Most theatrical performances inspire some sort of emotional reaction, but most times once the play is over the emotion fades into the darkness of the empty theater. In the spring of 2006, Andrew Vaught and Andrew Kingsley founded Cripple Creek Theatre Company in an effort to compel audiences to use that emotion to exact social change. Continue reading →
If there’s a scientist in you just waiting to jump out, head to BioBlitz this weekend. There, volunteer teams will be working alongside real scientists to count alligators, catch insects, spot birds and examine aquatic invertebrates within the 23,000 acres of the Barataria Preserve in Marrero. The preserve is part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical … Continue reading →
The New Orleans calendar is a listing of events taking place in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas from May 17-23, 2013. It covers music, plays, shows, parties, family-oriented entertainment and everything in between. Continue reading →
The Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo has become one of New Orleans’ favorite free festivals since it kicked off in 2006. And this year’s fest, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, will likely make the annual event more popular than ever. The 2013 Boogaloo is hosted on the banks of Bayou St. John by the MotherShip Foundation, a local group … Continue reading →
When the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts Institute (NOCCA) began putting together plans for a “Broadway at NOCCA” series, organizers had big dreams as to whom they wanted to bring to Lupin Hall, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts’ main performance venue. They dreamed big, and they got big, as in five-time Tony Award-winner Audra … Continue reading →
In a city famous for larger-than-life entertainers and great horn players, drummers and pianists, Andrew Duhon is a rarity: A poet turned singer-songwriter. Duhon appreciates the New Orleans music he grew up with, but the songs he writes are more in the vein of Jim Croce, John Prine, Townes Van Zandt and Bob Dylan than … Continue reading →
In its earliest years, chamber music was played privately for royalty and the elite. Even when it moved into concert halls, access was limited to those who could afford the luxury. A New Orleans-based organization is seeking to make chamber music accessible to the average person. In keeping with that mission, the Birdfoot Chamber Music … Continue reading →
5:30-9 p.m.: “A Musical Feast” at Madewood Plantation, Napoleonville. Chamber ensemble performances and dinner prepared by James Beard Award-winning Chef Stephen Stryjewski, of Cochon restaurant. $90 per person. 7:30 p.m.: “Birdfoot Backstage” with WWNO 89.9 FM. Participating musicians will perform and be interviewed by Gwen Thompkins, host of “Music … Continue reading →
It isn’t your typical fundraiser, at least as far as the entertainment is concerned. Rather than spend thousands of dollars on top-name talent, the NOCCA Institute would rather show off the talent it has within its own walls. So when guests gather at the annual Art & Soul gala May 19 at the … Continue reading →
“Crime against nature” is an old legal term, loosely defined as any sexual act or behavior that is not considered “natural” and has, in the past, been punishable by law. Now imagine that the two people engaging in such a “crime” are first cousins and, although they don’t know it, also clowns: the taboo factor is over the … Continue reading →
Everyone loves a great comeback story. Since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina rocked our precious city, New Orleans has been on a bona fide comeback kick, and the Big Easy, many feel, has never been more exciting. For some, though, coming back from the storm has been more of a trial than for … Continue reading →
“THE ADVENTURES OF BUTT BOY AND TIGGER”: 8 p.m., The Elm Theatre, 220 Julia St., New Orleans. $15. (504) 218-0055 or http://www.elmtheatre.org. “NEXT TO NORMAL”: 7:30 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday, Freeport-McMoRan Theater, The Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., New Orleans. Performance by Southern Rep. Thursday is Bloggers Night. … Continue reading →
THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT SERIES: 5 p.m., gates open; 6 p.m., performance begins, New Orleans Botanical Garden, City Park, 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans. With James River Movement. $10, adults; $3, children ages 5-12. http://www.neworleanscitypark.com. OGDEN AFTER HOURS: 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., New Orleans. Featuring Ignatius Saxophone … Continue reading →
METAIRIE NATIONAL POLICE WEEK EVENT: 4 p.m., University of Phoenix New Orleans campus, One Galleria Blvd., Metairie. Panel discussion on the topic of school security and networking forum afterward. http://www.eventbrite.com. AMPED! LEADERSHIP SUMMIT FUNDRAISER: 5 p.m., JuJu Bag Cafe, 5363 Franklin Ave., New Orleans. Live music and refreshments. http://www.eventbrite.com. Continue reading →
FRIDAY NIGHTS AT NOMA: 5 p.m., New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans. Lecture by Lisa Dennison and a screening of “Beasts of the Southern Wild” in the garden. (504) 658-4100 or http://noma.org. BENEITO’S ART: 3618 Magazine St., New Orleans. Jazz, … Continue reading →
