family
Tuesday 2
ELECTION DAY EXTRAVAGANZA. Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St., 523-1357; www.lcm.org -- Meet Miss Louisiana Brandy Baham, launch film canister rockets, sing-along of American songs with Phil Melancon and 'Duck the President' storytime. Admission $7 adults/children, $1 off with canned good donation. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHAT'S HOT, WHAT'S NOT. St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Parenting Center, 1202 S. Tyler St., Covington, (985) 898-4435; www.stph.org -- Take advantage of kids out of school for Election Day as Cleco teaches electric safety tips. Kids ages 5 and up. Free admission. 10 a.m.
Thursday 4
KIDCINEMA. Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St., 523-1357; www.lcm.org -- Crafts for toddlers ages 1-3 plus screening of kids' movie. Admission $7 adults/children, $1 off with canned good donation. 10 a.m. to noon.
Saturday 6
NATIVE AMERICAN STORYTELLING. Cannes Brulee Native American Village, 303 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 468-7231, ext. 220 -- Barry Langley of the Coushatta Tribe tells stories and songs. Admission $3 adults, $2.50 seniors, $2 children. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CHILDREN'S CHOIR FORMING. Lakeview Presbyterian Church, 5914 Canal Blvd., 482-7892 -- Church organizes community choir for children ages 4-12 and seeks membership. Introductory meeting 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
FRANK LEVY. Children's Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 469-3236 -- Storyteller presents tale 'Instant Little Red Riding Hood.' Tickets $3.50 per person. 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
special events
Tuesday 2
SINGER AUDITIONS. Loyola University, Communications and Music Building, 365-3056; www.symphonychorus.org -- The Symphony Chorus of New Orleans holds singer auditions to fill openings. By appointment only, go online for process info.
WEB DESIGN FOR MUSICIANS. Music Office Co-Op, 4040 Tulane Ave., 483-2880; http://musicofficecoop.com -- Sherri Verdugo leads workshop on setting up web pages. Free. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 3
NEW ORLEANS CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S CONNECTION LUNCHEON. Southern Yacht Club, 105 N. Roadway St., 469-6636 -- Luncheon includes silent auction, fair and guest speaker Cynthia Lunceford of Stonecroft Ministries of Baton Rouge. Tickets $16. 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
GOLF FOR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. Eastover Country Club, 234-6252 -- Louis J. Schwander Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament benefits Children's Hospital, and features numerous contests, gift bags, lunch and more. Call to register. 11:30 a.m. tee time.
LUNCHBOX LECTURES. The National D-Day Museum, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012, ext. 225; www.ddaymuseum.org -- Twice monthly lecture encourages guests to bring their own lunch for informative lecture on World War II. This week: Patrick Costa on 'The Tragedy of the USS Juneau -- The Five Sullivan Brothers.' Free admission. Noon to 1 p.m.
CITY SCENE. Rubensteins -- The Fashion Centre, 102 St. Charles Ave., 561-0539 (fax) -- Networking event designed to help make business contacts in a business-and-pleasure environment. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar available. Fax registration information including name, firm, phone, fax and email to above number. Discounts on purchases available. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, (800) 4NBA-TIX; www.hornets.com -- Opening night of season versus Dallas Mavericks features 'Wild West' theme with pre-game block party on Girod Street, T-shirt giveaways and more. Tickets start at $7. Block party 5:30 p.m., game 7 p.m.
WINE WEDNESDAYS. New Orleans Grill, Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., 522-1994; www.windsorcourthotel.com -- Tasting and discussion 'New World Red Wines' of wines from Australia to South Africa. $35 per person. 5:30 p.m.
FACULTY RECITAL SERIES. Loyola University, Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu/montage -- Concert featuring trumpeter Jeremy Brekke and pianist Dane Evans. Free admission. 7:30 p.m.
Thursday 4
AMERICAN MUSIC AUDITIONS. Chris Owens Club, 500 Bourbon St., 523-6400; www.americanmusicauditions.com -- Industry professionals and agents seek new music talent. Call to reserve spot. Thursday through Sunday.
CRIME IS TOAST. Hilton Riverside, Grand Ballroom, 2 Poydras St., 558-9944 -- Breakfast raises funds for New Orleans Police Foundation. Call for ticket info. 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON. New Orleans City Club, 1525 St. Charles Ave., 522-4367; www.event.com -- New Orleans Chapter of the American Marketing Association hosts guest speaker Rick Frishman, author and president of Planned Television Arts, who will speak on 'guerrilla' publicity. Registration 11:15 a.m., luncheon and presentation noon.
