This legendary party returns! DJ Soul Sister’s 16th Annual Birthday Jam is Sept. 9 at Tipitina’s, where it first started. This year’s theme — Two Step Throwback Edition — will be R&B, funk and soul homage featuring Switch, the birthday girl, DJ Captain Charles and Papa Smurf, who is the night’s emcee. And, of course there will be a special cake by Uniquely Made Monique. Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave.; tipitinas.com; Instagram: @djsoulsister, @tipitinas
Black Photographers In Focus
Two major photography shows at the New Orleans Museum of Art are putting the spotlight on black photographers: “Picture Man: Portraits by Polo Silk,” already on view, and “Called to the Camera: Black American Studio Photographers,” opening Sept. 16.
Selwhyn Sthaddeus “Polo Silk” Terrell, a native of New Orleans, has for more than three decades been capturing one-of-a-kind moments by photographing portraits in the city’s clubs and on the streets using Polaroid or other instant film and shot against airbrushed backdrops by his cousin, Otis Spears.
Polo Silk’s work is also included in “Called to the Camera,” which features more than 150 photographs from the 19th century to present day, some publicly on view for the first time, by photographers such as James Van Der Zee and Addison Scurlock, as well as Florestine Perrault Collins and A.P. Bedou of New Orleans.
New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle; noma.org; @neworleansmuseumofart
Falling for Flower and Foliage
There is something to be said about summer’s languorous tropical humidity lasting through September, creating its own efflorescence. Celebrating this seasonal bounty, Longue Vue House and Gardens is offering Fall Flower Arranging on Sept. 10, Native Plant Propagation, Sept. 24, and What’s In Bloom Happy Hour, Sept. 29. 5 Bamboo Rd.; longuevue.com; Instagram @longuevuehg
The Sweet Smell of Beignet Fest
If there is a confection that defines New Orleans, then the beignet is it. This puffed, deep-fried pastry doused with powdered sugar is the epitome of festiveness (who hasn’t blown sugar on someone before?), and with that in mind, the Beignet Festival, Sept. 24, has concocted a lineup of beignets — stuffed, not stuffed, sweet, savory and more — from different vendors. There’s also live music and a Kids Village.
Sponsored by the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, the festival is 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds. Proceeds benefit the Beignet Fest Foundation, which supports autism programs for children and their families. beignetfest.com; Instagram @beignetfest
Free Vaccinations from Zeus’ Rescues!
Zeus’ Place and Rescues founder Michelle Ingram was excited to share that the dog and cat care and rescue organization has received a $500 grant from Petco Love, a foundation arm of Petco, to provide free vaccinations for dogs, DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus) and cats, FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia). Just make an appointment via zeusrescuesvaccines@gmail.com.
“Petco’s goal with the drive was to help vaccinate dogs and cats cared for by people who are struggling through the [COVID-19] epidemic,” said Ingram. “To prevent infections and help those who can’t afford the vaccines for the dogs or cats.”
Zeus’ Rescue, 2520 Napoleon Ave., zeusrescues.org, Instagram @zeusrescues, @zeusplace
The Hooks Brothers Photograph Collection, consisting of original photographs, negatives, equipment, and ephemera was acquired by the RWS Company, LLC in 2018.[/caption]
Black Photographers In Focus
Two major photography shows at the New Orleans Museum of Art are putting the spotlight on black photographers: “Picture Man: Portraits by Polo Silk,” already on view, and “Called to the Camera: Black American Studio Photographers,” opening Sept. 16.