(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 wednesday 21 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 22 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 24 Adella the Storyteller. ChildrenÕs Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 468-7231 Ñ Adella presents a program called ÒJumping Off the Pages.Ó Admission $3.50. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. sunday 25 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 20 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 21 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.

Wednesday at the square concert. Lafayette Square, across from Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue., 585-1500; www.wednesdayatthesquare.com Ñ The Chee-Weez performs. 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).

Bipolar/Depression support. West Jefferson Medical Center, Behavorial Medical Center, Oak Room, 229 Bellemeade Blvd., Gretna, 391-2440 Ñ The Parents Chapter of the Southeast Louisiana Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance holds a free bimonthly support group for parents and caregivers of kids and adolescents with mood disorders. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Culinary experts conversation. Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel, 2 Poydras St., third floor, Magnolia Room, 561-0500 Ñ Dillard University presents ÒA Conversation between Culinary Legend Leah Chase and African-Ameican and Caribbean Cuisine Expert Dr. Jessica Harris.Ó Free admission. 7 p.m. Thursday 22 Hurricane-Preparedness Expo. West Jefferson Medical Center, Fonseca Auditorium, Marrero, 349-2050; www.wjmc.org Ñ West Jefferson Medical Center presents a free educational hurricane-preparedness expo. 8:30 a.m. registration followed by a memorial to Hurricane Katrina victims, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. event.

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 Musica da Camera perform. Tickets $6 general admission, $2 kids ages 5-12, free admission 5-under. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., through Aug. 31.

Hurricane-Preparedness Seminar. East Jefferson General Hospital, Conference Center, 4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 456-5000; www.ejgh.org Ñ EJGH presents the ÒJefferson Parish Preparedness Seminar.Ó Free parking in the Hudson Street garage. Call to reserve a seat. 7 p.m.

Sleep Disorder Lecture. St. Tammany Parish Hospital Conference Center, 1202 South Tyler St., Covington, (985) 871-5750; www.stph.org Ñ Sleep disorder specialist Dr. Lauren Davis gives a talk called ÒA Good NightÕs Sleep.Ó Call to register. 7 p.m.

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 23 Funding for nonprofits seminar. Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave., 596-2580; www.foundationcenter.org Ñ Sandy Pon of the Foundation Center in Atlanta gives a free seminar to aid nonprofits in their search for funding and to teach them how to use the CenterÕs electronic resources. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Juleps in JUne. Residence of Drs. Marilyn Pelias and Michael C. Townsend, 3 Audubon Place, 524-2940; www.wordsandmusic.org Ñ The PirateÕs Alley Faulkner Society hosts its annual fundraising social. The main event includes author guests (including Diana Gessler, Pamela Ewan-Lott and David Newsome), mint juleps, food by Fox Trot catering, music by James AndrewsÕ band and more.Tickets $75 (main event), $125 (includes patron party). 7 p.m. patron party, 8 p.m. main event.

Keith Knight comics & Comedy. Handsome WillyÕs, 218 S. Robertson St., 525-0377; www.handsomewillys.com or http://antigravitymagazine.com or www.kchronicles.com Ñ Antigravity magazine brings creator of K Chronicles comics Keith Knight to New Orleans as part of their two-year anniversary celebration. Knight presents his comics and an accompanying stand-up comedy-style monologue performance. Free admission. 7 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 El Paso Patriots. Tickets $5. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

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 24

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.

Feline Forum. Four Points Sheraton, 401 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (601) 749-5084; www.alleycat.org or nolaalleycat@yahoo.com Ñ Alley Cat Allies hosts a day-long workshop for humane groups and individuals who care for stray and feral cats. Experts from across the country speak on feline health and management issues. Registration is $25 for Louisiana and Mississippi residents and $50 for other states. Call or email to register and for schedule.

Festival of Neighborhoods. City Park, Botanical Gardens, 547-0499 (phone), 527-0279 (fax); www.nolahousingresources.info or paul@nolahrc.org Ñ All New Orleans neighborhood groups and rebuilding-related organizations are invited to showcase their ideas at this meet-and-greet event. There will be food, drinks and live music. Free admission and free display space. Call to register. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mid-City Art Market. City Park, Botanical Garden, 486-6226; www.midcityartmarket.org Ñ Local and regional artists sell paintings, pottery, glass, jewelry, photography, sculpture, textiles and more. Food and music available. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Pet microchipping. BelladoggieÕs future location, 3209 Tchoupitoulas St.; www.la-spca.org or www.belladonnadayspa.com Ñ Belladonna Day Spa and the LA/SPCA co-sponsor a pet microchip weekend. Fee is $10 per cat or dog; registration is $5. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Lacombe Crab Cook-Off Festival. John Davis Park, Hwy. 190, Lacombe, (985) 882-3010; www.lacombecrabcookofffestival.com Ñ The Lacombe Crab Cook-Off Festival features two days of eclectic music, crab dishes prepared any number of ways, and plenty of non-crab foods. Tickets $2, free for kids ages 10-under. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Self-defense workshop. Shaolin-Do Kung Fu & Tai Chi, 4210 St. Claude Ave., 944-1880; www.nolashaolin.com Ñ A free self-defense class teaches fast, effective techniques for evading, escaping or stopping an attack. Open to adults of any age and fitness level. RSVP by phone or Web site. 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Press club Awards. Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, 739 Canal St., 523-1010 Ñ The Press Club of New Orleans honors the best in local reporting at its annual awards ceremony. A special tribute will be made to local TV newsman Alec Gifford. Chris Rose hosts the event. Tickets $45. 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. awards.

