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Community Events

Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

November 19 and 24, 10 AM -Noon

St. Bernard Health Center’s Healthy Lifestyle Solutions Team will be at the Community Center of St Bernard, 1107 LeBeau St, Arabi to help families learn how to eat healthy and manage their blood sugar during the holiday season.

On November 19 the team members will discuss how to successfully monitor blood sugar and manage diabetes. This information is especially important during the holidays when those watching their blood sugar may find themselves tempted by candy canes, Christmas cookies and other sugary treats. Residents will be able to get free blood sugar screenings and receive brochures with “Tips for monitoring blood sugars and meal plans.”

Then on November 24 the Healthy Lifestyle Solutions Team will return with helpful hints on how to modify traditional holiday recipes to make them more healthy and flavorful. The team will also discuss how to use proper portion sizes to avoid overeating during the holiday season, and pass out flyers on “Tips for healthy holiday eating and appropriate servings.”

For more information please phone the St Bernard Health Center at 504.281.2832 or 504.281.2825. 

Voices from the Back of the Class

November 19-21 at 7:30 p.m.

The Free Southern Theater Institute presents "Voices from the Back of the Class". on November 19-21, 2009 at 7:30 p.m., at the Marigny Theater, located at 1030 Marigny Street. Tickets are $7.00 ($5.00 for students, seniors, and artists). Tickets available at the door only.

This deeply personal original production uses storytelling, poetry, music and movement to question how we learn to view the world and our role within it. Race, class, oppression, social movements...words rarely uttered in our history textbooks but matters that impact our lives profoundly. For more information please contact Junebug Productions (504) 577-0732
info@junebugproductions.org, www.junebugproductions.org

Words & Music, A Literary Feast in New Orleans

November 19 - 22

The non-profit literary organization Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society will present its annual "Words & Music, A Literary Feast in New Orleans." Words & Music, 2009 will feature international bestselling fiction writer Dennis Lehane, whose smash hit novel "Mystic River" was adapted for the box office movie hit of the same name starring Sean Penn. Four days and nights of entertainment and enlightenment.

Don't miss the magic! For details, visit the Faulkner Society's website, www.wordsandmusic.org, or e-mail Faulkhouse@aol.com.
Reservations can be made with credit card at (504) 524-2940.

American Heart Association Heart Walk

November 21

More than 5,000 New Orleans area residents are expected to take steps to improve their heart health Saturday, November 21 when they participate in the New Orleans Start! Heart Walk at Audubon Park. The annual event, which raises funds to fight heart disease and stroke, America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers, begins at 10:00 a.m. with registration at 9:00 a.m. The fundraising goal for this event is $500,000. The non-competitive, three-mile walk includes teams of employees from local companies, along with friends and family members of all ages.

For information on participating in the New Orleans Start! Heart Walk, call the American Heart Association at (504) 830-2308 or visit www.neworleansheartwalk.org.

Fiesta Latina

November 21, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation presents Fiesta Latina at Zephyr Field, 6000 Airline Drive in Metairie, LA. Live music will include touring acts like Los Hermanos Rosario from the Dominican Republic and Grupo Fantasma from Austin, as well as local groups including Rumba Buena, Fredy Omar, Otra, Vivaz and many others.

In addition to Latin cuisine, a crafts fair, and local nonprofit organization booths, there will be soccer tournaments and clinics for kids and adults. For more info, visit the event web site at fiestalatinanola.com.

10,000 Villages Sale

November 21, 2009 from 9 AM to 4 PM

Lakeview Presbyterian will once again play host to the fair trade festival of Ten Thousand Villages on . Featured will be handcrafted merchandise ranging from folk art to ceramics, textiles, baskets, jewelry and musical instruments. Gifts for family and friends, unique home décor that will add an international flair to your home, exquisite handcrafted jewelry – you can find all this, and more, at the Ten Thousand Villages festival sale at Lakeview Presbyterian, 5914 Canal Blvd.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Vaughn 504-258-2220 niferv@hotmail.com or Susan Canavello at 804-677-0150. www.tenthousandvillages.com.

