Weekly Beat - September 25, 2008

Sometimes I just get so frustrated with this city- can you tell?

Last Friday the Times-Picayune ran a piece on the North Rampart Street "Renaissance."

You know, given the current state of the economy in New Orleans-which is not so hot-I wonder how the folks with the idea that residential and "mixed use commercial" (that excludes live entertainment) will improve the North Rampart Street corridor and the sadly dilapidated and under-used Armstrong Park. There have been at least three people I know of who wanted to open live music venues on North Rampart Street. At one time, it was rumored that the famed Blue Note was looking for a location on North Rampart. I guess the fact that they wouldn't be able to obtain a live music permit kid of squashed that proposal. Chamaine Neville had investors who wanted to set her up in a club of her own on North Rampart. But they couldn't get a live music permit. The long-lamented Funky Butt was totally neglected by the building owner and had begun to deteriorate badly; so badly, in fact, that Sammie Williams and his wife Shanekah, who managed the Funky Butt, had to move out because the building was in such poor condition. When Pat Ritter tried to reopen the Funky Butt as a music venue post- Katrina, he was denied a music permit. There is something really wrong, and in the words of legendary New Orleans music producer Cosimo Matassa, "anti-historical," about not allowing music on North Rampart Street.

On the other side of the coin, there are the residents who live near North Rampart Street who don't want it to become another Bourbon Street. Totally understandable.

So what's a city to do? A city that's known as the cradle of jazz? Should the select few who live in the Quarter near Rampart-who apparently have no appreciation for the historical significance and the part that music plays in the culture of the city-have control over funding and planning for North Rampart?

Shouldn't they talk a broader view of what's good and beautiful about this city, other than their need to control their surroundings, and basically keep all those nasty musicians and music clubs and the riff- raff who listen to live music out of their domain? I mean, if you live in the French Quarter, and especially on a four-lane commercial street adjacent to an historical park and you'r worried about noise, you might want to consider moving to a place that's off the beaten track and away from the Quarter--like the suburbs? Seriously. Move away or don't get in the way of what should be on North Rampart: live jazz, live New Orleans music. I don't mean like the blaring crap that rolls out of the doors of a lot of Bourbon Street establishments. I mean JAZZ. Speaking of Bourbon Street and jazz, Fritzel's Jazz Club has reopened with new management on Bourbon Street and features real local live jazz musicians every night. Ironic that Bourbon now has another real traditional jazz venue!

Congratulations to Basin Street Records and Kermit Ruffins for reuniting. Ruffins had left the label post Katrina, but recently signed a new three- year contract with the local label. Here's looking for more great Basin Street music from Kermit!

Read Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Jan Ramsey's monthly commentary "Mojo Mouth".

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OffBeat's November "HALLOWEEN AND FALL FESTIVAL" deadline for space reservations is October 17. This issue will be distributed at the upcoming World Cultural Economy Forum in New Orleans beginning October 29.

Saturday night, 3 Ring Circus Arts Education Center will present "Circus, Circus, Circus," its first annual block party in front of the Big Top (1638 Clio St.). The night is a fundraiser that starts at 7 p.m. with a Patron's Party featuring Anais St. John. At 8 p.m., the Street Carnival starts with music on three stages, drink, food and circus-themed snacks from local restaurants, games, raffles, and live and silent auctions. Performers include St. John, then Rotary Downs (pictured), Davis Rogan, Fredy Omar, Michael Skinkus and Margie Perez, Fatter Than Albert, the Other Planets, Inferneaux Fire Performance Troupe, Billion Dollar Baby Dolls, Les Poisson Rouge, Billy Schotz and Whirly Bones, Claudia and Her Beir Gartners, Sarah the Bobcat, Uncle Flim Flam's Ragtime Orleans Mechanical Music, Clockwork Elvis, Princess Stephaney and many more. Ringmasters include Jon "Sazerac the Clown" Pult, comedian "Wild" Bill Dykes and Bartlett Meeks.

The night will also honor Dorian Bennett of Dorian Bennett/Sotheby International Realty; Don Marshall, Executive Director of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation; and Echo Olander, Executive Director of KIDsmArt for their efforts supporting arts in New Orleans (KIDsmArt has just been awarded a Governor's Art Award). Tickets are $50 for patrons, $25 for 3 Ring Circus members and $35 for non-members. Tickets are available from the Big Top or at 3rcp.com. For more information call (504) 569-2700.

Martin Wine Cellar in Metairie (714 Elmeer Ave.) hosts a series of events for wine novices and collectors through the end of October. This Thursday, wine consultant Andrew Dike will present a seated tasting and lecture on "The Barolos and Brunellos of 2003" for $65 per person. The Metairie events all start at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (504) 896-7300.

In other booze news, Tales of the Cocktail presents "Behind the Bar," an exhibit of photographs taken in New Orleans bars and restaurants. The show opens Wednesday at the W Hotel (333 Poydras Ave.) with a reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with bar food by Chef Roberto Bustillo of Zoë Bistro and a New Orleans Sazerac bar compliments of Sazerac Rye Whiskey. It will be on display for a month.