JEWELRY SHOWCASE. Aucoin Hart Jewelers, 1525 Metairie Road, Metairie, 834-9999; www.pennypreville.com/welcome/htm -- Jewelry designer Penny Preville presents latest designs, with proceeds benefiting Foundation for the LSU Health Sciences Center. Noon to 8 p.m.
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS. Oakwood Center, 197 Westbank Expwy., Gretna, 362-1900 -- West Jefferson Hospital provides free screenings next to the Customer Service area. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
ABOVE THE OAKS ... THE RUSSIANS ARE HERE. Tulane University, McWilliams Hall, room 300, 865-5106 -- Dance concert culminating two-week residency of guest artists from Yekaterinburg Center in Russia and Newcomb Dance Program. Tickets $5. 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.
BRASS BAND WORKSHOP. Tipitina's, 501 Napoleon Ave., 895-8477; www.tipitinas.com -- Tipitina's Internship Program (TIP) presents monthly workshop for young brass band musicians, this week led by Kirk Joseph. Free. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
KID SMART FUNDRAISER. Private residence, 1565 Exposition Blvd., 410-1990; www.kidsmart.org -- Fundraiser for local nonprofit arts-in-education group offers cocktails, live music, hors d'oeuvres and art. Tickets $75 to $500. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
BAHAMAS LECTURE. Loyola University, Nunemaker Auditorium, Monroe Hall, 865-3581 -- Ian Gregory Strachan lectures on 'Art, Politics and Community in the Bahamas.' Free. 7 p.m.
BELLYDANCE SUPERSTARS & THE DESERT ROSES. Tipitina's, 501 Napoleon Ave., 895-TIPS; www.tipitinas.com -- Popular bellydance troupe performs. Tickets $25-$30. 8 p.m.
Friday 5
HEALING THE DEEPEST HURTS. Cenacle Retreat House, 5500 St. Mary St., Metairie, 887-1420; www.cenaclesisters.org/metairie.htm -- Rev. Matthew Linn, SJ, leads Bible-based retreat 'Healing the Deepest Hurts with Contemplation.' Friday-Sunday.
POWWOW. Islenos Multi-Cultural Center, 1357 Bayou Road, St. Bernard, (985) 960-1339 -- Hali Anumpah ('Talking Wind') powwow. Friday-Sunday.
CYBER SECURITY. University College of Tulane, Elmwood campus, 800 E. Commerce Road, Harahan, 862-8016 -- University College of Tulane and local FBI office hold professional workshop 'Roadmap to Successful Cyber Security.' Free; reservations required. 8 a.m. to noon.
BOOK SALE. University of New Orleans, Earl K. Long Library, 283-9614 -- Used book sale with thousands of titles benefits UNO library. Free admission except $5 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
MUSICIANS WORKSHOP. Music Office Co-Op, 4040 Tulane Ave., 483-2880; http://musicofficecoop.com -- Infectious Publicity hosts one-on-one public relations/press workshop with Monique Roche. Registration required. 2 p.m.
GOT GUMBO? Chateau Sonesta Hotel, 800 Iberville St., 827-6894 -- Annual fundraiser for United Way with gumbo cook-off from 15 local chefs, plus dessert competition. Tickets $20 advance, $25 at door. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
SEAFOOD & SOUL. French Market, 1008 N. Peters St., 522-2621 -- Trumpeter Maurice Brown leads funk band Soul'd U Out, and vendors sell seafood and produce. Free. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
PALESTINE-ISRAELI CONFLICT. Loyola University, School of Law, 526 Pine St., 552-2761; www.nolaps.org -- Educator and member of group Jews Against the Occupation gives lecture. Free. 6 p.m.
WINE EVENT. The Wine Loft, 752 Tchoupitoulas St., 561-0116 -- Tasting and discussion with Italian winemaker Beppe CaViola. Call for price and time.
A HEART-FELT EVENING OF PRAISE. Orpheum Theater, 129 University Place, 524-3285; www.abcardio.org -- Association of Black Cardiologists hosts concert with Richard Smallwood and the Smallwood Singers plus gospel acts Yvette Tonex and Franklin Avenue Mass Choir. Tickets $20. 7 p.m.
