What a Weekend in NOLA - Free Donuts, Wine, Festivals, Naked Bikes, Celebrating with Mr. Okra and Art!

 Happy Weekend!  Lots of good stuff going on around town!

Friday Fun!

FREE DONUTS!!

Celebrate one of the sweetest days of the year by commemorating National Doughnut Day with a one-of-a-kind complimentary treat from Krispy Kreme®. Stop in to any participating Krispy Kreme US shops for a FREE doughnut of any variety.
Where: Krispy Kreme in Metairie and Marrero: 825 Clearview Parkway, Metairie, LA 70001 and 4808 Lapalco Boulevard Marrero, LA 70072
Who: Everyone!
How: Just show up! The offer is good for one free doughnut of any variety per customer on Friday, June 7 only. Visit for store locations.
Cost: Free! No purchase necessary!

Wine Tastings! 

It's the weekly wine tasting over at Pearl Wine Company (Orleans at Moss St.) - from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.  Come out and sample some fantastic wines!

And you can double your wine tasting fun! Check out Swirl located on Ponce de Leon right off Esplanade and enjoy a FREE wine tasting at 6:00 pm. Once you've tasted one of their excellent choices you'll be sure to be buy a bottle!

More Weekend Fun!

Quarter Festin'!

Festival season ain't over yet!  We got two big events in the Quarter this weekend! It's Cajun - Zydeco Fest at the The Old U.S. Mint (400 Esplanade) - Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm - Admission is free! 

The Cajun - Zydeco Fest features two stages of music, more than a dozen food vendors and a large crafts fair - all in the historic French Quarter - the event has become one of the major attractions of New Orleans' social calendar.  Check out the music schedule and click on the link for more food and fun fest info!  http://www.jazzandheritage.org/cajun-zydeco

Saturday, June 8

Esplanade Avenue Stage

11:30 am to 1:00 pm Mary Broussard & Sweet La La
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm T-Broussard & the Zydeco Steppers
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm Rosie Ledet

Barracks Street Stage

11:00 am to 12:30 pm Dikki Du & the Zydeco Krewe
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Les Freres Michot
3:15 pm to 4:45 pm Bruce Daigrepont
5:15 pm to 6:45 pm Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band

Sunday, June 9

Esplanade Avenue Stage

11:30 am to 1:00 pm Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic
1:15 pm to 2:45 pm Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm Sunpie & the La. Sunspots

Barracks Street Stage

11:00 am to 12:30 pm Li'l Nathan & the Zydeco Big Timers
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers
3:15 pm to 4:45 pm Beausoleil
5:15 pm to 6:45 pm Lost Bayou Ramblers

COOL! INTERVIEW STAGE
The National Park Service and the Louisiana State Museum are providing access to the beautiful new theater on the Third Floor of the Old U.S. Mint - where the Jazz and Heritage folks will present interviews with many of the performers. Audience members will hear first-hand how our artists learned their craft and carry on our culture. And it'll be a great place to get out of the heat and enjoy some cool air before heading back out for more dancing, eating and shopping. Interviews will be from noon to 5 p.m. both days of the festival.

Interview Stage Schedule:

Saturday

1:00 pm:  Dikki Du – interviewed by David Kunian
2:00 pm:  Mary Broussard & T-Broussard – interviewed by Bill deTurk
3:00 pm:  Les Freres Michot (Tommy Michot) – interviewed by Fred Kasten
4:00 pm:  The Babineaux Sisters – interviewed by Fred Kasten

Sunday

1:00 pm  Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes – interviewed by Fred Kasten
2:00 pm  Andre Thierry – interviewed by Fred Kasten
3:00 pm  Dwayne Dopsie – interviewed by Fred Kasten
4:00 pm  Lost Bayou Ramblers (Louis Michot) – interviewed by Fred Kasten

THE FRENCH MARKET'S 27TH ANNUAL CREOLE TOMATO FESTIVAL SATURDAY AND SUNDAY!

