Tuesday 17

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 21

NOCCA AUDITIONS. NOCCA Academy, 3128 Constance St., 896-7830 -- Orleans Parish students in grades 7-9 interested in dance, creative writing, theater, arts and music education encouraged to apply. 9 a.m. to noon.

PALMETTO BASKETRY. Cannes Brulee Native American Center, 303 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 468-7231, ext. 220 -- Janie Luster of United Houma Nation Tribe hosts basket-making demonstrations. Admission $5 adults, $3 seniors and children. 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

DIG, DO, DISCOVER. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, 488-5488; www.longuevue.com -- Outdoor program and crafts with flower arrangements. Admission $5. 10 a.m. to noon.

STORYTELLING IN THE GARDEN. Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, City Park, 488-2631 -- Children and families invited to attend NOMA-sponsored storytelling series. Free admission. 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

PRINTING WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS. University of New Orleans, Lakefront Campus, Fine Arts Printmaking Studios, 410-1990; www.kidsmart.org -- Artist John Scott demonstrates printing skills with children. $5 per student. 10 a.m. to noon (kids 9-13) and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (kids 13-18).

FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY FEST. Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St., 586-0725, ext. 210; www.lcm.org -- Local photographers lead day of hands-on learning. Admission $7 adults and children. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. events Tuesday 17 MUSICIANS YOGA. Yoga Bywater, 900 Louisa St., 427-7993; www.yogabywater.com -- Guitarist and yoga instructor Jonathan Freilich leads a weekly yoga class on Tuesdays geared toward musicians' needs. Call for rates. 2 p.m.

STATE OF THE NATION. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 528-3805; www.cacno.org -- ArtSpot Productions presents a program featuring Jean Ann Douglas, Millicent Johnnie, Michael Merino and Lisa Shattuck as part of its monthly series that addresses the current issues of our nation. Tickets $7 general admission, $5 for students/seniors, free admission for CAC members. 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday 18

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 hipbootjoe and Sol Fiya perform. Free admission. 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; series continues on Wednesdays through June 22.

INSTANT PIANO FOR HOPELESSLY BUSY PEOPLE. Delgado Community College, 483-4076 -- Beginning class for piano. Call to enroll. 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.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 on how to live drug-free lives for preteens and teens. Free admission. 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

WINE AND DINE AT THE W. Zoe Restaurant, W Hotel, 333 Poydras St., 827-6824 -- Fundraiser for United Way's Women's Leadership Institute with five-course meal paired to wines. $100 all-inclusive. 6:30 p.m.

POLITICS WITH A PUNCH. Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave., 581-5812; www.cabaretlechatnoir.com -- Jeff Crouere hosts panel of local figures to discuss local and national politics. Tickets $20 single, $30 couple. 8 p.m.

Thursday 19

SAVE OUR SEAFOOD. Participating area restaurants, 525-1528; http://saveourseafood.org -- Local restaurants join with U.S. PIRG and Gulf Restoration Network to raise money and awareness to fight mercury pollution in seafood. Thirteen local restaurants will donate portion of day's proceeds to the cause and distribute information. Visit Web site for list of restaurants.

KIDSMART MURAL UNVEILING. Guste School, 2625 Thalia St., 410-1990; www.kidsmart.org -- Arts organization KIDsmART partners with school to create mural, with unveiling ceremony to celebrate. Public welcome. 1 p.m.

NOMA NIGHTS. New Orleans Museum of Art/ Sydney & 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.

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.

CULTURE AND COCKTAILS. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, 488-5488; www.longuevue.com -- Program 'Homeland Security and New Orleans' with FBI representative. Hosted bar. Admission $7. 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

MAGIC IN MELPOMENIA. Felicity Garden, 1730 Clio St., 581-0370 -- Neighborhood nonprofit honors Anthony and Gail Uglesich in annual event with fine art, sculpture, live music, cocktails and catered food. Call for ticket info. 5:30 p.m.

BLACK & WHITE BALL. New Orleans Board of Trade, 316 Magazine St., 525-2743 -- Fundraiser for NO/AIDS Task Force with formal gala with food, cocktails and music. Black tie, mask required for all. Tickets $75. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT CONCERT. City Park, New Orleans Botanical Garden, Pavilion of the Two Sisters, 483-9488 -- Paul Soniat performs as part of the Thursdays at Twilight concert series. Tickets $6 general admission, $2 kids 5-12, free admission kids 5-under. 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; series continues through August 25.

