family
Friday 1
FIT & FUN WITH WALKAROUND ELMO. The Esplanade Shopping Center, 1401 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 587-9464; www.wyes.org -- WYES hosts an afternoon of exercise and storytelling with WYES staff and Sesame Street's Elmo. Call for ticket information. 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 2
ART JAM. Washington Square Park, Frenchmen and Royal streets, 410-1990 -- KIDsmART hosts Art Jam, an interactive children's arts festival featuring art-making stations, live entertainment and food. Free admission. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CINDERGATOR. Children's Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., Kenner 469-3236 -- Hobgobblin Hill Puppets presents a production called Cindergator. Call for ticket information. 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Sunday 3
CELEBRATION OF THE YOUNG CHILD. Audubon Park, Magazine Street Shelter, across from Audubon Zoo, 908-9081 -- The Greater New Orleans Association for the Education of Young Children sponsors the Annual Celebration of the Young Child. The event features hands-on activities, games, face painting, live animals on display and live entertainment for kids 1-8 and their families. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
special events
Tuesday 29
CHIPPENDALES. Harrah's Casino, Earl Turner Theatre, 365 Canal St., 533-6600 -- The Chippendales perform live. Tickets $24.95. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
SUE ROSSER. Loyola University, Monroe Library, Multimedia Room 2, 861-5882; www.loyno.edu -- The Women's Resource Center hosts the noted scientist for a discussion of her book The Science Glass Ceiling. Book signing to follow. Free admission. 7 p.m.
Wednesday 30
TENNESSEE WILLIAMS/NEW ORLEANS LITERARY FESTIVAL. Various locations, 581-1144; www.tennesseewilliams.net -- The annual Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival features lectures, readings, book signings, writing workshops, theatrical productions and more. Visit Web site for ticket information. All access passes for $500. Various times Wednesday-Sunday.
MUSIC AT MIDDAY. Tulane University, Rogers Memorial Chapel, 862-3214; www.tulane.edu/~music -- The Newcomb Department of Music hosts a concert by saxophonist Griffin Campbell and pianist Jan Grimes as part of the Music at Midday Series. Free admission. Noon.
THEATER OF JIM FITZMORRIS. Smith Regional Library, 6301 Canal Blvd., 522-0996 -- Smith Regional Library hosts the author and Tulane theater professor for a presentation of scenes assisted by two other actors as part of its Spring Into the Arts series. Free admission. 2 p.m.
REV. THOMAS LUCAS. Loyola University, Monroe Hall, Nunemaker Auditorium, third floor, 861-5888; www.loyolano.edu -- The liturgical designer and professor gives a talk on 'Pomp, Propaganda and Persuasion: Art and the Jesuit Tradition' as part of the University and the Human in a Pluralistic Age lecture series. Free admission. 7 p.m.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN LIVING HISTORY. New Orleans Public Library, East New Orleans Regional Branch, 5641 Read Blvd., 596-2646 -- The Family and Friends Players present a dramatic portrayal of the lives of African Americans including Bessie Coleman, Thomas Dorsey and Mary McLeod Bethune in a program called 'Traveling on the Rivers of Time' written and directed by Marian P. Hymes. Free admission. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
EMERSON STRING QUARTET. Tulane University, Dixon Hall, 895-0690; www.friendsofmusic.org -- The New Orleans Friends of Music and Tulane University present the 50th anniversary concert featuring the Emerson String Quartet and pianist Jeffrey Kahane. Tickets $35. 7:30 p.m.