Creole Tomato Ursulines Street Stage

Saturday

10:30 am to 12:00 pm Jonno
12:30 pm to 2:00 pm The Babineaux Sisters
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm Ganey Arsement
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Sean Ardoin

Sunday

10 a.m. Music Street Jazz Band
12 noon Red Hot Brass Band
1:15-2:00 Ashley Renay
2:15-3:15 p.m. Erica Falls
3:30-5:00 p.m. Gina Brown
5:15-6:00 p.m. Lagniappe Brass Band

FRESH CREOLE TOMATOES FOR SALE& COMPLIMENTARY TOMATOES W/ RETAIL PURCHASE

This year's Creole tomatoes will be provided by George's Produce, Ben & Ben Becnel, Inc., and La Greco Farms and will be for sale throughout the Farmers Market. Retail shoppers who spend $30 in French Market District stores receive a free basket of tomatoes while supplies last. Tomato samples will be offered throughout the Festival.

COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS AT THE FARMERS MARKET ALL WEEKEND

SATURDAY, JUNE 8TH

11 a.m. New Orleans School of Cooking
12 p.m. CREOLE TOMATO EATING CONTEST
1 p.m. Purloo
2 p.m. Muriel’s Jackson Square
3 p.m. Cafe B
4 p.m. Galvez Restaurant
5 p.m. J’ Seafood Dock

SUNDAY, JUNE 9TH

11 a.m. Nola Food & Truck Convi Collective
12 p.m. CREOLE TOMATO EATING CONTEST
1 p.m. Irish House
2 p.m. Cupcake Fairies
3 p.m. Cajun Cafe at the Market
4 p.m. French Market Produce
5 p.m. World Famous N’Awlins Cafe and Spice Emporium

For the whole Tomato Fest line-up of fun click here!

Saturday Night Fun in the Bywater

Swing by Mickey Markey Park for the start of the The Fourth Annual World Naked Bike Ride in New Orleans will take place today. The ride will start at 5:00pm from Mickey Markey Park (Piety and Royal Street)The riders will travel through the French Quarter passing Jackson Square and return to the park by way of Bourbon St. There will be an after party at the Country Club on Louisa St. Ride naked!

Party with Mr. Okra tonight at BJ's Lounge (4301 Burgundy St.). It's traveling produce man, Mr. Okra's, 70th birthday and the fun begins at 6:00 pm with music by Guitar Slim and delicious food from Sergio and family! Come wish him a happy day, and check out his veggie truck - if you've never seen it, you're truly missing a piece of rolling art!

Art Openings on St. Claude

If you're looking for some art openings this evening you don't have to go far. Check out these fine galleries in the St. Claude neighborhood - most opening receptions last from 6:00 to 9:00 pm (or a little later).

*Staple Goods - 1340 St. Roch
*Second Story Gallery - 2372  St. Claude
*Byrdie's Gallery - 2422A St. Claude
*Antenna - 3718 St. Claude
*Good Children's Gallery - 4037 St. Claude
*The Front - 4100 St. Claude

Alrighty, well that should keep you busy this weekend...If you're looking for more fun stuff to do...check out the WWOZ Livewire -  http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar and tune in today (Friday!) from 11-2 pm for the Louisiana Music Party with my hubby Bill deTurk!!



www.gratisnola.com

A Weekend w/Zydeco, Tomatoes, Mr. Okra & Art on St. Claude!

 Happy Weekend!  Lots of good stuff going on around town!

Quarter Festin'!

Festival season ain't over yet!  We got two big events in the Quarter this weekend!It's Cajun - Zydeco Fest at the The Old U.S. Mint (400 Esplanade) - All weekend long from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm - Admission is free! 

