family
Tuesday 1
SPARKING FAIRIES. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 3721 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 455-5135 -- Listen to story 'Stella, Fairy of the Forest,' and make fairy crafts.
Friday 4
UNITY THROUGH UNDERSTANDING. Saints Training Facility, 5800 Airline Drive, Metairie, 522-9534 -- Annual workshop for area high school students to experience anti-bias training. 10 a.m.
HUG SOMEONE YOU LOVE. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 3721 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 455-5135 -- Listen to story 'The Giant Hug' and make postcards for loved ones. Free admission. 7 p.m.
STORYTIME. Barnes & Noble, 1601B Westbank Expwy., Harvey, 263-1146 -- Listen to story 'Grandma's Gumbo' and make gumbo paper craft. Free admission. 7 p.m.
Saturday 5
DRAMARAMA JUNIOR. Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St., 523-1357; www.lcm.org -- Annual festival for children featuring theater, storytelling, dance, puppet theater and more. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BETSY MCGOVERN. Children's Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 469-3236 -- Musician presents program 'Toe Tappin' Tunes & Tales,' with Irish folk tunes and dancing. Admission $3.50 children and adults. 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
COSTUME CHARACTER CORDUROY. Barnes & Noble, 1601B Westbank Expwy., Harvey, 263-1146 -- Character visits story with reading of Corduroy's Busy Street and coloring. Free. 7 p.m.
special events
Tuesday 1
BUSINESS JOURNALISM WORKSHOP. The Times-Picayune, 3800 Howard Ave., (800) 925-0000; www.BusinessJournalism.org -- The American Press Institute hosts a workshop titled 'High-Intensity Business Coverage.' Free admission. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ARTS GRANTS WORKSHOP. Ashé Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 569-9070 -- The Arts Council of New Orleans is accepting applications for Community Arts Grant and holds assistance workshop to help in the process. Free admission. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Applications accepted through March 31.
MUSICIANS YOGA. Yoga Bywater, 900 Louisa St., 427-7993; www.yogabywater.com -- Guitarist and yoga instructor Jonathan Freilich leads yoga class geared toward musicians' needs. Call for rates. 2 p.m. every Tuesday.
THE GIZMOTRON. Music Office Co-Op, 4040 Tulane Ave., 483-2880; http://musicofficecoop.com -- John Worthington of Lakefront Digital presents audio/video performance controller. Free admission. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
SHAKESPEARE IN TIME OF WAR. Old Metairie Library, 2350 Metairie Road, Metairie, 838-1100, ext. 274 -- Four-week reading, discussion and lecture series examines Shakespeare's themes of war. Registration required. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, through March 22.
EHUD BARAK. Hilton Riverside Hotel, 1 Poydras St., 780-5600 -- Former Prime Minister of Israel delivers lecture 'The Middle East Today.' Call for admission info. 7 p.m.
BUDDHIST TEACHINGS. Tulane University, Rogers Chapel; Borders Bookstore, 3157 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie; 861-7988; www.meditationforeveryone.org -- Western Buddhist Monk Gen Kelsang Mondrub holds talks 'Staying Happy in Difficult Times' (Tulane) and 'How to Solve Our Human Problems,' (Borders). Free admission. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Tulane, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Borders.
Wednesday 2
MUSIC AT MIDDAY. Tulane University, Rogers Memorial Chapel, 862-3214 -- Members of Musica da Camera perform 'Mostly Monteverdi.' Free admission. Noon.
RAYMOND CALVERT. The Catholic Book Store, 8039 Fig St., 861-7504 -- The iconographer and artist discusses his process of painting the Stations of the Cross. 5:30 p.m.
CIVIL RIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHY. North Kenner Library, 630 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 838-1100 -- Loyola professor Leslie Parr presents program 'Memories of the Civil Rights Movement Through Photography.' Free admission. 6:30 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 525-HOOP; www.hornets.com.-- Hornets host the Charlotte Bobcats. Tickets $10-$218.50. 8 p.m.