HUMANE SOCIETY RECEPTION. The Garden Gate, 2918 Metairie Road, Metairie, 466-8972 -- Group honors Louisiana State Police for efforts to combat dog-fighting crimes. Donation $20, to benefit anti-cruelty programs. 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

NEW ORLEANS ZEPHYRS. Zephyr Field, 6000 Airline Drive, Metairie, 734-5155; www.zephyrsbaseball.com -- Zephyrs host Colorado Springs Sky Sox Thursday-Sunday, May 19-22. Tickets $5-$9.50. 7:05 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 6:05 p.m. Saturday, 2:05 p.m. Sunday.

GREEK DANCE LESSONS. Grace Episcopal Church, 3700 Canal St., 483-9011 -- Crescent City International Dancers host lessons. $6 couple, $4 single, $2 student. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through May.

LPO CLASSICS CONCERT. Orpheum Theater, 129 University Place, 524-3285; www.orpheumneworleans.com -- Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents Verdi's Requiem conducted by Klauspeter Seibel with the Symphony Chorus of New Orleans, soprano Susan B. Anthony, alto Eugenie Grunewald and tenor Fernando del Valle. Tickets $11-$60. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Saturday.

Friday 20

ARTS ORGANIZATION SEMINAR. Arts Council of New Orleans, 225 Baronne St., Suite 220, 523-1465 -- Bruce Thibodeau of Los Angeles-based Arts Consulting Group leads workshop on helping arts groups organize and plan. Fee $30. 9 a.m.

HARBOR CENTER GRAND OPENING. Northshore Harbor Center, 1000 Caruso Blvd., Slidell, (985) 781-3650; www.northshoreharborcenter.com -- Convention center opens with weekend of events including ribbon-cutting ceremony 10 a.m. Friday, followed by the building turning into the Kid's Zone from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday holds the 'Rhythms in Black and White Gala,' a formal-attire affair with music by Ronnie Kole, a dinner and more. Sunday features barbecue, carnival rides, country music and more. Free admission Friday and Sunday, gala tickets $50.

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.

EDWARD WALKER. Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 593-1881; www.neworleanswomensexpo.com -- The interior designer and star of Trading Spaces visits the New Orleans Women's Expo and a preview party to benefit Children's Hospital. Call for details. Benefit tickets $20, expo tickets $8 at door. Preview party 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, expo 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

SUNSET AT THE LANDING CONCERT. Columbia Street Landing, Covington, (985) 892-1873 -- The Hot Club of New Orleans performs as part of the Sunset at the Landing concert series. Free admission. 6 p.m.

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.

LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA. Columbia Theatre, 220 E. Thomas St., (985) 543-4366 -- LPO honors historic venue with program 'An Evening at the Movies' with music from Gone With the Wind , Chicago , James Bond films and more. Tickets 419-$33. 7 p.m.

SHELL SHOCKERS. City Park, Pan American Stadium, 831-0531 -- Local pro soccer team hosts Gainesville, Fla., team. Tickets $10. 7:30 p.m.

GIFT OF HOPE FUNDRAISER. Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd., 883-2960 or 799-4080 -- Fundraiser for Hematology and Oncology Specialist Foundation's patient programs. Music, food, silent auction, valet parking, cash bar. Tickets $50. 8 p.m. to midnight.

FLESH ART SHOW. One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse St., 569-8361 -- First annual Flesh Art Show featuring live models painted by Michalopoulos, Doctor Bob, Rosemary, Eric Buchanan and others, body-piercing performance art, face and body painting, burlesque, belly dancers and music by Liquidrone, Noomoon Tribe and DJ Tom Harvey. No cameras. Tickets $10. 10 p.m. sharp.

Saturday 21

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.

WORLD TAI CHI DAY. Fritchie Park, 901 Howze Beach Road, Slidell, (985) 768-8582 -- Introduction to tai chi and its benefits. Free admission. 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

ARMED FORCES DAY. The National D-Day Museum, 900 Camp St., 527-6012, ext. 229; www.ddaymuseum.org -- Activities include Living History Corps; book signing with James Bollich, author of Bataan Diary ; military appreciation ceremony; and tank restoration project. Free admission for all veterans and their families; regular admission $14 adults, $8 seniors and students, $6 children. 10 a.m.

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN SOCIETY FESTIVAL. Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., 581-4629; www.auduboninstitute.org -- Celebration of Asian culture with food, music, fashion, dance and crafts. Free with regular zoo admission. 10 a.m .to 5 p.m.

