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Community Events for July, 2009
Ellen Gilchrist Reads at the Ogden on Sunday
Sunday, July 12, 2009 at 2 p.m.
Mississippi native Ellen Gilchrist will be featured in Southern Storytellers, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s ongoing series that spotlights writers on a state-by-state basis, on Sunday, July 12, at the museum. Author of Heart Like Water and New Orleans resident Joshua Clark will moderate the session. The event will include a reading and a booksigning.
Ellen Gilchrist has received numerous awards for her poems, short stories, novels and essays and was born in historic Vicksburg, Mississippi. Her first book was a collection of short stories, In the Land of Dreamy Dreams (1981), which sold more than 10,000 copies in its first 10 months and garnered immense critical acclaim. She followed up with her first novel, The Annunciation, in 1983, and the following year, a second collection of stories, Victory Over Japan, which won the 1984 National Book Award for fiction.
Since then, Gilchrist has published more than 20 books, and her latest book, A Dangerous Age (2008), is a novel focusing on the women of the Hand family, a Southern dynasty rich with history and tradition, that has been affected by war. Gilchrist currently lives in Arkansas. Admission: Free to museum members; $10 general admission. Call (504) 539-9618 for more information. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is located at 925 Camp Street in the Warehouse District.
Steve Phillips Memorial Benefit for NOMAF
Sunday, July 12, 2009 at 11 a.m.
Everyone is invited to a memorial benefit on July 12, 2009 for an all day show and dance. All proceeds will benefit the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation (NOMAF). This is in honor of the beloved friend and musician Steve Phillips, an active member of the New Orleans musical community for over 20 years. Steve Phillips died June 5, 2009 of pancreatic cancer at age 53. NOMAF is the organization that funds the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, St. Anna’s Medical Clinic, and The New Orleans Musicians’ Gig Fund. The music for the event will range from 'cajun and z'ydeco to blues, swamp pop, country, rock, and everything in between. The artists performing are all friends of the late Steve Phillips.
The list of artists will include: John Gros, Willie Locket and The All Purpose Blues Band, Jimmy Thibodeaux, The Treater Band, Mitchell Cormier and The Can’t Hardly Playboys, Tropical Isle’s Late As Usual, Brandon Miller’s Cajun experiment, Aaron Foret with Wayne Foret and Jake Paminto, Waylon Thibodeaux, Sammy Naquin, and countless others. The door cover will be $5.00 per person. Extra donations accepted. Auctions will also be held between bands, featuring items donated from several local sponsors. ALL proceeds from door cover and auction will go to the NOMAF. Those who cannot attend but who would like to donate can go to any Whitney Bank branch and make a donation to The Steve Phillips Memorial Fund.
The event will last from 11:00 am until well after dark at The Bayou Barn in Crown Point, LA. The address is: 7145 Barataria Blvd., 20 minutes South of New Orleans on the West Bank. 504-689-2663 1-800-862-2968 www.bayoubarn.com
Gates open at 10:30 am. Food and drinks available.
2nd Annual Outreach and Recruitment Job Fair
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The National Association of African-Americans in the Department of Homeland Security's National Outreach and Recruitment Program (NORP) invites you to attend The 2nd Annual Outreach and Recruitment Job Fair at the Hotel InterContinental, 444 Saint Charles Avenue.
Cost: FREE. For more information, please visit www.naadhs.org.
Free Football Camp for Kids 7 - 16
Friday, July 3, 2009 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.)
Robert Royal and Ryan Clark present T.E.A.M. CAMP, a free NFL Youth Football camp for youths ages 7 to 16. Sponsored in part by the City of New Orleans, the camp will be held at Behrman Stadium, 2529 General Meyer Avenue, on the West Bank of New Orleans. The football camp is open to the first 300 children, plus there will be a "cheer camp" open to the first 50 kids ages 7 to 14.
With "Together Each Achieves More" as its guiding principle, this free "non-contact" camp is led by Robert Royal of the Cleveland Browns and Ryan Clark of the Superbowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Robert, Ryan and their NFL colleagues will teach fundamental football techniques as well as mentor the campers about the importance of getting an education, rejecting negative attitudes, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and reminding them that hard work equals success.
NFL player participants scheduled to attend include: Antonio Pierce (New York Giants), Ike Taylor and Anthony Smith (Pittsburgh Steelers), Marcus Washington, Rock Cartwright and Fred Smoot (Washington Redskins), Angelo Crowell and Marcus Stroud (Buffalo Bills), Patrick Surtain and Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) George Wilson (Buffalo Bills) and others to be announced.
The camp will provide lunch and drinks, but campers will need to provide their own transportation. Parents or guardians will need to be there to sign camper information forms and releases. For additional information, please contact T.E.A.M. Camp coordinator Katrina Leonce at profilesgroup@yahoo.com.
Community Events for June, 2009
Celebrate Charles Moore's Birthday at Ogden After Hours
Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 6 p.m.
Join the acclaimed New Orleans bassist and composer Charles Moore at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art to celebrate his birthday, along with the forthcoming release on CD of his much-anticipated tribute to classical guitar.
For his special day, Moore will be accompanied by The New Orleans Jazz All-Stars, featuring Dr. Peter Cho, Todd Duke, Geoff Clapp, and Alonzo Bowen.
Special guest appearances by Peter Harris, Danon Smith and Yadonna Wise are sure to delight.
The party starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp Street in the Warehouse District. For more information or to become a member, please call (504) 539-9600.
Community Drum Circle
Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 1 p.m.
River of Hope Mental Health Resource Center, along with Project Rising Sun Drum Connections and Dr. Jan Johnson, the project's director, invite you to join us for our Community Drum Circle & Wellness & Health Fair on June 27, 2009 at 1 in the afternoon.
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, plus free red beans and rice! PLUS, The New Orleans Hornets Honeybees will also be there!!!
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. The address is 1600 Alvar Street, New Orleans, LA 70117. Please call (504) 943-0207 with any questions. A River of Hope Mental Health Resource Center is sponsored by Headwaters, a non-profit relief organization.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance Bus
Monday, June 29, 2009 through July 2, 2009
The “Help is Here Express” bus tour will be in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes next week to help uninsured and financially struggling Louisiana residents get information on programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free.
From 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 29, the bus will stop at Saint Jerome's Church, 2400 33rd Street in Kenner. On Tuesday, June 30, the stops will include the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School from 9 to 10 a.m., and the Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority in Marrero from 2 to 3 p.m. On Wednesday, July 1, the bus will be at Congressman Cao’s Health Day at Grace Episcopal Church from 1 to 6 p.m. For more information, call (504) 897-6110.
New Orleans Citizen Participation Project Meeting
Monday, June 29 at 6 p.m.
The New Orleans Citizen Participation Project (NOLACPP) will be hosting a meeting to review the 2009 Draft Model for a formalized citizen participation program for the city of New Orleans. Come out to learn more about NOLACPP, read the 2009 Draft Model, learn more about what formalized citizen participation can do for New Orleans, and provide your input into the process. The meeting will begin at 6 in the evening and will be held at 1050 South Jefferson Davis Parkway, on the second floor. For more information, please contact Breonne DeDecker at btdedecker@gmail.com, or visit www.nolacpp.org.
Free Healthcare for Children: LaCHIP & Medicaid Enrollment Assistance
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 1 p.m.
Representatives from the Greater New Orleans Covering Kids & Families Coalition (GNO CKF) will be at the Community Center of Saint Bernard, 1107 LeBeau Street, in Arabi on Tuesday, June 30 from 10 a.m. until noon to provide information about LaCHIP and Medicaid services.
LaCHIP stands for "Louisiana Children's Health Insurance Program." LaCHIP offers no cost or low cost health care plans for Louisiana children up to age 19 who do not have health insurance. LaCHIP pays for medical services including doctor visits, hospital expenses, prescription drugs and vaccinations. Eligibility for the LaCHIP program is based on family size and income. A family of 4 can earn as much as $55,000 and still qualify for LaCHIP coverage for kids.
Medicaid provides health insurance coverage to certain categories of low-income individuals, including children, pregnant women, parents of eligible children, and people with disabilities. Medicaid can pay for a wide range of health services such as doctor visits, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, home health care, hospice services, lab tests and x-rays, medical equipment, mental health services, physical therapy, prescription drugs, medical transport, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services.
No appointment is necessary in order to receive information for Medicaid or LaCHIP assistance at the Community Center. For more information please contact Derrick Edmond, GNO CKF Program Coordinator, at 504-586-8509 x122 or dedmond@agendaforchildren.org. Applicants can also apply and receive assistance online at lachip.org or by calling the LaCHIP hotline at 1-877-252-2447.
No appointment is necessary in order to receive information for Medicaid or LaCHIP assistance at the Community Center. For more information please contact Derrick Edmond, GNO CKF Program Coordinator, at (504) 586-8509, extension 122, or send him an email at dedmond@agendaforchildren.org.
Connect with the Connect2Educate Collaborative
June 23, 2009 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The Connect2Educate (C2E) Collaborative is looking to partner with schools and organizations to help ensure that all public schools, their students and families have access to quality resources and programs available to them in our community. Formed in 2008, the C2E Collaborative coordinated a networking event in March 2009 and published the C2E Notebook, which details more than 100 organizations whose programming is offered to public schools and public school students. The Connect2Educate Collaborative is a program of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. If you are interested in learning more about this project or becoming a part of the C2E Collaborative, check out the LEH web site or contact Miranda Restovic at Restovic@leh.org.
Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival
Saturday, June 13 through Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Louisiana Cajun–Zydeco Festival celebrates the rich traditions of southwest Louisiana. The combination of rollicking two–step music and spicy seafood are a potent example of how we in Louisiana love to "pass a good time." With two stages of music and free dance lessons, the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival presents the most venerable of our elder musicians along with the hottest young acts, including Grammy winners and nominees such as BeauSoleil, Terrance Simien, Steve Riley, and many more. The festival takes place at the Old U.S. Mint during the first weekend in June. It is produced in collaboration with two partner events: The Louisiana Seafood Festival and the French Market's Creole Tomato Festival (see below).
WWOZ will be broadcasting live from the Cajun-Zydeco Festival's Dumaine stage on Sunday, June 14. For more info and the complete performance schedule, visit the Cajun-Zydeco Festival web site.
Great French Market Creole Tomato Festival
Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Annual Creole Tomato Festival hits the French Market in New Orleans’ French Quarter neighborhood! Packed with tons of cooking demonstrations, tasty tomato samplings, plenty of food, and lots of live local music, this free festival is a perennial New Orleans favorite. For more information, call (504) 524-8843.
Community Events for May, 2009
The Neighborhood Story Project's 1st Annual Write-a-Thon
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Neighborhood Story Project (NSP) is hosting the first Write-a-thon in the history of New Orleans. The NSP will be raising money to finish masterpieces by John McDonogh students that are two-and-a-half years in the making. As the organization’s first fundraiser in almost four years, participating writers will compose letters, emails, postcards, novels, to-do lists, or whatever suits their writing needs.
Tom Piazza and Lolis Eric Elie, two of the writers of the new HBO series Tremé, will be participating, and Elie will offer free consultations to participating writers. All Write-a-thon-ers will be fed by The Joint BBQ.
During the five years since the organization’s inception, the NSP has published 8 best-selling books and provided royalties exceeding $25,000 to their writers.
In March, the NSP released The House of Dance & Feathers: A Museum by Ronald W. Lewis with a blow-out party at the museum in the Lower Ninth Ward. The NSP has grown tremendously in five years and continues to tell the stories of our neighborhoods. To donate to the NSP’s first annual Write-a-thon, visit firstgiving.com or send checks to P.O. Box 19742, New Orleans, LA 70179.
Black Panther & Angola 3 Book Talk at Amistad Research Center
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 from 4 - 6 p.m.
The Amistad Research Center at Tulane University will host a double reading and book signing by Orissa Arend and Robert Hillary King on Tuesday, May 19th, from 4 - 6 pm.
Orissa Arend will read from and discuss the newly expanded edition of her book, Showdown in Desire: The Black Panthers Take a Stand in New Orleans.
Robert Hillary King will read from his autobiography, From the Bottom of the Heap, and discuss his life, the Black Panthers, and the Angola 3.
The Amistad Research Center is located in Tilton Hall, 6823 St. Charles Avenue, on the campus of Tulane University. For more information, please contact Orissa Arend at (504) 865-1619 or the Amistad Research Center at (504) 862-3222.
"Sippin' in Seersucker": a Benefit for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Friday, May 15, 2009, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal Street.
Entertainment: Los Poboycitos and The Iguanas.
Dress: Seersucker preferred!
Contest: Best seersucker ensembles judged by the Big Easy Rollergirls.
Raffle: Deluxe packages include Beauty, Entertainment, Fashion, Wine, and “Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown.”
Food: Light bites for the evening compliments of a variety of restaurants.
Libations: Mint juleps – and other Southern cocktails – compliments of Republic Beverage Company. Specialty cocktail: “Southern Comfort Brake Tag” from Café Adelaide and the Swizzle Stick Bar.
Shop: The Shops at Canal Place will have special sales promotions.
Parking: Free with validation. (Courtesy of Darryl Berger, Roger Ogden and The Garage at Canal Place.)
Tickets: $25 for Ogden Museum members or $35 general admission. For information and to order tickets, call the Ogden Museum at (504) 539-9618.
Symphony Book Fair: Used Books at Great Prices
Saturday, May 16, 2009
This year's Symphony Book Fair will be held at Delgado Community College in the Student Life Center. Thousands of books on all subjects will be available, with starting prices at 50 cents. Categories include fiction, history, visual arts, biography, collectors, and much more. The Fair is open from Thursday, May 14, through Saturday, May 16. There is a $10 entry fee for opening day (May 14) only, as the best selection is available then. Other days feature free entry. All proceeds are donated to the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tremé Brass Band at Little Woods Rebuilt-Homes Celebration
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 9:45 a.m.
Join the celebration as Little Woods homeowners getting newly rebuilt homes are fêted New Orleans-style! The Tremé Brass Band will lead the parade to a ribbon-cutting ceremony when notables, neighbors and well-wishers gather to celebrate the completion of a 12-home rebuild blitz staged over the past month by more than 500 volunteers from churches across the United States. The second-line parade assembles at 9:45 a.m. at the park pavilion on Curran Avenue, and the Tremé Brass Band will lead the procession to one of the rebuilt homes a few blocks away. Following remarks, a homeowner will join John McCullough, CEO of Church World Service, which spearheaded the effort, for the ribbon-cutting and transfer of the new house keys.
"Simply Red": a Tribute to Alvin “Red” Tyler
Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 8 p.m.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents "Simply Red," a tribute to the legendary New Orleans saxophonist Alvin "Red" Tyler, at the Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp Street in the Warehouse District.
The tribute will feature stories and music that made "Red" Tyler a New Orleans original. Scheduled to appear are Germaine Bazzle, Ed Perkins, Chris Severin, Steve Masakowski, Johnny Vidacovich, Roderick Paulin, Albert June Gardner, David Torkanowsky, Thaddeus Richard, Clyde Kerr Jr., and more. Further information is available at (504) 558-6100 or at jazzandheritage.org.
Going Green Saves You Green!
Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Sankofa Marketplace on the corner of St. Claude and Caffin Avenue.
Global Green and Louisiana State University Agricultural Center can show you how to save money on your utility bills at the next in our series of FREE green-it-yourself building workshops. This week we will discuss air sealing and moisture management to insure a tight building envelope and a healthy home. We will demonstrate air sealing on a sample window and wall system. Register to win a Green Building Kit valued at $100 given away at the end of the workshop courtesy of Global Green.
Debate Workshop and Tournament for Beginners
Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 2009
Middle and high school students and teachers are invited to an interactive, empowering, FREE debate workshop and tournament. On May 8th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., teachers learn debate basics, and from 3:45 p.m. to 7 p.m., students join their teachers. Then on May 9th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., students debate a topic that's important to their world. To register for these totally free events, and for more information, go to: idebate.org. Brought to you by the International Debate Education Association (IDEA) and the UNO Charter Network.
"Joint's Jumpin'" at Harrah's
Friday, May 1 and Saturday,
May 2, 2009 at 8 p.m.
Back by popular demand, "Joint's Jumpin'" will return to Harrah’s Theatre, Friday and Saturday, May 1 – 2, at 8:00 p.m. nightly. This musical revue features an ensemble of talented New Orleans' musicians and vocalists, who will perform New Orleans R&B hits that topped the charts nationally and internationally by Huey "Piano" Smith, Lloyd Price, Fats Domino, Chris Kenner, Art Neville, Shirley & Lee, Clarence "Frogman" Henry, Professor Longhair, Aaron Neville, Irma Thomas and more. You don’t want to miss it!
Get a sneak preview of the show at JointsJumpin.com!
Community Events for April, 2009
Screening of Urban Wisdom at Zeitgeist
Thursday, April 30, 2009 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.
ACCIDENT AND CHAOS: CHANNELING JANE JACOBS
Come to Zeitgeist for a one-night screening of Urban Wisdom, a documentary on the influential urban theorist we have to thank for Greenwich Village, the preserved French Quarter and suburban malls that are called lifestyle centers. Following the film will be a presentation by Renia Ehrenfeucht, author of Sidewalks: Conflict and Negotiation over Public Space. Ehrenfeucht will discuss urban sidewalk culture and the relevance of Jane Jacob's theories to the recovery of New Orleans and sidewalks in general. Jane once said "the point of cities is multiplicity of choice." So yes, we get that you may have other choices of activity the Thursday before Jazz Fest. That only makes us more sure that attending this screening is the right one.
Where: Zeitgeist Multidisciplinary Arts Center
1618 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. in Central City
Farewell Second-Line on Frenchman for the Spotted Cat
Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 7 p.m.
Join with your neighbors and other music lovers to say a final good-bye to the Spotted Cat with a farewell second-line on Thursday, April 30, starting at the Spotted Cat music club, located at 623 Frenchman Street in the Faubourg Marigny.
LHC Launches New Brass Band Oral History Project with the Hot 8
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at7:30 p.m.
The Louisiana Humanities Center, 938 Lafayette Street, will launch a series of live oral history projects focusing on the brass bands of New Orleans, "As Told By Themselves." First up: the Hot 8 Brass Band.
Dedicated to providing a forum for bands to discuss their history and involvement in the city's culture, these events are recorded for use by libraries, archives and organizations interested in the evolution of brass band music. A performance by the Hot 8 will precede a panel discussion with the band led by writer Jason Berry. This is the first of 6 events funded in part by grants from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
Doors open at 7 p.m. with music starting at 7:30. A short reception will follow the panel. Refreshments and cash bar available. To make reservations, contact Brian Boyles at (504) 620-2632 or boyles@leh.org.
The Prytania Screens Amy Serrano's The Sugar Babies
Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 7 p.m.
The Hope, Courage and Justice Project and Cinéma Première invite you to a screening of the award-winning film, The Sugar Babies, at the Prytania Theatre, 5339 Prytania Street. The screening, part of the New Orleans Afrikan Film & Arts Festival, will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the film's director, Amy Serrano.
The Hope, Courage and Justice Project will be collecting school supplies and new shoes to send to the children who live in the sugar plantations, so please bring what you can.
Peep Show Film Screening Series
Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 7 p.m.
3 Ring Circus presents two film premieres as part of their Peep Show Series. Eleutheromaniacs: Merica Parish's Next Top Commissioner, a political satire, and Stockland: 3007 Apocalypse, an experimental film, will be screened at the Big Top, located at 1638 Clio Street in Central City. See www.3rcp.com for more information, or call (504) 569-2700.
Free Seminar: Know Your Rights When Debt Collectors Call
Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 12 noon
The Law Offices of Marc R. Michaud will offer a free seminar on “Debt Collector Abuse and Harassment: Finally Free to Answer Your Phone.” The seminar will begin at noon at the Community Center of St. Bernard, located at 1107 LeBeau Street in Arabi. The guest speaker will be Attorney Marc R. Michaud, who has extensive experience working with debt-collection agencies. Participants will learn what their rights are and what to say when a debt collector calls them. They’ll also find out what collectors legally can and cannot say or threaten them with. This seminar is free and no registration is necessary.
Tekrema Center Screens Amy Serrano's The Sugar Babies
Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 7 p.m.
The Hope, Courage and Justice Project and Cinéma Première invite you to a screening of the award-winning film, The Sugar Babies, at the Tekrema Center for Art and Culture, 5640 Burgundy Street in the Lower 9th Ward. Part of the New Orleans Afrikan Film & Arts Festival, the screening will be preceded by a special performance by Dr. Jean Montes & the Molto a Chamber Orchestra, a photography installation on film, and possibly "dancing under the moon."
The Hope, Courage and Justice Project will be collecting school supplies and new shoes to send to the children who live in the sugar plantations, so please bring what you can.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“SilenceIsViolence Presents” announces its Spring 2009 Youth Music Clinics. The clinics will be held every Tuesday evening from March 10 to April 28, at Sound Café, 2700 Chartres Street in the Bywater. Clinics are open to youth ages 5 to 15 who are interested in instrumental and/or vocal performance. No musical experience or prior registration necessary. Clinics are free, with dinner and instruments provided. Drop-ins welcome!
The Lunch Box in the Musicians Village
Wednesday, April 15, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join Liese's Living Room and the Village Copper Thieves for a weekly picnic with free live music in the 1800 block of Bartholomew Street (three blocks north of Claiborne Avenue). The Village Copper Thieves includes Thomas McDonald on bass, Boyanna Trayanova on percussion, Adam Crochet on dobro, and Liese Dettmer on 12-string guitar. Bring your lunch and hang out in the heart of the Musicians Village with neighbors and volunteers who are continuing to build the village.
Jesuit High School Philelectic Society Spring Musical
Wednesday, April 15 through Sunday, April 19, 2009
The Philelectic Society of Jesuit High School announces its spring musical, 1985 Tony Award-winning best musical, "Big River," the musical telling of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn by country music legend Roger Miller ("King of the Road") and William Hauptman.
Marc E. Belloni directs a cast of over 30 students and includes special faculty guest performances from Leslie Merritt, Jay Hooks, SJ, and Rachel Sharp. Gregory Rittiner as Huck and BJ Acosta as Tom Sawyer head the cast. Football and track standouts Rene Gurdian, Matthew Sewell, and Kyle Huber are also featured in roles.
