AMAZING PLACE, THIS NEW ORLEANS. True Brew Theatre, 200 Julia St., 945-6789 -- Roberts Batson¹s solo performance brings to life the history and characters that helped shape the story of New Orleans, based on his Scandal Tours. Tickets $25 (includes one drink). 8 p.m. Thursday, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday, 4:30 p.m. Monday. Open run.
AT THE CLUB TOOT SWEET ON BOURBON STREET. Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré, 616 St. Peter St., 522-2081, www.lepetittheatre.com -- Ricky Graham and David Cuthbert present a musical comedy about New Orleans in the 1950s. Stars Jessie Terrebonne, Susan Heflin, Camille Leon and others. Tickets $26 general admission, $21 students. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.
THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS. Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177-A Sala Ave., Westwego, 885-2000; www.jpas.org -- The musical based on a real Texas brothel shut down in the early 1970s. Michelle Pietri directs Butch Caire, Wayne Daigrepont and others. Tickets $25 general admission, $15 students 18-under. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, through Jan. 23.
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, ABRIDGED. Minacapelli¹s Dinner Playhouse, 1540 Lindberg Drive, Slidell, (985) 781-6565; http://minacapellis.com -- Shine Productions presents a hilarious Cliff¹s Notes version of the work of William Shakespeare. Barry A. Lemoine directs and stars with Christian Bordelon and Will Schneider. Tickets $35 for dinner and show. 6:45 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. show Friday-Saturday.
THE FANTASTICKS. Rivertown Repertory Theatre, Rivertown Repertory Theatre, 325 Minor St., Kenner, 468-7221; www.rivertownkenner.com/theatre.html -- Gary Rucker directs the musical tale of two young lovers written by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt. Tickets $30 for preview benefit performance with proceeds to St. Joseph¹s Church on Wednesday. Regular run tickets $12-$25, plus $18 for optional buffet dinner. 8 p.m. Wednesday benefit performance. 6 p.m. buffet, 8 p.m. show Thursday-Saturday, 12:30 p.m. buffet, 2:30 p.m. show Sunday, through Jan. 30.
MACBETH. Tulane University, Dixon Hall, 865-5105 -- Tulane University presents Shakespeare¹s classic tale. Aimee K. Michel directs Danny Bowen, Clare Moncrief, Tony Molina, Gavin Mahlie, Lara Grice, Cassie Steck Worley and Megan Sauzer Harms. Tickets $20 adults, $15 seniors/teachers/Tulane faculty/staff, $7.50 students/theater community. Tickets $30 for performance and post-show reception. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
NITA & ZITA. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St. 528-3805; www.cacno.org -- The CAC and ArtSpot Productions present a play about real-life sisters Flora and Piroska Gellert and their journey from showgirls to New Orleans icons. Writer Lisa D¹Amour directs Katie Pearl and Kathy Randels, with Tom McDermott on piano. Tickets $15 general admission, $12 CAC members/students/seniors. 8 p.m. Monday, Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday.
THE ODD COUPLE (THE FEMALE VERSION). Archbishop Blenk Theater Auditorium, 17 Gretna Blvd., Gretna, 835-6002 or 362-4451 -- The Sandi Roads Theatrical Production Company presents the female version of the popular Neil Simon comedy. Jerry Lee Leighton directs Becky Allen, Sandy Bravender, Michael Sullivan, Doris Methe and others. Proceeds benefit the Archbishop Blenk High School. Tickets $39.50 for dinner and show. 7 p.m. buffet, 8:15 p.m. show Friday-Saturday, noon buffet, 2 p.m. show Sunday, through Jan. 23.
OUT OF ORDER. The Neighborhood Gallery, 1410 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 524-8800 -- The Neighborhood Gallery Theatre presents a one-man show about living as an African-American man in America. Colette Handy directs Ernest ³EL3² Lewis III. Tickets $10. 8 p.m. Friday.
