family
Wednesday 27
FAMILY HALLOWEEN PARTY. New Orleans Public Library, Keller Branch, 4300 Broad St., 596-2619 -- Entertainment and storytime provided by the Terrific Traveling Troubadours. Costumes encouraged. Free admission. 6 p.m.
Thursday 28
FAIRY GODMOTHER GRAB-BAG. Children's Resource Center, 913 Napoleon Ave., 596-2629 -- Porta-Puppet Players, featuring fairy godmother Merrily Pop, arts and crafts, face-painting and grab-bags. Free admission. 1:30 p.m.
Friday 29
BOO AT THE ZOO. Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., 581-4629/866-ITS-A-ZOO -- This 18th annual event for trick-or-treaters benefits The Parenting Center at Children's Hospital, Audubon Zoo and ABC26/WB28 Children First. Attractions include the Mombasa Ghost Train, haunted house, games with prizes, and entertainment featuring Johnette Downing. For kids up to 12 years old. Tickets $15 per person for 5 p.m. admission, $10 for 7 p.m. admission, children under 12 months free (discount available). 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
NORD HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA. J.W. Brown Complex, 5601 Read Blvd., 299-4170 -- New Orleans Recreation Department's annual Halloween party features treats, prizes, pumpkin decorating, face painting and 'best costume' contest. Free admission. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
HALLOWEEN HOOPLA. East Jefferson Family YMCA, 6691 Riverside Drive, Metairie, 888-9622 -- An evening of food, games, crafts and family fun, plus a costume contest. Free. 7:30 p.m. Saturday 30 ANGELA THE YARNSPINNER. Children's Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 468-7231 or 712-9861 -- Audiences are invited to wear Halloween costumes as the popular storyteller uses empowering tales to stamp out 'The Big Scary.' Admission $2.50 for children and seniors, $3.50 for adults 18 and older. 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
LOUISIANA TALES OF THE BAYOU. New Orleans Public Library, Main Library Auditorium, third floor, 219 Loyola Ave., 596-2588 -- Shoestring Players present Louisiana folk tales including 'The Butter Barrel,' for kids ages 3-10. Refreshments included, Halloween costumes encouraged. Free admission. 2 p.m.
Sunday 31
HALLOWEEN WITH DR. MAGIC. Ground Pat'I Restaurant, 2740 Severn Ave., Metairie, 887-2711 -- Children's magician performs tableside and provides candy to kids. Noon to 2 p.m., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WITCH CLASS! The Esplanade, 1401 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 469-7019 -- Interactive comedy with puppets, featuring Ms. JoAnne Mehrtens, kick off Esplanade Halloween Harvest Fest. Free admission. Noon to 4 p.m.
TRUNK OR TREAT. Zephyrs Stadium, Parking Lot D, 6000 Airline Drive, Metairie, 455-2620; www.angelsplace.org -- Seventh annual Halloween party includes decorated vehicle trunks, costume contest, car-decorating contest and more. Music by Christian Serpas & Ghost Town. Proceeds go to Angels' Place. Free admission for general public, $20 per trunk in contest. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL. Celebration Church, 2001 Airline Drive, Metairie, 831-9673 -- Church marks 15th anniversary with game booths, face painting, sports challenge, food, pony rides and more. Free admission. 5:30 to 8 p.m.
HALLOWEEN EVERY WITCH WAY. Rivertown Heritage Park, 415 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 427-6069 -- Kenner celebrates with games and prizes for children, fun house mirrors, face painting, costume contest, music and food. Admission $4. 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
special events
Tuesday 26
SHERIFF FOTI'S HAUNTED HOUSE. City Park at Marconi Drive, 821-4778 -- Spooky events for the whole family include a large haunted house, ghost train, haunted hayride and an 'Unhaunted Enchanted Forest' for the little ones. Tickets $10 for the Ghost Train, $5 Haunted Hayride, $3 children's area. Events start at dusk. Tuesday-Sunday.
TRAVELING CIGAR LOUNGE. Various locations; www.cigarworld.com -- The Macanudo American Passion Tour bus is in Louisiana. Budding aficionados will learn rolling tips, cigar selection and etiquette in a swanky club on wheels. Free. Varying times and locations. Tuesday through Saturday.
