Donald Harrison, Sr. Museum Recognized by City Council

The youth groups from the Donald Harrison, Sr. Museum have been officially recognized in the City Council Chambers. Comprising children aged 2-11 years, these young members play a vital role in the cultural economy.
Under the leadership of Cherice Harrison-Nelson, the museum is dedicated to instilling fiscal literacy in these youth. Serving as Big Chief Donald Harrison, Sr. Ambassadors of Culture and Literature, each child actively contributes to coordinating and presenting indigenous cultural expressions at their respective schools. The program's overarching goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the city's rich cultural traditions, ensuring these young ambassadors become dedicated stewards of our heritage.

Jazz & Heritage Concert Series: Gladney

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents Gladney in concert on Friday, Jan. 5, at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center (1225 N. Rampart Street). Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the concert begins promptly at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Seating is general admission and limited, so please register in advance. All proceeds from this concert series directly support the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.

To purchase tickets, click here.

The concert will be livestreamed, visit: jazzandheritage.org.

Jazz & Heritage Concert Series: Stephen Lands

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents Stephen Lands in concert on Saturday, Jan. 6, at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center (1225 N. Rampart Street). Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the concert begins promptly at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10. 

Seating is general admission and limited, so please register in advance. All proceeds from this concert series directly support the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.

To purchase tickets, click here.

The concert will be livestreamed, visit: jazzandheritage.org.

Krewe of Joan of Arc Parade 2024

Founded in 2008, Joan of Arc is an annual walking parade honoring our unofficial patron saint, “The Maid of Orleans”. The event melds medieval revelry with the traditions of Mardi Gras. It’s a celebration of the city’s French culture and heritage as well as St Joan of Arc’s birthday which coincides with Twelfth Night. The parade begins at the corner of Bienville and N. Front Street on Saturday, Jan.6 at 7:00 p.m.

The procession is inspired by Joan’s time in France in the 1400s, when she liberated the citizens of Orleans, France from British siege. Honorary characters include the Maid of Honor, Joan of Arc, on horseback in a white robe with faux armor breastplate. Midway through the parade, she receives her sword after a blessing at St. Louis Cathedral.

Joan is joined on the parade route by Queen Yolande of Aragon and King Charles VII, the “Dauphin” who became King as a result of Joan of Arc’s efforts. The Maid of Honor is chosen in a student Joan competition, while the Queen and King are community leaders. Parade goers dress in gold to look like the statue of Joan in the French Quarter, a gift to the City of New Orleans from France in the 1950s. 

For more information, visit: joanofarcparade.org.

The Write: A Series of Writing Workshops hosted by Lyrical Paradigm

The Write is a free immersive workshop that will elevate your writing to new heights. At The Write you will unleash your creativity, connect with like-minded individuals, and embark on a journey of self-discovery through the power of words.

The Write is a new 6-week writing workshop offered at The Helis Foundation John Scott Center in partnership with local poet, Lyrical Paradigm, taking place 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Jan. 3, through Feb. 7.

For more information or to register, click here.

Gustave Blache III Art Scholarship Informational Session #4

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and the artist Gustave Blache III have partnered to offer the Gustave Blache III Art Scholarships for Aspiring Artists to support undergraduate and graduate students attending the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City.

Applications are now open until January 17, 2023. This online information sessions will take place Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. providing interested applicants with step by step instructions on completing the scholarship application, as well as helpful insights on completing their application to SVA.

For more information or to reserve a spot, click here.

Book Drive to Build a Library for Belle Reve

Starting off the year 2024 with a bang, One Book One New Orleans is hosting a two-day book drive Saturday, Jan. 7. The initiative aims to build a library for Belle Reve, an organization focused on providing affordable housing for seniors (62+) who identify as LGBTQ+. The current library space at Belle Reve is empty, and the community is coming together to fill it!

On Day 1, bring new or gently used books for adult readers to PJs Coffee of River Ridge (10158 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge) from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. As a special treat, PJs Coffee of River Ridge is offering FREE COFFEE (hot, iced, or frozen) for all book donors.

Continuing the excitement into Day 2, bring new or gently used books for adult readers to Happy Raptor Distilling (1512 Robert C. Blakes Sr. Dr, New Orleans) from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Let's come together and fill Belle Reve's library with diverse and engaging reads!

For more information, visit: onebookonenola.org.

Arrowhead Jazz Band presented by the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

The New Orleans Jazz Museum, in partnership with the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, presents a live performance of the Arrowhead Jazz Band on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 2:00 p.m. Arrowhead Jazz Band brings together National Park Service rangers and local musicians to perform traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, gospel, and original compositions. Admission is free and open to the public, seating is limited and offered first come, first serve. 

To enjoy live music from home with the New Orleans Jazz Museum, click here.

For more information, visit: nolajazzmuseum.org.

Open Auditions For 2024 Summer Intensive Programs

The tuition-free Summer Intensive Programs in June and July 2024 give focused, motivated and talented students ages 7-18 opportunities to study with an exceptional faculty of visiting and local artists. Past Summer Intensives have featured guest faculty from companies such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dance Theatre of Harlem, The Joffrey Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and many more.

The three-week July Daytime Intensive for advanced students ages 12-18 will take place July 8 – 26, 2024, and will feature a phenomenal faculty of visiting master artists, including former Dance Theatre of Harlem Ballet Masters Kellye Saunders and Keith Saunders, who now are on faculty with the School for Classical and Contemporary Dance at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas. Select guest artists will join with a talented local cast of NOBA youth and alumni in a culminating Summer Concert at NOCCA’s Freda Lupin Memorial Hall on July 26, 2024. Additional Summer Intensive sessions will be offered in June for ages 12-18, and in July for ages 7-18, featuring both guest and local faculty.

