Opening Day of French Quarter Fest 2024

French Quarter Fest 2024 is in full swing! Fans joined festival organizers, sponsors, and partners at the French Quarter Festival Kickoff Parade on Thursday to welcome the festival’s 41st anniversary, followed by the Opening Day Ceremony at the GE Stage. The ceremony included remarks from founders and festival dignitaries and ended with a blessing of brighter weather.

This year's French Quarter Festival presented by Chevron has expanded. New to the riverfront area is the Culinary Stage presented by Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails. Chef Kevin Belton will preside over daily cooking demonstrations and interviews. The festival will have a total of 21 stages in 2024.

Already bursting at the seams, despite a site that stretches from Esplanade Avenue to Woldenberg Riverfront Park, the festival has expanded this year to Spanish Plaza. The WWL Louisiana Media Stage has moved from the New Orleans Jazz Museum to Spanish Plaza.

Billed as the world’s largest showcase of Louisiana music, food, and culture, the festival features 100% local acts with more than 270 performances from a variety of genres across 20 stages. Plus, 60 food and beverage vendors, ten new culinary experiences, nighttime programming, and special 40th-anniversary components. In addition to Irma Thomas, this year's headliners include The Soul Rebels ft. Big Freedia, Samantha Fish, Ani DiFranco, Erica Falls, and Rebirth Brass Band. As always, the festival is free and open to the public.  

For more information download the French Quarter Festival app or visit: frenchquarterfest.org.

World Ballet Series: Swan Lake

World Ballet Series Swan Lake live at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans, Friday April 12. Experience the legendary Swan Lake, the ballet of all ballets, will be performed for one night only as a part of the World Ballet Series. See the iconic Dance of the Little Swans, count the 32 fouettés performed by Odile and immerse yourself in magical Tchaikovsky’s music.

The production will feature richly detailed, hand-painted sets as well as over 150 radiant costumes that bring fresh representation to this timeless classic.

World Ballet Series is a unique project that attracts many international artists and is composed of renowned professional dancers representing over ten countries who are united by a passion for entertaining audiences and enriching classical ballet traditions through brilliant, critically-acclaimed new productions of timeless ballet classics.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: ticketmaster.com.

NOLA SpeedTour

The NOLA SpeedTour is returning to NOLA Motorsports Park on April 12 – 14. The three-day event will feature a variety of food trucks, yard games, fan walks, autograph sessions and more, headlined by racing from the Trans Am Series, Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas), Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) and the Ligier JS F4 Series.

Guests will get to see the cars up close as crews prepare them for the race, while also meeting drivers during Trans Ams pre-race fan walks and the FR Americas and Ligier JS F4 Series autograph session. Guests can also enjoy the Hagerty Cars & Caffeine Car Show, or try their own hand at racing in NOLA’s karting complex. Tickets start at $20 for adults, with free entry for children 12 and under along with active duty service members, police officers and firefighters with a valid military or work ID. Exclusive advanced ticketing discounts are available online at SpeedTour.net/NOLA.

For more information, visit: speedtour.net.

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

Since 1972, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival has attracted visitors from near and far to celebrate the local strawberry farmers, non-profits, and the special community, flourishing into the largest free harvest festival in the state of Louisiana. Attendees can join for three days filled with time-honored traditions, amazing food and drinks, live music, rides, and loads of family fun! The festival will take place on April 12 – 14.

For more information, visit: lastrawberryfestival.com.

13th Annual Raphael Village Spring Fundraiser

Join the Raphael Village at the Raphael Village Town Center (530 Jackson Ave.) on the evening of Saturday, April 13, in the historic Irish Channel for their 13th Annual Raphael Village Spring Fundraiser. This year's theme is "Groovin' in the Garden." The event will feature an intimate VIP oyster and champagne reception for sponsors at 6:00 p.m., followed by the main event at 7:00 p.m. an evening with 70’s music, gourmet delicacies from local restaurants, libations, a raffle, and a silent auction (online bidding).

