(Please send your updated status and any other listings information to the Listings Editor Katie Walenter at listingsedit@gambitweekly.com or fax to 483-3116.) family Tuesday 13 Summer starz theater workshops. Central School of the Arts & Humanities Center, 809 Kirby St., St. Charles, (337) 433-7323; www.childrenstheatre.cc Ñ The ChildrenÕs Theatre Company of St. Charles holds its annual ÒSummer Starz SeriesÓ of theater workshops for kids ages 5-18. Visit Web site or call for details and registration information. wednesday 14 Summer Storytime. Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St., 899-7323; www.octaviabooks.com Ñ Courtney Eiswirth reads stories for all ages every Wednesday through July. 10:30 a.m. ThursDAY 15 MAGIC NIGHT WITH DR. MAGIC . CarretaÕs Grill, 2320 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-6696 Ñ The childrenÕs magician performs tableside magic. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. SaturDAY 17 Glen Ghirardi. ChildrenÕs Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 468-7231 Ñ The entertainer presents a day of magic. Admission $3.50; dads admitted free. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

KidsÕ Bookmaking workshop. The Big Top Gallery, 1638 Clio St., 569-2700; www.3rcp.com Ñ The 3 Ring Circus Arts Education Center presents a bookmaking workshop with artist and Xavier professor Muffin Sills. Designed for kids ages 6-12 and their caretakers. $5 per family for 3RC members, $7 per nonmember family. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. sunday 18 kidsÕ Soccer class. Decatur and Spain streets Ñ Free weekly soccer classes in the Marigny for kids, followed by a game with kids, teenagers and parents. Live music provided. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

events Tuesday 13 Hospitality Industry appreciation day. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Hall E, 566-5827 (RSVP) or 566-5011 (details) Ñ The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau honors hospitality workers in all fields Ñ from cab drivers to bellmen to housekeepers to tour guides Ñ with a complimentary lunch and customer-service training. Call to RSVP. Free admission. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

New Orleans zephyrs. Zephyr Field, 6000 Airline Drive, Metairie, 734-5155; www.zephyrsbaseball.com Ñ The Zephyrs play the Iowa Cubs Monday, June 12-Thursday, June 15. Davis Rogan plays after ThursdayÕs game. Tickets start at $7. 7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, noon Wednesday, 7 p.m. Thursday.

Organ & Labyrinth Meditation Hour. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., 522-0276; www.trinityc.net Ñ Albinas Prizgintas leads an hour of organ music and quiet meditation every Tuesday. 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday 14 Yogamotion dance class. Max Fitness, 4953 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 231-8616 Ñ Kathy Koehl teaches a weekly yogamotion dance class. Reservations required. Fee is $15 per class. 9:30 a.m.

Hard rock cafeÕs 35th anniversary. Hard Rock Cafe New Orleans, 418 N. Peters St., 529-5617 Ñ The New Orleans branch celebrates the companyÕs 35th year with a performance by Marc Broussard. Hard Rock also honors the efforts of Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans. Free admission. 1 p.m.

Wednesday at the square concert. Lafayette Square, across from Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue., 585-1500; www.wednesdayatthesquare.com Ñ Sonny Landreth performs. The Robert Fortune Band is the opening act. Free admission. 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

yoga & Pilates Classes. The Big Top, 1638 Clio St., 569-2700; www.3rcp.com Ñ Jennifer Pearl teaches yoga and Pilates weekly. Call 258-5724 for details. 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Pilates) and 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. (restorative yoga) Wednesday, 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. (flow yoga) Monday.

