It's a Great Weekend to Eat Local, Slurp Some Oysters, Enjoy a Hurricane, and Party on the Lake!

Happy Weekend Everybody!!

Friday Fun!

Tonight - is the kick-off party for the 2013 New Orleans Eat Local Challenge from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Downtown Rouse's on Baronne!  Come sign up for the eat local challenge or pick up registration packets and enjoy local foods and local ingredient cocktails.  The party is on Rouses’ Rooftop Gardens of their downtown store, and it's a celebration of NOLA Locavores’ Eat Local Challenge! Get excited for a month of reducing the distance between you and your food while learning about the environmental, health, and economic benefits of eating locally sourced foods!
*Chefs Jack Treuting, Alex Harrell of Sylvain, Nathaniel Zimet of Boucherie, and Jeff Mattia of the American Sector will be working together to create an all Louisiana local ingredient feast. Dishes include Duck and Andouille Gumbo, and Duck Fried Rice. Ingredients were sourced from Hoffstadt Farms, Liuzza Produce Farm, Covey Rise and Jazzmen Rice. Cocktails will be served by Old New Orleans Rum, Donner Peltier Distillers and Atelier Vie. Wines will be provided by Pontchartrain Vineyards and Becnel Vineyards.

Saturday Fun!

Freret Market! Start your weekend off at the Freret Street Market (corner of Freret and Napoleon) for more than 90 vendors with loads of food, produce, art, collectibles, pet adoptions, music and appearances by the Big Easy Roller Girls.  The market runs from noon to 5:00 pm and musical performances include - Honeypots at Noon, John Mooney at 1:45 pm and Tin Men at 3:30 pm!  For more info visit www.freretmarket.org

Hurricane Party! Time to head down to Pat O's for and drink your cares away! June 1st marks the first day of the 2013 Hurricane Season, and to commemorate, Pat O’Brien’s (718 St. Peter) will hold their annual Hurricane Season Kick-Off Partry from from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They'll be serving up half-priced Hurricanes - Come on down for the fun!

Parade! If you're hanging out in Mid-City this evening, be sure to be on the look out for the Krewe of Palmyra and they presents the “Palmyra Gets Lei'd”!!  All Hail -King Palmyra VIII – Lee Mullikin, Queen Palmyra – Gina Christina and Big Kahuna – Norton Hirsch. The Caravan de Baucherry (aka parade) starts at Palmyra and S. Bernadotte St. at 4:00 pm with legendary brass band Egg Yolk Jubilee!!

Weekend Festivals!

It's oyster time and there's no better place to appreciate this beautiful delicacy then the Oyster Festival

at Woldenberg Park!!  There's going to be amazing food, a stellar line-up of music and of course oyster shucking and eating contests - fun!  Don’t miss out on the contests.  Acme Oyster House sponsors the Oyster Eating Contest, whose winner last year slurped up 47 dozen raw oysters, and P&J Oysters sponsors the Shucking Contest, which pits local restaurant shuckers in a test of their skills. In addition, the New Orleans Fish House sponsors the Largest Oyster Contest, as judged by the oyster’s length, width and weight.

Check out the Oyster Fest music schedule below, and click here for all the festival events and food listings.

Saturday, June 1st

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. The Stooges Brass Band
12:00 – 12:45 p.m. P&J Shucking Contest
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. The Mulligan Brothers
2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs
3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Rose Falcon
5:15 – 6:30 p.m. Joe Nichols

Sunday, June 2nd

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Zion Harmonizers
11:45 – 1:00 p.m. Acme Oyster House® Oyster Eating Contest
1:15 – 2:30 p.m. Brass-A-Holics
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. The Revivalists
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. The Gin Blossoms

This weekend is also the 24th Annual - Back to the Beach Festival - the Lake Pontchartain Basin Foundation's signature event - will be held Saturday 3:30 pm to 11:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm in Kenner's Laketown (where Williams Boulevard meets the Lake). The two-day Festival has something for everyone: a family atmosphere with New Orleans' best live music, out-of-this-world food from local caterers, arts & crafts vendors, and lots of children's activities. It all kicks off with a Run/Walk on Saturday evening, and the weekend is jam-packed with a Bikes at the Beach motorcycle rally, a Car Show, Fishing Rodeo and much more - all while helping to Save Our Lake & Coast!   For more info click: www.saveourlake.org
*Tickets - Adults: $10, Students with ID: $8, Children (12 & under): $4
*Parking will be available on the festival grounds for $5 per vehicle

Saturday

Groovy 7 - 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
The Yat Pack - 5:05 pm - 6:15 pm
Contraflow - 6:35 pm - 7:45 pm
Supercharger - 8:05 pm - 9:20 pm
Chee Weez - 9:40 pm - 11:00 pm

Sunday

Bobby Cure & the Summertime Blues - 11:45 AM - 1:10 PM
The Wiseguys - 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
The Boogie Men - 3:25 PM - 4:55 PM
Bucktown All-Stars - 5:20 PM - 6:50 PM
The Top Cats - 7:15 PM - 8:45 PM

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!!