The show runs April 15 - 18 at 7:30 p.m., plus a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on the 19th. Tickets will be by reservation only at a cost of $12 for all non-students and $5 for all students. Tickets will be available at the door. Reservations can be made by email at jayphils@jesuitnola.org or by calling the Philelectic office at (504) 483-3877.
French Quarter Festival
Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19, 2009
French Quarter Fest is one of the must-see music festivals in New Orleans. The largest free music festival in the entire South, FQF will encompass 18 stages and over 450 performers, with 250 hours of music! Reveling in the musical diversity of Louisiana with an emphasis on traditional jazz, artists include Lionel Ferbos, Connie Jones, Lars Edegran, Brother Tyrone, The Tin Men, Feufollet, Marc Stone, Billy Iuso, Forgotten Souls Brass Band, The Soul Rebels, and Walter "Wolfman" Washington. And that's just on Friday! See the complete music schedule here.
WWOZ will broadcast many of these performances — from jazz and funk to roots and reggae — live from the new Southern Comfort "Esplanade in the Shade" stage at the Old U.S. Mint, so be sure to check out our broadcast schedule. Don't miss this amazing weekend of live New Orleans music!
Fleur de Lindy Annual Swing Dance Conference
Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19, 2009
The local swing dance community along with swing dancers from around the world will be attending an annual swing dance conference Friday, April 17 – Sunday, April 19. Over 200 dancers will be attending the Fleur de Lindy Exchange, dancing in the streets during the day to the French Quarter Festival bands and at 4 social dance parties with live New Orleans jazz and blues bands, and internationally renown swing music DJs in the evening. Bands include the Loose Marbles, the New Orleans Moonshiners, St. Louis Slim and Friends, Richard Scott Swing Quarter, the Palmetto Bug Stompers, and Meschiya Lake and Erika Lewis. Read more at www.fleurdelindy.com.
Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week
Friday, April 17 through Friday, April 24, 2009
Learn first-hand from masters of Cajun and Creole music, dance, language, cuisine and culture in one of the most beautiful settings in Louisiana, Chicot State Park, near Ville Platte. The Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week is a true cultural immersion "camp" that includes intensive classes in accordion, fiddle, guitar, language and song, Louisiana foodways, and a French Immersion program.
Instructors will include renowned musicians Al Berard, Steve Riley, Jeffery Broussard, David Greely, Dirk Powell, Tony Balfa, Jonno Frishberg, Christine Balfa Powell, Sam Broussard, Ginny Hawker, Tracy Schwarz, Brenda Mounier and J.D. Soileau. Nightly dances feature some of Louisiana's top Cajun and Creole/zydeco bands, including Balfa Toujours, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie, T-Salé, and The Savoy Family Band.
Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19, will feature the Roots Heritage Festival with music and dancing featuring many more top Cajun and zydeco bands, food, jam sessions and children's activities. Through the week, many afternoon workshops and featured artist presentations offer participants even more opportunities to explore the rich heritage of the Cajun and Creole cultures. There's something for everyone, from "Cajun Accordion from Scratch" to the latest zydeco dance steps! For more information on full- and part-time participation, please visit Louisiana Folk Roots at www.lafolkroots.org, call (337) 234-8360, or e-mail info@lafolkroots.org.
The Art of Southern Film:
Johnny Cash's America
Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 6 p.m.
Join filmmakers Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon for a screening and discussion of Johnny Cash's America at Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp Street. An afterparty will be held at Zöe at W Hotel, 333 Poydras Street, featuring specialty drinks and fine hors d'oeuvres — and the filmmakers will be in attendance. This extraordinary documentary portrait of the Arkansas-born "Man in Black" skillfully blends unreleased footage, photos and recordings with intimate interviews with family and friends. The series producer is Madeleine Molyneaux, and this event is co-presented by the Ponderosa Stomp Foundation. Admission is free to museum members and $10 for non-members. For more info, call (504) 539-9618.
Second Annual Crawfish Cookoff in Waveland, Mississippi
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Last year, C & R’s Bar and Grill, located at 314 Coleman Avenue in Waveland, MS, sponsored the first annual Crawfish Cook-Off benefiting Hope Haven Children’s Services (Mississippi Gulf Coast), a home for our many abused and neglected children. Hope Haven has served our children and community for fourteen years. The first cook-off had a great turnout, was great fun, and $7,000.00 was raised! The fine folk at C & R’s had so much fun last year that they have decided to make it an annual event, and this year promises to be bigger and better, with more teams, crawfish, music and fun. This year’s goal is to double the money raised in 2008.
There will be a crawfish boot decorating contest, crawfish eating contest, raffle, live auction, 50-50 drawing and music all day. Many local businesses have donated great prizes for the all-day raffle, and auction items include a complete six-man fishing trip and a great canoe package. We are hoping to attract over 30 teams for the cook-off competition, so get your buddies and come out for a great day for a great cause. Remember to mark your calendar. For more information and to submit an application for teams, please call Nadine at (228) 493-9922 or C & R’s at (228) 467-4586. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor of the cook-off can contact Nadine, or donations may be mailed to People’s Bank, 408 Highway 90 E., Bay St. Louis, MS 39520.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Health Fair
Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lead poisoning is a debilitating disease affecting a disproportionately large amount of children in New Orleans. Elevated blood lead levels were documented in over 14% of children screened in Orleans Parish before Hurricane Katrina, compared to a national average of 2%.
The New Orleans Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, in conjunction with the Department of Health, will sponsor its 8th Annual Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Awareness Health Fair at the City Park Peristyle Shelter. This year’s theme is Get Educated • Get Tested • Get Healthy.
In addition to lead screenings and free paint chip testing, community partners will participate in the health fair providing many basic health checks including immunizations, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose checks and much more. Food and refreshments will be provided and several raffles will be held for door prizes. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Mike Entertainment, and a spacewalk will be available for kids. For more information, contact Nabil Baddour at (504) 658-2571.
Liberty National's Job Interview Event
Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at 9 a.m., 12 noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Liberty National Life Insurance Company, a 108-year-old company, is having a hiring Event at the Airport Hilton at 901 Airline Drive in Kenner. We offer a full line of benefits, including full Major Medical Health Insurance, Life Insurance and Dental Insurance to our employees. Please call our Metairie Branch Office for further details at (504) 836-0080.
Pint-Size Percussion! Family Concert
Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 2:15 p.m.
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, with conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, presents a family concert FREE for kids 12 and under at Loyola University's Roussell Hall, 6363 Saint Charles Avenue (in the Communications/Music Complex). Bring your petit percussionists to a concert designed especially for small people.
Pint-Size Percussion! begins at 2:15 p.m. in the Roussel Hall lobby with LPO percussionists introducing their instruments and an instrument-making station. Young percussionists will be encouraged to bring their new instruments into the concert hall to play along with the orchestra. FREE for kids 12 and under! Adult tickets are $10. For more information, call (504) 523-6530 or visit LPOmusic.com.
"Sick," a Comedy of Global Proportions, at Southern Rep
Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 3 p.m.
Southern Rep, the region's premiere professional theatre, presents the National New Play Network “rolling” world premiere of Zayd Dohrn’s wickedly wise dark comedy "Sick."
It's an uproarious look at a family of germ-o-phobes who have severe allergies to everything from Cheez-Whiz and cleaning supplies to city air. As prisoners inside their vacuum-sealed home and garbed in non-allergic clothing, they live each day in terror that a stray mold spore or chemical will sneak in. When Dad brings home a charming grad-student poet, the family’s fear crescendos — with chaotic, comedic consequences.
Artistic Director Aimee Hayes directs, starring Bob Edes, Andrew Farrier, Sean Glazebrook, Jessica Lewis, and Liann Pattison. Breeze over to southernrep.com or call (504) 522-6545 for details.
An Apple Gala at Colton Studio
Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 7 p.m.
The Black Forest Fancies Puppet Theatre cordially invites you to attend An Apple Gala for the benefit of their new work, "The Pomology of Sweetness and Light." Presented in the Colton Studio Auditorium, 2300 Saint Claude Avenue, the gala will also feature live music from Debauche and Death by Arrow, a feast of apple edibles, home-brewed hard cider, a death-defying performance from Aurora Aerial, stop-motion animation, and more. Meet the cast! A sneak peek at our puppets! A pie walk! Join the dance to win a pie! An apple pie bake-off! Bring your prize-winning pie to enter!
Children's Mental Health Assistance
Monday, April 6, 2009 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Staff from Milestones Mental Health Agency will be at the Community Center of St. Bernard, 1107 LeBeau Street in Arabi on April 6, 2009 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon to assist parents and caretakers who have children in need of mental health services.
Parents whose child has been experiencing serious behavior or emotional problems for at least 3 months, or whose child has been hospitalized at least once for mental health reasons, are invited to attend a free consultation with Milestones Mental Health staff to see if their child would qualify for Milestones services. No appointment is needed; however, participation in this program is limited to children age 17 and younger who are Medicaid recipients. For more information, please phone Milestones Mental Health Agency at (504) 269.0234 or visit milestonesmha.homestead.com.
Jammin' on Julia Festival
Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 6 - 9 p.m.
Enjoy the New Orleans Arts District’s annual spring festival featuring gallery openings, live music and local cuisine and cocktails for sale. The free celebration happens along Julia St. (300-600 blocks, between Commerce St. and St. Charles Ave.), throughout the New Orleans Arts District and at the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC, 900 Camp St.).
Entertainment by the Free Agents Brass Band, the Roots of Music Crusaders Marching Band and Tikki & the Rhythm Rockers. Participating restaurants include Back to the Garden, Ben & Jerry’s, La Côte Brasserie, Le Citron Bistro, Michael’s Catering of Mat & Naddie’s, Mona’s Café, Nirvana Indian Cuisine, Sun Ray Grill and Whole Foods Market. For more information, call (504) 528-3805 or visit www.cacno.org or www.neworleansartsdistrict.com.
Percussion in the Park
Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents a daylong tribute to the drum in Mahalia Jackson Theater and Louis Armstrong Park. Free and open to the public, "Percussion in the Park" is a full day of drum-line activities, clinics, workshops and demonstrations. Activities kick off at 10 a.m. with a drum circle in Congo Square led by Curtis Pierre of Casa Samba, for all who wish to join. For a full schedule of events, go to LPOmusic.com.
Louisiana Children’s Museum Hosts Music Festival Just for Kids
Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 10 a.m.
The Louisiana Children’s Museum is closing off the street, putting up a tent and rocking all day long to the sounds of New Orleans’ best beats for kids at their second annual "Jump & Jive on Julia Street." The Louisiana Children’s Museum is located at 420 Julia Street in the Warehouse District between Magazine and Tchoupitoulas Streets. In addition to the family-friendly music line up, other activities include making musical instruments, sidewalk chalk art, face painting and Picasso-inspired musical art. Enjoy food vendors with plenty of tasty treats too.
The music line-up includes:
10:15 a.m. - Dennis & Company
11:30 a.m. - Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue
2:00 p.m. - Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys
3:00 p.m. - Baby Boyz Brass Band
Free Seminar Offers Rebuilding Tips for Homeowners
Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 12 noon
The Rebuilding Information Station will partner with the Community Center of St. Bernard to offer a free seminar on “Scheduling and Sequencing Your Home Rebuilding Project.” The seminar will be held at the Community Center, located at 1107 LeBeau Street in Arabi. The guest speaker at this event will be LSU AgCenter Associate Bill Robinson. Building a new home or rebuilding a damaged one is a major project that can easily become overwhelming. Mr. Robinson’s presentation will focus on practical tools that experienced builders use to run construction projects efficiently. The seminar is open to the public and no reservations are needed. For more information, please call (504) 280-5577.
Breast Cancer Benefit Show
Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 10 p.m.
There is a Breast Cancer Benefit Concert at the Howlin' Wolf New Orleans on April 4. The show starts at 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door or from TicketWeb. The show will feature Meriwether, MyNameIsJohnMichael, and Pandemic. All proceeds will go to Susan G Komen for the Cure. There will be a silent auction and door prizes!
Writer David Carr Reads at the Columns Hotel
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 7 p.m.
Mr. Carr is a media and culture columnist for the New York Times, and the author of The Night of the Gun. For the past 25 years, Carr has been writing about media as it intersects with business, culture and government. This reading will be held at the Columns Hotel, located at 3811 St. Charles Avenue.
Community Events for March, 2009
League of Women Voters Holds Public Education Seminar
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
The League of Women Voters of New Orleans will offer a Public Education Seminar on Charter Schools in Orleans Parish, featuring Dr. Andre Perry, President and Director of the UNO Charter Network. The seminar will take place at Parker United Methodist Church, 1130 Nashville Ave. Topics will include providing services to Lakeview, Gentilly, and Ponchartrain Park; new schools slated to be opened next year; the difference between charter and traditional public schools; and the major issues facing charter schools today. The event is free and open to the public.
Public School Common Application
Deadline is Monday, March 30, 2009
Though each public school in New Orleans is different, you can apply to most of them using the Common Application. It is available at all participating public schools in New Orleans, at the RSD Welcome School, 2239 Poydras Street, and online at www.rsdla.net. Deadline is March 30, 2009. Call 1-877-343-4773 with any questions.
VECINOS – Unity in the Community
Sunday, March 29, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate Spring at our March VECINOS neighborhood get-together with Captain Charles, the ReBirth Brass Band, Rumba Buena, Som Brasil/Casa Samba, Rudy’s Caribbean Funk, Curtis Pierre, DJ Garífuna and more! We’ll also have children’s activities, a women’s health and relaxation area, free health screening, community legal services information, and other community resources.
The gathering will take place at the 7th Ward Neighborhood Center, 1910 Urquhart at the corner of Pauger Street (see map). Email info@cubanola.org if you’re interested in being a volunteer for VECINOS. Visit www.cubanola.org for more information.
Save Our Cemeteries Bunny Brunch and Egg Hunt
Sunday, March 29, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Destrehan Plantation, 13034 River Road in Destrehan, hosts a Bunny Brunch and Egg Hunt to benefit Save Our Cemeteries, Inc. on Sunday, March 29. A day of fun featuring a gourmet brunch, cocktails, live entertainment, an egg hunt, an arts and crafts tent, face painting, egg races, a raffle, and games with the Easter Bunny! Advance tickets cost $15 for kids under 12, $20 for SOC members, and $25 for non-members. Call (504) 525-3377 or go to www.saveourcemeteries.org to purchase tickets.
Rhythmic Roots: Community Music Project & Green-Ability Fair
Sunday, March 29, 2009 from 2 to 6 p.m.
Rhythmic Roots & Green-Ability Fair will feature Seguenon Koné & Friends and Charles Joseph's Backbeat Brass in a presentation that is uniquely New Orleans. Everyone is invited to join in this interactive, musical and cultural collaboration by bringing their own instruments to play along. Additional highlights will include environmental displays, demonstrations, interactive exhibits and educational booths by Community Partners: Phoenix Recycling, the New Orleans Food Co-op, Defend New Orleans, the Gulf Restoration Network, AmeriCorps NCCC and more.
This fun educational event will be held in the yard of the Studio at Colton from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. for four Sundays in the Spring. The Backbeat Foundation is proud to present the fourth season of Rhythmic Roots: Community Music Project & Green Ability Fair. The event is formulated to provide the residents of New Orleans with resources and information on practical and cutting edge environmental practices in the context of a social and cultural celebration.
Women in War at The National WWII Museum
Sunday, March 29, 2009 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, The National WWII Museum invites you to join women who experienced World War II on the Home Front and the battlefront. Woman Marine Frances Hoffmann, and Rosie the Riveter Delores Libby and USO performer Betty Schwartzberg will participate in a panel discussion about their wartime experiences. The National WWII Museum is located at 945 Magazine Street in the Warehouse District. For more information, call (504) 527-6012.
Neighborhood Health Fair
Saturday, March 28, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The public is cordially invited to attend the Bayou Road Fresh Market and Health Fair at the Farmers Market on Bayou Road and North Broad Street. Health Fair activities include free blood pressure, diabetes and obesity screenings, dental information, gardening demonstrations, storytelling, face painting, a space walk, music in the streets, and healthy food for sale at the Bayou Road Fresh Market. Free Professional Development workshops for teachers on "Dealing with Stress" and "Teacher Safety Training" will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the Community Book Center. Join United Teachers of New Orleans (UTNO), The Renaissance Project, UTNO members of McDonogh 42 Elementary School and students, teachers and parents for a day of fun, fitness and healthy living. For more information call UTNO at (504) 304-2160.
Free Community Drumming Circle & Health & Wellness Fair
Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 1 p.m.
Headwaters Relief Organization along with Project Rising Sun Drum Connections and Dr. Jan Johnson as well as Papachula are hosting a Theraputic Drum Circle and Health and Wellness Fair at 1600 Alvar Street, on the corner of Alvar and Claiborne, across from the New Salem Baptist Church. The event is free and open to the public, and there will be free red beans and rice. Come celebrate the healing and spiritual power of African rhythms. We will also be offering free blood pressure checks. Drums will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own. For more information, please call (504) 943-0207.
Mental Health in New Orleans
Friday, March 27 at 1 p.m.
Councilmembers Arnie Fielkow and Shelley Midura are holding a Mental Health Committee hearing on Friday, March 27th at 1PM in City Council Chambers, 1300 Perdido St., NOLA, hearing from local mental health experts, including Dr. Howard Osofsky of LSU Medical Center, Cecile Tebo of the NOPD’s Crisis Unit and testimony about the state-planned closure of the New Orleans Adolescent Hospital (NOAH). The closure of NOAH will have drastic repercussions for NOLA as it will remove the place where patients are stabilized and evaluated. If closed, former NOAH patients will have to be transported to Southeast Louisiana Hospital in Hammond – a long trip for an unstable patient. We have made so much progress in mental health treatment since last year, but the closure of NOAH threatens that fragile progress. Please attend!
Tobacco Free Living Announces Community Advocacy Grants
Deadline is Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 4 p.m.
The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) announces the availability of up to $624,000 in statewide Community Advocacy Grants (CAGs) to foster community involvement in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, preventing youth tobacco initiation, promoting cessation among youth and adults, and reducing tobacco-related health disparities. Musicians are one of the priority populations for this year's grants. Applicants are urged to contact their TFL Regional Coordinator for technical assistance throughout the application period. The TFL Community Advocacy Grant Request for Application (RFA) and complete guidelines are available for review and download at www.tobaccofreeliving.org.
Uptown Super Sunday
Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 11 a.m.
The New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council and R.E.A.L. presents Uptown Super Sunday with The New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Tribes, along with special guests the Hot 8 Brass Band, Big "Al" Carson, Stooges Brass Band, Young Men Olympian, Lady Buck Jumpers, Lady Divas, D.J. Jubilee, The Troop BW R&B Singing Group, Joe "Cool" Davis, Captain Charles, King Fashion, and more!
The festival begins at 11 a.m. at Taylor Park, located at Washington Avenue and South Derbigny Street. The parade begins at 1 p.m. at Washington Avenue and LaSalle Street. From Washington and LaSalle, the procession moves onto Simon Bolivar, turning left onto Martin Luther King Blvd., and turning left onto South Galvez Avenue. From South Galvez Avenue, the procession will move back onto Washington Avenue and culminate at Taylor Park with more activities and performances.
Harrah's Rock Band Experience
Friday, March 20, 2009 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Harrah’s New Orleans presents The Rock Band Experience. Bands can compete every Friday between March 20 to April 24 inside Harrah’s Masquerade from 7 to 10 p.m. One lucky band will be chosen to represent the southern region at the national finals in Atlantic City. The national Rock Band champion will open for a national touring act at the House of Blues in Atlantic City. Come rock out at Harrah’s! A Total Rewards card is required to participate.
Louisiana Swamp Stomp Festival
Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, 2009
Come out to the campus of Nicholls State University on Friday, March 20th (3 p.m. - 10 p.m.) and Saturday, March 21st (10 a.m. - 10 p.m.) for the inaugural Louisiana Swamp Stomp Festival. Constant Cajun music will be performed by great bands on two separate stages. Fantastic Cajun food will be cookin' and local artist will be selling their wares. Don't miss storytelling, demonstrations and lectures under the French Bayou Tent. See the Nicholls State University website for the band schedule, which includes Treater, Waylon Thibodeaux, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, and many more! Call (985) 449-7181 for more info.
Auditions for NewJazzSchool Summer Program
Saturday, March 21, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The NewJazzSchool is a two-week summer program for 7th-12th grade students, chosen through auditions. Housed at Isidore Newman School, the NewJazzSchool is free of charge to the diverse students who are selected to enroll. The program, now in its third year, is the result of an unusual partnership between Isidore Newman School, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation Inc., Surdna Foundation, Sweet Home New Orleans, and the Tipitina’s Foundation.
Committed to educating the next generation of New Orleanians and to preserving the city’s culture and heritage, Donald Harrison Jr. will direct and teach the program and will be assisted by a staff of professional musicians and student teachers who will provide the students with individual and personal attention.
Auditions will be held at Isidore Newman School, 1903 Jefferson Avenue in New Orleans. The program is June 8 to 19. Classes are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Applications may be picked up at Isidore Newman School, or downloaded on-line. For more information, please call (504) 896-6255 or email newjazzschool@newmanschool.org.
Film Screening at Tekrema Center
Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 7 p.m.
Tekrema Center for Art and Culture, in collaboration with New Orleans Afrikan Film and Arts Festival, presents a screening of Trouble the Water, directed by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal. The screening will take place at Tekrema Center, located at 5640 Burgundy Street. Suggested donation: $8. For information, contact tekrema@cox.net or call (504) 247-2612.
"Bravo Mr. Batt": A Tribute to Harold Battiste
Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 8 p.m.
"Bravo Mr. Batt: A Musical Tribute to New Orleans Jazz Icon Harold Battiste" will feature special guest appearances by Joe Alshar, John Boutté, Henry Butler, Geoff Clapp, Rex Gregory, Roland Guerin, Jesse McBride, Wanda Rouzan, Bill Summers, James Westfall, Jamelle Williams, Brice Winston, and the Dillard University Choir, along with Creative Director Edward Anderson.
The Jazz Journey Concert takes place at Tulane University's Dixon Hall, and is presented by The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and Dillard University with support from The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Peoples Health and Metro Disposal. Tickets start at $15. For more information, please call (504) 523-6530 or visit LPOmusic.com and listen to this podcast about the LPO's tribute to Harold Battiste.
Tekrema Building Fund Party
Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 10 p.m.
