family
Wednesday 20
YOUTH REVIVAL. St. Peter Claver Church, 1923 St. Philip St., 822-8059 -- Church hosts second annual event with song, dance and prayer to help gather and inspire youth. Free admission. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday 23
NATURE PROGRAM. Heritage Park, 303 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 468-7231 -- Louisiana Gulf Coast Herpetological Society presents 'Snakes and Things IV' with live animals on display and discussion. Admission $3 adults, $2.50 seniors, $2 children. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
POETRY-N-MOTION. Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St., 523-1357 -- Children's author Todd-Michael St. Pierre performs scenes and signs books. Shows at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Sunday 24
PUMPKIN ART DAY. French Market, 1104 N. Peters St., 522-2621 -- Fundraiser for Children's Hospital invites families to wear costumes and carve pumpkins with tools and pumpkin provided, plus snacks and entertainment. Admission $7 over 13 years old, $5 under 13. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
FAIS DO DO. Cenacle Retreat House, 5500 St. Mary St., Metairie, 887-1420, ext. 227 -- Annual fais do do features Ernie Wilkerson and the Hot Sauce Band, Cajun cuisine, children's activities, a raffle and more. Admission $13 adults, $3 children under 12 in advance, $15 and $5 at door. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
ongoing
BOOKMARK CONTEST. Jefferson Parish libraries, 838-1100 -- Children ages 5-13 are encouraged to design a bookmark reflecting their favorite book; prizes and ribbons awarded. Submission deadline Nov. 10. Call or visit www.jeffeson.lib.la.us/childrens/BookmarkContest.pdf for info.
special events
Tuesday 19
AMERICA'S WETLAND. City Park, Pavillion of the Two Sisters, 891-0726 -- Forum features panel of experts on coastal restoration with program 'America's Wetland: Saving Louisiana's Culture, Economy and Environment.' Free. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
BLOOD DRIVE. Whole Foods, 5600 Magazine St., 899-9119 -- Blood drive to support local Blood Center. Donators must be at least 17 years old and weight at least 110 pounds. Snacks served. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WINE TASTING BENEFIT. Rosy's Jazz Hall, Tchoupitoulas and Valence streets, 616-3045 -- Benefit for construction of new equestrian facility in Audubon Park features catered wine tasting. Tickets $100 per person. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday 20
TAIWAN DANCE. Loyola University, Roussel Hall, 864-7550 -- Performance by the National Fu Hsing Dramatic Arts Academy of Taiwan. Free. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
POLITICS WITH A PUNCH. Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., 581-5812 -- Discussion of local and national politics with local figures and host Jeff Crouere. Tickets $20 per person, $30 for two. 8 p.m.
Thursday 21
LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA. Orpheum Theater, 127 University Place, 523-6530 -- LPO performs concert of works by Saint-Saens, Ravel and Beethoven with guest violinist Philippe Quint and conductor Klauspeter Seibel. Tickets start at $13. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Saturday.
JAZZ UNDERGROUND. Loyola University, Danna Center, 865-3492 -- Live music concert 'Gringo do Choro: Rick Trolsen's Brazilian Project.' $10 general admission, $5 students. 7:30 p.m.
LEAGUE OF PISSED OFF VOTERS. Lenny's Piccadilly Lounge, 113 University Place, 400-7357 -- Kick-off party for group's election push to inform young, progressive voters about local and national issues. DJ Soul Sister spins. Free. 8 p.m.
Friday 22
GUMBO FEST. Uptown Shepherd's Center, 921 S. Carrollton Ave., 314-0300 -- Fundraiser features gumbo, boutique sale and silent auction. $5 admission. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
BUCKTOWN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL. St. Louis King of France, 1600 Lake Ave., Metairie, 491-5651 -- Fundraiser for school combines 'Fish Fry Friday,' three nights of live music, games, children's activities, local food vendors selling seafood and regional cuisine. 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday.
WELL-BEHAVED WOMEN SELDOM MAKE HISTORY. Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History. Loyola University, Nunemaker Auditorium, 865-2567 -- Harvard professor and author Laurel Thatcher Ulrich gives lecture on non-conformist women's role in American history. Free. 7 p.m.