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Super Bowl Fun with Bands, Oyster Eating and Family Gras!!

Happy Weekend - Y'all!!!

Free Super Bowl Fun!!

All weekend long!!  Verizon Super Bowl Boulevard: Woldenberg Park at 1 Canal Street. Admission is free. It's happening from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Featuring a lineup of local music artists, popular food and beverage offerings, live national television broadcasts, interactive fan events and the iconic larger-than-life Super Bowl Roman numerals.

Verizon Super Bowl Boulevard is a marquee event "where Super Bowl lives," hosted on the grounds of Audubon Nature Institute's iconic Woldenberg Park. The Boulevard features a four-day lineup of local music artists, popular food and beverage offerings, live television broadcasts from the NFL Network, SportsNet and Comcast, and the Super Bowl roman numerals.

Free to the public, Verizon Super Bowl Boulevard will open today and runs daily until Super Bowl Sunday. Complementing the public entertainment, broadcast, and celebratory offerings on Super Bowl Blvd., fans of all ages will have opportunities to interact with numerous NFL and Host Committee partner events. The main attraction, the larger-than life XLVII Roman Numerals, standing at 30 feet high and over 100 feet wide. Celebrate New Orleans' Perfect 10th Super Bowl with a true New Orleans-style festival!

Friday, Feb 1
NFC Stage
11:00am: Lagniappe Brass Band
1:30pm: TBC Brass Band
4:00pm: The Iguanas
6:30pm: Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers
9:15pm: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

AFC Stage
12:15pm: Gal Holiday & The Honky Tonk Revue
2:45pm: James Andrews
5:15pm: Pine Leaf Boys
7:45pm: Walter "Wolfman" Washington & The Roadmasters

North End Zone Stage
10:15 & 11:40am: Tuba Skinny
1:05pm: Lagniappe Brass Band
2:40 & 5:50pm: Ingrid Lucia
4:05pm: Barbara Shorts
7:15pm: James Andrews
8:55pm: Leo Jackson& The Melody Clouds

South End Zone Stage
10:30am: TBC Brass Band
12:00 & 1:35pm: The Palmetto Bug Stompers
3:15pm: Gal Holiday& The Honky Tonk Revue
5:05pm: Mem Shannon
6:55pm: The Iguanas

Saturday, Feb 2
NFC Stage
12:15pm: John Mooney
3:00pm: Sunpie & The LA Sunspots
5:45pm: Tab Benoit
8:30pm: Rebirth Brass Band

AFC Stage
11:00am: Meschiya Lake
1:30pm: Creole String Beans
4:15pm: Lost Bayou Ramblers
7:00pm: Roddie Romero & The Hub-City Allstars

North End Zone Stage
10:45am & 12:25pm: Mahogany Brass Band
2:05pm: Meschiya Lake
3:40pm: John Mooney
5:30 & 8:25pm: Viváz
7:10pm: Betty Winn & One A-Chord

South End Zone Stage
10:45am & 1:55pm: Lars Edegran's New Orleans Jazz Band
12:20 & 3:30pm: Kristin Diable
5:05 & 8:25pm: Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band
6:45pm: Sunpie & The LA Sunspots


Sunday, Feb 3
NFC Stage
10:10 & 11:10am: Cynthia Girtley's Gospel
12:00pm: Soul Rebels

AFC Stage
10:40am: Charmaine Neville Band
12:30pm: Papa Grows Funk

North End Zone Stage
10:15am & 12:55pm: Treme Brass Band
11:25am: Tim Laughlin
South End Zone Stage
10:15am & 1:00pm: Washboard Chaz Blues Trio
11:30am: David Doucet Cajun Trio

Saturday Fun!!

Yes - it IS a "Hot Beaver" Oyster Eating Challenge over at Grand Isle on Fulton!! Grand Isle’s “HOT BEAVER” challenge is Saturday!!

The oyster competition kicks-off this Saturday at 11 a.m., and will pit 10 local New Orleanians against each other to slurp down a dozen raw oyster in two (2) minutes. The catch is that each oyster will be topped with a half-teaspoon of Beaver Brand Extra Hot Horseradish!

The promotion kicks-off this weekend, but will be ongoing in the restaurant moving forward -- so definitely an exciting promotion for locals and tourists alike.

