family
Saturday 12
NATURE CENTER SILVER ANNIVERSARY. Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Joe Brown Park, 5601 Read Blvd., 246-5672; www.auduboninstitute.org -- Celebration features treats of kettle korn and Creole red beans, '80s trivia game, Zephyrs, zoo and aquarium mascots for kids to meet, planetarium shows, Six Flags giveaways, reduced priced souvenirs and more. Johnette Downing performs 2 p.m Saturday. Discounted admission $2.50 adults, 25 cents ages 2-12. Saturday-Sunday.
EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA. Clearview Mall, Center Pavillion, Clearview at Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-0202 -- Event features two hours of games, crafts, Bunny Hop dance competition, prizes, giveaways, and lots of Elmer's Candy. Free admission. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
KIDCINEMA. Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St., 523-1357; www.lcm.org -- Kids watch movie Dora the Explorer: Catch the Stars. Free with museum admission. 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
special events
Tuesday 8
THIRD REICH LECTURE. The National D-Day Museum, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012; www.ddaymuseum.org -- Hannes Richter gives a talk on the 'Method of Seduction: Josef Goebbels and the Propaganda Machine of the Third Reich' as part of the lunchbox lecture series. Bring lunch. Free admission. Noon to 1 p.m.
MUSIC OFFICE CO-OP WORKSHOP. New Orleans Music Office Co-Op, 4040 Tulane Ave., 483-2880; www.tipsevents.com/foundation/office.htm -- Mallory Moore presents a workshop on 'The Government and Music' highlighting agencies that deal with artists and the music industry. Free admission. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
HENRY BUTLER CONCERT. Palm Court Jazz Cafe, 1204 Decatur St., 304-3801 -- Henry Butler and friends perform a benefit concert for the scholarship foundation of New Orleans' Henry Butler Music Scholarship. Fundraiser raffle prize of a Herman Leonard photograph of Duke Ellington. Cash bar only. Tickets $20. 8 p.m.
Wednesday 9
LOUISIANA SPORTSMEN'S SHOW. Louisiana Superdome, Sugar Bowl Drive, 587-3663 or 464-7363, www.lasportsmenshow.com -- The Louisiana Sportsmen's Show presents 'Deep South's Original Sportsfishing, Boat and Hunting Show,' featuring a Chevy Dealers exhibit, Red Fish Tournament and more. Tickets $9 general admission, $3 for kids. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
SIEGFRIED. Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts, 801 N. Rampart Street, 529-3000; www.neworleansopera.org -- New Orleans Opera Association presents Richard Wagner's epic fairy tale. Tickets $30-$100. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
TALL CLUB MEETING. Lakeview Baptist Church, 6100 Canal Blvd., 488-7069 or 367-2135; www.members.tripod.com/noittalls/ -- The New Orleans Tall Club meets to promote fellowship among tall people and sponsor civic activities. All men over 6-foot-2 and all women over 5-foot-10 are invited. Go to Web site for more information. Free admission. 6:30 p.m.
ARTSPEAK AT CAC. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 528-3805; www.cacno.org -- Artists Ersy Schwartz, Christopher Saucedo and Malcolm McClay participate in this month's Louisiana artists' dialogue, moderated by Mark Grote. Free admission. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
EDMUND PELLEGRINO. Loyola University, Monroe Hall, Nunemaker Auditorium, third floor, 861-5888; www.loyolano.edu -- The Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Ethics speaks on 'Bioscience and the Humanities: Can Ethics Bridge the Gap?' as part of the University and the Human in a Pluralistic Age lecture series. Free admission. 7 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 525-HOOP; www.hornets.com. -- Hornets host the New Jersey Nets. Tickets $10-$218.50. 7 p.m.
PIATIGORSKY FOUNDATION CONCERT. East Bank Regional Library, 474 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 838-1100; www.jefferson.lib.la.us -- The Piatigorsky Foundation presents a concert by clarinetist Igor Begelman and pianist Inessa Zaretsky featuring possible selections by Gabriel Pierné, Fritz Kreisler, Camille Saint-Saens and George Gershwin. Free admission. 7 p.m.