Tekrema Center for Art and Culture, in collaboration with New Orleans Afrikan Film and Arts Festival, presents "The Jump Off" with food, music, and dancing. The party takes place at Tekrema Center, 5640 Burgundy Street. For information, contact tekrema@cox.net or call (504) 247-2612.
St. Joseph's Night Mardi Gras Indians Prettiest Suit Awards
Thursday, March 19, 2009 from 6 to 10 p.m.
The Ashé Cultural Arts Center invites all Mardi Gras Indian gangs, families and friends to their Second Annual St. Joseph's Night Mardi Gras Indians Prettiest Suit Awards. Prettiest Suit judging begins at 8:30 p.m. SHARP, so make sure you’re there to support your tribe! Delicious food and cold drinks will be available, and entertainment will be provided by the Charmaine Neville Band.
The Ashé Cultural Arts Center is located at 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in Central City. General admission is $10.00, and masking Indians will be admitted FREE! Don't miss the after-party at Ernie K-Doe’s Mother-In-Law Lounge, 1500 North Claiborne Avenue, at 10:00 p.m. For advance tickets, call Ivory Holmes at (504) 523-4544 or Lynn O’Shea, (337) 241-5031.
Tour the 7th Ward with the PRC: "7th Ward & Beyond"
Sunday, March 15, 2009 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The Preservation Resource Center’s African American Heritage Preservation Program offers an insider’s view of the colorful history of the Seventh Ward in New Orleans. A narrated bus tour will originate at the PRC, 923 Tchoupitoulas Street. The tour will include landmarks so important to the free people of color who established this neighborhood. Learn about the social activists, the artisans, the politicians and the religious orders of this neighborhood. Seating is limited, so reservations are required in advance. Tickets are $25 and include refreshments. For reservations or more information call (504) 636-3399 or sblaum@prcno.org.
Book Release for The House Of Dance And Feathers
Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 6 p.m.
The Neighborhood Story Project (NSP) invites you to celebrate the release of The House of Dance & Feathers: A Museum. The book by Ronald W. Lewis is a full-color tour of the museum and the history and meaning of New Orleans African American street cultures, from Mardi Gras Indians, to second lines, to Bone Gangs. Building off the success of the best-selling Coming Out the Door for the Ninth Ward, NSP co-director Rachel Breunlin has worked with Ronald W. Lewis to tell the story of his museum, The House of Dance & Feathers.
In true Ninth Ward style, we will celebrate the new publication with Indian prayer, barbeque, brass band music, and presentations by Mr. Lewis and Ms. Breunlin. The event will be held at 1317 Tupelo Street, in the Lower Ninth Ward. For more information, see the NSP website and The House of Dance and Feathers website.
Saint Patick's Day Festival
Saturday, March 14, 2009 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Join the Waldorf School of New Orleans, located in the Irish Channel neighborhood, for their 1st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival on Saturday, March 14 from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Magazine Street and Washington Avenue. Enjoy local food and cold beverages while children of all ages create and play in a secure area on the St. Patrick's Day Parade route.
Hands-on crafts, games, and MUSIC activities for all ages. Activities include: making instruments, interactive music, sculpture creation using recycled materials, potato play dough, lucky charm necklaces, face painting, and Ye Toddler Towne play area for the littlest parade goers. Bring your parade chair to relax and regenerate while you enjoy the festivities of the Irish Channel. To learn more about this event and Waldorf School of New Orleans view www.WaldorfNOLA.org or phone (504) 525-2420.
Art Talk with Courtney Egan
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 7 p.m.
Join artist Courtney Egan for a discussion about her recent work, the challenges of working as a video artist in New Orleans, and the promising opportunities brought about by the various film and videos that were presented during Prospect.1. The talk takes place at the Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp Street, and is free and open to the public.
Egan’s Early Spring is currently on view (through April 5) at the CAC as part of the Score & Script exhibition. Early Spring (2009) is her first video installation with sound, using speakers as screens for the projection of her hallucinatory flower image compositions, alongside a beat-heavy musical accompaniment. For information, call (504) 528-3805 or visit www.cacno.org.
Backstage Bash: Southern Rep's Annual Fundraising Gala
Friday, March 6, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
At the Shops at Canal Place, 3rd Floor
6:30 pm — Premier Patron Party
7:30 pm — The Bash Begins
9:30 pm — The Second Act
Featuring special musical guests:
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave.
Kermit Ruffins
The Southern Rep, New Orleans’ premier theatre company, invites you to come behind the scenes with us and experience the true spirit of theater in our annual fundraising gala, the Backstage Bash. The Southern Rep has been on the cutting edge of New Orleans’ theater, bringing to the stage “exciting new plays in first-rate stagings.”
Enjoy some of the best music in New Orleans, succulent delights from premium area restaurants, and a silent auction extraordinaire. Ticket prices are $150/250 for the patron premier, $50/90 general admission and $30 for the second act. This will be your backstage pass to interact with theater as never before. Call (504) 522-6546 for more info and tickets, or email: boxoffice@southernrep.com.
Book Signing in Slidell
Sunday, March 8, 2009 from 12 noon to 3 p.m.
Isaac Morris will be at B Dalton Booksellers on the North Shore in Slidell to sign copies of his novel, The Absence of Goodness. For more information, see isaacmmorris.com, or call B Dalton at (985) 641-0501. You may also call Carol Morris at (217) 741-7827.
"Shop-n-Sip" at the Bar UnCommon
Thursday, March 5, 2009 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Bar UnCommon, located in the Renaissance Père Marquette Hotel, is hosting a B-Native.com Shop-n-Sip every Thursday in March. B-Native.com is an online retail outlet featuring New Orleans-based products. Each week we will feature different vendors under the B-Native.com umbrella, as well as cocktail specials created by master mixologist, Chris McMillian. Bar UnCommon is located at 817 Common Street in New Orleans' Central Business District. Bar opens at 5 p.m daily, and offers free valet parking in the Renaissance garage. For more info, visit www.BarUncommon.com or call (504) 525-1111.
New Orleans Documentary Night
Monday, March 2, 2009 at 7 p.m.
New Orleans Documentary Night will be held on the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in room 214 at the Studio at Colton on 2300 St. Claude Avenue. This month’s featured film will be The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil, by director Faith Morgan. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people.
Presented by Lily Keber and sponsored by the New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC), the free monthly screenings will feature contemporary documentary films. Each screening session will also feature discussions with local experts, filmmakers, artists and professionals. For more information contact NOVAC or Lily Keber at www.novacvideo.org or lkeber@gmail.com.
Community Events for February, 2009
Free Homeowner Contractor Education Forum
Saturday, February 28, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon
LouisianaREBUILDS.info, ACORN Housing, UNO-CHART, and LSU’s Ag Center are partnering to host regular free-to-the public forums on a varied array of issues regarding home renovations, including how to protect your home from hazards such as hurricanes and floods, how to avoid and/or fight contractor fraud, and how to find and vet licensed contractors.
The workshop will be held from at the BuildSmart Learning Center, Room 123 in the old American Beauty Egg Warehouse (under the Broad St. overpass), 1001 South Broad Street. The workshop is free and open to the public. Contact Deborah Cotton at (877) 527-3284 or see LouisianaREBUILDS.info for more information.
NOLA-CPP Town Hall Community Breakfast
Saturday, February 28, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon
The New Orleans Citizen Participation Project hosts a "Town Hall Community Breakfast" at the Ashé Cultural Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., in New Orleans' historic Central City. The Breakfast, free and open to the public, offers citizens an opportunity to substantially impact the scope and direction of the Participation Project through their feedback. The mission of the NOLA-CPP is to enable citizens to effectively participate in city government's priority-setting and decision-making, and in turn to give government officials a clearly defined way to communicate with the people. To RSVP, contact Breonne DeDecker at (504) 267-4665 or at btdedecker@gmail.com.
A Night of Music & Magic
Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.
The Symphony Chorus of New Orleans presents a fundraising gala, A Night of Music and Magic. The evening will include food, drink, entertainment including music of various genres, and both silent and live auctions, at 1730 Palmer Avenue in New Orleans. The patron party is from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and the gala is from 7 to 10 p.m. The price is $75/person for the gala; $125/person for patron party and gala. Dress: cocktail attire. For more information, contact Ginger Vehaskari at (504) 899-3112, or visit www.symphonychorus.org.
Red Cross Red Carpet
Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Come enjoy Louisiana’s only official Oscar Night America Party benefiting the Southeast Louisiana Red Cross. The Red Cross Red Carpet will be held at the Tchefuncta Country Club, located on 2 Country Club Park in Covington, Louisiana. Admission begins at 6:30 p.m., and the live broadcast of the awards will start at 7 p.m.
Guests will feel like stars themselves as they walk down the red carpet to a champagne reception, receive their own swag bag, and predict the winners in our special contest. The audience will watch the live broadcast of the event on large screens as they dine with fellow residents. A fabulous silent auction featuring cinematic and Louisiana themed items, along with a raffle offering a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree at Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, will help benefit Red Cross efforts in Southeast Louisiana. To purchase tickets for Red Cross Red Carpet, please visit www.arcno.org or call (504) 620-3154.
The Lunch Box in the Musicians Village
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join Liese's Living Room and the Village Copper Thieves for a weekly picnic with free live music in the 1800 block of Bartholomew Street (three blocks north of Claiborne Avenue). Bring your lunch and hang out in the heart of the Musicians Village with neighbors and volunteers who are continuing to build the village.
New Orleans Real Estate Investing Club
Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 6:15 p.m.
New Orleans Real Estate Investors Association hosts a monthly meeting every third Thursday of the month. Everyone interested in learning more about real estate investing is welcome. Networking starts at 6:15 and is free for first-time guests and members. Come see how you can earn your piece of $360 million and be part of a campaign to help rebuild New Orleans. In addition to the $360 million initiative and our networking session, this month’s meeting will feature a presentation by David W. Birdsong, attorney and NOREIA vendor member. Some of the topics he will touch on include "Owner Financing versus Bond For Deed," purchasing property "subject to" mortgages in place, hard money and private lenders. He will be speaking on these financing options from the perspective of what is permissible and what to look out for under Louisiana Law. The meetings are held at the American Legion Hall, 2431 Metairie Road. For more information, check out our web site: www.neworleansreia.com.
Green It Yourself to Save More Green
Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon
On the second Saturday of each month, Global Green, in partnership with the LSU Ag Center, is now presenting a brand new series of Green-It-Yourself workshops — how-to demonstrations of practical green building techniques that will translate to direct savings on your utility bills.
Global Green will hold these workshops in a different neighborhood each month, so contact us if you'd like for a Global Green workshop to come to your neighborhood soon.
Our next Green workshop will be held in the Treme Neighborhood at: The Jazz and Heritage Center, 1225 North Rampart Street on Saturday, February 14th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Workshops are free and open to the public, refreshments will be served, and when you attend and fill out a survey, you could win our green building kit full of products valued at $100!
February's demonstrations include: insulation choices, radiant barrier installation and air sealing in your home.
For more information about this and other Global Green events and workshops, please see our website, globalgreen.org, or drop by the Green Building Public Resource Center at 841 Carondelet Street, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Valentine's Day Celebration with the Leroy Jones Quintet
Saturday, February 14, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine's Day at 46 French Market Place in the French Quarter with the very romantic music of the Leroy Jones Quintet, who is also celebrating the release of his new CD, Sweeter Than a Summer Breeze. Come visit our beautiful market, do a little last-minute Valentine's shopping and enjoy the Quarter!
The Vagina Monologues at House of Blues
Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15, 2009 at 7 p.m.
V-Day New Orleans presents a benefit performance of Eve Ensler's award-winning play, "The Vagina Monologues," at the Parish Room of the House of Blues, 225 Decatur Street. Pre-show concert by Dana Abbott starts at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8. Tickets on sale at www.hob.com. All proceeds benefit the St. Bernard Battered Women's Program.
The Laramie Project
Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
The Theater Department at Isidore Newman School presents "The Laramie Project," a play by Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project at the Henson Auditorium, 5333 Danneel Street. Tickets are $5 at the door. A discussion with an original member of the Tectonic Theater Project will follow the performance. Because of the mature nature of the subject matter, parental guidance is suggested for children under 13.
Words of Love
Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 9 p.m.
On Valentine’s Day, at Etoile in Covington, 407 North Columbia Street, the St. Tammany Art Association is sponsoring a special spoken word performance, “Words of Love,” by internationally acclaimed poet-musician, John Sinclair, with the musical accompaniment of Sugarboy, an improv funk and groove ensemble created by local musician Carlo Ditta. To celebrate the holiday, the group will perform a selection of love poems.
Leroy Jones & New Orleans Finest’s Tribute to Valentine’s Day
Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 9:30 p.m.
Leroy Jones & New Orleans Finest celebrate the release of the new Leroy Jones CD, Sweeter Than a Summer Breeze, with a special Tribute to Valentine's Day at Donna's Bar & Grill, 800 North Rampart, at the corner of St. Ann in the French Quarter. Call (504) 596-6914 for more information.
New Orleans Food Co-op Potluck in the Quarter
Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Please join New Orleans Food Co-op (NOFC) founding members and other interested community members for food and conversations about food in our community at our potluck in the quarter. Find out what the NOFC is doing to open a community-owned grocery store in New Orleans.
The potluck will be at 6:30 p.m. on February 12, 2009, at the French Quarter Wedding Chapel on 333 Burgundy Street. All are welcome. Get more information at nolafoodcoop.org.
Homebuyers Workshops at the Preservation Resource Center
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
On the second Tuesday of each month, the Education and Outreach Department of the Preservation Resource Center offers a free workshop to the public at their headquarters in the Warehouse District at 923 Tchoupitoulas Street.
The topic of this month's workshop will be “Renovating 101,” which will cover "Navigating the Permitting Process" and "Choosing a Qualified Contractor." In addition, a native of the 7th Ward will give an overview of the historic neighborhood, in "Available Properties in the 7th Ward.” Call (504) 636-3399 or email sblaum@prcno.org for more information.
You da Krewe Mardi Gras Boutique/Party
Saturday, February 7, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You Da Krewe: Come see the new Mardi Gras wearable art presented by local artists including Maskarade, Kabouki Hats, Knitzy, Edward R Cox, Cree's Cheap Chic, Lisa Hix, Howlpop, and Deesguise from N'Wallins (Isaac Johns and Beverly Boulet). Masks, hats, costumes, jewelry and more. Music with Milton Lewis, Lisa Lee, and others. The event will offer refreshments and plenty of parking. Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Ernie K- Doe's Mother-in-Law Lounge, 1500 North Claiborne Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Program Series for NOLA Mental Health Providers
Thursday, February 5 through Saturday, February 7, 2009
The FAR Fund Project is offering local mental health providers a program series exploring Hurricane Katrina’s long-term effects on New Orleans-based psychotherapists and therapeutic practice.
A lecture and workshops are open to local mental health providers and feature Dr. Ghislaine Boulanger, an international expert on the psychodynamics of surviving massive psychological trauma as an adult. New Orleans psychotherapists of all disciplines and theoretical orientations are encouraged to participate. CE credits have been approved. For more information on how to register, call (504) 899-5815.
The FAR Fund Project is sponsored by the New Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center, and is made possible by a generous grant from The FAR Fund. Through this project we hope to unite and revitalize clinician communities following large-scale disasters wherever they occur . . . starting in New Orleans.
Program schedule:
- Thursday, February 5 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Lecture for Mental Health Professionals
Temple Sinai, 6227 Saint Charles Avenue - Friday, February 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Workshop for All Mental Health Clinicians
Temple Sinai, 6227 Saint Charles Avenue - Saturday, February 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Workshop for Psychoanalysts and Psychoanalytic Clinicians
New Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center, 3624 Coliseum Street
Trash & Treasure Rummage Sale by Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary
Saturday, February 7, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary invites you to the Annual Trash & Treasure Rummage Sale at The Salvation Army, 4530 South Claiborne Avenue, located at South Claiborne and Cadiz, near Napoleon Avenue. The sale is held in the education building, next to the church. Enter the gate facing Claiborne, between the education building and the office building.
Sale items include furniture, jewelry, children's clothing and toys, men's and women's clothing, "boutique" clothing, belts, shoes, purses and other wardrobe items, kitchenware, appliances, household goods, linens, books, and much, much more. Don't miss this huge indoor sale. Proceeds fund local children's summer camp and services for men, women and children at the Center of Hope.
Alley Cat Allies Feral Cat Workshops in Belle Chasse
Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 10 a.m.
Alley Cat Allies and PCAT host monthly free workshops to provide information for residents who want to help the city’s stray and feral cat population.
The workshops provide information on local resources, how to care for the cats in your neighborhood with Trap-Neuter-Return, and information on mediating with neighbors. Learn how to protect and improve the lives of outdoor cats and network with other caregivers. For more information and a full schedule of events, see www.alleycat.org/NewOrleans.
Workshops will be held on the first Saturday of every month at the Belle Chasse Library, 8442 Highway 23 in Belle Chasse, Louisiana.
Conscious Prosperity Workshop
Saturday, February 7, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (bag lunch available)
Conscious Prosperity: The Secret to Simple & Lasting Personal Wealth
Learn how to pay off your consumer debt in 1 to 3 years, mortgage in another 4 to 5 years with the money you are currently earning. By the end of the class, you will have created a complete personalized debt-elimination and wealth building plan that you can take home and implement immediately.
Participants are asked to bring a calculator and a list of their debts showing the current balance, current payment and minimum payment (principal and interest only). This information is used only to complete your personal plan, is not shared in class and is completely confidential. Each family receives an 18-page Conscious Prosperity Program workbook, which we use in the class.
The workshop is offered on a voluntary, value-based tuition. The fee is decided by you, based upon the value you feel you received from the content. This is not an investment, debt consolidation, or refinancing plan. The workshop is strictly educational in nature. Please register in advance to ensure that we have adequate materials by calling (504) 885-7575. The workshop will be held at Unity Church of Metairie, 3303 Richland, Suite 2A. For more information go to unitychurchofmetairie.org.
Pre-Krewe du Vieux Community Drum Circle
Saturday, Febuary 7, 2009 at 3 p.m.
Please join us for a free event on Febuary 7, 2009 at 3 p.m. for a special performance by Morikeba Kouyate, who is known throughout West Africa for his electrifying performances and virtuosity with the traditional African stringed instrument, the kora.
Drums will be provided; please feel free to bring your own drums, tambourines, cowbells, shakers, etc. Free red beans and rice. This event is sponsored by River of Hope Resource Center, along with Project Rising Sun Drum Connections with Dr. Jan Johnson and Papachula. We are located at 1600 Alvar Street.
Community Events for January, 2009
Talk by Artist Shirin Neshat
Friday, January 30, 2009 at 6 p.m.
Internationally acclaimed Iranian-American photographer and video artist Shirin Neshat will speak in Tulane University's Dixon Auditorium on Friday, January 30 at 6 p.m. Recognized as one of the most significant artists working today, Neshat will present an overview of her work, focusing on "Women without Men," currently on view in the Newcomb Art Gallery as part of Prospect.1 New Orleans.
Free and open to the public, the Neshat lecture will be followed by a reception in Tulane's Woldenberg Art Center. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the artist while enjoying Persian food provided by local Iranian-owned restaurant The Flaming Torch and viewing Neshat’s exhibition in the Newcomb Art Gallery. Starting at 5 p.m., free parking is available on campus. For more information, call (504) 528-5328, or visit www.newcomb.tulane.edu/artindex.html.
Taking the Lead with Your Own Health
Saturday, January 31, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Each year the New Orleans Public Library commemorates Black History with a series of programs from January 14th to March 7th. Our theme for 2009 is “Rising Up: African American Leadership.” On Saturday, January 31, the library will host a health fair entitled "Taking the Lead With Your Own Health" at the Latter Branch, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Latter Branch is located at 5120 St. Charles Avenue. The event is free and open to the public. A health fair for the whole family! Enjoy nutritious snacks, have your blood pressure checked, do some yoga and learn what health services are avaialble to you in the New Orleans area.
For more information, call the African American Resource Center at (504) 596-2597, or visit us at neworleanspubliclibrary.org.
Clothing Giveaway
Saturday, January 31, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Ecclesia Family Church is hosting a Clothing Giveaway on Saturday, January 31, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The church is located across the street from Helen Cox High School. The address is 2209 Lapalco Blvd., Suite KK, in Harvey. For more information, please call (504) 496-7990.
Exhibit of Brian Keith Stephens Paintings
Through Saturday, January 31, 2009
Axelle Fine Arts is pleased to present the paintings of Brian Keith Stephens. Axelle Fine Arts is located at 3926 Magazine Street, on the corner of Magazine and Austerlitz.
Brian Stephens paints and resides in Lyme, Connecticut, a small, well-preserved town near the mouth of the Connecticut River. The rural simplicity encountered in Lyme serves as an overall theme for his work. Stephens’ subtle incorporation of pastoral imagery through subject and color allows the viewer a glimpse in to his world populated by farm animals and children. In this world, donkeys and geese radiate and evoke the same emotions as human figures.
Bridge House Outcomes Survey
Attention all persons who have ever been residents of Bridge House: Bridge House is conducting a follow-up study of individuals who have participated in their program.
The purpose of the study is to determine how Bridge House’s treatment program can better function to help people stay clean and sober. If you would like to participate in this confidential research, please contact Peter Webb at (504) 522-4475, extension 22, or pwebb@bridgehouse.org. Please provide your valid contact information in a message, or call to set up an appointment. A $10 Wal-Mart gift card will be offered to those who complete our survey.
Call for Nominations for Youth Advisory Board
Operation REACH is seeking energetic middle and high school youth from the greater New Orleans area who are looking to make a difference in the community. The Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund is a youth philanthropy initiative that engages youth as leaders and empowers them with the resources to make strategic investments in their peers and communities. The Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund is a program of Operation REACH, Inc., a local community education resource that engages, empowers, and inspires children, youth and families through informal learning. To nominate a young person in your community, email awilson@thegyac.org or call (504) 529-1922 today.
