I'm really upset about the damn oil spill. We're all still sitting around, going about our day, but there's a huge cloud of gloom just waiting to crawl over us--again...

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This weekend the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo returns to Bayou St. John with 30 bands performing on three stages to celebrate New Orleans food, music and art. Bring your dancing shoes and plan on rocking with local favorites Honey Island Swamp Band (pictured), Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Shannon McNally, Stooges Brass Band, Good Enough For Good Times, Johnny Sketch and The Dirty Notes, Susan Cowsill Band and Bill Summers and Jazalsa, to name but a few. After grooving, enjoy food from Boucherie, Carnival Brands, Lazaro's, Praline Connection, Nacho Mama's, Saltwater Grill, Little Tokyo and Crepes A la Cart on the banks of Bayou St. John. In addition to the music and food, local artists will stock the Art Market and Bazaar benefiting the 3-Ring Circus Arts Education Center. The free festival will promote sustainable living by incorporating solar-powered stages, bio- diesel generators and locally grown and organic foods.

During the festival on Sunday, Second Harvest Food Bank will host the first ever Rubber Duck Derby when they drop 10,000 rubber ducks into Bayou St. John and watch them race to the finish line. The winning lucky first, second and third place ducks will win exciting prizes. To participate in the Rubber Duck Derby and help fight hunger, adopt your own rubber duck; one duck is $5, and a six- duck bundle is $25.

Beloved New Orleans native, To Be Continued Brass Band saxophonist and Assistant Band Director at O. Perry Walker High School, Brandon Franklin was killed on May 9 in a domestic dispute. Brandon was 22 years old. The community of New Orleans has come together to remember and honor Brandon's life in a variety of ways. Tonight, a Brass Band Benefit will be held at the Howlin' Wolf from 8-11 p.m. featuring Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Hot 8 Brass Band, Baby Boyz Brass Band and New Birth Brass Band to raise money for Franklin's funeral. On Friday, his viewing will be at 9 a.m. with his funeral following at 11 a.m. at The Church at New Orleans, located at 11700 Chef Menteur Highway. A Facebook tribute page has also been set up to record memories and condolences.

We're also sorry to belatedly report on the passing of zydeco legend Roy Carrier, who passed away May 3 as a result of a heart attack. Look for an obituary of Carrier in the June issue.

ONE NIGHT ONLY

On Monday, HBO's Treme presents Open for One Night Only: Frank's Place at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts from 6:30- 10 p.m. Frank's Place aired from 1987-1988 on CBS, bringing viewers as close to New Orleans as any television series had ever done at the time. Although the show is no longer available for home viewing, two episodes of the New Orleans classic will be aired at this exclusive event along with a panel discussion moderated by Gambit Weekly editor Kevin Allman featuring creators Tim Reid and Hugh Wilson and Treme writer Lolis Eric Elie. All proceeds from the evening will benefit NOCCA. Tickets are $20.

GOTTA GET AWAY

This weekend, The French Quarter Business Association and the French Market kick off their "Get Away in the Vieux Carre" promotion. The official start is Thursday at 5 p.m. in the French Market with live music by Jenn Howard and Crazy McGee, then Juice plays from 6-8 p.m. While there, you can register to win one of three "Get Away in the Vieux Carre" summer hotel and dining packages. Must be present to win.

CINEMA AND CUISINE

On Wednesday, May 26, Chef Adolfo Garcia's new restaurant Gusto and The Theatres at Canal Place will open simultaneously just before the 12:01 a.m. premiere of Sex and the City 2. The auditoriums at The Theatres at Canal Place will feature digital surround sound, 3-D capabilities, luxury reclining leather chairs and servers will deliver Gusto's Mediterranean-inspired fare to seated theatre-goers. Gusto's cuisine - including dishes such as Mediterranean Grilled Tuna Salad with Roasted Peppers and House-made Hummus and Tzatziki with Flatbread - will be available without a cinema experience.

RENAISSANCE RETURNS

On Saturday, the Renaissance Marketplace returns with the theme "Louisiana Purchase" to celebrate the city's French, Spanish and Creole culture. The Marketplace will be held at 5700 Read Blvd. from 12-5 p.m. and will feature food, art and performances by Viet Nam, Rumba Buena Band, DJ Dolan, DJ Patrick and Bamboula 2000.