GO. NOCCA/Riverfront, 2800 Chartres St., 865-8810; www.tsunamidance.com -- Tsunami Dance Company presents series of original modern dance vignettes plus visual artists. Tickets $15 general, $12 students. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
MUSICIANS' TOMB BENEFIT. Mother-in-Law Lounge, 1500 N. Claiborne Ave., 947-1078 -- Costume party fundraiser for New Orleans Musicians Tomb featuring live music, door prizes, food and K-Doe look-alike contest. Admission $10. 8 p.m.
WOMEN OF COLOR. Fair Grinds Coffeehouse, 3133 Ponce de Leon Ave., 948-3222 -- Women present 'political herstory' about the women of color movement. Free. 8 p.m.
Saturday 6
HEART WALK. City Park, New Orleans Museum of Art, 463-2300; www.neworleansheartwalk.kintera.org -- Benefit for local American Heart Association chapter with 5K walk followed by family activities including ZooMobile. Free admission; participants asked to raise $100 in donations. 8 a.m. to noon.
CANCER SURVIVORS BRUNCH. East Jefferson General Hospital, Conference, Center, 4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 454-4000; www.ejgh.org -- Annual brunch celebrates survival and life with speakers, prizes and fellowship. Free admission; reservations required. 9 a.m. to noon.
BARTER FAIR. Lakefront Airport, The Walnut Room, 6001 Stars & Stripes Blvd., 488-1488 -- Vendors selling wide variety of goods from furniture to electronics, plus family entertainment and food. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MIRLITON FESTIVAL. Markey Park, Royal and Piety streets, 944-9272 -- Annual celebration of mirliton with food and art vendors, live music from Washboard Chaz, Corey Henry and the Young Fellas and other local bands, plus catered food from local chefs and Elizabeth's, Bywater Bar-B-Que and The Joint. Admission $2. 10 a.m. until dark Saturday-Sunday.
TOY TRAINS. Landmark Hotel, 2600 Severn Ave., Metairie, 236-8738 -- Louisiana Toy Trains Collections Association hosts event with train displays, kids' games and door prizes. Admission $3 per person, $6 for any-size group. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL SATURDAY. Caddyshack Cafe and Bar, 3217 Ridgelake Road, Metairie, 833-1799; www.bridgehouse.org -- Annual benefit for Bridge House features televised college football, tailgate-type food, drink specials and raffle. Cover $3. 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
MUSIC AT THE MINT. Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave., 568-6968 -- Concert and program with jazz pianist John Royen playing works by Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton and more. Free. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
BRITISH PUB NIGHT. Hellenic Cultural Center, 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 367-4116; www.dbeinia.org -- Evening of British beer, wine, Pimm's Cup, British food, music by Palm Court Jazz band and more. Tickets (food included) $15 in advance, $20 at door. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
LIFEBOAT CRUISE. Steamboat Natchez, Canal Street wharf, 269-8186 -- Benefit for Women's New Life Center with river cruise featuring dancing, buffet dinner and silent auction. Tickets $75. 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
PASTA & PUCCINI. Pontchartrain Center, Belle Grove Plantation Ballroom, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner; www.jpas.org -- Gala fundraiser for Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS) features Italian chamber orchestra, theme décor, Italian food and Die Fledermaus performance. Tickets $100. 6:30 p.m.
ART FOR ANIMALS. Hanson Gallery, 229 Royal St., 671-8235; www.southernanimalfoundation.org -- Artist Peter Max appears to auction his work to benefit Southern Animal Foundation's no-killer shelter and hospital. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
CITY STARS SOIREE. Delgado Community College, 569-8658 -- Benefit for Junior Achievement and Exchange City features VIP patron party, awards program for young entrepreneurs, dinner, live music and more. Tickets $75 each or two for $100; patron party $100 for each or two for $200. 6 p.m. patron party, event 7 p.m.
BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS GALA. Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, 739 Canal St., 488-0026, ext. 209 -- Benefit for Big Brothers/Big Sisters features food, drinks and live performances by Allen Toussaint and George Huff. Call for ticket and time info.
LA SENIORITA COSTA RICA. Copa Cabana, 4609 Airline Drive, Metairie, 780-0212 -- Coronations of 'la seniorita Costa Rica' with music by DJs Solo, Alan and Huracan. Admission $10. 8 p.m. to 2 a.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 7
BATTERED WOMEN'S WALK/RUN BENEFIT. Packenham Oaks, St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette, 277-3177 -- Annual walk/run fundraiser to benefit St. Bernard Battered Women's Program, featuring souvenirs and post-race party. Entry fees $15 youth, $20 adults. 8 a.m.
