(Please send listings information to Listings Editor Katie Walenter at
listingsedit@gambitweekly.com or fax to 483-3116.) family Tuesday 25 Harry Potter Dance Party. Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St., 899-7323;
www.octaviabooks.com Ñ Octavia Books celebrates the paperback release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince with a dance party, dramatic readings, refreshments and more. Noon. wednesday 26 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 26 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.
Folk dancing. Starlight Ballroom, 5050 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 467-5090; www.folkdancers.net/ccid Ñ Crescent City International Dancers teach folk dances from around the world for all levels: beginners 7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., advanced students and requests until 10 p.m. First visit free; $6 per couple, $4 per person. 7:30 p.m. saturDAY 29 New Orleans childrenÕs Chorus. 274-9943 (south shore auditions), (985) 641-6738 (Northshore auditions) Ñ The New Orleans ChildrenÕs Chorus holds auditions for the 2006-2007 season. Parents should call the NOCC to schedule an appointment on Saturday.
Harry PotterÕs Birthday Celebration. Louisiana ChildrenÕs Museum, 420 Julia St., 523-1357 Ñ The museum hosts a birthday party for Harry Potter. Guests are invited to dress as their favorite characters or creatures from the books (receive $1 off admission). The event includes a herbology workshop from the Pharmacy Museum, face painting, trivia, costume contest, crafts and more. Admission $7. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Code school. The National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012 ext. 333; www.ddaymuseum.org Ñ The museum hosts a day of family learning about the history of secret codes, disguise and deception during WWII through fun activities. Pre-registration is required. Free with museum admission. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. sunday 30 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 25 Art of Living course. 1002 Napoleon St., 994-4990; natalie@iahv.org Ñ The International Association for Human Values presents a five-day post-Katrina healing session that teaches stress-relieving breathing techniques, yoga, meditation and ancient wisdom. Call or email to register. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, July 24-Friday, July 28.
cemetery Tour guide training. Basin Street Station Visitors Center, 501 Basin St., 525-3377; www.saveourcemeteries.com Ñ Save Our Cemeteries holds a two-day cemetery tour guide training seminar. Call to pre-register. The registration fee includes lunch for both days and the SOC training manual. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday.
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, with guest performers, leads an hour of organ music and quiet meditation every Tuesday. 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
International piano competition. Loyola University, Roussel Hall, 899-4826; www.mascno.org Ñ The Musical Arts Society of New Orleans hosts a piano competition for the twelve finalists. Tickets $15-$30. 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 25-Friday, July 28, 8 p.m. Saturday, July 29, 2 p.m. Sunday, July 30. Wednesday 26 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.
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).
Tribal bellydance classes. Tapas Yoga and Movement Studio, 4413 Chastant St., Metairie, 256-5255; www.tapasyoga.net Ñ Shannon Wolfe teaches fundamental techniques of tribal-style bellydance (Wednesday) and a lighthearted introduction to the style (Friday). Open to all levels. $12 per class. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 7 p.m. Friday.
MusiciansÕ village night. Cafe Brasil, 2100 Chartres St. Ñ Volunteers from Habitat for Humanity will be on hand to provide information about the MusiciansÕ Village. Fredy Omar con su Banda perform. 10 p.m. Thursday 27 National Love conference. Baton Rouge River Center, 275 S. River Road, Baton Rouge, (800) 330-1034; www.nationalloveconference.com Ñ The National Love Conference focuses on bringing about social, cultural and spiritual reformation while desolving educational, racial and denominational barriers. Free. 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
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.
New Markets Tax Credit meeting. Liberty Bank & Trust, 6600 Plaza Drive, 240-5161 Ñ The Liberty Bank and Trust Company hosts its New Markets Tax Credit Advisory Board meeting. Open to the public. 2 p.m.
Twilight garden concert series. City Park, New Orleans Botanical Garden, Pavilion of the Two Sisters, 483-9386; www.neworleanscitypark.com Ñ Thais St. Julien and Milton Scheurmann perform. Tickets $6 general admission, $2 kids ages 5-12, free admission 5-under. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., through Aug. 31. Friday 28 wEEKEND BAZAAR . Bazaar, 805 St. Ferdinand St., 309-2288 Ñ The shop and gallery hosts a weekly outdoor sale of handmade creations by local artists. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
columbia Street Block Party. Downtown Covington, Columbia Street, (985) 892-1873 Ñ The City of Covington hosts a monthly block party featuring a classic car show, family fun and entertainment. Restaurants, galleries and shops will be open for the event. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday.