If the contestants are able complete the challenge, Grand Isle will cover the entire tab (oysters and beer) and throw in a grand prize … a t-shirt to announce their victory, along with the official title of GRAND ISLE BEAVER BUSTER. You don't want to miss this one!!

Family Gras is happening Friday at 2:00 pm and Saturday 12:00 pm on the Neutral Ground of Veterans Memorial Boulevard -between Causeway & Severn (across from Lakeside Mall)
Admission: FREE (VIP, 2 Day Royal Pass available for purchase $99)

Family Gras is the perfect getaway for family. Family Gras traditionally takes place on the neutral ground (median) of Veterans Memorial Boulevard across from Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie, Louisiana. An ideal location to see the pageantry of Mardi Gras and enjoy the outdoor concerts with Live Music on the Festival Plaza Main Stage by National Artists and Louisiana's own.

WeFREE concerts, FREE Mardi Gras parades! Fabulous Flambeau Food Court & Beverage Zones, Kid-friendly activities - The Andes Rock Climbing Wall, the Bubble Blast (Walk & Play inside a giant hamster ball as it floats atop a pool of water), shop the Art Walk, and more. If you prefer an "up close & personal" experience with backstage access and premium stage viewing, access to VIP food & beverage, the VIP Royal Pass is available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com for $99.00 per person. Pass is valid for both Friday & Saturday.

Costuming encouraged...come out for Fun Friday wearing your carnival colors, and join us Sports Saturday wearing your favorite team colors!
No Outside Food & Beverage Allowed / No Pets Allowed
No Skateboards / No Bikes on grounds (bike rack will be available)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Amanda Shaw 2:00pm-2:45pm
Fitz and the Tantrums 3:05pm-4:10pm
Katie Armiger 4:30pm-5:20pm
Soul Asylum 5:40pm-7:00pm
Creedence Clearwater Revisited 7:20pm-8:30pm

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2013
Big Bad VooDoo Daddy Rattle Them Bones
20th Anniversary Tour 12:00pm-1:00pm
Cowboy Mouth 1:20pm-2:20pm
ZZ Ward 2:40pm-3:30pm
Blues Traveler 3:50pm-5:15pm
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons 5:35pm-7:30pm

Alrighty, well that should keep you busy this evening...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 be sure to tune in to WWOZ today from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm with my hubby Bill deTurk!!!


www.gratisnola.com

Havin' a Super Thursday with Free Concerts and Lots of Music 'Round Town!

Good morning everybody - Happy Thursday!

Free Super Bowl Fun!!

Tonight!!  Verizon Super Bowl Boulevard: Woldenberg Park at 1 Canal Street. Admission is free. It's happening from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Featuring a lineup of local music artists, popular food and beverage offerings, live national television broadcasts, interactive fan events and the iconic larger-than-life Super Bowl Roman numerals.

Verizon Super Bowl Boulevard is a marquee event "where Super Bowl lives," hosted on the grounds of Audubon Nature Institute's iconic Woldenberg Park. The Boulevard features a four-day lineup of local music artists, popular food and beverage offerings, live television broadcasts from the NFL Network, SportsNet and Comcast, and the Super Bowl roman numerals.

Free to the public, Verizon Super Bowl Boulevard will open today and runs daily until Super Bowl Sunday. Complementing the public entertainment, broadcast, and celebratory offerings on Super Bowl Blvd., fans of all ages will have opportunities to interact with numerous NFL and Host Committee partner events. The main attraction, the larger-than life XLVII Roman Numerals, standing at 30 feet high and over 100 feet wide, will arrive at their home in the Mississippi River by barge at 6:30 pm. Celebrate New Orleans' Perfect 10th Super Bowl with a true New Orleans-style festival!

NFC Stage
5:40pm: Stooges Brass Band
8:40pm: Bonerama

AFC Stage
5:00pm: Lyle Henderson & Emanu-EL
7:20pm: Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys

North End Zone Stage
5:00 & 7:20pm: Original Dixieland Jazz Band
6:00pm: Hot Club of New Orleans
8:40pm: Stooges Brass Band

South End Zone Stage
5:00pm: Cameron Dupuy& The Cajun Troubadours
6:00 pm and 7:20pm: High Ground Drifters Bluegrass Band
8:40pm: Hot Club of New Orleans

More Thursday Fun!

Don't miss out on the weekly wine tasting at Cork and Bottle (3700 Orleans ) about 5:00 pm in Mid-City - Taste some amazing wines.  Sip, shop and purchase your favorite wine! You can also head on over to Clever (right next door) for a great cocktail after attending the free wine tasting.  And be sure to stop by the Crescent City Farmer's Market (in the parking lot) and patronize local Louisiana vendors with fresh veggies, seafood and more!