Auditions for aspiring dancers are scheduled as follows: For ages 7-10, auditions will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 9, with check-in starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Ballet & Modern Audition from 5:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. As for ages 11-18, the auditions are set for Wednesday, Jan.10, beginning with check-in at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Ballet & Modern Audition from 5:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Additionally, a Pointe* Audition is scheduled from 8:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. on the same day for this age group. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your talent!

For more information, visit: nobadance.com.

Louisiana Créole Table

Join Alliance Française for this free social and conversation hour where you'll be able to practice your Louisiana Créole. On Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Feel free to bring food or drinks to share. These events are free and open to all, but donations for the Alliance Française are welcome. Mèsi for the support!

AFNO Louisiana Créole instructor, Lawson Ota will be in attendance to help you with any language questions you may have!

For more information, visit: af-neworleans.org.

Mini Open House

Embark on a journey of cultural exploration with the Mini Open House at the Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans! Mark your calendars for Jan. 11 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., attendees' step into the warmth of the community.

Taste buds are indulged with the delectable flavors of King Cake and Galettes, iconic treats that signify the festive spirit of the season. As attendees savor these delights, they immerse themselves in the joy of connecting with the vibrant community.

Attendees should be prepared for a special in-person surprise that adds a touch of magic to the evening. It's an experience they won't want to miss!

This is more than an open house; it's a chance to forge new connections and get to know the heart of the Alliance Française. Attendees can meet the dedicated staff, mingle with fellow language enthusiasts, and discover the diverse tapestry of the community.

Whether a seasoned member or considering joining for the first time, everyone is welcome. Come share laughter, stories, and the warmth of community at the Mini Open House.

For more information, visit: af-neworleans.org.

Joyful Learning: Student Arts Exhibition

The grand opening of Joyful Learning, a new exhibition by KID smART students, is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 12, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Throughout the year, in KID smART classrooms across New Orleans, students seamlessly integrated the arts into their academic instruction. The event stands as a testament to their hard work and dedication to their craft. The organizers look forward to seeing attendees there to celebrate this creative achievement.

For more information or to RSVP, visit: kidsmart.org.

NOTCF Honors Gala

On Saturday, Jan. 13, New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) will host its 2nd Annual NOTCF Honors Gala. This event will channel revelry, promote inclusiveness, and create an immersive cultural experience celebrating our people, their contributions and dedication to tailoring the colorful fabric of New Orleans! The gala event will take place at the Sugar Mill.

This event is known as the Cultural Emmy of New Orleans. We will honor eight (8) cultural artists in six (6) cultural sectors. The event includes a 4-course meal prepared by celebrity chefs, entertainment by Tank and the Bangas and special guests, three (3) artist-curated lounges, and an unforgettable after party. Tickets for cultural artists are $185. This is an event you don't want to miss! 

For more information, visit: notcf.com.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Commemorative Service

Bethany United Methodist Church will host its inaugural Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Worship Service at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 14, at 4533 Mendez Street located in the historic Pontchartrain Park neighborhood. Bishop Delores Williamston, Resident Bishop of the Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, will serve as the guest speaker. The service will bring together community members and leaders, and will feature inspirational music, and prayers of unity for the city and nation. The public is invited to attend.

Bishop Williamston is the first African American Woman elected as Bishop in the United Methodist Church’s South Central Jurisdiction, which is comprised of congregations in Louisiana, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Nebraska. She is currently assigned to serve the Louisiana Episcopal Area.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Commemorative Service celebrates the enduring legacy of the civil rights leader and his commitment to the Christian principles of equality, justice, and the beloved community.

For more information, visit: bethanyumcnola.org.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Lafitte Greenway is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and work by bringing the community together to make a positive change. People are encouraged to join Lafitte Greenway Monday, Jan. 15 at 10:00 a.m., as they engage in maintenance projects to enhance the beauty of the space for all. Participants are reminded to wear sun protection, closed-toed shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing that can get dirty. Bringing a water bottle is advisable for staying hydrated during the event. Lafitte Greenway organizers emphasize that the event will proceed in light rain but will be canceled in the case of heavy rain.

For more information or to RSVP, visit: lafittegreenway.org.

Louisiana Culture Care Fund Grant

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, with the support of the State of Louisiana, is offering new Louisiana Culture Care Fund (LCCF) grants to cover general operating expenses for humanities-based organizations.

The LCCF, originally launched in 2020 in an effort to help protect Louisiana’s critical cultural institutions impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to provide the state’s cultural nonprofits with this vital funding.

Applications for 2024 Louisiana Culture Care Fund grants will open Jan 16.

For more information, visit: leh.org.

2023 Best of The Beat Music Awards

The 27th Annual Best of The Beat Music Awards, presented by OffBeat Music & Cultural Arts Foundation, is set to pay tribute to David R. Batiste, Sr, featuring stellar performances by The Gladiators, Leo Nocentelli, Loose Cattle, Erica Falls, the Batiste Family Band, and more!

This event, honoring local musicians and bands for their excellence in the year 2023, is brought to you by the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Tipitina's, and OffBeat.com. Join the celebration on Jan. 24, at Tipitina's, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. and the show kicking off at the same time.

For more information, visit: tipitinas.com.