Thursday 3
ETHICS, HUMANITIES AND HEALTH CARE LECTURE. Tulane University, J. Bennett Johnston Heath and Environmental Research Building, 1324 Tulane Ave., 988-6017 -- Robert J. Levine from Yale's School of Medicine lectures on 'Development of Ethical Standards for Research Involving Human Subjects: 50 Years of Evolution,' with reception to follow. Free admission. 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
DANCEMEDITATION. Touro Alternative Therapies Center, 3434 Prytania St., 309-6511; www.dancemeditation.org -- Workshop with instructor Dunya covers various dance techniques and styles to help the body and foster community. Cost $20. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday 4
DANCE-A-RAMA. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 528-3805; www.cacno.org -- The program features new works in ballet, modern and folk dance as part of the two-day DramaRama12 festival. Groups include Big Hair Productions, Izzy Moving Dance Company and the Down-Downs. Tickets $12 general admission, $10 for CAC members, $20 for both Friday and Saturday. 6 p.m. to midnight.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 525-HOOP; www.hornets.com -- Hornets host the Utah Jazz. Tickets $10-$218.50. 7 p.m.
OPEN FILM SCREENING/POTLUCK. Zeitgeist Multidisciplinary Arts Center, 1724 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 525-2767; www.zeitgeistinc.org -- All media artists are invited to share their work. Limited to shorts or brief excerpts. Call 891-3698 to sign up. Free admission to all artists scheduled to show work or anyone who brings a vegetarian potluck dish. Tickets $6 general admission, $5 students/seniors, $4 Zeitgeist members/ kids ages 13-under. 7:30 p.m.
SOMBREROS AND SALSA. Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd., 568-1702 -- Annual Michael J. Moran Foundation gala and silent auction benefiting scholarship fund and St. Jude's Children's Hospital with catered food, open bar, music by Julio & Cesar. Tickets $50. 8 p.m. to midnight.
Saturday 5
EDGEWOOD PARK CLEAN-UP. Meets at St. Joseph Gym, 3800 Gentilly Blvd., 948-6316 or 319-6051 -- Edgewood Park Neighborhood Association seeks volunteers for biannual clean-up of the area. Refreshments and lunch served. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS RUN/WALK. City Park, 832-4013; www.nationalmssociety.org -- Benefit for National Multiple Sclerosis Society with 21st annual event in City Park. Contact for registration info. 8 a.m.
GROWING WORKSHOP. The Vintage Garden, 5700 Loyola Ave., 363-1105; www.ucno.org -- Workshop on how to grow a food garden in New Orleans with local experts, benefits the New Orleans Food and Farm Network's Farm Yard Project. Cost $50 for six hours of instruction, lunch included. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
DECORATIVE ARTS LECTURE. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St., 523-4662; www.hnoc.org -- Guest speaker Helen Clifford lectures on 'English Silver of the Georgian Period.' Reservations required. Admission $20. 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
TIGER RUN. Audubon Park Shelter #11, 616-4386; www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/tigerrun -- LSU Medical School holds 5K run/walk to benefit student-run clinics for the homeless, followed by post-race party with food, drinks and music. Donation accepted online. 9:30 a.m.
GLASS SHOW & SALE. St. Bernard Civic Center, 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette; www.crescentcityglass.org -- Crescent City Depression Glass Society's 30th annual showcase of Depression-era glassware, pottery, collectibles and more. Admission $4, good for both days. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
BLOOD DRIVE. Jefferson Parish Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 842-7826 -- Ochsner Bloodmobile visits for blood drive with donors receiving medical attention and T-shirts. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
HOME & ART TOUR. Various Uptown homes, 483-2316 -- Six Uptown homes with distinct architectural style and art collections on display for annual tour sponsored by New Orleans Museum of Art. Tickets $17 NOMA members, $22 non-members in advance, $27 same-day tickets. 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
CHILI COOK-OFF. Boomtown Casino, 4132 Peters Road, Harvey, 366-7711; www.boomtownneworleans.com -- Annual chili cook-off raises money for 20 local charities. Special guest artist: country-western star John Anderson. Admission and chili free. 11 a.m.