RAY BENEFIT SCREENING. AMC Palace 20 Elmwood Theatres, 1200 Elmwood Park Blvd., Harahan, 940-2900 -- Screening of Taylor Hackford's Ray Charles biopic benefits NOCCA Institute, with appearances by Hackford and city and state officials. Tickets $35. Doors open 6:15 p.m., screening 7 p.m., dinner afterward.
MID-CITY PARTY. Studio 3 Inc., 3610 Toulouse St. -- Mid-City Neighborhood Organization holds a general membership party with music, refreshments, art market artists and a tour of Studio 3. Free. 6:30 p.m.
FLUTE CONCERT. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 6363 St. Charles Ave., 865-3492 -- Flautist Patti Adams performs. Free. 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 27
ENVIRONMENT, HORMONES, AND ART. Various locations, 988-6612; http://e.hormone.Tulane.edu/eh2004.html -- The Center for Bioenvironmental Research at Tulane and Xavier Universities host the 6th Annual Symposium on the Environment and Hormones. Call for locations and times. Wednesday through Saturday.
TULANE MUSIC FESTIVAL. Tulane University, 865-5267 -- Student concerts held Wednesday through Sunday include: Music at Midday (noon Wednesday, Rogers Memorial Chapel), Piano Concert (8 p.m. Thursday, Dixon Hall); Jazz at Tulane (4 p.m. Friday, Weinmann Patio at Dixon Hall); Henry Purcell 'Dido and Aeneas' (8 p.m. Saturday, Rogers Memorial Chapel); Mozart's 'Requiem' (2 p.m. Sunday, Dixon Hall). Free admission.
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT MARCH. Loyola University, Marquette Hall, 63636 St. Charles Ave., 864-7880 -- The 14th annual Men and Women Take Back the Night March, sponsored by Loyola and Tulane, protests violence against women, men and children. 6 p.m.
Thursday 28
HALLOWEEN XXI. Various locations, (877) 447-7284/524-5030; www.halloweenneworleans.com -- Benefit for Project Lazarus includes dinner/auction at the Ritz-Carlton (7:30 p.m. Thursday), meet-and-greet at TwiRoPa Mills (10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday), costume dance at Municipal Auditorium (10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Saturday) and gospel brunch noon Sunday at House of Blues. This year's theme: 'Freaks, Follies and Sideshows.' Call for ticket info. Thursday-Sunday.
STEEL PONY EXPRESS. Kiefer UNO Lakefront Arena, (877) 991-7433; www.steelponyexpress.com -- The seventh annual New Orleans Steel Pony Express Motorcycle Rally and Music Festival includes custom bike builders (Jesse James with West Coast Choppers, Discovery Channel's Monster Garage, and more), exhibitions, and music by Lynyrd Skynyrd; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Big 'N' Rich, and more. Day passes start at $25, rally packages start at $60. Thursday-Sunday.
NEWEST ORLEANIANS' BREAKFAST. Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave., 561-0247 -- Mayor Nagin hosts a New Orleans-style breakfast provided by Commander's Palace. Local community representatives will be on hand for information. Free admission to residents who moved to New Orleans in the past 12 months. Reservations required. 8 a.m.
BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT. Bayou Oaks Golf Club, 1040 Filmore Ave., City Park, 828-5864 -- The 18th annual 'Breath of Life' golf tournament and corporate team challenge with a four-person scramble format benefits the American Lung Association and includes Hooters girls serving drinks and wings on the course, tickets for mulligans and raffle prizes and lunch. Admission $99 single player, $100 hole sponsor, $395 foursome, $750 corporate sponsor. 11 a.m. registration, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start.
PATTRICE JONES LECTURE. University of New Orleans, Library, room 407, 280-7285 -- Jones, head of the Eastern Shore Sanctuary & Education Center, gives lecture titled 'Race, Sex, Class Š & Species?: Reflections on Exploration and Liberation.' Free admission. 12:30 p.m.
PIANO MASTER CLASS. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 6363 St. Charles Ave., 865-3492 -- Piano virtuoso Hsiang Tu conducts a master class. Free. 4:30 p.m.