SEUSSICAL: THE MUSICAL. Six Flags New Orleans, Orpheum Theatre, 12301 Six Flags Parkway, 737-4787 or 253-8100; www.sixflags.com/parks/neworleans -- Brandt Blocker Presents and Six Flags New Orleans present a musical adapted from the stories of Dr. Seuss. Tickets $15. 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, through Jan. 23.
SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS. The Neighborhood Gallery, 1410 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 524-8800 -- The Neighborhood Gallery presents a black history tribute featuring music, poetry, drama and dance by Neusell Bolton, Boss, Danielle Edinburgh, EL3, Iyarah, Poetic One and Thunda. Tickets $10. 3 p.m. Sunday.
SUNNY & PEA. Marigny Theatre, 1030 Marigny St., 821-3094; http://marqueetheatre.org/pages/now_showing.html -- Marquee Theatre, Inc. presents a poignant comedy about having to tell your mother you¹re a lesbian. Lewis Routh directs Karen Shields, Wendy Carol and Joan Blum in his one-act play. Tickets $10. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, through Jan. 22.
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE. Saenger Theatre, 143 N. Rampart St., 524-2490; www.saengertheatre.com -- Tony Award-winning Broadway musical about a young woman in New York City during the Roaring Twenties. Darcie Roberts stars. Tickets $20-$56. 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Thursday, Saturday-Sunday.
TOUJOURS TOULOUSE: AN EVENING OF FRENCH SONGS. Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., 581-5812; www.cabaretlechatnoir -- Cabaret show featuring French poetry and song featuring sisters Cecile and Julie Leoge, accompanied by pianist Olivier Nebout. Tickets $15 includes $5 bar credit. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. auditions
BIG RIVER AUDITIONS. Encore Dance Studio, 1827 Hickory Ave., Suite D, Harahan, 737-5977 -- The Rivertown Repertory Theatre holds auditions for the award-winning musical Big River. The production runs from May 13-29. Need 14 men and seven women to bring own sheet music. Picture and resume requested but not required. Call for details. 11 a.m. Saturday.
FLANAGAN¹S WAKE AUDITIONS. Westwego Community Center, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego, 371-3330; www.jpas.org -- Jefferson Performing Arts Society holds auditions for Flanagan¹s Wake. Need professional cast of five men and two women who can speak and sing in Irish accent, ages 21-up. Rehearsals begin Feb. Performances begin Feb. 25. Call for details. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
JEFFERSON BALLET AUDITION. Myra Mier School of Ballet, 3621 Florida Ave., Kenner, 468-1231 -- The Jefferson Ballet Theatre holds auditions for male and female dancers ages 10-up with intermediate or advanced skill levels in classical ballet for the 2005 season. 12:30 p.m. for ages 10-13, 1:30 p.m. for ages 14-up, Saturday.
comedy
HARRAH¹S NEW ORLEANS CASINO. The Earl Turner Theatre, 533-6600 -- Wednesday: The Improv at Harrah¹s, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Thursday: The Improv at Harrah¹s, 10 p.m.; Saturday: The Improv at Harrah¹s, 10 p.m.; Sunday: The Improv at Harrah¹s, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
LE CHAT NOIR. 715 St. Charles Ave., 581-5812; www.cabaretlechatnoir -- Saturday: Late Night With God¹s Been Drinking, the long-form improv comedy troupe, 11 p.m.
MARTINE¹S. 2347 Metairie Road, Metairie, 289-6529 -- Friday: long-form improv show featuring God¹s Been Drinking; for more information, call 231-7011 or visit www.godsbeendrinking.com, 8 p.m.; The National Comedy Company presents The Game of Laugh, two teams of improvisers race to the finish line of a giant board game with the help of the audience; advance tickets available online at www.nationalcomedycompany.com or call 523-7469, 10:30 p.m. Saturday: long-form improv show featuring the teams Let¹s Settle for Mediocrity and One Hand Clapping; for more information, call 231-7011 or visit www.godsbeendrinking.com, 8 p.m.