The Cajun - Zydeco Fest features three stages of music, more than a dozen food vendors and a large crafts fair - all in the historic French Quarter - the event has become one of the major attractions of New Orleans' social calendar.  Check out the music schedule and click on the link for more food and fun fest info!  http://www.jazzandheritage.org/cajun-zydeco

Saturday, June 9

Esplanade Avenue Stage

11:30 am to 1:00 pm La Famille Cormier
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Bruce Daigrepont
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band

Barracks Street Stage

11:00 am to 12:30 pm T Broussard & the Zydeco Steppers
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Mary Broussard & Creole Royalty
3:15 pm to 4:45 pm Rosie Ledet
5:15 pm to 6:45 pm Lost Bayou Ramblers

Ursulines Street Stage

11:00 am to 12:30 pm Big Red & the Zydeco Playmakers
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Les Freres Michot
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Magnolia Sisters

Sunday, June 10

Esplanade Avenue Stage

11:30 am to 1:00 pm Al Berard Cajun Band
1:45 pm to 3:00 pm Travis Matte & the Kingpins
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Nathan Williams & the Zydeco Cha Chas
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie

Barracks Street Stage

11:00 am to 12:30 pm Jeffrey Broussard & the Creole Cowboys
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers
3:15 pm to 4:45 pm DL Menard with the Jambalaya Cajun Band
5:15 pm to 6:45 pm Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots

Ursulines Street Stage

12:00 to 1:30 pm Li'l Nathan and the Zydeco Big Tymers
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Waylon Thibodeaux
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Kevin Naquin & the Ossun Playboys

COOL! NEW INTERVIEW STAGE

The National Park Service and the Louisiana State Museum are providing access to the beautiful new theater on the Third Floor of the Old U.S. Mint - where the Jazz and Heritage folks will present interviews with many of the performers. Audience members will hear first-hand how our artists learned their craft and carry on our culture. And it'll be a great place to get out of the heat and enjoy some cool air before heading back out for more dancing, eating and shopping. Interviews will be from noon to 5 p.m. both days of the festival.

Interview Stage Schedule:

Saturday

12:00 p.m. Bruce Daigrepont
1:00 p.m. Big Red
2:00 p.m. Roddie Romero
3:00 p.m. C.J. Chenier
4:00 p.m. Louis Michot of the Lost Bayou Ramblers

Sunday

12:00 p.m. Dwayne Dopsie
1:00 p.m. D.L. Menard
2:00 p.m. Nathan Williams, Sr.
3:00 p.m. Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes
4:00 p.m. Geno Delafose

THE FRENCH MARKET'S 26TH ANNUAL CREOLE TOMATO FESTIVAL SATURDAY AND SUNDAY!

DUTCH ALLEY SWING STAGE

Saturday

11am-11:30pm Family Swing Dance Lesson
11:30pm-1:15pm – Faux Barrio Billionaires Trio
1:15pm – 1:45pm – Swing Dance Lesson
1:45pm– 3:30pm Showarama Hot Trio
3:30pm-4pm Swing Dance Lesson
4pm–5:45pm Ben Polcer & His Grinders plus a Dutch Alley Dance-Off with $100 cash prize!

Sunday

11am-11:30pm Family Swing Dance Lesson
11:30pm-1:15pm – Luke Winslow-King & Esther Rose
1:15pm – 1:45pm – Swing Dance Lesson
1:45pm– 3:30pm Meschiya Lake & The Little Big Horns
3:30pm-4pm Swing Dance Lesson
4pm– 5:45pm Shotgun Jazz Band

FRESH CREOLE TOMATOES FOR SALE& COMPLIMENTARY TOMATOES W/ RETAIL PURCHASE

This year's Creole tomatoes will be provided by George's Produce, Ben & Ben Becnel, Inc., and La Greco Farms and will be for sale throughout the Farmers Market. Retail shoppers who spend $30 in French Market District stores receive a free basket of tomatoes while supplies last. Tomato samples will be offered throughout the Festival.

COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS AT THE FARMERS MARKET ALL WEEKEND

SATURDAY, JUNE 9TH

11 a.m. Rouses Executive Chef Jack Treuting
12 noon Creole Tomato Talk & TRIVIA with prizes!
1 p.m. Fat Hen Grille
2 p.m. Maurepas Foods
3 p.m. Chris Montero, Cafe B
4 p.m. J'S Seafood Dock

SUNDAY, JUNE 10TH

10 A.M. Kid Chef Eliana
11 A.M. Rouses Executive Chef Jack Treuting
12 noon TOMATO EATING CONTEST hosted by Nola Locavores
1 p.m. Meals from the Heart Cafe
2 p.m. Southern Food and Beverage presents French Market Fare series featuring Chef Roseann with Red Gravy Restaurant
3 p.m. Gus Martin, Muriel's Restaurant

Saturday Night Fun in the Bywater

Swing by Mickey Markey Park for the start of the The Fourth Annual World Naked Bike Ride in New Orleans will take place today. The ride will start at 5:00pm from Mickey Markey Park (Piety and Royal Street)The riders will travel through the French Quarter passing Jackson Square and return to the park by way of Bourbon St. There will be an after party at the Country Club on Louisa St. Ride naked!

Party with Mr. Okra tonight at BJ's Lounge (4301 Burgundy St.). It's traveling produce man, Mr. Okra's, 69th birthday and the fun begins at 6:00 pm. Come wish him a happy day, and check out his veggie truck - if you've never seen it, you're truly missing a piece of rolling art!

Art Openings on St. Claude

If you're looking for some art openings this evening you don't have to go far. Check out these fine galleries in the St. Claude neighborhood - most opening receptions last from 6:00 to 9:00 pm (or a little later).

*Good Children's Gallery - 4037 St. Claude
*Home Space Gallery - 1128 St. Roch
*Staple Goods - 1340 St. Roch
*Byrdie's Gallery - 2422A St. Claude
*New Orlenas Healing Center - 2372 St. Claude
*The Front - 4100 St. Claude

Alrighty, well that should keep you busy this weekend...If you're looking for more fun stuff to do...check out the WWOZ Livewire -  http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar!!



www.gratisnola.com

Vieux to Do, Stompers, Camo Fest, Porch Crawlin' and More!!

Happy Saturday, and there's lots going on today!!

It's World Naked Bike Ride hosted by The World Naked Bike Ride's New Orleans Chapter and they meet up today at 11 a.m. over at Markey Park in the Bywater, and they'll be an after party at the Country Club (634 Louisa)!! Their mission: "to peacefully expose the vulnerability of cyclists, humanity and nature in the face of cars, aggression, consumerism and non-renewable energy." Be lookin' for some naked folks all around the Quarters this mornin'!

And of course it's Vieux to Do this weekend, with not one, not two, but three festivals in the Quarter!!

1st it's the 25th annual French Market Creole Tomato Fest!!

Here's the entertainment schedule:

URSULINES STREET STAGE (near the French Market arch)

11:00 am to 12:30 pm Creole Zydeco Farmers
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Terry & the Zydeco Bad Boyz
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Sunpie Barnes & the Louisiana Sunspots

URSULINES ST. STAGE (near the French Market arch)

11:30 am to 1:00 pm Mary Broussard & Sweet La La
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm The Magnolia Sisters
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Big Red & the Zydeco Playmakers

There's also a children's Activity area and stage: Dutch Alley Performance Pavilion - and here's the entertainment schedule:

10:00-11:00 One Mind Brass Band
12:00-1:00 Johnette Downing
1:30-3:00 KidSmart Circus Arts workshop
3:30-4:30 Hope for Haitian Children Foundation presents The Bamboula 2000 Imagination Tour
5:00-6:00 "Accordions around the World" performance and presentation by Norbert Slama Trio

And of course the cooking demonstrations!

12:30-1:30 What is Creole Cuisine...and what exactly is a Creole Tomato? Featuring Marilyn Doucette, Executive Chef, Meals From The Heart Café and John Burns, Edible New Orleans Magazine.

4:00-5:00 p.m. Creole Tomatoes, Mirlitons, & Satsumas: Quirky and Classic New Orleans menu items. What makes Louisiana produce unique? Featuring cookbook author Dale Curry and John Burns, publisher, Edible New Orleans Magazine.

On to fest numbers two and three on the ground of the Mint on Decatur and Esplanade!!

