The circus has come to town, Henry Rollins speaks out, Tom Jones plays Biloxi, the return of the streetcar is celebrated, NOMA hosts Colombian art, Badal Roy returns, the 80s are hip again and Shakespeare proves "All the World's a stage."

Monday, June 23, 2008

Washboard Chaz Blues Trio
d.b.a., 10 p.m.
618 Frenchmen Street, Marigny
Tickets: Free
Resources: d.b.a.'s website | Chaz's website

With the exception of the Cajun and Zydeco communities, I can't imagine that the washboard gets nearly as much play throughout the musical landscape as it does in and around Frenchmen Street. To his credit, Washboard Chaz has taken the utility once confined to washrooms, and transformed into an instrument of Jazz and the Blues. Monday, Chaz along with Ben Maygarden on harmonica and vocals and Roberto Luti on guitar take on Frenchmen Street anchor d.b.a. tonight.

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The Circus comes to town
The New Orleans Arena, 8 p.m.
1501 Girod Street, CBD
Tickets: Free

The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus arrives in style this evening with the annual marching of animals from the train-tracks under the Crescent City Connection near the Convention Center. The animals will be marched down Convention Center Blvd. to Julia street, turing right. Down Julia Street to Loyola Avenue, turning right. Down Loyola Avenue to Girod, turing left, taking Girod down to the Arena. The animal will disembark the train at 8 p.m., the parade begins at 9 p.m.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Jazz Culture & Dance Gatherings (through July 22)
Ernst Cafe, 8 p.m.
600 S. Peters Street, Warehouse District
Tickets: $50
Resources: For more information email the Jazz Gathering

Nationally recognized swing dancers Amy Johnson and Chance Bushman moved to New Orleans shorlty after Katrina wishing to help the city get back on its feet. After working within the Musician's Village, they both fell in love with New Orleans and now call the Crescent City their home. Over the next five weeks the duo are holding a five-week summer program featuring social dance classes including the basics of traditional Jazz movement, tap dance basics and 1920's style Charleston. Adding a bit of flare to the classes, local traditional Jazz vanguards the Loose Marbles will be on hand during each class supplying live music to dance to.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, (through Sunday)
The New Orleans Arena, times vary
1501 Girod, CBD
Tickets: Contact Tickmaster
Resources: The Arena's website

The circus has come to town; dancing bears, death-defying acts of aerial expertise and fun for kids of all ages. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus was founded in 1884 and has been delighting circus lovers ever since.

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Henry Rollins, Spoken Word
Tipitina's, 8 p.m.
501 Napoleon Avenue, Uptown
Tickets: $15, $20 for couples
Resources: Tipitina's website | Herny Rollins' website

"In the '90s, Henry Rollins emerged as a post-punk renaissance man, without the self-conscious trappings that plagued such '80s artists as David Byrne. Following Black Flag's breakup in 1986, Rollins was been relentlessly busy, recording albums with the Rollins Band, writing books and poetry, performing spoken word tours, writing a magazine column in Details, acting in several movies, and appearing on radio programs and, less frequently, as an MTV VJ. The Rollins Band's records are uncompromising, intense, cathartic fusions of hard rock, funk, post-punk noise, and jazz experimentalism, with Rollins shouting angry, biting self-examinations and accusations over the grind. On his spoken word albums, he is remarkably more relaxed, showcasing a hilariously self-deprecating sense of humor that is often absent in his music. All the while, he has kept his artistic integrity, becoming a kind of father figure for many alternative bands of the '90s." - Steve Huey, AllMusic.com

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Topsy Chapman
The Palm Court Jazz Cafe, 8 p.m.
1204 Decatur Street, French Quarter
Tickets: Free
Resources: The Palm Court Jazz Cafe's website | Topsy's website

Chapman is one of New Orleans premier gospel and Jazz vocalists whose shows, when given the occasion, should not be missed. On most gigs, she can be found performing with her daughters Yolanda and Jolynda as the group Solid Harmony but Wednesday, it's all Topsy all the time. The Cafe, located in the lower-Decatur section of the French Quarter is one of the city's jazz jewels featuring a spacious seating area, top-notch New Orleans cuisine and a host of the city's finest traditional jazz musician four nights a week.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Tom Jones
Beau Rivage Resort, 8 p.m.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Tickets: $49.95
Resources: The Beau Rivage's website | Official Tom Jones website

Just can't wait to catch the leather-panted Tom Jones' show double-header at the House of Blues next week? Well, you're in luck, the Welsh rock-star struts his way into the Beau Rivage this Thursday.

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As You Like It, (Thursday - Sunday, through July 12)
Lupin Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
Tulane University, Uptown
Tickets: $22 - $35
Resources: Festival's website

"All the world's a stage," well, at least a small corner of it beginning this Thursday at Tulane as their Shakespeare Festival takes on the bard's comedy.

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City Slickers
The W French Quarter, 7 p.m.
316 Chartres Street, French Quarter
Tickets: Free
Resources: Complete list of upcoming films

Of the more summer-oriented events this month, the W French Quarter's courtyard movie night looks like a sure fire hit. The hotel, along with FOX and MGM Home Entertainment are screening films (16 in total) every Thursday evening in their courtyard beginning at sunset. This Thursday, join Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Bruno Kirby and the late Jack Palance for the 1991 classic, City Slickers.

