family
Wednesday 19
MIFFY AT THE LIBRARY. Martin Luther King Library, 1617 Caffin Ave., 596-2695; www.miffy.com -- Interactive art and book experience based on children's book character Miffy. Open to preschoolers, parents, teachers and caregivers. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday 21
YOUNGSTER YOGA. Jefferson Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 838-1100; www.Jefferson.lib.la.us -- Library offers weekly yoga classes for kids ages 3 to 8 with attendant parents, grandparents and friends, designed to help imagination, self-discipline, coordination and left-brain/right-brain development. Low-stress stretching program runs 30 minutes. 11 a.m. every Friday.
DRAGONS! OH MY! Barnes & Noble, 1601 B Westbank Expwy., Harvey, 263-1146 -- Join reading of The Best Pet of All and make crafts. Free admission. 7 p.m.
Saturday 22
DIG, DO, DISCOVER. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, 488-5488, ext. 920 -- Explore Discovery Garden's greenhouse and make 2-liter terrarium. Weather permitting. Admission $5. 10 a.m. to noon.
HANSEL & GRETEL. Children's Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 469-3236 -- Metropelican Opera presents musical production of fairy tale classic. Admission $3.50 adults, $2.50 children ages 1-17 and seniors. 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
JUNIOR ZULUS. Lakeside Shopping Center, Center Court, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 835-8000 -- Youth organization of Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club conducts class on decorating Zulu's famed coconuts. For ages 12-17. Free admission. 1 p.m.
CREATING COMICS 101. West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 364-3723 -- Eli Ivory of New Orleans-based Ivory Comics leads hands-on instruction creating comic books. Pre-registration required. Free admission. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
SWAMP STORIES STORYTIME. Barnes & Noble, 1601 B Westbank Expwy., Harvey, 263-1146 -- Children join reading of Gaston Goes to Mardi Gras and make shoe box Mardi Gras floats. Free admission. 7 p.m.
LATE NIGHTS AT AUDUBON NATURE CENTER. Joe W. Brown Memorial Park, 5601 Read Blvd., 246-5672 or (800) 774-7394; www.auduboninstitute.org -- The Nature Center stays open late with planned activities such as campfires, guided hikes, kid crafts, stargazing through telescopes and more. Open until 8 p.m. Saturdays
special event
Tuesday 18
KABBALAH RELATIONSHIP COURSES. Jewish Learning Institute, 454-2910; www.jewishlousiana.com -- Rabbi Yossie Nemes conducts seminar 'Men, Women and Kabballah: Wisdom and Advice From the Masters.' Weekly meetings for eight weeks. Fee $85 per person, $150 per couple. Call for times.
MUSIC WORKSHOP. New Orleans Music Office Co-Op, 4040 Tulane Ave., 483-2880; http://musicofficecoop.com -- Workshop on hip-hop publicity with promoter Alisia Cantrelle. Call for info.
MASTER CLASSES. NOCCA/Riverfront, 2800 Chartres St., 940-2854; www.nocca.com -- Musicians hold workshops for school groups and general public: violinist Helen Hwaya Kim (Tuesday), pianist Melvin Chen (Wednesday), violist Dov Scheindlin (Thursday). All classes 4 p.m.
NUTRITION, HEALTH AND WELLNESS TALK. East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 838-1100 ext. 274; www.jefferson.lib.la.us -- Molly Kimball presents a talk and question-and-answer session on wellness, nutrition and weight loss while demystifying the low-carb and low-fat diets as part of Jefferson Parish Library's self-help series. Registration is required. Free admission. 6:30 p.m.
INDENTITY THEFT LECTURE. Greater Covington Center, Fuhrman Hall, 317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington, (985) 809-1865 -- Local FBI agent gives lecture on identity theft. Free admission. 7 p.m.
Wednesday 19
4M. Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave.; Garden District Hotel, 3202 St. Charles Ave., 861-5898 -- Crescent City Farmers Market and Loyola University's Economic Institute present two-day workshop '4M: Mission, Management, Marketing & Measurement' for practitioners of farmers' markets. Call or email market@loyno.edu for schedule and info. Wednesday-Thursday.