Some More Thursday Night Music

There's lots of fun going on over at Chickie Wah Wah (2828 Canal) tonight at 8:00 p.m. come check out Spencer Bohren and the Whippersnappers!!!

It's a lovely evening Uptown for some winter cocktails and music over at the the Columns Hotel (3811 St. Charles) this evening.  Enjoy the sounds of Kristina Morales at 8:00 pm.

Over on Frenchmen Street d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen St.) has a superb double header with piano man Jon Cleary for an early show at 7:00 pm, and be sure to sty on for the always entertaining and very interesting New Orleans Bingo! Show at 10:00 pm.

Spotted Cat Music Club (623 Frenchmen) has a triple header with Sarah McCoy at 4:00 pm, Miss Sophie Lee at 6:00 and stay on and party with Smokin' Time Jazz Club at 10:00 PM!!

For more fun stuff to do and more music...check out the WWOZ Livewire - http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar!


www.gratisnola.com

Super Sporty Friday w/Final 4 Fun, Benefit For Steve Gleason & More!

Happy Friday Everybody - I guess you might have heard...there's a little tournament going on this weekend. ;)

Head on down to Woldenberg Park for the NCAA - Final Four Big Dance Concert Series going on all weekend long.  The amazing list of performers is below, but remember before you head out it is FREE, but do yourself a favor and don't bring outside food and drinks, coolers, festival chairs, gigantic cameras or noise makers (dang - no cow bell!!)

Date	Time	Event
March 30	4-10 p.m.	AT&T Block Party
	4 p.m.	Park opens to the public
	4:30-5:45 p.m.	Vintage Trouble
	6:15-7:30 p.m.	Cowboy Mouth
	8:30- 10 p.m.	KISS
March 31	11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.	Coca-Cola Zero Countdown (Viewing Party to follow)
	11 a.m.	Park opens to the public
	11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.	Funky Meters
	1:30-2:30 p.m.	Blondie
	3:15-4:30 p.m.	The Black Keys
April 1	3-10 p.m.	Capital One JamFest
	3 p.m.	Park opens to the public
	3-4 p.m.	Big Sam’s Funky Nation
	4:30-5:30 p.m.	Dr. John
	6-7:30 p.m.	Avett Brothers
	8-10 p.m.	Jimmy Buffett
	10-10:15 p.m.	Fireworks on the river

If you're looking to stay away from the March Madness - no problem, there's plenty of other good stuff going on 'round town to keep you happy!!

There's good times at the New Orleans Museum of Art this evening with Where Y'Art from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
*5 pm to 8 pm: Art Making with KIDsmART
*5:30 pm to 8:30 pm: Music by Amanda Walker
*6 pm to 7:30 pm: Isidore Newman School: Dance Performance in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden
*6:30 pm to 7:30 pm: Lecture & Hard Truths Tour by artist, Shawne Major
*7:30pm: Celebrate Women’s History Month with a lecture, Black women, Black Politics, Black Art, by UNO Professor, Nikki Brown
The cost of this event is free with regular admissions. Prices range from: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, students, and military members; and $6 for ages 7-17.

And there's a very special benefit tonight at Tipitina's - supporting the Who Dat Nation's Steve Gleason and the Gleason Family Trust - Check out the info and spectacular line-up below!

You still don't know what to do?

Head on over to Chickie Wah Wah (2828 Canal) for Friday the Big Easy Weekender meet and greet - startin' up at 5:00 pm with Gallivan Burwell & the Predatory Drifters then stay on for the incredible Paul Sanchez at 8:00 pm, and then top off the evening with Sugarcane Jane all the way from Alabama at 10:00 pm!  Come hungry too - there's delicious pizza and other yummy items being served up!

Need more music?? Then go to Frenchmen Street!

d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen) has two great shows with Meschiya Lake & The Little Big Horns at 6:00 pm, and stay on of for The Iguanas at 10:00 pm!

You can get started early at the Spotted Cat (623 Frenchmen) with Brett Richardson at 4:00 pm, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio at 6:00 pm, and the New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings at 10:00 pm.

Stop by Mojitos Rum Bar & Grill (437 Esplanade - corner of Frenchmen) for some excellent margaritas and some great music all afternoon Alex Marti Trio at 4:00 pm, the Blues Trees at 7:00 pm and stay late for a Latin dance party with  Javier Olondo & AsheSon at 11:00 pm!!

Right down the street you have another trio of shows at BMC (1331 Decatur)...with El DeOrazio & Friends at 3:00 pm for an early happy hour, Jeff Chaz Band at 6:00 pm for more happy hour fun, and top off the night with a the Dana Abbot Band at 9:00 pm!!

Alrighty, well that should keep you busy this evening...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 from 11-2 pm for the Louisiana Music Party with my hubby Bill deTurk!!


www.gratisnola.com