The month of Jazz Fest is the time we tell everyone (in the words of our cover artist Dr. Bob) to "Be Nice or Leave!" It's very easy to be nice to everyone during Jazz Fest time. Pick up a copy (or come by the office to get one and say "hi!") to learn everything you need to know about Jazz Fest music, food, music at night, musicians, and restaurants worth visiting during Jazz Fest. Please patronize our advertisers and tell 'em OffBeat sent you! We'd appreciate it and they'll appreciate your business and support.

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As of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes rose from the stage in a shaving cream-filled coffin, the crowd went wild without batting an eye or missing a beat. Sporting a unitard and eyeliner, this was one of the less weird things that Barnes has done on stage. Known for their wild live shows, the imaginative Athens, Georgia-based psychedelic indie rock band is constantly inventing new ways to entertain and surprise. In March, of Montreal released the documentary of Montreal: Family Nouveau which goes behind the scenes and backstage on their European tour in late January and early February of 2009. of Montreal kicks off their May tour with opening act Noot d'Noot this Saturday night at the Howlin' Wolf. Our advice: go to the show with no expectations other than to expect the unexpected.

BEAUSOLEIL AVEC MICHAEL DOUCET
May 22 Mandeville LA Ruby's Roadhouse

TAB BENOIT
May 22 Mandeville LA Ruby's Roadhouse
May 27 Annapolis MD Rams Head on Stage
May 28 Virginia Beach VA Jewish Mother
May 29 Rockville MD Town Center
May 31 Northampton MA Iron Horse Music Hall
Jun 2 Piermont NY Turning Point
Jun 3 New York NY Rocks Off Concert Cruise

BETTER THAN EZRA
May 28 Biloxi MS Beau Rivage Resort

BIG AL & THE HEAVYWEIGHTS
May 28 Mobile AL The Shed
May 29 Ponchatoula LA The Porch
May 30 Madisonville LA T Rivers

BIG SAM'S FUNKY NATION
May 20 Sacramento CA Torch Club
May 22 Doheny State Beach CA Blues Festival
May 27 Black Mountain NC Pisgah Brewing
May 28 Chattanooga TN Nightfall Jazz Series
Jun 1 Greensboro NC Blind Tiger
Jun 2 Annapolis MD Ram's Head

BONERAMA
May 20 Santa Cruz CA Moe's Alley
May 21 San Francisco CA Red Devil Lounge
May 23 Annapolis MD Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival
Jun 3 Panama City Beach FL Concert Series

BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO
May 28 Jacksonville FL Downtown Jacksonville
May 29 Orlando FL Plaza Theater

CHUBBY CARRIER & THE BAYOU SWAMP BAND
May 29 Amana IA Convention Facility and RV Park

C.J. CHENIER & THE RED HOT LOUISIANA BAND
May 28 New York NY Connolly's
May 30 Rehoboth MA Francis Farm

COWBOY MOUTH
May 28 Montgomery AL Riverwalk Amphitheater
May 29 LaGrange GA Pyne Road Park
May 20 Belle Chasse LA Seafood Festival
Jun 2 Chattanooga TN Rhythm & Brews
Jun 3 Birmingham AL Iron Horse Cafe

BENJY DAVIS PROJECT
May 20 Orlando FL The Social
May 21 St Petersburg FL Push Ultra Lounge
May 22 Savannah GA Live Wire Music Hall
May 23 Atlanta GA Smith's Olde Bar
May 25 Nashville TN 3rd & Lindsley
May 26 Memphis TN Newby's
May 27 Little Rock AR The Village
May 29 Hammond LA La Carreta

DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND
May 21 Destin FL The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint
May 22 Jackson MS Martin's
May 29 St Petersburg RUS St Petersburg Day Celebration
Jun 3 Enterprise AL BamaJam

GALACTIC
May 28 Savannah GA Savannah College of Art & Design
May 29 Angels Camp CA Calaveras County Fairgrounds
Jun 3-5 Brooklyn NY Brooklyn Bowl

