family
Tuesday 20
2004 SUMMER READING CLUB. Any Orleans Parish public library location, 596-2657 -- Kids of all ages can sign up for a summer reading program sponsored by Shell Exploration & Production Company and receive prizes after reading their first eight books. Call for more info. Now through Aug. 14.
SUMMER READING PROGRAMS. All Jefferson Parish library locations, 838-1100, ext. 241 -- Jefferson Parish children are invited to 'Get Buggy About Books,' and teens can 'Get Wired in the Library' with programs providing a fun way to maintain reading skills. Call for times. Now through Aug. 6.
NEVER HOME ALONE. Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, 10601 Dwyer Road, 246-5276 -- A new exhibit that depicts the urban critters that lurk around home. Tickets $5 adults, $4 seniors 65-over, $3 children and free admission children under 3. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Open run.
FIN FEST. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, 1 Canal St., (800) 774-7394 -- Special aquatic programs, activities and presentations with dive shows, art carts and gallery chats. Visit www.auduboninstitute.org for more info. Tickets $15 adults, $8 children ages 2-12, $11 ages 65-over, and free for children under 2. 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Sunday, through Labor Day.
SPACE WEEK. Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St., 523-1357 -- Families can make their own telescopes and rockets, create cool constellations, build a universe in a jar, and more. Call for detailed schedule. Tickets $7 nonmembers, free for members and children under 1. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.
Friday 23
SIX FLAGS PARKWAY BLOCK PARTY. Six Flags New Orleans, 12301 Six Flags Pkwy., 253-8100 -- To celebrate renaming the 0.8-mile stretch of Lake Forest Boulevard as Six Flags Parkway, Six Flags is offering a $9.99 admission coupon to everyone who presents a 3-by-5-inch index card or piece of paper with the words 'Six Flags Parkway.' A block party will be held inside the entrance from noon to 2 p.m. with balloon artists, face painters and more.
Saturday 24
YOUNG ASTRONAUTS CLASSES. Louisiana State Museum, 394 Airport Circle Road, Patterson, (985) 395-7067 -- Children can explore the universe and its many components while engaging in arts and crafts using paper, paint and even fruit. Call for more info. Free registration. 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. every Saturday through July 31.
COMMUNITY FEST. Six Flags New Orleans, 12301 Six Flags Pkwy., 253-8100 -- Families will be 'edu-tained' by the New Orleans Police Department's DARE and Ident-A-Kid programs, the New Orleans Fire Department, the Audubon Nature Center and more; also features face-painting, balloon artists and appearances by Looney Tunes characters. Free with park admission. Park tickets $34.99 general, $24.99 children at the gate; $24.99 general and $21.99 children at Winn Dixie stores; $19.99 on ABC 26 and WB 38 Web sites. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
R&B BOP HOP. Children's Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 468-7231, ext. 220 -- Local musician Davis Rogan will energize children with his rhythm and blues songs, such as 'You Talk Too Much,' 'Honey Child' and 'It's a Wonderful World.' Tickets $3.50 adults, $2.50 children ages 1-17 and seniors 55-over. 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Monday 26
EARTH CAMP FOR KIDS. Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, 589-2330, ext. 10 -- Weeklong camp consisting of canoeing, making nature crafts, singing songs, using microscopes and enjoying presentations from special guests. Registration $25. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday.
THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER. Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St., 523-1357 -- Families can make bandanas and biscuits for shelter dogs and their own dogs, design picture frames for pets, enjoy presentations from canine experts and more. Call for detailed schedule. Tickets $7 nonmembers, free for members and children under 1. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday.
special events
Tuesday 20
LASALLE PARK RACE REGISTRATION. LaSalle Park, Airline Drive, Metairie, 482-6682 -- Half-mile and 2-mile race/walk in memory of Laura Mason. Benefiting the Angels on Earth Foundation to provide educational and therapeutic equipment to disabled children. Pre-registration deadline Monday, July 26. Entry fees $14 pre-registered NOTC members, $16 pre-registered nonmembers, $10 pre-registered children 17-under, $20 entrants on race day. 7 p.m. half-mile race, 7:15 p.m. two-mile race.
SALUTE TO SISTERHOOD MONTH BRUNCH. The Court of Two Sisters, 613 Royal St., 522-7261 -- Bring one or more of your sisters to the Court of Two Sisters' jazz brunch, and the restaurant will donate the proceeds from one of the diner's meals to the Little Sisters of the Poor Mary Joseph Residence for the Elderly in Algiers. Diners will receive a free glass of champagne or a Mimosa. Reservations recommended. Buffet $25. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, through July 31.
