Weekend Fun in NOLA w/B-Ball Fest, Algiers Fun, A Drive-In & Helping the Kitties

What a crazy weekend of fun stuff to do! 

NCAA - Final Four Big Dance Concert Series at Woldenberg Park continues with a stellar line-up for both today and Sunday

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

And if you're not heading down to the big show - no worries, there's plenty more fun 'round town!!

FESTIVALS!!

Celebrate all things French at the Fete Francaise at Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle Orleans (821 Gen. Pershing) from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm...The Fête is a unique opportunity to celebrate the French heritage of the city and showcase all things French: language, cuisine, art and music.  The 13th Annual Fête Française theme is “Bleu, Blanc, Rouge.”  This fun-filled event celebrates all things uniquely French and helps to keep the Francophone heritage alive and well in New Orleans and Louisiana through a delicious food, entertainment, children’s activities and cultural demonstrations - and admission is FREE!

Head on over to the West Bank for the Old Algiers Riverfest at Mardi Gras World (233 Newton). The growing festival, is now in its eighth year, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional jazz and other indigenous sounds that came of age along the banks of the Mississippi River. A FREE authentic New Orleans cultural experience that features performances by some of the top names in traditional jazz, Gospel choirs, brass bands and Mardi Gras Indians, RiverFest™ also offers local cuisine, local and regional arts and crafts and children's activities.

2012 ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

Saturday, March 31
12 noon Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Indian Parade
12:45 p.m. Algiers Brass Band
2 p.m. Shannon Powell & the Traditional Jazz All-Stars
3 p.m. Delfeayo Marsalis Jazz Band
4 p.m. Sasha Masakowski
5 p.m. Irvin Mayfield Sextet

Sunday, April 1
12 noon Palmetto Bug Stompers
1 p.m. George French Band featuring Ellen Smith
2 p.m. Leah Chase
3 p.m. Hot 8 Brass Band
4 p.m. Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders
5 p.m. Michael White’s Liberty Jazz Band

MOVIE!

Nola Drive-In Rooftop Screening (840 Carondelet St.)....The New Orleans Film Society and WTUL present director Richard Linklater's 1993 ensemble comedy "Dazed and Confused" (7 Sat), starring Matthew McConaughey, Jason London, Joey Lauren Adams, Milla Jovovich, Adam Goldberg, Rory Cochran and Wiley Wiggins as high school students on the last day of school as they try to get the summer of 1976 started right. Tickets are $6 per person. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

BENEFIT!

Help the kitties and Spaymart on Sunday over at Shamrock (4133 S. Carrollton Ave.) in Mid-City from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm for Paws for the Cause. Join Spaymart Sunday for music, silent auction, pool & dart tournaments raffles, food, cash bar and more. Admission is only $10 for all the fun, and the money you donate will help out the "Kitten Foster and Adoption Program" - they found home for 300 kitties last year - so come on down!!

Alrighty, well that should keep you busy this today and tomorrow...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 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!!


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Thursday w/Wine, Concerts at the Parks, Boogalooin' and More!!

Good Morning Everybody - Lots going on this beautiful Thursday!

Thursday Events

Don't miss out on the weekly wine tasting at Cork and Bottle (3700 Orleans) about 5:00 pm in Mid-City. Come sample some delicious vinos and kick off your early weekend right! You can also stop at Clever (right next door - don't even have to walk outside) for their happy hour specials after attending the free wine tasting and tonight they're gonna have a crawfish tasting too!  And be sure to stop by the Crescent City Farmer's Market (right outside the door) and patronize local Louisiana vendors with fresh veggies, seafood and more!! 

Go hang out at City Park this evening and enjoy Tom McDermott and Meschiya Lake for the Thursdays at Twilight Garden Concert Series!  The gates open up at 5:00 pm and the performance starts at 6:00 pm in the City Park Botanical Garden Pavilion of the Two Sisters...There is an admission charge, but hey, it's helping the Park out...$10 for adults and $3 for children (it was $3 last year :)

And there's a new concert series!! Armstrong Park Thursdays kicking off tonight with the Marlon Jordan Trio and Robin Barnes. The concert is the first of five with upcoming performances from Mike Baptiste and Juice and Da Krewe, Donald Harrison and Troy Sawyer, James Andrews and the Craig School Brass Band, and Kermit Ruffins. The concerts will run from 5 to 7 p.m. and come hungry - there will be food from Café Treme, Wine and Bistro, Jacques-Imo's Café, and more...Fun!!