Thursday 31
TREE SCHOOL. East Bank Regional Library, 474 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 889-TREE -- Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful hosts is fifth annual Tree School for homebuilders, architects, landscape architects and the public. The one-day seminar features expert speakers on the subject of proper tree care. Lunch provided. Reservations required. Free admission. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
REV. THOMAS LUCAS. Loyola University, Monroe Hall, Nunemaker Auditorium, third floor, 861-5888; www.loyolano.edu -- The liturgical designer and professor gives a talk on 'Two Cities, Two Rivers, One Tradition: Rome, New Orleans and Jesuit Urbanism' as part of the university and the Human in a Pluralistic Age lecture series. Free admission. 12:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM AT TULANE. Tulane University, Woldenberg Art Center, Freeman Auditorium, 865-5164; www2.tulane.edu/president_symposium.cfm -- Tulane University's Stone Center hosts a symposium called 'Democracy Interrupted: Public (Mis)Trust in the Modern Latin American State' featuring a discussion with experts Nancy Birdsall, Arturo Valenzuela and Eugenio Raúl Zaffaroni. Reception to follow. Free admission. 3 p.m.
ALGIERS BUSINESS SHOWCASE. Our Lady of Holy Cross College, 4123 Woodland Ave., 392-9810; www.aedf.biz -- The first annual Algiers Business Showcase and Networking event presents information on the businesses and community of Algiers featuring food, refreshments and music. Free admission. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
LOUISIANA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL. Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, 874-1921; www.st-bernard.la.us/tourism/LCF/lcf.htm -- The four-day Louisiana Crawfish Festival features amusement rides, game booths, arts and crafts vendors, food, live music, pageants, crawfish races, 5K road race, and crawfish. Free admission. 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday, noon to 11 p.m. Sunday.
MYZTIQUE. Zoë Restaurant & Bar, W New Orleans Hotel, second floor, 333 Poydras St., 309-8320; www.partygirlproductions.net -- Party Girl Productions presents an after-hours event featuring fortune tellers, magicians, hypnotherapist Ronnie Lauland, hors d'oeuvres and cash bar with drinks by Hpnotiq. Free admission. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., every Thursday, through April 21.
OGDEN AFTER HOURS FOR TEACHERS. Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 539-9600; www.ogdenmuseum.org -- The Ogden Museum of Southern Art hosts a special After Hours for teachers in New Orleans called 'South Around the World' featuring a presentation and talk by artist Nene Humphrey, hands-on activities and gallery tour. Tickets $5 for nonmembers, free admission for Odgen members. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
ST. BERNARD YOUTH CHORUS. Espresso Yourself, 3608 Delaronde Drive, Chalmette, 271-0380 -- The youth chorus performs. Free admission. 7 p.m.
LPO CLASSICS CONCERT. Orpheum Theater, 129 University Place, 524-3285; www.orpheumneworleans.com -- Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents a concert of Igor Stravinsky, Kevin Puts and Sergei Rachmaninov conducted by Carlos Prieto with Naoko Takada on marimba. Tickets $11-$60. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Saturday.
Friday 1
COVENANT HOUSE GOLF CHALLENGE. Audubon Park Golf Course, 584-1132 -- The Covenant House hosts its 10th annual golf tournament '18 Holes & a Party.' After-party with food, silent auction, puppet show and live performances by Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys and Clarence 'Frogman' Henry. Tickets $150 single, $550 team, $10 for after-party. 8:30 a.m. first tee, 1 p.m. second tee, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. after-party.
UNO LIBRARY BOOK SALE. University of New Orleans Library, Fourth Floor, 280-6556 -- The Friends of the University of New Orleans Library present a two-day used book sale. Proceeds benefit the UNO Library. Free admission (except from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday only, tickets $5 nonmembers). 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
MARIMBA MASTERCLASS. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu -- Loyola University hosts marimba player Naoko Takada as part of the Masterclass series. Free admission. 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
CRAWFISH ODYSSEY. Double Tree Hotel, 300 Canal St., 16th floor, 821-9211; www.odyssey-house.com -- The Odyssey House of Louisiana hosts its third annual Crawfish Odyssey featuring crawfish dishes prepared by local restaurants and judged by celebrity panelists and attendees. Music by vocalist Leah Chase. Tickets $30. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
CAMP TIGER FUNDRAISER. Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St., 234-5480 or 296-6073 -- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center hosts a fundraiser for its Camp Tiger program, a summer day camp for kids with special needs. Party includes a wine and cheese reception, silent auction and entertainment. Tickets $10 at door. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA. The Chapel of the Holy Comforter, 2220 Lakeshore Drive, 259-9780 -- The New Orleans Chamber Orchestra performs. Free admission. 7 p.m.
