For years, the sensational qualities and star power of The Three Tenors (Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti) caught pop culture's attention with performances of some of traditional opera's most beloved arias. Admittedly inspired by this, THREE MO' TENORS shows the same respect toward opera classics, but this lineup -- Victor Trent Cook, Rodrick Dixon and Thomas Young -- also showcases the rich African-American vocal tradition. The trio covers everything from Giacomo Puccini's "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot to the silky-smooth R&B of James Weatherby's "Midnight Train to Georgia." The group will be in New Orleans for one night only, appearing Sunday at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts (Armstrong Park). The success of The Three Tenors sparked the idea in Marion J. Caffey, who now serves as the touring troupe's director. Caffey recruited a trio with impeccable backgrounds to fulfill the vision. Cook is a Broadway veteran with roles including a Tony Award-nominated run in Smokey Joe's Cafe. Dixon has performed in leading roles for a number of opera companies and symphony orchestras, with honors including "Tenor of the Year" selection by the Mary Dawson Art Guild and a stint in George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess on Broadway. Young has performed in opera houses in more than 20 countries, with his vocal roles landing two Grammy nominations -- one for the roles portrayed in 1993's X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X and 1994's The Death of Klighoffer. The trio's take on American vocal traditions has wowed audiences for a number of years; a highlight came in 2001 with a PBS special that is now available on CD, video and DVD. The range of Three Mo' Tenors is a key element to their success, with Leonard Bernstein's "Somewhere" from West Side Story, a tribute to Duke Ellington, the traditional spiritual "Were You There?" among the favorites in their vast repertoire. Three Mo' Tenors is the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra's second installment in the Triple Play series during the 2002-2003 season. Tickets range from $25-$60, and are available through LPO at 523-6530 or www.lpomusic.com. -- Frank Etheridge

The Strokes 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 Saenger Theatre, 143 N. Rampart St., 524-2490 Just when we thought legions of noisy testosterone rock bands had overtaken our lives with aggro misery, the Strokes came to our rescue. Last year, the New York City foursome sprung forth with Is This It, their debut album of songs that borrowed essential elements of the last 30 years of rock 'n' roll and presented them in the raw. Despite its lack of innovation, the record was revered in critical circles as proof that rock is still alive in America. Plus, with their messy hair and early-80s hipster garb, the Strokes look and act like real rock stars, not tattooed, angst-ridden teenagers from next door. A year later, the question is, can they make a follow-up album that doesn't disappoint? Their date with the studio looms large, but before their potential flop into has-been status, the Strokes revel in the glory of their debut with a DVD-embellished reissue, and an extensive U.S. tour. Saturday Night Live comic musician Jimmy Fallon opens, supporting his new album, The Bathroom Wall. Admission $25. -- Cristina Diettinger

Elemental: An Aquacade 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 Blue Nile, 532 Frenchmen St., 948-2583 Aquacade is the second installment of four shows celebrating the elements: fire, water, earth, and air. It is produced by Tristan Codrescu, of Madame Palmetto's Amusement Company, in conjunction with Native American poet-songwriter Reverend Goat Carson and poet/NOCCA teacher Andy Young. Aquacade is dedicated to the memory of Lucas Cox, who was killed on his bicycle in September and was to perform in the show. Codrescu describes it as "a gaggle of water goddesses, acrobatic hippopotami, water cats, carnivorous sea horses, and a plethora of ichthyologists." This audio-visual extravaganza will submerge the audience in the artistry of the eclectic and versatile performances of Sula from Zion Trinity, who will sing Afro-Cuban songs for the water goddesses Yemay&225; and Oshun, with the Bata drums of Michael Skinkus, Hart McNee and Dave Sobel; Egyptian story-teller Khaled Haggazi; and dancers Christine Kosonen, Nanette Ledet and Jeanne Jaubert. Suggested donations: $2-$91. -- Manny Lander