Need a little art, culture and music? You gotta go to the show at the Ogden Southern Museum of Art (925 Camp St.) - better known as Ogden after Hours. Tonight the Ogden presents Aurora Nealand - Playing saxophone, clarinet and accordion, as well as being a vocalist and composer, Aurora Nealand is one of a handful of traditional jazz musicians who dabbles in the local free improv scene, as well as Klezmer, Western Swing and Balkan music!  And be sure to head on over to the bar for this month's signature cocktail the - The Blarney Stone: A combination of Jameson Irish Whiskey and other flavors will definitely give you the gift of gab! Remember if you're a member of the Ogden you always get in free!

Come on down to Chickie Wah Wah (2828 Canal) for the Bayou Boogaloo Fundraiser!!  See all the fun info below:

Some More Thursday Night Music

And head on over to Frenchmen and the Spotted Cat Music Club (623 Frenchmen) cause they have a triple header with Brett Richardson at 4:00 pm, Miss Sophie Lee at 6:00 and stay on and party with The Smokin' Time Jazz Club at 10:00 PM!!

There's more fun on Frenchmen over at d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen) with piano man Jon Cleary at 7:00 pm with no cover!!  And stay on for more music with Colin Lake ($5 cover) at 10:00 pm - you don't want to miss it!!

Stay in the neighborhood - come early and stay late at Mojitos (437 Esplanade Ave.).  They've got Peter Novelli Band at 6:00 pm and stay on for the super talented bluesy women of 30x90 at 9:30 pm!!

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


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Wednesday at the Square with some Post Square Music and Fun!

It's a warm and beautiful Wednesday!

It looks like it's going to be a rainy day, but we're hoping the Square can be spared!!  So come on down to Lafayette Square for another stellar line-up for this year's concert series....there will be crafts, food and libations....Big Sam's Funky Nation plus The Wise Guys get things movin' this evening at 5:00 pm - and check out the entire line-up so you can make your plans.

Wednesday Evening Music

If you're all revved up from all that early evening fun...check this out...

Head on over to Galvez (914 N. Peters) and there new music venue. You can enjoy great food while enjoying the best view of the Mississippi River tonight at 6:30 pm with The Marc Stone Duo with special guest John Gros!

Enjoy some more fun after the Square over at the 12 Bar (608 Fulton) - the fun kicks up at 7:00 pm - they're gonna have crawfish, New Orleans Rum specials, the Brass-a-Holics Brass Band and the 610 Stompers will be filming for the Peep Show!

Have triple the fun in Mid-City when you head on over to Chickie Wah Wah (2828 Canal) for some happy hour fun with the Sweet Olive String Band at 5:00 p.m., Meschiya Lake & Tom McDermott at 7:00 pm and to top it off - Marc Adams and the House of Clements at 9:30 pm - what a night! And come hungry - the kitchen is kickin' with pizza and all kinds of yummy food!

And there's more fun in Mid-City over at the Banks Street Bar (4401 Banks)! Come on out for some Major Bacon and some FREE BLTs - tonight at 10:00 pm...you can never get enough of the bacon and no cover!!

Looking for some dinner and then some music for dessert?  Rock 'N Bowl (3016 S. Carrollton) can help you out!  Get an entree' over at Ye Olde College Inn and then get a half price ticket to the show right next door at Rock N' Bowl....Tonight you'll be dancing the night away with Johnny Angel and The Swinging Demons at 8:30 pm!!

Heading over to Frenchmen Street?  Lots of places with no cover, but don't forget to tip the talent!!