Thursday 10
MAD HATTER'S LUNCHEON & STYLE SHOW. New Orleans Hilton Hotel, 1 Poydras St., 456-9401 -- Women's Guild of New Orleans hosts 23rd annual luncheon and style show, plus hat contest with celebrity judges, silent auction, Monet theme and more. Call for ticket info. 10:45 a.m.
MICHAEL PATRICK WELCH. Arts Council of New Orleans, 225 Baronne St., Suite 1712, 523-1465; www.artscouncilofneworleans.org -- The Arts Council of New Orleans hosts the author, journalist and musician for a lecture on self-publishing and promoting one's art as part of Harrah's Business of Art Series. Lunch provided. Tickets $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers. 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
STATE OF THE NATION FESTIVAL. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 528-3800; www.cacno.org -- 'Moral Values' theme for 10-day showcase by local and international artists with performances, visual art, workshops and more. Festival pass $50, one-day workshop pass $20, one workshop $10, performances March 10-12 $10, works-in-progress March 18-19 $5. 6 p.m. Thursday, workshops 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
DA VINCI CODE LECTURE. Loyola University, Miller Hall, room 114, 865-3537; www.loyno.edu -- The Institute of Catholic Culture and Tradition presents a lecture by John Shinners on 'The Da Vinci Code: Cracked or Crackpot?' 7 p.m.
WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY CHOIR. Loyola University, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 6367 St. Charles Ave., 865-2011 -- The Winston-Salem State University Choir, the University Men and the Burke Singers perform. Free admission. 7 p.m.
CLAUDIA L. JOHNSON. Tulane University, Newcomb College Campus, Woldenberg Art Center, Freeman Auditorium, 862-8958; www.tulane.edu/~english/Events -- The Sixteenth Annual Josephine Gessner Ferguson Lecture hosts the Claudia L. Johnson, the Murray Professor of English Literature of Princeton University, for a lecture on 'Jane Austen and War.' Reception to follow. Free admission. 7 p.m.
TRIBUTE TO CANNONBALL ADDERLEY. Loyola University, The Jazz Underground, basement of Danna Center, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu -- Saxophonist Wess Anderson and his group play the music of jazz great Cannonball Adderley. Tickets $10 general admission, $5 non-Loyola students, free for Loyola students. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday 11
WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY CHOIR. Delgado Community College, City Park Campus, Dolphin Patio, 615 City Park Ave., 483-4114 -- The Winston-Salem State University Choir, the University Men and the Burke Singers perform. Free admission. 11 a.m.
MELLON SYMPOSIUM. Tulane University, Newcomb College Center for Research on Women, Woldenberg Art Center, -- Newcomb College Center for Research on Women presents a two-day symposium on balance, wellness and creativity organized by Zale Writer-in-Residence Ellen Gilchrist and moderated by Tulane professors Peter Cooley and Paula Morris. Guests include writers Ethan Canin and Molly Giles. Free admission. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
WOMEN OF COLOR FILM & ART FESTIVAL. Chez Voudon, 822 N. Rampart St., 558-0653; www.incite-national.org/conf/cov3film.html -- Films by women of color from around the world shown in conjunction with the Color of Violence III conference. Film festival open to the public. Call for ticket information. Noon to 5 p.m.
JAX BEER TASTING EVENT. Jackson Brewery, 600 Decatur St., 566-7601 -- Jax Brewery celebrates St. Patrick's Day with its second annual beer tasting event featuring Dixie Brewing Company, Abita Brewing Company, Big Easy Brewery, Crescent City Brewhouse and Gordon Biersch. Free admission with purchase at one of Jax Brewery shops. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
GLASS-BLOWING DEMONSTRATIONS. Conti Glass, 3924 Conti St., 483-1195 -- Free glass-blowing demonstration. 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
JIM MONAGHAN'S ANNUAL IRISH PARADE. Molly's at the Market, 1107 Decatur St., 525-5169 or 258-3937; www.mollysatthemarket.net -- Monaghan's annual parade starts at Molly's at the Market with Helena Moreno as Grand Marshal and Judge Darryl Derbigny as Man of the Year. The parade features entertainment by the Storyville Stompers, French Quarter Fascination, the Kazoozie Floozies and Modine Grunch. 6 p.m.
