family
Tuesday 5
MAGIC NIGHT WITH DR. MAGIC. Carreta's Grill, 1340 Lindberg Drive, Slidell, (985) 847-0020 (Tuesday); 2320 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-6696 (Wednesday); 1200 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, (985) 727-7212 (Thursday) -- Children's magician performs tableside magic. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, ongoing.
Saturday 9
BIG BASS RODEO. City Park, Casino building, 482-4888; www.neworleanscitypark.org -- Fishing tournament celebrates 60th anniversary, with categories for kids and adults. Free $5 adults, $2 kids ages 12-under. Registration 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., fishing starts at 5:30 a.m.
DIG, DO, DISCOVER. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, 488-5488, ext. 920 -- Learn about rain, the water cycle and make a rain gauge for program 'Rain, Rain DON'T Go Away.' $5 per person. 10 a.m. to noon.
APRIL FOOLISH DAY. Children's Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 469-3236 -- Storyteller John Lehon delivers surprises, magic and stories. Admission $3.50 adults and kids. 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Sunday 10
FAMILY ART WORKSHOP. New Orleans Museum of Art, City Park, 488-2631; www.noma.org -- Weekly workshops designed to have children and adults work together; this week 'Drawing Classics' teaches the basics of pencil drawing with still lifes. Cost $6 per family plus regular museum admission. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
special events
Tuesday 5
DILLARD UNIVERSITY'S INTERNATIONAL WEEK. Dillard University, 2601 Gentilly Blvd., various locations, 816-4711 -- Dillard University hosts Afro-Carribean and African-American authors as part of its fourth annual International Week. Readings and lectures by Brenda Marie Osbey, Carolyn Cooper, Keith Boykin and Tony Grooms. Free admission. Osbey lecture 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 4; Cooper lecture 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday; Boykin lecture 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; Grooms lecture 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN AND JAMES F. HOGE. Jewish Community Center, 5342 St. Charles Ave., 897-0143; www.nojcc.com -- New York Times foreign affairs columnist Thomas Friedman talks with Foreign Affairs editor James Hoge as part of the Live From the 92nd St. Y Series, via satellite. Free admission. 7 p.m.
ROCK & ROLL DANCE CLASS. The Big Top, 1638 Clio St., 569-2700; www.3rcp.com -- Dance and exercise class set to rock music. Cost $10. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday 6
CITIZEN FORESTER. Greater Covington Center, 317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington, (985) 892-3294 -- Program teaches tree care with points such as environmental awareness, planting techniques and more. Free admission, with 12 hours of classroom and field study, plus 24-hour volunteer pledge. 9 a.m. to noon.
NORTHSHORE DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE VI. The Sanctuary, 1 Sanctuary Drive, Mandeville, (985) 674-7500 -- The Junior League of Greater Covington presents tours and parties at The Sanctuary subdivision. Showhouse dates Wednesday to Sunday, April 6-10, and April 13-17. Poolside dinner and tour Saturday, April 9; wine and cheese plus tour April 16. General admission tickets $15, poolside party $40 per person, wine and cheese event $20 per person.
EDMAR CASTANEDA. French Quarter Visitor Center, 419 Decatur St., 589-2636, ext. 1 -- Concert with Colombian harpist. Free admission. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
BIG EASY POETRY NIGHT. Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., 581-5812 -- Inaugural event to showcase local poets and poetry, hosted by Chris Champagne and featuring Ralph Adamo, Peter Cooley, Lee Grue, Kay Murphy, Valentine Pierce and Kalamu ya Salaam. Admission $6, includes $5 bar credit. 7 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 1501 Girod St., 525-HOOP; www.nba.com/hornets -- Hornets host the Denver Nuggets. Tickets $10-$218.50. 7 p.m.