ELEMENTS OF SHELTER. Pontchartrain Yacht Club, Mandeville lakefront, (985) 892-6460 -- Bruce and Lou Stewart give presentation of nurturing personal space inside and outside. Donation of $35 required, proceeds benefit St. Francis Animal Shelter. Reservations required. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SELF-HELP FOR THE HARD OF HEARING. East Jefferson Hospital, 4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 834-4339; www.eastjeffhospital.org -- Audiologist explains various aspects of life with hearing loss and help through a cochlear implant. Free admission. 10 a.m. to noon.

OPEN STUDIO DAY. Various locations in Marigny and Bywater, 948-4607 or 949-1805; www.torrestama.com -- The Open Studio Artists' Collective opens their studios, galleries and homes to visitors. Maps available at the Faubourg Marigny Book Store (600 Frenchmen St.). Free admission. Noon to 6 p.m.

TOUR DE TAMMANY. Tammany Trace trailhead, Koop Drive, Abita Springs, (985) 867-9490; www.tammanytrace.org -- Bike rides along Tammany Trace trail with staggered distances for all ages and abilities (14, 40 or 53 miles). Post-ride party with beer, live music, food and more. Registration $25 advance, $30 same-day.

DANCE MEDITATION. FairGrinds Coffeehouse, 3133 Ponce de Leon Ave., 382-5199 -- Instruction on movement and stretching to achieve self- and body-awareness. Fee $15. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

JAZZERCISE. Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, 233 Newton St., (760) 602-7153; www.jazzercise.com -- Jazzercise Art & Soul Tour raises money for Boys & Girls Town and promotes fitness. Hundreds to jazzercise. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

IMAGINATION MOVERS & AMANDA SHAW. Six Flags New Orleans, Goodtime Gardens, 12301 Six Flags Parkway, 253-8000; www.sixflags.com -- The Imagination Movers and Amanda Shaw perform live. Concert is free with park admission. 4 p.m.

MODEL SEARCH. Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 835-8000; www.NextNewFace.com -- National model-scouting company makes stop to scout local talent; live music by One Up. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL FUNDRAISER. Coconut Beach, 7360 Roadway St., 896-9375 -- Wendy's sponsors volleyball tournament to support Children's Hospital. Registration $350 per team of six to 10 players. Registration 4 p.m., play begins at 5 p.m.

ABITA SPRINGS OPRY. Abita Springs Town Hall, Hwy. 36 at Hwy. 59, Abita Springs, (985) 892-0711 -- Concert with Abita Strings Bluegrass Band, Doug Anderson and Patchwork, The Porch Rockers, The Oliviers and Big Daddy-O. Tickets $10 reserved seating, $7 general, $5 seniors, free children 12-under. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

NATURE AT NIGHT. Jean Lafitte National Park, 6588 Barataria Blvd., Lafitte, 589-2330, ext. 10 -- Park rangers offer guided walks through park. Free admission; reservations required. 7 p.m.

WINE AND CHEESE. Deutsches Haus, 200 S. Galvez St., 483-0883 -- German Heritage Festival Association hosts wine and cheese with silent auction to raise funds for Oktoberfest. Admission $15. 7 p.m.

SHELL SHOCKERS. City Park, Pan American Stadium, 831-0531 -- Local pro soccer team hosts Nashville. Tickets $10. 7:30 p.m.

OPEN STUDIO PERFORMANCE SALON. Venusian Gardens, 2601 Chartres St., 948-4607 or 949-1805 -- Performance program features work by Dante, Ahda Hahn, ArtSpot Productions and Jose Torres Tama. Tickets $3 at door. 9 p.m. to midnight.

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.

Sunday 22

MARIGNY HOME TOUR. Self-guided, 948-3256 -- Annual tour explores neighborhood's architecture, highlighted by home/studio of James Michalopoulos. Advance tickets $10, available at Cafe Rose Nicaud (632 Frenchmen St.), Coffee, Friends and Cafe (2401 Burgundy St.), Sound Cafe (2700 Chartres St.), Cole Pratt Gallery (3800 Magazine St.). Same-day tickets $15, available at Coffee, Friends and Cafe or Mousie Gallery (610 Elysian Fields Ave.). Noon to 4 p.m.

PHILOSOPHY CAFE. Iron Rail, 511 Marigny St., 944-0366; www.lyceumproject.com -- Group meets to discuss various ideas and concepts. Free. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

CATHEDRAL CONCERTS SERIES. Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 St. Charles Ave., 895-6602 -- Pianist Luciana Soares performs Brazilian music. Free admission. 4 p.m.

