family
Saturday 19
CHILDREN'S WORLD'S FAIR. Lakefront Airport, Taylor Energy Hangar, 523-1357; www.lcm.org-- Bank One sponsors the 12th annual Children's World's Fair. Kids 4-14 are invited to play sports and games, eat cuisine, make crafts and experience customs of 10 different countries. Proceeds benefit the Louisiana Children's Museum and ABC26/WB38 Children First. Advanced tickets $12 LCM members and $15 nonmembers, $15 for day-of tickets. Patron party tickets $125. 10 a.m. patron party, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. fair.
BOOKS, FLICKS & CHOPSTICKS. New Orleans Public Library, Rosa Keller Branch, 4300 S. Broad St., 596-2675; http://nutrias.org-- The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program sponsors an introductory class for kids on Japanese language, culture and life. Storytime presents Kamishibai picture books. Free admission. 11 a.m. to noon.
IT MUST BE MAGIC. Children's Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 468-7231-- 'The World's Smallest Magician' Irwin Royes presents a show called 'It Must Be Magic.' Reservations recommended. Tickets $3.50. 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS RECREATION. Smith Regional Library, 6301 Canal Blvd., 596-2638-- Director, actor and education Frank Levy produces an historically accurate 'Instant Battle of New Orleans' with the help of the kids in the audience. Free admission. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
special events
Tuesday 15
OBSERVATORY OPEN HOUSE. UNO Observatory, Science Building, third floor, 280-6341-- The UNO Physics Club hosts an open house at the Observatory as part of Einstein Week. Astrophysicist C. Gregory Seab presents a lecture on 'The Everyday Universe.' Call for more information. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
PAMELA D. ARCENEAUX. Smith Regional Library, 6301 Canal Blvd., 596-2638-- The Historic New Orleans Collection reference librarian presents a lecture called 'A Red Light Look at New Orleans History' on the history of prostitution in New Orleans.
SYMPHONY BOOK FAIR AUCTION. Cole Pratt Gallery, 3800 Magazine St., 319-8106-- Symphony Volunteers Inc. holds a preview book and music auction featuring a selection of books, sheet music and musical instruments for sale in silent and live auctions with wine, appetizers and music by the Louisiana Philharmonic. Proceeds benefit the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets $25. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
HOLY SPIRITS. Wit's Inn, 141 N. Carrollton Ave., 888-4004; www.cmsouth.org/states/LA/la.html-- Casual social meeting series (formerly Theology on Tap) presented by St. Clement/St. Anthony with topic 'Confession: the Forgotten Sacrament,' with speaker Fr. George Weber. Cocktails 5:45 p.m., speaker 6:15 p.m.
MARIAN ANDERSON STRING QUARTET. University of New Orleans, Lakefront Campus, Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, 280-7469; www.uno.edu/~music-- The Marian Anderson String Quartet performs as part of the Musical Excursions/Guest Artists series. Tickets $20 general admission, $15 UNO faculty/staff/alumni, $10 seniors, $5 students. 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 16
ART IN BLOOM. City Park, New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 483-2316; www.noma.org/html_docs/ev_aib.html-- The New Orleans Museum of Art and the Garden Study Club of New Orleans presents a five-day festival of art exhibitors, patron and preview parties, lectures, luncheon and workshop on the theme of 'Earth, Wind and Fire.' Go to Web site for complete details. Wednesday-Sunday.
N'KAFU DRUM & DANCE CONFERENCE AND CONCERT. The Dance Studio, 1520 N. Claiborne Ave., 486-3592-- N'Kafu Traditional West African Dance Company hosts the 11th annual Drum and Dance Conference and Concert. Conference includes four days of dance, drum and fitness workshops by master drummers and dancers. Conference closes with a concert (at McDonogh #35 High School Theatre) called 'Our Stories,' a collaboration between N'Kafu and Second Generaration Dance Company. Call for workshop dates/times and ticket information. Concert 8 p.m. Saturday.
MUSIC AT MIDDAY. Tulane University, Rogers Memorial Chapel, 862-3214-- The Newcomb Department of Music presents pianist Michael Gurt. Free admission. Noon.
