Of note this month: the Louisiana Jazz Federation kicks off Jazz Awareness Month in October with events all month long, including performances at the Contemporary Arts Center, clubs around town, workshops, art and photo exhibits: a true celebration of America’s original art form. See OffBeat‘s listings of events throughout the month in this issue.

New Orleans’ great musician, composer and arranger Dave Bartholomew has been nominated to the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame. We think he’s a shoo-in for the honor. The awards will be presented on January 16 in New York.

Black Top Records, the Crescent City label that’s been “paving the way to your soul” with some of the best in roots music, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with the release of a sampler that includes a cut from the Neville Brothers’ Neville-Ization album, a track from Buckwheat Zydeco’s 100% Fortified Zydeco and a sneak preview of songs from forthcoming releases by ex-Howlin’ Wolf guitarist Hubert Sumlin. Look for it at local stores.

The Meters have two new re-releases out (see the review by Anthony Clark, this issue) and Terrance Simien (the hot zydeco artist) is set for a new release in late October.

The cultural season is now in full swing again in New Orleans, with the symphony, ballets and opera gearing up for new seasons. The long-awaited opening of the new Contemporary Arts Center will happen on October 6 at the Art for Arts’ Sake Event. It’s a great space for contemporary art of all kinds: visual, theater, music, performance art. Check it out at 900 Camp Street or call 523-1216 for more information.

Speaking of special events, don’t miss the Po-Boy Blues Festival at City Park on November 3-4. There’s a great line-up featuring Albert King and Bobby “Blue” Bland, as well as local blues mama Marva Wright, who has a brand new album out (Heartbreakin’ Woman).

The second annual Hard Rock Cafe “Rock-N-Roll Run” will take place on November 10, the same day as the annual New Orleans Artists Against Hunger & Homelessness Concert. More on that next month.

We’re continuing our coverage of New Orleans cinema this month, and will give you even more info on the upcoming Film & Video Festival next month.

Speaking of special events, the event of the upcoming year has been announced. That’s the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, set for 1991 on April 26-May 5. Call the Jazz Fest office at (504) 522-4786 for more info. Or make travel plans early (we’d suggest early because the town’s booked) by calling Travel New Orleans at 561-8747 or Janice Laffoon at Destination Management, 592-0511.