GALA HORSE SHOWS. GALA Show grounds, Hwy. 40 and Polo Road, west of Folsom, (985) 796-0077; www.galahorseshows.com -- Gallop Around Louisiana (GALA) hosts equestrian competition. Free admission. Through Sunday.
MUSIC AT MIDDAY. Tulane University, Rogers Memorial Chapel, 862-3214 -- Pianist Elizabeth Moak performs concert. Free admission. Noon.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 525-HOOP; www.hornets.com -- Hornets host the Indiana Pacers. Tickets $10-$218.50. 7 p.m.
Thursday 20
JAZZ FUNERAL FOR DEMOCRACY. Louis Armstrong Park, Congo Square, Rampart Street -- A New Orleans-style protest of the presidential inaugural ball. 'A Wake for Peace: Jazz Funeral for Democracy' features the Treme Brass Band, Leigh 'Little Queenie' Harris, God's Little Toy and many others. For more information email wax1@bellsouth.net. Participants arrive no later than 10 a.m., march begins promptly at 11 a.m.
CULTURE AND COCKTAILS. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, 488-5488 -- Program 'Poker Face' teaches class in poker. Admission $7 general, $5 Longue Vue members.
Friday 21
LAW LECTURE. Loyola School of Law, 526 Pine St., 861-5762 -- Legal expert Rev. Robert F. Drinan presents lecture 'Challenges in Legal Ethics for Tomorrow's Attorneys.' Free admission. 3 p.m.
WORLD OF WHEELS. Louisiana Superdome, 587-3663 -- Showcase of cars, hot rods, trucks, motorcycles, dragsters and antique vehicles. Celebrity appearances include Cooter from TV's Dukes of Hazzard and Mike the Plumber from Desperate Housewives. Admission $13 general, $5 children ages 6-12, free 5-under. 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.
FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHT SERIES. Main Event Sports Bar, front parking lot, 3200 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 885-3300 or 888-6451 -- A series that mixes boxing, martial arts, kickboxing and ultimate fighting matches every Friday night. Anyone qualified can compete. Tickets $10, beer specials and food available. 7 p.m.
MOULIN RAUNCH. Venusian Gardens, 2601 Chartres St., 250-5087 -- Fashion, costume and dance event features local designers, fashions modeled by local musicians, with Jon Cleary playing piano followed by DJ Soul Sister. Free beer and wine. Free admission, donations accepted. 9 p.m.
Saturday 22
AUDUBON ZOO ART SALE. Audubon Zoo, Tropical Cabana party room, next to carousel, (866) ITS-AZOO; www.auduboninstitute.org -- The Audubon Nature Institute holds an art sale of works made by its employees featuring paintings, photography, ceramics, mixed media and more, through Jan. 31. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
FASHION FUNDRAISER. Encore Shop, 7814 Maple St., 861-9028 -- Annual sale with symphony volunteers benefits Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and offers wide range of ladies' clothing. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
BETTER HEALTH DAY. Fair Grinds Coffeehouse, 3133 Ponce de Leon St., 948-3222; www.fairgrinds.com or www.enjoy-life.com -- A variety of alternative health practitioners gather for demonstrations, product samples, tastings, educational literature and items for sale. Fee $7. Noon to 6 p.m.
KREWE DU VIEUX PARADE. Starts at the Den of Muses, corner of Port and Decatur streets; www.kreweduvieux.org -- Parade from Faubourg Marigny, through the French Quarter and to the State Palace Theatre, featuring grand marshal Al 'Carnival Time' Johnson. Visit Web site for parade route. 7 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 525-HOOP; www.hornets.com -- Hornets host the Los Angeles Clippers. Tickets $10-$218.50. 7 p.m.
EVENING AT THE MOVIES. Orpheum Theater, 129 University Place, 524-3285; www.orpheumneworleans.com -- Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents a concert of favorite scores from the big screen, conducted by Carl Topilow. Tickets $20-$50. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Saturday.