CANTOR CONCERT. The National D-Day Museum, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012; www.ddaymuseum.org-- Visiting cantors perform a concert of popular American and European music from the 1930s and 1940s. Free admission. 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
MAGNOLIA MANSION SOIREE. Magnolia Mansion, 2127 Prytania St., 525-2743; www.weddingsmagazines.com-- The 'Soiree at Magnolia Mansion' presented by Weddings With Style magazine features food, drinks and planning advice from wedding professionals. Call for reservations. Free admission. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
ANTIWAR FORUM & SLIDE SHOW. Sally Dunn Photography Studio & Art Gallery, 317 N. Columbia St., Covington, www.newdemocracyrising.com-- Slide show of photographs from the Jazz Funeral for Democracy protest with talks by Marty Rowland, Ward Reilly, Buddy Spell and others. Free admission. 6 p.m.
GREEN EXPECTATIONS PARTY. Rosy's Jazz Hall, 500 Valence St., 945-0240-- The second annual Green Expectations St. Patrick's Day party features an Irish buffet, cash bar, silent auction and music by Eve's Lucky Planet Band. Proceeds benefit The Green Project. Business-casual attire. Tickets $30 general admission, $75 patron tickets. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
MICHAEL ERIC DYSON. Tulane University, McAlister Auditorium, 865-5181-- The author, publisher and cultural critic speaks as part of the 2005 Black Arts Festival on the topic 'Preparing for Our Future by Celebrating Our Past.' Reception and book signing to follow. Free admission. 7 p.m.
LOYOLA PERFORMANCE. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu-- Loyola University presents Schubert's Winterreise featuring pianist Steven Spooner and baritone Chris Thompson. Free admission. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
POLITICS WITH A PUNCH. Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., 581-5812-- Roundtable discussion of politics with Sid Arroyo, Greg Meffert and others. Hosted by Jeff Crouere. Tickets $20 per person, $30 per couple. 8 p.m.
Thursday 17
ST. PATRICK'S DAY BLOCK PARTY. St. Michael's Special School, Annunciation Square Playground, Chippewa and Race streets, 522-5444; www.irishchannelno.org-- The Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Club holds its annual benefit block party featuring food, drinks and Irish music and dancers. Proceeds go to St. Michael's Special School. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
MINIATURE & DOLLHOUSE EVENT. Landmark Hotel, 2601 Severn Ave., Metairie, 861-4500-- The 21st annual Gulf South Miniature and Dollhouse Event presents miniature dolls, furniture and dollhouses on display. Proceeds benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana. Tickets $5 general admission, $3 for kids ages 12-under. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
NEW ORLEANS HOME & GARDEN SHOW. Louisiana Superdome, 587-3800; www.neworleanshomeshow.com — Annual showcase of home-related services and products, from remodeling and decorating to landscaping. Admission $9.50 adults, $4 children ages 6-17, free under 6. 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
KATHERINE HAGEDORN. Tulane University,-- The ethnomusicologist gives a talk on Afro-Cuban religious performance called 'Drum Talk and Oricha Worship: Toward a Theology of Sound' for the 2005 Gilbert Chase Memorial Lecture in Latin Music. Performances by Santeria drummer Michael Skinkus and members from Moyuba. Reception to follow. Free admission. 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
FASHION SOIREE. 820 Rampart St.-- Premier of weekly fashion soiree featuring the designs of local fashion designers and costume artists presented by Oliver (Everything Lovely). Cocktails and Easter attire and bonnets. Free admission. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
LOYOLA PIANO MASTERCLASS. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu-- Loyola University hosts pianist Alexander Moutouzkine as part of the Masterclass series. Free admission. 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS BANQUET. Fairmont Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 123 Baronne St., 412-6050-- The Ancient Order of Hibernians sponsors the annual banquet honoring St. Patrick, and featuring dinner, drinks, live music by Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra and dancing. Tickets $50. 6:30 p.m.
WOLFE'S 1ST ANNUAL BEER DINNER TASTING. Wolfe's of New Orleans Restaurant, 7224 Pontchartrain Blvd., 284-6004-- Wolfe's presents a celebration of St. Patrick's Day with six-course meal paired with six different beers. Tickets $80. 7 p.m.