THE CRESCENT CITY FARMERS MARKET. Crescent City Farmers Market, 200 Broadway St., 861-5898 -- Enjoy sweet and savory crepes from Crepe de Mello. Free and open to the public. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
SAVING WEDNESDAY'S CHILD EXHIBIT. The Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St., 598-7171 -- Items on display from the Children's Bureau Archive reveal how the organization confronted issues such as child labor, abuse, neglect and prostitution. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, through Oct. 1.
WINE DIVAS SOCIAL SOIREE. Martin Wine Cellar, 714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 899-7411 -- Wine-loving women will meet in the Metairie Tasting Room to sip, savor, shop and socialize. Featuring six wines. Tickets $20. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
GALATOIRE'S SUMMER WINE PAIRING DINNERS. Galatoire's Restaurant, 209 Bourbon St., 525-2021 -- Four five-course dinners will be offered with wines from Cuvaison, Swanson, Acacia and Eberle, depending on the month. Menu $85. 7 p.m., through Sept. 7.
Wednesday 21
CRESCENT CITY FARMERS MARKET. Crescent City Farmers Market, corner of Gov. Nicholls Street and French Market Place, 861-5898 -- Cooking demonstration by Lee Circle Restaurant. Free admission and free two-hour parking at the French Market lot. 11:30 a.m.
LUNCHBOX LECTURES. National D-Day Museum, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012, ext. 225 -- Bring your lunch and join museum research historian Martin K.A. Morgan for a presentation about war crimes associated with the World War II era. Free admission. Noon to 1 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS POETRY FORUM. 257 Bonnabel Blvd., Metairie, 835-8472, 467-9034 -- Weekly workshop on poetry readings. Free admission. 8 p.m.
ARTURO & JOE'S OLDE SCHOOL JAZZ 'N POETRY. Edgelake Bar, 7126 Hayne Blvd., 975-6676 -- Weekly poetry reading with open mic. Cover $3. 8:30 p.m. sign-in, 9 p.m. reading.
Thursday 22
OGDEN MUSEUM'S SUMMER BROWN BAG SERIES. Ogden Annex, Lee Circle, 539-9623 -- Bring your lunch and create architectural construction using fabric, paper and paint with artist Gina Phillips. Limited to 30 participants. Registration $10. Noon to 1 p.m.
WINE TASTING. Crescent City Farmers Market, 3700 Orleans Ave., 861-5898 -- Enjoy a tasting from a variety of wines. Call for more info. Free and open to the public. 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
HISTORIC BUILDING RENOVATION WORKSHOP. Preservation Resource Center, 923 Tchoupitoulas St., 581-7032 -- Presentations by Operation Comeback staff to inform interested home renovators about historic building renovation opportunities. Tickets $5. 5:30 p.m.
SAVE OUR CEMETERIES PUBLIC LECTURE. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St., 525-3377 -- Downs Matthews speaks on how he found his great uncle Will McCann, who was headed for Brazil in the 1860s to establish what is now the Lost Colony of the Confederacy, by using historical records, museums and cemeteries. 7:30 p.m. optional dinner to follow at The Omni Royal Orleans. Free admission to lecture for SOC members, $5 for nonmembers; $40 for dinner and lecture. 6 p.m.
OGDEN AFTER HOURS. Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Stephen Goldring Hall, 925 Camp St., 539-9600 -- Enjoy a live performance by Cajun songwriter and accordionist Steve Riley and learn about his Southern musical influences. Tickets $10 nonmember adults; $8 nonmember seniors over 65 and students with ID; $5 UNO students with ID and children 5-17; free for members and children under 5. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
NAME THAT WINE. Martin Wine Cellar, 714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 899-7411 -- Join wine expert David Kenney for a comparison tasting of Bordeaux and California Bordeaux blends. If you correctly identify a wine as American or French, you will receive an entry into a drawing and could win some pricey bottles of wine. Tickets $27. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
TWO MILE RUN/WALK. The Peristyle, City Park, Dreyfous and Anseman drives, 482-6682 -- Race sponsored by GNOTri, 15th Street Flyers, Metairie Beerathon/River and Roadrunners. Refreshments provided. Proceeds benefit City Park's maintenance related to runners and walkers. Free entry fee. Registration on the day of the race. Race starts at 7:06 p.m.
17 POETS. Gold Mine Saloon, 701 Dauphine St., 586-0745 -- Weekly reading series with open mic format for poets, singers, musicians, storytellers and dancers. Free admission. 8 p.m.
BELLY UP TO BYBLOS. Byblos Restaurant, 3218 Magazine St., 894-1233 -- Enjoy belly dancing from the Sisters of Salome and $3 martinis every Thursday in July. Call for more info. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
LIP SERVICE. The 4th Edition, 2613 Jasmine St., 669-2999 -- Featuring poetry, visual arts and games, with entertainment by DJ Slab 1. Call for this week's guests. Cover $6.90. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Open run.