BIG CHIEFS IN THE HOSPITAL

Cherise Harrison-Nelson reports that Big Chief Bo Dollis of the Wild Magnolias and Chief Joe Prieur of the Red, White and Blue are in the hospital at Touro Infirmary. Prieur suffered a heart attack last week, and Dollis has been in poor health for the last few years. He's scheduled to undergo surgery Thursday. Dollis can't have visitors at this time, but cards, prayers and well wishes are appreciated.


RUFFINS BACK WITH BASIN STREET

Earlier this week, Kermit Ruffins re-signed with Basin Street Records, agreeing to a three-album deal. The first will be out this spring. "Kermit Ruffins was our first artist signed in October 1997, the first to record in November 1997 and the first CD release in February 1998," Basin Street owner Mark Samuels says. "It also marks the first new contract for Basin Street since October of 2003."


STOMPING eBAY

Dr. Ike of the Ponderosa Stomp is selling records from his personal collection on eBay to raise money for the Ponderosa Stomp Foundation. He's putting new records up daily, so keep checking the auctions.


HELP FOR HELP'S SAKE

The Contemporary Arts Center is looking for volunteers to help with Capital One's Art for Arts' Sake, the yearly arts celebration/gallery openings/block party and benefit for the CAC on Saturday, October 4. Those interested in volunteering with the CAC can choose their shifts--from noon to 4 p.m. or from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Volunteers will staff admission tables and info booths, sell concessions and assist event organizers as needed. To volunteer, contact Stacye Markey, CAC Volunteer Coordinator, at (504) 528-3805 or email smarkey@cacno.org.


WE'RE NUMBER ONE!

CNN Headline News and Travel + Leisure conducted their annual "America's Favorite Cities" survey, and New Orleans was named the best city for dining and live music. We ranked second for nightlife, and best for Destination Restaurants, Ethnic Food/Cheap Eats, and Vintage Stores/Flea Markets. We finished in the Top Five in the following categories: Cafés/coffee bars, Spring Break, Cocktail hour/lounge scene, Late-night/club scene, Singles/bar scene, Diverse, Affordability, People-watching, Antique stores, Wild weekend. That's all well and good, but when will someone love us for our minds and our industry? Reading between those lines, we're the place America loves as the place to go to eat, drink, party, then shop off the hangover the next day.


A NEW FLEA MARKET

Speaking of our beloved flea markets, there will be a new one--the Broad St. Bazaar--starting Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of Robert's at the corner of Broad and Bienville. This flea market will take place on the fourth Saturday of the month for the foreseeable future and focuses on vendors, artists and designers who work with recycled materials. There will be food by the Ruby Slipper and music by the DeSoto Street Band. To reserve a space for the premiere market and get details, contact Cree McCree at houseofboo@cox.net. Include a brief description of what you plan to sell.


D.A. FORUM

The Press Club of Greater New Orleans and the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau present a District Attorney Candidate Forum Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Convention and Visitors Bureau (2020 St. Charles Ave.). It's free and open to the public, and the panelists to question candidates Linda Bizzarro, Leon Cannizzaro, Ralph Capitelli and Jason Williams are Ron Forman, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau Chairman; Peter Kovacs, Times-Picayune Managing Editor; Greg LaRose, CityBusiness Managing Editor; and Norman Robinson, WDSU Evening News Anchor. For more information, call (504) 523-1010 or visit www.pressclubneworleans.org.

Check out our annual "Food" / September edition for John Swenson's piece on the Rads...features on the New Orleans Klezmer Allstars, Bobby Charles and a BackTalk with slide guitar phenom Sonny Landreth. Plus...Where does your favorite band eat? And..."The Gravy" a new series by author/photographer Elsa Hahne on musicians and cooking, featuring Irma Thomas's Mac and Cheese. Plus much, much more!

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This week, two major indie rock shows come to town. Sunday night at the Howlin' Wolf, Fleet Foxes (pictured) perform with Frank Fairfield opening, then Tuesday night at the Republic, Austin's Okkervil River plays with Crooked Fingers, Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears.

Fleet Foxes is an ambitious, lovely, pastoral album built around acoustic instruments and vocal harmonies. The songs cover a lot of ground in three or four minutes, and even though the voices stand out front, the tracks are more fully orchestrated and have broader roots than is initially obvious. Folk, though, is unquestionably the central reference point.

Okkervil River's The Stand-Ins is also a sonically big record with horns and strings, and it's as ambitious as Fleet Foxes, if in different ways. Songwriter Will Sheff wears his intelligence on his sleeve and uses it to dissect the rock 'n' roll life he's hitched his wagon to. Not surprisingly, he finds a lot to chew on, but the album never settles in easy melancholy, often forcing itself to c'mon get happy, even when it's just putting on a brave face.