Thursday 7
BGR BREAKFAST. Sheraton Hotel, Waterbury Ballroom, second floor, 500 Canal St., 525-4152, ext. 16 -- Breakfast 'Heading to the Capitol' with Mayor Ray Nagin discussing New Orleans' agenda for 2005 state legislature. 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
SYMPHONY BOOK FAIR. Kiefer UNO Lakefront Arena, 861-2004 -- Fifty-second annual event benefits Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra with a three-day sale of more than 100,000 items in books, music, art and collectibles. Admission $10 Thursday, free Friday-Saturday. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
ETHICS, HUMANITIES AND HEALTH CARE LECTURE. Tulane University, J. Bennett Johnston Health and Environmental Research Building, 1324 Tulane Ave., 988-5462-- Kenneth Schaffner from George Washington University and the Hastings Center lectures on 'Genes, Behavior and Ethics: Current Issues' with reception to follow. Free admission. 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS SYMPOSIUM. Tulane University, Dixon Hall, 234-9812; www.law.tulane.edu/symposium -- Tulane Law School hosts a three-day symposium called 'Trafficking in Persons: Global Crisis, Global Perspective' featuring a keynote speech by Francis Bok, screening of Trading Women documentary and expert panel discussions. Visit Web site or call for details and registration. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
TOP HATS AND HIGH TOPS GALA. The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal St., 301-4058 -- The New Orleans Hornets and The Shops at Canal Place present annual gala to benefit Children's Charities with players and coaches, catered food from restaurants, live music by Charmaine Neville, silent auction and more. Attire black tie with basketball-related accessories (jerseys, high tops, etc.) encouraged. Tickets $150 individual, group packages available. 6:30 p.m.
REBECCA WALKER. Loyola University, Music/Communications Complex, Roussel Hall, 864-7880; www.loyno.edu/womens.center -- The Women's Resource Center hosts the author and activist (and daughter of novelist Alice Walker) for a discussion and book signing. Free admission. 7 p.m.
PAUL SONIAT. City Park, Pavilion of the Two Sisters, 482-4888; www.neworleanscitypark.com -- Singer-songwriter celebrates the release of his new CD, Born in New Orleans. Free admission. 7:30 p.m.
TYLER STALLINGS LECTURE. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 528-3805; www.cacno.org -- The New Orleans-born artist, chief curator of the Laguna Art Museum and juror of the 2005 Louisiana Biennial, gives a talk on his art and curatorial work. Free admission. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
COLE PORTER TRIBUTE. Loyola University, The Underground, basement of Danna Center, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu -- Pianist Henry Butler and his group perform the music of Cole Porter. Tickets $10 general admission, $5 non-Loyola students, free for Loyola students. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday 8
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COLLOQUIUM. Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave., 599-1526 or (800) 568-6968 or 680-9044 or; www.noimc.org/events_2005.htm -- The New Orleans International Music Colloquium presents two days of panels, lectures, presentations, and interviews on the topic of New Orleans music. Advanced registration recommended. Free admission. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL. French Quarter, various locations, 522-5730 or (800) 673-5725; www.frenchquarterfestival.com -- The French Quarter Festival opens with a parade starting at Bourbon and Iberville streets, followed by three days of musical performances from all genres on 15 stages. Food and beverage vendors available at many locations. Parade 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday. Festival all day Friday-Sunday. (See A&E Feature and complete schedule in this issue.)
NOCAP LUNCH WITH RUBY BRIDGES. Doubletree Hotel, 300 Canal St., 240-1405 -- New Orleans Computer Access Project presents annual Spring Luncheon with keynote speaker Ruby Bridges. Donation $35 per person, $350 for tables of 10. Noon.
GLASS-BLOWING DEMONSTRATIONS. Conti Glass, 3924 Conti St., 483-1195 -- Free glass-blowing demonstration. 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WOMEN IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE LECTURE. Longue Vue, 7 Bamboo Road, 488-5488 -- Seventh annual Catherine Brown Memorial Women in Landscape Architecture presents Julie Bargmann on 'Toxic Beauties: The Art Behind Landscape Architecture.' Free admission. 6 p.m. lecture, reception to follow.
BILL RUSSELL LECTURE. Historic New Orleans Collection, Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St., 598-7171; hnoc.org -- The Williams Research Center hosts the sixth annual Bill Russell Lecture commemorating the jazz collector and historian. The panel discussion includes William Wagner, Tom McDermott, Barry Martyn and Don Gillespie moderated by Bruce Raeburn. Call to register. Tickets $10 general admission, $5 students/educators. 6:30 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 1501 Girod St., 525-HOOP; www.nba.com/hornets -- Hornets host the Utah Jazz. Tickets $10-$218.50. 7 p.m.
GOLDEN TASSEL GALA. Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 831-1565; www.jeffersondollarsforscholars.org -- Gala fundraiser for scholarship program Jefferson Dollars for Scholars features drinks, dinner, live music and more. Call for ticket info. Black-tie patron party 7 p.m., gala 8 p.m.