TRUE BREW CAFE. 200 Julia St., 524-8441 -- Saturday: Brown!, improv comedy, 11 p.m.
art
galleries
3 RING CIRCUS¹ THE BIG TOP GALLERY. 1638 Clio St., 569-2700; www.3rcp.com -- The Guns Have Been Passed to a New Generation, artwork by Johanna Vogelsang, through Jan. 29.
THE ACADEMY GALLERY. New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, 5256 Magazine St., 899-8111; www.noafa.com -- M. Dell Weller: A Retrospective Exhibition of Our Senior Faculty Member, through Feb. 26. Opening reception 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
ANTON HAARDT FOLK GALLERY. 2858 Magazine St., 891-9080; www.antonart.com -- Mose T: A to Z, folk art by Mose Tolliver, ongoing.
ARTEBELLA GALLERY. 323 Chartres St., 299-7196 -- Digital montages and digital paintings by Crawford Carroll, through Feb. 28.
ARTHUR ROGER GALLERY. 432 Julia St., 522-1999; www.arthurrogergallery.com -- Glasswork by Dale Chihuly, through Feb. 2.
ARTHUR ROGER GALLERY PROJECT SPACE. 730 Tchoupitoulas St., 524-9393; www.arthurrogergallery.com -- Gardens: Glasswork by Dale Chihuly, through Feb. 26.
BARRISTER¹S GALLERY. 1724 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 525-2767; www.barristersgallery.com -- Mat James: New Constructions, through Feb. 28; Travel Notes, work by Karoline Schleh; Out of the Fire, work by Jill Solomon; both through Jan. 29; sculpture by John Greco, ongoing.
BERGERON STUDIO & GALLERY. 406 Magazine St., 522-7503; www.bergeronstudio.com -- Visions of Sister Gertrude Morgan, photographs by Harriet Blum, Sylvia de Swaan and Michael P. Smith, through Feb. 26.
CAROL ROBINSON GALLERY. 840 Napoleon Ave., 895-6130; www.carolrobinsongallery.com -- New paintings by James King, through Jan. 31.
CARROLL GALLERY. Tulane University, Newcomb Art Department, Woldenberg Art Center, 314-2228; www.tulane.edu/~art/carrollgallery -- Motion/Stasis, artwork by Iva Gueorguieva, Anastasia Pelias, Christopher Saucedo, Stephen Sollins and Dave Steuber, Tuesday through Feb. 16. Opening reception 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
COLE PRATT GALLERY. 3800 Magazine St., 891-6789; www.coleprattgallery.com -- Group show of gallery artists, through Jan. 30.
CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER. 900 Camp St., 528-3805; www.cacno.org -- Pieces of Power: Famous Monuments, sculptures and paintings by students of artist Richard Thomas, Friday through March 6; Raving in the Desert, photographs by Tomer Ganihar; Raw Data: Conceptual Art in Louisiana, group show featuring Louisiana artists John Davis, Joan Kay, Stephen Sollins, Matthew Sontheimer and Robert Tannen; both through March 27. Reception tickets $5 general admission, free for CAC members for both exhibits and a discussion with Tomer Ganihar. Discussion 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., opening reception 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.
DELGADO FINE ARTS GALLERY. Building one, third floor, 615 City Park Ave., 483-4512 -- Heartland, artwork by Mark Grote, through Jan. 26.
D.O.C.S. GALLERY. 709 Camp St., 524-3936; www.docsgallery.com -- Free Fall, work by Mark Chatterley, through March 3.
EVANS GALLERY. 3815 Magazine St., 897-2688; www.evansgallery.com -- Works by Lisa Conrad, Tom Corbin, Auguste Garufi, Jean Geraci, Rhenda Saporito, Julie Silvers and Adele Sypesteyn.
FT. ISABEL GALLERY. 502 N. Columbia St., Covington, (985) 892-1841 -- Group exhibit featuring works by Johnny Stout, Suzanne King, Martin Needom, Linda Thurlow, Carol Lapari, Beryl Carbon, Carol Hallock, Ginger Pine and Wes Koon, through January 31.
