The Historic BK House & Gardens in New Orleans is set to launch its fall season with a series of music-filled evenings, cultural events and programs that celebrate the rich history of the city. The “Rhythm & Roses” concert series, usually held in the spring, makes its fall debut.
The festivities will kick off with a solo performance by British-born American funk and R&B musician Jon Cleary on Friday, September 27. The accomplished pianist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter will perform from 6 to 9 pm in the beautifully manicured Parterre Garden at BK House, located at 1113 Chartres Street. This performance, presented in part by NOLA x NOLA, will set the tone for a lineup of concerts featuring some of New Orleans’ favorite musicians.
Future dates in the series include:
– October 4: Jason Neville Funky Soul Band
– October 18: Helen Gillet and Rebelle Musique
– October 25: Dusky Waters & Rachel Maxann
– November 3: Jelly Joseph
Tickets are priced at $30 for non-members and $25 for BK House members, available for purchase at www.bkhouse.org. In addition to the music, Chef Etienne Devlin of The Honfleur NOLA will offer New Orleans-inspired food for purchase, while beverages will be sold to support the ongoing maintenance of the garden. Concert-goers are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance due to the limited space of the historic setting. Gates will open at 5:30 pm for the 6 pm concerts, with limited seating provided. Guests are welcome to bring small chairs if space allows. Outside beverages are prohibited.
Adding to the fall lineup, BK House will host its annual Soiree in the Vieux Carré on Sunday, September 29, from 5 to 8 pm. This fundraiser will feature performances by John Boutté in the Courtyard and Amber Rachelle & the Sweet Potatoes in the Parterre Garden, along with a delicious Sunday Supper by 12 Seasons Catering & Events. Proceeds from the event will support major restoration projects, including interior plaster and masonry repairs, as well as the BK Endowment Fund. Tickets for the soirée start at $125, with multiple sponsorship levels available for individuals and businesses. Tickets can be purchased online.
BK House’s fall calendar extends beyond music, offering a diverse range of historical and cultural programming:
– October 9: Quarter Kaleidoscope, a French Quarter storytelling event in collaboration with VCPORA.
– November 7: Premiere of the film “Ancestral Artistry,” produced by The Louisiana Architectural Foundation.
– November 10: A concert featuring singer/songwriter Teena May.
– November 20: A lecture with TR Johnson, author of *New Orleans, A Literary History*.
– December 12: A festive wine tasting event titled “Wine Tasting with Bubbles.”
– December 15: A holiday performance by the Big Easy Boys in their Christmas Concert.
– December 27-29: A Creole Christmas Tour, in collaboration with neighboring French Quarter museums.
Now a National Historic Landmark, BK House & Gardens was built in 1826 and was purchased by noted author Frances Parkinson Keyes in 1948. The home has been meticulously restored and has evolved into a venue that highlights the stories of the seven families who lived on the property, as well as the influence of the French Quarter neighborhood. Revenue from memberships, events, grants, and donations supports the ongoing restoration and maintenance of this historic gem.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.bkhouse.org.