THERESA ANDERSSON
Sep 25 Baltimore MD The 8X10
Sep 26 Philadelphia PA World Cafe Live
Sep 27 New York NY Bowery Ballroom
Sep 30 Washington DC DC9
Oct 5 Mobile AL Bayfest

BEAUSOLEIL AVEC MICHAEL DOUCET
Sep 26 Birmingham AL University of Alabama
Sep 27 Huntsville AL Big Spring Jam
Oct 3 Washington NC Turnage Theater

TAB BENOIT
Sep 26 Chicago IL Buddy Guy's Legends
Sep 27 Bloomington IL New Lafayette Club
Sep 28 Saint Louis MO Taste Of St. Louis
Sep 30 Indianapolis IN The Slippery Noodle Inn
Oct 3 Columbia MO The District
Oct 4 Louisiana MO Club Mississippi

BIG AL & THE HEAVYWEIGHTS
Oct 4 Mobile AL Blues Tavern

THE BLUERUNNERS
Oct 3 Hattiesburg MS Live After Five
Oct 4 Shreveport LA Red River Revel

BONERAMA
Sep 26 Tampa FL Skippers Smokehouse

BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO
Sep 26 Crystal Bay NV Crystal Bay Club Casino
Sep 28 San Francisco CA San Francisco Blues Festival
Oct 3 Chapel Hill NC Univ. of North Carolina
Oct 5 Reston VA Reston Community Center

CHUBBY CARRIER & THE BAYOU SWAMP BAND
Oct 4 Greenville SC Cajun Crawl

COWBOY MOUTH
Oct 1 Dallas TX House Of Blues

DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND
Oct 1-2 Milan ITL Blue Note
Oct 3 Nantes FRA Salle Pannonica
Oct 4 Bensancon FRA Place de la Revolution
Oct 5 Rubigen SWI Muhle Hunzigen

DR. JOHN
Oct 3 Solana Beach CA Belly Up Tavern
Oct 4 West Hollywood CA House Of Blues
Oct 5-11 San Diego CA Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise

GALACTIC
Sep 25 Boulder CO Fox Theater
Sep 27 Fort Collins CO Aggie Theater
Sep 28 Austin TX Austin City Limits Festival
Oct 8 Athens GA Georgia Theater

KERRY GROMBACHER
Sep 26-29 Custer SD Custer State Park
Oct 4 Thermopolis WY Museum Concert

THE IGUANAS
Sep 26 Hendersonville NC Camp Ton-A- Wandah
Oct 5 Baton Rouge LA Sunday In The Park
Oct 8 Carrboro NC Cat's Cradle

KELCY MAE
Sep 25 Chicago IL T's
Oct 5 Shreveport LA Red River Revel

KENNY NEAL
Oct 5-12 San Diego CA Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise

AARON NEVILLE
Oct 1 Bermuda BER South Hampton Princess Hotel
Oct 4 Bermuda BER National Sports Center

IVAN NEVILLE'S DUMPSTAPHUNK
Sep 26 Hollywood Beach FL Hollywood Broadwalk
Sep 28 Hollywood Beach FL Hollywood Broadwalk

PORTER BATISTE STOLTZ
Sep 25 Providenc RI Lupo's
Sep 26 New York NY BB King's
Sep 27 Burlington VT Higher Ground

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND
Sep 25 Easton MD Avalon Theater

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND WITH THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA
Sep 26 Schenectady NY Proctor's Theater
Sep 27 Utica NY Munson-Williams-Procter Art Inst.
Sep 28 Washington DC Kennedy Center For The Perf. Arts
Sep 30 Buies Creek NC Campbell University
Oct 1 Knoxville TN Tennessee Theater
Oct 7 Champaign IL University Of Illinois
Oct 8 Columbus OH Palace Theater

QUINTRON AND MISS PUSSYCAT
Oct 2 Lafayette LA Blue Moon Saloon
Oct 3 Houston TX Walter's on Washington
Oct 4 Austin TX Emo's
Oct 7 Phoenix AZ The Trunk Space
Oct 8 Tucson AZ Club Congress

JIMMY ROBINSON
Oct 3 Covington LA The Green Room
Oct 4 Mobile AL Bay Fest

THE SAVOY-DOUCET CAJUN BAND
Oct 2 Los Angeles CA McCabe's

ALLEN TOUSSAINT
Oct 3 Detroit MI Center for the Performing Arts

Thursday, the Ponderosa Stomp visits the Ogden Museum of Southern Art for an Ogden After Hours session with swamp pop singer GG Shinn. Tipitina's hosts the CD-release party Thursday for Six Strings Down, a new album featuring guitarists Billy Iuso, John Lisi, West Bank Mike Doussan and Josh Garrett, while Snug Harbor presents a CD-release party for David Mooney, who'll be joined by John Ellis, Brian Coogan and Simon Lott. Eastern European folk/punk band Gogol Bordello plays the House of Blues, while Gym Neighbors are at d.b.a., the Other Planets are at the Dragon's Den, and Chris Ardoin's at the Rock 'n' Bowl.

Friday night, Susan Cowsill plays Carrollton Station with guests Paul Sanchez and Kim Carson. Some incarnation of southern rock band Molly Hatchet rocks Southport Hall, the Soul Rebels are at the Blue Nile, and Rock City Morgue play One Eyed Jacks.