City of Wellness weekend Conference. Sheraton Hotel, 102 France St., Baton Rouge, (225) 924-2625; www.cityofwellnessweekend.com Ñ The wellness conference presents a wholistic approach to disease, wellness and healthier living, featuring workshops, panel discussions and special guests, including raw-food specialist Lynda Carter and wholistic-healing author Queen Afua. Tickets $25 per day, $65 weekend pass. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
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.
Hot Brazil Show Series. HowlinÕ Wolf, 907 S. Peters St., 522-WOLF; www.myspace.com/hotbrazilneworleans Ñ Zulubeng Productions presents an event featuring Brazilian cuisine, dance demonstrations, art and live music by Blake Amos & Saudade, Bateria Zabumba and DJ Jeff. Tickets $10. 9:30 p.m.
saturday 29
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.
Gretna Farmers market. Huey P. Long Avenue, between Third and Fourth streets, Gretna, 362-8661 Ñ The weekly rain-or-shine Gretna Farmers Market features more than 30 vendors offering a wide range of fruits and vegetables, meats and flowers. Free admission. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
erace new orleans meeting. 3603 Magazine St., 866-1163; www.eracismneworleans.org Ñ ERACE meets for weekly discussions. All welcome. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.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, including live music and activity tent. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Argentine Tango classes. Club Silhouette, 3505 N. Hullen St., Metairie, 390-2138 Ñ Club Silhouette holds weekly tango classes. 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. (beginner class), 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (advanced class).
jesuit church tour. Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church, 130 Baronne St., 529-1477; www.jesuitchurch.net Ñ The church holds a monthly tour prior to its 4 p.m. vigil mass. Free admission. 3 p.m.
International Piano performance. Loyola University, Roussel Hall, 899-4826; www.mascno.org Ñ Four previous winners of the New Orleans International Piano Competition perform to raise money for the Musical Arts Society of New Orleans. Call for ticket prices. 8 p.m. Sunday 30 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. 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 a concert with soprano Jennifer Bason singing TchaikovskyÕs ÒTatianaÕs Letter SceneÓ from Eugene Onegin, and pianist Emanuel Burke and organist Albinas Prizgintas perform the first movement of GriegÕs Concerto in A minor . Free admission. 5 p.m.
Volleyball league. University of New Orleans, UNO Lakefront Arena, 834-2134 Ñ Contact David to join a weekly co-ed volleyball league. Matches are played year-round on three courts. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday 31 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.
Art of Living course. 1002 Napoleon St., 994-4990; natalie@iahv.org Ñ The International Association for Human Values presents a five-day post-Katrina healing session that teaches stress-relieving breathing techniques, yoga, meditation and ancient wisdom. Call or email to register. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, July 31-Friday, Aug. 4.
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 donations 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, 833-4024 or (800) ACS-2345; www.cancer.org Ñ The American Cancer Society needs volunteers to participate in its 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.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteers. (866) 305-2626; www.bbbssela.org Ñ Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Louisiana needs volunteers to serve as mentors to area children. A volunteer meets two to three times a month with his or her Little Brother or Sister. You can play games, see movies, bake cookies, play sports, or plan any other outings you both would enjoy! 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 are invited to contact Geraldine Harris at 596-2601.
Beaucoup Books. 3951 Magazine St., 895-2663; www.beaucoupbooks.com Ñ The store holds a closing sale from July 24-28th with a 50 percent or more discount on its remaining inventory. Owner Mary Price Dunbar will continue the business through the Web site, which will debut with a new look in September.
DEVILLE BOOKS. 736 Union St., 975-5064 Ñ The International Fiction Reading Group discusses The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. 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, 838-1100; www.jefferson.lib.la.us Ñ The Science Fiction Book Club discusses Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold. 7 p.m. Wednesday.
GOLD MINE SALOON. 701 Dauphine St., 586-0745; www.17poets.com Ñ The 17 Poets weekly series presents featured poet Bill Myers. 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 Unita Blackwell and JoAnne Pritchard Morris read from and sign their book, BarefootinÕ. 6 p.m. Thursday.
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 on 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 Monday. (The deadline for all listings information submissions is noon Monday . Listings are edited for space; please visit www.bestofneworleans.com for complete listings.)