A RUN THROUGH HISTORY. Metairie Cemetery, 525-3377; www.runNOTC.org -- Benefit for Save our Cemeteries with 5K run/ one-mile walk in Metairie Cemetery. 8 a.m.
RED BEANS & RICE COOKOFF. Lafreniere Park, Mall Island, 861-4500 -- Annual fundraiser for National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana offers picnic-style serving of red beans and rice with celebrity chefs and judges, live music and barbecue plates. Admission is $5 for all-you-can-eat. Noon to 3 p.m.
GLASS ART DEMO. Wet Dog Glass Studio, 3924 Conti St., 522-7840 -- Renowned glass artist Afro Celotto gives demonstration. Reservations required. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
ROB KAPILOW. NOCCA/Riverfront, 2800 Chartres St., 940-2900 -- Center Stage series presents acclaimed conductor Kapilow's program 'What Makes It Great?' accompanied by Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra members. Tickets $20. 3 p.m.
NICKEL-A-DANCE. Cafe Brasil, 2100 Chartres St., 949-0851 -- Concert and dance series this week led by Preservation Hall Hot Four. Free. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
TRINITY ARTIST SERIES. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., 670-2520; www.trinityc.net -- This week's concert features Xavier University Concert Choir performing Mendelssohn. Free. 5 p.m.
SOUTHERN JEZEBELLES. One Eyed Jacks, 616 Toulouse St., 606-9903 -- Burlesque troupe presents show of international dances in 'Around the World -- Or Bust!' with MC Danny Martini and jazz from Matt Perrine and the Bumpin' Grinders. Tickets $18 advance, $20 at door. 9 p.m.
call for artists
LOUISIANA ARTWORKS. Louisiana Artworks, 725 Howard Ave., 523-1465; www.artscouncilofneworleans.org -- Louisiana ArtWorks seeks visual artists to lease studio space. Download applications online, accepted through Nov. 15.
road trip
Wednesday 3
MACBETH. Reilly Theatre, Tower Drive, Baton Rouge, (225) 578-9278; www.swinepalace.com -- Swine Palace and SITI Company, in association with LSU's Performing Arts Series, present Shakespeare's classic tale of sex, power, murder and witchcraft. Leon Ingulsrud directs. Tickets $27-30 adults, $19 seniors/LSU faculty and staff, $12 students. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.
Friday 5
ENGLISH TEACHERS CONFERENCE. Holiday Inn South, 2104 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, (888) 814-9602 -- Nicholls State University sponsors 2004 Fall Conference of the Louisiana Council of Teachers, with speakers including Andrei Codrescu and performance of Macbeth. Registration $90. 8 a.m. Friday-Saturday.
Saturday 6
ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL. Southdown Plantation House, 1208 Museum Drive, Houma, (985) 851-0154; www.southdownmuseum.org -- One-day arts and crafts show with more than 300 vendors, plus children's activities, regional cuisine, plantation tours and more. Admission $3, children free. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LOUISIANA BOOK FESTIVAL. State Capitol, downtown Baton Rouge, (888) 487-2700; www.louisianabookfestival.org -- Event features over 100 writers and poets along with signings, sales, demonstrations, exhibits, live music, local cuisine and awards ceremony. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SCOUT DAYS. Port Hudson Historic Site, Hwy. 61, Zachary, (888) 677-3400 -- Kids of all ages earn trail patches for hiking through forest. Historians provide musket demonstrations. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
JOHN FOGERTY. Beau Rivage Casino, 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (888) 566-7469; www.beaurivage.com -- Former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman performs. Tickets $64.95. 8 p.m.
Sunday 7
FIREPOWER. Port Hudson Historic Site, Hwy. 61, Zachary, (888) 677-3400 -- Demonstration of historical weapons used by Confederate and Union armies. Admission $2 adults, children and seniors free. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
VINCE GILL. Ameristar Casino, 4146 Washington St., Vicksburg, Miss., (888) 223-6000; www.ameristarcasinos.com -- Country music legend performs outdoor concert. Tickets start at $35. 6 p.m.
ongoing
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART. 201 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson, Miss., (866) VIEW-ART; www.msmuseumart.org -- Coming Home: American paintings (1930-1950) from the Schoen Collection, through Nov. 7.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON. 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston, (713) 639-7300; www.mfah.org -- Royal Portraits: Manwar painting from the royal collection of the Mehrangarh Museum in Jodhpur, India, through Jan. 2, 2005.
