical department.

With young, scrubbed, black T-shirted sales clerks and such an wide variety of entertainment offerings, Virgin should provide an impetus to its down-the-street rival, Tower Records, to clean up its own act. As it is, Tower is still the only video rental service in the French Quarter as Virgin is "strictly retail."

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The "New MCC"

Approximately three months ago, Vieux Carre MCC began a process which was to be responsible for transforming the church's whole reason for being. This process included an honest self-appraisal of the church's ministries, a reconstruction of the church's mission statement, and a realistic set of priorities for each of the newly designated ministry areas which would focus on worship, care, community, and education. What makes this process unique? It has been entirely a result of the people who attend the church. What have been the consequences? Beautiful landscaping on the outside, a friendly worship space on the inside, and the fresh enthusiasm of a steadily growing congregation. Find out what all the fuss is about. Call the church office at 504.945.5390 for more information about the "new MCC".

May 31 Marks The Birthday Of The Christian Church The beginning of the liturgical season of Pentecost (May 31) is frequently recognized within the Christian faith as the the birth of the church. Be a part of the worship services at Vieux Carre MCC as it celebrates the church's birthday.

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NOCCA Celebrates 25th Anniversary

New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) will celebrate its silver anniversary with a gala fund raiser on Sun., May 17, 6pm to 10:30pm at the Downtown Sheraton. Many of NOCCA's most distinguished graduates will entertain as guests enjoy a buffet supper, entertainment extravaganza and exciting visual arts exhibit.

The evening will include the presentation of Distinguished Mentor Awards. Denise Oustalet, dance, and Jean Pichotta and Frank Gross, visual artists, are being recognized for having distinguished themselves as outstanding instructors in the arts for over 20 years.

The fund raiser will include a unique Patron Party held at the future site of NOCCA on Sat., May 16, 2pm to 4:30pm. Patrons will receive personal tours of the site located at 2800 Chartres where one-third of the construction has been completed. The $23.5 million project is scheduled for completion in Fall, 1999.

NOCCA is a world class facility providing professional level training in creative writing, dance instrumental music, voice, theater and visual arts. This prominent arts center serves qualified students from an eight parish region.

Tickets to patron party and gala are $200/person and for the gala only $100/person. For tickets and information, call Friends of NOCCA 504.523.7708.

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Auction to Benefit Belle Reve

The Belle Reve annual fund raiser, Maison Du Reve Auction, will be held on Sun., May 31, 2pm to 4pm at the Royal Orleans Hotel Grand Ballroom. A preview of the approximately 200 desirable items will take place from noon to 2pm.

Chairman, Eric Hess, invites the community to participate on several levels. Sponsors are needed from the "Bronze Angel" at $100 to "Platinum Angel" at $1,000. Item donations are also being accepted. A reception will be held for all hosts and their guests aboard the Natchez Riverboat on Fri., May 29.

To host or donate, please call Jan at Hess Marketing at 504.522.4377. Be a part of this important project.

Belle Reve is a non-profit organization which provides permanent and transitional housing and full support services to adults and children whose lives have been affected by HIV or AIDS related illnesses. Concern for quality of life and equal availability for services are founding principles of the agency. Since its founding in 1992, Belle Reve and its sister home Belle Esprit have provided a home and support services. The Maison Du Reve Auction will provide for this vital organization.

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LA State Museums Present...

In late Apr. a new exhibit, Newcomb Pottery and the Arts and Crafts Movement in Louisiana, opened at the Presbytere. On Thurs., May 7, 12noon, Maureen Donnelly, Curator of Decorative Arts will present a Gallery talk on the showing.

"Remembering the Up Stairs Lounge Fire" will be presented in a panel discussion on Tues., June 23, 7pm at the Old U. S. Mint. Speakers will include Johnny Townsend, former UNO instructor and historian; Former Chief of the NOFD, William J. McCrossen; Clancy DuBos, of Gambit Weekly who was an 18 year old intern for the Times-Picayune when he covered the fire; and Courtney Craighead, a survivor of the fire.

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Exhibit of Debra Ford's Selected Works

The work of Debra Ford, New Orleans native and African American artist, is now available for viewing and sale at the Gallery of Distinctive Art, 812 Travis Street, Houston, TX. The Gallery's hours are 10am-4pm. Four outstanding pieces are included in the show. "There Are Some Who Call Me Tim" was painted with oils on canvas board and retails for $479. The subject was taken from the character of Tim, the Sorcerer in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and was painted in New Orleans in 1997.

"Soft Dimensions #1" is an abstract in permanent watercolor on canvas. This piece retails for $3,795. and was painted in New Orleans in 1993. "Reflection of Liberty", painted in Houston in 1998, is a surrealistic watercolor of the Statue of Liberty which retails for $699.

Painted in New Orleans in 1994, the fourth piece is titled "Jazz Decott." This 48" x 48" watercolor on canvas sells for $4,999.

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