A Delicate Butterfly
One of the most popular operas, Madame Butterfly, will be performed at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts on April 12 and 14, featuring an hour-long lecture beforehand. Conducted by Maestro Robert Lyall and featuring a talented cast of Maria Kanyova, Bryan Hymel, Margaret Thompson, Jake Gardner and other luminaries, the tale is a heartbreaking tragedy of a beautiful Japanese maiden who gives up her heart and heritage for an American sailor who betrays her.
Information, NewOrleansOpera.org.
Grand Slams and Good Times
There are a lot of things in this city that are synonymous with springtime; of course, festivals dominate the month of April. But if your ears are still ringing from the music, refresh them with the glorious sounds of the crack of wooden bats – the New Orleans Zephyrs baseball team plays at Zephyr field in Metairie, an outdoor field that seats 10,000. The franchise’s entertainment has really amped it up in the past few years, and there are all kinds of theme nights and promotions, plus good deals on beer and hot dogs. The stadium even has a swimming pool that’s available for party rentals. Home games take place this month from April 12-19 and April 29-30. Information, ZephyrsBaseball.com.
Music in the Square
The annual Wednesday at the Square series is now underway, featuring free evening concerts from 5-8 p.m. every Wednesday in Lafayette Square. The 12-week series kicked off last month with food and drink for sale to benefit the Young Leadership Council. This month, check out Irvin Mayfield & the Jazz Playhouse Revue with special guests Kermit Ruffins plus The New Orleans Jazz Institute’s Saturday Music School, April 3; The Mother Hips plus Jon Roniger, April 10; The Revivalists plus Disco Demolition Knights, April 17; and Eric McFadden with Bernie Worrell, Luther Dickenson, Eric Bolivar and Robert Mercurio plus the David Jordan Band, April 24.
INSTRUMENTS A COMIN’: Supporting The Tipitina’s Foundation
The Tipitina’s Foundation supports New Orleans’ music communities and seeks to preserve Louisiana’s unique musical culture. The foundation supports childhood music education, professional development of adult musicians and the increased profile and viability of the state’s music as a cultural, economic and educational resource. Each year the Foundation hosts Instruments A Comin’, a fun benefit that raises money to get instruments into the hands of students. This year it takes place on April 29 at Tipitina’s Uptown with a star-studded lineup of musicians. The event is planned in large part by Bethany Paulsen and Emily Menard.
Information, tipitinas.com.
How long has the Tipitina’s Foundation been around? The Tipitina’s Foundation began in 1997 and was established as a 501(c)3 in 2003. This will be the foundation’s 12th annual Instruments A Comin’ Fundraiser.
How has it evolved over the years? The event has grown through the years – each year drawing a larger audience, raising more money and allowing us to reach more students in more schools.
What is the goal of the Instrument’s a Comin’ party? The Instruments A Comin’ event on April 29 is a fundraiser to support the Instruments A Comin’ program, which operates year-round. With funds raised from previous events, the Tipitina’s Foundation has provided more than $2.5 million worth of musical instruments to 75 New Orleans area schools. Funds raised at this year’s event through the benefit concert and silent auction will go directly towards getting more instruments into area band programs.
What is the entertainment going to be like? The outdoor portion of the event begins at 6 p.m. with a Battle of the Bands between Instruments A Comin’ recipient schools on Napoleon Avenue in front of Tipitina’s and a silent auction. The indoor benefit concert begins at 8:30 p.m. with performances by Galactic, Anders Osborne, Dumpstafunk, Honey Island Swamp Band and many more. The Battle of the Bands and admission to the Silent Auction Tent are free and open to the public. VIP tickets include access to the outdoor VIP lounge, balcony access during the benefit concert, food from local chefs and open bar. General Admission tickets are available for the benefit concert.
Through June 16. “Portrait of Faith: John Paul II in Life & Art;” New Orleans Museum of Art. Information, JPIIInNola.com
April 3. Coyotes with Rotary Downs plus the Kid Carsons; One Eyed Jacks. Information, OneEyedJacks.net
April 7 & 9. NCAA Women’s Final Four; New Orleans Arena. Information, ncaa.com/womens-final-four
April 11-14. French Quarter Festival; throughout downtown. Information, fqfi.org
April 12 and 14. New Orleans Hornets home games; New Orleans Arena. Information, nba.com
April 12 and 14. New Orleans Opera Association presents Madame Butterfly; Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. Information, NewOrleansOpera.org
April 12-August 4. “Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs;” New Orleans Museum of Art. Information, noma.org
April 13. Cowboy Rides Away Tour: George Strait and Martina McBride; New Orleans Arena. Information, GeorgeStrait.com
April 20. Junior League Kitchen Tour; various locations. Information, jlno.org
April 22-28. Zurich Classic of New Orleans Golf Tournament; TPC Louisiana (Avondale). Information, ZurichGolfClassic.com
April 26-28; May 2-5. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival; New Orleans Fair Grounds. Information, NoJazzFest.com
April 27. Dr. John plus the California Honeydrops in concert; Tipitina’s Uptown. Information, Tipitinas.com
April 27. The Meter Men; Republic. Information, RepublicNola.com
April 30. Capital Cities in concert; House of Blues. Information, HouseOfBlues.com