HULLABALOO ON THE MISSISSIPPI. Creole Queen riverboat, Canal Street dock, 861-WAVE -- Fundraiser for Tulane Athletics Fund with dinner cruise and entertainment. Tickets $125 per person, $250 patron party, $100 per person with minimum of 10 guests. 6 p.m. patron party, 7 p.m. to 11 pm. dinner and auction.
MENSAJE FESTIVAL. Zephyrs Stadium, 6000 Airline Drive, Metairie, 283-0659 -- Latin culture celebration features Latin cuisine, live music, art, folk dancing, crafts, children's activities, carnival rides, health fair and more. Visit www.mensajefestival.com. Admission $5 adults, children under 12 free. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, through Oct. 31.
TRUNK FASHION SHOW. Kunflama Boutique, 531 Iberville St., 586-1606 -- Fashion show and party includes hors d'oeuvres, champagne, wine and cheese, gift bags and more. Tickets $20 reserved seating, $5 general admission. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
VIVA PAWS VEGAS. Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Drive, 944-7445, ext. 216 -- Fundraiser for Louisiana SPCA with Vegas-style entertainment, gaming, catered cuisine, live music and art auction. Patron party tickets $250, gala-only tickets $125, late-night special tickets $50. 7 p.m. patron party, 8:30 p.m. gala, 10 p.m. to midnight late-night.
LADONNA SMITH. The Big Top, 1638 Clio St., 569-2700 -- Concert with acclaimed violinist/improviser LaDonna Smith performing solo acoustic and amplified with Dry Bones Trio. Admission $8 general, $7 3 Ring Circus members. 9 p.m.
MAGIC AND ILLUSION. Cowpokes, 2240 St. Claude Ave., 947-0505 -- Magician and illusionist Zakari Asiago performs high-energy show that combines magic, illusion, comedy, drama, leather and rhinestones. Tickets $13, proceeds benefit Belle Reve AIDS charity. 9 p.m. and 11 pm. Friday and Saturday.
Saturday 23
PANCAKE BREAKFAST FOR RED CROSS. Nouveau Marc Retirement Community, 1101 Sunset Blvd., Kenner, 469-7988 -- Retirement community holds pancake breakfast to benefit Red Cross' efforts to help hurricane victims. $5 donation suggested. 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
RITUALS AND RELICS IN THE WOODS. A Studio in the Woods, 13401 River Road, Algiers, 392-5359 -- Multi-media art workshop pays homage to natural environment, led by artists Jan Gilbert and Kristen Struebling-Beazley. Anyone over 18 years old invited; call to register. $125 studio members, $140 non-members. 9 a.m. to dusk.
OPERATION PUMPKIN. The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal St., 522-9200 -- Local doctors 'operate' on pumpkins for sale to raise funds for Children's Hospital. Pumpkins also for sale for $15 for children to decorate with artists on hand to help. Doctor-decorated pumpkins $25. 10 a.m.
JAZZWOMEN. New Orleans Public Library, 219 Loyola Ave., 529-READ -- Trumpeter, lecturer, writer Susan Fleet leads concert saluting all-female big bands from the 1920s to present. Free. 11 a.m.
COSTUME SHOW. Cafe Brasil, 2100 Chartres St., 269-3982 -- Halloween 'boo-tique' show features local designers, artists and vintage dealers offering Halloween fashion and accessories. Cambre & Capello perform music. Free. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., models strut at 3 p.m.
FOOD AND POETRY. 618 City Park Ave., 482-5756 -- Poetry and literature reading with food and libations served. RSVP to jgjones@cheerful.com. Free. 5 p.m.
JAZZ'N THE VINES. Pontchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Hwy. 1082 (Old Military Road), north of Covington, (985) 892-9742 -- Outdoor concert series features Tony Green & Gypsy Jazz. Picnic fare and blankets encouraged, no outside alcohol. Admission $8.50. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
ABITA SPRINGS OPRY. Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs, (985) 892-0711 -- Concert features The Abita Strings, Jeff and Vida, Don Vappie and the Creole Swingers, Harold Cavalleor with Danny Paige and Ben Manuel. Tickets $7 adults, $5 seniors, children under 12 free. 7 p.m.