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The Stringbeans
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 6 p.m.
925 Camp Street, Warehouse District
Tickets: $10
Resources: Ogden's website

The Stringbeans play old style New Orleans R & B, Swamp Pop, and Rockabilly.Their post storm mission is to revive the great Rock N Roll that leapt from New Orleans in the 1950's and 60's, the likes of Fats Domino, Ernie K-Doe, Earl King, etc.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Back to the 80s! (through Sunday)
Southern Reperatory Theatre, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Third Floor, Canal Place
Tickets: $15
Resources: Southern Rep's website

From the era that brought the world The Rubik's Cube, Max Headroom and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comes this "totally awesome" musical. Journey back in time when Michael Jackson was the King of Pop, blue eye shadow was cool and the Atari was cutting edge technology. Join the graduating class of William Ocean High School as they live through their senior year - as they experience the fun, the heartbreak, the loves and the loneliness of growing up, all set to the biggest hits of the 1980s.

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Southern Voices: dance out Loud (through Sunday)
Contemporary Arts Center, 8 p.m. (2 p.m. Sunday)
900 Camp Street, Warehouse District
Tickets: $15 - $18
Resources: The CAC's website | Dance company's website

D'Project and Artistic Director Eddy Villalta present Souther Voices: dance out Loud, a powerfully creative fusion of dance, theatre and video art. Composed by six of the most innovative and exciting dance companies in New Orleans, the performance is a multi-media event combining ballet, flamenco, second line, and modern dance with live music and video projection. Anne Burr Dance Company, D'Project, Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble, Micaela y Fiesta Flamenca, Monique Moss & Third Eye Theater, and Barbara Hayley & New Orleans Dance teamed up to created this one-of-a-kind performance that's not to be missed.

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Badal Roy, Amit Chatterjee and Tim Green
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
626 Frenchmen Street, Marigny
Tickets: Call club
Resources: Snug Harbor's website | Badal Roy's MySpace

So in my scouring of the net for things for you to do this week, I came across this show at Snug. Truthfully, before his March 2007 performance, I had never heard of the guy, but have since learned a bit more, we're in for a treat. Badal Roy is a self-taught Indian percussionist whose most noted works were with jazz legend Miles Davis through the 60s and 70s. He is a tabla player, (think small portable Indian bongos) and is famous for cross-cultural music, merging traditional Indian rhythms with jazz. Roy will play two nights this week, with two shows each night.

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Good Enough for Good Times
Tipitina's, 10 p.m.
501 Napoleon Avenue, Uptown
Tickets: Free
Resources: Tipitina's website | GEFGT's website

With Rob Mercurio and Jeff Raines of Galactic, Joe Ashlar and Simon Lott at the reigns of this week's "Free Friday" concert series at Tip's, we're in for a bit more than just good times.

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Una Fiesta Colombiana
The New Orleans Museum of Art
City Park, Mid-City, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $75
Resources: NOMA's website | Fernando Botero's WIKI entry

The Baroque world of Fernando Botero will be on display this Saturday at the New Orleans Musuem of art along with a special cocktails soiree beginning at 7 p.m. Following cocktaisl is a buffet dinner featuring Latin American cuisine, music and dancing.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

The Return of the Streetcar
Streetcar Line, noon
S. Carrollton Avenue, Uptown
Tickets: Free

The 170-year-old St. Charles streetcar has opened its last line on Carrollton Avenue, nearly 3 years since wind from Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of the city's power infrastructure for this oldest form of New Orleans mass transit. Neighborhoods for blocks along Carrollton Avenue from the Mississippi River toward City Park-one of the largest public parks in the country-plan to celebrate on June 28 for the official public opening of the line with banners, live music, and dignitaries as is the rich tradition of New Orleans culture.

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Arts Market of New Orleans
Palmer Park, 10 a.m.
S. Carrollton at S. Clairborne
Tickets: Free
Resources: The Art's Council of New Orleans' website

Discover a vibrant market brimming with exciting pieces from the region's best artisans. From paintings, photography, ceramics, glasswork, jewelry, woodwork and printmaking to handcrafted clothing, soap and candles, the Arts Market truly offers something for every person and every budget. Plus live music, food and drink from your favorite local restaurants, and exciting and educational kid's activities. The event will feature music by the Loose Marbles and the Kaya Martinez Quartet.

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Big Sam's Funky Nation
Mid City Lanes Rock and Bowl, 9:30 p.m.
4133 S. Carrollton Avenue, Mid-City
Tickets: $10
Resources: Rock and Bowl's website | Big Sam's website

Presiding over his Funky Nation is Big Sam, formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, who blows the funk out of his trombone and refuses to let the audience sit still. A talented group of jazz-trained musicians makes up the Funky Nation, bringing with them the improv-style associated with jazz and the horn-heavy front section that's the hallmark of big band funk. Theirs, and Big Sam's, exuberant dancing and playing, afford them a rare opportunity to let loose.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Asante Awards Festival
Basin Street Station, Noon
501 Basin Street, Downtown
Tickets: Free

On this day of Thanksgiving and Salutation to our culture, the NOLA.Tv Asante Festival will showcase local poets, musicians, and artists in various disciplines. The informative, educational format of the festival will also allow for ample interaction between artists and festival goers. The 2008 festival will be the first time that the festival will be held in New Orleans.

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Independence Day Music Festival
Trinity Episcopal Church, 3 p.m.
1329 Jackson Avenue, Uptown
Tickets: Free
Resources: Official information

Three Hours Patriotic Festival in Honor of the World War II Veterans with Over a Hundred patriotic performers. The festival will feature Color Guard and rousing patriotic music and dance, including The Navy Band New Orleans; Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis; Organist Albinas Prizgintas will perform Patriotic hymns, music by John Philip Sousa and other favorite American composers on the magnificent 5000 pipes Trinity organ; The Yellowdog Prophet Choir; New Orleans Trombone Choir; Quinn Peeper will play "The Immortal" Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and many more surprises