Mid-City Grass Volleyball Tournament
Through January 31, 2009
The MotherShip Foundation has partnered with the Mid-City Volleyball Group and Mid-City Yacht Club to host weekly volleyball tournaments as fundraisers to build and operate a small beach volleyball venue in Mid-City. The MotherShip Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to restoring a higher quality of life for New Orleans residents through arts, culture, and recreation. Co-ed draw volleyball tournaments (quads, triples or doubles, depending on turnout) start at 11:00 a.m. each Saturday through January 31 at St. Patrick ball field (4700 Baudin Street). Sign up as an individual or bring friends — each week, there will be new teams! Register with Peter Hickman at phickm@gmail.com or (504) 427-1207. Fee is $20 per person in advance or $25 per person on site the day of the tournament. All skill levels are welcome.
Second Line for Slain French Quarter Bartender Wendy Byrne
Saturday, January 24, 2009 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Wendy Byrne, a much-loved French Quarter bartender, was tragically slain last Saturday. There will be a memorial procession in her honor on Saturday, beginning at Starlight (834 Rampart Street between St. Ann and Dumaine) and continuing on to Decatur Street, finishing at Aunt Tiki's. More info here.
Jefferson City Buzzards "Buzzard Ball"
Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
The Jefferson City Buzzards, Mardi Gras' oldest marching club, is hosting their First annual "Buzzard Ball" on Saturday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Southport Hall, 200 Monticello Avenue in Old Jefferson. Music by Charmaine Neville and Walter "Wolfman" Washington. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets are avalible at 45 Tchoups Bar or by calling Kenny at (504) 982-4927. Mardi Gras attire is preferred.
Free Community Job Fair
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet face-to-face with some of New Orleans' top companies at The American Legion. The American Legion is located uptown at 5518 Magazine Street. This event is free, there is free parking, and door prizes will be handed out. If you have any questions, please email joe.rinaldi@employmentguide.com or visit www.neworleans.employmentguide.com.
Inauguration Viewing Party at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 from 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.
The Ashé Cultural Arts Center hosts an all-day gathering for viewing the inauguration ceremonies at 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. For more information, call (504) 569-9070.
Alliance Inauguration Celebration with Charmaine Neville!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 from 6 - 8 p.m.
The Alliance for Affordable Energy invites you to come down and celebrate the historic inauguration of Barack Obama and Gary Groesch's birthday with oysters, beer, and the music of blues sensation Charmaine Neville!
The party will be Tuesday, January 20 from 6 - 8 p.m. at our BuildSmart center in the Art Egg Building, under the Broad Street overpass. Directions are available on the Alliance Website at all4energy.org.
Admission will be $15 at the door, or $10 for current Alliance members.
"Regime Change" Inauguration Ball at the Big Top
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 8 p.m.
The party at the Big Top, at 1638 Clio Street in Central City, features the musical stylings of Big Blue Marble, The Fens, Complicated Math Problems, Jim Smith & the Damn Frontier, and the Incumbents. For more information, call (504) 569-2700, or visit the 3 Ring Circus website.
Inauguration Day Party with Mike Darby & House of Cards
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 9 p.m.
Celebrate the inauguration with the Mike Darby & House of Cards at the Lounge at the Marigny Theater, located at the corner of St. Claude Avenue and Marigny Street. The festivities start at 9 p.m. and include king cake, a buffet, and a raffle. Call (504) 942-8500 for more information.
Studio at Colton Presents "The Arts of Mardi Gras"
Saturday, January 17 to Sunday, January 18, 2009
In conjunction with the closing of Prospect.1, the Studio at Colton presents a Mardi Gras arts workshop celebrating the long-standing local arts traditions of New Orleans including demonstrations, talks, exhibitions and film screenings from Colton resident filmmakers Court 13, Krewe du Vieux Captain Ray “Plaine” Kern and a special Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday bash for kids. Other events include Luther Gray and Uganda Roberts talking about the “Beat of New Orleans;” and Cree McCree and friends on costuming, masking, throws and beads. All events are free and open to the public.
The Mardi Gras Arts workshop will take place from noon until 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday throughout the Studio at Colton at 2300 St. Claude Avenue.
The famous satirical Krewe du Vieux will also be in the building this weekend represented by a selection of one of a kind evocative parade pieces from the Krewe archives, Krewe Captain, Ray “Plaine” Kern as well as six other KDV sub-captains and Krewe royalty from years passed. Along with the display of parade pieces, Captain Kern will present a lecture at 4 p.m. in the Red Ball Room with a brief overview of the Krewe’s history and their iconoclastic approaches to parade season each year. A question and answer session will follow the talk. Krewe du Vieux members have historically moved on from krewe activities to develop their own creative practices within the cultural economy built upon the disciplines developed through Mardi Gras arts.
Spoken word artist Chuck Perkins and legendary drummers Luther Gray and Uganda Roberts will present a musical performance and talks titled “The Beat of Mardi Gras,” featuring percussion music in the Convergence Gallery at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
On Saturday afternoon from 1 until 3 p.m. in the Convergence Gallery, pre-school through middle school kids are invited to enjoy a different kind of king cake at a special birthday party for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. presented by Guardians Institute. Southern Non-Violent Coordinating Committee activist and founder of the Free Southern Theater and Colton resident organization Junebug Productions John O’Neal will be present along with Bessie Vaughn, who will teach and sing songs of the Civil Rights Movement in remembrance of Dr. King’s life and influence. All children who attend will receive a free, age-appropriate new book and will be encouraged to participate in party activities based on Dr. King’s life, the Civil Rights Movement and African American history.
On Saturday and Sunday, special Mardi Gras/New Orleans culture film screenings will be presented from 3 until 7 p.m. in room 214 by local filmmakers including Rebecca Snedeker’s By Invitation Only, Chappy Hardy’s Chappy Goes to Mardi Gras, Lolis Eric Elie’s Faubourg Treme: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans, Royce Osborn’s All on a Mardi Gras Day, Justine Malle’s Light in April, and Lisa Katzman’s Tootie’s Last Suit.
For complete schedule of events visit: www.cano-la.org/cano_news.html
Red Cross and Firefighters Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Volunteers from the Southeast Louisiana Red Cross and firefighters from the city of Harvey will observe the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday with a door-to-door fire prevention event. This event is just one of many occurring across the country in an effort to honor the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and provide an opportunity for individuals to give back to their communities. When residential fires displace families, the Red Cross responds with emergency clothing, food, shelter, and other help. Of the 1,400 families the Red Cross aided in 2008 across 13 parishes, the highest number of incidents was in Harvey, where 174 families needed Red Cross assistance.
The Red Cross and Harvey Firefighters will be joined by Hope Worldwide, an international organization that provides services to underprivileged communities, to canvass streets throughout Harvey on January 19th. The morning will begin with an orientation from the Harvey Firefighters. Volunteers will have the chance to learn about emergency preparedness and safety with interactive learning opportunities featuring an American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle, a fire truck, and a first-aid booth.
The volunteers will then disperse and go door-to-door to distribute door-hangers and talk with community members about fire safety. The group will reconvene at 2:00 p.m. for a lunch social. Lunch is being donated by Subway, and volunteers will also receive Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service t-shirts. For more information, or to sign up to participate in this Day of Service, please contact Nelle Coleman at (504) 620-3125 or lcoleman@arcno.org.
Dr. Martin Luther King Day Parade & Rally
Monday, January 19, 2009 at 9 a.m.
The opening ceremony for the Dr. Martin Luther King Day Parade will begin at 9 a.m. in Louis Armstrong Park, between the Morris F.X. Jeff, Sr. Municipal Auditorium and the newly renovated Mahalia Jackson Theatre.
The parade or march will start at Louis Armstrong Park at 10 a.m. and end at the Louisiana Superdome. Starting at noon at Gate A of the Superdome, the Greater New Orleans Sport Foundation will present “A Dream & A Goal” Rally. Please bring canned food items to the parade/march on Monday, January 19th to resupply the Second Harvest Food Bank.
Community Events for January, 2009
spacesTOmars to appear at the Green Room and the Howlin' Wolf
Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 10 p.m. — the Green Room
Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. — the Howlin' Wolf
Attention all music buffs: spacesTOmars will be playing at the Green Room in Covington on January 17th, and will go across the lake to New Orleans and play at the Howlin' Wolf on the 18th. If you haven't heard of spacesTOmars, you can check them out at myspace.com/spacestomars.
Come out and support local music. At the January 17 show at the Green Room, Space Trumpet will also perform. For the show at the Howlin' Wolf on the 18th, spacesTOmars will perform on a bill that includes The War Office, The VooDoo Dolls, Gamma Ringo, and more. You must be 18 years or older to attend either show. Please come out if you are free and looking for a good time. The band needs the biggest crowd possible, and you could help. Check them out and email them at: spacestomars@yahoo.com. God bless!
Dutch Alley Artist Co-op Presents “Draw, Design and Donate”
Through Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Dutch Alley Artist Co-op, in conjunction with www.NewOrleansThanksYou.com,
hosts a satellite exhibition during the Prospect.1 New Orleans Art
Biennial. For the exhibit, titled “Draw, Design and Donate,”
participating co-op members have designed works of art incorporating
New Orleans images and expressing thank to all who have contributed to
the recovery and rebuilding of New Orleans and the Gulf South. The
Dutch Alley Artist Co-op is located at 912 North Peters Street, and is
open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please call
(504) 412-2990.
Dutch Alley Artist Co-op members creating works for the exhibitions
are: Jeni Genter, Tammy Schwall, Wanda Wiggins, Tracy Thomson, Kim
Parker, Dan Fuller, Tammy Gaulter, Susan Charles, Nevada Barr, Michael,
Joy Gauss, Kelly Magee, Carol Flannery, Sabine Chadborn, Val Wozniak,
Linda Lesperance, Ric Rolston, Sandra Mann, Helen Reese, Linda Sampson
and Gerald Haessig.
Proceeds benefit A River of Hope, a project of Headwaters
LLC, that has sent more than 400 volunteers on many trips to New
Orleans to provide re-building and mental health referral services. For
more than three years, the organization has worked primarily in New
Orleans’ Ninth Ward and in Saint Bernard Parish. More information is
available at www.ariverofhope.com.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Church Service
Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 1 p.m.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Planning Commission presents a
Memorial Church Service at the Fifth African Baptist Church, 3419 South
Robertson Street. The featured speaker will be the Rev. Dale Sanders,
Pastor of the Fifth African Baptist Church.
Choral Concert to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Friday, January 16 at 6:30 p.m.
The United Teachers of New Orleans present a special choral concert at McDonogh #35 in honor of Martin Luther King Day. The concert will feature the choirs of McDonogh #35, Eleanor McMain, Martin Luther King Charter School, Joseph S. Clark, O. Perry Walker, Dillard University, and Ansar Bible College from Kristiansand, Norway, as well as the Melvin Vallery Dance Troupe and soloist Tione Johnson. McDonogh #35 Senior High School is located at 1331 Kerlerec Street.
An Evening in Memory of Jazz Pianist Bob Molinelli
Friday, January 16 at 7 p.m.
On Friday, December 26, 2008 Robert Molinelli passed away. Please help us celebrate his life at the Palm Court Jazz Café. Lucien Barbarin & Palm Court Jazz Band will perform a tribute to Bob from 8 - 11 p.m. Guest musicians honoring Bob are welcome to sit in, and all guests are welcome to say a few words between songs. The kitchen will be open, and there will be open donations to the New Orleans Musicians Clinic. (Please visit their site for additional information on donations.)
The Palm Court Jazz Café is located at 1204 Decatur Street, and their phone number is (504) 525-0200. Please bring any photos if available to give to the family. To view all photos and upload or add any photos of Bob you might have, you can visit his photo album on Snapfish.com. Please spread the word to fellow musicians who knew Bob Molinelli – Thank you.
Pussyfooters Blush Ball
Friday, January 16 from 8 p.m. to midnight
Get your Mardi Gras started with the Pussyfooters, a New Orleans all-women's marching and service organization. You are cordially invited to the Pussyfooters Blush Ball at Mardi Gras World in Old Algiers, at 233 Newton Street in Algiers Point. The event features Big Sam's Funky Nation, DJ Butterfoot, Mardi Gras Indians and special performances by the Pussyfooters, who will debut their 2009 Carnival costumes. There will be food, a cash bar, prizes, surprises, and more. The Blush Ball benefits the Metropolitan Center for Women and Children. Tickets can be purchased from your favorite Pussyfooter, at Miss Claudia's on Magazine Street, at the door, or at www.pussyfooters.net.
Prospect.1 Closing Event and Second Line at NOMA
Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 1 p.m.
The New Orleans Museum of Art presents a second line to commemorate the end of the Prospect.1 Biennial with the Original Big 7 Social Aid & Pleasure Club and Brass Band. The second line begins at the entrance of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in City Park, at the end of Esplanade and Carrollton Avenues. The free event is co-organized with The Porch, and The Seventh Ward Cultural Organization.
New Orleans Real Estate Investing Club
Thursday, January 15 at 6:15 p.m.
New Orleans Real Estate Investors Association hosts a monthly meeting every third Thursday of the month. Everyone interested in learning more about real estate investing is welcome. Networking starts at 6:15 and is free for first-time guests and members. Come see how you can earn your piece of $360 million and be part of a campaign to help rebuild New Orleans. In addition to the $360 million initiative and our networking session, this month’s meeting will feature a presentation by Wade Ragas, who will be speaking about our local economy. The meetings are held at the American Legion Hall, 2431 Metairie Road. For more information, check out our web site: www.neworleansreia.com.
"Roots of the Fi Yi Yi" Lecture by Victor Harris at NOMA
Wednesday, January 14 from 5 - 8 p.m.
The New Orleans Museum of Art presents its weekly series, "Mid-Week in Mid-City" with a lecture on the history of the Fi-Yi-Yi Mardi Gras Indian tribe, at 6 p.m. in the Great Hall, and a demonstration of "The Lost Art of Water Gilding" by Alan Shuptrine of Shuptrine Fine Art Group from Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the Stern Auditorium. The free event features a cash bar from 5 to 8 p.m. NOMA is located in City Park, at the end of Esplanade and Carrollton Avenues.
2009 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Wednesday, January 14 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Each year the New Orleans Public Library commemorates Black History with a series of programs beginning January 14th to March 7th. Our theme for 2009 is “Rising Up: African American Leadership.” The library will host its 2009 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday celebration on January 14, 2009 at the Main Library, 219 Loyola Avenue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our keynote speaker will be Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (504) 596-2597 or visit us at neworleanspubliclibrary.org, and read more about the Dr. King birthday celebration on NOLA.com.
LPO Presents "Beethoven and the Blues" featuring Allen Toussaint
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will perform four of Allen Toussaint's classic compositions, along with Beethoven's 5th, at the newly reopened Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts. “Beethoven and the Blues” will feature conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto and guest artist Allen Toussaint. Tickets are $10 and $20. To purchase tickets, visit lpomusic.com.
Transportation Revolution Unveils Ducati Motorcycle and Showroom
Friday, January 9, 2009 at 6 p.m.
The Transportation Revolution will unveil their newly expanded showroom to include the world-renowned motorcycle brand Ducati. The showroom is only one of three completed Ducati Retail Design stores in the country! TTRNO will celebrate with a grand opening and showroom unveiling of the new Monster 1100 motorcycle at their store at 901 Julia Street. The grand opening is free and open to the public and is sponsored by Bombay Sapphire.
Harrah's "Sing Like Celine" Karaoke Contest
Friday, January 9, 2009 from 7 - 9 p.m.
Guests of Harrah's Masquerade club will have a chance to enter the "Sing Like Celine" karaoke contest in Masquerade (at the foot of Canal Street) to win the following prizes:
1st Prize — Two tickets to the Celine Dion concert, dinner for two at Besh Steakhouse, a limo to and from the concert, and $100 in free play. Limo will depart from Harrah's and return to Harrah's.
2nd Place — Two tickets to the Celine Dion concert, dinner for two at Bambu, and $ 75 in free play.
3rd Place — Two tickets to the Celine Dion concert, dinner for two in Harrah's buffet, and $50 in free play.
Free Community Drumming Circle
Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 12 p.m.
Headwaters disaster relief organization is having a grand opening of their Mental Health Resource Center at 1600 Alvar Street in New Orleans. Please join us for our grand opening, when we will be offering a free Community Drum Circle.
All are welcome to attend, celebrate, and participate in the healing and spiritual power of African rhythms. Drums will be provided, but feel free to bring your own drums, tambourines, cowbells, shakers, etc. The drum circle will be led by Jeff Klein ("Papachula"), who has studied and performed with master drummers from Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.
Fun and refreshments will be available. We are located at the corner of North Claiborne and Alvar Streets, across the street from the New Salem Baptist Church and located in the Community Resource Center building.
Paint Party at David's House
Sunday, January 11, 2009 at 1 p.m.
NOLA Rising is honored to announce a Paint Party at the house of Susan "Willow" Schroeder, who tragically lost her son in 2001. To lift her out of her grief, she painted a work of love in dedication to her son David, making her home a beautiful expression of the love she felt for him.
Please join us on Sunday in the 3000 block of St. Peter Street for a visible show of love and solidarity, sponsored by NOLA Rising and United for Peace. This event is open to the public. Some materials and paints will be supplied, but please bring your brushes and paints if you have them. For more information, please see davidshouse.wordpress.com.
St. Joan Krewe Seeking Participants for January 6th Parade
Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 6 p.m.
The St. Joan of Arc Krewe is seeking musicians and other participants for our first annual Twelfth Night Joan of Arc procession down Decatur. For more information, visit www.stjoankrewe.blogspot.com or email stjoankrewe@yahoo.com.
January 6 is Twelfth Night and Joan of Arc's birthday. We will be honoring her by walking with candles and in costumes from Conti Street to St. Philip, where Joan's golden statue overlooks the new Place de France park. Joan will be leading us on horseback. Once there, we will toast The Maid of New Orleans! Performances of Joan, music and more fun will be had! Wear your best interpretation of a medieval costume and gather at Woldenberg Park at sunset on Tuesday, January 6 to walk with us! Period musicians, merry minstrels, jugglers, jesters, fair maidens, knights in shining armor, flame-swallowers, and sword-fighters are especially encouraged to participate. The procession is totally free and open to the public. You can help make this first St. Joan of Arc parade the best it can be! Artists, musicians, actors, Renaissance fair lovers, and everyone who wants to join us in ringing in the Mardi Gras season . . . please come!
Pat Jolly Silly Hat Birthday Party
Sunday, January 4, 2009 at 7 p.m.
Please mark Sunday, January 4th, 2009, on your calendar for my birthday party at the Blue Nile, 532 Frenchmen Street. Come at 7 p.m. wearing a very silly hat. Music starting around 8 p.m. Roselyn just called last night to say that she and David would love to play, and Sherman Bernard called to invite me to his birthday party and said that he would not miss playing at mine and would bring his band. I went to Nancy O's Christmas party where the fun musicians of the now defunct VaVaVoom were entertaining, and several of them said that they would come to play at my party. Jo Cool Davis and Cordell Chamblis told me that they would love to play, too, and will bring some gospel singers, plus PH Fred emailed me to offer that his record company would pay for his new band, the Round Pegs, to play (I told them to plan for 11 p.m.).
Of course, the exciting part about the entertainment for my party is that many musician friends just show up with instruments and the magic unfolds. New Orleans is the very best city for so many reasons, one being that the people here support each other because we have such an extraordinary sense of community. So the locals understand that participation is the real deal and some folks play and many others bring pot luck yummies. I certainly would never want to miss one of my birthday parties!!! I am so excited!!
The Round Pegs lineup for January 4, 2009:
(These cats are round, not square!!!)
PH Fred: guitar / vocals
Cranston Clements: guitar
Beth Patterson: bouzouki / banjo / bass
Jan Clements: piano / clav
Jimmy Messa: bass
Stephen Randall: drums / percussion
Bridal Event to Benefit Animal Rescue New Orleans
Sunday, January 4, 2009 from 1 - 4 p.m.
New Orleans Weddings Magazine is pleased to announce that a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales to their annual Bridal Event will be donated to Animal Rescue New Orleans. New Orleans Weddings Magazine owners Jessica & Jeff Caradona hope to not only donate funds to support ARNO’s work, but also create greater awareness within the community about what ARNO is doing and how more people can get involved.
Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) is an organization created and dedicated to the rescue and aid of abandoned and homeless animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi, including responding to the immediate needs of those animals in need of medical care, or who have been neglected, abused and deprived of love. ARNO promotes the foster, adoption, and reunion of pets with caretakers, as well as spaying/neutering of all companion animals. Newly engaged couples are encouraged to attend the event and help save a life while planning the biggest day of their lives.
The 2009 New Orleans Bridal Event will take place in the French Quarter at the Omni Royal Orleans, 621 St. Louis Street. Tickets are $8 in advance, and $10 at the door. For more information, please call (504) 832-2775 or go to www.neworleansbridalevent.com.
Markey Park Little Hands Playground Dedication Ceremony
Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.
Bywater neighbors, Markey Park boosters and residents from across the city will hold a neighborhood block party to dedicate a new state-of-the-art safe recreational space for kids. The “Little Hands Playground at Markey Park” was recently constructed by volunteers with the help of the Allstate Foundation, New Orleans Recreation Department, Injury Free Coalition for Kids, Brees Dream Foundation and Operation Kids. Markey Park is located in the Bywater on the 700 Block of Piety Street, between Royal and Dauphine Streets.
Community Events for December, 2008
20th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration in Baton Rouge
Tuesday, December 30 at 7 p.m.
Professor James Small will be the featured speaker at the 20th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration hosted by the Africentric Focus/Maat Study group of Baton Rouge. Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and culture that is celebrated during the seven days starting on December 26th. This year's celebration will be held at the Southern University Cotillion Ballroom. Africentric Focus Study Group/Maat is a non-profit organization committed to continuing efforts that promote the upliftment of the community. Contact Nomzamo Iyanu at
Nomzamosstockings@bellsouth.net or (225) 924-2625.
The Lunch Box in the Musicians Village
Wednesday, December 24 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join Liese's Living Room and the Village Copper Thieves for a weekly picnic with free live music in the 1800 block of Bartholomew Street (three blocks north of Claiborne Avenue). Bring your lunch and hang out in the heart of the Musicians Village with neighbors and volunteers who are continuing to build the village. This week, the Copper Thieves will be singing classic holiday songs for their special Christmas Eve show.