SPOOK HOUSE. Parishioner Center, 6500 Kawanee Ave., Metairie, 467-4423 -- St. Philip Neri School's drama program presents Halloween-themed comedy by Billy St. John. Stacy Taliancich directs 24 students, and audience is invited to wear costumes; some may be chosen to participate in the show. Reservations can be made online at www.stphilipneri.org ('SPN Extras' link, 'Drama Club'). Tickets $7 adults, $4 children, $10 for reserved seating. 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.
STRING QUARTET. University of New Orleans Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, Lakefront Campus, 280-6381 -- The Biava String Quartet performs. Proceeds fund scholarships. Tickets $5. 7:30 p.m.
THE DEATH POSTURE. Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Art Center, 1724 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 525-2767 -- The avant-garde ensemble explores the relationships among sound, movement and voice. Features musicians Donald Miller and Rob Cambre, and the final New Orleans appearance of departing performance artist Vanessa Skantze. Tickets $8. 10 p.m.
Friday 29
ENDLESS NIGHT FESTIVAL VII. Various locations; www.endlessnight.com, www.ticketweb.com -- Four-day Halloween celebration featuring live music, Dark Fetish Ball, special blood show by SheDevilVixen, New Orleans Vampyre Ball and much more. Tickets for each ball $25 advance, $30 door; VIP package $99. Friday-Sunday.
FRIGHTNJAM04. Musical Voyage Compound, Westbank Expressway at Nine Mile Point Road, 436-2730 -- Three-day festival with more than 30 bands playing original music; other features include a skate park, on-site camping and food vendors. Visit www.themvc.net for info. Tickets $10 per day, $25 for weekend. Gates noon, bands at 2 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
HAUNTING HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA. Bombay Club, Prince Conti Hotel, 443-9995; www.geocities.com/jazzonthebayou.com -- Benefit for 'Jazz on the Bayou -- LA Easter Seals' includes music, costume contest, hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and raffle. Tickets $28. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
HOUSE OF SHOCK. 4951 River Road (under the Huey P. Long Bridge), Jefferson -- Music, terror and gore come together at this huge haunted house, which features more than 100 actors as well as multi-media stage shows and music. Sunday is family day. For more info, visit www.houseofshock.com. Admission $15. 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
MAYA ASTRONOMY AND LITERATURE. Woldenberg Art Center, Freeman Auditorium, Room 205, 865-5164; http://stonecenter.tulane.edu/MayaSymposium -- Keynote address by Dr. Anthony F. Aveni as part of the third annual Tulane Maya Symposium. Free. 7 p.m.
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.
PIANO CONCERT. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 6363 St. Charles Ave., 865-3492 -- Piano virtuoso Hsiang Tu performs. Admission $10 general, $5 students and Loyola community with ID. 7:30 p.m.
PINK FLOYD LASERSPECTACULAR. Saenger Theatre, 143 N. Rampart St., 524-2490/522-5555; www.saengertheatre.com -- Laser light show set to Pink Floyd music. Tickets $20-$26. 7:30 p.m.
CD RECORDING. Orpheum Theater, 129 University Place, 523-6530; www.lpomusic.com -- Irvin Mayfield with Ellis Marsalis and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra team up for a special concert to be recorded for a future CD release. Evening includes performance by the Irvin Mayfield Quintet. CD pre-order available. Tickets $27-$62. 8 p.m.
HALLOWEEN DANCE. Crystal Plantation, 2716 Indiana Ave., Kenner, 733-7387 -- 'From Wags to Witches' costume party benefits Jefferson SPCA, and includes dinner, open bar, music, dancing, costume contest and silent auction. $35 donation. 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
I CAN HELP INC. GALA. Gretna Downtown Market Place, 400-3909/361-2507 -- I Can Help Inc., benefiting the Jefferson Parish Drug Court, presents 'Celebrity Chefs Celebration,' with food provided by chefs from Galatoire's, Barreca's, Tony Mandina's, Red Maple, Cafe Reconcile, Zea Rotisserie & Brewery, and more. Event also includes live silent auction and music by Joe Simon's Jazz. Tickets $250 per couple, 'young lawyer' tickets for $75 per couple in groups of four. 6 p.m. patron party at Omni Bank (201 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna), celebration 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. Mama's Blues, 616 N. Rampart St., second floor, 523-5546; www.neworleansrocky.tripod.com -- Transylvanian Electric Company performs scenes along with screening of film version. Admission $5. Midnight Friday-Saturday, 8 p.m. Sunday.
