Play Ball!
The New Orleans Zephyrs will take a swing at the new season on Friday, April 13. In a town of superstition, the date of the Zephyrs’ first home game seems like an appropriate night to show the Nashville Sounds who’s got the most magic in their bat.
There’s going to be a fireworks show, various giveaways and of course, hot dogs and beer. On a pleasant night there’s nothing more heavenly than watching a good baseball game from the levee overlooking the field. If you don’t make it to this game, don’t worry – the season has just begun. Check their Web site for the complete schedule.
Information, www.zephyrsbaseball.com; 734-5155.
Come-on-a Drama Rama
April 14 will be a huge day for actors, actresses and all who adore the performing arts as everyone is invited to watch Drama Rama.
The event will take place at the Contemporary Arts Center, from 7 p.m. until around midnight, showcasing new works from local and national performing artists in a variety of artistic disciplines – not only theater but dance, puppetry, storytelling, spoken word, performance art, burlesque and more! Plus, for the younger, up-and-coming generation, Drama Rama Junior will take place beginning at 11 a.m. at the Louisiana Children’s Museum.
Information, www.dramarama.org.
Live and Love with La BohÉme
Modern day Bohemians, free-spirits and opera-lovers, take note: New Orleans Opera Association blends the best of these worlds at La Bohème on April 20-22 at Tulane’s McAlister Auditorium. The exhilarating performances by Georgia Jarman, Simon O’Neill, Daniel Mobbs and Sarah Jane McMahon will take you to another time period as they sing a story of young visionary artists whose lives in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the 1830s are dominated by their passion, optimism and love. Considered to be Puccini’s masterpiece, the opera is directed by David Morelock and conducted by Robert Lyall.
Information, www.neworleansopera.org; 529-3000.
Much Ado at the Zoo
Two events at the Audubon Zoo will take place on back-to-back weekends starting at the end of this month. On April 27, the Zoo-To-Do for Kids presented by Humana will make way for an evening of animals, food, music, crafts, arcade games and more. The following weekend, on May 4, the Chase Zoo-To-Do will be a more formal affair for adults. The Spinners are the headlining band, and as always, local restaurants will provide the copious food. The funds raised from these two events will help restore the Odenheimer Sea Lion Pool and will allow Audubon Zoo to bring home its resident sea lions from their temporary home in Galveston, Texas. Information, www.auduboninstitute.org or call 861-6160.
PGA New Orleans Golf Tournament comes to New Orleans
The PGA Tour’s annual stop in New Orleans, produced by the Fore!Kids Foundation, will be held Mon., April 16 through Sun., April 22. It’s not just golf, however – great local cuisine and live music will abound. (Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to concentrate: the music is played after last putts are dropped.) A youth clinic will also be offered and on certain days there will be television coverage of the events from both CBS and The Golf Channel. Tickets can be purchased on-line or at the gates. Information, www.zurichgolfclassic.com, or call Fore!Kids Foundation at 342-3000.
Rockabilly Holiday
April 12-14, 19-20, 27: If you haven’t heard of them already, Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue are starting to swing all over the city with entertaining performances that will get you on your feet. The shows are usually inexpensive – or free – but they’re worth a whole lot more. The music is a blend of country, rockabilly, swing and jazz, incorporating songs and stories from the early 1940s through the late ‘70s, offering a bit of a history lesson on a style of Americana music influenced by the greats. On April 12, they’ll perform at d.b.a. at 10 p.m. and for the next few weeks, Gal and the boys can be found at the Circle Bar, Parkway Bakery, French Quarter Fest, Le Bon Temps and Tarantula Arms, so check the Web site for the full schedule. Information, www.galholiday.com.
Jazz Fest
We all know that musicians love our city. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will take place April 27-29 and May 4-6, allowing many a local and tourist to spend several days soaking up the sun (hopefully), music, food as well as arts and crafts. Drawing a wide range of musicians, some highlights this year include Harry Connick Jr., Irma Thomas, ZZ Top, Buckwheat Zydeco, Jerry Lee Lewis, ReBirth Brass Band and hundreds more.
Information, www.nojazzfest.com.
Celebrate the Vieux Carré
French Quarter Festival, an annual free event celebrating the colorful and eclectic culture of the Vieux Carré, takes place this year from April 13-15. Artists, musicians, chefs and all of their admirers will be filling the streets of the French Quarter over the course of the three-day weekend. More than 15 stages will host 150 musical performances and food and beverage booths will be plentiful. Check out the Web site for a complete lineup of participants and venues.
Information, www.fqfi.org.