HANSON GALLERY. 229 Royal St., 524-8211; www.hansongallery-nola.com -- Sculpture in bronze and Lucite by Frederick E. Hart, through January; works by gallery artists Peter Max, Raymond Douillet, Adrian Deckbar, M.L. Snowden and Steve Taylor, ongoing.
HERIARD-CIMINO GALLERY. 440 Julia St., 525-7300; www.heriardcimino.com -- Recent paintings by Michel Alexis, through Feb. 19.
THE HOUSE OF ART. 959 Gerard St. (Hwy 59), Mandeville, (985) 674-9261 -- Oil, watercolor and acrylic paintings and prints by Mildred Reynolds and Carol Hallock, ongoing.
INSLEY ART GALLERY. 427 Esplanade Ave., 949-3512; http://insleyart.com -- Chrysalis, paintings by Thomas Drymon, Charlene Insley, Gerald Domingue, Charles Foster, through April 10.
JONATHAN FERRARA GALLERY. -- 841 Carondelet St., 522-5471; www.jonathanferraragallery.com -- Nouveaux Artistes D¹Acadiana, An Exhibition of Artists From the Acadiana Region of Louisiana, through March 1.
KEVIN GILLENTINE. 3908 Magazine St., 899-4201; www.kevingillentine.com -- New paintings by the artist.
KURT E. SCHON. 510 St. Louis St., 524-5462; 523 Royal St., 523-5902 -- 18th and 19th century European oil paintings by a select group of artists from the French Salon and The Royal Academy.
LEMIEUX GALLERIES. 332 Julia St., 522-5988; www.lemieuxgalleries.com -- Under See, new paintings by Alan Gerson, through Feb. 26.
MARGUERITE OESTREICHER FINE ARTS. 720 Julia St., 581-9253 -- Annie Shows: Arrangements, through Feb. 26.
MARTIN LUKE GALLERY. 4535 Magazine St., 896-9198 -- Oil paintings by Martin Luke and metal sculpture by Luis Colmenares and Scot Evert.
NEW ORLEANS ARTWORKS. 727 Magazine St., 529-7279; www.neworleansglassworks.com/site2/mainpage.htm -- Transparency of Liquid Glass, sculpture by Curtiss Brock, ice crystal chandeliers by Stephen Williams, and white and silver raku vessels by Gerald Haessig, through Jan. 31.
NEW ORLEANS CENTER FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS/RIVERFRONT. 2800 Chartres St., 940-2787 -- Surface Treatment: Hasmig Vartanian & Monica Zeringue, artwork by these two artists. Opens Monday; In Situ, an installation by Montana Cherney; both through Feb. 25.
NEW ORLEANS GLASSWORKS AND PRINTMAKING STUDIO. 727 Magazine St., 529-7277; www.neworleansglassworks.com/site2/mainpage.htm -- Kiln-fired glass sculpture by Frank den Ham, metal sculpture by Dan Schreiber and glass sculpture by John Christe, through Jan. 31.
NEXT II GALLERY. 1128 St. Roch Ave., 948-0772 -- With Regard Š, paintings and sculpture by Debra Federico, through Friday; Kids N¹ Bikes, through Feb. 4. Opening reception Saturday.
ROBERT BRUNO GALLERY. 900 S. Peters St., 679-0001; www.robertbrunogallery.com -- LSU Revealed and New Orleans Legend Matt Anderson Rediscovered: An Exhibition of Rare 20th Century Photography, through March 2.
THE RODRIGUE STUDIO. 721 Royal St., 581-4244; www.georgerodrigue.com/index2.htm -- Works by George Rodrigue.
SYLVIA SCHMIDT GALLERY. 400-A Julia St., 522-2000; www.sylviaschmidt.com -- Shorelines, paintings by Tiit Raid, through Feb. 10; Louisiana Wetlands, paintings by Rhea Gary, through Feb. 28.
THE WAITING ROOM GALLERY. 906 Pauline St., 949-1805; www.wroomgallery.com -- The Feminine Mystique, paintings by Pat McDonald Fowler, through Feb. 12.