Saturday night, classic soul-funk throwbacks Charles Walker and the Dynamites are at Tipitina's with the Soul Rebels opening. Ballzack plays One Eyed Jacks, Seguenon Kone's Ivory Coast Spectacle's at Lazziza, and Irene Sage is back in town and at Le Bon Temps Roule. Vibes player James Westfall--a resident in Musicians' Village--brings his Wee Trio to Snug Harbor Sunday night for a CD-release party for Capitol Diner Vol. 1 , an album that includes originals you'd expect and Nirvana and Sufjan Stevens compositions you wouldn't. Also that night, the Joe Krown Trio featuring Russell Batiste and Walter "Wolfman" Washington plays the Maple Leaf. Monday night, Maroon 5 and Brandi Carlisle play a benefit for the Make It Right Foundation at the House of Blues. Guitarist John Fohl plays at Dos Jefes Uptown, and Papa Grows Funk is at the Maple Leaf.

Tuesday, Jimmy Robinson plays a happy hour show in the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in its new location in the Riverwalk. Some version of New Riders of the Purple Sage are at the Blue Nile, and Rebirth Brass Band plays its Tuesday night gig at the Maple Leaf.

Wednesday, indie hip-hop artist Atmosphere's at Tipitina's with Abstract Rude, Blueprint, and DJ Rare Groove. The Pfister Sisters play their happy hour show at the Spotted Cat, and Carl LeBlanc and the Essential New Orleans Band is at Preservation Hall, and garage blues band the Black Keys (pictured) are at the House of Blues with opening act Jessica Lea Mayfield. Her new album, With Blasphemy So Heartfelt, was produced by the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach, and she was recently added to the lineup for the Voodoo Music Experience.

The Iguanas: If You Should Ever Fall On Hard Times (Yep Roc)

September 2, 2008
Theresa Andersson: Hummingbird, Go! (Basin Street Records)

September 9, 2008
Lost Bayou Ramblers: Vermilionaire (Bayou Perdu Records)

September 16, 2008
Marc Broussard: Keep Coming Back (Atlantic)
TriFunctA: Hangin' (Independent)

September 18, 2008
Jean Knight: R&B Queen of New Orleans (Independent)
The Tomatoes: Divisionism (Revolution Blues Music )

September 23, 2008
Cowboy Mouth: Fearless (Valley Entertainment)

September 30, 2008
The Iguanas: If You Should Ever Fall On Hard Times (Yep Roc)
Porter Batiste Stoltz: Moodoo: Live at Club Metronome (Independent)

October 14, 2008
Quintron: Too Thirsty for Love (Goner Records)

Released in August 2008
The Balfa Brothers & Nathan Abshie: From Recordings of Ray Alden & Dave Spilkia (Fild Recorders' Collective)
Grayson Capps & the Stumpknockers: Rott 'N' Roll (Hyena)
Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames: Holla @ Me (Independent)
Kerry Grombacher: It Sings in the Hi- Line (Independent)
The Fessters: Restraining Disorder (Independent)
Ben Hunter: Traveler (Awareness Records)
Sonny Landreth: From the Reach (Landfall)
Metronome the City with I, Octopus: Metronome the City with I, Octopus (Independent)
Coco Robicheaux: Like I Said, Yeah, U Rite!: The Techneaux Swamp Sessions (Spirtland)
Christian Serpas & Ghost Town: Hoot and Holler: Live From New Orleans (Independent)
Irma Thomas : Simply Grand (Rounder Records)
Amy Trail: Lushious Life (Independent)
Various Artists: Her Name is New Orleans: Listen to the Women (Independent)
Various Artists: Swamp Pop Sweethearts (Jin)
Walter Jr.: The River Club (Gatortone Music)
Chip Wilson: Last Love Song (Independent)
Wayne Toups: The Essential (NBR)

Earl Palmer, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Guitar Hero and more on Banksy--who recently invaded New Orleans.