N.O.D.I.Y. ALTERNATIVE MEDIA EXPO. TwiRoPa, 1544 Tchoupitoulas Ave., 881-7508; http://antigravitymagazine.com -- Antigravity magazine hosts its D.I.Y. Alternative Media Expo featuring comics, photography, music, zines, sculptures, design, clothing, publishers, art, books, jewelry and fashion show. 7 p.m.
TASTE OF THE TOWN. Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie, 210-0670 -- The Patrons of Lafreniere Park and Greater New Orleans Chapter of the Louisiana Restaurant Association present the fourth annual Taste of the Town featuring food from local restaurants with music by Rockin' Dopsie Jr. Tickets $75 in advance, $100 at park. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM GALA. University of New Orleans, Homer T. Hitt Alumni Center, 888-9111 -- The Louisiana Youth Leadership Forum hosts its first annual benefit auction and gala featuring food and entertainment. Tickets $35 in advance, $50 at door. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
ROAST OF THE TOWN. Delgado University, City Park Campus, Student Life Center, Pontchartrain Room, 483-4118; www.dcc.edu -- Delgado Community College presents its third annual Roast of the Town benefit with Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu featuring roasters Gov. Kathleen Blanco, Mayor Ray Nagin, Aaron Broussard, William Jefferson and Moon Landrieu. Master of Ceremonies John 'Spud' McConnell. Tickets $250 per person for roast, $2,500-up for patron party. 6:30 p.m. patron party, 7:30 p.m. roast and dinner.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL PARTY. St. Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center, 2045 Constance St., 585-1500 -- The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) hosts its Foolin' Around Fundraiser themed 'Saints and Sinners' with open bar and complimentary buffet. Proceeds go to YLC. Saints and sinners attire (in good taste). Advance tickets $30, $40 at door. 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
LOYOLA VIOLIN & TABLA CONCERT. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu -- Loyola University hosts a concert with violinist Kala Ramnath and tabla player Yogesh Samsi. Tickets $25 sponsors, $15 general admission, $7 students/Loyola community with valid I.D. 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER. Armstrong Park, Mahalia Jackson Theatre of Performing Arts, 522-0996 or 522-5555; www.nobadance.com -- The New Orleans Ballet Association presents two different programs with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Tickets $7-$75. Program A 8 p.m. Friday, Program B 8 p.m. Saturday.