HERBAL HEALTH CLASSES. Iron Rail, 511 Marigny St., 944-0366; info@ironrail.org-- Herbal health classes with Dave. Learn and share. Free admission. 7:30 p.m.
Friday 18
CYPRESS BAYOU WEEKEND. Atchafalaya Basin Swamp, 488-3315; www.lhainfo.org or nguidry@tulane.edu-- The Louisiana Himalaya Association presents a weekend of peace and tranquility with accommodations in waterfront cabins. Call or go to Web site for more information. 5 p.m. Thursday to 11 a.m. Sunday.
LOYOLA FLUTE MASTERCLASS. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu-- Masterclass with flautist Sir James Galway. Tickets $10, free for Loyola community with ID. 9:30 a.m.
ST. JOSEPH'S ALTAR VIEWING. St. Louis Cathedral, St. Anthony's Garden, 615 Pere Antoine Alley, 529-9585-- The second annual viewing of St. Joseph's Altar at St. Louis Cathedral. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
SHOTGUN HOUSE TOUR SOIREE. 295 Walnut Street, 636-3057; www.prcno.org-- The Preservation Resource Center presents a Shotgun Soiree at a private home with light refreshments and music as the opening of its Shotgun Tour weekend. Tickets $40 PRC members and $45 nonmembers (includes Shotgun Tour ticket), $35 (soiree only). 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
METHODIST HOME FOR CHILDREN GALA & AUCTION. Home of Julie and Patrick Quinn, 419 Northline Drive, Metairie, 895-7709; www.methodisthome.net-- A Place Called Home benefit for the Methodist Home for Children features food, music and auction. Tickets start at $75. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
SPRING ARTS SHOWCASE. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 528-3805; www.cacno.org-- The Arts in Education office of the New Orleans Public Schools presents its annual Arts Connection Spring Arts Showcase featuring theater and dance performances by public school students. Tickets $5 general admission, free for students. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
HOUSE PARTY. The Port of New Orleans, 1350 Port of New Orleans Place, 488-0155; www.ndf-neworleans.com-- The Neighborhood Development Foundation hosts its annual House Party fundraiser to benefit the home ownership program for low- and moderate-income families. The 'Crescent City Blues' party features food, drinks, live and silent auctions, dancing and music by Juanita Brooks. Dressy/casual attire. Tickets $50 per person, $75 (includes patron party). 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. patron party, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. gala.
EVENING OF DISTINCTION. W Hotel, 333 Poydras St., (877) 4TULANE or 865-5901; http://alumni.tulane.edu/eod or http://distinction.tulane.edu-- Tulane graduates gather for a live closed-circuit show highlighting promising and distinguished alumni and students as part of 'Promise and Distinction: The Campaign for Tulane University' a national alumni fundraising event. Call for reservations. Free admission. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
CAJUN COMEDY SHOW. Greater Covington Center, Furmann Auditorium, Twenty-Third and Jefferson Streets, Covington, 813-4656; www.thecajunshow.com-- The annual Cajun Comedy show features performances by A.J. Smith and Jonathan Perry. Tickets $15. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
STATE OF THE NATION FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES. Contemporary Arts Center, Bank One Theatre, 900 Camp St., 528-3800; www.cacno.org or www.artspotproductions.org-- Group collaboration performances on the theme of 'Moral Values' presented by local and international artists, students, lawyers, educators and organizers created during the State of the Nation Festival's workshops. Tickets $10 general admission, $5 students/seniors/CAC members. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
BACH AROUND THE CLOCK. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., 670-2520-- Trinity Artist Series presents a 28-hour concert and literary reading featuring music by Bach, ancient and modern composers and readings of works by Shakespeare, Einstein and others. Performances by the Trinity Bach Community Choir, Komenka Dance Ensemble, university ensembles, LPO members and more. Free admission. 8 p.m. Friday to midnight Saturday.
LOYOLA GUEST ARTIST SERIES. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu-- Loyola University hosts pianist Alexander Moutouzkine as part of the Guest Artist series. Tickets $10 general admission, $5 students/Loyola staff/faculty with valid I.D. 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 19
DRAWING ON NATURE WORKSHOP. A Studio in the Woods, 13401 River Road, 392-5359; www.astudiointhewoods.org-- Two-day workshop led by Alexis Wreden on 'reading the landscape' for artists of all skill levels. Tickets $110 for members, $115 for nonmembers. Become a member and register for workshop for $145. Call to register. All day Saturday-Sunday.