A Trin-I-Tee 5:7 Christmas In New Orleans™
Sunday, December 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Gospel trio TRIN-I-TEE 5:7 present a Holiday Concert in their hometown of New Orleans to raise donations and celebrate the season. Spirit Rising Music's "A TRIN-I-TEE 5:7 Christmas" concert will take place at The Upperroom Bible Church, 8600 Lake Forest Boulevard. General admission tickets are $12 plus one canned good, or $20 admission at the door, and are available online (www.myspace.com/trinitee57) and at the venue by calling (504) 245-9060. Concert goers will be entertained by Corey Haynes, Praise In Motion dancers, and a Praise Ensemble comprised of choral singers from various local churches.
Guerilla Haiku
Ongoing
Traveling along Loyola Avenue or the St. Claude corridor on Saturday morning, one may have thought, "Is there an election I was unaware of?" But no, what you are witnessing is the first of many planned Guerilla Haiku installations. Guerilla Haiku is an underground conspiracy of anonymous artist-operatives bent on injecting New Orleans with poetic vision! These clandestine events will culminate in city-wide installation of poetry. It will consist of printed signs posted on telephone poles, bulletin boards, boarded-up properties, and other visual detritus around the city in need of camouflage and beautification. Each sign will be printed with two haiku and the Guerilla Haiku logo. In a city infested with signage, it is hoped that the Guerilla Haiku invest the city with poetic images of hope, health and beauty (and, of course, humor!): an intervention in the life of a still-ailing city.
Help Build the Little Hands Neighborhood Playground
Saturday, December 20 at 8 a.m.
Markey Park neighborhood volunteers will join sponsors from the Allstate Foundation, the Injury Free Coalition for Kids and Operation Kids to build a state-of-the-art safe recreational space for children. Markey Park is located on the 700 Block of Piety Street in the Bywater, between Royal and Dauphine. Markey Park residents have partnered with the Allstate Foundation, the Injury Free Coalition for Kids and Operation Kids in their campaign to build a safe recreational space for kids in our neighborhood.
Cinéma Première Presents Kirikou and the Sorceress
Saturday, December 20 at 10 a.m.
The New Orléans Afrikan Film Festival presents a special screening at the Prytania Theater, 5339 Prytania Street. Kirikou and the Sorceress (France, 1998), directed by Michel Ocelot, is a film is based on a Western African tale with a soundtrack by Youssou N'Dour. The screening will be preceded by a performance of The Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra (GNOYO - Sinfonia) under the direction of Dr. Kent Jensen. A reception, generously offered by Whole Foods, will follow the screening. Entry is free, but seating is limited. For an invitation, call Nola at (504) 202-6459 or email noafest@neworleansafrikanfilmfest.org.
There will be an additional screening of the film, this time in French, on Friday, December 19 at 9:30 a.m. This screening, intended for children in bilingual schools, will be organized in cooperation with schools wanting to offer their students an experience of French immersion. Happy holidays to the children of New Orleans and to the children in all of us. See you at the Prytania!
Poetry and Performance at Olde Towne Arts Center in Slidell
Friday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m.
The Olde Towne Arts Center (OTAC) presents poet Gina Ferrara with storyteller Jonathan Kline and poet Carl Fedrowisch. OTAC also welcomes dancer Nanette Ledet with poet Dennis Formento. There will be an open mike and a potluck to celebrate the holidays. Admission is free and open to the public. The Old Town Arts Center is located at 300 Robert Street (at First) in Slidell. For more information about this reading or OTAC art classes, please call (985) 649-0555 or email info@otacenter.com.
Last-Stop Shop at The Big Top
Thursday, December 18 from 6 to 10 p.m.
Finish up your holiday shopping list — and celebrate doing so! — with the New Orleans Craft Mafia at our “Last-Stop Shop at the Big Top” Holiday Market and Party at the Big Top Art Gallery (1638 Clio). Get all your last-minute gifts from your favorite local artists and crafters, who’ll be offering a wide assortment of one-of-a-kind, handmade items made right here in New Orleans.
The Thursday evening event is not just a holiday sale — it’s definitely a party as well. Taking place in the festive Big Top Art Gallery — which, we’ll point out, has a fully stocked cash bar — there will be snacks, live holiday music by ukelele crooner Littler Richard, plus a reprise of our Handmade Holiday Ornament + Tree Raffle, with the proceeds benefiting the Recycle For the Arts Program. Free parking at Fleet Tire across the street from the gallery makes this an easy in-out for those of you on a tight schedule, but we hope you’ll grab a drink and stay a while! For more information, visit our website at www.neworleanscraftmafia.com.
DesCours
Wednesday, December 10 through Sunday, December 14
The American Institute of Architects, New Orleans chapter will host the second annual DesCours event, bringing five days of architecture, art, design and music to New Orleans. This year’s event will include 16 installations by internationally recognized architects and artists located within hidden spaces of the French Quarter and Central Business District, including courtyards, lobbies and walkways.
Architects and artists include: AEDS (Ammar Eloueini), Jacob Brilhart + Frank Stevens, the collaborative architecture factory (the-caf), Evelina Domnitch + Dmitry Gelfand, Graffiti Research Lab, IwamotoScott Architecture, Khoury Levit Fong (Rodolphe el-Khoury + Robert Levit), kmostudio, Allison Kudla, Marty McElveen, The Mutable Line Collaborative (Marianne Desmarais, Michelle Gay, Liz Sargent), Nano, Peter Tolkin Projects, TZ.CO. (Thaddeus Zarse + Clare Olsen), and more. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit www.descours.us.
Black Nativity
Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 at 7 p.m.
The Tekrema Center for the Arts will present a first in New Orleans. Tekrema Dance Theater with special guests presents a staged reading of Langston Hughes’ "Black Nativity" at the Tekrema Center, 5640 Burgundy Street in the Lower 9th Ward. The afternoon will hold a holiday decoration workshop for children. For more information, call Tekrema Center at (504) 247-2612.
Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival
Saturday, December 13 from 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival, at 1225 North Rampart Street in the Faubourg Tremé. Featured performers include The Tremé Brass Band, The Heritage School of Music All-Stars and John Boutté in a special set with Paul Sanchez, Leroy Jones and Todd Duke. Plus, there will be plenty of gumbo, with cooking demonstrations by Leah Chase and Alfred Singleton. Food vendors include Li’l Dizzy’s, Dookie Chase, Olivier’s Creole Restaurant and Dunbar’s Creole Cooking, so bring your appetite! The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.jazzandheritage.org.
Jazz & Heritage Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, December 13 from 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 14 from 12 - 5:30 p.m.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents a holiday sale of the finest in official Jazz Fest collectibles: t-shirts, posters and more, plus fine locally-produced hand-made crafts. The sale will take place at the Jazz & Heritage Gallery, 1205 North Rampart Street. For more information, visit www.jazzandheritage.org.
Esplanade Holiday Fest
Saturday, December 13 from 3 - 8 p.m.
The Faubourg St. John Merchant’s Association (FSJMA) is thrilled to announce its annual Esplanade Holiday Fest to be held on the 3100 block of Ponce de Leon Street between Esplanade Avenue and North Lopez Street. Don’t worry about a babysitter — bring the kids to see Santa arrive in a white convertible! Local artists will display and sell their art for early shoppers and collectors. Music is provided by Spaceheaters and Creole String Beans. Spaceheaters is a Southern-style R&B/soul and funk band. Creole String Beans has been jamming it up for years in the Crescent City with a brand of swamp pop that inspires dancers of all ages and skill levels.
A children’s activity table will be provided with materials for coloring and drawing. Lots of great fun, plenty to eat and drink, and dancing in the street! This event has grown in popularity and numbers every year. Everyone is welcome. Participants include DeBlanc’s Pharmacy, Asian Pacific Café, Café Degas, Terranova’s Supermarket, Daniel’s on the Bayou, La Vita, Canseco’s Grocery, Swirl Wines, Lux Spa, Pal’s Lounge and Fair Grinds Coffeehouse.
First Annual New Orleans Songwriter’s Festival
Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6
ASCAP and Songfest Foundation present the first annual New Orleans Songwriter's Festival, featuring Jimmy Webb, Cassandra Wilson and Zachary Richard, plus special guest Allen Toussaint. Proceeds will benefit The New Orleans Musicians Clinic. For more information, go to www.nosongfest.com or The New Orleans Songwriting Festival's MySpace page.
Friday, December 5
- 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.: Massive Songwriter's Open Mic
The Blue Nile, 532 Frenchmen Street
Come one, come all to showcase your songs to music industry professionals. All genres welcome! Hosted by Barbara Cloyd of Nashville's Bluebird Cafe. - 10 p.m.: Special Guest
The Blue Nile, 532 Frenchmen Street
Saturday, December 6
- 3 - 5 p.m.: Pro Writers Round
The Blue Nile, 532 Frenchmen Street
Features Ralph Murphy, Susan Cowsill, Jim McCormick and Mary Gauthier. Come meet the pros in person! - 8 - 10:30 p.m.: Headliner Concert
House of Blues, 225 Decatur Street
Featuring Jimmy Webb, Cassandra Wilson, Zachary Richard and special guest Allen Toussaint! See you there, and live the music!!
"The Last Days of Judas Iscariot"
Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m.
The LSU Department of Theatre presents "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" at the Hatcher Hall Theatre on Fieldhouse Drive on the LSU Campus in Baton Rouge. The play was written by Stephen Adly Guirgis and is directed by George Judy and Scott Woltz. Tickets are $6.00 and can only be purchased at the door. For further information, call the LSU Department of Theatre office at (225) 578-4174 or visit the LSU website at www.theatre.lsu.edu.
Set in a corner of downtown Purgatory, a darkly comic, imagined world between Heaven and Hell, "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" is a thought-provoking courtroom fantasy in which an appeal is launched to clear the name of Christ’s most notorious disciple. In a time-bending trial marked by raw and beautiful contemporary language, we meet a cast of flamboyantly street-savvy characters, both famous and infamous. Sigmund Freud, Mother Teresa, and Satan, among others, take the stand to prosecute or defend one of history’s most infamous betrayals and, in the process, take us to the heart of our own questions about spirit, love, and despair.
City of New Orleans Recycling Drop-Off Event
Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. - noon
The City of New Orleans holds monthly recycling drop-off events on both sides of the Mississippi River. The location on the West Bank is the public library at General DeGaulle and Holiday Drive. On the East Bank, you can go to North Claiborne Avenue at St. Peter Street, in the neutral ground. They don't accept glass or household hazardous waste containers. For more information, please see the City of New Orleans' website.
Great Artists Collective Hosts a "Thank You New Orleans" Party
Saturday, December 6 from 6 - 9 p.m.
Great Artist Collective, 815 Royal Street, is hosting a party to celebrate New Orleans' support of our Artist Collective Gallery. There will be food and wine, and all the artists will be on hand to greet and meet the public. We are home to more than 50 local artists, including glass, furniture, painting, metal and pottery workers, plus one-of-a-kind clothing and jewelry by Earring Lady. We invite you to dine with us, have a glass of wine, and find that perfect imaginative Christmas gift or the piece of art that will make your home "New and Exciting" all over again. Having you share our Two-Year Anniversary Party is our way of saying "Thank you New Orleans!" for being our patrons. Come and enjoy!
Beebe's One-Year Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, December 6 from 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.
It’s been one year of good food, great drinks and wonderful friends! Beebe’s wants to celebrate with all of you who’ve made us successful and say, "Thank you!" There'll be free champagne and $1 specials for everyone all night! Also, we'll have The Yat Pack playing from 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.! Beebe's on the Lake is located at 7224 Pontchartrain Blvd. For more information, please call (504) 302-9657.
Tipitina's Holiday Clearance Sale!
Sunday, December 7 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tipitina's Foundation is having a Holiday Clearance Sale at their French Quarter location at 233 North Peters Street. Come get some great deals on Tip's merchandise and help out a good cause! We have hats, CDs, workshirts and tees, as well as anything else we can find. Proceeds will benefit the Tipitina's Foundation's mission of supporting Louisiana's irreplaceable music community and preserving the state's unique musical cultures.
Free Cupcake Tasting at Just Cupcakes
Sunday, December 7 from 3 - 6 p.m.
Just Cupcakes invites you to a cupcake tasting at Beebe's, 7224 Pontchartrain Blvd. Sample several cupcake flavors with complimentary champagne! To RSVP, please call Sherri Pignona at (504) 458-8729.
Ledisi to Perform at Dillard University Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Dillard University celebrates its 72nd annual Holiday Concert with a special performance by two-time Grammy nominee Ledisi, along with the Dillard University Choir, at Lawless Assembly Hall, located on campus at 2601 Gentilly Blvd. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30. Though the concert is free and open to the public, seating is limited to 800 people.
The Dillard University Choir, under the direction of S. Carver Davenport, will perform several holiday favorites featuring some of the university’s talented students. The choir will also accompany special musical guest Ledisi, who was born in New Orleans and now lives in Oakland. Ledisi, who is known for giving electrifying live performances, will feature songs from her new Christmas CD, It’s Christmas, as well as her major label debut album, Lost & Found.
On Saturday, December 6 at 2 p.m., Ledisi will hold a free lecture in which she will share her experiences as a singer and songwriter and sign copies of her new Christmas CD in the Will W. Alexander Library, on the second floor in the Distance Learning Room. For more information, please contact Dillard’s Office of Communications and Marketing at (504) 816-4800.
Community Events for November, 2008
St. Andrew's Day NOLA
Saturday, November 29 at 4 p.m.
This year St. Andrew’s Day comes to New Orleans. You are invited to celebrate New Orleans' first-ever Andrzejki (Polish for St. Andrew’s Day Festival) at Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits, 600 Poland Avenue. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and will continue until after midnight. Brought to you by NolaBulls, the same people who orchestrated the Running of the Bulls in the French Quarter, the festival features lots of activities for all ages to enjoy.
For only $5, guests will be treated to face-painting, future-telling, a scavenger hunt and much, much more. The Rolling Elvi will be in attendance to offer advice, and the Big Easy Roller Girls will be on hand to inform and entertain. All Scots and Poles, Cajuns and Creoles will join together at 6 p.m. for the bagpipe-led procession to the miraculous image of St. Andrew. The faithful will be welcome to leave offerings before returning to Bacchanal’s spacious garden. The parade is followed by more continental traditions, such as a kielbasa-eating contest and mud-wrestling matches! Gourmet food will be prepared by Chef Stephen Stryjewski of Cochon Restaurant, and beer offered alongside wine, whiskey, scotch, and of course Sobieski Vodka. Na zdrowie!
For more information, visit www.nolabulls.com. Nola Bulls, LLC was founded in 2007 and is a provider and promoter of entertainment and cultural events in the New Orleans area.
N.O. Blues Society Membership Drive and Happy Hour
Friday, November 28 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The VooDoo Blues Krewe's New Orleans Blues Society will host a membership drive at the House of Blues in the French Quarter featuring a live performance from the Danny Alexander Blues Band (featuring Duane Boyer and Gary Rieger), and the first drink is on the house for new and existing members.
Saturday, November 29 at 9:30 a.m.
The Blues Society will also be signing up new members on Saturday at the Guitar Center in Elmwood starting at 9:30 a.m., and raffling tickets for a silver Gibson ES-135 signed by artists including Duke Robillard, Magic Slim and Jimi Bott, among others. Best of all, half of all new Blues Society membership fees ($20/year) from both events will be donated to WWOZ's "Holiday Membership Blitz" that starts on December 3. For more info, call Bernadette at (504) 920-7763.
The Art of Marketing
Friday, November 28 from 6 - 10 p.m.
Corporate Project Management, Novation Services Inc., M-Powered, and Eddie Francis present "The Art of Marketing," a free networking oppurtunity for local businesses to connect and form cohesive relationships. Free food, live entertainment by Cresent City Idol's Raychell Richard, and a wealth of information make this event a must! The event will be held at Le Roux, 1700 Louisiana Avenue. For details, please call (504) 201-2076.
Tuba Tuba Tuba
Friday, November 28 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The French Market pays tribute to the unsung heroes of New Orleans' traditional marching brass bands with their the second annual Tuba Tuba Tuba music festival. Master sousaphonist Kirk Joseph will lead the celebration honoring the work and legacy of Anthony "Tuba Fats" Lacen, one of New Orleans' finest tuba players ever. The festival features a 30-sousaphone second-line, live band performances and street-corner ensembles. Performers include Kirk Joseph, Philip Frazier, Matt Perrine, Craig Klein, The Tin Men, Anders Osbourne, Big Sam, John "Papa" Gros, Big Al Carson, and many more. Tuba Tuba Tuba will be held all throughout the French Market, and will be broadcast live on WWOZ. For more information, see the French Market website.
New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Festival
Sunday, November 23 at 10:30 a.m.
The 2008 New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Festival will feature two stages with live music, arts and crafts, a silent auction, a children’s section with games and prizes, a po-boy photo booth, panel discussions covering the history of the po-boy and, of course, the best tasting po-boys in New Orleans. Po-boy panel discussions will begin at 10:30 a.m., and eight of New Orleans' best bands will perform live between noon and 6 p.m., including The Rebirth Brass Band, The Iguanas, Walter Washington, and Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys.
Press Street's 24-Hour Draw-a-thon
Saturday, November 22 from 6:30 a.m
Come and join the folks of Press Street, a literary and visual arts collective, for 24 hours of drawing at The Green Room above the Green Project, located at 2831 Marais Street (enter on Press Street). Enjoy free P.J.'s coffee and Hubig's pies. All drawing materials will be provided. The event is free and open to the public and artists of all ages. For a full schedule, go to press-street.com or call (504) 250-7975.
Legal and Health Care Decisions Fair
Saturday, November 22 from 9 a.m - 1 p.m.
You are invited to participate in a Legal and Health Care Decisions Fair at Touro Infirmary, 1401 Foucher Street, in the President's Room, located on the second floor of the hospital. The fair is free and open to the public, and is brought to you by The New Orleans Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section, in connection with the American Bar Association and in partnership with Touro Infirmary, New Orleans Legal Assistance, the New Orleans Pro Bono Project, the GNO Fair Housing Action Center and the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency. For more information, go to www.neworleansbar.org.
Second Annual North RampART Festival
Saturday, November 22 from 11 a.m - 4 p.m.
Showcasing more than 20 local visual artists and food vendors, the second annual North RampART Festival will be held along North Rampart Street in front of Louis Armstrong Park. With live music by the Tremé Brass Band, L'Ivoire Spectacle featuring Seguenon Koné, Sunpie Barnes & the Louisiana Sunspots, the New Orleans Young Traditional Brass Band and Walter "Wolfman" Washington, the festival is free and open to the public. The children's area will feature interactive arts programs and other surprises! For more information, go to www.northrampartmainstreet.org.
Carver High School Class Reunion Picnic
Saturday, November 22 from 11 a.m - 7 p.m.
Carver High School will be holding its 50th Anniversary Class Reunion Picnic at Sampson Park, 3100 Louisa Street. The event will feature the Carver High School Marching Band and other groups, as well as entertainment, food and crafts. For more information please contact Karl Washington at (504) 994-8459. "Rams Forever!"
Louisiana Music Factory In-Store Performance
Saturday, November 22 at 4 p.m.
The Iguanas celebrate the release of their new CD, If You Should Ever Fall on Hard Times, with a free in-store performance at the Louisiana Music Factory at 210 Decatur Street in the French Quarter. For more information, see the Louisiana Music Factory website or call (504) 586-1094.
Saturday in the Park — Outdoor Family Movie Night
Saturday, November 22 at 5 p.m.
Bring your family, friends, blankets and chairs to Fortier Park (Esplanade Avenue at Mystery Street) for an evening of food, drink, a silent auction and outdoor movies. The movie Happy Feet is the main feature at the screening to benefit Audubon Charter School. For more information, please visit the Faubourg Saint John Neighborhood Association website.
Music, Cake and Poetry
Friday, November 21 at 7 p.m.
The Tekrema Center for the Arts invites you to join us for an evening of heavenly music, fine wines and delectable desserts at our new location at 5640 Burgundy Street in the Lower 9th Ward. For more information, call Tekrema at (504) 247-2612.
New Orleans Real Estate Investors Association Meeting
Thursday, November 20 from 6:45 - 9 p.m.
The New Orleans Real Estate Investors Association (NOREIA) meets every third Thursday of the month at 2431 Metairie Road. NOREIA assists our members in achieving their real estate investment goals by providing continuing education, motivation, inspiration and opportunity in a positive and mutually-supportive environment. Please visit our website at www.neworleansreia.com to learn more about the association and to get a coupon for free admittance to the meeting.
Obituary Cocktail Birthday Party
Thursday, November 20 from 7 - 9 p.m.
Author and photographer Kerri McCaffety celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the release of her first book, Obituary Cocktail: The Great Saloons of New Orleans. Since its publication in 1998, this beautiful documentary of the city’s historic watering holes has won two national publishing awards, was named Book of the Year by the New Orleans Gulf South Book Sellers Association, and inspired both the Southern Comfort Cocktail Tour and the festival, Tales of the Cocktail. A group of the book’s fans even established an enduring social club known as The Grande and Secret Order of Obituary Cocktail Drinkers. Please join Kerri McCaffety at the Napoleon House to toast the book’s decade.
The same evening, the Napoleon House Bar (500 Chartres Street) will hold a special event to honor Obituary Cocktail from 7 to 9 p.m. To commemorate the 10-year anniversary, master absinthe distiller Ted Breaux has created a cocktail he calls "The Obituary Decade." Breaux’s new concoction features a healthy dose of his own lucid absinthe, and will be launched at the Napoleon House event.
Fashion Forward 2008
Wednesday, November 19 from 7 - 10 p.m.
Fashion Forward returns with a purpose at Generations Hall (The Metro), located at 310 Andrew Higgins Drive. A percentage of the proceeds from our second annual show will be allocated to Sampson Park. Featured are designers from Durban, South Africa; Chicago; Atlanta; Houston; and two of New Orleans' finest. Tickets are on sale now at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center at 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., (504) 569-9070, and at The Spot Nola at 2518 Bayou Road, (404) 983-7233.
théâtre du jour at The Skull Club
Thursday, November 13 through Sunday, November 16
Performed earlier this year in Paris and Washington, DC, théâtre du jour comprises two comic shorts written and directed by Michael Merino. The first work, "Seat Yourself," explores the frustrations of fine dining and "the euphemism." The second work, "Pompa y Circunstancia," concerns a bizarre commencement ceremony, where two brothers mis-communicate about what to wear, life and lunch. The cast includes Perry Leopard, Randy Maggiore and Claudia Baumgarten. The shows will be performed at The Skull Club, located at 1005 North Spain Street. Dates and times are:
- Thursday, November 13 at 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, November 16 at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door or in advance through TicketWeb.com.