HONEY ISLAND SWAMP BAND
May 21 Woodlands TX Crabby Daddy's
May 22 Austin TX Momo's
May 29 Baton Rouge LA Chelsea's
May 30 Belle Chasse LA Seafood Festival
Jun 3 Raleigh NC Pourhouse

THE IGUANAS
May 21 Lafayette LA Parc International
Jun 2 Annapolis MD Rams Head On Stage

SEAN JOHNSON & THE WILD LOTUS BAND
May 21 Berlin GER Jivamukti Yoga Loft
May 22-23 Munchen GER Yoga Lounge
May 24 Ettlingen GER Yoga Haus
May 25 Dusseldorf GER Vishnu Vibes
May 26 Dortmund GER Cool Yoga
May 28-30 Cologne GER German Yoga Conference
May 31 Dublin IRE Oscailt

BRYAN LEE
May 21 Bradenton FL Ace's Lounge
May 22 Gadsden AL The Downtown Tavern
May 23 Mobile AL Blues Tavern
May 29 Conroe TX Corner Pub

ERIC LINDELL
May 21 San Diego CA Winston's Beach Club
May 22 Dana Point CA Doheny State Beach
May 27 San Francisco CA Boom Boom Room
May 28 Santa Cruz CA Moe's Alley
May 29 Aptos CA Aptos Village Park
May 30 San Francisco CA Pier 23 Café

LITTLE FREDDIE KING
May 29-30 Rehobeth MI Bayou Boogie Festival

ZIGABOO MODELISTE
May 23 San Francisco CA Pier 23

MUTEMATH
May 30 Durham CT B.O.M.B. Festival

THE NEVILLE BROTHERS
May 23 Sonoma CA Field Of Dreams Park
May 26 Annapolis MD Rams Head On Stage

CYRIL NEVILLE
May 22 Califon NJ Lebanon Township Memorial Park
May 23 Sonoma CA Sonoma Jazz Festival
May 25 Alexandria VA Brichmere Music Hall
May 26 Annapolis MD Rams Head on Stage
May 27 New York NY Nokie Theater
May 28 Tarrytown NY Music Hall
Jun 3-6 New York NY Brooklyn Bowl

IVAN NEVILLE'S DUMPSTAPHUNK
May 21 Arcata CA Arcata Theater
May 28 Chillicothe IL Three Sisters Park
May 29 Aptos CA Aptos Village Park
May 30 Avila Beach CA Avila Beach Resort

PAPA GROWS FUNK
May 29 Rockville MD Town Center

PINE LEAF BOYS
May 28 La Mesa CA La Mesa Woman's Club
May 29 Simi Valley CA Cajun Creole Music Festival

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND
May 30 Jacksonville FL Downtown Jacksonville

QUINTRON AND MISS PUSSYCAT
May 27 Biloxi MS Rusty Robots
May 28 Baton Rouge LA Spanish Moon
May 29 Austin TX Chaos in Tejas Festival
Jun 1 Memphis TN Hi-Tone
Jun 3 Nashville TN Exit/In

RED STICK RAMBLERS
May 28 Galax VA Blue Ridge Music Ctr.

CHRISTIAN SERPAS & GHOST TOWN
May 22 Slidell LA Slidell Brown Bag Series
May 23 Abita Springs LA Abita Crawfish Festival
May 30 Baton Rouge LA Bayou Country Superfest

AMANDA SHAW
May 28 Shreveport LA Mudbug Madness

TERRANCE SIMIEN & THE ZYDECO EXPERIENCE
May 27 Memphis TN The Levitt Shell
May 28 Shreveport LA Fetival Plaza
May 29 Kansas City MO Crown Center

SUBDUDES
May 21 Nashville TN Third & Lindsley
May 22 Madison IN, Ohio River Valley Folk Festival

IRMA THOMAS
May 21-22 Allston MA Scullers Jazz Club

WAYNE TOUPS & ZYDECAJUN
May 20 Lafayette LA Rhythm on the River
May 22 Sulphur LA Sulphur Heritage Festival
May 28 Destin FL The Palms of Destin Resort

