Don’t Let it Go
Before she became the singer of every 8-year-old’s favorite song and before John Travolta butchered her name at the Oscars, Idina Menzel was primarily known as a Broadway star, having originated the role of Maureen in the musical Rent. She then originated another show-stopping role as Elphaba in Wicked. She appeared in some smaller productions before landing the role responsible for perhaps Disney’s biggest hit song in years: Elsa in the animated film Frozen, singer of the ubiquitous “Let it Go.” This is a performer who needs to be seen live, and you can do that July 30 at the Saenger when she presents a concert. Information, SaengerNOLA.com
Getting in the Spirit
July in the French Quarter becomes Cocktail Camp when Tales of the Cocktail commences (July 15-19). This year’s event includes a “restaurant week,” where restaurants offer lower-priced prix fixes with corresponding cocktails; “Breakfast Club” series, where you can hear from an industry expert over brunch; and the usual tastings, seminars, parties and more. Information, TalesOfTheCocktail.com
Brooks is Back
Returning to Louisiana for the first time in 18 years, country singer Garth Brooks and his wife, opener Trisha Yearwood, will be at the Smoothie King Center for a three-night engagement (July 10-12). Known for “The Thunder Rolls” and barroom favorite “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” Brooks released Man Against Machine, his first album in 13 years, in November. Information, SmoothieKingCenter.com
Calendar
July 6-12. The New Movement’s Megaphone Marathons comedy festival, The New Movement. Information, TNMComedy.com
July 9-12. Tulane Summer Lyric presents Once Upon a Mattress, Tulane’s Dixon Hall. Information, SummerLyric.tulane.edu
July 11. El Encierro: The Running of the Bulls, Central Business District/French Quarter. Information, NolaBulls.com
July 11. Bastille Day Fête, Spanish Plaza. Information, BastilleDayNola.com
July 16-26. Peter Pan, Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts. Information, RivertownTheaters.com
July 18. The Avett Brothers in concert, Champions Square. Information, Champions-Square.com
July 20-Aug. 2. Tulane Summer Lyric presents Hello, Dolly!, Tulane’s Dixon Hall. Information, SummerLyric.tulane.edu
July 20. Smashing Pumpkins and Marilyn Manson in concert, Champions Square. Information, Champions-Square.com
July 31. My Morning Jacket in concert, Champions Square. Information, Champions-Square.com
July 30-Aug. 2. Satchmo SummerFest, French Quarter. Information, fqfi.org/satchmo
Aug. 1. Whitney White Linen Night, New Orleans Arts District. Information, NewOrleansArtsDistrict.com