LOYOLA WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu -- The Loyola University Wind Ensemble plays concert conducted by Joseph Herbert and Stephen Bulla. Free admission. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
DRAMARAMA12. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 528-3805; www.cacno.org -- The annual festival presents new works in theater, performance art, dance and more. Tickets $12 general admission, $10 for CAC members. 6 p.m. to midnight.
65 ROSES. 625 St. Charles Ave., fourth floor, 455-5194 -- Fundraiser for nonprofit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation with entertainment by Harry Connick Sr., pianist Quinn Pepper, Rubensteins fashion show, catered food, cocktails, celebrity MCs and more. Cost $200 per person. 7 p.m.
SS KIDS HOPE GALA. Generations Hall, 368-5301-- The New Orleans-based International Hospital for Children holds its annual fundraiser featuring food, live music by Fredy Omar and Havilah and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit children's services in developing countries. Tickets $50. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
BENEFIT CONCERT. St. Joseph Abbey, Benet Hall, 75376 River Road, north of Covington, (985) 892-5679; www.sjasc.edu -- Concert with the Ink Spots, local TV personalities, musicians and more to benefit renovation of abbey's Benet Hall. Tickets $30. 7:30 p.m.
CELEBRATION 2005! Jesuit High School, Student Commons, 4133 Banks St., 486-6631 -- School hosts annual event with food, live entertainment, auctions and more. Call for ticket info. 7:30 p.m. to midnight.
DIE FLEDERMAUS. Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox Ave., 885-2000; www.jpas.org -- Jefferson Performing Arts Society presents an operetta about the 19th century love of flirtation and laughter by Johann Strauss. Directed by Marco Bellusi and conducted by Dennis G. Assaf. Tickets $35 for orchestra, $30 for parquet/balcony, $15 for students in parquet/balcony. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.
SOUL REVIVAL 2005. 205 Stella St., Metairie, 582-2184 -- Benefit for the Legacy Donor Foundation with live music. Tickets $150 per person. 7:30 p.m.
THE BLACK & WHITE SHOW. Turncoats, 1926 Magazine St., 681-8492 -- Opening of Russell Rubin's Black and White Show about urban music and culture, with music by DJ Quickie Mart, refreshments and more. Black-and-white attire suggested. Free admission. 8 p.m.
CLASSICAL GUITAR SERIES. Tulane University, Dixon Hall, 862-3214 -- Classical guitarist Jeremy Jouve of France performs concert. Free admission. 8 p.m.
JAZZ EXTRAVAGANZA. Armstrong Park, Municipal Auditorium, Mask Room, 1201 St. Peter St., 822-8059 or 565-7470; www.stpeterclaver.org -- St. Peter Claver Church presents the sixth annual Jazz Extravaganza called 'It's a Family Affair' featuring performances by Donald Harrison Jr., Christian Scott, Troy 'Trombone Shorty' Andrews, Phillip Manuel and the SPC Jazz Orchestra. Honorary guests include Clyde Kerr Jr. and Ernest 'Doc' Paulin. Call for ticket info. 8 p.m.
LPOPS SERIES. Orpheum Theater, 129 University Place, 524-3285; www.orpheumneworleans.com -- Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents a tribute to Frank Sinatra conducted by Chelsea Tipton with vocalist Steve Lippia. Tickets $20-$50. 8 p.m.
Sunday 6
DOG DAY AFTERNOON. Audubon Park Shelter #10, 944-7445; www.la-spca.org -- Annual event to benefit Louisiana SPCA with fun walk/jog with dogs, food, arcade games, children's activities, raffle, auction, live music, pet contests and more. Call for walk/contest registration costs. 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BRIDAL SHOW. Fairmont Hotel, Imperial Ballroom, 123 Baronne St., 522-2220 or 831-5288 -- House of Broel's 'Wedding of the Year' with prizes, fashion show and wedding professionals. Tickets $15 advance, $20 at door. 1 p.m.