KREWE DU VIEUX DOO. State Palace Theatre, 1108 Canal St., 522-4435; www.kreweduvieux.org -- Post-parade concert featuring John Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes and Eh, La-Bas. Tickets $20. 9 p.m.
UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHTS. The City Club, 1525 St. Charles Ave., 304-3355; ww.neworleansblack.com -- Weekly showcase of R&B music, comedy, poetry, DJs and more. Dress code enforced. Admission $15. 10 p.m.
Sunday 23
LINDY GRAS CONCERT. City Park, 1 Palm Drive, Peristyle, www.lindygras.com -- Music by the New Orleans Jazz Vipers as part of the Lindy Gras dance festival. Visit Web site for complete festival information. Open to the public. Free admission. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
BIG TOP COSTUME BAZAAR. 3 Ring Circus' Big Top Gallery. 1638 Clio St., 569-2700; www.3rcp.com -- 3 Ring Circus presents a carnival costume and accessories sale featuring New Orleans' designers, artists and vintage dealers including Howlpop, Heather Weathers, Unique Products, Ann Marie Popko, Cree's Cheap Chic, Jazzy Knits and more. Free admission. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
SEX MATTERS! Wyndham Hotel, 4 Galleria Blvd., Metairie, 885-5599; www.acteva.com/go/hadassahneworleans -- Hadassah and Planned Parenthood present program 'Sex Matters! Exploring Women's Sexual Health' for women ages 18-55, with a series of workshops led by doctors and health professionals. Registration $8 online, $12 at door. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
OPERA PERFORMANCE. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492 -- Loyola Opera Theater presents a production of Delibe's Lakme directed by David Morelock and conducted by Carol Rausch. Tickets $20 general admission, $10 Loyola students/community with valid I.D. 3 p.m.
CATHEDRAL CONCERTS. Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 St. Charles Ave., 895-6602 -- Members of Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra perform concert, including Schubert's 'Octet.' Free admission. 4 p.m.
TRINITY ARTIST SERIES. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., 670-2520; www.trinityc.net -- Pianist Melvin Alford performs works by Mozart, Chopin, Mendelssohn and Brahms. Free admission. 5 p.m.
FAIRY PARADE POTLUCK PARTY. Residence, 1036 Franklin Ave., 913-9830 -- Pot-luck party includes demonstration on crafting fairy costumes. 7 p.m.
EDDIE & GERALD LEVERT IN CONCERT. Saenger Theatre, 143 N. Rampart St., 525-1052; www.saengertheatre.com -- Father and son perform a variety of songs including hits from the O'Jays, blues, gospel, tributes to Luther Vandross, Barry White, John Whitehead and more. Tickets $45-$65. 8 p.m.
Monday 24
CHEFS CHARITY FOR CHILDREN. Hilton Hotel Riverside, 2 Poydras St., 524-6551 -- Benefit for St. Michael Special School featuring chefs Emeril Lagasse and Mario Batali with cooking demos, coffee and sweets, 2005 Chefs Charity Cookbook, WWL TV emcees. Tickets $45 per person, $450 for table of 10. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Tuesday.
call for volunteers
JAZZ FEST. New Orleans Fairgrounds, 558-6144; www.nojazzfest.com -- Jazz Fest seeks volunteers for office administration, phone bank, construction, signs, photography and more.
Saturday 22
MENTOR TRAINING. Elysian Fields Avenue Baptist Church, 3501 Elysian Fields Ave., 949-5252 -- Local nonprofit Each One Save One holds training sessions for adults interested in mentor roles for school-based programs in Orleans and Jefferson parishes. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
call for nominations
PRESERVATION AWARDS. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1785 Massachusetts Ave., Washington D.C., (202) 588-6236; www.nationaltrust.org/preservation_awards -- National Trust issues call for nominations for 2005 Preservation Awards for individuals involved in preservation work. Call, visit online or email awards@nthp.org for info. Deadline May 1.
road trip
Friday 21
BOSTON BRASS CONCERT. First United Methodist Church, 2301 15th St., Gulfport, Miss., (228) 388-9288 or (228) 868-2404 -- The Arts Under the Dome series opens with Boston Brass. Tickets $10 general admission, $7 students. 7 p.m.