ALLEN TOUSSAINT
May 27 Lafayette LA City Club at River Ranch

TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE
May 20 Paris FRA La Boule Noire
May 22 Amsterdam NET Paradiso
May 25 Berlin GER Verve Club
May 29 Atlanta GA Jazz Festival
Jun 3 New York NY Beach at Governor's Island

On Saturday, the inaugural Soul Survivors Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Ferriday, the birthplace of rock 'n' roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis and home to Haney's Big House nightclub where legendary musicians including B.B. King and Fats Domino have played. With children's activities, local art and a diverse lineup, the festival boasts something for everyone. Scheduled performers include Hezekiah Early, Jimmy Anderson, YZ Ealey and Lil Poochie. Soul Survivors co-organizer Tommy Polk says that he hopes festival-goers make it a point to spend the weekend in Ferriday, a three hour drive from New Orleans, in conjunction with the free festival. "Ferriday is a very warm and inviting town. It is totally a plus to have such a rich musical history here and such a special cultural event as Soul Survivors Festival. Myself, I can hardly wait," says Polk.

Troy Turner: Whole Lotta Blues (Evidence)

May 3, 2010
Bamboula 2000: We Got It Goin' Oon (Independent)
Tim Laughlin's New Orleans All-Stars: New Orleans Classics (Classic Jazz Records)
D.L. Menard: Happy Go Lucky (Swallow Records)
Tom Paines: Rites of Man (Threadhead Records)
Coco Robicheaux: Revelator (Spiritland Records)
Amanda Shaw: Good Southern Girl (Poorman Mayfield Music Group)
Sweet Jones: Le Grande Soiree (Independent)

May 04, 2010
Cyril Neville: The Essential Cyril Neville 1994-2007 (MC Records)

May 18, 2010
Susan Cowsill: Lighthouse (Threadhead Records)
Andrew Duhon & the Lonesome Crows: Dreaming When You Leave (Independent)
Mary Lasseigne: Mary Jane & the Brain Surgeon (Threadhead Records)
Troy Turner: Whole Lotta Blues (Evidence)

June 8, 2010
Feufollet: En Couleurs (Feufollet Records)

July 6, 2010
Ann Savoy & her Sleepless Knights: Black Coffee (Memphis International)

Released in April 2010
Shamarr Allen & Paul Sanchez: Bridging the Gap (Threadhead Records)
Theresa Andersson: Live at Le Petit (DVD) (Gata)
Glen David Andrews: Walking Through Heaven's Gate (DVD) (Independent)
Philip H. Anselmo: Compilation Volume 1 (Housecore Records)
Holly Bendtsen & Amasa Miller: Our Songs (Threadhead Records)
Big Daddy 'O': Used Blues (Rabadash Records)
Mia Borders: Magnolia Blue (Blaxican Records and Hypersould Records)
Maurice Brown: The Cycle of Love (Independent)
Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band: Zydeco Junkie (Swampadellic Records)
Big Al Carson with the Blues Masters: 3 Phat Catz and 1 Skinny Dog (Rabadash Records)
Jeff Chaz: Live in New Orleans (JCP Records)
Ceasar Elloie: New Orleans to Paris (Turbine Records)
Grandpa Elliot: Sugar Sweet (Playing for Change/Concord)
Honey Island Swamp Band: Good To You (Independent)
Eric Lindell: Between Motion and Rest (Sparco Records)
Ingrid Lucia: Midnight Rendezvous (Threadhead Records)
Roy McGrath Jazz Trio: Long Shot (Independent)
Stanton Moore: Groove Alchemy (Telarc)
Neville Brothers: From the Beginning - Volume 1 (Independent)
Anders Osborne: American Patchwork (Alligator)
Conun Pappas, Jr. : Oh What A Feeling (Independent)
Margie Perez: Singing for my Supper (Threadhead Records)
Matt Perrine & Sunflower City: Bayou Road Suite (Threadhead Records)
Wardell Quezergue: After the Math - The St. Agnes Sessions (Jazz Foundation of America)
John Rankin, Tommy Sancton & Tom Fischer: The Classic Jazz Trio (Rankomatic Music)
Dan Rivers: Acoustic Sunlight (Independent)
Paul Sanchez: Live at Papa Roux - Red Beans & Ricely Yours (Threadhead Records)
Frans Schuman: Live in New Orleans (Independent)
Mark Stone: Trickeration & Rascality (Threadhead Records)
The Swip: Ugly Animals (Independent)
Amy Trail: Lonesome Man (Independent)
Trombone Shorty: Backatown (Verve Forecast)
Seva Venet: Seva Venet Presents the Storyville Stringband of New Orleans (Independent)
Ernie Vincent & the Top Notes: Party on the Bayou: Live at d.b.a. (Rollo Records)