SWEETARTS BALL. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 583-8232 or 528-3805; www.cacno.org/sweetarts05.html -- The SweetArts Ball celebrates contributors to the New Orleans arts scene featuring live entertainment, silent auction, theme rooms, food and open bar. This year's theme: 'Cinematic Lovers.' Black tie or film-themed costume attire. Tickets $50 for CAC members, $75-up for nonmembers. 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday 2
ALGIERS POINT PORCH SALE. Algiers Point, various residences, 368-2463; www.algierspoint.org -- The Algiers Point Association hosts its third annual 'Treasures From the Point' porch sale featuring antiques, furniture, electronics, household items and more. Visit Web site for map of participating houses. Free admission. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
DIVA DOGGIE DAY. 3600-3700 blocks of Magazine Street, 944-PETS; www.la-spca.org -- The Louisiana SPCA hosts 'Doggie Diva Day' block party featuring the crowning of New Orleans' Doggie Diva, live music, vendors, food and drinks for sale and raffle. Dogs welcome. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
GERMANS IN LOUSIANA PROGRAM. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve, French Quarter Visitor Center, 419 Decatur St., 589-2636 -- The Visitor Center holds a Germans in Louisiana folk life program featuring spätzle-making, accordion music and book signing. Free admission. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ST. PIUS X PARISH CONCERTS. St. Pius X Parish, 6666 Spanish Fort Blvd., 813-7625 -- The St. Pius X Church hosts open-air concerts during its Carnivale 2005 Fair. Free admission. La Carnivale Band, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Decades, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The Loneros, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
GARY GROESCH GALA. Southport Hall, 200 Monticello Ave., 525-0778 -- The Alliance for Affordable Energy hosts the first annual Gary Groesch Gala to honor the memory of its founder. The gala features a political talk by Greg Palast, swing music by the Pfister Sisters, awards ceremony and food. Tickets $35 per person, $60 per couple. 6:30 p.m.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES GALA. The National D-Day Museum, 945 Magazine St., 592-5686; www.ccano.org/gala_info.htm -- Catholic Charities hosts its 30th annual gala with the theme 'In the Trenches: Fighting the War on Poverty.' The event includes buffet dinner, tours of exhibit halls, swing dancing and live music by the Frankie Mann Orchestra and silent auction. 1940s attire suggested. Tickets $100 general admission. 7 p.m.
FAITH LUTHERAN SILENT AUCTION. Harahan Lion's Club, 1001 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 737-9554 -- Faith Lutheran School hosts a silent auction event with music by Midnight Special. Proceeds benefit the school. Advanced tickets $10, at door $15. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 1501 Girod St., 525-HOOP; www.nba.com/hornets -- Hornets host the Miami Heat. Tickets $10-$218.50. 7 p.m.
AFRO-CUBAN LATIN JAZZ CONCERT. Museé Conti Wax Museum, 917 Conti St., 598-9102; www.wwoz.org/cubanola.html or info@cubanola.org -- The CubaNola Collective presents a concert with spoken word artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph and bandleader and pianist Arturo O'Farrill from Lincoln Center's Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz Orchestra in New York City. Tickets $25. 8 p.m.
JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF SLIDELL GALA. Slidell City Auditorium, 2056 Second St., Slidell, (985) 726-9298 -- The Junior Auxiliary of Slidell hosts its 34th annual charity gala featuring food, open bar, dancing and silent auction. Proceeds benefit the service projects of the Junior Auxiliary. Cocktail attire required. Tickets $65 per person, $125 per couple. 8 p.m. to midnight.
TSUNAMI DANCE CONCERT. Venusian Gardens, 2601 Chartres St., 865-8810 or 943-7446; http://tsunamidance.com -- Tsunami Dance Company presents Match, an informal dance concert featuring live music by the Quaalords and Benny Dominach and media installations by Louviere and Vanessa. Choreography by Kettye Voltz, Erin Healan and John Allen. Tickets $10 general admission, $7 students/seniors. 8 p.m.
Sunday 3
BRIDAL SHOW. Loews New Orleans Hotel, 300 Poydras St., 525-BRIDE -- Weddings With Style magazine hosts 'A Little Bit of Mischief and a Whole Lot of Fun' bridal show. Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at door. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
NENE HUMPHREY. The Ogden Annex at Lee Circle, St. Charles Avenue and Andrew Higgins Boulevard, 539-9600; www.ogdenmuseum.org -- The artist leads a demonstration on her method of manipulating photographs to make mixed-media drawings. Tickets $10 materials fee (includes free admission to museum). 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
UNO CONCERT. University of New Orleans, Lakefront Campus, Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, 280-7469; www.uno.edu/~music/events.htm#MusicalExcursions -- Pianist Jane Salose performs as part of the Musical Excursions/Guest Artists series. Tickets $5. 2 p.m.