Saturday 30
GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD SELLABRATION. Preservation Resource Center, 923 Tchoupitoulas St., 581-7032 -- Annual event for potential homebuyers with info on neighborhoods, financing and more, plus '100 Under 100,' a list of historic houses for under $100,000. Free. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ANTIQUE DISTRICT STREET FAIR. First, Second and Erlanger Streets, Slidell, (985) 646-6077 -- Slidell Historic Antique District hosts 125-plus booths featuring antiques, collectibles, vintage and retro items, crafts and food. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
ARTISTIC RESISTANCE. Barrister's Gallery, 1724 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 525-6246 -- Local activist groups sponsor Bomb @ Barrister's!, described as a local art response to post-9/11 America in which members of the public are invited to make their own works of artistic resistance to protest threats to our civil liberties. Artworks will be donated to local businesses. Free. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
GHOSTLY GALAVANT. St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, 523-3939 -- The 18th annual Friends of the Cabildo event featuring bus rides to the cemetery from the 1850 House Museum Store, 523 St. Ann St., with guides offering tours including jazz funerals, and party at the 1850 House Museum afterward. Tickets $15 advance, $18 day of event. First bus leaves at 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday.
MEDLINEPLUS CLASS. Algiers Regional, 3014 Holiday Dr., 596-2583 -- Free class for MedlinePlus database. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
STREET FAIR. First, Second and Elanger streets, Slidell (985) 646-6077 -- Slidell Historic Antique District hosts fair featuring more than 125 booths filled with antiques, collectibles, vintage and retro items, crafts and food. Free. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
NEW ORLEANS BOOKFAIR. Barrister's Gallery, 1724 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 598-4685; www.nolabookfair.com -- Exhibition of independent, underground and alternative publishing features appearances by authors Jim Monroe, Jay Brida, Pia Ze, Andrei Codrescu and many more. Surrounding activities include cocktail party at Magazines on Magazine (Thursday), readings at Buffa's Lounge and Books 2 Prisoners Benefit Art Show and Party at the Country Club (Friday) and more. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
MID-CITY ART MARKET. Corner of Canal Street and Carrollton Avenue -- More than 60 artists selling pottery, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, wood, glass, metal art and furniture. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
THE TREASURES OF TREME. New Orleans African American Museum, 1418 Gov. Nicholls St., 587-0024; www.villatreme.org -- Walking tour of historic Treme neighborhood homes includes stops at the Backstreet Cultural Museum, the Bynum Creole Cottage and The Ross Cottage, with works by featured artists on display. Cocktail social follow, with live music, refreshments, art for sale. Tickets $25 tour only, $50 tour and cocktail social. Tour noon to 4 p.m., cocktail social 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
ARCHBISHOP RUMMEL HOMECOMING. Archbishop Rummel High School, 1901 Severn Ave., Metairie, 834-5592 -- Alumni, parents, families and friends of school are invited to Homecoming Weekend, with live music by Benny Grunch & the Bunch, kids activities and more. Free admission. 3 p.m.
VAMPIRE VINEYARDS WINE TASTING. CRU Wine Boutique, 22 St. Ann, No. 2, Mandeville, (985) 845-9223 -- Wine tasting of wines from Romania's Vampire Vineyards. Free admission. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
FRIGHT FEST. Six Flags New Orleans, I-10, Exit 246A to Lake Forest Boulevard, 263-8011 -- Shows, thrill rides, Looney Tunes characters in Halloween costumes and other attractions are on tap for Fright Fest. Admission $34.99 adults, $24.99 children under 48 inches, free children 2 and under. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
METROPOLIS SCREENING. St. Andrew Episcopal Church, 1031 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-0123 -- Annual movie night features the silent classic Metropolis, with Joe Foxhood improvising accompaniment on a pipe organ. Free. 6 p.m.