Released in March 2010
Benjy Davis Project: Lost Souls Like Us (Rock Ridge)
Big Sam's Funky Nation: King of the Party (Independent)
JJ Muggler Band: Hard Luck Town (Independent)
The Local Skank: Songs for a Bromance (Independent)
The Nerostotles: Arson & Logic (Independent)
New Orleans Moonshiners : I'm Comin' Home (Independent)
Cale Pellick: In the Loop (Independent)
Rotary Downs: Crooked Maps and Blue Reports (Rockery)
Christian Scott: Yesterday You Said Tomorrow (Concord)
Seva Venet : Seva Venet Presents the Storyville Stringband of New Orleans (Independent)
Washboard Rodeo : Washboard Rodeo (Independent)

If you forgot to visit OffBeat.com this week, you missed a report on last weekend's Gulf Aid concert, Mos Def on his Gulf Aid collaboration with Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the start-up of our Treme Blog and more.

"Rebirth at the Leaf on Tuesday nights" is one of the standard go-to gigs whenever someone asks about a good place to hear local music.. Since this feature on the Rebirth Brass Band in June 2004, a lot of changes have taken place: trumpet player Shamarr Allen has started his own group; Phil Frazier has suffered (and recovered from) severe health problems, and of course there was that little thing called Katrina. This interview with Phil Frazier by Geraldine Wyckoff gives you a real inside look at what makes the band tick, plus a lot more.

Find out more by ordering this back issue of OffBeat, or getting one of our Potluck offers.



Our readers are part of our family, and like all concerned kin, they want to know what's up with the other members of their extended family. OffBeat allows them to do that.

It's cool to be able to go back in time to see how the scene--and musicians--have changed over the years, and we have special offers for our readers who want to experience the historical thread of our music by ordering Potluck package.

Our "Potluck" offer of six issues for $10 has been so popular that we want to offer you some hydroponically-grown "Superpot."

Because of the success of our Potluck (actually a grab bag) and the Postal Service Medium Flat Rate Box, we are offering to fill that box up with vintage OffBeat magazines for $50. The box holds approximately 40 issues (we will fill it up) and we also will include free OffBeat compilation CDs.

Help us reduce our inventory and receive a treasure trove of Louisiana music history.

MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

OffBeat will send you six (yep, 6!) different issues for $10, that's just about $1.60 per issue including shipping. If you're from outside the US, we have to charge more postage (sorry!) but the cost is only $20. If you must have a specific issue (remember this is "potluck"--back issues are $5.00 each.

Our selection can include really old collectors' item issues from 1988, all the way through September 2005 with our very the highly collectible "Katrina" September 2005 issue (nothing in it actually happened). This issue was supposed to be distributed on August 29, 2005--the day Hurricane Katrina hit!

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To get these special offers, you'll need to update your profile in our system to receive the special offers.

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The weekend starts Thursday with an electronica night at the House of Blues featuring the Glitch Mob, Free the Robots and Deru, then the Soul Rebels play their Thursday night party at Le Bon Temps Roule.

On Friday, Tab Benoit and BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet are at Tipitina's and Mike Dillon's Go-Go Jungle plays Le Bon Temps. Prytania Music & Spirits hosts Dirty Bourbon "Bringing it All Back Home" Show, and JP Morton (pictured) has his CD-release party at the Howlin' Wolf.