Saturday 9
LOUISIANA IRIS FESTIVAL. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, 488-5488, ext. 922 -- Celebration of the iris with slide presentations and demonstrations and tour of grounds. Admission $3. 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.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. This month features art from Earth Day Grocery Bag Art Project from local universities. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
DIANNE MONTALBANO BRANT. Good Rocking New Orleans, No. 635 Pere Antoine Alley, 581-2134 -- The musician signs copies of her CD called Songs My Daddy Sang. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
FDR IN HIS OWN WORDS. The National D-Day Museum, Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012, ext. 229 -- Program with local actor Orlin Corey as FDR delivering the president's speeches and writings. Pianist Dr. Stu Faber accompanies. Free admission. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
OPERA BALL. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 921 Canal St., 529-2278, ext. 25, or 282-6070; www.neworleansopera.org -- The 37th annual Opera Ball celebrates the New Orleans Opera Association's season-closing production of The Merry Widow (April 14 & 16). Patron party with champagne reception, followed by four-course gourmet dinner, entertainment by Bobby Cure & the Summertime Blues, performance by the Giacobbe Academy of Dance, and auction. Tickets $200-up patron party, $150 ball. 7 p.m. patron party, 8 p.m. Opera Ball.
NEW ORLEANS BROADCASTING HALL OF FAME CEREMONY. Hotel InterContinental, 444 St. Charles Ave., 885-9080 -- Program honors this year's inductees, Peggy Scott Laborde and Jimmie B. Phillips, in program with live music, cocktail reception, silent auction and more. Tickets $75. 6:30 p.m. reception, 8 p.m. awards.
COCHON COTILLION IX. Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, 233 Newton St., Algiers, 522-2124, ext. 13 or 17 -- Annual benefit for Bridge House substance-abuse treatment center features food, open bar, indoor parade, auctions, live music by the Soul Project and ELS. Costume or 'tacky formal' attire required. Tickets $100. 7 p.m. to midnight.
DENIZEN'S LOUNGE. Z'otz Coffeeshop, 8210 Oak St., 861-2224 -- Z'otz hosts an evening of Middle Eastern and darkwave music with DJs Ravencreature, Sacred and Andy Torres. Free admission. 8 p.m.
LPOPS SERIES. Orpheum Theater, 129 University Place, 524-3285; www.orpheumneworleans.com -- Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents the All American Youth Choir conducted by Will Kesling. Tickets $20-$50. 8 p.m. Saturday.
Sunday 10
LOYOLA SYMPHONY CONCERT. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu -- Loyola Symphony Orchestra in concert conducted by L. Dean Angeles. Free admission. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
PHILOSOPHY CAFE. Iron Rail Book Collective, 511 Marigny St.; www.lyceumproject.com -- Biweekly meeting to discuss a philosophical issue. Free admission. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
SCOTT SPECK. New Orleans Center for Creative Arts/Riverfront, Lupin Hall, 2800 Chartres St., 940-2900; www.nocca.com -- The composer Scott Speck and members of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra close out the Center Stage Series with 'The Entire History of Music in 80 Minutes.' Tickets $20. 3 p.m. Sunday.
CLASSICAL CONCERT. Lakeview Presbyterian Church, 5914 Canal Blvd., 482-7892 -- Concert with mezzo-soprano Katherine Sherwood White and bass Edward White Jr., performing sacred songs and spirituals, musical theater pieces, arias and duets from operas. Free admission. 4 p.m.
MUSICA DA CAMERA. Ursuline Chapel, 2701 State St ., 865-8903; www.nomdc.org -- Group presents concert 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon: The Life of Francis of Assisi' with Vox Feminae. Free admission. 4 p.m.
GODSPELL. Vintage Court, 75082 Hwy. 25, Covington, (985) 792-1392; www.npas.info -- Northlake Performing Arts Society presents chorale program. Call for ticket info. 6 p.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Monday.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, 1501 Girod St., 525-HOOP; www.nba.com/hornets -- Hornets host the Portland Trail Blazers. Tickets $10-$218.50. 6 p.m.
CHORAL CONCERT. St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, 525-9585 -- St. Louis Cathedral Concert Choir performs. Free admission. 7 p.m.
