HULAWEEN IN THE BIG EASY Bette Midler's New York Restoration Project Annual Celebration 2013

Most guests went all out….

the 2nd line Brass Band-cultural heritage of New Orleans-plays on…greets guests

Waldorf Astoria, NYC

We have very vague childhood memories of older cousins-male and female- raving about a Bathhouse Betty aka the Divine Miss M aka Bette Midler-singing away-accompanied by Barry Manilow on piano- in the basement- of the Ansonia Hotel (back in the days before helicopter parents…when junior high jaunts around the Big Apple were common).

In this century though- Bette Midler's outstanding devotion to the Big Apple's underfunded parks, community gardens and other open spaces including desolated East River locales in the Bronx-has gotten this performer the most applause.

IMO BRAVOs all around including parents who rave about her work and always love dining at the lovely and tasty New Leaf Café near the Cloisters---that's owned and benefits the New York Restoration Project.

The 18th annual Hulaween-a name that refs Midler's Hawaiian upbringing and Halloween---draws a sold out crowd of amazingly costumed folks

This year's tribute to New Orleans-another city that's knows the devastation of a hurricane's wrath (Katrina)---was so appropriate a theme---as Hurricane Sandy almost shut down last year's Big Apple's celebration of Halloween too.

Bling!

Bette Midler-as Grand Marshall of the 2nd line-leading the brass band that's a tradition of New Orleans. Entertainment was by native New Orleans Harry Connick, Jr.

chandelier earrings…divine

Guest that walked the Red Carpet----

Monica Coleman (as Joan of Arc less the sword) and Kate Pierson as I Dream of Jeannie-the B52s fabulous performers drove down from hometown Woodstock.

We totally did not recognize costume judge (and oh yeah, fashion icon) Michael Kors pictured above -on the left. He quipped this is what Jessica Lange would look like if she was a man...

Michael Kors-loves New Orleans-has loads of customers down there including one named (or nicknamed?) Bananas-and who doesn't love a city that has a resident named Bananas. So true.

…making one of several comments about actress Jessica Lange who we gather- influenced many a choice of costume and must be a Gay Icon for certain movie roles.