Reel Identities LGBT Film Festival
Friday, November 14 through Sunday, November 16
The LGBT Community Center of New Orleans presents its fifth annual lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender film festival. The festival features three days of film screenings at the Contemporary Arts Center, located at 900 Camp Street in the Warehouse District. See the Reel Identities Film Festival website for more information.
Marionette Operetta at the Hi-Ho Lounge
Friday, November 14 through Sunday, November 16
The New Orleans Fringe Festival presents the local puppet troupe, The Black Forest Fancies, in “The Tragical Ballad of Black Bonnet or A Kitchen Maid's Secret: a Puppet Operetta in Three Acts Based on True Events,” at The Hi-Ho Lounge, 2239 Saint Claude Avenue.
Based on the true story of an intersexed housemaid in 16th century Scotland, our story follows the plight of Black Bonnet, the kitchen maid, as she and Liliana, the landlord’s lovely daughter, fall madly in love. Can boundless romance survive on strings in a tiny world?! Live music, mania and marionettes. Suitable for all ages, it promises to be an experience not to be missed! Plus a special screening of the award-winning short film Cygnus Olor.
Showtimes are as follows:
- Friday, November 14 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, November 15 at 8:30 p.m.
- Sunday, November 16 at 10 p.m.
Carnaval Latino
Saturday, November 15 from 1 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Sunday, November 16 from 12 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Carnaval Latino is two fun-filled days of music, food, arts and crafts and activities for kids, featuring international recording stars along with local and regional music, dance, and folkloric groups. Presented by the Hispanic community, the festival takes place at the new Mardi Gras World on the East Bank, located near the Convention Center. Come celebrate the rich cultures of the countries that have helped to make New Orleans the wonderful international city that it is. For more information and a schedule of performances, please see the Carnaval Latino website.
City of New Orleans Recycling Drop-Off Event
Saturday, November 15 from 9 a.m. - noon
The City of New Orleans holds monthly recycling drop-off events on both sides of the Mississippi River. The location on the West Bank is the public library at General DeGaulle and Holiday Drive. On the East Bank, you can go to North Claiborne Avenue at St. Peter Street, in the neutral ground. They don't accept glass or household hazardous waste containers. For more information, please see the City of New Orleans' website.
Audubon Charter School First Annual Fall Fête
Saturday, November 15 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
You are invited to come out and enjoy the Audubon Charter School Fall Festival at 438 Broadway Street, with food from Chateau duLac, Cochon, Café Rani, Lebanon Café, Michaul's, Tony Moran's, Maurice French Pastries and Chef Christian Karcher. Music featuring The Wild Magnolias, Sunpie Barnes & the Sunspots, Jeremy Lyons & the Deltabilly Boys, Panorama Jazz Band and Billy Iuso & the Restless Natives. There will also be a kid's tent with games and entertainment. Visit www.auduboncharter.com, call Lora at (504) 957-2557, or email loradc1@aol.com.
Tekrema Center Open House
Saturday, November 15 from noon - 6 p.m.
Come and celebrate Tekrema’s new beginnings at our future location, 5640 Burgundy Street in the Lower 9th Ward. The day will feature the work of Prospect One Biennial artists Adam Cvijanovic and Sebastián Preece. There will be refreshments, entertainment for the family, a free exercise class, and a performance by Tekrema Dance Theater. For more information, call Tekrema Center at (504) 247-2612.
Consciously Rebuilding Health Fair
Saturday, November 15 from 1 - 5 p.m.
Consciously Rebuilding, Inc., in collaboration with Tulane Partnership for an Active Community Environment, is hosting a fealth fair at the Green Project, located at 2831 Marais Street. The event's theme is "Being Green and Chic," with the goal of encouraging healthy lifestyles, environmental health and energy efficiency. There will be hundreds of giveaways and raffle items to promote community health. If you would like more information, or would like to volunteer for the event, please email ConsciouslyRebuilding@yahoo.com or call (504) 218-7907.
Monochrome: from Design to Reality
Through Thursday, November 13
American Institute of Architects, New Orleans (AIA New Orleans), in partnership with International House Hotel, presents an event examining the design process of the architect in this region. AIA New Orleans will host an architectural exhibit and auction of original hand drawings, sketches, photographs, frozen computer drawings, animations and 3D models made by local architects that are all produced with a single color. Auction items range from a historic blueprint of the Roosevelt Hotel, a hand-sketched drawing of Villa Vardinoannis in Kilada, Greece, to the photographs of the modern Lagniappe House, designed for Make it Right 9. All proceeds from Monochrome will benefit the Architect Pairing Program, providing homeowners and businesses in need with design professionals. The exhibit is at the International House Hotel, 221 Camp Street, and is free and open to the public.
UNO Theatre Presents Two One-Act Plays
Thursday, November 6 through Sunday, November 9
The UNO Theatre presents a double bill of two one-act plays: "The Dark End of Day," a student-written original script by Whitney Lee Buss, and Eugene Ionesco's "The Chairs." The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 9. Show contains mature content. For more information and/or to make a reservation, please call (504) 280-7469.
2008 Tom Dent Literary Festival
Thursday, November 6 through Saturday, November 8
The African American Resource Center of the New Orleans Public Library celebrates its 8th annual Tom Dent Literary Festival at the Main Library, 219 Loyola Avenue. This is a three-day event that includes poets and authors working together to inspire the community and contribute to the literary growth of New Orleanians. All events are free and open to the public.
Thursday, November 6: We will have our Poetry Night at 6:30 p.m., featuring 2 Cent Entertainment and Artists in Action.
Friday, November 7: We will host our Author’s Showcase at 6:30 p.m., featuring authors Dr. James Ward, Ms. Alice Wilson-Fried and Reina David.
Saturday, November 8: At 1:00 p.m., we will share an afternoon with Keith Weldon Medley, author of We As Freemen — Plessy v. Ferguson: The Fight Against Legal Segregation. Mr. Medley will deliver the keynote presentation at the 2008 Tom Dent Literary Festival — “SATCHMO CITY: New Orleans in the Time of Louis.” A native of New Orleans, Mr. Medley’s presentation will look at the characters, times and neighborhoods that framed Louis Armstrong’s rise to worldwide acclaim. (The New Orleans Public Library is located on the site of the area where Armstrong came of age.) Mr. Medley will also discuss Armstrong’s 1956 journey to Africa where Satchmo performed a concert for Kwame Nkrumah, the leader of the first independent African nation during the colonial era.
This event is funded by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and the Friends of New Orleans Public Library.
2008 Bywater Mirliton Festival
Saturday, November 8 from 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
This years's Bywater Mirliton Festival, our annual celebration of the mirliton, has great music, including Little Freddie King, Morning 40 Federation, 101 Runners, Happy Talk Band, and many others; delicious mirliton dishes; arts & crafts; and children's activities. The festival is held in Markey Park, at the corner of Piety and Royal Streets in the Bywater. Sponsored by the Bywater Neighborhood Association in association with the Bywater Art Market. Tickets are $5 at the door. Call (202) 486-0893 for more information.
Open Studio at ArtEgg Studios
Saturday, November 8 from noon - 4 p.m.
Many of our community artists will be opening their studios to the public for a rare opportunity to view artworks in progress and meet with the artists in person to discuss their work and learn about local contemporary art in New Orleans. Selected artworks will be available for purchase. While you're there, you can visit the BuildSmart Resource Center and the Alliance for Affordable Energy and take a tour of ArtEgg Studios, with its sustainable design features. The wine reception will be held at the ArtEgg Studios building at 1001 S. Broad Street, where you can sign our guestbook and receive a thank-you gift. Learn more about our community at www.artegg.com, or call Esther at (917) 971-4886.
Venus Rising — Women Artists from the Gulf
Saturday, November 8 from 6 - 9 p.m.
There will be artist reception for Venus Rising, a group exhibition of women artists from the Gulf Coast, at the Oyster Factory, 1731 North Rampart Street. To learn more, please visit oysterfactory.org or write to theoysterfactory@gmail.com. The Oyster Factory is a community-based, mixed-use, collaborative project, created with the goal of fostering cultural, artistic and economic benefits in our great city.
VECINOS — Unity in the Community Neighborhood Jam
Friday, October 31 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos with Captain Charles, the ReBirth Brass Band, Rumba Buena, Som Brasil / Casa Samba, DJ Garífuna, mariachis, punta, merengue, and more! This month's gathering will be held at Taylor Playground, at 2601 South Derbigny Street and Washington Avenue in Central City. The fun fair will feature music, food, children’s activities and and community information resources. There will also be a health fair organized by Rebuilding Our Community and Captain Charles with free screenings and consultations including blood pressure, cholesterol, vision, dental, massage and more. Visit www.cubanola.org for more information.
Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society Garage Sale
Saturday, November 1 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 from 12 noon to 3 p.m.
The Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society is having a garage sale at the Greek Community Center at 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd. All proceeds will benefit the many charities in the greater New Orleans area. Please come!
Prospect.1 Biennial Art Exhibition Opens
Saturday, November 1
From November 1, 2008 to January 18, 2009, New Orleans will be the site of Prospect.1, the first Biennial of its type in United States. Works by 81 leading contemporary artists from around the world will transform our city into a sprawling, multi-venue art destination. Thousands of visitors, including many-first time New Orleans guests, will move among some 15 museums, community art centers, refurnished buildings and private homes that will be serving as sites for the artist's creations. Visit www.prospectneworleans.org for more information.
Marigny and Bywater Open Studios
Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2, from noon to 5 p.m.
A satellite exhibit in conjunction with Prospect.1 New Orleans Biennial
Intimately experience art in artists' homes and studios at the fourth annual Open Studios Weekend, a self-guided tour of artists' creative spaces in the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods. Twenty artists will open their studios / spaces to the public, featuring photography, painting, sculpture, collage, metalwork, basketry, textile arts, watercolor, glass, and mixed media. We continue to draw new artists and visitors each time. While many participants are well-known, many are emerging artists, whose work is ripe for collecting. This is a great opportunity to meet artists one-on-one and see the process. Visit www.OpenStudioArtists.org for a printable map, more details and links to artists' websites.
Prospect.1 New Orleans "All-Night Dance Party"
Saturday, November 1
Join Prospect.1 New Orleans for an "All-Night Dance Party" with Irma Thomas, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Kirk Joseph's 504 Brass Band and DJ Brice Nice. Held at Mardi Gras World, this promises to be an evening of wonderful memories and even better tunes! Doors open at 9 p.m.; show starts at 10:30. You can purchase tickets at www.backbeattix.com or at the door. More information about Prospect.1 can be found at www.prospectneworleans.org.
Community Events for October, 2008
Halloween Night Party & Anba Dlo Festival
Friday, October 31
On the eve of the Prospect.1 Arts Festival Biennial, a spectacular Halloween night festival will take place at the corner of St. Roch and St. Claude. The architectural plans for the New Orleans Healing Center, a multi-faceted community-based arts center, will be unveiled at the party on Halloween night. Anba Dlo translates as “from under the waters,” and refers to the place where departed souls dwell and from whence they are called on All Hallow’s Eve. This evening has been specially named as a call to New Orleanians and our city’s Prospect 1 visitors to come join in the celebration of our cultural rebirth.
Anba Dlo Festival Schedule:
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.: The New Orleans Hope and Heritage Film Festival
Screening of film shorts and panel discussion
6 p.m.: The St. Claude Collection Opening
Features works from 50 of New Orleans’ best artists.
7 p.m. – midnight: Live music outdoors and Radical Faerie parade wends its way and merges with other neighborhood costume parades, and dancers, into the live music extravaganza.
7 p.m. - 2 a.m.: DJ Tom Harvey spins in the interior dance room.
Festival admission is $10 with an open bar, and it takes place at 2372 St. Claude Avenue, at the Universal Furniture building — future home of the New Orleans Healing Center. For more information, visit the New Orleans Healing Center website, email info@neworleanshealingcenter.org or call (504) 948-9961.
Free Book Release Party and Recipe Tasting
Thursday, October 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m
Frank Brigtsen, award-winning chef and owner of Brigtsen's Restaurant, says, "In You Are Where You Eat, Elsa Hahne has uncovered the heart and soul of our precious cuisine. The truth is, the best cooks in New Orleans are not in our restaurants, but in our homes." You Are Where You Eat: Stories and Recipes from the Neighborhoods of New Orleans, published by the University Press of Mississippi, is the first book from writer / journalist / photographer Elsa Hahne. It features more than 30 of our city's great home cooks, in their own words, with photos and dozens of fantastic recipes.
Come join the author and meet many of the cooks from the book, taste their recipes, and get your copy signed at the book release party at The Norwegian Seaman's Church, 1772 Prytania, in the lower Garden District. The Norwegian Seaman's Church is located on corner of Urania, one block off of the streetcar line at Felicity.
Black Men of Labor’s Second-Line Parade & International Dance Festival
Saturday, October 25 at 3 p.m
For the past 14 years, the second-line stylings of the Black Men of Labor have consistently stayed the course in keeping traditional jazz music alive and honoring its incredible legacy. On October 25, 2008 at 3:00 p.m., the Black Men of Labor will once again take to the streets of New Orleans to display the brilliance, style and color of their annual parade, starting at Sweet Lorraine's Jazz Club, 1931 St. Claude Avenue.
This year, the Black Men of Labor takes a page out of history by inviting "L'Ivoire Spectacle" — a percussionist troupe originating from the Ivory Coast of West Africa — to parade with the youth of New Orleans' young traditional jazz brass bands.
LadyFest New Orleans 2008
Wednesday, October 15 through Sunday, October 19
The local version of the international woman's festival that happens in several cities around the world, LadyFest New Orleans is a music, poetry, film and arts festival organized by local women to showcase, celebrate and support the arts and activism of women in New Orleans. Open to men and women of all ages and backgrounds, the festival will be held in five different venues around town over five days in October.
Wednesday, October 15 at 6 p.m.
St. Anna's Church will host a gathering of musicians, poets, and visual artists at 1313 Esplanade Avenue, with poetry by Andy Young and Madeline Vann and music by Gina Forsyth and Doreen Ketchens.
Thursday, October 16 at 6 p.m.
New Orleans poet laureate Lee Grue, actor and poet Trista Douglass, Charmaine Neville, The Pfister Sisters and more perform at the Musician's Union Hall, 2401 Esplanade Avenue.
Friday, October 17 at 6 p.m.
Sweet Lorraine's Jazz Club, 1931 St. Claude Avenue, features poetry by Valentine Pierce, Sunni Patterson, Roselyn Lionheart and Omaira Falcon, and music by Betty Shirley, Margie Perez and WWOZ's own Olivia Greene, among others.
Saturday, October 18 at 6 p.m.
The ladies will bring it to the Ashé Cultural Arts Center, at 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. in Central City. Highlights include poetry by Kay Murphy, Gina Ferrara and Alex Mercedes and music by Topsy Chapman, Hazel & the Delta Ramblers (WWOZ's own!), Anais St. John and Mo'lasses.
Sunday, October 19 at 4 p.m.
The festival wraps up on Sunday, October 19 at 3 Ring Circus' Big Top at 1638 Clio Street with poet Elizabeth García, The Pinettes Brass Band, Zion Trinity, Susan Cowsill, Patrice Fisher and more.
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
Saturday, October 18 to Sunday, October 19 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents its third annual celebration of the blues, featuring many of the top performers from southern Louisiana and Mississippi, plus delicious food and unique visual art.
Highlights include performances by David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Little Freddie King, Kenny Neal, J. Monque'D., Johnny Sansone, Marva Wright, John Mooney, Cedric Burnside & Lightnin' Malcolm, and WWOZ's own Marc Stone with Vasti Jackson. The festival takes place in Lafayette Square Park, at Lafayette Street and St. Charles Avenue. WWOZ will be broadcasting live from the festival, so be sure to check out our live broadcast schedule.
Men of Class Second-Line Parade
Sunday, October 19 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Starts at the Daiquiri Shop at Claiborne and Louisiana, and ends at the Chocolate Bar on Broad near Tulane.
Pieux Redux: A Series of Historic Fence Workshops
Sunday, October 19 from 1 - 3 p.m.
Louisiana Landmarks Society celebrates traditional folk crafts at the Pitot House Museum, a 1799 Creole country residence located at 1440 Moss Street on the banks of Bayou St. John with a workshop on "Cypress Splitting for Pieux Production." You are encouraged to wear painting attire. A $10 workshop fee includes all supplies needed to join in the whitewashing fun, tours of the Pitot House and its special exhibits, old fashioned refreshments and music! For info & to pre-register, call (504) 482-0312 or email smcclamroch@louisianalandmarks.org.
Domingo Latino
Sunday, October 19 at 4 p.m.
This Latin music concert in City Park's Botanical Gardens features music by Patrice Fisher & Arpa and Rumba Buena as well as Latin food, art and dance. This is a World Cultural Economic Forum Event, produced by City Park, Musicians for Music and Ecos Latinos. For more details, go to the Botanical Garden Calendar of Events.
Animal Health Fair at Delgado
Saturday, October 18 from 1 - 3 p.m.
The Delgado Community College Office of Institutional Advancement and Veterinary Technology Program are joining forces with the Louisiana SPCA's Care Cadet program and a host of regional pet-focused businesses and agencies to present an Animal Health Fair at Delgado's City Park Campus, located at 615 City Park Avenue.
Admission is free and open to the public. Friendly, well-behaved and leashed pets who are up-to-date on all immunizations are also welcome.
The Animal Health Fair celebrates National Veterinary Technician Week with a variety of pet-centric offerings including dog baths, pedicures and ear cleaning; pet Halloween photos; K9 Halloween costume contest; adoptable dogs from local animal rescue organizations; information and exhibits from pet health and care businesses; on-site American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen testing; and first-hand information from Delgado's Veterinary Technology Program directors and students about how to pursue an exciting and rewarding career as a registered veterinary technician.
Home Movie Day New Orleans
Saturday, October 18 from 2 - 6 p.m.
Home Movie Day is a celebration of amateur films and filmmaking held annually at many local venues worldwide. It provides the opportunity for individuals and families to see and share their own home movies with an audience of their community, and to see their neighbors' in turn. It's a chance to discover why we care about these films and to learn how preserve them.
Home Movie Day is free and open to the public. Bring your old home movies, found home movies, and your own creations on film, video or DVD to the Zeitgeist Multi-disciplinary Arts Center to participate in the group screening. We would prefer you drop your film off ahead of time to be included. Please contact Brenda Flora for further information.
NOVAC Presents the Louisiana Shorts Fest
Friday, October 17 to Saturday, October 18
The New Orleans Video Access Center presents the 18th annual Louisiana Shorts Fest. This year's festival will showcase media projects and programs for young people in Louisiana and will be a resource for information about career opportunities in film and video production. Arts educators and administrators, current and aspiring young media makers, and the general public are encouraged to attend. Along with screenings, the LSF will include a workshop and panel discussion for young people on the topic of careers in media. The 2008 Louisiana Shorts Fest is free and open to the public, and will be held in the Louisiana Humanities Center at 938 Lafayette Street. For more information about the festival, contact Isabel Theriot at (504) 940-5780 or email isabel@novacvideo.org.
Booksigning for The Johnny Adams Story
Saturday, October 18 at 2 p.m.
Mrs. Judy Adams, widow of the late, great Johnny Adams, will sign copies of her new brand-new book, The Johnny Adams Story, a loving memoir of her life with of one of the finest singers of the 20th century. The signing will take place at Louisiana Music Factory's retail tent at the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival in Lafayette Square Park. Admission is free and open to the public.
Conflict Resolution Day 2008
Thursday, October 16
The City Council has proclaimed October 16, 2008 Conflict Resolution Day in New Orleans (in keeping with the day that is recognized around the country and internationally, the third Thursday of each October). We are encouraging everyone in the community — schools, agencies, organizations and individuals — to celebrate the day by hosting an event, honoring a person who contributes to the non-violent resolution of conflict in the community, or just raising awareness of the importance of learning constructive ways to solve problems with peace and with justice.
Community Mediation Services and Mediators Beyond Borders will sponsor a free workshop on Conflict Resolution Day for anyone in the community to attend. The workshop is called "How to Get What You Want Through Effective Communication," and will be held at the Ashé Cultural Center. The groups also have lots of information and ideas to help other organizations decide how to recognize the day.
Bad To the Bone: Rescued on the Runway
Thursday, October 16 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Join Hurwitz Mintz and Petcetera at Republic New Orleans at their canine / human fashion show. All doggie models are available for adoption and hope to be rescued on the runway. Admission is $25 for humans and $15 for dogs (dogs must RSVP). All event proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Louisiana to aid in their battle against animal cruelty. There will also be a Human / Dog Pair Costume Contest with celebrity judges Josh Danzig (Where Y'at), Margaret Orr (WDSU) and Roop Raj (WDSU). Only 150 tickets are left for purchase at Petcetera, 3205 Magazine Street. Call (504) 269-8711 or email store@petceteraneworleans.com for more information.
Call for Nominations for Youth Advisory Board
Operation REACH is seeking energetic middle and high school youth from the greater New Orleans area who are looking to make a difference in the community. The Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund is a youth philanthropy initiative that engages youth as leaders and empowers them with the resources to make strategic investments in their peers and communities. The Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund is a program of Operation REACH, Inc., a local community education resource that engages, empowers, and inspires children, youth and families through informal learning. To nominate a young person in your community, email awilson@thegyac.org or call (504) 529-1922 today.
Free Health Screenings at Lower 9th Ward Health Clinic
Sunday, October 12 to Tuesday, October 14 from 4 - 7 p.m.
Nurses from across the country will join together to offer free screenings at the Lower 9th Ward Health Clinic for "Take a Loved One to the Doctor Days," a free health clinic running three consecutive days for residents in the 9th Ward area. Flu vaccines will also be administered during the clinics, as well as education for heart disease prevention and diabetes control. For more information, see the Med-Ed Seminars website or call Lisa Allen at (800) 763-3332.