CHORALE CONCERT. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu -- Loyola University Chorale and Women's Chorale in concert directed by Meg Hulley Frazier. Free admission. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
MUSICA DA CAMERA. St. Joseph Abbey Church, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, (985) 892-1800 -- New Orleans Musica da Camera presents a concert called 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon: The Life of Francis of Assisi.' Free admission. 3 p.m.
KREWE DU FAYE PICNIC & MUSIC JAM. Dumaine Street at the Mississippi River; www.rosemaryi.com/events.html -- The Krewe Du Faye hosts its monthly bring-your-own picnic social featuring an open drum and music jam. Kids encouraged to come. 4 p.m.
PARKWAY PROMENDADE. Oakland Plantation Estates, Oakland Road, Kenner, 737-7583 -- Jefferson Beautification, Inc. hosts its annual spring gala featuring food, drinks and live and silent auctions. George Rodrigue finishes two pieces at gala for auction. Proceeds support Dress For Success. Tickets $50 per person, $85 per couple. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
LE CHAYIM AWARD CEREMONY. Touro Synagogue, Grant Meyer Garden Pavilion, Jacobs Social Hall, 895-4843; www.tourosynagogue.com -- Touro Synagogue present the Le Chayim Award to Rickie and Gordon Nutik. The event includes a cocktail reception and dinner. Tickets $75-up. 6 p.m.
LIQUID SAND. Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell, (985) 646-4375; www.slidell.la.us -- Liquid Sand performs as part of the Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series. Free admission. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
PACHAMAMA: CELEBRATION OF WORLD MUSIC & DANCE. Loyola University, Roussel Hall, 3636 St. Charles Ave., 261-3100; jonith3@hotmail.com -- Music therapy graduate student Joni Thompson presents an evening of local world music and dance troupes including N.O.madic Tribal Belly Dance, Zabumba! Drum and Dance, Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band, flamenco dancers Eliza Llewellyn and Carolina Gutierrez and Joni. Proceeds benefit Joni's work at Kiya Survivors. Tickets $10 (includes free CD). 7:30 p.m.
Monday 4
CELLO MASTERCLASS. Loyola University, Communications/Music Complex, Room 223, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu -- Loyola University presents a masterclass with cellist Eric Kim. Free admission. 3 p.m.
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.
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL. The Metropolitan, 310 Andrew J. Higgins Ave., 914-6224 -- Spoken word and open mic. Tickets $5. 8 p.m. to midnight Wednesdays.
road trip
Friday 1
ROSEANNE. Grand Casino Biloxi, Biloxi Grand Theatre, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 946-2946 ext. 3371 or 3372; www.caesars.com/GrandCasino/Biloxi -- The comedienne performs live. Tickets $19.95-$24.95.
LEE ANN WOMACK. Casino Magic, 711 Casino Magic Drive, Bay St. Louis, Miss., (800) 5-Magic-5; www.casinomagic-baystlouis.com -- The singer performs live. Tickets $24.95-$34.95. 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Saturday 2
JO-EL SONNIER CAJUN FAIS DO DO. Grand Casino Gulfport, Grand Event Center, Gulfport, Miss., (800) 946-7777 ext. 1988; www.caesars.com/GrandCasino/Gulfport -- Cajun fais do do with Jo-El Sonnier. Must be 21-up. Free admission for entertainment. Food priced separately. 7 p.m.
D.L. HUGHLEY. Grand Casino Biloxi, Grand Biloxi Theatre, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 354-2450 -- The comedian and friends perform live. Ticket 37.50-$42.50. 8 p.m.
LITTLE RICHARD. Paragon Casino & Resort, Mari Center, 711 Paragon Place, Marksville, (800) 946-1946 -- Little Richard performs in concert. Tickets $30. 8 p.m.
PLACIDO DOMINGO LIVE. Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum, 2350 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (601) 266-5418 or (800) 844-8425; www.tickets.usm.edu -- Beau Rivage Casino and University of Southern Mississippi present opera sensation Placido Domingo performing with the Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra. Tickets $25-300. 8 p.m.