Beginner kung fu & Tai Chi. Shaolin-Do Kung Fu & Tai Chi, 4210 St. Claude Ave., 944-1880; www.nolashaolin.com Ñ Kung Fu classes emphasize fitness, personal challenge and self-defense. Tai Chi classes emphasize relaxation, meditation, balance and focus. First class is free, enrollment is $89/month. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday (Kung Fu), 7:35 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday (Tai Chi). Thursday 15 yoga For seniors. Tapas Yoga and Movement Studio, 4413 Chastant St., Metairie, 256-5255; www.tapasyoga.net Ñ Tracey Watts leads a yoga class designed for seniors. Wear loose clothing. Admission $5. 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

Twilight garden concert series. City Park, New Orleans Botanical Garden, Pavilion of the Two Sisters, 483-9386; www.neworleanscitypark.com Ñ Philip and Ellen Frohnmayer perform. Tickets $6 general admission, $2 kids ages 5-12, free admission 5-under. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., through Aug. 31.

International Dance Lessons. St. Andrews Church Hall, 8017 Zimpel St., 228-4049; www.folkdancers.net/ccid Ñ The Crescent City International Dancers teach dances of Greece, Turkey, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Croatia, Romania, Scandinavia, Germany, France, Canada, Russia, Israel, Lebanon, England and America. 7:30 p.m. Friday 16 Seniors post-K BEnefits & Resources. Main Library, YMCA Learning Center, 219 Loyola Ave., 596-2654 or 596-3842 Ñ A session for seniors ages 65-up offers information about public benefits, community programs, support services and more. Call to register. Free admission. 2 p.m.

French summer wine festival. Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., 561-0070; www.faccla.com Ñ The French-American Chamber of Commerce Louisiana Chapter presents a tasting of French wines paired with New Orleans cuisine. Tickets $45 for FACC/LA members, $55 for nonmembers. 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys. Columbia Street Landing, downtown Covington, (985) 892-1873 Ñ The Sunset at the Landing concert features Cajun-French/Zydeco/Swamp Pop band. Free admission. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Uptown Chess club. PuccinoÕs Coffee Shop, 3128 Magazine St., 905-2971 Ñ The Uptown Chess Club resumes its weekly games. All are welcome. 7:30 p.m.

Argentine Tango Dance. Argentine Tango Club, 5956 Magazine St., 887-3095 Ñ Call Maria for class information; open tango dance every Friday. Tickets $5. 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Movie night at Bacchanal. Bacchanal, 600 Poland Ave., 948-9111 Ñ Enjoy a film, order some wine and munch on Chef PeteÕs cuisine in BacchanalÕs backyard every Friday (weather permitting) Free admission. 9 p.m.

saturday 17

Magazine street Farmers market. Magazine and Girod streets, www.marketumbrella.org Ñ Crescent City Farmers Market holds its weekly Saturday market. Fresh produce, flowers and food available. 8 a.m. to noon.

bywater art market. Markey Park, 700 block of Piety Street, between Royal and Dauphine streets, 944-7900; www.bywaterartmarket.com Ñ Artwork for sale includes paintings, textiles, sculpture, pottery, glass, metal and wood artwork, furniture, jewelry, photography and more. Live music and food available. Free admission. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Soul Fest. Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., 581-4629; www.auduboninstitute.org Ñ Audubon Zoo hosts a celebration of African-American food, music, crafts and culture. A health fair, a childrenÕs Global Playground of world music, mini water slide and more are included. Visit Web site for details. Zoo admission applies, free for zoo members, free for fathers on Sunday. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Cabildo anniversary gala. The Cabildo, 701 Chartres St., 523-3939; www.friendsofthecabildo.org Ñ Friends of the Cabildo presents a 50th anniversary celebration featuring a patron party with complimentary drinks, hors dÕouvres, entertainment and silent auction and a gala to follow with music by the Distractions. Tickets $50 (gala), $100 (includes patron party). 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (patron party), 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. (gala).