Seminar: "The Jazz Culture of New Orleans"
Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11
You're invited to attend a seminar on jazz culture presented by Dillard University and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation's Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture Series. The seminar will take place at Stern Hall Auditorium at Dillard University, 2601 Gentilly Blvd. from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday and from 10:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The program includes a screening of Faubourg Treme: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans, panel discussions, lectures and a jam session with Edward Anderson, Jesse McBride, Sasha Masakowski, drummer Herlin Riley and other top jazz musicians. For the complete schedule of events, go to the Jazz & Heritage Foundation website. For more information, call Dillard University at (504) 816-4701, or the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc. at (504) 558-6100.
Tsunami Dance Company Premieres "Street of Crocodiles"
Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11 at 8 p.m.
Three-time Big Easy Award-winning Tsunami Dance Company (TDC) will premiere "Street of Crocodiles" at Lupin Hall, NOCCA/Riverfront, 2800 Chartres Street in New Orleans. This unique concert is a modern dance and short film collaboration inspired by the 1934 novel by Bruno Schulz. TDC choreographers Kettye Voltz, Erin Healan, Jeffrey Gunshol, Tierney St. John and Michaela Cannon teamed with locally renowned artists Jeff Louvière and Vanessa Brown to create an innovative, edgy take on Schulz's imagery and philosophy. Tsunami has been described by audiences as intensely physical, visceral and accessible to the general public. For more information, please visit tsunamidance.com.
Michael P. Smith Memorial / Second Line Parade
Saturday, October 11 at 1:30 p.m.
A jazz second line with the Treme Brass Band will honor and celebrate the life of the great New Orleans photographer Michael P. Smith. It will be followed by a tribute at Tipitina's, 501 Napoleon Avenue, from 3 to 7 p.m.
The second line will begin at Second Street and and Dryades Street in uptown New Orleans. From Second and Dryades, the parade will go down Danneel to Louisiana, stop at Carondelet & Louisiana, continue down Louisiana to Constance, down Constance to Marengo, Marengo to Annunciation, down Annunciation to Napoleon, and end up at Tipitina's.
Louisiana Music Factory In-Stores
Saturday, October 11 at 2 p.m.
Liese's Living Room celebrates the release of their new CD, Hope So . . . at the Louisiana Music Factory, 210 Decatur Street in the French Quarter. At 3 p.m., Armand St. Martin performs songs off of his new CD, Katrina Anthem. Shows are free and open to the public.
Old Tyme Shape Note / Sacred Harp Singing School
Saturday, October 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Beginners, experienced singers and listeners are all welcome to the Northshore Shape Note Old Tyme Singing School & Singing at Mandeville City Hall, with a potluck lunch on the grounds. Singing master John Merritt will be traveling from Mississippi to teach and lead, and as usual, the first hour will be devoted to "Shape Note Singing from Scratch."
All Northshore Shape Note Singings are open to the public, totally inclusive and open to everyone of all ages and experience. There is no cost, and materials will be available for loan or purchase. The ONLY requirement is a love for music and a desire to sing (or listen!). For more information, go to www.lashapenote.org or call (985) 789-2932.
GNOICS Italian Festa
Saturday, October 11 at 11 a.m.
The Greater New Orleans Italian Cultural Society (GNOICS) is pleased to announce the New Orleans Italian Cultural and Heritage Festa at the Piazza d’Italia, on the corner of Poydras and Tchoupitoulas Streets in downtown New Orleans. The GNOICS is reviving the tradition of a celebration in the piazza of Italian food, culture and fun. The Festa is all about New Orleans’ Italians and their contributions to music, history, food and the arts.
St. Peter Claver's Eighth Annual Jazz Extravaganza
Saturday, October 11 at 8 p.m.
St. Peter Claver Catholic School will host its 8th Annual Jazz Extravaganza: "Economy Hall Revisited" in the Saint Peter Claver Music Hall, located at 1020 Prieur Street. A VIP Reception is scheduled from 6:45 to 7:50 p.m. The theme of this year’s benefit is “Live at 1020 Rue Prieur.” A look back at the early days of jazz in the historic Tremé, the event will feature some of the best local jazz talent that New Orleans has to offer. The line-up includes vocalist Sharon Martin, violinist Michael Ward, trumpeter James “Satchmo of the Ghetto” Andrews, and alto saxophonist and singer Donald Harrison, Jr., and will feature the SPC Jazz Orchestra directed by Chris Severin. For ticket information, please call (504) 822-8059.
Prince of Wales Second Line
Sunday, October 12 at 1 p.m.
This Sunday, the Prince of Wales Lady Wales 80th Annual Second Line starts uptown at 1 p.m. at the Rock Bottom Lounge, 3801 Tchoupitoulas Street. The second line will proceed to LeRoux, the Sandpiper Lounge, Charles Wright's Watering Hole and Li'l Bruh's Hideaway before returning to the Rock Bottom.
Teach For America Founder / CEO Wendy Kopp Speaks at Tulane
Tuesday, October 7 at 7 p.m.
The CEO and founder of Teach For America, Wendy Kopp, will speak at Tulane University's McAlister Auditorium on the topic of “Eliminating Educational Inequity.” Wendy Kopp’s speech on the education reform movement in greater New Orleans will be followed by a question-and-answer session. For more information, please call (504) 648-6905 or email GNODevelopment@teachforamerica.org. One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.
New Orleans Seafood Festival
Friday, October 3 through Sunday, October 5
The Second Annual Seafood Festival will be held for three days on Fulton Street next to Harrah's Hotel. Great music and food from some of New Orleans' best restaurants and caterers will be featured.
Check out the musical line-up on www.neworleansseafoodfestival.com, and stop by if you happen to be attending the Blues Travelers event at Harrah's Fulton Square on Friday, or while you're out for Art for Art's Sake on Saturday.
Congo Square Rhythms Festival
Saturday, October 4 to Sunday, October 5
The Congo Square Rhythms Festival will celebrate African music, dance, art and food from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days. Originally scheduled to take place in Louis Armstrong Park, the festival has had to relocate due to construction in the park. The new location is on the banks of Bayou St. John, at the intersection of Orleans Avenue.
Highlights include a tribute to bounce music on Saturday, a drum summit on Sunday that will feature many of New Orleans' top percussionists, as well as performances by Kermit Ruffins, Donald Harrison, Jr. and Segunon Koné from the Ivory Coast. Also featured will be some of the top African dance troupes from New Orleans, five Mardi Gras Indians tribes, and a range of activities for kids, including drum and mask-making workshops.
City of New Orleans Recycling Drop-Off Event
Saturday, October 4 from 9 a.m. - noon
The City of New Orleans holds monthly recycling drop-off events on both sides of the Mississippi River. The location on the West Bank is the public library at General DeGaulle and Holiday Drive. On the East Bank, you can go to North Claiborne Avenue at St. Peter Street, in the neutral ground. They don't accept glass or household hazardous waste containers. For more information, please see the City of New Orleans' website.
Congo Square Art Exhibition Opens
Saturday, October 4
"The Influence of Congo Square on our Culture," the second annual Congo Square exhibition, will be on display at the foundation's Jazz & Heritage Gallery, at 1205 N. Rampart Street.
Art for Art's Sake Opening at Anton Haardt Gallery
Saturday, October 4 from 6 - 9 p.m.
The Anton Haardt Gallery will give New Orleans an opportunity to see some great folk art from the deep South at a book signing and reception at the gallery, located at 2858 Magazine Street.
The reception will feature the band Faros Mystiques playing outside for art devotees. The exhibit of artworks by Anton Haardt and Christopher Moses, "Off The Beaten Path," showcases 18 years of making art in the jungle. The gallery's ongoing exhibits include "The Folk Art Of Mose T," with paintings by folk artist Mose Tolliver. Anton will having a book signing for her new book, Mose T from A to Z: The Folk Art Of Mose Tolliver. For more information, please visit Anton Haardt's Pentimentos and the Surreal Double Vision of Christopher Moses.
Art For Arts' Sake at the Angela King Gallery
Saturday, October 4 from 6 - 9 p.m.
Come see Michelle Gagliano's new work at the Angela King Gallery, located at 241 Royal Street. Her work has a naturalistic beauty that is a compliment to any setting. Music by the Courtyard Kings, food by Steve the Cake Man, and a good time to be had by all.
Art for Art's Sake at Petcetera
Saturday, October 4 from 6 - 10 p.m.
Petcetera on Magazine Street will be open for Art for Art's Sake, featuring the photographic works of official Petcetera pet photographer, Scott Stuntz, and the
artwork of local pet-loving artists. Mr. Stuntz will also be available with a full scene to photograph your pet. Cocktails and light hors d'oeuvre will be served throughout the event. Pets are always welcome! Please call (504) 269-8711 or email store@petceteraneworleans.com for more information.
Congo Square Cultures in Motion Dance Concert
Friday, October 3
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents the Congo Square Cultures in Motion Dance Concert. Location and time to be announced. Check the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation website for updates.
Vino on the Bayou
Friday, October 3 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Begin your weekend with neighbors and friends . . . sipping into sunset on the beautiful Bayou St. John! Vino On The Bayou will feature a book signing by Jan Arrigo and Laura McElroy, author and illustrator of Plantations & Historic Homes of New Orleans.
The event will take place at the Pitot House Museum, located at 1440 Moss Street. Admission is $10 per person, or $5 for Landmarks members. All proceeds are donated to Louisiana Landmarks Society. For more information, call Cork & Bottle at (504) 281-4384, or visit the Cork & Bottle website.
"Get Out Da Vote"
Thursday, October 2 from 3 - 9 p.m.
A voter registration drive at the Legendary Ernie K-Doe Mother-in-Law Lounge, 1500 N. Claiborne Avenue, features live local music and free "Ernie K-Doe" red beans and rice for anyone who registers to vote or brings proof of voter registration.
If you would like to volunteer for this and other events around town, call (504) 948-0392, or send an email to pietyinndesire@aol.com. They are also looking for local watering holes to host other "Get Out Da Vote" events.
Tom Dent Congo Square Symposium
Wednesday, October 1 to Thursday, October 2
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents its bi-annual Tom Dent Congo Square Symposium, named in honor of the influential poet, writer and jazz scholar from New Orleans who passed in 1998. The free scholarly symposium will feature panel discussions on the the historical role of Congo Square in the development of American culture, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each evening at the Jazz & Heritage Gallery, located at 1205 N. Rampart Street.
"A La Ceiba, Honduras" Fashion Show & Fundraiser
Wednesday, October 1 at 6 p.m.
Carolina Gallop presents the First Annual Post-Katrina / Gustav Fashion Show Extravaganza at the Blue Nile, 523 Frenchmen Street, hosted by Margarita Bergen and Ranord Darensburg.
With a special tribute to fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, the fundraiser features entertainment by DJ Otto, Chief Alfred Doucette, Karen Gant Andrews, Big Pearl, Mike Hood, Lela Cloud, and Claudia Baumgarten; puppetry by Harry Mayronne and "Ms. Viola"; impersonators Ms. Princess Stephanie, Ava and Ms. Raven Kennedy; a special fashion showcase by Mo. Howlpop; and men's fashions by Alton Osborn.
For ticket info, call the Blue Nile at 948-BLUE or visit Mouth of the South Promotions.
Community Events for September, 2008
American Whiskey Fest
Wednesday, September 24 to Thursday, September 25
Sponsored by Bourbon House and the New Orleans Bourbon Society, the American Whiskey Fest pairs the world's best master distillers with distinctive New Orleans cuisine for a two-day event benefiting the Southern Food & Beverage Museum. Visit www.bourbonhouse.com for more information.
"Vital Signs" Exhibition at Newcomb Art Gallery
Sunday, September 21
An examination of drawings and works on paper within the context of new forms of digital production, the show features more than 50 works, many revealing laborious construction and strong architectural components that push the boundaries of drawing.
The Newcomb Art Gallery in located in the Woldenberg Art Center on Tulane's uptown campus. The exhibition "Vital Signs" runs through October 19. Gallery hours are from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call (504) 314-2406 or visit the Newcomb Art Gallery website.
PJ's Celebrating 30th Anniversary with Birthday Bash
Wednesday, September 3
PJ's Coffee of New Orleans is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a two day celebration. The big Birthday Bash will be held Wednesday, September 3 with the Rebirth Brass Band, at their original Maple Street location.
Stop in from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to enjoy the soulful sounds of Rebirth while sipping a complimentary iced or hot coffee beverage. The celebration will continue on Thursday, September 4, at all participating PJ's locations, where customers will receive one free Anniversary Blend coffee.
Free Dance Party to Celebrate Opening of New Dance Studio
Saturday, September 13 from 8:00 p.m. - 12 midnight
Dance Renaissance announces the opening of Dance Quarter, New Orleans' new home for social dancing. The kick-off celebration this Saturday will feature free lessons, dance demonstrations and open dancing, providing an opportunity for all to share the love of social dance and its benefits.
From swing, salsa, tango, samba and more, Dance Quarter offers dance classes, workshops and parties to help people improve their dancing skills and strengthen social connections. Dance Quarter is located at 2134 Magazine Street, on the third floor. For more information, visit DanceQuarter.com or call (504) 897-0327.
City of New Orleans Recycling Event Cancelled
Saturday, September 13th
Please be advised that this month's recycling event previously scheduled for Saturday, September 13th has been cancelled. The next event will take place on October 4th. For more information, please see the City of New Orleans' website.
Auditions for the Heritage School of Music Rescheduled
Thursday, September 18 and Saturday, September 20
Auditions for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and
Foundation’s free after-school music program, the Don Jamison Heritage
School of Music, have been rescheduled after being postponed because of
Hurricane Gustav.
The Heritage School of Music is open to beginners and advanced music
students ages 11 to 18 from the entire New Orleans area. Instruction
will be offered in brass, woodwinds, piano, bass, drums and voice.
The Heritage School of Music will operate this fall at two campuses:
Thursday afternoons at Lusher Charter High School and Saturday mornings
at Dillard University.
Registration, skills assessments and first classes will be held:
Thursday, September 18 at 3:30 p.m.
Lusher Charter High School
5624 Freret Street
Saturday, September 20 at 10 a.m.
The Cook Fine Arts Center at Dillard University
2601 Gentilly Blvd.
For more information, please see the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation's website or contact the foundation at (504) 558-6100.
Reach Out and Read Benefit
Friday, September 19 from 7 to 9 p.m.
British artist Mackenzie Thorpe returns to New Orleans to unveil the Young Leadership Council model streetcar that he painted with children from Girls First, a nonprofit sports and health camp for at-risk girls. The streetcar is to be auctioned off to benefit the Louisiana Reach Out and Read program.
The streetcar will be auctioned off at the Angela King Gallery, 241 Royal Street, with proceeds going to help the Louisiana chapter of Reach Out and Read, a national organization that promotes early literacy.
For more information about Girls First, please go to www.girlsfirst.info.
Community Events for August, 2008
Satchmo SummerFest
July 31 - August 3, 2008
At the end of the month, we celebrate Louis Armstrong’s birthday with the Satchmo SummerFest. Held from July 31 to August 3 at the Old U.S. Mint, this popular festival has numerous outdoor concerts, seminars, a Friday night club crawl and second-line parade.
Satchmo Club Strut
Friday, August 1, 2008
The New Orleans Jazz Centennial Celebration is proud to bring back New Orleans' newest summer tradition with the 8th Annual Satchmo Club Strut, the musical club crawl down Frenchmen Street, on Friday, August 1, 2008.
The Satchmo Club Strut is a fundraiser for non-profit jazz outreach programs and a promotional vehicle for New Orleans' music community's rebuilding efforts. Strutters pay one price to be admitted to a number of New Orleans' premiere music clubs featuring top jazz bands honoring the Louis Armstrong legacy for one special night. Several VIP balcony parties round out the mix.
This year, The Satchmo Club Strut begins at 5 p.m. with the Second Line Creation Station in Washington Square. With help from members of social aid & pleasure clubs, Ms. Cherice Harrison-Nelson, Mardi Gras Indian Queen and public school teacher, supervises kids of all ages creating second line umbrellas, sashes and corsages for a uniquely New Orleans experience. At 6 p.m., the Opening Ceremonies begin, followed by a Second Line Jazz Parade down Frenchmen Street and live jazz in clubs up and down the music corridor. The music and fun continue until 2 a.m.
There are plenty of volunteer opportunities for music lovers. Spend three hours helping out and receive free admission to the Strut. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Jeannie Adams at (504) 282-4334. For more information, check out www.jazzcent.com, or call (504) 309-JAZZ.
Second Annual New Orleans Middle East Film Festival at Zeitgeist
August 1 through 10
In the Middle East, conflict is a more abundant natural resource than even oil. Curated by René Broussard, this remarkable program of 59 films in 10 days will explore the extremely rich and complex history, politics and culture of this volatile region.
Acclaimed and award-winning new films from or about Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates will be shown over 10 amazing nights, accompanied by food, music and visual art. All events will take place at the Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center. Festival passes are available at Zeitgeist nightly from 6:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. For a full schedule, see the Zeitgeist website.
St. Claude Sankofa Community Marketplace to Debut in the Lower 9th Ward
Saturday, August 9
A coalition of resident artists, community groups, churches and business owners partner with the Historic Lower 9th Ward Council for Arts and Sustainability to bring a monthly farmer's market, crafts market, health fair and entertainment to help spur economic growth and restoration.
The St. Claude Sankofa Marketplace begins Saturday, August 9th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of St. Claude Avenue and Caffin Avenue in the parking lot of the All Souls Episcopal Church. The event will feature health screenings, children's activities, a fresh produce farmer's market, voter registration, local entertainment, access to community resources, a crafts market and an exhibition of Lower 9th Ward history and culture on the second Saturday of every month.
The Seventh Annual Dirty Linen Night Returns to the French Quarter
Saturday, August 9
On August 9, 2008, over 50 galleries and shops on Royal Street, Jackson Square and Dutch Alleymwill open their doors to meet and greet art lovers in a block party featuring new works, home decor, jewelry and local memorabilia. "Dirty linen" attire is optional, but highly encouraged!
Beginning at 6 p.m., the Art Walk will encompass the 200 to 1000 blocks of Royal Street (from Iberville to Dumaine Streets,) the 500 blocks of St. Anne and St. Peter on Jackson Square, and the Dutch Alley Artist Co-Op at Dumaine and Decatur Streets.
The gallery opening party will feature free music, food, wine and spirits of all kinds, and its attendees will have the opportunity to meet shopkeepers and local creative artisans for a festive night in the French Quarter.
Tenth Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Induction, Awards Ceremony and Memorial Tribute
Sunday, August 10
The Tenth Annual Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Induction, Awards Ceremony, and Memorial Tribute will be held Sunday, August 10, 2008, from 5 to 6 p.m. in Congo Square.
According to Cherice Harrison-Nelson, the organizer of the annual awards ceremony, representatives from area New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian gangs have been invited to participate. In addition to performances by the Indian gangs, the program will feature the presentation of awards to Mardi Gras Indians and community leaders who have supported the Mardi Gras Indian tradition.
Cutting Edge Music Business Conference & Roots Music Gathering
Thursday, August 14 through Saturday, August 16
The 16th annual Cutting Edge Music Business Conference and Roots Music Gathering will take place August 14th - 16th at the Westin Canal Place in New Orleans. The conference features five mini-conferences rolled into one, each focused on various aspects of the business of music.
The Cutting Edge Entertainment Law Seminars give local and regional attorneys a chance to catch up on the latest in entertainment law from litigation trends to recording and film contracts, copyrights and publishing. The Cutting Edge Music Business Sessions feature successful music professionals who will address everything from getting your music in films, to booking, touring, publicity and promotions.
The Film and Interactive Media Workshops will show independent filmmakers how to finance films and garner distribution deals. There is also a showcase element where bands from all over the Southeast show off their skills at venues across the city. For more information, you can visit the Cutting Edge website.
The Roots Music Gathering is an exciting element of the Cutting Edge that is free and open to the public. It features panels and oral histories with local and internationally known musicians. One of this years' highlights is an interview with the oldest living members of the Blind Boys of Alabama done by WWOZ's own Tom Morgan. For more information, you can visit the Roots Music Gathering area of the Cutting Edge Web site.
Fifth Anniversary Celebration at the Ogden Museum with Lionel Ferbos & the Louisiana Shakers
Thursday, August 21
In recognition of his distinguished career that spans almost a century, Ferbos was honored with the Music Heritage Award at the 16th Annual Big Easy Entertainment Awards. Ferbos will be celebrating his 97th birthday this year, making him the oldest living jazz musician in New Orleans.
Part of the Ogden After Hours series, the celebration takes place from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday in the Lobby Atrium of The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp Street. For more information, go to the Ogden Museum's website or call (504) 539-9600.
Louisiana State Museum Offers Lecture on Slavery and the Military Defense of Colonial New Orleans
Thursday, August 21
The History Ya-Ya Series presents a talk by Professor Joseph Frederick Stoltz, III called, "Spaniards, and British, and Slaves, Oh My!: Organizing the Defense of the Orleans Territory."
One of the first decisions the United States had to make following the Louisiana Purchase was how to organize the defense of its new territory. Military policy in America from the time of colonization was to let the locals defend themselves in an organized militia.
But with the prospect of a militia formed of French-speaking Catholics, most of whom were free people of color ("gens de couleur libres"), the government arranged for other policies. Dr. Stoltz explores this period in time and how the Orleans Territory suffered and succeeded.
The talk is Thursday, August 21, 2008, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Louisiana State Museum, 600 St. Peters Street. For more information, please visit the Louisiana State Museum's website or call (504) 568-8215.
Back-to-School Happy Hour Party for All Teachers at Kermit Ruffins' New Jazz Club
Friday, August 22
Celebrate the beginning of the school year with a special Back-to-School Happy Hour Party at Kermit's Jazz Saloon, 1200 St. Bernard Avenue. With free admission and food, the theme of the party is "Old School vs. New School." DJ Charles will be spinning all your back-to-school favorites from 5:00 p.m. "until." Call (504) 947-2379 for more info.
World Premiere of In Harmony: Reflections, Thoughts & Hopes of Central City
Friday, August 22 and Saturday, August 23
Reach Nola & Videovoice Collective present the world premiere of The New Orleans Videovoice Project, In Harmony: Reflections, Thoughts & Hopes of Central City.
Screenings will be held August 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center and August 23 at 5:00 p.m. at the Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center.
In Harmony is a film about everyday people finding their voices
and coming together to tell the story of their neighborhood, Central
City New Orleans. The screenings are free, and they will be followed by
a reception, filmmaker Q & A, and a community action session
facilitated by local leaders.