Friday 23
POZAZZ. True Brew Cafe, 200 Julia St., 524-8441 -- Open mic with rappers, musicians, poets and singers. Sign up in advance. $5 admission. 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday 24 PLANT SALE. Covenant House, 611 N. Rampart St., 584-1111 -- White Dove Landscaping will have a plant sale benefiting Covenant House of New Orleans, selling house plants, garden plants, bedding and hand-painted terra cotta pots. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WEEKLY HORTICULTURE CLASS/WORKSHOP. City Park, New Orleans Botanical Garden, The Lath House, 483-9427 -- A licensed horticulturalist, florist and nursery professional will cover plant types/functions, propagation, pesticides, fertilizers, landscaping and pruning. Registration $100 for all sessions. 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday, through Aug. 14.
CRESCENT CITY FARMERS MARKET. Crescent City Farmers Market, 700 Magazine St., 861-5898 -- The chef from Mr. John's Steakhouse will be at the Tabasco Chef's Corner. Free and open to the public. 10 a.m.
DISABILITY AWARENESS EXPO. Oakwood Shopping Center, JC Penney Wing, 197 Westbank Expwy., Suite 33, Gretna, 362-1900 -- The Jefferson Office for Citizens with Disabilities will provide products, information and services for people with special needs. Art show and contest also included. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
JAZZ'N THE VINES MUSIC SERIES. Pontchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Hwy. 1082, Bush, (985) 892-9742 -- The Pontchartrain Vineyards presents Sentimental Fox Trot Orchestra. No pets or outside liquor. Wine and gourmet food available for purchase. Tickets $8.50 general admission. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN JULY PARTY. Igor's Lounge and Gameroom, 2133 St. Charles Ave., 568-9811 -- Enjoy a free holiday turkey dinner, Christmas music, a Christmas cookie contest, photos with Santa, prizes and tons of raffles. Proceeds benefit the SPCA. No cover. 7 p.m.
HURRICANE CEREMONY. Island of Salvation Botanica, 835 Piety St., 948-9966 -- Public prayer ceremony dedicated to Our Lady of Prompt Succor and Elizi Danto to ask for protection from the hurricane season. White attire with red head scarves recommended. Call for info on what to bring. Free admission. 7 p.m.
SIX FLAGS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES. Six Flags New Orleans, 12301 Six Flags Pkwy., 253-8100 -- Featuring R&B and soul by Gina Brown. Call for more info. Free with park admission. 7 p.m.
Sunday 25
BOURBON STREET BALL. JW Marriott, 614 Canal St., 525-6500 -- Local dancers can join with national dancers for a full day of competitive ballroom dance events, with a special, cabaret performance by international artists Tibor and Ivana Varga. Call for detailed schedule. Competition registration $175 (includes lunch, dinner and all programs); spectator tickets $25 per program; $75 spectator program package includes lunch, both programs and reserved seating. Competition deadline Wednesday. 9 a.m.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY PARTY FOR THE HOMELESS. Bridge House, 1160 Camp St., 522-2124, ext. 13 -- Bridge House is hosting a traditional, holiday feast with turkey and stuffing for the city's homeless, compliments of Mother's restaurant. Clothing, toiletries and toys will be distributed after the meal. Volunteers needed. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
BRIDAL EXTRAVANGANZA. Fairmont Hotel, 123 Baronne St., 525-2743 -- Weddings with Style magazine and The Fairmont Hotel of New Orleans host 'Diamonds Are Forever.' Brides, grooms and their guests can consult with local wedding professionals and shop for wedding party music, photographers, accessories, flowers, cakes, favors and more. Door prizes offered. Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
PHILO CAFE OF NEW ORLEANS MEETINGS. Rue de la Course Coffeehouse, 3128 Magazine St., 899-0242 -- Weekly discussions on philosophical topics and issues using the Socratic method. Open to the public. 7:30 p.m.
Monday 26
HURICANE PREPAREDNESS TOWN MEETING. Desire-Florida Multipurpose Center, 2727 Louisa St., 944-7431 -- The American Red Cross and The City of New Orleans Emergency Preparedness will provide families with information on how to prepare for this hurricane season. 10 a.m. to noon.
NEW ORLEANS CIVIC SYMPHONY CONCERT. St. Clement of Rome Church, 4317 Richland Ave., Metairie, 834-6513 -- Enjoy live music by piano soloist Sakiko Ohashi. Free admission. 8 p.m.