JazzÕn the Vines. Pontchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Hwy. 1082 (Old Military Road), Bush, (985) 892-9742; www.pontchartrainvineyards.com Ñ Pontchartrain Vineyards presents a concert with Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders. Bring picnic fare, blankets and chairs. No pets or outside wine, beer or liquor. Tickets $10. 6:30 p.m.

Press street Art show/book release. LÕArt Noir Gallery, 4108 St. Claude Ave.; www.press-street.com or http://lartnoirneworleans.com Ñ Press Street literary and visual arts collective present an art show and book-release party in support of its first published title, Intersection | New Orleans. Contributors will read from the book. All proceeds from the book benefit NOCCA/RiverfrontÕs writing program. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday 25 trinity artist series. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., 522-0276; www.trinityc.net Ñ Trinity Artist Series presents the New Orleans Navy Big Band. 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 26 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.

New Orleans zephyrs. Zephyr Field, 6000 Airline Drive, Metairie, 734-5155; www.zephyrsbaseball.com Ñ The Zephyrs play the Iowa Cubs. Tickets start at $7. 7 p.m. Monday.

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

AFRO AMERICAN BOOK STOP/Beaucoup Books. 3951 Magazine St., 895-2663; www.beaucoupbooks.com or www.theafroamericanbookstop.com Ñ New Orleans radio talk-show host Hal Clark signs his debut novel, ChummyÕs Spirit. Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday.

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 Joy King signs her new book, Dirty Little Secrets on Saturday. Call for time. Free and open to the public.

BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS. 3414 Hwy. 190, Ste. 10, Mandeville, (985) 626-8884 Ñ Carlana Stone Lawson signs Never Give In, Never Give Up. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; Rick Coleman signs Blue Monday: Fats Domino and the Lost Dawn of Rock ÕNÕ Roll. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS. 3721 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 455-5135 Ñ The Spirituality Group discusses Quaker Book of Wisdom by Robert Smith. 7 p.m. Tuesday; CNN reporter Anderson Cooper signs Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival. 1 p.m. Sunday.

Borders Books. 3131 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 835-1363 Ñ CNN reporter Anderson Cooper discusses and signs Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival. 12:30 p.m. Monday.

Catholic Bookstore. Trailer at Fig Street & Carrollton Avenue near store (8039 Fig St.), (800) 952-4667 Ñ The store holds a used-book sale of spiritual books as well as popular books for all ages. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Deville books. 736 Union St., 975-5064; workingwords100@yahoo.com Ñ DeVille Books holds an informational meeting to discuss a new International Fiction Lunchtime Book Group. RSVP by phone or email. All welcome. Bring ideas for future meetings. Noon Wednesday.

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, 838-1190; www.jefferson.lib.la.us Ñ New Orleans-born Nic Pizzolatto gives a talk called ÒMemory and DesireÓ and discusses Between Here and the Yellow Sea. A Q&A session and booksigning follow. 7 p.m. Tuesday; The Friends of Jefferson Library and the American Library Association hold a summer book sale with prices ranging from 50 cents to about $3. Cash and checks only. For details call Friends at 455-2665. 4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 27.

GARDEN DISTRICT BOOK SHOP. The Rink, 2727 Prytania St., 895-2266 Ñ Native New Orleanian author Chris Mooney discusses and signs his first book, The Republican War on Science. 5 p.m. reception, followed by a talk, Q&A session and booksigning Wednesday; Mark Childress discusses and signs One Mississippi. Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday; Diana Hollingsworth Gessler discusses and signs Very New Orleans, an illustrated guide to the history and culture of New Orleans. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; Susan Straight discusses and signs Million Nightingales. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

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

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 presents a reading by students who contributed to Umbra, the schoolÕs annual publication of art and writing. Open to the public. 3 p.m. Sunday.

OCTAVIA BOOKS. 513 Octavia St., 899-7323; www.octaviabooks.com Ñ The Alliance for Affordable Energy co-sponsors a talk and booksigning with author Tim Flannery for his latest book, The Weather Makers: The History and Future Impact of Climate Change. Wine and cheese will be served. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday; CNN reporter Anderson Cooper discusses and signs Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival. 4 p.m. Sunday.

Old metairie library. 2350 Metairie Road, Metairie, 838-4353; www.jefferson.lib.la.us Ñ The book club discusses The Great Deluge by Douglas Brinkley. 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Preservation Hall. 726 St. Peter St., 522.2841 Ñ Tom Sancton reads from and signs Song for My Fathers: A New Orleans Story in Black and White. Live jazz will accompany the event. 6 p.m. Saturday.

SamÕs club. 455 31st St., Kenner, 467-9677 Ñ Diana Hollingsworth Gessler signs Very New Orleans, an illustrated guide to the history and culture of New Orleans. 10 a.m. Saturday.

Terrytown library. 680 Heritage Ave., Terrytown, 346-2717; www.jefferson.lib.la.us Ñ The MidweekerÕs Book Group discusses Sons of Heaven by Terrence Cheng. 2 p.m. Wednesday.

WeST BANK REGIONAL LIBRARY. 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 364-2660; www.jefferson.lib.la.us Ñ The Friends of Jefferson Library and the American Library Association hold a summer book sale with prices ranging from 50 cents to about $3. Cash and checks only. For details call Friends at 455-2665. 4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 27.

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.)