This will mark the first film premiere for the New Orleans
Videovoice Project. For more information and to see a preview of the
film, go to the Videovoice Collective's website.
2008 Second-Line Parade Season Begins
Sunday, August 24
Celebrate the beginning of the 2008 second-line season with The Valley of Silent Men Social & Pleasure Club, who present their 23rd Year Anniversary Parade this Sunday, starting at 1 p.m. sharp at the Club Bali Lounge, 2600 Martin Luther King Blvd.
From the Club Bali, the parade takes an Uptown route, making frequent stops at local establishments, and ending at Dorothy's Lounge at 1739 South Liberty Street some hours later. As the club advises, "Be Nice! Have Fun! Enjoy Yourselves!"
St. Louis Cathedral to Present a Rare Performance of Eighteenth-Century French Organ Music
Sunday, August 24
On Sunday, August 24 at 6 p.m., Michel Bouvard, one of the world's leading organists and an authority on French baroque organ music, will give a rare performance of François Couperin's Mass of the Parishes. The chant will be sung by the St. Louis Cathedral Choir.
In preparation for the concert, the cathedral choir will have the privilege of a period of intensive training under Ismael Fernández de la Cuesta, the world's leading authority on chant. The concert will provide a rare chance to hear the music, well known to the founding fathers of New Orleans, as originally intended. To be held at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, the concert will be free and open to the public.
To read more about this special concert and a workshop on Saturday with M. Bouvard, check out this article on the French Consulate of New Orleans' website.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Offers a Grants Workshop
Tuesday, August 26
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc., will offer a workshop to explain the application process for the Foundation's Community Partnership Grants. The workshop will be held Tuesday, August 26 at 7 p.m. at the foundation's office, located at 1205 North Rampart Street.
The foundation is currently offering grants in two categories: "Event Presenters and Producers: Festivals and Concerts in Music and Performing Arts," which provides funds to pay performers; and "Educational Programs in Music, Arts and Cultural Traditions," which provides funds to pay instructors. Both grant categories are open only nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. The deadline for applications in the Event Presenters category is August 29. The deadline for applications in the Education Programs category is September 30.
Application forms and guidelines for the Community Partnership Grants are available online at www.jazzandheritage.org, or from the foundation's office. For more information, please call (504) 558-6100.
Bunny Matthews Art Opening at Vega Tapas Café
Thursday, August 28 at 5:30 p.m.
Bunny Matthews, New Orleans' favorite cartoonist, opens a new show called "Da Eve o' Destruction" at Vega Tapas Cafe, 2051 Metairie Road. Bunny will display new original drawings and paintings, many featuring his signature characters, Vic & Nat'ly. The public is invited to attend the opening party. Complimentary wine, sangria, and tapas will be served. Visit Bunny's website to learn more.
Mos Def Headlines Benefit for Political Prisoners at Tipitina's
Thursday, August 28 at 9 p.m.
The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement presents a "Benefit for Black August" at Tipitina's, 501 Napoleon Avenue, to celebrate resistance and survival in the Crescent City. This year's show highlights the case of the Angola 3, and the International Coalition to Free the Angola 3 is a proud co-sponsor. Proceeds go to help political prisoners nationwide.
Appearing at the concert will be Mos Def & DJ Gold Medal, Sess 4-5, Young Sino, DJ E.F. Cuttin, MC One-Eye & Truth Universal, Gabrilla Ballard, Sunni Patterson, and Venezuelan hip-hop group Elegguae. For advance tickets or to volunteer, please contact Truth Universal at truthuniversal@yahoo.com. The show is free for volunteers. Read more about the event on the Black August Hip Hop Project's website.
Sankofa Second-Line and Community Festival
Friday, August 29 from 1 to 7 p.m.
"Remembering Storms of the Past — Building a Brighter Future" is the theme for this day of remembrance, celebration and uprising to mark the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
The second-line celebration will feature music from the Rebirth Brass Band, and will go from Galvez Street and Martin Luther King Blvd. to the Tremé Community Center at 1600 Saint Philip Street. A rally and community festival will follow, with residents raising their voices on critical issues and community artists telling stories of triumph. Check out Sankofa NOLA's website for more information.
Volunteers are needed for various jobs like serving food, leading chants, and cleaning up. If you would like to get involved, please call Ursula Price at (504) 522-3949, extension 223 or email ursula@safestreetsnola.org. In addition, you are welcome to attend a prop-making party on Wednesday, August 27th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Redemptorist Gym, 940 Josephine Street.
Help the Kids Go Back to School
School Supplies Collection Drive at the Backstreet Cultural Museum
Sylvester Francis, executive director of Backstreet Cultural Museum in the Tremé, along with the Fi-Yi-Yi Spirt of Mandigo Warrior Mardi Gras Indian Tribe, sponsors a school supplies collection and distribution each year for neighborhood kids.
Mr. Francis will be receiving any school supplies you would like to donate at the museum, 1116 St. Claude (in the Tremé, across from St. Augustine Church) until August 30, when the distribution will take place. For further info you can contact Mr. Francis at (504) 287-5224.
"New Orleans Speaks" — Conference on Social Innovation
Saturday, August 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The New Orleans Institute for Resilience and Innovation presents a day-long symposium on social innovation in New Orleans. The conference, to be held at the University of New Orleans' Kirschman Hall, at 2000 Lakeshore Drive, will be followed by a screening of the documentary, Rising from the Ruins.
New Orleanians have been challenged to evacuate, resettle, reevaluate and rebuild. New networks have formed and a new generation of private sector, not-for profit and community leaders have emerged. This symposium will give them a chance to share their compelling struggles and successes. Visit www.theneworleansinstitute.org to learn more or to register.
Community Events for July, 2008
Go 4th on the River
Friday, July 4, 2008
Celebrate Independence Day New Orleans Style!!!
Where: Woldenberg Park, NOLA Riverfront
The 18th Annual Go 4th on the River features celebrations on both sides of the river in this sizzling 4th of July holiday extravaganza, with events along the riverfront adjacent to the French Quarter and on the west bank of the river in Algiers.
Bands will be playing in four locations close to the riverbank, food will be served, and merchants on each bank will be open for business, many of them offering holiday specials. For an entertainment schedule, visit www.go4thontheriver.com.
Summer MarketPlace Festival
Sunday, July 5
The 2008 OC Haley Summer MarketPlace Festival, an outdoor celebration and shopping experience, will take place July 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Good Work Network Business Resource Center, 1824 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
The festival is an opportunity to meet local business owners and hear performers including Philip Manuel, Jo “Cool” Davis, Josephine Maria and the Rev. Lois Dejean. For directions and information, call (504) 309-2073 or go to www.goodworknetwork.org.
COOLinary New Orleans
Celebrating Dining in America's Most Delicious City!
The 4th annual New Orleans restaurant celebration, "COOLinary New Orleans," takes place July 1 to August 31, 2008. The celebration, which features special menus and pricing at restaurants throughout the city, is a natural fit for a city whose cuisine is an integral part of its history, fabric and culture.
Restaurants are offering specially priced COOLinary three-course menus during July and August. Enjoy lunch for $20.00 or less and dinner priced at $30.00 or less. Check back often as more restaurants are being added weekly. For more information, go to www.COOLinaryneworleans.com.
Be sure to visit your choice of restaurants to confirm when special menus will be offered. Participation varies. COOlinary menus are not valid July 4 - 6, 2008.
Participating restaurants:
| 7 on Fulton Arnaud's Restaurant Attiki Bar and Grill Bacco Bayona Bombay Club Bourbon House Seafood Brennan's Restaurant Broussard's Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Café Adelaide Commander's Palace Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse Dominique's at the Maison Dupuy Hotel Grand Isle |
La Côte Brasserie Le Café Martinique Bistro Maximo's Italian Grill Mélange Michaul's Live Music Restaurant Mr. B's Bistro Palace Café Pascal's Manale Red Fish Grill Restaurant Cuvée The Pelican Club Tomatillos Tujague's Restaurant Wolfe's in the Warehouse |
Harrah's New Orleans Presents "Joint's Jumpin'"
July 11 - 13 at 8:00 p.m.
Harrah's New Orleans brings back the sounds of yesterday's favorites with "Joint's Jumpin'," a musical revue that celebrates classic New Orleans rhythm and blues hits from the 1950s and 1960s — freewheeling, happy-go-lucky music with high-energy arrangements, soul-shaking horns and vocals that get you feeling that funky New Orleans beat! Shows take place nightly in Harrah's Theatre.
2nd Annual Bastille Day Free Festival
Saturday, July 12 from 5 - 9 p.m.
In recognition of Bastille Day, the Faubourg St. John Merchants Association is holding a street fair on Ponce de Leon with food and drink from local merchants, live music by Vavavoom and the String Beans, arts and crafts, and kid's activities, as well as the French lawn game pétanque. Don't miss this great event for the whole family!
Events in July at the Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center
Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m.
Zeitgeist Creative Music Series
An eclectic and inventive series of concerts organized by area cellist Helen Gillet.
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. through July 9
"Beur is Beautiful": Arab / French Cinema
Zeitgeist, New Orleans Consulat De France & ArteEast in NY present an eight-week touring series of French / Arab Films. The term "beur" is a French slang derivation of the word "Arabe," and refers to the French-born children of North African (Maghrebi) immigrants of Arab origin who, for the most part, grew up in the concrete wasteland of France's low-income housing projects (banlieues).
Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m. through July 11
"Las Américas": New Films from Latin America
This weekly series of new films from Latin America is co-curated by Brian Knighten of local film distributor Las Américas Film Network, and was made possible through sponsorship from the Stone Center for Latin American Studies at Tulane University. For a full schedule, visit www.lasamericasfilms.org/nolaseries.
Zeitgeist is located at 1618 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. in New Orleans. For more information, please call (504) 827-5858 or go to www.zeitgeistinc.net.
New Orleans Afrikan Film and Arts Festival
The Black Roots Cinema Club of the New Orleans Afrikan Film and Arts Festival is dedicating its inaugural event to President Nelson Mandela, who turns 90 years old in July, 2008. Screenings of 10 films by South African director Zola Maseko will be held from Wednesday the 16th to Saturday, July 19th. Maseko will be present at all of the showings to interact with the public.
Wednesday, July 16: The opening screening, the New Orleans premier of Drum, will be at 7 p.m. in the Prytania Theatre. The Molto Chamber Orchestra, led by Jean Montès, will kick off the inital evening. Following the screening and discussion, there will be a reception in the lobby of the Prytania.
Thursday, July 17: The following evening, three short films by Maseko will be shown at 8 p.m. at The Porch, the 7th Ward Neighborhood Center at 1943 Pauger Street.
Friday, July 18: Films are screened at 7 p.m. at the Ashé Cultural Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard.
Saturday, July 19: The series wraps up on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Holy Faith Temple, 1325 Gov. Nicholls Street.
Black Roots Cinema Club organizes monthly screenings of films and discussions with their directors in different neighborhoods throughout New Orleans. For more information, please visit neworleansafrikanfilmfest.org.
Tales of the Cocktail
July 16 - 20, 2008
Tales of the Cocktail, the 6th annual culinary and cocktail festival, will celebrate the history and culture of cocktails and food in New Orleans with five days of first-class food and drink events.
The festival targets locals and visitors to the city with events for those looking to have a fun and festive weekend, people interested in learning about mixology and professionals furthering a cocktail or service industry career.
Tales of the Cocktail hosts mixologists, authors, chefs, bartenders, designers and cocktail gurus from around the world to assist in presenting seminars, tastings and professional series for amateurs and experts. In 2008, new events will include a cocktail market, cocktail cinema, seminars on subjects including eggs in cocktails, absinthe in the modern era, beer cocktails, molecular mixology and the first-ever International Symposium of Cocktail Shaker Collectors.
For more information, go to www.TalesoftheCocktail.com or phone (504) 343-4285.
Community Events for June, 2008
Treasures of Napoleon Exhibit
The Louisiana State Museum hosts Treasures of Napoleon, an exhibition open now through Aug. 3rd in the Old U.S. Mint. Treasures of Napoleon offers visitors an amazing opportunity to see beyond the myth of Napoleon Bonaparte and gain an understanding of this complex figure as a man. The exhibition includes over 250 extraordinary artifacts that trace this seminal historic figure's life.
African Drum Class for Beginners
Learn proper hand techniques for playing the djembe. There will be some discussion of African culture, and there will be other African percussion instruments used in this class. Classes will be held every Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Sound Cafe, 2700 Chartres St., New Orleans.
St. John's Eve 2008
Monday, June 23rd, 7 p.m.: Sallie Ann Glassman and La Source Ancienne Ounfo celebrate St. John's Eve with their annual ceremony on the footbridge over Bayou St. John (near Cabrini High School). For the Vodou Ceremony, please wear all white and bring a white scarf or rag for your head. (It will get dirty.) Bring an offering for Marie Laveau. She likes flowers, blue and white candles, Creole foods, hair ribbons and hair dressing supplies (she was a hairdresser), Vodou-esque items (Voodoo dolls, potions, gris-gris bags, etc.), or images of Marie Laveau.
St. John's Eve Eve: the same ceremony will be held Saturday, June 21st at 7:00 p.m. at the International House Hotel, 221 Camp St. in New Orleans.
Audubon Insectarium
The Audubon Insectarium is now open in the U.S. Custom House, located at 423 Canal Street. The Audubon Insectarium invites visitors into the exotic — and sometimes unbelievable — insect world. The facility features 23,000 square feet of exhibit space inside the U.S. Custom House building, with more than 70 dynamic exhibits.
Neighborhood Housing Services Fundraiser
Monday, June 23
On June 23, comedian and actor Eddie Izzard will make a stop out of his hugely successful “Stripped” tour to perform a benefit concert to help low and moderate-income citizens of New Orleans become sustainable homeowners.
The one-night-only benefit presented by WestBeth Entertainment in association with The Jefferson Performing Arts Society, will take place on Monday, June 23, at 7:30 p.m. at McAlister auditorium at Tulane University. One hundred percent of proceeds will be going to Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans. Following the comedian's lead, Ticketmaster has agreed donate a portion of its ticket fees to the Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans. Tickets go on sale Sunday, June 8, through New Orleans Ticketmaster at (504) 522-5555 or www.ticketmaster.com. There will be a special reception with Izzard after the show for "Producer's Circle" ticket holders.
Neighborhood Housing Services has been a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for 30 years, providing comprehensive services for first-time homebuyers and existing homeowners through counseling, classroom training, loan packaging, and construction management services. The mission of Neighborhood Housing Services is to revitalize New Orleans neighborhoods by increasing the number of homeowners and reducing the number of substandard or vacant houses through renovation into sustainable and productive homeownership. In addition to its citywide efforts, NHS engages in comprehensive community development within targeted neighborhoods to improve the quality of life and promote commercial redevelopment.
The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Celebration
Saturday, June 28
The Arts Council of New Orleans, RTA, and the Carrollton Area Network are creating a grand celebration for the return of the St. Charles streetcar to its traditional route.
On Saturday, June 28th beginning at 9:00 am at Carrollton and St. Charles in the Riverbend — concluding at 10:00 am in Palmer Park, witness the ceremonies commemorating this historic event along Carrollton Avenue, then stay for a day of festivities at the Arts Market of New Orleans.
The Porta-Puppet Players present Vatican Lokey in "Dr. Seuss on the Loose" at 10:30 a.m. in the Kids Tent. Puppet-making crafts after the show. Also, streetcar storytelling and coloring in the Carrollton Area Network booth. Live performances in the Music Tent by Loose Marbles at 1:00 p.m., followed by the Kaya Martinez Quartet at 2:30 p.m.
For more information about the Arts Market of New Orleans, please call (504) 523-1465 or visit artscouncilofneworleans.org.
Pride Fest
Saturday, June 28 & Sunday, June 29
PARADE: June 28th at 4:30 p.m. Washington Square Park (Elysian Fields at Royal Street). The parade will step-off promptly at 4:30 p.m. In planning for parade day, we encourage participants to be at the site, the Elysian Fields side of Washington Square Park, at 3:30 pm. Bring coolers with an appropriate supply of throws, snacks and beverages for your group.
Gay Pride is a free festival open to the public with music, food, and craft booths. Come to Washington Square Park on Saturday, June 28 & Sunday, 29th, enjoy good food and entertainment and hear great music from any place within the park, and even on the parade route. A sampling of performers includes Charmaine Neville, Big Chief Doucette, Lisa Lynn, Mr. and Ms. Gay Pride and the Starrlight Girls review.
Trinity Church – 1329 Jackson Avenue – New Orleans
Sunday, June 29 – 8th Annual Independence Day Music Festival
Starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. with a three-hour patriotic festival in honor of World War II veterans. The festival will feature a color guard and rousing patriotic music and dance, including The Navy Band of New Orleans, Delfeayo Marsalis, rhythm & blues sensation Topsy Chapman & her trio, and Albinas Prizgintas performing patriotic hymns.
Musicians Team Up for Sunday Services
Sunday, June 29
Music is the spice of spiritual life at Parker Memorial United Methodist Church, 1130 Nashville Ave., where Michael Skinkus and Ralph Gipson will perform Sunday, June 29th at 11 a.m.
Skinkus, a percussionist and educator, performs locally in several genres of music, including funk, jazz, Latin, rock and folk rhythms. Appearing with Skinkus will be Gipson, a jazz and Latin keyboardist. The duo appeared together this year at Jazz Fest with the award-winning Latin band Fredy Omar con su Banda. "I believe their improvisational style will demonstrate the divine mystery of musical worship arising from the Source of all creativity," the Rev. Dr. William Thiele, pastor, said.
A free pot-luck luncheon will follow this Sunday's worship service. The public is invited to attend. For information, visit www.parkerchurch.net on the web.
The Upper 9th Ward Farmers Market / Bywater Market
Every Saturday
The Market takes place every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. inside the Holy Angel Convent’s parking lot at 3500 St. Claude Avenue. For more information or to participate as a food vendor, call Margery at (504) 343-3505 or the Market Office at (504) 482-5722. Good health begins with good food.
The Market offers free Yoga classes from noon to 1 p.m. inside the Chapel. “We are excited to be the oldest of the ‘new’ markets to open after Katrina,” said the market manager. “We are here to serve the Marigny/Bywater Community along with the surrounding areas,” Margery added.
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ASHE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
TENTH ANNIVERSARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Ashé Cultural Arts Center announces its upcoming Tenth Anniversary celebration, October 15 - December 15, 2008. The celebration will include theater, dance, concerts, a photo shoot and art exhibits. The calendar of events follows:
THE ORIGIN OF LIFE ON EARTH: An African Creation Myth
This original dance adaptation has garnered Ashé Cultural Arts Center the 2007 Big Easy Award for Best Ethnic Dance Production. It is based on the book written by David Anderson who retells the story of creation as it has been handed down by his ancestors. Schools interested in fieldtrips should contact Dollie Rivas at (504) 239-0126.
NOCCA Riverfront - 2800 Chartres Street, New Orleans
October 23 and 24, 2008 (Student Fieldtrips)
10:00 a.m.
$5:00 for students
October 24 and 25, 2008
8:00 p.m.
$20 General Admission; $15 Students and Seniors
October 26, 2008
2:00 p.m. Matinee
$20 General Admission; $15 Students and Seniors
GREAT DAY AT ASHE
Ashé Cultural Arts Center will recreate its famous "Great Day in New Orleans" photo shoot that happened in 1998 in Congo Square. Carol Bebelle, executive director of Ashé, and photographer Eric Waters ushered in 300 African-American artists who showed up for the shoot and are documented in a poster that was autographed by the participants. Some of the artists who participated in the 1998 shoot were John Scott, Douglas Redd (Ashe Co-Founder), Morris F.X. Jeff, Jr., Willie Tee, Earl Turbinton, and Tex Stephens. For the upcoming shoot--"Great Day at Ashé"--local artists, musicians, current and former employees, volunteers, interns & Board members are invited to participate.
The deadline to register is October 21, 2008. Register at Ashé Cultural Arts Center, via E-Mail to dollearts@aol.com, or call Vy Johnson at (504) 813-9008, no later than October 21, 2008.
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE GOSPEL CONCERT
This foot-stomping, hand-clapping concert includes gospel performances from Jo "Cool" Davis, Rev. Lois Dejean and others, along with an open-air marketplace and vendors featuring holiday gifts and other ware.
ASHÉ CULTURAL ARTS CENTER – 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
November 1, 2008
Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Free Admission and Open to the Public
HER NAME IS NEW ORLEANS CONCERT
Based on the CD of the same name, this concert will feature some of New Orleans' best female artists.
ASHÉ CULTURAL ARTS CENTER – 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
November 1, 2008
7:00 P.M.
Free Admission and Open to the Public
SWIMMING UPSTREAM
Swimming Upstream, an original work co-produced by Carol Bebelle (Ashé Cultural Arts Center) and Eve Ensler (V-Day) premiered at V to the Tenth at the Superdome in April, 2008, and played to an audience of over 5,000. The work, penned by 16 local writers, is based on real stories of struggle and courageous acts during Hurricane Katrina. Guest Celebrities involved in the production include Shirley Knight, Jasmine Guy and Kerry Washington who will also appear in the Atlanta staging November 6-16, 2008
HOWLIN' WOLF - 907 South Peters Street, New Orleans
November 18, 2008
8:00 p.m.
$30 General Admission; $20 Students and Seniors
COLOR HIM REDD EXHIBIT
Color Him Redd is a tribute to the late Douglas Redd, Ashé Cultural Arts Center's Co-Founder. Artists are asked to create art pieces dedicated to Redd's memory and to write short notes based on their memories of or inspiration attributed to him. A photo of each artist is requested. Registration deadline is October 21, 2008. Interested artists should contact Dollie Rivas at dollearts@aol.com or Vy Johnson at (504) 813-9008.
ASHÉ CULTURAL ARTS CENTER – 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
EXHIBIT DATES: November 28, 2008 through December 31, 2008
Free Admission and Open to the Public
HOLIDAY ON THE BOULEVARD
This annual holiday marketplace features local vendors, live entertainment, storytelling, food, gifts, and more. Participants have an opportunity to meet Mama YeYe and Baba Kwanzaa, Ashé's holiday icons.
ASHÉ CULTURAL ARTS CENTER – 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
December 12-15, 2008
Free Admission and Open to the Public
For more information, contact Vy Johnson at (504) 813-9008.