(AC) A Cappella; (AU) Acoustic; (BG) Big Band; (BL) Blues; (BU) Bluegrass; (BB) Brass Band; (SH) Cabaret/Show; (KJ) Cajun; (KS) Christian; (CL) Classical; (CR) Classic Rock; (KR) College Rock; (CO) Comedy; (CW) Country; (DN) Dance; (DG) Dance Group; (FE) Folk/Ethnic; (FR) Folk Rock; (FK) Funk; (FS) Fusion; (GG) Girl Group; (GS) Gospel; (MJ) Contemporary Jazz; (TJ) Traditional Jazz; (JV) Jazz, Variety; (LT) Latin; (ME) Metal; (OL) Oldies; (OR) Originals; (PK) Piano, Keyboards; (PP) Pop / Top 40 / Covers; (PR) Modern Rock; (RG) Reggae / World Beat; (RH) Rap / Hip-Hop; (RB) Rhythm & Blues; (RC) Rockabilly; (RR) Rock; (SI) Swing; (SKA) Ska; (SS) Singer Songwriter; (SW) Spoken Word; (TC) Techno / Electronic; (TG) Thrash /Grunge; (VR) Variety; (VF) Vocals, Female; (VM) Vocals, Male; (ZY) Zydeco.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25
Andrea's Capri Blue Lounge: Mike Morris (JV) 4p Eddie Zip (JV) 8p
Apple Barrel: Coco Robicheaux & the Swamp Monsters (BL) 8p, Haleen & the Hellbenders (BL) 10:30p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Banks Street Bar: Margie Perez, the Groovy Blues (BL) 10p
Blue Nile: Sam Cammarata (BL) 9p, DJ T- Roy (RG) 11p, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue (upstairs) (CW) 10p
Café Beignet: Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (JV) 6p
Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone): John Autin (PK) 9p
Carrollton Station: singer/songwriter night (SS) 9p
Checkpoint Charlie: the Fens (BL RR) 10p
Circle Bar: Elliott Cohn (RR) 10p
d.b.a.: Gym Neighbors (OR) 10p
Dos Jefes: Rick Trolsen & Gringo do Choro (JV BL) 10p
Dragon's Den: Bassbin Safari feat. DJ Proppa Bear (VR) 10p, the Other Planets (upstairs) (VR) 10p
Fritzel's: Ryan Burrage & his Rhythmakers (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Big Al Carson & the Blues Masters (BL) 8p
Hi Ho Lounge: Burning Castles, the Sidewalk Band, Socrates Johnson (VR) 10p
Hookah Café: Super Cool DJ Kazu (RB FK) 9p
House of Blues (The Parish): the Fratellis, the Airborne Toxic Event, Electric Touch (RR) 8:30p
House of Blues: Gogol Bordello (RR) 9p
Houston's (St. Charles location): Garden District Trio feat. David Hansen, Tom Hook and Chris Sharkey (JV) 6:30p
Howlin' Wolf: Silent Cinema, Isabella, Hi Five (RR) 10p
Kerry Irish Pub: Mike Darby Band (BL) 9p
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Jeff "Snake" Greenberg (PK BL VR) 6p
Maple Leaf: the Trio (FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Eddie Parrino (RR) 7p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: Zydeco Night feat. Chris Ardoin (ZY) 8:30p
Mulate's: La Touche (KJ) 7p
Ogden Museum: Ogden After Hours feat. GG Shinn (RR) 6p
Old Point Bar: Marc Stone & West Bank Mike (BL) 6:30p, Tori Sparks (BL) 9p
One Eyed Jacks: Fast Times '80s Dance Night (PP) 10p
Rivershack Tavern: Kim Carson (BL) 8p
Snug Harbor: David Mooney CD-release feat. John Ellis, Brian Coogan and Simon Lott (MJ) 8 & 10p
Spotted Cat: Dominick Grillo (BL) 6:30p
Tipitina's: Six Strings Down (VR) 10p
Tropical Isle Beach Club: Waylon Thibodeaux (PP) 5p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Corey Michael (VR) 5p, Debi & the Deacons (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Dwight Breland (PP) 5p, Late as Usual (PP) 9p
Vaughan's: Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers (MJ) 10:30p

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26
Andrea's Capri Blue Lounge: Mike Morris (JV) 4p Eddie Zip (JV) 8p
Apple Barrel: Kenny Holladay & Rick Westin (BL) 8p, the Hip Shakers (BL) 11p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Banks Street Bar: Hat Talk, MeadowFlow, the Calm Blue Sea (BL) 10p
Blue Nile: Soul Rebels (BB) 11p, Jealous Monk (upstairs) (RR) 11p
Café Beignet: Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (JV) 6p
Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone): John Autin (PK) 9p
Carrollton Station: Susan Cowsill, Paul Sanchez and Kim Carson (RR) 10p
Checkpoint Charlie: Haleen & the Hellbenders (BL RR) 7p, Cemetery (RR) 10:30p, Jake Locke (RR BL) 12a
Circle Bar: Chris Scheurich (RR) 10p
Creole Queen Paddlewheeler: New Orleans Spice (JV) 7p
Crescent City Brewhouse: New Orleans Streetbeat (JV) 6p
Dos Jefes: Washboard Chaz Blues Trio (JV BL) 10p
Dragon's Den: Wendol (ME) 10p
Fritzel's: Ryan Burrage & his Rhythmakers (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Mark & the Pentones (BL) 4p, Big Al Carson & the Blues Masters (RR) 8p
Hi Ho Lounge: Reverend Spooky LeStrange's Church of Burlesque (SH) 10p
Hookah Café: Ladies Night feat. DJ EF Cuttin (RH) 10p
House of Blues (The Parish): Gaslight Anthem, Polar Bear Club, O Pioneers (RB) 6:30p
House of Blues: Cross Canadian Ragweed (CW) 9p
Houston's (St. Charles location): Garden District Trio feat. David Hansen, Tom Hook and Chris Sharkey (JV) 6:30p
Howlin' Wolf: Rebirth Brass Band (BB) 10p
Kerry Irish Pub: Chip Wilson (BL) 5p, Foot & Friends (BL) 9p
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Jeff "Snake" Greenberg (PK BL VR) 6p
Le Bon Temps Roule: Juice (FK) 11p
Legends: Gashouse Gorillaz (PP) 10p
Maple Leaf: Groovesect (FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Danny T. (KJ) 7p
Masquerade (Harrah's): Masquerade dancers (MJ) 10p
Michaul's: Sketter (KJ) 7p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: Mixed Nuts (PP) 9:30p
Mulate's: La Touche (KJ) 7p
Old Point Bar: the Marc Stone Band (BL) 9:30p
One Eyed Jacks: Black Car, Rock City Morgue (RR) 9p
Rivershack Tavern: Nelson Adelard (BL RR) 9:30p
Rusty Nail: Country Fried (CW) 10p
Snug Harbor: Dr. Michael White & the Original Liberty Jazz Band (TJ) 8p & 10p
Southport Hall: Molly Hatchet (PP) 10p
Steamboat Natchez: Dinner Jazz Cruise feat. Dukes of Dixieland (TJ) 7p
Takumi: Uptown Get Down feat. DJ Soul Sister (FK) 10p
Tipitina's: Neworleans.com Launch Party feat. Kirk Joseph, Marva Wright, Kermit Ruffins, Anders Osborne, Monk Boudreaux and many more (FK VR) 10p
Tropical Isle Beach Club: Waylon Thibodeaux (PP) 5p, Willie Locket (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Corey Michael (VR) 5p, Debi & the Deacons (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Al Hebert (PP) 5p, Late as Usual (PP) 9p