Benefit and Sale for Ovarian Cancer Research

November 21st from 10am-12 noon

I am having a benefit and sale to raise money for ovarian cancer research. The event is being held at 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue. There will be fun activities for children as well as a sale. We will be raffling 2 courtside Hornets tickets for the January 2nd game against the Houston Rockets. I have website information and items online for auction. All proceeds will go to Teal Ribbon Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

Here is the website for the auction: http://readnola.com/auction.php
You can email or phone-in bids until November 21st at 11:30 AM!

Festival of India & Ratha Yatra Parade

November 21, 10am to 5pm

Parade starts at Decatur & Esplanade near the French Market. The purpose of the event is let the public experience the culture of India through a free and interactive festival atmosphere that is appropriate for all ages. MORE INFO: www.festivalofindia.org

Live performances by world famous artists, Free vegetarian fest, Interactive cultural program & yoga expo, Parade & kirtan through the French Quarter

Community Drum Circle

November 21, 3pm

River of Hope Mental Health Resource Center along with Project Rising Sun Drum Connections with Dr. Jan Johnson invite you to join us for our Community Drum Circle and Wellness and Health Fair. All are welcome to attend, celebrate, and participate in the healing and spiritual power of African rhythms. In addition we will be offering free blood pressure checks. **Free Red Beans and Rice**

Drums will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own drums, tambourines, cowbells, shakers, etc…We are located at the corner of North Claiborne and Alvar Street, across the street from the New Salem Baptist Church and located in the Community Resource Center building. (504) 943-0207.

VOODOO PRIESTESS, SCHOLARS TO DISCUSS VOODOO DOLLS

November 2, 6-8 p.m.

New Orleans voodoo priestess Sallie Ann Glassman will be one of five speakers on "Voodoo Dolls of the Ancient Near East," an outreach session of the American Schools of Oriental Research conference at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, Canal and Bourbon streets in New Orleans. Glassman will discuss "voudou spirits and sacred voudou flags." Other speakers will discuss voodoo dolls in the Greek and Roman world, Haitian and Mesopotamian figurines and mother goddesses. For a complete schedule please visit us at http://asorblog.org. The public is welcome. For more information call 504-962-0500.

Be a Southern Puppeteer: Puppets inspired by Walter Anderson

November 21, 10 am-noon

Calliope Puppets Karen Konnerth leads this workshop where children can create a traditional shadow puppet of a coastal animal to bring to life as part of a Gulf Coast wetlands scene. Referring to photographs of regional animals and other work in the museum, visual inspiration will be the paintings of Walter Anderson. Music and sound effects will add the final touch in this collaborative performance creation. Each participant will leave with a shadow puppet, and handout on how to make a simple shadow screen at home. Have fun working together to create a scene from our own natural environment!

For Children ages 8 to 11
Workshop fee: $20 (members) $25 (non-members) includes materials. Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St. Information: Contact Stephanie Spicer, 504.539.9616, sspicer@ogdenmuseum.org

Southern Storytellers: Rick Bragg and Tom Franklin

November 21

Showcasing Alabama’s rich literary legacy, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art will feature writers Rick Bragg and Tom Franklin on Sat., Nov. 21, 2 p.m., at the Museum. The event will include readings, a question and answer session, and a booksigning. The event will be moderated by Errol Laborde.
Southern Storytellers is a presentation of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s Kohlmeyer Circle – a group of young art and cultural enthusiasts who creatively support the museum. This series is also part of the Museum’s ongoing focus on the culture of the South.

Admission: Free to museum members; $10 general admission. Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., New Orleans Information: Stephanie Spicer, 504.539.9616; sspicer@ogdenmuseum.org

New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Festival

November 22, 2009 from 11 to 6 P.M.

Thousands of New Orleanians will celebrate the city’s most famous sandwich on Oak Street for the third annual New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Festival. The Festival will be held in a 7-block section of Oak Street between Carrollton Avenue and Eagle Street.