SECULAR HUMANIST MEETING. Smith Library, 6301 Canal Blvd., 282-5459 -- D'Lle Asantewa addresses group on topic 'The Power of Words: Musings on Huckleberry Finn, The Religious Right and Political Campaigns.' Free admission. 1:30 p.m.
LOUISIANA VOCAL ARTS CHORALE. Christ Cathedral Church, 2919 St. Charles Ave., 236-7566 -- Group performs concert 'Sing We and Chant It: Music of Great Britain.' Free admission. 3 p.m.
LOYOLA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CONCERT. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu -- The Loyola Chamber Orchestra in concert conducted by L. Dean Angeles. Free admission. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
PARTY AND BID FOR THE CURE. Pat O'Brien's, Jax Brewery location, 600 N. Peters St., 342-2383, ext. 6071 -- Annual fundraiser party for American Diabetes Association with catered food, open bar, live entertainment, auctions and more. Tickets $65 per person. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday 7
CRESENT CITY WIND SYMPHONY. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu -- The Crescent City Wind Symphony performs under the direction of Joseph Herbert. Free admission. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
ongoing
SHADOW THE KEEPER. Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., 212-5383; www.auduboninstitute.org -- Zoo offers chance to follow zookeeper around sections of Audubon Zoo for four hours; must be at least 18 years old. Cost $100, two-weeks prior registration required. Also, raffle tickets sold to win original artwork depicting Casey the gorilla. Tickets $1, sold at zoo entrance or by phone.
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.
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.
UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHTS. The City Club, 1525 St. Charles Ave., 304-3355; www.NewOrleansBlack.com -- Weekly 'VIP Party Experience' with comedy, live R&B and DJ dance party. Sexy and sophisticated attire (doorman's discretion). Admission $15. 10 p.m.
call for volunteers
Tuesday 1
HERMANN-GRIMA/GALLIER HOUSES. 820 St. Louis St., 525-5661; www.hgghh.org -- Five-week course gives instruction on how to volunteer to lead tours of historic French Quarter landmarks. Sessions held 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays through March 29.
Saturday 5
ESL TEACHER TRAINING. Incarnate Word Center, 8326 Apricot St. (between Earhart and S. Claiborne), 864-8946 -- YMCA Educational Services and the Hispanic Apostolate seek volunteers to serve as English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors in local program. Donation of $20 requested for workshop. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SERENITY HOSPICE SERVICES. 1 Seine Ct., Suite 605, 366-3996 -- The Serenity Hospice Services is looking for volunteers to aid and assist the terminally ill. All ages welcome. Call to register. Orientation is on March 12 at 10 a.m.
JAZZ FEST. 558-6144 or volunteers@nojazzfest.com -- The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is accepting applications for volunteer work at the festival (April 22-May 1). Volunteers needed for office administration, phone bank reception, construction, signs and decor, photography and more.
road trip
Friday 4
CASINO JOB FAIR. Casino Magic, Bay Tower Hotel, Bay St. Louis, Miss., (800) 5-MAGIC-5 -- Casino holds job fair to recruit applicants and fill jobs. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
BOBBY VINTON. Casino Magic, 711 Casino Magic Drive, Bay St. Louis, Miss., (800) 5-MAGIC-5 -- The singer performs. Tickets $19.95-$29.95. 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Saturday 5
SELMA-TO-MONTGOMERY MARCH. Buses leave New Orleans for Alabama, 286-5045 -- Citizens interested in joining celebrations honoring 40th anniversary of Selma-to-Montgomery civil rights march invited to ride buses to activities. Call for costs. Leave and return Saturday. Next trip Friday-Saturday, March 11-12.
SHAW CENTER FOR THE ARTS GRAND OPENING. Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge, (225) 346-5001; www.shawcenter.org -- Festivities celebrating the opening of performing and visual arts center, comprised of several venues and uses. Weekend events include performances, lectures, educational programs, children's activities and more. Visit Web site or call for full schedule. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
CHARLIE DANIELS BAND. Grand Casino Gulfport, Grand Event Center, 3215 W. Beach Blvd., Gulfport, Miss., (800) 946-7777 -- The band performs. Tickets $14.95-$24.95. 8 p.m.