Marc Ford and the Sinners 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 Tipitina's, 501 Napoleon Ave., 895-8477 It's sheer coincidence that former Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford is playing in town the same week that Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson brings his solo project to House of Blues, but it makes for an interesting contrast nonetheless. Singer Robinson is going for more of an acoustic Southern soul vibe on his debut solo effort, New Earth Mud, with mixed results. He's never been a vocalist on par with, say, Eddie Hinton or Boz Scaggs, and the quieter love songs on New Earth Mud often serve more as reminders of what a terrific straight-up rock 'n' roll frontman Robinson is. And with the Black Crowes currently on the shelf -- and maybe done for good -- it's ex-Crowe Ford who's turning out the kind of greasy blues-rock he helped the band make from 1992-1997. Ford also can churn out organic grooves reminiscent of vintage Bonnie & Delaney, dripping with down-home country and gospel touches. Those qualities are stamped throughout his solo album, It¹s About Time, which is reminiscent of the terrific debut solo album that kick-ass guitarist Izzy Stradlin made when he left Guns 'n' Roses. Tickets $12 for Ford; $19.50 for Robinson. -- Jordan

Friends of Jabu CD-release party 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 The Howlin' Wolf, 828 S. Peters St., 529-5844 In another example of the thriving DIY scene in New Orleans, local bassist Jimmy Ives has stepped from the shadows of sideman gigs with the likes of Buckwheat Zydeco and Mem Shannon to spearhead his own venture. Ives wrote all the material for his new band, Friends of Jabu, and its debut CD, First Offering. Ives sticks close to slippery funk and R&B grooves and punches them up with horn charts, and for this CD-release party (and their recent debut gig at Tipitina's), he's hand-picked an 11-piece band with a full horn section. Listen for local all-stars like saxophonist Jason Mingledorff, keyboardist Tom Worrell, trombonist Jeff Albert and Michael Skinkus on percussion. Lead vocalist Lloyd Martin has a smooth voice suited to Caribbean accents in the material. In addition to selections from the CD, expect some spirited 70s-era soul and funk covers, all anchored by Ives' deep bass licks. Admission $5. -- Jordan

Beaujolais Gala 2002 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 921 Canal St., 670-2843 The French-American Chamber of Commerce/Louisiana Chapter is celebrating the 2002 Beaujolais' arrival with a gala that extends beyond just the wine into a tribute to Louisiana's cultural, historical and economic ties to France, punctuated with the event coming amidst preparations for the Louisiana Purchase bicentennial. Not only will gala-goers have the first taste of the new crop of Beaujolais, attendees will also be privy to a special Beaujolais Cuvée bottled by its vintners specifically for the bicentennial. The new wine will be introduced on horse-drawn carriages following a parade of stilt walkers, gypsy ribbon dancers, fire-eaters and the night's chefs, which is a who's who from French restaurants around town. That precedes the evening's entertainment provided by the strolling sounds of Trio Alimente and Dante the Magician's slight of hand. A silent and live auction are also featured, with French-themed items and trips up for bidding. Tickets $75 per person. -- Etheridge

Bill Cosby 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 Saenger Theatre, 143 N. Rampart St., 524-2490/522-5555 Hey, hey, hey! Comic legend Bill Cosby performs two shows Friday at the Saenger. It's not often that Bill Cosby makes his way down to the Big Easy or does two consecutive stand-up shows in one night. This beloved comic legend, actor, author and social activist has won a slew of awards including Grammys and Emmys; he's entertained audiences from preschool on up with his slice-of-life humor; his books have sold millions of copies; and his stage performances draw sellout crowds both young and old. No wonder the Kennedy Center, which bestowed Bill Cosby with a Lifetime Achievement Award, called the Coz "one of the most influential performers of the second half of the 20th century." Plus, Chris Rock calls Cosby's recent performances the best he's ever seen in the stand-up documentary Comedian. How can you argue with that? Tickets range from $25.50-$76.50 and are available through Ticketmaster or at the box office. -- Eileen Loh Harrist