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27
Andrea's Capri Blue Lounge: Maryflynn Duo (JV) 8p
Apple Barrel: Sneaky Pete (BL) 8p, Coco Robicheaux & the Swamp Monsters (BL) 11p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Banks Street Bar: A Hanging, Love Zombie, Party Time (BL) 10p
Blue Nile: Irvin Mayfield and Purple Disrespect (FK MJ) 11p
Café Beignet: Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (JV) 6p
Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone): John Autin (PK) 9p
Carrollton Station: Jimmy Robinson (RR) 10p
Checkpoint Charlie: the Wave (BL RR) 8p, Izzy Cox (RR BL) 11p
Circle Bar: White Colla Crimes, Kings of Happy Hour (RR) 10p
Creole Queen Paddlewheeler: New Orleans Spice (JV) 7p
Crescent City Brewhouse: New Orleans Streetbeat (JV) 6p
d.b.a.: John Boutte (JV) 6p, Groovesect (FK) 11p
Dos Jefes: Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots (JV BL) 10p
Dragon's Den: Dropping Bombs III (VR) 10p
Fritzel's: Ryan Burrage & his Rhythmakers (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Mark & the Pentones (BL) 4p, Big Al Carson & the Blues Masters (RR) 8p
Hi Ho Lounge: Gal Holiday, the Unnaturals (CW RR) 10p
Hookah Café: Fredy Omar con su Banda (LT) 10p
House of Blues (The Parish): Slang Angus, 6 Pack Deep, Tony Skratcheree (RR RH) 10p
Houston's (St. Charles location): Garden District Trio feat. David Hansen, Tom Hook and Chris Sharkey (JV) 6:30p
Kerry Irish Pub: Paul Tobin (BL) 5p, Invisible Cowboy Band (BL) 9p
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Jeff "Snake" Greenberg (PK BL VR) 6p
Le Bon Temps Roule: Irene Sage (VF) 11p
Legends: Fleur de Lis (PP) 10p
Maple Leaf: Guy Forsyth (FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Irving Bannister's All-stars (RB) 4p
Masquerade (Harrah's): Masquerade dancers (MJ) 10p
Michaul's: Sketter (KJ) 7p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: Penny Lane (PP RR) 9:30p
Mulate's: Jonno Frishberg & Bayou Deville (KJ) 7p
Nunu's (Arnaudville): Feufollet (KJ) 10p
Old Point Bar: Delfeayo Marsalis and Marlon Jordan (MJ) 7p, the Space Heaters (BL) 10p
One Eyed Jacks: Ballzack (RH) 9p
Rivershack Tavern: Austin Sicard & the Medics (BL RR) 10p
Snug Harbor: Vernel Bagneris, Orange Kellian & the New Orleans Joymakers (TJ) 8p & 10p
Steamboat Natchez: Dinner Jazz Cruise feat. Dukes of Dixieland (TJ) 7p
Tipitina's: Charles Walker & the Dynamites, Soul Rebels (FK) 10p
Tropical Isle Beach Club: Waylon Thibodeaux (PP) 5p, Willie Locket (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Corey Michael (VR) 5p, Debi & the Deacons (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Al Hebert (PP) 1p, Dwight Breland (PP) 5p, Late as Usual (PP) 9p