MASTER DRUMMER WORKSHOPS. New Orleans MISTIC, 2267 St. Claude Ave., 944-5772; www.neworleansmistic.com/vodoudrums or info@neworleansmistic.com-- Master drummer and percussionist Frisner Augustin holds seven two-hour workshops on Haitian tanbou drumming for musicians and drummers of all backgrounds and skill levels. Tickets $30 (for one two-hour session), $120 (for five sessions), $150 (all sessions). Call for times. Saturday-Friday, March 25.
ABITA SPRINGS GARAGE SALE & FLEA MARKET. Field across from Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs, (985) 893-7529-- The annual Abita Springs Whole Towne Garage Sale and Flea Market features more than 120 vendors in the flea market and more than 100 garage sales in town. All sales benefit the Abita Recreation Center. Free admission. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH. St. Louis Cathedral, 615 Pere Antoine Alley, 529-9585-- The Feast of St. Joseph at the St. Louis Cathedral includes Blessing of the Altar at 8 a.m., viewing until 11:30 a.m., reenactment by the Cathedral Academy kids of the feeding of the saints from noon to 1:30 p.m. and viewing and serving of food from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
BRITISH CAR DAY. Delgado Community College, City Park Campus, soccer field, 615 City Park Ave., 488-8560; www.bmcno.org-- The British Motoring Club New Orleans hosts the 15th annual British Car Day. All British cars and bikes invited. Spectators welcome. Tickets (banquet) $15 general admission, $8 kids. 9 a.m. to noon registration, noon to 3 p.m. show, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. awards banquet.
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. Free admission. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
AIRBORNE EXTRAVAGANZA. The National D-Day Museum, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012; www.ddaymuseum.org-- Anniversary remembrance of the largest airborne operation during WWII on March 24, 1945, featuring firepower demonstrations, command briefings and talks by members of the Living History Corps. Free admission. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BEAUCOUP BOOKS GRAND OPENING. 3951 Magazine St., 895-2663-- Beaucoup Books celebrates the relocation of the store with an all-day event featuring children's story time at 10 a.m., book signing with architect Errol Barron at 2 p.m., refreshments, door prizes, giveaways and wine and cheese at 5 p.m. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
EARTH FEST AT AUDUBON ZOO. 6500 Magazine St., 581-4629 or (866) 487-2966; www.auduboninstitute.org/festivals/zoo_earthfest.htm-- Audubon Zoo hosts Earth Fest in celebration and preservation of the environment. The festival features informative exhibitors, food, and musical performances by Bill Summers & the Summer Heat, Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Voodoo Funk & Soul and Blue Meanies. Visit Web site for details. Free with zoo admission. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
SIX FLAGS OPENING DAY. Six Flags New Orleans, 12301 Six Flags Parkway, 253-8100; www.sixflags.com-- Six Flags New Orleans opens its third season, through October 30. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
FETE FRANCAISE. Danneel Park, St. Charles Avenue and Octavia Street, 896-4500-- The annual Fete Francaise presents cultural exhibits from many French-speaking countries and regions, food from local restaurants, French wine and beer, raffle, march, music and games. Proceeds benefit Ecole Bilingue de la Nouvelle-Orleans. Free admission. Food and drink tickets separate. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CRESCENT CITY TRUMPET FEST. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu-- Loyola University hosts the all-day Crescent City Trumpet Fest with performances, masterclasses and workshops by Chestnut Brass Company, Jamil Sharif, Michael Bucalo and Vance Woolf of the LPO and Jeremy Brekke of Loyola. Various retailers selling instruments and accessories. Free admission. Noon.
DRAG RACING & AUTOCROSSING PROGRAM. West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 838-1100; www.jefferson.lib.la.us-- Racecar enthusiast Selena Muhoberac presents a program on drag racing and autocrossing as part of the Grand Prix Racecar Series at the library. Free admission. 2:30 p.m.
