Cajun-Zydeco Festival
A production of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, the 2013 Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival is a premier showcase for these types of music, taking place on two stages at the Old U.S. Mint. Well-known acts to check out include Rosie Ledet, Beausoleil, Geno Delafose & the French Rockin’ Boogie, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, the Lost Bayou Ramblers and numerous others who will get you to two-step. The festival takes place June 8 and 9. Information, JazzAndHeritage.org/cajun-zydeco
Beautiful BEASTS
The New Orleans-based Court 13 film collective made it to the big leagues last year in the film industry with the release of their debut feature film, Beasts of the Southern Wild, which was nominated for four Oscars. The film is a beautifully emotional depiction of life in a fictional Louisiana town called Bathtub, filled with characters, mythical beasts and rising waters. Through June 16, the Contemporary Arts Center displays the original artwork and installations created by the company, along with their earlier films and materials that relate directly to Beasts. Information, cacno.org
Creole Tomato Fest
Now that we’re in the midst of Creole tomato season, which ends during the late summertime, the delightful red fruit will be celebrated at the Creole Tomato Festival in the city’s French Market with a variety of food booths, demonstrations and contests heralding this delicious entity from June 8-9. Information, FrenchMarket.org
Celebrating Women at FestiGals
With so many themed, specialized festivals in this city, it’s surprising that an all-female festival was established only three years ago, thanks to tourism professional, Diane Lyons, the founder of FestiGals. FestiGals offers an essential New Orleans experience for women, both local and from afar, with a ton of opportunities to drink, dine, dance and celebrate with each other from June 20-23. It is a cultural as well as an educational experience, featuring business seminars, lively discussions and parties with an emphasis on charity and friendship.
What’s the mission of this festival? This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a fun, safe and enriching weekend for women to relax, enjoy high-quality special events and explore the cultural diversity and rich heritage of New Orleans while contributing to causes that benefit and empower women. It draws a variety of interesting women from across the country.
What are some of the highlights? This year there will be private home tours in the Downtown Development District/CBD area, a private cooking demonstration with [James Beard winner] chef Tory McPhail of Commander’s Palace, a “Stiletto Stroll,” a drag queen brunch, trade shows, private parties and more.
What is your personal favorite? That’s a hard question! I really like the Bodacious Bras luncheon. This year it will feature Rhonda Shear and take place at the historic Hotel Monteleone. Shear is part of a growing new breed of business executives often referred to as “boomerpreneurs” and a champion for breast cancer awareness, education and early detection. She will be joining women from throughout the nation for this uplifting event to support under-served women with cancer. It will feature fabulous food and wine, along with incredibly decorated one-of-a-kind bodacious bras created by celebrities and artists.
For more information on the festival, visit FestiGals.org.
Through June 2. Wicked; Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. Information, MahaliaJacksonTheater.com
Through June 2. Jefferson Performing Arts presents Driving Miss Daisy; Northstar Theatre (Mandeville). Information, jpas.org
Through June 30. “What Becomes a Legend Most? The Blackglama Photographs from the Collection of Peter Rogers;” Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Information, OgdenMuseum.org.
June 6-9, 18-25. New Orleans Zephyrs home games; Zephyr Field. Information, milb.com
June 7. Sabotage: A NOLA Tribute to the Beastie Boys; House of Blues. Information, HouseOfBlues.com
June 8. The O-Mazing Race (benefit for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art); throughout the French Quarter. Information, OgdenMuseum.org.
June 11. The “X-Factor” Auditions; University of New Orleans Arena. Information, arena.uno.edu.
June 13. Mumford & Sons in concert; Mardi Gras World. Information, MumfordAndSons.com.
June 15, 22. New Orleans VooDoo home games; New Orleans Arena. Information, mbsuperdome.com.
June 19. New Orleans Bride Magazine’s Bridal Showcase; Hyatt Regency New Orleans’ Elite Hall. Information, BrideNewOrleans.com
June 19. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo in concert; House of Blues. Information, HouseOfBlues.com
June 21-Sept. 21. “Rashaad Newsome: King of Arms;” New Orleans Museum of Art. Information, noma.org.
June 22. Bourbon & Burlesque; Contemporary Arts Center. Information, cacno.org.
June 30. Cyndi Lauper & Hunter Valentine in concert; House of Blues. Information, HouseOfBlues.com