GHOULISH GALA. Hotel Monteleone, La Nouvelle Ballroom, second floor, 523-3341; www.hotelmonteleone.com -- Halloween party features costumes, dancing to DJ Phantom, buffet, cocktails and more. Tickets $75. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
SILAPPADHIKAARAM. Southern University, Multi-purpose Auditorium, 6400 Press Drive, 394-1708 -- Indian Arts Circle of New Orleans presents dance theater piece, Silappadhikaaram: A Story of Women of Substance. Tickets $15 general, $7 students and seniors. 7:30 p.m.
HALLOWEEN PARTY. Rosy's Jazz Hall, 500 Valence St., 488-8776; www.sagebrushonline -- This party, 'Les Temps des Vampires,' features live Web cam with Anne Rice, raffle drawings from Rice's collection of books and dolls, and live entertainment from Analog Missionary, Damien Youth, Dr. A Go-Go, and Borgessa. Proceeds benefit American Cancer Society. Costumes encouraged. Tickets $20. 8 p.m.
TRAUMA-RAMA. Astor Crowne Plaza, 739 Canal St., Grand Ballroom, 903-8588 -- Eighth annual black-tie event to benefit Charity Hospital's Trauma Center features dancing to the music of Mahogany Blue, along with cocktails, a dinner buffet and silent auction. Tickets $125 a person or $5,000 for a table of 10 with special amenities and admission to a patron party. 8 p.m. to midnight.
SINGLES DANCE. Mandeville Community Center, 3090 E. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, (985) 626-7930 or (985) 626-7330 -- Our Lady of the Lake hosts dance for singles with a theme of 'Halloween Monster Mash,' with DJ Ron Harris spinning tunes. Admission $15. 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
VOODOO ON THE BAYOU. Pitot House, 1440 Moss St., 482-0610 -- Fundraiser for the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association includes music by Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots and food from nearby restaurants (Gabrielle, Whole Foods Market and more). Attire is costume or black tie. Tickets $35 advance, $45 door. 8:30 p.m. to midnight.
GHOULS NIGHT OUT. 3 Ring Circus The Big Top Gallery, 1638 Clio St., 866-5713 -- Rocking Halloween costume ball features music by the Iron Maidens, Manwitch, Devil's Right Hand, Buddy Luv Cult, the Sports, and entertainment by Sammie the Fire Girl. Tickets $7 door, $5 costumers/Big Top members. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
MARTINE'S ANNIVERSARY PARTY. Martine's, 2347 Metairie Road, Metairie, 831-8637 -- Martine's celebrates 20 years, with music by Tordown. 9 p.m.
PUSSY FOOTER BALL. The Country Club, 634 Louisa St. -- Costume party fundraiser to benefit Women for Women International features tunes spun by DJ T Roy, plus music by Big Sam's Funky Nation from 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Costumes are required. Tickets are available at Funky Monkey (3147 Magazine St.), Miss Claudia's Vintage Clothing & Costumes (4204 Magazine St.) or by calling Heather Weathers at 483-7146. Admission $15 general, $50 VIP. 9 p.m.
Sunday 31
CHESS LECTURE. Lusher Elementary School, 7315 Willow St., 680-2330 -- Chess master and author Jude Acers will present a chess lecture and exhibition playing up to 25 students simultaneously. Free admission. 1 p.m.
SYMPHONY CHORUS. Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6220 LaSalle Place -- The Symphony Chorus of New Orleans, directed by Steven Edwards, performs its 'War and Remembrance' concert, including Rutter's 'Requiem' and Jeffrey Van's 'A Procession Winding Around Me.' For tickets call 365-3056. Admission $10 general, $5 students and Loyola University community with ID. 2 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS CIVIC SYMPHONY CONCERT. UNO Performing Arts Center, Recital Hall, 834-6513 -- Symphony features piano soloist Choong-Ha Nam, winner of the Musical Arts Society of New Orleans 2004 Piano Competition. Free admission. 3 p.m.
