Classical
APRIL 26
Appalachian Spring: Enjoy the works of Copland, Bartok and Dvorak at McAlister Auditorium with conductor and featured artists Daniel Hege and Roberto Diaz. 8p. (504) 523-6530, www.lpomusic.org.
MAY 10
Gershwin Revue: Celebrate the unforgettable combination of jazz-inspired melodies, steamy rhythms and classical composition that is only found in the music of George Gershwin. First Baptist New Orleans. 8p. (504) 523-6530, www.lpomusic.org.
MAY 15 & 16
Resurrection: Mahler’s colossal Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” will be performed by The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Symphony Chorus of New Orleans with soprano Karina Gauvin and mezzo Charlotte Daw Paulsen. Conducted by Carlos Miguel Prieto. First Baptist New Orleans. 7:30p. (504) 523-6530, www.lpomusic.org.
APRIL 12
Bogue Falaya Park Concert: The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra takes their concerts to the north shore at the Bogue Falaya State Park. 6p. (504) 523-6530, www.lpomusic.org.
Concerts
APRIL 25
Rowdy Frynds Tour: Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams, Jr. play the Cajundome in Lafayette at 7p.
APRIL 25
X-Fest 2008: Atreyu, Finger Eleven, Meriweather, My Chemical Romance, Puddle of Mudd and Story of the Year play the Baton Rouge River Center Arena. 4p.
MAY 22
Alicia Keys: The female vocalist plays the New Orleans Arena at 7:30p.
Festivals
THROUGH JUNE 18
Wednesday at the Square: The weekly workday concert series brings Louisiana artists to Lafayette Square every Wednesday from 5-7:30p. Check the OffBeat daily listings or www.wednesdayatthesquare.com for a schedule of performers.
APRIL 23-27
Festival International: 6 stages, 15 countries and 500 artists. Skip the first weekend of Jazz Fest and head to Lafayette for a festival that truly lives up to its name. Enjoy live entertainment and street performances from around the world for free! (337) 232-8086, www.festivalinternational.com.
APRIL 25-MAY 4
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: Six exciting days of music, food, culture and fun at the Fairgrounds! www.nojazzfest.com.
APRIL 30
Chaz Fest: Spend a day at the Truck Farm, 3020 St. Claude Ave., Chaz for his own festival. 12-10p. Check www.chazfestival.com for more information.
MAY 2-4
Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival: Head to the small Cajun town of Breaux Bridge for a weekend of crawfish, live music and family fun. (337) 332-6655, www.bbcrawfest.com.
MAY 3
Jammin’ on Julia: Explore the art galleries of Julia Street at this annual art walk. 6p.
MAY 8-11
Cochon de Lait Festival: Take a trip to small town Mansura for live music, a street dance, beer-drinking contests and roasted pig. (318) 964-2696, www.cochondelait.com.
MAY 8-11
Saints & Sinners: The annual GLBT literary festival features panels, workshops and discussions with gay and lesbian writers and authors from around the country. (504) 581-1144, www.sasfest.org.
MAY 9-10
Volksfest: Also known as Maifest, this German celebration welcomes the spring with music, dancing, great food and plenty of beer. Deutsches Haus. (504) 522-8014, www.deutscheshaus.org.
MAY 20-24
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience: Enjoy culinary demonstrations, wine classes and fine dining throughout the city during this annual event. (504) 529-9463, www.nowfe.com.
MAY 22-25
Jambalaya Festival: Celebrate this famous Louisiana dish in Gonzales with live music, cooking contests, rides and games, and a variety of food. www.jambalayafestival.org.
MAY 22-JUNE 1
Cajun Heartland State Fair: Head to the Cajundome in Lafayette for giant rides, livestock exhibits and live music. www.cajundome.com.
MAY 23-24
Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo: Enjoy live music, food, art and family fun along Bayou St. John between Orleans Ave. and Canal St. (504) 488-3865, www.thebayoubogaloo.com.
MAY 23-25
Greek Festival: Celebrate Greek culture on the banks of Bayou St. John with food, dancing, children’s activities, a 5K race and cathedral tours. (504) 282-0259. www.greekfestnola.com.
MAY 30-JUNE 1
Back to the Beach Festival: Help save the lake at a festival to benefit the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation. Enjoy food, games, crafts, a car show and live music. (504) 836-2215, www.saveourlake.org.
Special Events
THROUGH MAY 30
Free Music Fridays: Take a trip to the north shore for a free concert series every Friday at the Mandeville Trailhead. (985) 624-3147, www.mandevilletrailhead.com.
THROUGH JUNE 15
Y: Its name may only consist of one letter but this live stage show features acrobats and dancers from Russia and China. Mon.-Thu. 7:30p. Sat. 6 & 8:30p. Sun. 3 & 7p. (888) 566-7469, www.beaurivage.com.
THROUGH JUNE 18
Wednesday at the Square: Head out to Lafayette Square every Wednesday for a fun afternoon concert. Check the Offbeat daily listings for scheduled performers. 5p. (504) 585-1500, www.wednesdayatthesquare.com.
APRIL 28
WWOZ Piano Night: This annual fundraiser benefits WWOZ and features a variety of New Orleans finest musicians including James Andrews, Marcia Ball, Marco Benevento, Eddie Bo and Jon Cleary. House of Blues. 7p. www.wwoz.org.
MAY 3-31
Gretna Farmer’s Market: Head to Gretna every Saturday for a farmer’s market featuring food and wine vendors and cooking demonstrations. 8:30a-12:30p. www.gretnala.com.
MAY 10, 17, 31
Jazz’n the Vines: Venture to the Pontchartrain Vineyards on the north shore for outdoor concerts featuring Ann Savoy & her Sleepless Nights (5/10), Rick Trolsen & Gringo do Choro (5/17) and Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders (5/31). 6:30p. (985) 892-9742, www.pontchartrainvineyards.com.
MAY 16
Sippin’ in Seersucker: Head to the Shops at Canal Place for an evening of Southern art, cocktails, food, live music and fashion. 6-9p. (504) 539-9600, www.ogdenmuseum.org.
MAY 17
Bywater Art Market: Head to this art market for paintings, pottery, glass, furniture and more. 9a-4p. www.bywaterartmarket.com.
MAY 22
Jazz is Life Community Dialogue: “Innovation, improvisation and collaboration are critical ingredients for recovery. New approaches to problem-solving in Japan and the United States are helping people envision a better future.” We’re not sure what it has to do with jazz but it sounds interesting. Contemporary Arts Center. 6:30p. (504) 522-9200, www.ogdenmuseum.org.
Theater & Dance
MAY 9-25
Ricky Graham’s Renew Revue: Sean Patterson, Yvette Hargis and Amanda Zirkenbach with musical director, Jefferson Turner take this very funny look at New Orleans’ struggle back to life. Le Chat Noir. (504) 581-5812, www.cabaretlechatnoir.com.
MAY 16-18, 23-25
Story Circle: Enjoy a play written by John Grimsley and directed by John O’Neal at the Contemporary Arts Center. 8p. (504) 569-9070, www.cacno.org.
MAY 31
PearsonWidrig Dance Theatre of New York: Witness “Katrina, Katrina: Love Letters to New Orleans,” a full-evening dance/theater/video "live documentary" which addresses the disaster and the city’s recovery. Contemporary Arts Center. 8p. (504) 569-9070, www.cacno.org.
