Special Guests
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra features two special guests this month, one more well-known in the mainstream and one a little more esoteric but nonetheless acclaimed. Certainly you know Randy Newman from his distinct sounds, such as his breakthrough Louisiana 1927 album and the Toy Story movies (as well as the Louisiana-set Princess and the Frog) plus deadpan lyrics like “short people got no reason to live.” The LPO presents “You’ve Got a Friend in Me: An Evening With Randy Newman” on Jan. 17. Before that, the group hosts a series of concerts with world-famous banjo player Bela Fleck. Carlos Miguel Prieto conducts Fleck in a series of American-themed favorites in “Bela Fleck and New World Symphony” on Jan. 9 and features him in a chamber music performance in “American Strings: Chamber Music” alongside LPO musicians. Information, LPOMusic.com.
Nerdy Winter
New Orleans geeks, collectors and comic book lovers, rejoice: Wizard World Comic Con (Jan. 9-11) is a celebration of fandom in the realm of fantasy, sci-fi, superheroes and more. You can expect meet-and-greets with celebrities like Harry Potter’s Tom Felton (that’s Draco Malfoy, Muggles), cast members from the “Vampire Diaries” and many others. Also coming to town is Marvel Universe Live! (Jan. 15-18) where fans witness a “live action arena experience” featuring more than 25 characters from the Marvel Universe. Information, WizardWorld.com and NewOrleansArena.com.
Off to the Races
You might be feeling the bulk of the two-month stretch of marathon eating around this time of the year, so it might be a good idea to train for a different type of marathon. On Jan. 25, just enough time to attempt to get back in shape, is the New Orleans Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Half Marathon that takes you all around New Orleans, from Uptown, to the French Quarter, to City Park. Besides a post-race concert, there are bands playing at stops along the route to keep you motivated. Information, RunRockNRoll.com
Jan. 29-Feb. 29. NOLA Project presents Camille, Mid-City Theatre. Information, NOLAProject.com
Jan. 17. New Orleans Opera Association’s Opera Ball, New Orleans Lakefront Airport. Information, NewOrleansOpera.org
Jan. 16-30. Jesus Christ Superstar, Le Petit Théâtre. Information, LePetitTheatre.com
Jan. 16-31. Will Rogers Follies, Rivertown Theaters. Information, RivertownTheatres.com
Jan. 5, 9, 21, 26 and 30. New Orleans Pelicans Games, Smoothie King Center. Information, nba.com/pelicans
Jan. 6. Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc Parade, French Quarter. Information, JoanOfArcParade.com
Jan. 6. Phunny Phorty Phellows parade, Uptown. Information, PhunnyPhortyPhellows.com
Jan. 11. Chippendales 2015 Get Lucky Tour, House of Blues. Information, HouseOfBlues.com
Jan. 12. WWE Raw, Smoothie King Center. Information, NewOrleansArena.com
Jan. 21. Billy Idol and Broncho in concert, House of Blues. Information, HouseofBlues.com
Jan. 21. Arturo Sandoval in concert, Contemporary Arts Center. Information, cacno.org
Jan. 23. Comedian John Mulaney, Civic Theater. Information, CivicNola.com
Jan. 28. Dancing With the Stars Live, Saenger Theater. Information SaengerNola.com
Jan. 31. Carnival parades begin
Jan. 31. Krewe du Vieux, Marigny. Information, KreweDuVieux.org
Feb. 3. Glen Hansard in concert, Civic Theater. Information, CivicNola.com