BAMBOULA. Pitot House, 1440 Moss St., 482-0312 -- Louisiana Landmarks Society fundraiser. Patron party with music by Coco Robicheaux and Joel catering. Bamboula follows with music by Tony Green & Gypsy Jazz, Zulu Connection stilt dancers, catered cuisine, auction, drinks and more. Tickets $50 Bamboula, $75 patron party. 6:30 p.m. patron party, 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Bamboula.
NEW ORLEANS MUSICA DE CAMERA. All Saints' Episcopal Church, 100 Rex Drive, River Ridge, 865-8203 -- Musica de Camera presents the concert 'Mostly Monteverdi.' Free admission. 7 p.m.
MARCH MARTINI MADNESS. City Park, Popp Fountain, 483-9376 -- Friends of City Park host the annual Martini Madness benefit featuring martinis made with 10 different vodkas, food, live broadcast by KissFM 104.1 and games. Proceeds benefit City Park. Casual attire. Tickets $35 in advance, $40 at door. 7 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS MUSICIANS CLINIC BENEFIT. Lot across from The Bulldog, 3236 Magazine St., 891-1516 -- NOMC benefit features live music and food. Nacho Mama's and Andi Hoffman & B-Goes 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday night; the Fessters, Otra and John ´Papa' Gros and jambalaya Saturday. Admission $5, includes one drink. 7 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday.
FAURe's REQUIEM CONCERT. Greater Covington Center, 317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington, (985) 792-1392; www.npas.info -- The Northlake Performing Arts Society presents a chorale concert called 'In Remembrance: Faure's Requiem & Music of Consolation.' Tickets $12-15. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Sunday.
LOYOLA FACULTY CONCERT. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu -- The Loyola Faculty Jazz Septet performs. Tickets $10 general admission, $5 Loyola students/community with valid I.D. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
SUNO BASH II. Park Plaza New Orleans Hotel, 1500 Canal St., 286-5237 -- Southern University at New Orleans Foundation hosts its Bash II honoring Millie M. Charles with the Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair in recognition of her social work triumphs. Call for tickets. 8 p.m.
Saturday 12
ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL. Oak Alley Plantation, 3645 Hwy. 18, Vacherie, (800) 44-ALLEY; www.oakalleyplantation.com -- Two-day festival features over 150 artists' booths, Cajun/Creole cuisine, live music by LA Kids Showcase and Crescent City Big Band. Admission $5 adults, $3 18-under. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
PLOTTING YOUR NOVEL WORKSHOP. Holiday Inn Select New Orleans Airport, 2929 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 952-0789; www.solawriters.org -- Author Carolyn Green presents her own plot-writing system in a writing workshop sponsored by the Southern Louisiana Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. Suitable for all skill levels. Tickets $80 (includes lunch). 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LIVING HISTORY TRAINING. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Chalmette Battlefield, 8606 W. St. Bernard Hwy., Chalmette, 281-0510 or 382-4954 -- Learn to march, fire black powder weapons and cook over an open fire as part of the Living History volunteer training program. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WALTER INGLIS ANDERSON SYMPOSIUM. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 539-9600; www.ogdenmuseum.org -- The Ogden Museum of Southern Art celebrates the life and art of Walter Anderson with panel discussions, talks by Anderson's family members and an art project. Call for more information. Symposia events free with museum admission, $10 for art materials. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
SAINT POOCH'S DAY PARADE. Starts at St. Andrew and Magazine streets, 896-2285; www.louisianashares.org -- Community Shares of Louisiana hosts its annual St. Pooch's Day Parade featuring Ronnie Virgets as the grand marshal. St. Patrick's Day costumes encouraged for dogs and their owners. All dogs must be leashed and vaccinated. Pre-register online. Registration $15 per dog. Parade-goers costume contest $5. 9 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. parade starts.