NICKEL-A-DANCE. Cafe Brasil, 2100 Chartres St., 949-0851 -- Concert and dance series this week led by Lionel Ferbos and the Palm Court Jazz Band. Free. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
TRINITY ARTIST SERIES. Trinity Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., 670-2520; www.trinityc.net -- Albinas Prizgintas presents new songs and music for Halloween, with the Yellow Dog Prophet Choir. Free admission. 5 p.m.
HALLOWEEN PARADE. Molly's at the Market, 1107 Decatur St. -- Jim Monaghan's annual Halloween parade starts at Molly's at the Market and winds through the French Quarter. Includes Storyville Stompers, French Quarter Fascination, Kazoozie Floozies and costumed carriage riders. For more info call 258-3947 or 566-1582. Free. 6 p.m.
COSTUME PARTY. The Country Club, 634 Louisa St., 945-0742 -- 'The Rocky Horror Show meets the Glory Hole Murder' is the theme of the party, which includes a DJ and special guest Tony Fennelly, a costume contest with prizes, drink specials and more. Call for ticket info. 8 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. Open run.
Monday 1
KOPELMAN STRING QUARTET. Tulane University, Dixon Hall, 895-0690; www.friendsofmusic.org -- Friends of Music's 50th season continues with performance by these graduates of the Moscow Conservatoire. Tickets $18 regular admission, $10 students with ID. 8 p.m.
auditions
THE SWAN. WVUE Fox 8, 1025 S. Jefferson Davis Pkwy., (800) 535-7936; www.fox.com/swan -- Auditions being held for Fox's makeover TV series transforming 'average-looking' women into beauties. Looking for contestants ages 21-45. Submissions can be sent (with photo) to betheswan@yahoo.com. Deadline Nov. 1. 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
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 28
COMPLEXIONS DANCE COMPANY. River Center Theater for the Performing Arts, 220 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge, (225) 389-4953 -- Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre opens its season with Complexions dance company, which uses multi-media to express its messages. For tickets call River Center box office, BRBT at (225) 766-8379 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets $35. 7:30 p.m.
HOLLYWOOD ON THE BAYOU. The Old Governor's Mansion, 502 North Blvd., Baton Rouge (225) 387-2464 -- The Foundation for Historical Louisiana celebrates the sixth annual Old Governor's Mansion Gala with its own Oscar-style extravaganza. Partygoers are invited to dress as their favorite star from a movie made in Louisiana and walk the red carpet. Featuring Deacon John & the Ivories. Tickets $100 includes food, music, drinks and entertainment. 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday 29
FRENCH FOOD FESTIVAL. The Larose Regional Park and Civic Center, Larose, (985) 693-7355 -- Three-day festival features more than 20 local specialty dishes, live music by Amanda Shaw and others, dancing, folklife demonstrations Saturday and Sunday, carnival rides, an artists market, tennis tournament and cake decorating contest Saturday and more. Free. Pay-one-price ride bracelets $11 to $40. 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
A BITE OF THE ARTS. Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma, (985) 449-7091 -- Annual fundraiser for Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University with theme 'Carnival in Rio' features hors d'oeuvres, wine, five-course meal, live music, auctions and more. Call for ticket info. 6 p.m.
GREEK SHOW. Southern University, F.G. Clark Activity Center, (225) 771-2608 -- Southern University's annual homecoming Greek Show features eight sororities and fraternities competing for cash prize. Tickets $7 advance (www.ticketmaster.com), $10 door. (Call for other homecoming activities.) 7:30 p.m.
STYX. Grand Casino, Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) WIN-2-WIN -- Veteran rock group performs hits such as 'Come Sail Away' and 'Blue Collar Man.' Tickets $29.99 balcony, $34.99 floor. 8 p.m.
Sunday 31
FALL GARDEN TOUR. Hilltop Arboretum, 11855 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, (225) 767-6916 -- A tour of two expansive Baton Rouge gardens, plus a program about flower arranging by Robert 'Doc' Reich. Tickets $15. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Reich's program 2:30 p.m.
HYPNOTIC HALLOWEEN. Grand Casino, 3215 W. Beach Blvd., Gulfport, Miss., (228) 436-2946 -- Hypnotist Anthony Cools performs with VooDoo Groove. Half off ticket price and drink specials for guests in costume (no masks or face paint allowed in casino). $16.95. 7 p.m.
