Classical
JULY 5-26
Trinity Artist Series: Albinas Prizgintas presents this eclectic concert series every Sunday throughout July at Trinity Church, 1329 Jackson Ave. Check the OffBeat daily listings for scheduled performances. 5p. (504) 523-6530, www.lpomusic.org.
JULY 20-26
Baton Rouge String Jams: Head to the LSU School of Music for a workshop for local young string players. It’s a week-long chamber music technique workshop and creative platform. (517) 303-4453, www.brstringsjam.com.
Concerts
JULY 3
Michael McDonald: The legendary singer plays the Beau Rivage with Boz Scaggs. 8p.
JULY 9
Bill Maher: The self-proclaimed apathist and libertarian comedian and talk show host comes to the Mahalia Jackson Theatre. 7:30p.
JULY 18
Joe Piscopo: The former comedian and actor from Saturday Night Live comedian plays Harrah. 7p.
JULY 24
The Bluzmen: Enjoy the ultimate Blues Brothers Tribute at Harrah´s. Fri. 7p, Sat. 7 & 10p.
Festivals
JULY 2-4
Golden Meadow-Fourchon International Tarpon Rodeo: After seeing the success of the festivities in Grand Isle, Fourchon now has its own rodeo with food, festivities, live music, port tours and more. www.gmfourchontarponrodeo.com.
JULY 2-5
Mandeville Seafood Festival: Chow down on some great seafood, enjoy live music and soak up the sun at Fontainebleau State Park. (985) 624-9762, www.seafoodfest.com.
JULY 3-5
Essence Fest: The big festival is back in the Big Easy with performances by Beyonce, Salt N Peppa, Lionel Richie, Al Green and many more. www.essencemusicfestival.com.
JULY 4
Go Fourth on the River: Celebrate Independence Day in the French Quarter and on the Mississippi River with fireworks and live music. www.gofourthontheriver.com.
JULY 4
Slidell Heritage Festival: Olde Town Slidell springs to life for the holiday with fireworks, food and live music by such acts as T’Canille and the Chee-weez. www.slidellheritagfest.org.
JULY 8-12
Tales of the Cocktail: The 6th annual event features cocktail competitions, classes, tours and plenty of chances to get liquored up! (888) 299-0404, www.talesofthecocktail.com.
JULY 17-18
Deep South Crane and Rigging Swamp Pop Music Festival: The up-and-coming music festival features performances by Kenny Fife, Don Rich, Van Broussard and many more. Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, La. (225) 769-9994, www.swamppopmusicfest.com.
JULY 23-25
Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo: Established in 1928, the oldest fishing rodeo in the United States features plenty of parties, great food and some of the biggest fish in the state. (504) 736-6405, www.tarponrodeo.org.
JULY 25
Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration: Head to the boonies of Feliciana Parish for a natural festival featuring a weekend of bird watching fun. (800) 488-6502, www.audubonbirdfest.com.
JULY 30-AUGUST 2
Satchmo SummerFest: Celebrate the life and legacy of Louis Armstrong in the streets of the French Quarter with concerts, seminars, second-line parades and more. (504) 522-5730, www.satchmosummerfest.com.
Special Events
JULY 2-30
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.
JULY 4-25
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.
JULY 9
A Touch of Muse: Head to the Historic New Orleans Collection and explore the ladies of New Orleans and their music with performances by Peter Collins and Thais St. Julien. (504) 523-4462, www.hnoc.org.
JULY 18
Bywater Art Market: Head to this art market for paintings, pottery, glass, furniture and more. 9a-4p. www.bywaterartmarket.com.
Theater
THROUGH JULY 5
Valley of the Dolls: Running With Scissors brings to life everyone’s favorite guilty pleasure, chronicling the rise and fall of three young ladies in show business. Fri. & Sat. 8p, Sun. 6p. (504) 581-5812, www.cabaretlechatnoir.com.
THROUGH JULY 11
The Comedy of Errors: The Shakespeare Festival at Tulane continues its16th season of professional theatre with this funny production. (504) 865-5105, www.neworleansshakespeare.com.
JULY 6-18
Pecos Bill: Enjoy a production of tall tales from the American West by the Tulane Patchwork Players. 10 & 11:30. Grassy lawn beside Rogers Chapel at Tulane. (504) 284-6427, www.tulane.edu.
JULY 23-26
HONK!: Based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling", HONK! tells the story of an odd looking baby duck, Ugly, and his quest to find his mother. Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p, Sun. 2p. (504) 885-2000.
JULY 30-AUGUST 2
Smokey Joe’s Café: This production features nearly forty of the greatest songs ever recorded including “Charlie Brown,” “All Shook Up” and “Stand by Me.” Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 400 Phlox St., Metairie. Thu.-Sat. 7:30p, Sun. 2p. (504) 885-2000.