This festival was founded as a celebration of the storied sandwich and the role it has played in New Orleans’ culinary culture. The festival also highlights the ongoing revitalization of the Oak Street business corridor, which was designated a National Main Street in 2006 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and a Louisiana Main Street by the Department of Historic Preservation.

The live music lineup is just as tasty as the food: 101 Runners, Rebirth Brass Band, Papa Grows Funk, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Clockwork Elvis, Los Po-Boy-Citos, Sunpie Barnes, MyNameIsJohnMichael, and Terence Higgins & Swamp Grease.

For more info and the complete schedule, visit the Po-Boy Preservation Festival web site.

World’s Worst Movie Night - Reefer Madness

November 23

Reefer Madness - sin—degradation—vice—insanity! It’s public enemy, Number One! Women cry for it—Men die for it! And 71 years later, Audiences are still hooked! All shows start at 8:00 PM. Open to the public. 621 St. Peter Street, New Orleans 504-302-2692. La Divina Cafe

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Benefits Kingsley House

November 28 at 8pm

The Moscow Ballet will be returning to New Orleans this holiday season for a special performance of its critically acclaimed Great Russian Nutcracker benefitting Kingsley House. The event will take place at the newly reopened Mahalia Jackson Theater.

Tickets to the ballet range from $40 to $70 and are now available for purchase at Ticketmaster or at the Mahalia Jackson Theater Box Office at (504) 287-0350. For more information, please visit www.nutcracker.com or www.mahaliajacksontheater.com.

Silent Movie Screening and Live musical performance.

November 28, 7- 9pm

The Cultural Alliance of the Americas (CAOTA) presents a Silent Movie Screening and Live musical performance event at Studio 525 on Boston Street in Covington. This event will feature one of Charlie Chaplin’s first full length feature films, “Tillie’s Punctured Romance”, which catapulted both Chaplin and co-star, Marie Dressler, to stardom; the film will be accompanied by an original, live musical performance by highly acclaimed local musicians, Don Vappie and Tom Fischer. Tickets will be sold at the door for $10, and popcorn and beverages will be available for purchase.

For more information about this event, and the CAOTA, please email, info@bringitonhome.org or call 504-613-0218.

HAMP Fest Benefit for AIDS in New Orleans

December 1

HAMP Fest is a benefit music festival to raise money to help the HIV Agencies and Clinics in New Orleans fight AIDS. "HAMP" is short for HIV Awareness Music Project. Advance tickets are available online at www.TheHowlinWolf.com. The event will include a raffle and silent auction, as well as appearances by the Krewe of the Rolling Elvi and the Roller Derby Girls, a fully catered Acoustic VIP Lounge, and more. Come support the fight against HIV in New Orleans! More info is available by emailing jcorkery@humanrightstour.org.

Entertainment Lineup:

6:30-8:00pm / Kermit Ruffins
8:00-8:45pm / Wisebird
9:00-10:00pm / Rebirth Brass Band
10:00-10:15pm / Fashion Show
10:15-11:30pm / Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue
11:30-11:45pm / Fleur De Tease
11:45pm-12:45am / Soul Rebels
12:45-1:15am / Dee-1
1:15-1:45am / 5th Ward Weebie 

LSU LAB Theatre presents A Simple Assassination

December 1-6 at 7:30pm

December 6 at 2:00pm

A Simple Assassination explores the web of conspiracy that surrounded the assassination of President Lincoln. Noah Brooks, a reporter of the period, resurrects historical figures, intermingled with characters from the playwright’s imagination, to investigate and question the plots and events that led to the President’s death.

Produced by LSU Theatre to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, A Simple Assassination ultimately projects the intrigues of our historical past to caution us against present and future circumstances.
A Simple Assassination by Robert Friedman. Directed by Femi Euba

For further ticket information, call the LSU Department of Theatre office at 578-4174 or visit the LSU website at www.theatre.lsu.edu

High Voltage Annual Holiday Party

December 2, 2009 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

High Voltage, Inc. cordially invites you to attend our Annual Holiday Party at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center, 1618 Orthea Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA $10 per person.