DOGS IN THEIR PLACE. The Pampered Pug, 8630 Oak St., 866-7502 -- Local artist Betsy Doody unveils collection of pet-themed art with reception. Free. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
MEMBERSHIP KICK-OFF PARTY. The Big Top, 1638 Clio St., 569-2700 -- 3 Ring Circus hosts membership drive for new education programs with production of original musical Hairball, plus an art auction, info on venue attractions and programs, complimentary food and drink. Free for members, $25 non-members. 7 p.m. to midnight.
HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO. Mahalia Jackson Theatre, Armstrong Park, 522-0996 -- New Orleans Ballet Association presents acclaimed dance troupe. Tickets $21-$60 adults, $6 students. 8 p.m.
LATIN FASHION. Copa Cabana Club, 4604 Airline Drive, Metairie, 780-0212 -- Dominican Republic designer Martin Palanco presents fashion show with Dominican and local models, including Miss Honduras. 9:30 p.m.
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. Mama's Blues, 616 N. Rampart St., second floor, 523-5546 -- Transylvanian Electric Company performs scenes, along with screening of film version. Admission $5. Midnight.
Sunday 24
STAINED GLASS TOUR. Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Canal and South Lopez streets, 581-7032 -- Preservation Resource Center holds 'New Glass and New Life for Old Glass' with tour of stained-glass displays in various churches. Tickets $10 PRC members in advance, $12 non-members in advance, $15 day of tour. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
NICKEL-A-DANCE. Cafe Brasil, 2100 Chartres St., 949-0851 -- Concert and dance series this week led by Evan Christopher & Clarinet Road. Free. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
MUSICA DA CAMERA. All Saints Episcopal Church, 100 Rex Drive, River Ridge, 865-8203 -- Classical concert troupe performs 'Sing a Tapestry, Weave a Song' with music and dance from the 12th through 15th centuries. Free. 7 p.m.
PEOPLE OVER PROFIT. Tulane University, Jones Hall, 522-3958 -- Discussion of struggles for land reform, CAFTA, justice and human rights in Guatemala. Free. 7 p.m.
SOUTHERN JEZEBELLES. One Eyed Jacks, 616 Toulouse St., 606-9903 -- Burlesque troupe presents show of international dances in 'Around the World Š Or Bust!' with MC Danny Martini and jazz from Matt Perrine and the Bumpin' Grinders. Tickets $18 advance, $20 at door. 9 p.m.
ongoing
HAITI RELIEF FUND. Various locations, 488-0397 -- Collection of donations to help Haitians recovering from hurricane; clean clothes, blankets, shoes, toiletries, school supplies and more needed. Collections taken at 4537 N. Robertson St. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and Sanctified Baptist Mission, 2007 Daniels St., Terrytown, from 3 p.m. to 5 pm. Monday through Saturday. Through Oct. 30. Call to donate money.
call for volunteers
HOPE HOUSE. 525-2561 -- Volunteers from across metro area needed to help teach computer skills, help children with reading skills and homework, and keep the community center open.
MUSEUM DOCENTS. Louisiana State Museum, 568-6360 -- Louisiana State Museum seeks volunteer docents to work with students on Louisiana culture and history. Training held throughout October. Call for info.
TOURO INFIRMARY SERVICES. Touro Infirmary, 1401 Foucher St., 897-8107 -- Volunteers over age 18 needed to serve in variety of positions and schedules. Orientation required. Call for application and to set up appointment. road trip
Thursday 21
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Beach Boulevard in Biloxi, 525-HOOP -- Exhibition game between Hornets and Orlando Magic. Tickets $14.50-$79.50. 7:30 p.m.
Friday 22
OKTOBERFEST. Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, (888) 775-7990 -- German beer garden with authentic German cuisine, beers, live music and more. Visit www.oktoberfestla.com. Admission $7 adults, $2 children up to 12 years old. 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
ROCK & RELIEF. Grand Casino, 3215 W. Beach Blvd., Gulfport, Miss., (228) 436-2946 -- Concert with Atomship and 12 Stones, plus Illbreak and Fall as Well, benefits Red Cross' efforts for hurricane victims. Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of show. 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 24
ANGOLA PRISON RODEO. Angola State Penitentiary, Angola, (225) 635-2592 -- Annual 'Wildest Show in the South' with prisoners competing in rodeo events, plus crafts sale. Visit www.angolarodeo.com for directions/info. Tickets $10. 2 p.m.