DAVID COPPERFIELD LIVE. Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, Beau Rivage Theatre, 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (228) 386-7111 -- David Copperfield performs his magic show. Tickets $39.95-$49.95. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday.
RICKEY SMILEY LIVE. Grand Casino Biloxi, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 354-2450 -- Comic Rickey Smiley and friends perform. Tickets $35. 9 p.m.
Saturday 22
QUILTING WORKSHOP. Fairview-Riverside State Park, Otis House Museum, Hwy. 22, Madisonville, (985) 792-4652 or (888) 677-3247 -- The Otis House Museum staff present a workshop on cathedral-window quilting. Registration is required. Call to register and receive a supply list. Bring lunch. Parking $2 per vehicle. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
PRESCRIBED BURN DEMONSTRATIONS. Crosby Arboretum, Mississippi State University, 370 Ridge Road, Picayune, Miss., (601) 799-2311 ext. 21 or 23; www.msstate.edu/dept/crec/camain -- Burn manager Terry Johnson demonstrates techniques for prescribed burns. Wear boots, old clothes, bring lunch and dress for weather. Free for arboretum members, $4 for nonmembers. 10 a.m.
AIR SUPPLY. Grand Casino Biloxi, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 354-2450 -- Air Supply performs in concert. Tickets $14.95-$19.95. 8 p.m.
ZYDECO FESTIVAL. Paragon Casino & Resort, Mari Center, 711 Paragon Place, Marksville, (800) 946-1946 -- The Zydeco Festival features live performances by T-Broussard & the Zydeco Steppers, Preston Frank & the Frank Family Band and Keith Frank & the Soileau Zydeco Band. Tickets $10. 7 p.m.
theater
AFTER THE FALL. Alley Theatre, Hubbard Stage, 615 Texas Ave., Houston, (713) 228-8421; www.alleytheatre.org -- The Alley Theatre presents Arthur Miller's semi-autobiographical play about a ruinous love affair, directed by Gregory Boyd. Tickets $25-$45. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, through Feb. 6.
BROADWAY! THE BIG BAND YEARS. Monroe Civic Center Theatre, 401 Lee Joyner Expressway, Monroe, (318) 329-2338 -- Impresario's Choice presents a show of Broadway musical hits from the 1930s to the 1950s. Tickets $11-$31. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
galleries
BEAUREGARD GALLERY. 715 Europe St., Baton Rouge, (225) 383-1932 -- The New Jazz Eight, paintings by Joel Green.
museums
ALEXANDRIA MUSEUM OF ART. 933 Main St., Alexandria, (318) 443-3458 or (866) 456-7556; www.themuseum.org -- Observation: Sketchbooks, Paintings and Architecture of Errol Barron, through March 12. Opening reception 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART. 201 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson, Miss., (866) VIEW-ART; www.msmuseumart.org -- Picture Show: Photographs From the Permanent Collection, vintage, contemporary and digital photographs, through March 27.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON. 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston, (713) 639-7300; www.mfah.org -- Rick Lowe: Toward Social Sculpture, opens Thursday; Kenneth Noland: The Nature of Color; both through March 6.
PLAQUEMINE LOCK STATE HISTORIC SITE. 57730 Main St., Plaquemine, (225) 687-7158 or (877) 987-7158 -- Protect the Purchase, an exhibit illustrating the importance of the Louisiana coastline and the necessity of its protection and restoration, through Jan. 27. Tickets $2 general admission, free admission for seniors over 62 and kids 12 and under.
words
M.A. HARPER. Pass Christian Books, 101 E.. Beach Blvd., Pass Christian, Miss.; www.passchristianbooks.com -- The author signs The Year of Things Past. 1 p.m. to 3 p .m. Saturday.