WILLIE NELSON. Grand Casino Biloxi, Grand Biloxi Theatre, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 354-2450 -- Willie Nelson performs. Tickets $44.95-$49.95. 8 p.m.
ongoing
GUIDED BOAT TOURS. Bayou Vermilion Dock, 501 Fisher Road, Lafayette, (337) 232-0789 -- Jean Lafitte National Park rangers lead cultural and natural boat tours. Reservations required. Two tour packages available: full tour with lunch $24 adults, $22 seniors, $16 children; boat trip only $10 adults, $8 seniors and $6 children. Tours depart 10:30 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday and return at noon. Through May 31.
theater
BAD DATES. The Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave., Houston, (713) 228-8421; www.alleytheatre.org -- The Alley Theatre presents a one-woman comedy about the dating life of a single, middle-aged mom written by Theresa Rebeck. Annalee Jefferies stars. Tickets $25-$45. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, through April 3.
THE CRUCIBLE. Alley Theatre, Hubbard Stage, 615 Texas Ave., Houston, (713) 228-8421; www.alleytheatre.org -- The Alley Theatre presents Arthur Miller's play on the witch hunts of Salem, Mass. Tickets $19-$50. 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 March 20.
THE EXONERATED. Louisiana State University, Reilly Theatre, Baton Rouge, (225) 578-3527; www.swinepalace.org -- Swine Palace presents a play by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen about innocent former death row inmates and the American justice system, based on actual case files. Michael S. Tick directs William Jay Marshall, Christine St. John and others. Tickets $27-30 general admission, $19 LSU faculty/staff/seniors, $12 students. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, through March 13.
EZURU. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Beau Rivage Theatre, Biloxi, Miss., (888) 566-7469 or (888) 567-6667; www.beaurivage.com -- Aerialists, comedians and acrobats from all over the world come together in this futuristic production. Tickets $22.95-$29.95. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 7 p .m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Monday, through June 15.
WINE IN THE WILDERNESS. Louisiana State University, Hatcher Hall Theatre, basement of Hatcher Hall, Fieldhouse Drive, Baton Rouge, (225) 578-9278 -- LSU Studio Theatre presents a play by Alice Childress about a black male artist's redefinition of womanhood during a Harlem riot in 1964. Stephanie D. Chavis directs Shantel James, Lance Wise, Eme Udoh, Lindsey Smith and Eric Freeman. Tickets $6 at door. 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
galleries
MARTHA MABEY GALLERY. 796 Vieux Marche Mall, Biloxi, Miss., (228) 432-5874 -- Celebrating the Art of Women, group exhibit of artwork by women working in all mediums. Part of proceeds goes to the Gulf Coast Women's Center for Nonviolence, through March 26. Opening reception 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
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.
IBERVILLE MUSEUM. 57735 Main St., Plaquemine, (225) 687-7197 -- Yesterday's Tomorrows: Past Visions of the American Future, through March 19.
LOUISIANA ART & SCIENCE MUSEUM. 100 South River Road, Baton Rouge, (225) 344-9478; www.lasm.org -- Anyone Can Fly -- Faith Ringgold: A Survey, through Sunday.
THE MEADOWS MUSEUM OF ART. Centenary College, 2911 Centenary Blvd., Shreveport, (318) 869-5169; www.centenary.edu/meadows -- Tibet: A Photographic Essay Through the Eyes of Monks in Exile, through May 29.
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.
MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART. 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile, Ala., (251) 208-5200; www.mobilemuseumofart.com -- David Hayes: Eight Vertical Motifs, through January 2006.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON. 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston, (713) 639-7300; www.mfah.org -- Rick Lowe: Toward Social Sculpture; Kenneth Noland: The Nature of Color; both through Sunday; Alfredo Jaar: The Eyes of Gutete Emerita, through May 30.
OPELOUSAS MUSEUM OF ART. 106 North Union St., Opelousas, (337) 942-4991 -- Rhythm and Roots, zydeco and Acadian photography by Rick Olivier and Terri Fensel, through April 23.