THE WILLIAM AND JOSEPH GALLERY. 713 Royal St., 566-7009; www.thewilliamandjosephgallery.com -- Landscape paintings by Mark Ramy, metal sculpture by Barrett DeBusk, floral paintings by Jaline Pol, jewelry by Monique Leon and glasswork by artists from around the country, ongoing.
spare spaces
CAFE ROSE NICAUD. 632 Frenchmen St., 949-3300 -- Historical Portraits, drawings by Jose Torres Tamas.
HANDS IN CLAY. 4122 Magazine St., 269-1300 -- Works by Martin Lill, Karen Marchand, Joy Gauss and Alison Thomas.
THE SPOTTED CAT. 623 Frenchmen St., 943-3887 -- Paintings by Suzanne Sanders.
TWIROPA MILLS. Tchoupitoulas Room, 1544 Tchoupitoulas St., 595-5091; www.nolastyle.com -- Backstage Photo Confessions, photographs by Leslie T. Snadowsky, ongoing.
museums
AMERICAN-ITALIAN MUSEUM & RESEARCH LIBRARY. 537 S. Peters St., 522-7294 -- Hand-painted and lettered plaques by artist Franco Alessandri, photographs, and memorabilia.
GERMAINE CAZENAVE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM. Arnaud¹s Restaurant, 813 Bienville St., 523-5433; www.arnauds.com/museum.html -- Exhibit featuring costumes, Carnival memorabilia and vintage photos from 1937 to 1968, open during restaurant hours.
HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION. 533 Royal St., 523-4662; www.hnoc.org -- A Heritage of Faith: Christ Church Cathedral and Episcopal Louisiana, 1805-2005, through May 7.
LOUISIANA STATE MUSEUM PRESBYTERE. 751 Chartres St., 568-6968; http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/site/presbex.htm -- The Mardi Gras Art of Tony Green, through Nov. 20. Opens Thursday.
NEW ORLEANS HISTORIC TRAIN GARDEN AT CITY PARK. New Orleans Botanical Garden, City Park, 482-4888; www.neworleanscitypark.com/nobg.php -- Miniature replicas of New Orleans architectural styles crafted from botanical bits, plus small-scale trains and streetcars, all in garden setting. Permanent exhibit is included with regular admission to New Orleans Botanical Garden.
NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART. 1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, 488-2631; www.noma.org -- The Tortoise and the Hare: Symbols and Legends in Edo-Period Japanese Painting, through June 5; Tools of Her Ministry: The Art of Sister Gertrude Morgan, through Sunday; Crystal Clear: Steuben Glass From the Collection of Isadore & Marriane Cohn, through Sunday; The Convivial Art of the Cocktail, through Sunday.
OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART. 925 Camp St., 539-9600; www.ogdenmuseum.org -- Recent Acquisitions in Contemporary Photography, through March; Walter Inglis Anderson: Everything I See Is Strange and New, through April 17; Texas: Grassy Landscapes, through March; both open Thursday.
OLD U.S. MINT. 400 Esplanade Ave., 568-6990; http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/site/mintex.htm -- O. Winston Link: The Louisiana Photographs, previously unpublished images from the 1930s and ¹40s, through March 15.
SYDNEY AND WALDA BESTHOFF SCULPTURE GARDEN. New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, 488-2631; www.noma.org -- Five-acre outdoor collection of modern and contemporary sculpture, free and open to the public.
WILLIAMS RESEARCH CENTER. 410 Chartres St., 598-7171; www.hnoc.org/willcent.htm -- Tarnished Laurels: The British at the Battle of New Orleans, items from the War of 1812, through May; Louisiana Sites and Citizens, permanent.
special events
BYWATER ART MARKET. Markey Park, Piety and Royal streets, 944-7900 -- Affordable artwork for sale including paintings, textiles, sculpture, pottery, glass, metal and wood artwork, furniture, jewelry, photography and more. Raku pottery demonstration with Bruce Odell. Free admission. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
GLASS-BLOWING DEMONSTRATIONS. Conti Glass, 3924 Conti St., 483-1195 -- Free glass-blowing demonstrations every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
HEALTHIER DESIGN SHOW. The Big Top Gallery, 1638 Clio St., 865-3427 or 569-2700; www.neworleans.aiga.org -- The New Orleans Chapter of American Institute of Graphic Arts presents its Design Biennial Awards Show with a ³healthier design² theme. Tickets $20 for AIGA members, $30 nonmembers, $20 non-AIGA students, $15 AIGA students. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.