SECRET GARDENS TOUR. Uptown New Orleans, 450-2166; www.secretgardenstour.org -- Second annual self-guided walking tour of 18 private gardens in Uptown along State Street and Nashville and St. Charles Avenues with music, refreshments and lectures on brain injuries and gardening. Proceeds benefit brain injury recovery. Tickets $10. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ARTEGG ARTMART. ArtEgg Studios, 1001 S. Broad St., 822-4002; www.artegg.com -- Paintings, woodwork, pottery, glass and metal works, textiles, baskets, jewelry and more for sale at this monthly art market. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SOUTHERN REP AUDITIONS. One Canal Place, Southern Rep Administrative Offices, 365 Canal St., 10th floor, 566-9212; www.southernrep.com -- Southern Rep Theatre and Evangeline Oaks Entertainment hold auditions for the Cajun comedy Okra by Anne Galjour. Perry Martin will direct. The show runs May 11-June 5. Needed are two females early 40s-50s, one female mid-50s to early 60s and two males early 40s to mid-50s. Cajun and Parisian accents used in production. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
PLANT & FARM SALE. The Vintage Garden & Company's Certified Organic Farm, 5700 Loyola Ave., 897-9309 -- The Vintage Garden & Company holds its 'March Into Spring' farm sale featuring seeds for flowers, plants, herbs and vegetables, garden decor, baskets and pots, organic pest control and fertilizer, soil products and fresh organic produce. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LOUISIANA BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL. Armstrong Park, 891-4422 -- Festival celebrates 20th anniversary with music by R&B, jazz and gospel acts such as Wanda Rouzan, Kermit Ruffins, BRW and Philip Manuel, 30 arts and crafts vendors, varied catered cuisine, kids' activities, a climbing wall and more. Admission $7 adults, $2 children. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
IRISH CHANNEL ST. PATRICK'S DAY CLUB PARADE & MASS. St. Mary's Assumption Church at Constance and Josephine streets, Parade starts at Felicity and Magazine streets; http://irishchannelno.org -- The Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Club holds its 58th annual mass and parade. Go to Web site for parade route. Noon mass, 1 p.m. parade.
JUDE ACERS. Nunez Community College, 3710 Paris Rd., Chalmette, 680-2330 or lirby@nunez.edu -- The chess master performs his second simultaneous chess exhibition with local students K-12. Sponsored by the St. Bernard Chess League. Contact Lynn Irby to play. Participants should arrive by 12:30 p.m. and bring chess sets if possible. Open to public. Free admission. 1 p.m.
MOVING BLUES SCHOOLHOUSE. New Orleans Public Library, Nora Navra Branch, 1902 St. Bernard Ave., 596-2657 -- The International House of Blues Foundation presents its Moving Blues SchoolHouse program featuring professional musicians and actors performing the evolution of blues and relating how the music influenced U.S. history and culture. Pre-registration recommended. Free admission. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
SUE ROWLAND. East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd., 596-2646; http://nutrias.org/~nopl/info/branches/eno/eno.htm -- New Orleans Public Library hosts Sue Rowland for a lecture called 'Reconstructing a Woman's Life: Francis Joseph Gaudet, Independent Black Reformer' as part of its Women's History Month lecture series. Free admission. 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
SPRING FOR ART. Downtown Covington, Columbia Street, (985) 892-8650; www.sttammanyart.org -- The Spring for Art annual festival hosted by St. Tammany Art Association presents grand openings for all area galleries. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
BALLET RENVERSé EVENT. New Orleans Dance Academy, 5956 Magazine St., 899-3780 or 895-5635 -- Ballet Renversé Repertory Dance Company presents 'An Evening with Friends at the Hit and Run Café' featuring collaborations with the Ann Burr Dance Company, Greed Mend, Nicholas Sazenbach, musicians and others as part of its Underground Ballet series. Suggested donations $8 general admission, $5 students/seniors/Renversé members. 7 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 525-HOOP; www.hornets.com -- Hornets host the Milwaukee Bucks. Tickets $10-$218.50. 7 p.m.
DENNIS MACKREL. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu -- The Loyola Jazz band performs with guest drummer Dennis Mackrel. Tickets $10 general admission, $5 students/Loyola community with I.D. 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 13
GREAT ST. PADDY'S DAY ROAD RACE. Archbishop Rummel High School, 1901 Severn Ave., Metairie, 833-9625; www.rummelraiders.com -- Fifth annual 5K Great St. Paddy's Day Road Race. Cash prices to top finishers. Proceeds benefit Archbishop Rummel High School. Post-race party and food festival on Rummel football field with live music by the Topcats. Tickets $17 (register before March 9), $20 after deadline, $7 general admission to post-race party. Registration 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., 7:45 a.m. start time, 8:30 a.m. party begins.