Jo ÒCoolÓ Davis Benefit concert. AshŽ Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 569-9070; www.ashecac.org Ñ The Central City-based musician performs in a benefit concert with gospel legends Sherman Washington, the Zion Harmonizers and Rev. Lois Dejean. Food will be served. Free admission; donations requested for Jo ÒCoolÓ DavisÕ medical expenses. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Multimedia benefit for MusicianÕs house. 679 Jourdan St., 566-8351 or rj_vicknair3@yahoo.com Ñ A multimedia event celebrates the musical history of the house at 679 Jourdan St. in the Holy Cross neighborhood, which was devastated by the flood. The event features music by Daron Douglas, Helen Gillet and Tom Marin, sound by Anton Gussoni and Spartie Tucker and visuals by David Sullican and Robert Vicknair. Donations accepted to help Kathleen Krauss rebuild her house. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

New Orleans shell shockers. Muss Bertolino Stadium, 620 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 207-1905; www.noshellshockers.com Ñ The Shell Shockers soccer team plays the Nashville Metros. Tickets $5. 7:30 p.m. Sunday 18 Krewe de food party. The Savvy Gourmet, 4519 Magazine St., 895-2665 www.savvygourmet.com Ñ The Krewe de Food and the Southern Food and Beverage Museum present an inaugural party celebrating ÒThe Three BÕs of Carnival Bliss: Beer, Buffet and Bathrooms.Ó The event features a food-and-beverage costume contest to be judged by local chefs, buffet by Chef Corbin Evans and more. Tickets $30 in advance, $35 at the door. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Caribbean-style family day. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St., 523-4662; www.hnoc.org Ñ The HNOC presents a family day of Caribbean music, and fashion, Living History characters, a scavenger hunt and food and beverages. Free admission. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Drum circle performance. St. Augustine Church yard, 1210 Gov. Nicholls St. Ñ Mercy Corps holds Rhythmic Roots, a series of healing drum circles, to bring the community together. The public is invited to bring its own percussion instruments to join in with leader Ken ÒAfroÓ Williams, Fi Yi Yi Mandingo Warrior Indian Tribe and Big Chief Victor Harris and Treme Brass Band. Free admission. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

trinity artist series. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., 522-0276; www.trinityc.net Ñ Trinity Artist Series presents an operatic concert with baritone Raymond Poland and mezzo-soprano Sharon Jansson accompanied by Albinas Prizgintas on piano. Free admission. 5 p.m.; Trinity Artist Series seeks singers of all ranges and talents for Yellowdog Prophet ChoirÕs production of Carmina Burana by Carl Orff during the Independence Day Music Festival on July 2. Call 670-2520 for details and rehearsal times. Monday 19 Iyengar Yoga CLasses. Anne Burr Dance Studio, 1128 Dublin St., second floor, 862-5568 Ñ Iyengar yoga is a form that emphasizes strength, stamina, flexibility and balance. The studio offers beginner classes on Friday nights and advanced classes on Monday nights. $12 for single class. Monday advanced class, 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., Friday beginner class, 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

call for donations

instruments needed. Performing Arts Society of Acadiana, P.O. Box 52979, Lafayette, La., 70505, (337) 237-2787; www.pasa-online.org Ñ The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana seeks the donation of instruments Ñ clarinets, horns, saxophones, flutes, trumpets, drums and more Ñ for students whose families cannot afford band instruments. Call to schedule a donation.

words

Algiers Regional Branch. 3014 Holiday Drive; www.nutrias.org Ñ New Orleans Public Library offers all local schools donated books to replenish their libraries. School representatives are invited to contact Geraldine Harris at 596-2601.

BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS. 1601B West Bank Expwy., Harvey, 263-1146 Ñ The African-American Book Club discusses The Family Curse by Magdalene Breaux. 7 p.m. Friday.

BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS. 3721 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 455-5135 Ñ The Contemporary Fiction Book Group discusses Marilynne RobinsonÕs Gilead. 7 p.m. Tuesday; Douglas Brinkley signs The Great Deluge. 7 p.m. Thursday; Susan Mustafa signs IÕve Been Watching You: The South Louisiana Serial Killer. Noon Saturday; Ronnie Virgets signs his new book, Lost Bread. 1 p.m. Saturday; Mark Campo signs China : How Its Progress Will Affect American and the World Economy. 2 p.m. Saturday.