TAILS BUT NO BLACK TIE. City Park, Equest Farm, 1001 Filmore Ave., 483-9398; www.tailsbutnoblacktie.org-- Equest Farm hosts the third annual Tails But No Black Tie fundraiser for City Park featuring a Grand Prix horse jumping competition, food, pony rides, face painting, a space walk, games and time with the horses. Tickets $10 general admission, grandstand tickets (includes catered dinner, open bar, reserved seating and betting) $100. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
OSCHNER RUN. Levee behind Oschner Clinic Foundation, 1514 Jefferson Hwy., 842-7113; www.oschner.org/philanthropy/events.html-- Oschner's Teddy Bear Clinic presents the 20th annual one-mile Oschner Run and after-party with food and drinks, live music, prizes and kids' tent. Proceeds benefit Oschner for Children. Tickets $20. 4:30 p.m.
COPPELIA. Armstrong Park, Mahalia Jackson Theatre of Performing Arts, 888-0931 or 522-5555-- The Delta Festival Ballet presents the three-act ballet Coppelia featuring Laurie Volny and Devin Doggette. Tickets $12-$35. 6 p.m.
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS. Kiefer UNO Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave., 522-5555 or 280-7171; www.harlemglobetrotters.com or http://arena.uno.edu-- The Harlem Globetrotters play the New York Nationals as part of the 2005 'World of Fun' tour. Tickets $12-$70. 7 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 1501 Girod St., 524-HOOP; www.nba.com/hornets-- Hornets host the Boston Celtics. Tickets $7-$272. 7 p.m.
GOVERNMENT GIRLS OF WORLD WAR II. The National D-Day Museum, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012; www.ddaymuseum.org-- Screening of documentary film by Leslie Sewell on the young women who worked in Washington, D.C., during World War II. Free admission. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
364 MOVIE PREMIERE. TwiRoPa, 1544 Tchoupitoulas St., 587-3777; www.twiropa.com-- Premiere screening for 364, followed by musical performances by Meriwether, Invain, Knickelshot, Subject Optional and Tom Foolery & the Mistakes. Tickets $10 advance, $12 door. 8 p.m.
CHESNUT BRASS COMPANY. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu-- Loyola University hosts the Chesnut Brass Company. Tickets $10 general admission, $5 Loyola students/community with valid I.D. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday 20
JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL BAZAAR. Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St., 483-3816-- The school hosts a bazaar and a 1-mile and 5K run. Free admission. Registration for races begins at 8 a.m. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
PALM SUNDAY SECOND LINE. St. Anna Episcopal Church, 1313 Esplanade Ave., 947-2121-- The Storyville Stompers Brass Band leads St. Anna Episcopal Church and public in Palm Sunday second-line procession through Treme. 10 a.m.
COLISEUM SQUARE HOUSE TOUR. Coliseum Square Park, Coliseum and Euterpe Streets, www.coliseumsquare.org-- The Coliseum Square Association presents its annual house tour featuring five open houses including former home of architect James Freret. Tickets $15 (available at all Rue de la Course coffee shops or online) $18 day of. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ACME WORLD OYSTER-EATING CHAMPIONSHIP. Acme Oyster House, 3000 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (212) 627-5766; ww.ifoce.com-- The 2005 Acme World Oyster-Eating Championship presents 10-minute, all-you-can-eat competition. Event also grand opening of new Acme location with musical performances by the Chee-Weez and others. Must be 18-up to compete. Register online or by phone. Free admission. 2:30 p.m.
INTERNATIONAL PIANO FINALISTS CONCERT. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu-- Loyola hosts a concert with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and 2004 New Orleans International Piano Competition finalists Alexander Moutouskine, Jae-Hyuck Cho and Darrett Zusko. Tickets $30 general admission, $25 Loyola students/community with valid I.D. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS CIVIC SYMPHONY CONCERT. University of New Orleans, Lakefront Campus, Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, 280-6381; www.uno.edu/~music/index.htm-- The New Orleans Civic Symphony performs with pianist Robert Roux. Free admission. 3 p.m.