Once in a Blue Moon (3rd Annual Hepatitis C Awareness benefit) 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Drive, 581-4367 Dr. John joins Irma Thomas, Gatemouth Brown and a host of others for the Once in a Blue Moon benefit for Hepatitis C awareness on Friday at Generations Hall. Since New Orleans chanteuse Timothea learned that she had Hepatitis C, she's used her own experience to start a crusade to educate New Orleanians on causes and treatment of the virus. She formed Siren to Wail Inc., a nonprofit organization that offers social services, and she now plans to launch private and community-based programs in local schools and churches to continue her mission. To achieve that goal, she's assembled quite a talented lineup for her third annual Hepatitis C Awareness benefit. Confirmed performers include Dr. John, Eddie Bo, Irma Thomas, Bobby Rush, Gatemouth Brown, Cyril Neville, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, the Wild Magnolias, Linda Hopkins, the Friendly Travelers, and Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. Timothea is quite the formidable blues belter herself, and she'll appear backed by the Blue Soul Express Band. There will also be a silent auction of various donated items. For more info, call 889-6490. Tickets $20. VIP tickets available for $85. -- Jordan

The Santaland Diaries 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 22-23; 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24; through Dec. 22 Southern Repertory Theatre, the Shops at Canal Place, 365 Canal St., 522-6545 Not since Herbie opted for dentistry has one little elf made such a big noise. In 1992, humorist David Sedaris debuted on NPR's Morning Edition with his story of laboring as an elf at Macy's Department Store in New York City. The monologue catapulted Sedaris to fame (how many other essayists do readings on Letterman?) and made The Santaland Diaries a perennial mood-setter -- this generation's A Christmas Carol. Like Dickens, Sedaris penned a romp through society's back corridors, a seasonal tonic to unmitigated cheer that turns unexpectedly heartwarming by tale's end. Sedaris has anthologized his tale in a couple books, but the elfin magic is best and funniest in performance, which is why Southern Rep is presenting this local premiere of Joe Mantello's Santaland stage adaptation. Local actor Gary Rucker (recently seen in R.J. Tsarov's Trust Fund Babies) dons the pointy hat for the one-man performance, with direction from John Grimsley. No performance Thanksgiving night. Tickets $20. For tickets or more info, call Southern Rep at 522-6545. -- Michael Tisserand

The Donnas 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 Shim Sham Club, 615 Toulouse St., 299-0666 It's been fun watching the Donnas grow from cheeky high school troublemakers to mature adult hell-raisers. It seemed like the San Francisco Bay Area female foursome had reached their college-radio peak with 2001's The Donnas Turn 21, but with the past year's retro-rock explosion they've catapulted to TRL status. Wielding an aesthetic based on 7-Eleven beauty products, dime-store fashion finds and feathered haircuts, the Donnas aren't a bit shy about their trashiness. Their new album, Spend the Night, is purely obnoxious late-70s/early-80s rock to flip the bird to, and their lyrics, doused in sarcasm and cynicism, take feminist empowerment to new heights. "I must've had too many Diet Cokes," sing the Donnas, "'cause I'm laughing at all your stupid jokes." L.A. underground rock band the Campfire Girls open. Your Enemy's Friends are also on the bill. Admission $13. -- Diettinger

Adrian Deckbar: Daydreamers Through Nov. 30 Hanson Gallery, 229 Royal St., 524-8211 We have been called a city of dreams and dreamers, a metropolis of somnambulists. Anyone who has ever tried to drive around here knows it's not just an idle rumor. Sure, daydreaming is universal; we just seem to have more than our share. As a painter of people momentarily suspended in a world of their own, Adrian Deckbar is certainly based in the right place, as her realistic new canvases at Hanson so aptly illustrate. While no SUV drivers in cell phone trances were depicted, there are plenty of other slices of life in which ordinary awareness has gone AWOL, in any number of public and private settings. As Deckbar puts it: "Caught for a moment out of time, these daydreamers are in a suspended state. Day-to-day concerns are not part of their reality. In our current era of economic and political turmoil, the greatest luxury is to have time to dream." -- D. Eric Bookhardt