ARCHAEOLOGY LECTURE. Loyola University, Nunemaker Auditorium, Monroe Hall, 865-2287 -- American Institute of Archaeology presents lecture 'Ghostwriting? Or Lying in Stone?: Can We Believe Roman Building Inscriptions?' by James C. Anderson, Ph.D. Free admission. 8 p.m.
Monday 11
CANCER BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT. English Turn Golf and Country Club, off Highway 406, Algiers, 896-7432; www.lacrc.net/golftourney.html -- Second annual New Orleans Public Belt Railroad golf tournament benefits Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, a joint venture of Tulane and LSU. Fee $175 per golfer, includes cart, food, beer, gift bag, prizes and more. 9 a.m. putting contest, tee time noon, post-party with cocktails, steak dinner and awards.
PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST LECTURE. Bourbon House, 144 Bourbon St., 593-7560 -- Petroleum Landman's Association of New Orleans presents Loyola political science professor Dr. Conrad Raabe on topic 'From Saudi Arabia to Lebanon: Can We Really Have Peace in the Mid-East? A Review of Terrorism, Oil Prices and U.S. Policy.' Tickets $30 in advance, $35 at door. 11:30 a.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.
CANOE TREKS. Jean Lafitte National Park, Hwy. 45 in Lafitte, 589-2330, ext. 10 -- Ranger-guided canoe treks offered every Saturday in April. 9:30 a.m.
DRUG-FREE LIVING CLASSES. Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, 14001 Dwyer Blvd., 362-4272; www.cadagno.org -- The Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse for Greater New Orleans holds classes for preteens and teens on how to live drug-free lives. Free admission. 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
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.
FASHION SOIREE THURSDAYS. 820 Rampart St. -- Weekly fashion soiree featuring the designs of local fashion designers and costume artists presented by Everything Lovely by Oliver. Cocktails available. Free admission. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays.
FOOD FOR FINES. Jefferson Parish Library locations, 838-1100; www.Jefferson.lib.la.us -- National Library Week invites donations for Second Harvesters Food Bank in exchange for waiver of overdue library material fines (on books, DVDs, CDs and more). Thorugh April 16.
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.
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.
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. Thursdays, through April 21.
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.
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.
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.
WEDNESDAY AT THE SQUARE CONCERT SERIES. Lafayette Square, St. Charles Avenue, across from Gallier Hall, 561-8927; http://wats.neworleans.com -- Downtown Development District hosts a weekly concert series featuring performances by New Orleans bands and musicians. This week: the Dirty Dozen Brass Band performs with James and Troy 'Trombone Shorty' Andrews. Free admission. 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, through June 22.
road trip
Wednesday 6
GARDENING GATHERING. The Cottage Garden, 40 James Jarrell Road, Carriere, Miss., (601) 798-0753; www.cottagegardenandcafe.com -- Monthly gathering for discussion of gardens and gardening. Free admission. 10 a.m.
Saturday 9
ASPIRING WRITERS WORKSHOP. Terrebonne Parish Main Branch Library, 151 Civic Center Blvd., Houma, (985) 876-5158 -- Nicholls State University presents 30 top regional writers for day-long workshop with readings, signings, panel discussions and more. Tickets $30, advance purchase required. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
DALE ANN BRADLEY. 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 Dale Ann Bradley. Tickets $10 general admission, $7 students. 7 p.m.
ongoing
JUBILEE: A FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES. Nicholls State University, (985) 493-ARTS; www.Nicholls.edu/jubilee -- Annual arts festival features three weeks of exhi bits, theater, landscape art, author appearances, lectures, music, film and much more. Visit Web site for full schedule. Through April 27.
theater
EURYDICE. Louisiana State University, Reilly Theater, Tower Drive, Baton Rouge, (225) 578-3533; www.theater.lsu.edu -- LSU Theatre presents story based on ancient love story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Leon Ingulsrud directs. Tickets $15.50 adults, $8.50 students. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, through April 24.
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.
galleries
BEAUREGARD GALLERY & BISTRO. 715 Europe St., Baton Rouge, (225) 383-1932 -- Visions & Rhythm, photography by Scott Foust, paintings by Patricia Beatty and paintings and sculpture by Rafael Navarro, through April 30.
museums
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.
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 North Union St., Opelousas, (337) 942-4991 -- Rhythm and Roots, Zydeco and Acadian photography by Rick Olivier and Terri Fensel, through April 23.