There's great music this evening on Frenchmen Street tonight at d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen) catch the early show at 7:00 pm with Paul Sanchez with Alex McMurray and Washboard Chaz - and stay on for Walter "Wolfman" Washington and the Roadmasters at 10:00 pm - cover's only $5.00 and you know the Wolfman's worth it!

The Spotted Cat (623 Frenchmen) has an afternoon and evening filled with music!!  Brett Richardson at 4:00, The Orleans 6 at 6:00 pm and top off the night with St. Louis Jim & The Frenchmen St. Jug Band!

Have a wonderful Wednesday and for more fun shows and events going on click on the WWOZ Livewire - http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar!



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Beautiful Musical Monday!

Happy Monday Everybody!

Monday Night Music

If you're Uptown - Enjoy some cocktail porch sippin' over at the Columns Hotel (3811 St. Charles)....Tonight David Doucet of Beausoleil fame performs at 8:00 pm tonight!

Head on down to Mid-City and to Chickie Wah Wah (2828 Canal) for the Guitar Masters at 8:00 pm - Phil DeGruy, John Rankin, Jimmy Robinson - cover is only $5!!   Don't forget to come hungry for some delicious pizza and other good stuff from the kitchen!!

There's more fun in Mid-City over at the Banks Street Bar (4401 Banks) come by for The N'Awlins Johnnys at 9:00 pm and don't forget about the FREE red beans tonight!

And If you're lookin' for some bluegrass music tonight you don't have to go too far to find it....Check out the Hi Ho Lounge (2239 St. Claude) and the Bluegrass Pickin' Party at 8:00 pm...plus cheap and yummy red beans (veggie red beans too) plus it's smoke-free!!

Lots of fun around Frenchmen Street!

BMC (1331 Decatur) has a great early show at 5:00 pm with Lil Red and Big Bad...then stay on for the next show at 9:30 with Smoky Greenwell's Blues Jam!!

Satisfy your hunger for great food and music over at Three Muses (536 Frenchmen)...Tonight they've got Iguana man Joe Cabral and his Trio - don't miss the show!

And two great shows at the Maison (508 Frenchmen) with The Royal Roses at 7:00 pm, and The New Orleans Super Jam at 9:30 pm.

Be sure to make a stop by the Spotted Cat (623 Frenchmen) early for this great line-up of music...Brett Richardson at 4:00 pm, Dominick Grillo and The Frenchmen Street All Stars at 6:00 pm and be sure to stay on for the Jazz Vipers at 10:00 pm.....it's sure to be another jazzalicious Monday evening show.

And Head right across the street to d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen) for Glen David Andrews at 10:00 pm (there's a $5 cover for the late show - but that's not much to pay for this performance!)

To top off you're evening....you gotta go Uptown and over to the Maple Leaf (8316 Oak) for Papa Grows Funk at 10:00 pm - they'll get your Monday night funked up - remember there's a cover - but it's worth it!!!

Have a great one...and for more musical fun check out WWOZ Livewire - http://www.wwoz.org/new-orleans-community/music-calendar...until tomorrow!



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Weekend Fun in NOLA w/Hogs, Beer, Roadfood, Crawfish, Pups & Pirates!

Happy weekend and we deserve it - what a beautiful day and so much to do!!

Weekend Festivals and Fun!!

First things first!! The delicious smell of pork and the amazing sounds of music are filling the air over at City Park today for Hogs for the Cause! This pork lovers extravaganza includes 60 competing BBQ teams plus lots of beer, food and trucks and of course music! The musical line-up is spectacular with Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, Voice of the Wetlands Allstars, Marcia Ball and more!! And remember all the money goes to a worthy cause - to aid families with children suffering from pediatric brain cancer. So get high on the Hog for a very good cause! Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the gate - Gates open at 10:30 am - for more info click www.hogsforthecause.org!