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28
Apple Barrel: Kid Red (BL) 3p, Rollin' Hills (BL) 7p, Amanda Walker (BL) 10:30p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 10:30a & 6:30p
Banks Street Bar: Chris Polacek's open mic jam (OR) 9p
Café Beignet: Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (JV) 6p
Checkpoint Charlie: open mic feat. Jim Smith (OR) 7p
Circle Bar: American Aquarium, Black Diamond Heavies (RR) 10p
d.b.a.: Linnzi Zaorski (SI) 6p, Marc Stone Band (BL) 10p
Dragon's Den: Human Host, the Bouyant Sea (RR) 10p
Fritzel's: Lisa Lynn (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Mark & the Pentones (BL) 4p, Willie Locket (BL) 8p
Hi Ho Lounge: the Claw, the Devil & the Sea, Fat Stupid Ugly People (RR) 10p
Hookah Café: Gov't Majik (RH) 9p
House of Blues (The Parish): the Expendables, Rebelution, OPM (RR) 8p
Houston's (St. Charles location): Garden District Trio feat. David Hansen, Tom Hook and Chris Sharkey (JV) 6:30p
Howlin' Wolf: Fleet Foxes, Frank Fairfield (RR) 10p
Kerry Irish Pub: Irish Session (FE) 5p, T-Bone Stone & the Lazy Boys (BL) 9p
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Jeff "Snake" Greenberg (PK BL VR) 6p
Maple Leaf: Joe Krown Trio feat. Russell Batiste and Walter "Wolfman" Washington (BL FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Irving Bannister's All-stars (RB) 4p, Eddie Parrino (RR) 7p
Mulate's: Jonno Frishberg & Bayou Deville (KJ) 7p
Muriel's Jackson Square: jazz brunch feat. Joe Simon (JV) 11a
Old Point Bar: Jesse Moore (BL) 5p
Snug Harbor: James Westfall & the Wee Trio CD-release (MJ) 8 & 10p
Steamboat Natchez: Dinner Jazz Cruise feat. Dukes of Dixieland (TJ) 7p
Tipitina's: Sunday Music Workshop Series (VR) 12:30p, Cajun Fais Do Do feat. Bruce Daigrepont (KJ) 5:30p
Trinity Church: Trinity Artist Series feat. Henry Lee and the Korean Chorale feat. Kent Jensen, Jesse Nolan and Albinas Prizgintas (CL) 5p
Tropical Isle Beach Club: Waylon Thibodeaux (PP) 5p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Corey Michael (VR) 5p, Debi & the Deacons (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Al Hebert (PP) 9p

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 29
Apple Barrel: Sam Cammarata and Dominick Grillo (BL) 8p, Coco Robicheaux & the Swamp Monsters (BL) 10:30p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Banks Street Bar: John Lisi & Delta Funk (BL) 10p
Checkpoint Charlie: Mad Mike (BL RR) 8p
Circle Bar: Crusaders of Love, Static Static (RR) 10p
d.b.a.: St. Louis Slim (BL) 10p
Dos Jefes: John Fohl (JV BL) 10p
Dragon's Den: Justin Peake's Acoustic Trio (AU) 8p
Fritzel's: John Royen & Tim Laughlin Quartet (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Willie Locket (BL) 8p
Hi Ho Lounge: Bluegrass Pickin' Party (BU) 8p
House of Blues: Maroon 5, Brandi Carlile (RR) 8p
Houston's (St. Charles location): Garden District Trio feat. David Hansen, Tom Hook and Chris Sharkey (JV) 6:30p
Kerry Irish Pub: Kim Carson & Friends (BL) 9p
Maple Leaf: Papa Grows Funk (FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Brint Anderson (BL) 7p
Mulate's: La Touche (KJ) 7p
Sidney's Saloon: George French Band (JV) 7p
Snug Harbor: Charmaine Neville (MJ) 8 & 10p
Spotted Cat: Jerry Jumonville & the Jump City Band (BL) 6:30p
Trinity Church: Taize feat. Albinas Prizgintas (CL) 6p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Partytime Band (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Bruce Bono (PP) 9p

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30
Apple Barrel: Mike Sklar (BL) 8p, Kenny Schwartz & the Palace of Sin (BL) 10:30p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Banks Street Bar: Jammin' with Jambalaya, the Deadly Four (BL) 10p
Blue Nile: Open Ears feat. Dave Dove (MJ) 9p, New Rivers of the Purple Sage (OR) 10p
Carrollton Station: acoustic open mic (AU) 9p
Checkpoint Charlie: Amanda Walker (BL RR) 8p
Dos Jefes: Tom Hook (JV BL) 10p
Fritzel's: Ryan Burrage & Fritzel's Jazz Band (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Big Al Carson & the Blues Masters (BL) 8p
Hookah Café: Deep House SIN Night feat. DJ Kazu (VR) 9p
Houston's (St. Charles location): Garden District Trio feat. David Hansen, Tom Hook and Chris Sharkey (JV) 6:30p
Kerry Irish Pub: Chris Segar (BL) 9p
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Jeff "Snake" Greenberg (PK BL VR) 6p
Maple Leaf: Rebirth Brass Band (BB) 10p
Margaritaville: Brint Anderson (BL) 7p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: New Orleans Music Night (BB) 8:30p
Mulate's: Lee Benoit (KJ) 7p
Ray's: Red Hot Brass Band (BB) 8p
Republic New Orleans: Okkervil River, Crooked Fingers, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears (RR) 9p
Rusty Nail: open mic night feat. Whiskey T of Country Fried (OR) 9p
Snug Harbor: Jesse McBride & the Next Generation (MJ) 8 & 10p
Southern Food & Beverage Museum: Jimmy Robinson (AU) 5p-7p
Southport Hall: live band karaoke (RR) 9p
Tavern on Citrus: Blues Jam feat. the Chest Nuts (BL) 8:30p
Trinity Church: Organ & Labyrinth feat. Albinas Prizgintas (CL) 6p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Partytime Band (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Dwight Breland (PP) 9p
Voodoo Barbecue: Marc Stone's Voodoo Trio (BL) 6p