NOMA NIGHTS. New Orleans Museum of Art/Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, 488-2631; www.noma.org -- Both venues remain open from 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, with concerts, film screenings and other events offered periodically. Thursday: Madam Satan screening, 6:30 p.m., Stern Auditorium.
TOMER GANIHAR DISCUSSION. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 528-3805; www.cacno.org -- The artist discusses his exhibition Raving in the Desert with reception to follow. Tickets $5 general admission, free for CAC members. Lecture 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
call for artists
ARTEGG ARTMART EXHIBITORS. 1001 S. Broad St., 70125, 822-4002; www.artegg.com -- Painters, photographers, furniture makers, wood carvers, potters, glassmakers, sculptors, basket makers, jewelers, weavers and purveyors of nonperishable organic products are invited to exhibit. Spaces are 10¹ by 10¹ and exhibitors must provide own tents or tables. A deposit of $40 and rental fee of $40 is required monthly. ArtMart is every second Saturday of the month.
ARTIST RESIDENCIES. A Studio in the Woods, 13401 River Road, New Orleans, La. 70131, 392-5359; www.astudiointhewoods.org -- A Studio in the Woods is accepting applications from writers, composers and visual artists for three-week residencies in 2005. The two sessions are May 2-22 or June 12-July 2. Guidelines and applications are online. The deadline is Jan. 31.
ART OF WOMEN EXHIBIT. Gulf Coast Arts & Entertainment Review, 2524 Madrid St., New Orleans, La., 70112; www.gcartsreview.com/application.htm -- Creative Endeavors Publishing and the Gulf Coast Arts & Entertainment Review are sponsoring an exhibition for women artists working in any medium with partial proceeds to benefit a women¹s center for nonviolence. Send photos/slides for up to three works along with application form, $15 fee and SASE postmarked by Feb. 5. Exhibition opens March 6 at the Martha Mabey Gallery in Biloxi, Miss.
CAC LOUISIANA BIENNIAL ENTRANTS. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 528-3805; www.cacno.org/biennial -- The Contemporary Arts Center seeks visual artists to submit entries for the 2005 Louisiana Biennial. Chosen artists will showcase their artwork during an exhibition that opens next October. Applications may be downloaded from website. Contact CAC for more information. Deadline is Saturday.
words
Wednesday 12
GARDEN DISTRICT BOOK GROUP. Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St., 895-2266 -- The group discusses Namesake by Jhump Lahiri. New members welcome. 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
POETRY FORUM WORKSHOP. 257 Bonnabel Blvd., Metairie, 835-8472 or 467-9034 -- The New Orleans Poetry Forum hosts a weekly workshop every Wednesday. 8 p.m.
TAO POETRY OPEN MIC. Neutral Ground Coffee House, 5110 Danneel St., 891-3381; www.neutralground.org -- Open-mic poetry reading every Wednesday. 9 p.m.
Thursday 13
17 POETS OPEN MIC. Gold Mine Saloon, 701 Dauphine St., 586-0745 or 568-9125; www.goldminesaloon.com or www.17poets.com -- Weekly series with featured poets Andrei Codrescu and Dave Brinks. Open mic to follow. Poets, storytellers, dancers, musicians, puppeteers and more are invited to share their art. Hosted by Dave Brinks. Free admission. 8 p.m.
Saturday 15
IRA HARKEY. Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St., 895-2266 -- The author reads and signs Black Sugar. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. M.A. HARPER. Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St., 899-7323 -- The author reads and signs The Year of Past Things at the book's release party. 7 p.m. (See review in this issue.)