Borders Books. 3131 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 835-1363 Ñ Ronnie Virgets signs his new book, Lost Bread. 7 p.m. Friday; Chef Donald Mutin signs The MortonÕs Steak Bible. 2 p.m. Saturday; Tom Fitzmorris signs New Orleans Food: 225 of the CityÕs Best Recipes. 4 p.m. Saturday.

Dream new Orleans. 311 Decatur St., first floor, 982-0922; www.thesoulofno.com Ñ The New Orleans Renaissance Society presents a weekly open-mic Spoken Soul Session featuring poetry, jazz, hip-hop and soul. Admission $7 general, $5 students w/ college ID. 8 p.m. to midnight Thursday.

EAST BANK REGIONAL LIBRARY. 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 838-1100; www.jefferson.lib.la.us Ñ The Nonfiction Book Club discusses Member of the Family: Gay Men Write About Their Closest Relations. 7 p.m. Tuesday; The Great Books Club discusses The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. 7 p.m. Thursday; Kevin Scrantz discusses ÒSick Trees: The Goodness of Bad Characters in Fiction.Ó Sponsored by the Southern Louisiana Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

GARDEN DISTRICT BOOK SHOP. The Rink, 2727 Prytania St., 895-2266 Ñ The book club discusses Joseph BoydenÕs Three Day Road. The author will be in attendance. New members welcome. 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; Erica Spindler discusses and signs Copycat. Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday.

GOLD MINE SALOON. 701 Dauphine St., 586-0745; www.17poets.com Ñ The 17 Poets weekly series presents featured readers. Open mic to follow. Poets, writers, storytellers, dancers, musicians, puppeteers and vocalists welcome. Hosted by Dave Brinks. Free admission. 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The Historic New Orleans Collection. 533 Royal St., 523-4662; www.hnoc.org Ñ Douglas Brinkley discusses his latest book, The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with Dr. Michael Sartisky of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. A book signing follows. Free admission; call for reservations. 6: 30 p.m. Wednesday.

Latter Library. Carriage House (behind library), 5120 St. Charles Ave., 596-2625; www.nutria.org Ñ Friends of New Orleans Public Library holds its semi-weekly book sale. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.

MAPLE Leaf Bar. 8316 Maple St., 866-9359 Ñ The weekly reading series presents featured writers, followed by an open mic. Free admission. 3 p.m. Sunday.

Neutral Ground coffeehouse. 5110 Danneel St., 891-3381 Ñ Weekly Tao poetry reading. 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Nocca/Riverfront. 2800 Chartres St., 940-2900; www.nocca.com Ñ The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts/Riverfront hosts writer/actor Eric Bogosian and author/journalist Sarah Vowell in an evening of readings and candid discussion. Tickets $20. 8 p.m. Tuesday.

OCTAVIA BOOKS. 513 Octavia St., 899-7323; www.octaviabooks.com Ñ John T. Edge gives a presentation and signs Donuts: An American Passion. 6 p.m. Wednesday; Chef Donald Mutin signs The MortonÕs Steak Bible. 5:30 p.m. Friday; The book club discusses Sonny BrewerÕs The Poet of Tolstoy Park. 10:30 am. Saturday.

call for writers

Natchez Poetry Contest. Attn: Judy Wiggins, Humanities Coordinator, 11 Co-Lin Circle, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Natchez Campus, Natchez, MS, 39120 Ñ The Natchez Poetry Contest invites writers to submit original poems of any subject, but no longer than 40 lines per poem; there is no limit on number of poems. Winning entries will be compensated and published in an anthology. Visit www.colin.edu/calendar.htm for guidelines and to download an entry form for each poem submitted. Entry fee is $7 per poem; make payable to A&S Poetry. Postmark deadline is July 31. (The deadline for all listings information submissions is noon Monday . Listings are edited for space; please visit www.bestofneworleans.com for complete listings.)