The linen was white in the Warehouse District and dirty on Royal Street, and now it gets filthy on Frenchmen. Yes, Frenchmen Street and St. Claude Avenue want in on the artsy action. For the second year, They present their own outdoor arts event, Filthy Linen Night, this Saturday starting at 8 p.m. It’s a chance to sample the unique creativity that comes out of this art-and music-heavy neighborhood, albeit a bit less pristine than some others.
Frenchmen Street Arts Market
A three-dollar pass gets you on the “art bus” that boards at St. Claude Market; Sailor Jerry rum and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer (the hippest of cheap drinks) will also have tables set up to get you into the proper spirit(s). (You can also get a free bass buy buying art from participating galleries of St. Claude and Frenchmen). The bus runs continuously until 10:45 p.m. throughout the Marigny and stops at the Night Art Market at Independence St., the Good Children gallery on Mazant St., and the Barristers Gallery across from the Healing Center, turning around at the Frenchmen Art Market. You’ll encounter pop-up galleries and DJ’s along the way, and there will be a live mural painting outside the Hi-Ho Lounge (2239 St. Claude).
The Frenchmen Street music events aren’t an official part of the event but since you’re in the neighborhood anyway, you might want to know that it’s an especially hot night. The eclectic and creative Panorama Jazz Band plays a 6 p.m. set at the Spotted Cat (623 Frenchmen), and you can cross from there to John Boutte’s 8 p.m. show at d.b.a (618 Frenchmen), one of those events that people come into New Orleans just to catch. One of this city’s best reggae bands, the Revealers are at the Balcony Music Club (1331 Decatur) starting at 9 p.mm, and the freewheeling go-go grooves of recent OffBeat cover stars the Brass-a-Holics begin at 11 p.m. at the Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen) and will likely go on until you can’t stand up no more.
St. Claude Avenue Night Arts Market
Or, if you peruse the Frenchmen Street Arts Market first, and end up at the St. Claude Night Arts Market later, you can get your filthy linen even sweatier while dancing into the wee hours at the Hi Ho Lounge (2239 St. Claude Ave) for DJ Soul Sister‘s all-vinyl “HUSTLE” dance party.
More Info: www.stclaude.org/linen