Enjoy delicious refreshments and local holiday shopping at the Ashé Shop and High Voltage Book Giving Tree sponsored by the Maple Street Book Shop. For more information visit our website at www.highvoltageyouthcamp.org, or call 504-458-3848.

WWOZ Volunteer Holiday Celebration

December 3

'OZ Volunteers, mark your calendars for the 2nd annual WWOZ Holiday Celebration at the Crescent City Brewhouse (527 Decatur Street in New Orleans). The party runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and there'll be plenty of food and beverages. Bring your boo, and let’s celebrate a year of great achievements made possible by volunteer power!

Free Tile Classes

December 3 &10

Local tile artist Michael Bauman will be at the Community Center of St Bernard, 1107 LeBeau St, Arabi to teach a 2-part Mosaic Tile class. Students will get hands-on experience learning the creative old world art of mosaic tiling and will have the opportunity to create their own piece of mosaic art. The classes will begin at 6 PM and no registration is needed. However, participants should plan on attending both sessions in order to complete their project. Limited amounts of materials will be available at the Community Center, but students are encouraged to bring their own as much as possible. Please visit www.ccstb.org for details and to learn what you need to bring with you.

DesCours 2009

December 7-13

This December, downtown New Orleans will showcase DesCours, a week-long, contemporary architecture and art event that explores the latest in design and technology with new media and interactive art installations. A competitive review of proposals from internationally recognized architects and artists will bring fourteen distinct installations to the city, that nightly transform hidden spaces across the French Quarter and Central Business District.

Jonathan Traviesa Booksignig

December 10

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art will be hosting a booksigning of “Portraits: Photographs in New Orleans 1998-2009” by Jonathan Traviesa. The book features evocative black-and-white environmental photographs of 100 people who encompass the widely ranging diversity of New Orleanians.

The booksinging takes place during Ogden After Hours, 6 pm-8 pm, featuring Joe Clay. The book also has a complemementary exhibition at the Ogden, “Jonathan Traviesa: Portraits in New Orleans 1998-2009.” The exhibition opens on Nov. 27, 2009 and is on view until Jan. 23, 2010. It is part of the New Orleans Photo Alliances's Photo NOLA.

Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., New Orleans. For information, contact: Stephanie Spicer, 504.539.9616; sspicer@ogdenmuseum.org

Treme Creole Gumbo Festival

December 12-13, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation will host the Treme Creole Gumbo Festival. The event will take place at the Jazz & Heritage Center (1225 N. Rampart St., New Orleans). Live music will include local favorites Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers, Trombone Shorty, James Andrews, Glen David Andrews and others.

Don't miss the gumbo cooking demonstrations and crafts fair, as well as the fourth annual Jazz & Heritage Holiday Bazaar — a sale of official Jazz Fest t-shirts, posters and memorabilia. And the WWOZ Outreach Krewe will be there to sign up new members and volunteers, and we'll be selling 'OZ gear at bargain prices.

For more info, visit the event web site at jazzandheritage.org/treme-gumbo

Deadline for "Making the Grade" school program

December 31
“Making the Grade” is a nationally recognized program that highlights successful education projects and curricula in elementary schools, high schools and special schools in Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany and St. John the Baptist parishes.

Entry forms are available on OMNI BANK’s Web site at www.omnibk.com. Once completed, they should be sent to OMNI BANK, c/o BCS, 3330 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 318, Metairie, LA, 70002, or faxed to 504-378-3793. 

Ongoing Events

LePetit Theatre Historic New Orleans Collection Collaborate

Free tours of the theatre followed by historic New Orleans collection films.

Visit www.lepetittheatre.com for more details.

Be a Southern Puppeteer: Workshop Series with Calliope Puppets

Saturdays November 21, January 16, February 27, March 20, 10 a.m. - noon. For children ages 8 to 11

Calliope Puppets' Karen Konnerth directs two-hour workshops forchildren, teaching them how to use puppetry to bring to life tales oftheir own, inspired by the Ogden Museum of Southern Art collection.

