From the Fat Man to Mahalia: Paintings by James Michalopoulos
The New Orleans Jazz Museum will host an exhibition by acclaimed local artist James Michalopoulos from March 25 to October 10. It will span his entire career, from his recent paintings of street musicians to rarely seen works on loan from private collectors, including his original painting for the Jazz Fest poster of Louis Armstrong, which hasn’t been in Louisiana in over 10 years.
“James Michalopoulos’s paintings of the icons of New Orleans show his understanding of their characters and style: Mahalia Jackson losing herself in song, Allan Toussaint’s uncontained grin depict an appreciation and love for both the musicians as well as the music. This love extends to his portraits of the nameless musicians on the street or in the corners of the music clubs of the city. The exuberance of music making is what this exhibit is all about,” said exhibition curator, David Kunian.
The museum has also planned a series of talks with the artists, dates to be determined.
The New Orleans Jazz Museum is located at 400 Esplanade Ave. It’s open from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. For more information, visit their website at NOLAJazzMuseum.org.
TRY THIS
The Broadside
If you’re bummed The Broad Theater temporarily suspended operations at its indoor movie theater, try The Broadside (located across Toulouse Street from the movie theater). It’s outdoors and hosts socially distanced film screenings and live music events, weather permitting. Hot dogs, popcorn and a full bar are available. BroadsideNOLA.com.
Arts District of New Orleans
The Arts District of New Orleans, a collection of art galleries on Julia and Camp Streets in the Warehouse District, is a great option for people looking to mix some outdoor and indoor activity. The galleries are all an easy walk from each other, so you can hop in and out while seeing some lovely art. ArtsDistrictNewOrleans.com.
“I Wanna Do That! The Magic of Mardi Gras Marching Krewes”
Are you still feeling sad there were no parades this year? We are, too. In the meantime, you can tide yourself over until parades hopefully return in 2022 with the new book “I Wanna Do That! The Magic of Mardi Gras Marching Krewes.”
Our city’s marching krewes are as diverse as the city itself, and the number of krewes has grown exponentially in the last decade. They vary in size, costume and theme, but they share a creativity and exuberance that helps makes Mardi Gras so special every year. Echo Olander and Yoni Goldstein, along with photographers Patrick Niddrie and Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee, sought to capture the essence of what makes these marchers and dancers so special. The 272-page book features over 200 full-color photographs of these krewes in action.
“I Wanna Do That!: The Magic of Mardi Gras Marching Krewes’ is a must-have book for Carnival aficionados,” wrote Doug MacCash of The Times-Picayune The New Orleans Advocate.
LISTEN TO THIS
“Where Do We Go From Here?” by Dumpstaphunk
On April 23, New Orleans funk band Dumpstaphunk will release their first full-length album in over seven years, titled “Where Do We Go From Here?.” The album will have a political flavor to it that listeners can sample with the track “Justice 2020” on YouTube.
Lafitte Greenway
Get out and enjoy New Orleans’ beautiful April weather before it turns into the summer’s mix of stifling heat and humidity (with some thunderstorms mixed in). The Lafitte Greenway is open from 6 a.m-10 p.m. seven days a week. It features a bicycle path, walking path, outdoor fitness equipment, all-purpose fields, tennis courts and an outdoor pool. There is also plenty of greenspace available for picnicking, sunbathing or lying on a blanket reading a good book.
The trail runs 2.6 miles and connects the French Quarter with the Bayou St. John/Mid-City area. Dogs are welcome, but leash laws are enforced.
Visit LafitteGreenway.org for information about fitness classes, art exhibitions, and other fun events along the greenway corridor.