The 5th Annual Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco Fest - Entertainment Schedule:

ESPLANADE AVE. STAGE
11:30 am to 1:00 pm Joe Hall & the La. Cane Cutters
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Bruce Daigrepont
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Step Rideau & The Zydeco Outlaws
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience

BARRACKS ST. STAGE
11:00 am to 12:30 pm T-Broussard & the Zydeco Steppers
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Les Freres Michot
3:15 pm to 4:45 pm Roddie Romero & the Hub City Allstars
5:15 pm to 6:45 pm Lost Bayou Ramblers

URSULINES STREET STAGE (French Market's Creole Tomato Festival)
11:00 am to 12:30 pm Creole Zydeco Farmers
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Terry & the Zydeco Bad Boyz
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots

And last but not least you got the Louisiana Seafood Fest...and check out these restaurants participating!!! American Sector, Bombay Club, Bourbon House, Commanders Palace, Crescent Pie and Sausage Co., Dickie Brennan’s Steak House, Galatoire’s, Green Goddess, La Thai, Mike’s on the Avenue, Palace Café, Patois, Phil’s Grill, Louisiana Gator Burger, Ralph’s on the Park, Rambla, Red Fish Grill, Rib Room, Roux on Bourbon, Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Semolina, Upperline, Vegas Tapas Cafe, Zea.....WOW!!!!!

Okay..after eating all that amazing food you need a way to walk it off, there's a couple ways you can do it this evening!!

Be a 610 Stomper for a day - It's the Stomper Ball Crawl!! With their signature 'staches, powder blue shorts and blazing red members-only jackets, New Orleans' favorite all-male dance organization the 610 Stompers will parade through the Mid-City area with their fans for the 610 Stompers Ball Crawl 2: Stompin on the Bayou from 4 to 8 p.m., today!! The crawl will end at Bayou Beer Garden, capping the evening with an epic after-party featuring live music and food. Proceeds from the event will support several local nonprofit organizations serving New Orleans. Registration is $35 and includes free beer at each location; event T-shirt and registration gifts; entrance into fun contests and the after-party; as well as bragging rights to say you danced with the 610 Stompers! Registration will be held 2 to 4 p.m. at Mid-City Yacht Club, 440 S. St. Patrick St., where attendees can pick up their wristbands and T-shirts. This is also the time to start practicing!

And you don't want to miss Camo Fest 4 in the Quarter - the fun starts up at 8:00 pm at the Tropical Isle on Bourbon and carries on 'til midnight (or later)!!! Camo Fest defies description, but here you go...It's a pub crawl. It's a scavenger hunt. It's a way of life. The Fest has no political affiliation or aspirations or commentary to offer. Wear camo. Have fun. That's an order. Camo is mandatory. Cash is pretty much mandatory. The following are optional but helpful: PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS, parade throws (beads, dog tags), cameras and cell phones. The nearest bar to the rally point is The Alpine. Get a drink from there or bring your own to the start. And don't forget No realistic looking weapons please!

And there's another crawl!!! It's the Faubourg St. John Porch Crawl this evening from 4pm - 7pm with admission $30 in advance $40 day of - Stopping at 5 of the "hoods" nicest porches!!

• Porch on the 2800 block - Cocktail by Santa Fe
• 2 Porches on the 3100 block - Serving Café Degas and Pal's offerings
• One Porch on Kennedy Park - Libations from Liuzza's by the Track
• Porch on the 3200 Block - Compliments of Crescent City Steakhouse

Snacks and bottled water will be available at each porch - Taxi Cabs will be waiting at the end of the event. Pick up porch passes the night of the event at Kennedy Park (3200 Ursulines) Tickets at www.FSJNA.org and Terranova Brothers Superette - 3308 Esplanade for more info - click the link above!

Music wise lots of more good stuff here's a short list!

BJ's Lounge - Mr. Okra's Birthday Party with lots of great music!
Chickie Wah Wah - Roddy Romero and the Hub City Allstars
Buffa's Lounge - Hawaii 504
There's also some amazing art openings and music in the St. Claude Arts District!! 

Alright, this is just a short list of amazing stuff going on today (I know, can you believe I said short!!)  For more even more good stuff going on today click on the WWOZ Livewire ...Have a good one!