This year, the raffle will feature an electric bike! This casual attire event (costumes encouraged!) will showcase their beautiful on-site garden that supports The Dragonfly Cafe and their culinary arts program. Guests will also get to experience their state-of-the-art function spaces that serve their members. Attending "Groovin’ in the Garden" is a great opportunity to help the organization IMAGINE, INSPIRE, and IGNITE the possibilities in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. The Guild offers post-secondary education, vocational training, and vocational internships for adults 18 years of age and older. Current programming includes job-readiness training, a weavery, Creative Arts, the Bakery+Market, and more. 

For more information, visit: raphaelvillage.org.

The 16th Annual Big Easy Blues Festival

The Blues Is Alright Tour comes to Smoothie King Center with the 16th Annual Big Easy Blues Festival on Saturday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m.

The Blues is musical storytelling filled with stark emotion and a revolving reality check. It’s authentically raw; transforming tragedy, adversity and heartache into a visceral and cathartic experience. This special night of emotive lyrics and guitar-driven accompaniment features performances by Tucka, King George, Lenny Williams, Pokey Bear, Lebrado, J'Wonn, and West Love.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: ticketmaster.com.

Music in the Garden feat. Marina Albero and Molly Pate & the LPO Horn Sound

Encounter the sounds of local New Orleans musicians while strolling through the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden on select Sunday afternoons beginning at 2:00 p.m. Performances will take place alongside Wangechi Mutu sculptures as an extension of the Wangechi Mutu: Intertwined special exhibition. Free and open to the public. The event will take place on April 14.

For more information, visit: noma.org.

odAOMO Presents Symphony of the Sown

Celebrate 20 years of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in collaboration with odAOMO during Symphony of the Sown, an enchanting event blending art, fashion, and music.

Set in the amphitheater in NOMA’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden, the runway will come to life with thirty avant-garde fashion pieces from odAOMO inspired by the blessings that bloom with spring’s favor. Immerse yourself in this stunning display of creativity and experience a mesmerizing live vocal performance by Quentin Alexander. The event will take place on April 18 at 5:00 p.m.

For more information, visit: noma.org. 

Verse & Vision: Celebrating Poetry with Mona Lisa Saloy

One Book One New Orleans is excited to celebrate National Poetry Month in April. Join them on Tuesday, April 16, at 6:00 p.m. at the Will W. Alexander Library at Dillard University (2601 Gentilly Blvd) for "Verse and Vision," featuring Mona Lisa Saloy, author of this year's selected book, Black Creole Chronicles.

The event invites attendees to explore poetry and storytelling, showcasing the unique culture and spirit of New Orleans. Mona Lisa Saloy will be reading from her work, accompanied by talented students from Dillard University and members of the public.

This event is free, family-friendly, and open to everyone in the community, offering a wonderful opportunity to engage with the rich literary heritage of the city.

For more information or to RSVP, click here.

Music Therapy & Performance Anxiety Prevention Group

Join the Music Therapy Group hosted by Dr. Penny Roberts and the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and Assistance Foundation. Calling all musicians, dancers, actors, and performing artists in New Orleans!

The latest music therapy group dedicated to preventing performance anxiety and enhancing musical well-being is now open. This free community offering will be group-based and located in-person at the Healing Center on Tuesday evenings in April. This week's session will be held on Tuesday, April 16.

For more information, click here.

Ogden After Hours Featuring Sporty's Brass Band 

Join Ogden on Thursday, April 18 at 6:00 p.m. for Ogden After Hours featuring Sporty’s Brass Band. Ogden After Hours (OAH) is a monthly event that takes place on select Thursdays and features a diverse lineup of programs reflecting and celebrating the diversity of Southern art and culture.

From the bustling streets of New Orleans came Maurice Craige, a true visionary behind the remarkable Sporty’s Brass Band. Assembling a team of nine incredibly talented instrumentalists, Sporty’s Brass Band quickly captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike, performing at a diverse range of events – from the most joyous of weddings to the most sombre of jazz funerals. Their music, infused with the unmistakable New Orleans sound, echoed through the streets during beloved festivals such as New Orleans Jazz and Heritage, French Quarter Fest, Brass Fest and the ultimate celebration of Mardi Gras. Their fame quickly spread beyond their hometown, with the band embarking on a tour of the United States, thrilling crowds at some of the most prominent festivals in the country.

For more information, visit: ogdenmuseum.org.