You can also get your beer on this weekend over at Champions Square at the inaugural New Orleans International Beer Festival. There's gonna be more than 150 craft beers for the tasting from 2:00 to 6:00 pm today...so come on out and try some brews. Tickets are $40 in advance, which includes unlimited samples. For more info visit neworleansinternationalbeerfest.com

And if you happen to be in the Quarters head on over to the French Market for the Roadfood Festival!  The flavorful fest runs Saturday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Four blocks in the French Market will be lined with dozens of top Roadfood cooks from New Orleans and all of Louisiana as well as from all across America, each offering a unique specialty. This is NOT typical and expected festival fare: it is a taste of America's most celebrated dishes, all gathered in one place: a foodie's dream. Portions are right-sized and priced to provide everyone a chance to taste the maximum number of great regional eats as they stroll through the French Market inhaling delicious smells that range from real Texas pit barbecue to Pecan Pie to artisan boudin sausage made by Cajun country's most beloved butchers. There is no admission fee - just bring plenty of appetite!  For more info visit www.neworleansroadfoodfestival.com

And for all you crawfish lovers out there the Louisiana Crawfish Festival (8245 W. Judge Perez Dr.) continues all weekend long in beautiful Chalmette!  You don't want to miss the endless crawfish dishes, the crawfish races, rides, crafts and plenty of great music!!  For more info visit: www.louisisanacrawfishfestival.com

And on Sunday City Park goes to the dogs with Dog Day Afternoon!!  Enjoy a day of dog loving activies with a dog walk-a-thon, food, games, dog contests music by Amanda Shaw and and the Cute Guys all funds to to benefit the LA/SPCA!!  Festivities take place at City Park's Big Lawn (near the NOMA entrance) - it's gonna be a doggone good time ya'll!!!

Ahoy me' maties!!  It's NOLA Pyrate Week with art, music, food and general swashbuckling for pirates and pirate lovers!!  For all the fun and festivities click on www.nolapyrateweek.com!

Alrighty, well that should keep you busy this today and tomorrow...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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TGIF w/Chalmette Crawfish Fun, Festivals Galore & Lots o' Music!!

Happy Friday Everybody!!

There's sooo much going on this weekend - I wish I could be in two places at once!!

The Louisiana Crawfish Fest is kickin' in Chalmette, and the fun starts up tonight at 6:00 pm and all weekend long. There's going to be plenty of amazing food, music and you can ride the rides for one low low price!! Click on the link for all the info!!!

Hangin' in the Quarter this beautiful evening? Head first to Jackson Square and the premier spring performance of Bon Operatit! at the Upper Pontalba starting up at 4:00 pm. There's gonna be three free concerts this spring at the Upper Pontalba on Jackson Square. Limited seating provided; so bring your own chairs. Singers will be performing from the balcony at 520 St. Peter Street. Fun!!

There's good times at the New Orleans Museum of Art this evening with Friday Night at NOMA and Where Y'Art from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm with the Opening of "Dario Robleto: the Prelives of the Blues" featuring music by Marc Stone
*5 pm to 8 pm: Art Making with YAYA
*5:30 pm to 8:30 pm: Music by Marc Stone
*6:30 pm: Comedic Gallery Tour by The New Movement
*7 pm: Film: Mr. Dial Has Something to Say
*8 pm: Comedic Gallery Tour by The New Movement
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.

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 6:00 pm with Phil Lee doing a short happy hour set, then on to Davis Rogan Band until 9:45 pm and then back to Phil Lee at 10:00 pm!  Come hungry too - there's delicious pizza and other yummy items being served up!

And there's more good music in Mid-City (almost Uptown) over at Rock 'N Bowl (3016 S. Carrollton).  Dance the night away with Mixed Nuts at 9:30 pm!!  Remember if you eat at Ye Olde College Inn right next door you get a discount to the show!  Happy rockin' and bowlin'!

Need more music?? Then go to Frenchmen Street!

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 Andre Bouvier & the Royal Bohemians at 4:00 pm, Indian Cigars at 7:00 pm and stay late for The Soulabilly Swampboogie Band 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, The Touchables at 6:00 pm for more happy hour fun, and top off the night with the Dana Abbot Band at 9:00 pm!!

Tomorrow is another day with the New Orleans Roadfood Fest, Hogs for the Cause, The New Orleans International Beer Festival,  Taste at the Lake, and more Crawfish!!!  Click on all the links so you can make your weekend plans!!

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!!


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