BELLY DANCING. Hookah Bar and Lounge, 500 Frenchmen St., 943-1101 -- Enjoy dinner and belly dancing from the Sisters of Salome. Call for menu prices. 10 p.m. to midnight.
volunteer
AUDUBON VOLUNTEER. 212-5194 -- Audubon Nature Institute is looking for new recruits over the age of 18 to work at one of Audubon's facilities. Orientation will be at 9 a.m. Aug. 7 at the Audubon Zoo. Training begins Aug. 12 (the same day as the deadline). Call 212-5194 for more info.
GIRLS AND BOYS TOWN OF LOUISIANA. 949-9248 -- Volunteer as a mentor for this group and work with at-risk youth on materials, which will target specific reading and writing skills. Teaching experience not necessary. Call 949-9248 or e-mail niuss@girlsandboystown.org.
road trip
Tuesday 20
WALK BACK IN TIME CHILDREN'S WORKSHOP. Old Courthouse Museum, 600 Second St., Natchitoches, (318) 357-2270 -- Children will learn the history of Jeffersonian expeditions through arts and crafts, a field trip, and a reenactment of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Limited space available. Call to register. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. (First class began Monday, July 19.)
Thursday 22
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, (225) 216-0660 -- Justin Cerne directs Jamie Wax and others in Howard Ashman's classic about a florist's assistant who feeds an insatiable, bloodthirsty plant in exchange for winning over the love of his life. Tickets pay-what-you-will (Wednesday), $17.50 adults, $12.50 groups of 10, students and seniors 55-over. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, through July 31.
Friday 23
FELICIANA HUMMINGBIRD CELEBRATION. Jackson Hall, 11621 Ferdinand St., St. Francisville, (800) 715-0669 -- Weekend festival with a wine and cheese reception; a hummingbird plant, bird equipment, book and craft sale; and the opportunity to observe hummingbirds up close at two private homes. Call for detailed schedule. Tickets $10 Friday night, $5 Saturday. 7 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Saturday 24
STATE PARKS JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM. Fairview-Riverside State Park, 119 Fairview Drive, Madisonville, (985) 792-4652 -- Children ages 7 and over can learn about preservation areas, historic sites and parks. Parent or guardian must be present. Pre-registration required. Free with $2 park admission per vehicle with up to four passengers and 50 cents for each additional passenger. 9 a.m. to noon.
CHILDREN'S STORYTELLING. Mississippi State University, Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Road, Picayune, Miss., (601) 799-2311, ext. 23 -- Children can expand their imaginations while listening to stories at the Pinecote Pavilion. Parent or guardian must be present. Tickets $2 per child nonmember, free for members. 10 a.m.
MOVIE AUDITIONS. Southeastern Louisiana University, D. Vickers Building, Hammond, 482-2229 -- Auditions for thousands of extras are being held for Glory Road, starring Ben Affleck. Bring a recent, non-returnable photograph and attend anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at one of the open calls. Call for more info.
ongoing
CHRISTOPHER INGLIS STEBLY ART GALLERY. 1016 Government St., Ocean Springs, Miss., (228) 875-6262 -- Paintings by Melaine Barger Spiers, through Thursday.
LOUISIANA ART AND SCIENCE MUSEUM. 100 S. River Road, Baton Rouge, (225) 382-3575; (800) LA ROUGE -- The Land Through a Lens: Highlights From the Smithsonian American Art Museum, photographs from the 1850s to the present day by Eadweard Muybridge, Timothy O'Sullivan, Ansel Adams, Aaron Siskind, William Christenberry and more, through Aug. 1.
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART. Mississippi Museum of Art, 201 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson, Miss., (866)-VIEW-ART -- Paris Moderne: Art Deco Works From the Musee D'art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, paintings, furniture, decorative arts and sculptures from 1920s and '30s Paris, through Sept. 6.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON. 1001 Bissonet St., Houston, Texas, (713) 639-7540 -- Inverted Utopias: Avant-Garde Art in Latin America. Exhibition devoted to avant-garde works by more than 67 Latin-American artists from 1920 to 1970, on display in the Caroline Wiess Law Building, through Sept. 12.
OPELOUSAS MUSEUM OF ART. 106 North Union St., Opelousas, (800) 424-5442 -- New York Show, avant-garde works from New York City artists (including six Louisiana natives), through Aug. 21.
RED DREAM. The Beau Rivage Theatre, 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (888) 566-7469 -- Featuring 42 Russian performers including dancers, comedians, trapeze artists, and fly boys. Call for more info. Tickets $19.95 and $24.95. 7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, through Oct. 30.
SEKUL'S WOLFACE POTTERY AND GALLERY. 1202 Government St., Suite B, Ocean Springs, Miss., (228) 818-9666 -- Expressions of Life, paintings and ink drawings by Leif Anderson, through Aug. 14. Artist's reception 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.