Davis Rogan's All That returns Saturday night, this time to the Maple Leaf Bar. Also that night, Shamarr Allen is at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse, and the Palm Court Jazz Band featuring Lionel Ferbos performs at the Palm Court. Recently, Mose Allison released his first album in years, The Way of the World, and he starts a two-night stand at Snug Harbor Saturday.

On Sunday, Wilson and Moore play the Old Point Bar at 3:30 p.m., and Mose Allison's stand continues his stay at Snug Harbor.

On Monday, the Howlin' Wolf has a rock night with 16 Volt, Chemlab, Left Spine Down and Suicide Assyst.

On Tuesday, the Tom Paines perform during happy hour at the Circle Bar. "Masters Month" continues at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse when Ed "Sweetbread" Petersen plays the music of Chicago's Tenor Masters, then Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns are at the Spotted Cat at 10.

On Wednesday, the Iguanas are at Chickie Wah Wah, Little Freddie King plays the Maple Leaf, and Khris Royal and Dark Matter are at the Blue Nile.

Check out OffBeat's restaurant listings, and get your New Orleans food and music fix all in one place!

Just like the rest of us, musicians eat, and not, surprisingly (because it IS New Orleans, after all), musicians and local cultural icons cook. Music and food are inextricably tied into our culture.

Every month, OffBeat includes reviews of local restaurants, and gives our readers the opportunity to find out where "the locals"--that is, local musicians--go.

. Read about why local musician Mark Braud . loves Dooky Chase!

We get lots of letters from OffBeat print readers as well as our Weekly Beat subscribers, and we want to hear from you. Thank you for taking the time to read our publications, and respond to what we do, both positively and negatively.

We're listening!

MUSIC TYPE CODES
(AC) A Cappella; (AU) Acoustic; (BG) Big Band; (BL) Blues; (BU) Bluegrass; (BB) Brass Band; (SH) Cabaret/Show; (KJ) Cajun; (KS) Christian; (CL) Classical; (CR) Classic Rock; (KR) College Rock; (CO) Comedy; (CW) Country; (DN) Dance; (DG) Dance Group; (FE) Folk/Ethnic; (FR) Folk Rock; (FK) Funk; (FS) Fusion; (GG) Girl Group; (GS) Gospel; (MJ) Contemporary Jazz; (TJ) Traditional Jazz; (JV) Jazz, Variety; (LT) Latin; (ME) Metal; (OL) Oldies; (OR) Originals; (PK) Piano, Keyboards; (PP) Pop / Top 40 / Covers; (PR) Modern Rock; (RG) Reggae / World Beat; (RH) Rap / Hip-Hop; (RB) Rhythm & Blues; (RC) Rockabilly; (RR) Rock; (SI) Swing; (SKA) Ska; (SS) Singer Songwriter; (SW) Spoken Word; (TC) Techno / Electronic; (TG) Thrash /Grunge; (VR) Variety; (VF) Vocals, Female; (VM) Vocals, Male; (ZY) Zydeco.
THURSDAY MAY 20
Check out d.b.a. featuring a benefit to buy Mr. Okra a new truck featuring Morning 40 Federation, Happy Talk Band, Guitar Lightnin' Lee, King James & My Graveyard Jaw at 6 p.m.
Click here to view all club listings:

FRIDAY MAY 21
Check out Chickie Wah Wah featuring Paul Sanchez & Friends (VR) at 8 p.m.
Click here to view all club listings:

SATURDAY MAY 22
Check out Maple Leaf featuring Davis Rogan's (Treme's Davis McAlary) All That (FK) at 10 p.m.
Click here to view all club listings:

SUNDAY MAY 23
Get religion at House of Blues featuring it's wonderful Gospel Brunch (GS) at 10 a.m.
Click here to view all club listings:

MONDAY MAY 24
Check out Howlin' Wolf featuring 16 Volt, Chemlab, Left Spine Down, Suicide Assyst (RR VR) at 10 p.m.
Click here to view all club listings:

TUESDAY MAY 25
Check out Blue Nile featuring Brian Prunka (MJ) at 10 p.m.
Click here to view all club listings:

WEDNESDAY MAY 26
Check out Snug Harbor featuring Delfeayo Marsalis (MJ) at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Click here to view all club listings:

CONCERTS

MAY 21
Al Green: Catch a performance by the legendary soul and gospel singer at the Hard Rock Live in Biloxi. 8p.