Children will use their imaginations and their hands, and will learn about Southern artists and art traditions. Each workshop will feature a different puppetry technique, so the workshops may by taken as a series, or individually. Fee: $20 per session, Museum members; $25 per session, nonmuseum membersOgden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., New Orleans Info. and to make a reservation: Stephanie Spicer, 504.539.9616, sspicer@ogdenmuseum.org

Free Computer Classes

The Community Center's next round of free computer classes will begin on November 10. Partipants will be able to choose between a Tuesday evening class or a Thursday morning class. To enroll, please phone the Community Center of St Bernard, 1107 LeBeau St, Arabi, at 504.281.2512. Class size is limited to 8 members for each class with a waiting list of 4 members.

EVENING CLASSES: Tuesdays 5—6PM on Nov 10, 17 & Dec 1, 8, 15

MORNING CLASSES: Thursdays 10—11AM on Nov 12, 19 & Dec 3, 10, 17

www.ccstb.org

From Tramps to Kings: 100 Years of Zulu

Through December 2009

The Louisiana State Museum and the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club proudly present "From Tramps to Kings: 100 Years of Zulu," a major new exhibit exploring the origins, unique Carnival traditions, and cultural and civic contributions of Zulu from 1909 to the present. "From Tramps to Kings" features more than 100 seldom-seen treasures loaned by Zulu members. Highlights include a ballroom tableau of 14 former Zulu Kings and Queens in bejeweled costumes and elaborate headdresses, and all seven of Zulu’s comic parade characters including the Big Shot of Africa, the Witch Doctor, and the Ambassador.

The Language of Flowers Group Invitational Exhibition

December 5 through January 9

The Garden District Gallery (1331 Washington Avenue) looks at the meaning, sentiment and symbolism of flowers , with the group invitational exhibition, “The Language of Flowers”. An Opening Reception is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The show features the works of 18 local, regional and international artists. Participants will contribute artistic works using a variety of mediums, and provide various interpretations of flowers, their symbolism, colors and textures. The Garden District Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am - 7pm. For more information, call 504-891-3032 or visit www.gardendistrictgallery.com.

The Lunch Box in the Musicians Village

Every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join Liese's Living Room and the Village Copper Thieves for a weeklypicnic with free live music in the 1800 block of Bartholomew Street(three blocks north of Claiborne Avenue). The Village Copper Thievesare all neighbors who met up and formed the first new ensemble toemerge from the Habitat for Humanity Musician's Villagein the Ninth Ward. The band, led by Liese Dettmer on 12-string guitar,includes Boyanna Trayanova on percussion, Adam Crochet on dobro, andThomas McDonald on bass. Bring your lunch and hang out in the heart ofthe Village with your neighbors and visiting volunteers who arebuilding this post-Katrina community from the ground up.

Road Home Assistance at St. Bernard Community Center

Every Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.

Hurricane Preparedness at St. Bernard Community Center

Every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

For more information about Red Cross St. Bernard Chapter programs and services, please phone 504.620.2855 or visit www.arcno.org. For furtherinformation about the Community Center of St Bernard, please phone 504.281-2512 or visit www.ccstb.org.

Free Yoga Classes

Monday & Wednesday Nights

Led by instructor Kim Martin the Monday classes will be offered every week from 6-7 PM at the Community Center of St Bernard, 1107 LeBeau St, Arabi, beginning on November 30. The Wednesday evening classes, led by Lauren Shepley, will also continue to meet weekly at 6 PM at the Community Center. The current Saturday morning classes are being discontinued.

The Community Center has 20 yoga mats on hand, but participants are welcome to bring their own. The classes are open to the public and beginners are welcome to attend. No registration is needed and there is no charge for the sessions. For more information about Swan River Yoga’s many programs and services, please visit www.swanriveryoga.com.

Volunteer Tutors Needed! Help Children Learn to Read

» See an archive of recent previous community events

Add Your Own Community Events

If you would like to add a community event to this page, please leave a comment below. We reserve the right to edit your listing, and we will remove it after the event has passed. We prefer submissions at around 150 words in length. Please do not post over 200 words in your submission, and no posts in all capital letters (or long series of capital letters).