Monday 23

CULINARIA COOKING CLASSES & DEMONSTRATIONS. Culinaria, 1519 Carondelet St., 522-8789; www.culinariaart.com -- Observe cooking demonstrations or participate in hands-on cooking classes Monday-Saturday. Call to register. Visit Web site for details of weekly daytime and evening events. Ongoing.

LLOYD MARTIN. Neutral Ground Coffeehouse, 5110 Danneel St., 891-3381; www.neutralgound.org -- Local musicians and actors offer series of tribute performances to late local artist Lloyd Martin. Free admission. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

auditions

N'KAFU TRADITIONAL AFRICAN DANCE COMPANY. Dance Studio, 1520 N. Claiborne Ave., 486-3592 -- Dance company holds auditions for dancers and drummers. Drummers must bring own drums; must be 18 and older and bring bio/resume and picture. 6:30 p.m.

call for applications

FILM WORKSHOPS. New Orleans Film Collective, 2618 S. Carrollton Ave., 484-6249 -- Workshops on live action, animation and hand-processing film. Fee $38. Call or email wisewolfeiv@aol.com. Deadline May 20 and June 1.

call for volunteers

LITERACY TUTOR TRAINING. Second Zion Baptist Church, 6529 Linda Drive (off Ames Blvd.), Marrero, 566-7323, ext. 208 -- YMCA Educational Services (YES!) and Literacy Alliance host tutor training for volunteers. $20 donation request. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

road trip

Wednesday 18

MUSIC & LIFE ALONG THE RIVER ROAD. Iberville Museum, 57735 Main St., Plaquemine, (225) 687-7197 -- Bring a lunch and listen to lecture by local historian Tony Fama. Free admission. 11 a.m.

RAUSCHENBERG EXHIBIT OPENING. Hilliard University Art Museum, 710 E. St. Mary Blvd., Lafayette, (337) 482-2278; www.Louisiana.edu/uam -- Weeklong series of events celebrate opening of Robert Rauschenberg exhibit. Lecture 'Rauschenberg, Innovation and Risk' by Donald Kuspit 7 p.m. Wednesday; panel discussion with artists 7 p.m. Thursday at Burke Hall Theatre on campus; gala opening 7 p.m. Saturday. Lecture and discussion free; call for reservations. Gala tickets $100 per person.

Friday 20

TUNICA-BILOXI POW WOW. Tunica-Biloxi Tribe reservation, Hwy. 1, Marksville, (800) 946-1946 -- Three-day event with Native American music, food, culture demonstrations, educational programs and more. Admission $5 adults, $2 children 5-under. Friday-Sunday.

BAYOU STEPPERS. Departs Mother-In-Law Lounge, 1500 N. Claiborne Ave., 458-8721 -- Road trip sponsored by Bayou Steppers Social Aid and Pleasure Club to party at Club Escalade in Hammond. Tickets $20, includes food at club. Leaves at 7:30 p.m. sharp, returns at 2 a.m.

JAMES BROWN. Grand Casino Biloxi, Grand Biloxi Theatre, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 354-2450; www.caesars.com/GrandCasino/biloxi -- The 'Godfather of Soul' performs concert. Tickets $34.95-$39.95. 8 p.m.

AMERICA. Grand Casino Gulfport, Grand Event Center, 3215 W. Beach Blvd., Gulfport, Miss., (800) 946-7777; www.caesars.com/GrandCasino/biloxi -- The band performs live. Tickets $14.95-$24.95. 9 p.m.

Saturday 21

CRUISIN' IN THE COUNTRY. Downtown areas of Jackson and St. Francisville, (225) 927-1890; www.streetrods.org -- Unique and antique cars take to the road for day filled with shopping, car shows, live music, food vendors and more.

FRISCO FEST. San Francisco Plantation, Hwy. 44 (River Road) two miles north of Hwy. 637, Garyville, (985) 535-2341; www.sanfranciscoplantation.com -- Festival features kids' activities such as discovery area, crafts and educational programs, Cajun cuisine, live music by Amanda Shaw (11 a.m. Sunday) and Typical Reason. Admission $5 adults, free children 12-under. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

MARCIA GAUDET. National Hansen's Disease Museum, River Road, Carville, (225) 642-1950 -- Author signs her book Carville: Remembering Leprosy in America at former location of Louisiana's leprosarium, which closed in 1999 and is now a museum. Free admission. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

exhibits

COMMON CLAY. Wolface Pottery & Gallery, 1202 Government St., Ocean Springs, Miss., (228) 818-9666 -- Pottery exhibit of works by artists associated with Ocean Springs-based Shearwater Pottery; through July 15.