USED BOOK SALE. Our Lady of Rosary School, Vincent Hall, 1324 Moss St., 483-0733 -- The eighth annual used book sale benefits the Our Lady of Rosary Archival Project. Free admission. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MUSIC FOR YOUR EYES GARDEN TOUR. City Park Botanical Garden, 217 Fairway Drive, 415 Fairway Drive, 22 Nassau Drive, 620 Northline St., 304-2917; www.neworleanscitypark.com or www.gnoyo.org -- Tour of private gardens in Longue Vue area designed or maintained by landscape architect Robin Tanner including the new Japanese Garden in City Park with a talk by Tanner. Self-guided or optional transportation by American Luxury Limousine. The Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra will perform at 1:30 p.m. in the Botanical Garden's Glass Pavilion. Tickets $12.50. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MID-SOUTH WOMEN IN TOURISM FUNDRAISER. Audubon Tea Room, 6500 Magazine St., 348-3500 -- The Mid-South Women in Tourism host a fundraiser for Angel's Place featuring performances by Betty Winn and One A-Chord Gospel Singers. Tickets $40 per person (includes admission to Audubon Zoo) or $360 for table of 10. 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
CASSANDRA BROMFIELD BRIDAL FASHION SHOW. Sheraton Hotel, Louis Armstrong Grand Ballroom, 500 Canal St., 525-2500; www.charlese.net -- The Sheraton Hotel and Charlese Wedding and Home Magazine host 'An International Fling' bridal show with designs by Cassandra Bromfield. Wedding planning services available. Tickets $10 at door. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
SECOND SUNDAY DOG SOCIAL. The Pampered Pug, 8630 Oak St., 866-7502; www.thepamperedpug.com -- The Pampered Pug hosts Dr. Cynthia Benbow for a talk on the benefits of using both modern medicine and Chinese acupuncture for its final Second Sunday Dog Social. Refreshments served. Free admission. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY FEST. The Blue Nile, 532 Frenchmen St., 864-7880 -- The New Orleans Women's Studies Consortium presents the New Orleans International Women's Day Fest featuring readings, dance, burlesque, comedy, art, DJs, crafts and information. Free admission. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
BUSTOUT BURLESQUE. One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse St., 569-9100 -- Dance troupe trained in burlesque tradition with house singer Marcy Hesseling, backed by house band Ronnie Magri & the Bourbon Shakers. Tickets $20 general, $25 table seating. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Ongoing.
Monday 14
TASTE OF NAPA VALLEY BENEFIT. The Foundry, 333 St. Joseph St., 525-3377; www.saveourcemeteries.org -- The Napa Valley Wine Tasting features over 60 vintners from the region, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction of specialty wines. Proceeds benefit Save Our Cemeteries. Tickets $60 nonmembers, $50 SOC members. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
ongoing
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.
ENTERTAINMENT LAW ASSISTANCE. New Orleans Music Office Co-Op, 4040 Tulane Ave., 483-2880 or 523-1465; http://musicofficecoop.com -- The Entertainment Law Legal Assistance Project offers free legal advice and assistance to musicians, visual artists, performance artists, filmmakers and writers. Appointments preferred. 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays.
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. Fridays.
call for volunteers
Saturday 12
ESL TUTOR TRAINING.YES! Home Office, 2525 Canal St., 566-7323 -- Training session for ESL tutor opportunities. Call or email ManonLA@aol.com for information. Workshop donation of $20 requested. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
road trip
Tuesday 8
CAMPGROUND OWNERS CONVENTION. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, 46049 Hwy. 445N, Robert, (985) 542-1507; www.jellystonela.com -- The Louisiana Campground Owners Association hosts its annual business convention 'Stayin' Alive in 2005,' featuring speaker Scott Goodkin and others. All business owners are invited to the all-day seminar. Continental breakfast, luncheon and wine and cheese reception included for full-day attendees. Free to LCOA members. Tickets $40 for nonmembers, $20 for half-day attendance. 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 9
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY FOUNDERS DAY. Southern University, Smith-Brown Memorial Union, Royal Cotillion Ballroom and various locations, Baton Rouge, (225) 771-2011; www.subr.edu -- Southern University and A&M College host its annual Founders Day with a community worship breakfast, ceremony and convocation. Guest speaker Johnny Anderson, assistant chief of staff to Gov. Blanco. Open to public. 7:30 a.m.
FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL. Nicholls State University, Talbot Hall, Ellendale Drive, Thibodaux, (985) 493-ARTS; www.nicholls.edu/jubilee -- Nicholls State University hosts its annual Folklife Festival featuring food, music and arts and crafts by woodworkers, spinners, basket makers, artists and authors of Louisiana. Free admission. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CAJUN/ZYDECO MUSIC & DANCE EXHIBIT. Nicholls State University, Ellender Memorial Library, first floor and the Cotillion Ballroom, Thibodaux, (985) 493-ARTS; www.nicholls.edu/jubilee -- Nicholls State University hosts the ninth annual Cajun/Zydeco Music and Dance Exhibit with the theme of 'Let's Dance' featuring performances by Renaissance Cadienne Cajun Folkloric Troupe and Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. Visit Web site for a complete Jubilee: A Festival of the Arts & Humanities schedule. Free admission. 5:30 p.m.
Friday 11
THE RED STICK RAMBLERS. First United Methodist Church, 2301 15th St., Gulfport, Miss., (228) 388-9288 or (228) 868-2404 -- The Arts Under the Dome series presents a concert by the Red Stick Ramblers. Tickets $10 general admission, $7 students. 7 p.m.
PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE & POCO. Grand Casino Biloxi, Grand Biloxi Theatre, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 354-2450 -- The bands perform live. Tickets $14.95-$19.95. 8 p.m.
Saturday 12
FAITH HILL. Grand Casino Biloxi, Grand Biloxi Theatre, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 354-2450 -- Faith Hill performs live. Proceeds benefit the Brett Favre Fourward Foundation. Contact the Fourward Foundation for floor seating. Balcony tickets $100. 8:30 p.m.
SECOND SATURDAY ARTWALK. Old Town Bay St. Louis, Miss., (228) 467-6870 -- Event combines gallery art openings, extended shop hours, restaurant specials, live entertainment and more. Lively all day, openings start 5 p.m.
Sunday 13
ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL. Oak Alley Plantation, 3645 Hwy. 18, Vacherie, (800) 44-ALLEY; www.oakalleyplantation.com -- Two-day festival features over 150 artists' booths, Cajun/Creole cuisine, live music by LA Kids Showcase and Crescent City Big Band. Admission $5 adults, $3 18-under. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
BATON ROUGE CONCERT BAND. First Baptist Church, 529 Convention St., Baton Rouge, (225) 929-8822; www.batonrougeconcertband.org -- Sheily Bell directs the Baton Rouge Concert Band in a program called 'Songs of the Sea' featuring guest soloist Lawrence Gibbs on saxophone. Free admission. 3 p.m.
theater
BAD DATES. The Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave., Houston, Texas, (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. 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 April 3.
THE CRUCIBLE. Alley Theatre, Hubbard Stage, 615 Texas Ave., Houston, Texas, (713) 228-8421; www.alleytheatre.org -- The Alley Theatre presents Arthur Miller's play on the Salem witch hunts. 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 more. Tickets $27-30 general admission, $19 LSU faculty/staff/seniors, $12 students. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.
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.
THE NERD. Pasqua Theater, Ascension Community Theatre, 823 Felicity St., Gonzales, (225) 647-1230 -- The Ascension Community Theatre presents a comedy by Larry Shue. Heidi Frederic directs Zac Denham, Philippe Radelet, Rebecca Williams, Dale Babin, Ian Babin, Clint Falcon and Shannon Sagona. Tickets $10-$20. 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, through March 19.
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.
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 Saturday.
IBERVILLE MUSEUM. 57735 Main St., Plaquemine, (225) 687-7197 -- Yesterday's Tomorrows: Past Visions of the American Future, through March 19.
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 -- Alfredo Jaar: The Eyes of Gutete Emerita, through May 30.
OPELOUSAS MUSEUM OF ART. 106 N. Union St., Opelousas, (337) 942-4991 -- Rhythm and Roots, Zydeco and Acadian photography by Rick Olivier and Terri Fensel, through April 23.
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Tuesday 8
JOHN DUFRESNE. Pass Christian Books, 101 East Beach Blvd., Pass Christian, Miss., (228) 452-7399; www.passchristianbooks.com -- The author signs Johnny Too Bad. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