Open House and Make-Your-Own-Pizza Party

Join the instructors of the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute on April 18 for a make-your-own-pizza party, explore our state-of-the-art facilities, and learn about our 6-month certificate program. If you love food, our accelerated and completely unique program can fast-track your career and broaden your network. Financial assistance is available.

Make your own pizza in our baking & pastry kitchen, learning new skills with our chef-instructors Rebecca Klaskala, Kent LeVan, and Zak Miller. We will be leading campus tours throughout the event, where you can see NOCHI's teaching kitchens, classrooms, and event spaces.

For more information, click here.

Rhythm & Roses Concert Series ft. James Andrews

On Thursday, April 18 James Andrews will be featured in a concert from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Parterre Garden at the Historic BK House & Gardens, 1113 Chartres Street. Fronted by Second Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. of the legendary Golden Eagles Indian tribe, The Rumble boasts some of the next generation ‘s most prolific artists.

Gates to the beautifully manicured French Quarter green space will open at 5:30 pm. Tickets are priced at $30 for nonmembers and $25 for BK members, with a special multiple concert package available at www.bkhouse.org. Honfleur at the neighboring Hotel Provincial will provide tasty jambalaya for purchase by concert goers and beverages will be sold to support on-going maintenance of the garden. Outside beverages will be prohibited.

For more information, visit: bkhouse.org.

The call for entries for the 2024 edition of Louisiana Contemporary

The Louisiana Contemporary, Presented by the Helis Foundation annual juried art competition is open to all artists 18 years and older residing in the state of Louisiana (must be able to provide proof of a valid Louisiana address). All work must be original and completed within the last two years (2022-2024). Work previously exhibited in Louisiana Contemporary, Presented by the Helis Foundation should not be resubmitted. Any work submitted that exceeds the maximum size and weight will be disqualified. 

Important dates:

• April 8, 2024 – Call for Entries open
• May 10, 2024 – Last day for mailed entries to be postmarked
• May 24, 2024 – Online entries close at 11:59 p.m. CST
• Week of July 1, 2024 – Notification of accepted entries will be sent through email to all applicants
• August 3 to October 13, 2024 – Exhibition on view at Ogden Museum of Southern Art

2024 guest juror Lauren Haynes, Head Curator, Governors Island Arts and Vice President for Arts and Culture at the Trust for Governors Island, will curate a selection of the works submitted.

For more information, visit: 2024louisianacontemporary.artcall.org.

Introduction to Emergency Preparedness for Performing Arts Organizations

Localized emergencies, regional disasters, and catastrophic events can have a devastating impact on performing arts organizations where even a brief loss of business can threaten sustainability. This free 90 minute webinar will provide an introduction to why emergency preparedness is critical to protect your organization from external risks and internal vulnerabilities. These include human caused and natural crises. The webinar will take place April 23 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

You will learn the typical process and contents of a plan, and receive information about resources to help with planning. This webinar is appropriate for attendees representing large and small performing arts organizations as well as those with and without their own performance facilities. Executive and management staff will find this webinar useful, as well as H.R., finance, communications, marketing, technical, and front-of-house staff.

For more information or to register, click here.

Call for Volunteer Photographers and Videographers!

The Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is excited to announce the launch of its new volunteer videographer and photographer program! As a proud initiative of Friends of Bayou St. John, the non-profit organization is on the lookout for talented individuals of varying skill levels to assist in building its visual archive. Their work will play a vital role in supporting the team with documenting and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the local community.

Festival Dates: May 17 – 19

For more information or to submit an application, click here.

Residencies at the Joan Mitchell Center

At the Joan Mitchell Center in New Orleans, artists are offered dedicated time and space for the creative process through residencies ranging from 6 to 14 weeks in length. Artists have opportunities to engage with arts professionals, partner arts organizations, and others in the community.

Eligible artists must either be based in New Orleans (for the last five years) or native to New Orleans, or be a former grant recipient of the Joan Mitchell Foundation based anywhere in the United States. Former Artists-in-Residence of the Center are not eligible to apply, with the exception of the JMF Early Art Practitioners (EAP).

The application for 2025 residencies is open now through May 31.

For more information, visit: joanmitchellfoundation.org.