The Audubon Zoo staged its first Mother’s Day celebration 30 years ago, starring one of New Orleans’ musical heroines, Irma Thomas. L. Ronald Forman, president and CEO of the Audubon Nature Institute, was director of the Audubon Zoo when he got the idea of staging a Mother’s Day event there. He hoped it would draw families to … Continue reading →
The next generation of soul-infused indie folk singers is making its way onto the stages of America, and one of the most ambitious of those young voices belongs to Emily Kopp. Though relatively new on the music scene, Kopp already has released an EP and a full-length album, and has opened for big names such as Eric Lindell, Brandi Carlile and Matchbox 20. Continue reading →
With mental health and the downsizing of mental health facilities in Louisiana so much in the news lately, was it by design that the upcoming Southern Repertory Theater musical production of “Next to Normal” deals with this sensitive subject? According to Aimee Hayes, producing artistic director for Southern Rep, the timing of the play dealing with mental … Continue reading →
The year is 1948. The place is the Deep South. At 72, Daisy Werthan, a wealthy but crotchety widowed Jewish schoolteacher, has just demolished a car, and her son Boolie takes her keys away and hires a chauffeur to drive her around. The driver is proud and soft-spoken. He is also black. Thus begins the Pulitzer Prize-winning … Continue reading →
“I don’t eat anything with a face.” It’s a phrase often uttered by vegetarians to graphically define their eating habits. Vegans are even stricter: No animals and nothing produced by animals (milk, eggs, even honey). Unlikely though it may seem, New Orleans has a vegetarian/vegan scene that is on fire, with a growing list of restaurants, … Continue reading →
THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT SERIES: 5 p.m., gates open; 6 p.m., performance begins, New Orleans Botanical Garden, City Park, 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans. With Leah Chase and Cindy Scott. $10, adults; $3, children ages 5-12. http://www.neworleanscitypark/garden. OGDEN AFTER HOURS: 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., New Orleans. Featuring Jimmy … Continue reading →
“DREAMGIRLS” FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST JENNIFER HOLLIDAY: 8 p.m., Lawless Memorial Chapel, Dillard University, New Orleans. All proceeds will go toward student scholarships. $25. http://dillard.edu. “THE ADVENTURES OF BUTT BOY AND TIGGER”: 8 p.m., The Elm Theatre, 220 Julia St., New Orleans. $15. (504) 218-0055 or http://www.elmtheatre.org.
AWARDS RECEPTION: 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Garden District Gallery, 1332 Washington Ave., New Orleans. Awards reception for Louisiana Watercolor Society International Exhibition, on display through May 25. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. (504) 891-3032. OPENING RECEPTION FOR JOEL PICKFORD-PHOTOGRAPHS OF SOUTHERN LOUISIANA: 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Octavia Art Gallery, 4532 Magazine … Continue reading →
DALAI LAMA FILM SERIES: 6 p.m., Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center, 1618 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans. http://www.zeitgeistinc.net. GERMAN-AMERICAN STUDIES CONFERENCE: Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon St., New Orleans. Hosted by The Historic New Orleans Collection and the Society for German American Studies. $25. http://sgas.org/symposium.
For me, a shameless carnivore of the highest order, meat is always my first thought when I hit the food areas at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival with a hungry belly and a wallet full of cash. And since you, like me, might not be able to indulge in every single meaty delight at … Continue reading →
Some folks — first-time festers, for certain — might not realize that the cuisine available at the Fair Grounds doesn’t begin and end with Cajun and Creole classics. The offerings for festival revelers looking for a taste of the exotic do not disappoint, as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is … Continue reading →
THURSDAY Widespread PanicAcura Stage4:30 p.m. Jam band Widespread Panic headlines the Acura Stage for the opening day of Jazz Fest’s second and final weekend. From Athens, Ga., Widespread Panic returned to the road last month following an … Continue reading →
The upcoming musical production of “Wicked,” the final offering of the 2012-13 Broadway in New Orleans series, is an attempt to soften the centuries-old image of witches, even if the title might imply otherwise. “The show is really about misunderstanding and discrimination, and how good deeds can be misunderstood and abused, and how … Continue reading →
Garrett Prejean, founder and artistic director of Elm Theatre, likes to produce plays that scare him — edgy, challenging shows that break the proverbial rules. That’s exactly what Elm Theatre is doing with its production of “The Adventures of Buttboy and Tigger,” which opens Friday. “At first, I had no reservations about doing … Continue reading →
DISNEY ON ICE AT LAKEFRONT ARENA Disney on Ice presents “Rockin’ Ever After,” nine performances at the UNO Lakefront Arena featuring ice skating, musical scenes from Disney and Pixar movies such as “The Little Mermaid,” “Brave” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Thursday-Sunday, $20-$65; tickets available at (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Continue reading →
DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS “ROCKIN’ EVER AFTER”: UNO Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave., New Orleans. Check website or call for showtimes. $18-$65. (800) 745-3000 or http://www.Ticketmaster.com or http://arena.uno.edu. “THE ADVENTURES OF BUTT BOY AND TIGGER”: 8 p.m., The Elm Theatre, 220 Julia St., New Orleans. $15. (504) 218-0055 or http://www.elmtheatre.org. … Continue reading →
“WAIT WAIT... DON’T TELL ME!” LIVE: 7 p.m., AMC Elmwood Palace 20, 1200 Elmwood Park Blvd., Harahan. Quiz show host Peter Sagal and judge/scorekeeper Carl Kasell welcome panelists Paula Poundstone, Mo Rocca and Tom Bodett. http://www.amctheatres.com. WHITNEY ZOO-TO-DO: Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St. New Orleans. Silent auction, … Continue reading →
THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT SERIES: 5 p.m., gates open; 6 p.m., performance begins, New Orleans Botanical Garden, City Park, 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans. With Patrice Fisher and Arpa with special artists from Mexico and Germany. $10, adults; $3, children ages 5-12. http://www.neworleanscitypark.com. JERMAL WATSON-WITH EDDIE ROBERTS WEST COAST SOUNDS: 8 p.m., Tipitina’s … Continue reading →
MICHALOPOULOS GALLERY JAZZ FEST RECEPTION: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., 617 Bienville St., New Orleans. Artist James Michalopoulos will be present and new paintings and sculptures will be on exhibit. (504) 558-0505. http://www.michalopooulos.com. ARTIST RECEPTION: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., LeMieux Galleries, 332 Julia St., New Orleans. Reception for Emily Wilson “Water Garden” and … Continue reading →
John Mayer, singer, guitarist, songwriter and ex-boyfriend of Taylor Swift and Jennifer Aniston, canceled his 2012 appearance at Jazz Fest after tissue inflammation on his vocal cords, a condition known as a granuloma, returned last year. He had surgery for the condition in 2011. Mayer told Billboard magazine that he spent about four months without saying a word. “The endurance was tough for me, but I started a new life,” he said. Continue reading →
The 2012 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival drew more than half-a-million patrons, up 30,000 from 2011. Even by Jazz Fest standards, last year’s lineup was exceptional. The acts included Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, the Eagles, the Beach Boys on their 50th anniversary tour, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the Foo Fighters, Bonnie … Continue reading →
Like many nonprofits in New Orleans, the Backbeat Foundation was created in the months following Hurricane Katrina. Its mission was to help musicians who suddenly found themselves without their homes, instruments or livelihoods. Initially, the group collected money and distributed it to those in need. But organizers soon realized that they could have the greatest impact … Continue reading →
Red Baraat and Gypsyphonic Disko Stooges Brass Band with Ricky B Ivan Neville Piano Sessions Vol 3 Monophonics and Nigel Hall Band Ike Stubblefield & Friends Continue reading →
FREE CONCERTS: noon-6 p.m., Louisiana Music Factory, 210 Decatur St., New Orleans. Noon, One Mind Brass Band; 1 p.m., Smoking Time Jazz Club; 2 p.m., Billy Iuso; 3 p.m., Johnny Sansone with Anders Osborne, Stanton Moore & Robert Mercurio; 4 p.m., Dukes Of Dixieland; 5 p.m., Bonerama; 6 p.m., Hot 8 Brass Band. (504) 586-1094. Continue reading →
For fabric collage artist Linc Bennett, of Atlanta, demonstrating his work in front of a live audience in the Louisiana Jazz & Heritage Festival’s Congo Square area provides an opportunity to share an intricate process that usually goes on behind closed doors. “You kind of have to see the process to appreciate how it works,” … Continue reading →
INSTRUMENTHEAD GRAND OPENING: 7 p.m., InstrumentHead Art Gallery, 2121 Chartres St., New Orleans, Jackprints presents InstrumentHead, a surrealist portrait series by photographer Michael Weintrob that captures iconic musicians without showing their faces. Live music. Twenty percent of proceeds benefit the Tipitina’s Foundation and New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation. Free. http://www.michaelweintrob.com/instrumenthead. Continue reading →
Strings and shadows take center stage in Marigny over the next two weekends as the Mudlark Public Theatre presents the second annual Giant Puppet Festival at the Marigny Opera House and its own theater on Port Street. “The Marigny Opera House’s size allows puppets and puppet works to literally be giant in scale, but … Continue reading →
LOYOLA BALLET: 8 p.m., Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, Loyola University, New Orleans. Featuring excerpts from “Ruslan and Lyudmila,” “La Vivandiere,” and contemporary works choreographed by Loyola business major Brandon Garza and forensic chemistry major Hilary Landry. $12. http://montage.loyno.edu or (504) 865-2074 “THE BACHELOR IN NEW ORLEANS”: 10 p.m., doors open for cocktails; … Continue reading →
There are adult foods — pate de foie gras, say, or roasted brussels sprouts with anchovy vinaigrette— and then there’s the kids menu (think chicken nuggets with ketchup), but few and far between are the stalwarts, those iconic, fiercely beloved dishes that light up the faces of diners whether they be 7 or 70. … Continue reading →