CHEF SOIREE. Bogue Falaya Park, downtown Covington (985) 893-2570-- The Youth Service Bureau and Bank One host a fundraising gala for Families in Need of Service, featuring dancing, food, drinks, live music fireworks and raffle tickets to win 2005 Volkswagen Golf. Tickets $110 general admission, $350-up (includes patron party and chef soiree). 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
ALICE IN LEATHERLAND RECEPTION. The Phoenix Bar, 941 Elysian Fields Ave., 945-9264 or 949-0882-- Wally Sherwood hosts the Alice in Leatherland parade reception featuring fantasy entertainers including Phyllis Denmark, raffle and beer deals at this AIDS benefit for Food and Friends. Call for ticket information. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
FESTIVAL OF SPIRITUALS. Dillard University, Lawless Memorial Chapel, 2601 Gentilly Blvd., 283-8822; www.dillard.edu-- The Dillard University Music Department holds its seventh annual Frederick D. Hall Festival of Spirituals on Palm Sunday. Free admission. 7:30 p.m.
Monday 21
THOSE WHO DARED TO CARE LUNCHEON. Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Poydras Street and Mississippi River, 861-7788-- The National Council of Jewish Women Greater New Orleans Section honors five individuals for their work with children at the second annual Those Who Dared to Care Š About Kids fundraising luncheon. Guest speaker James Meza. Tickets $50, $100-up for patrons. 11 a.m. cocktail hour, noon luncheon.
ongoing
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. Sundays.
FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHT SERIES. Main Event Sports Bar, front parking lot, 3200 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 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
IRON RAIL SPRING CLEANING. Iron Rail, 511 Marigny St., 944-0366; info@ironrail.org-- The Iron Rail needs volunteers for renovations, spring cleaning and general improvements. Painting supplies, new lamps, light bulbs, bookshelves and other items needed. 10 a.m. to late Friday-Sunday.
JAZZ FEST. New Orleans Fairgrounds, 558-6144; www.nojazzfest.com-- Jazz Fest seeks volunteers for office administration, phone bank, construction, signs, photography and more. Positions available immediately and during event on April 22-May 1.
road trip
Wednesday 16
SUPAGROUP. Spanish Moon, 1109 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, (225) 383-6666-- The rock band performs live. Call for ticket information. Midnight.
Thursday 17
VEGETABLE LECTURE. Ione Burden Conference Center, Burden Research Center, 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, (225) 767-6916-- Johnny Naylor presents 'Hot New (and Not So New) Vegetables' as part of Hilltop Arboretum's Through the Garden Gate series. Tickets $5 general admission, free for students with I.D. Registration noon, program 12:10 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.
MICHAEL ERIC DYSON. Southern University, Smith-Brown Memorial Union, Cotillion Ballroom, Baton Rouge, (225) 771-3922-- The author of cultural criticism and race theory gives a talk. Free admission. 7 p.m.
Friday 18
RONNIE MCDOWELL. Boomtown Casino, Boot Cabaret, 676 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 627-0777; www.boomtownbiloxi.com-- The singer performs live. Tickets $5. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Saturday 19
GARY ALLAN. Paragon Casino & Resort, Mari Center, 711 Paragon Place, Marksville, (800) 946-1946-- Gary Allan performs live. Tickets $30. 8 p.m.
NEAL MCCOY & CHELY WRIGHT. Grand Casino Biloxi, Grand Biloxi Theatre, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 354-2450-- The country singers perform live. Tickets $19.95-$24.95. 8 p.m.
ROBERT PLANT. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Beau Rivage Theatre, 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (888) 566-7469; www.beaurivage.com-- The former Led Zeppelin frontman performs live. Tickets start at $54.95. 8 p.m.
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. 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, (713) 228-8421; www.alleytheatre.org-- The Alley Theatre presents Arthur Miller's play on the witch hunts of Salem. 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.
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-Friday, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Monday, through June 15.
MISS SAIGON. Monroe Civic Center, Jack Howard Theatre, Monroe, (318) 329-0001; www.impresariochoice.com-- Impresario's Choice and Big League Theatricals present the award-winning Broadway musical by Alain Boublil and Richard Maltby Jr. about the final days before the United States' evacuation from Saigon, Michelle Lemsky directs. Tickets $26-$56. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday.
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.
words
SONNY BREWER. Pass Christian Books, 101 E. Beach Blvd., Pass Christian, Miss., (228) 452-7399; www.passchristianbooks.com-- The author signs Poet of Tolstoy Park. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