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 1
Apple Barrel: Sista Otis (BL) 8p, Bill Van (BL) 10:30p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Blue Nile: Carolina Gallop's Fashion Show (SH) 6p
Bombay Club: Phillip Melancon (PK) 9p
Café Lazziza: Mid City Big Band All Stars (JV) 9p
Café Negril: World Jazz Project (JV) 9:30p
Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone): John Autin (PK) 9p
Checkpoint Charlie: Kenny Holladay & the Rolling Blackouts (BL) 9p
Circle Bar: the Psychics of Meaning (RR) 10p
Cricket Club: Fredy Omar con su Banda (LT) 9p
d.b.a.: Walter "Wolfman" Washington (BL) 10p
Deckbar & Grille: Big Daddy's Juke Joint Blues Jam feat. Oscar & the Blues Cats (BL) 8p
Dos Jefes: Bob Andrews (JV BL) 9:30p
Dragon's Den: Dancehall Classics feat. DJ T- Roy (RG) 10p
Fritzel's: Ryan Burrage & his Rhythmakers (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Big Al Carson & the Blues Masters (BL) 8p
Hookah Café: DJ Sosa (LT) 9p
House of Blues: the Black Keys, Jessica Lea Mayfield (RR) 9p
Kerry Irish Pub: Lynn Drury (BL) 9p
Maison Bourbon: Phil Campo (TJ) 7:30p- 12:15a
Maple Leaf: Funk Plasma (FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Brint Anderson (BL) 7p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: Swing Night feat. Johnny Angel & the Swingin' Demons (SI) 8:30p
Palm Court Jazz Café: Palm Court Jazz Band feat. Lars Edegran and Topsy Chapman (JV) 7p
Preservation Hall: Carl LeBlanc & the Essential New Orleans Jazz Band (JV) 8p
Snug Harbor: Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (MJ) 8 & 10p
Southern Food & Beverage Museum: Marc Stone (BL) 5p
Spotted Cat: Pfister Sisters (JV) 6:30p
Tipitina's: Atmosphere Paint the Nation Tour feat. Abstract Rude, Blueprint, DJ Rare Groove (RH) 10p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Partytime Band (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Dwight Breland (PP) 9p

CLASSICAL
SEPTEMBER 27
The Rat Pack: Revel in the light of Broadway as Rebecca Miller, Sal Viviano, Nat Chandler and Eric Jordan Young pay tribute to Frank, Sammy and Dino. Dixon Hall. 8p. (504) 523-6530, www.lpomusic.org.

CONCERTS
SEPTEMBER 4-25
Ogden After Hours: Visit the Ogden Museum every Thursday evening for live entertainment by a variety of local musicians. Check the OffBeat daily listings for a schedule of performances. 6p. www.ogdenmuseum.org.
SEPTEMBER 27
Jazz'n the Vines: The biweekly music series kicks off with a performance by the Lower Mississippi Delta Valley blues legend Larry Garner. 6:30p. Pontchartrain Vineyards, Covington. (985) 892-9742, www.pontchartrainvineyards.com.

FESTIVALS
SEPTEMBER 24-28
Louisiana Sugarcane Festival: Take a trip out to the banks of Bayou Teche in New Iberia and celebrate one of the state's most important crops with live music, parades, livestock shows and more. www.hisugar.org.
SEPTEMBER 26-28
Alligator Festival: Celebrate Louisiana's most notorious reptile in Luling with food, live music, alligator displays and plenty of family fun. (800) 854- 9164, www.stcharlesrotary.com.
SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 31
Oktoberfest: The Deutches Haus revels in German heritage every Fri. and Sat. with live music, dancing, German food and, of course, lots of ice cold beer! (504) 522-8014, www.deutscheshaus.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 25-28
Thrillusions: Enjoy a theatrical show featuring celebrity impersonators and magic at Harrah's. 7p. (504) 533-6600, www.harrahsneworleans.com.
SEPTEMBER 27
Richard Simmons: The fitness guru and New Orleans native comes back home for a performance at Harrah's Theatre. 10a & 2p. (504) 533-6600, www.harrahsneworleans.com.

THEATER
SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 13
Die! Mommy! Die!: Witness a comic thriller by Charles Busch at Le Chat Noir. Fri.-Sat. 8p, Sun. 6p. (504) 581-5812, www.cabaretlechatnoir.com.

Friday night, the KKProjects (2448 N. Villere St.) present Hot Night, a night of installations and performance. Included in the evening are Adrian Price's "On the Road," featuring a hitchhiking woman; Cree McCree's "BioReMadeAble," a fashion/performance featuring fashion "harvested from the wetlands of Louisiana & the Gulf Coast" by Oliver, Howlpop, Calamity, UV, Carolina Gallop and Cree, and music by avant-garde guitarists (and OffBeat contributors, along with McCree) Donald Miller and Rob Cambre. Thomasine Bartlett and Minka Stoyanova perform "Hot Mommas" as a series of living tableaux depicting six Louisiana women dealing with heat in the days before AC. Photographer Jonathan Traviesa (pictured) will serve as the evening's paparazzi, and Stephen Collier will create a custom scent for the occasion. The event starts at 7 p.m.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced its nominees for induction in 2009. This year, there are nine nominees: Jeff Beck, Chic, Wanda Jackson, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Metallica, Run-D.M.C. , the Stooges, War and Bobby Womack. The induction ceremony will take place April 4 at Public Hall in Cleveland. For resumes of this year's nominees, go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Web site. http://www.rockhall.com/downloads/Induction2009pres srelease.pdf