FESTIVALS

MAY 21-23
Bayou Boogaloo : Spend a weekend on Bayou St. John between Orleans Avenue and Canal Street for a good time with live music, food and all the usual stuff. TheBayouBoogaloo.com.

MAY 25-29
New Orleans Wine and Food Experience: Head downtown for a multi-day event showcasing some of the city's best food at local restaurants with tastings and wine and food seminars. nowfe.com.

MAY 27-30
Jambalaya Festival: If you're not burned out on festivals by the end of the month, take a trip out to Gonzales and celebrate the sacred dish of jambalaya with music, food and family fun. JambalayaFestival.org.

MAY 27-30
Big Easy Comedy Festival: Enjoy four great days of laughs in New Orleans with such comedians as Mike Epps, Damon Wayans, Sommore, DL Hughley, Bruce Bruce and more. BigEasyComedyFestival.com.

MAY 27-JUNE 6
Cajun Heartland State Fair: As one of the biggest fairs in the state, this fun event features live music, giant rides, food, a petting zoo and demonstrations. Cajundome.com.

MAY 28-30
Greek Festival: Take a trip to Greece without even leaving New Orleans. Enjoy Greek cuisine, culture and music on the banks of Bayou St. John at the Hellenic Cultural Center. GreekFestnola.com.

MAY 28-30
Plaquemines Parish Heritage and Seafood Festival: Take a trip out to Belle Chasse for a weekend of seafood, crafts, helicopter rides, games and more. PlaqueminesParishFestival.com.

MAY 29 & 30
Bayou Country Superfest: The two-day concert event features performances by Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn and Jason Aldean. LSU Tiger Stadium. Baton Rouge. 4p. BayouCountrySuperfest.com.

THROUGH MAY 27
Bugs, Buds and Bands: Head to Fulton Square every Thursday through the end of May for crawfish, beer and live music from 5-8p. Visit HarrahsNewOrleans.com for a full schedule.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THROUGH JUNE 9
Wednesday at the Square: The weekly workday concert series brings Louisiana artists to Lafayette Square every Wednesday from 5-7:30p. Check the OffBeat daily listings or wednesdayatthesquare.com for a schedule of performers.

THROUGH JULY 11
Beyond the Blues: This special event features more than 150 works of art by and about African Americans, taken from the fine arts collection of the Amistad Research Center. New Orleans Museum of Art. (504) 658-4100, noma.org.

THROUGH OCTOBER 7
Thursdays at Twilight: Head to the Botanical Gardens in City Park every Thursday for the evening concert series at 6p. NewOrleansCityPark.com.

APRIL 29-MAY 27
Ogden After Hours: Visit the Ogden Museum every Thursday evening for live entertainment by a variety of local musicians. Check the OffBeat daily listings for a schedule of performances. 6p. OgdenMuseum.org.

MAY 21
Concerts in the Courtyard: Take a trip to the Historic New Orleans Collection for the monthly concert series. This month features a performance by Los Po-Boy-Citos. 6p. (504) 523-4662, hnoc.org.

MAY 22
Jazz'n the Vines: Head to Pontchartrain Vineyards in Covington for an outdoor concert featuring Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys (5/08) and Rick Trolsen & the New Orleans Po-boys (5/22). 6:30p. (985) 892-9742, PontchartrainVineyards.com.

THEATER

MAY 7-23
Grey Gardens: This scandalously entertaining musical tells the story of a riches to rags epic about Jackie O's most infamous relations, Big Eddie and her "fashion-forward" daughter, Little Edie. Southern Rep Theater. Thu.-Sat. 8p. Sun. 2p. (504) 523-9857, SouthernRep.com.

MAY 21-30
Autie Mame: Enjoy a staged reading starring Varla Jean Merman as the madcap Autie Mame and the talented Ricky Graham as Vera Charles. Fri. & Sat. 8p, Sun. 6p. (504) 581-5812, CabaretLeChatNoir.com.

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