(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 5 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 6 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 8 Porta-Puppet PLayers. ChildrenÕs Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 468-7231 Ñ The Porta-Puppet Players present ÒStar-Spangled BanterÓ in celebration of Independence Day. Admission $3.50. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Battle of Britain day. The National World War II Museum, Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012; www.nationalww2museum.org Ñ The museum hosts a ÒBattle of Britain Family WorkshopÓ for kids ages 8-12 and their guardians. The event includes radar and ÒdogfightÓ games, model building and veterans who witnessed the battle. Pre-registration required. Free with museum admission. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. sunday 9 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. monday 10 Teen drama workshop. River Region Performing Arts & Cultural Center, 15146 River Road, Good Hope, 940-1129 Ñ The center holds an eight-session drama workshop for teens in sixth through 12th grades. All levels of experience invited. The final workshop will be a public performance. Call to register and for details. Free admission. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, July 10-13 and Monday, July 17-20.

events Tuesday 4 4th of July at Jax. Jax Brewery, 600 Decatur St., 566-7601; www.jacksonbrewery.com Ñ Jax Brewery hosts a family-friendly celebration with live music from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., food and drinks. The Odyssey Shipwreck and Treasure Adventure are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Independence day concert. The National World War II Museum, Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012; www.nationalww2museum.org Ñ The Jefferson Symphony Chorus presents a concert of patriotic music. Noon to 1 p.m.

Old-fashioned 4th of july. Bayou Waterfront Park, Bayou Plaquemine, 687-7158 or (877) 987-7158; www.lastateparks.com Ñ Plaquemine holds an all-day celebration featuring a boat parade and canoe/pirogue race (4 p.m.), food, crafts, sack races, pie-eating contests, free tours of the lock house, live music by Kane Glaze (6 p.m.) and fireworks (9 p.m.).

Modern Dance class. New Orleans Dance Academy, 5956 Magazine St., 899-3780 Ñ Dancer and choreographer Lula Elzy teaches weekly Horton-based modern dance classes. Call for details. 6 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.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.

Baton Rouge Concert & Fireworks. U.S.S. Kidd Veterans Memorial, 305 River Road, Baton Rouge, (225) 342-1942; www.batonrougeconcertband.org Ñ The band celebrates Independence Day with a free concert conducted by Gerald Guilbeaux. Andrea Hochkeppel is the guest vocalist. Fireworks will follow. 8 p.m.

Go 4th on the river. Mississippi River, Woldenberg Park, from the Moon Walk to the Spanish Plaza Ñ Celebrate the 4th of July with patriotic and popular music on the riverfront. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Wednesday 5 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.

Normandy Lecture. The National World War II Museum, Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012; www.nationalww2museum.org Ñ The lunchbox lectureÕs theme is ÒNormandy Revisited in Photos.Ó Bring your lunch. Free admission.

Palate Event. W New Orleans, 333 Poydras St., 525-9444 Ñ W New Orleans hotel hosts Palate, a weekly wine-and-food socializing event. Wine experts on hand. Admission $10 (includes wine and hors dÕoeuvres). 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

yoga & Pilates Classes. The Big Top, 1638 Clio St., 569-2700; www.3rcp.com Ñ Jennifer Pearl teaches yoga and Pilates. 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.

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 6 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 Pfister Sisters 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 7 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 8

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.

First-time homebuyerÕs class. 817 N. Claiborne Ave., 947-1555 Ñ Family Resources of New Orleans holds a first-time homebuyerÕs class. 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. class.

Practice ACT test. East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 838-1190; www.jefferson.lib.la.us Ñ Princeton Review gives a free practice ACT test. A follow-up strategy session will be held July 13. Advance registration is required; register by calling the Princeton Review (800) 2-REVIEW or online at www.princetonreview.com. Free. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Pet adoption fair. Jefferson Feed, Pet & Garden Center, 4421 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 368-5191; www.la-spca.org Ñ The LA/SPCA hosts a pet adoption fair with counselors and volunteers on hand for the right selection. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shooting range open house. Natchitoches Shooting Range, 635 Tauzin Island Road, Natchitoches, (318) 356-9457 Ñ The shooting range holds an open house with displays about hunting and fishing, taxidermy, sporting goods, gun repair, cowboy action shoots, recipes and seasoning for wild game. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PTSD-relief seminar. Whole Foods Market, Arabella Station, 5600 Magazine St., 899-9119 Ñ Dr. Henri Roca leads ÒReleasing Post Traumatic Stress Holistically.Ó Space is limited; register at the Customer Service counter. Free admission. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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 the Serenaders Swing Band. Bring picnic fare, blankets and chairs. No pets or outside wine, beer or liquor. Tickets $10. 6:30 p.m. Sunday 9 Miniatures Aerial battle of Britain. The National World War II Museum, Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012; www.nationalww2museum.org Ñ The Historical Miniatures Gaming SocietyÕs Gulf South chapter presents a miniature Battle of Britain with small airplanes recreating aerial dogfights. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Feed the multitudes event. LaSalle Park (next to Zephyr Stadium), 6600 Airline Drive, Metairie, 731-4726 Ñ The City of New Orleans and local churches host the annual Independence Day event featuring free food, games and activities for kids, live entertainment, free health screenings, haircuts and new clothing, toys, bikes, furniture and appliance giveaways. Noon to 5 p.m.

trinity artist series. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., 522-0276; www.trinityc.net Ñ Trinity Artist Series presents a concert with organist Albinas Prizgintas and flautist Gail Blaustein performing breezy classical music. Free admission. 5 p.m. Monday 10 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.

Le Cabaret de lÕalliance Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel, 817 Common St., 568-0770 Ñ The ÒLe Cabaret de lÕAllianceÓ event celebrates Bastille Day with live cabaret performances, French cuisine and summer drinks at a cash bar. Admission price includes membership to the Alliance Français. RSVP by June 10. Tickets $25 for AF members, $35 for nonmembers. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 11.

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.

call for volunteers

American Cancer Society. 2605 River Road, Jefferson, 833-4024 or (800) ACS-2345; www.cancer.org Ñ The American Cancer Society needs volunteers to participate in their upcoming events and facilitate patient-service programs offered in the area. Opportunities are available with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Hope Lodge, Man to Man, I Can Cope, Relay For Life and more. Call for more information.

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 should contact Geraldine Harris at 596-2601.

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 The Popular Fiction Book Club discusses Gregory MaguireÕs Wicked: The Life and Times of Wicked Witch of the West. 7 p.m. Wednesday.

GOLD MINE SALOON. 701 Dauphine St., 586-0745; www.17poets.com Ñ The 17 Poets weekly series presents featured poet Guy Waltz. Open mic to follow. Poets, writers, storytellers, dancers, musicians, puppeteers and vocalists welcome. Hosted by Dave Brinks. Free admission. 8 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.

OCTAVIA BOOKS. 513 Octavia St., 899-7323; www.octaviabooks.com Ñ The Sci-Fi Book Club discusses Pierre BoulleÕs Planet of the Apes. New members welcome. 10:30 a.m. 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.)