The Best of New Orleans - Everyday
Frank Stansbury
Editor ' Publisher
LaFete11@att.net
504-450-1955
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CHRISTMAS EVE
Christmas Eve on December 24 kicks off a series of holiday traditions. Some are ancient practices with a modern spin, while others date back hundreds of years.
Christmas Eve is filled with both religious and non-religious traditions. Religious traditions center around the birth of Jesus. Different denominations have their own traditions. On Christmas Eve Roman Catholics and Anglicans hold Midnight Mass. Lutherans celebrate with candlelight services and Christmas carols. Many evangelical churches hold evening services where families celebrate Holy Communion.
Around the world, Christmas Eve is celebrated with a variety of foods. In Italy, they celebrate the Feast of Seven Fishes. Russians traditionally serve a 12-dish Christmas Eve Supper before opening gifts. Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, the Christmas Eve meal consists of an odd number of meatless dishes.
Besides food and religious services, the holiday is when Santa Claus takes to the sky in his sleigh to deliver Christmas gifts around the world. Other names for the white-bearded man in a red suit include Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, and Saint Nicholas. No matter what he is called, the legend of Santa is based on a real-life man named Saint Nicholas of Myra. The early Christian bishop was known for secret gift-giving, as well as many miracles. Through the years, the legend of Santa grew to include the North Pole, a sleigh driven by reindeer, a naughty or nice list, and his jolly laugh, “ho, ho, ho.”
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Starting at 5AM , IV Waste will be hitting the streets like a Marine Cavalry on a mission to deep clean and refresh the French Quarter with our patented lemon fragrance “Super Fresh”.
The IV Waste crew will be out in full force, scrubbing, washing, and refreshing every corner of the French Quarter; starting with the upper French Quarter sidewalks, as well as the length of Decatur Street. The lower half, from St. Peter Street to Esplanade Avenue, will follow. We are going to deep clean the sidewalks so it looks like freshly poured concret and we expect the entire sidewalk cleaning project to be complete by the end of February. This will require temporary sidewalk closures in early morning hours as crews move from block to block, but will have them open by 10 a.m. daily.
"We’re proud to lead this effort and make the French Quarter shine once again,” said Sidney Torres IV, owner of IV Waste.
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City of New Orleans Announces Holiday Trash and Recycling Collection Schedule
NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans Department of Sanitation reminds residents and businesses at eligible properties serviced by the City of the solid waste and recyclable materials collection schedule for Wednesday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day).
In observance of the holiday, there will be no curbside trash or recycling collection on Wednesday, Dec. 25, for eligible properties outside of the French Quarter and Downtown Development District (DDD). Residents and businesses are advised to plan accordingly. Regularly scheduled curbside trash and recycling collection services will resume on the following service day for each area.
Christmas Holiday Collection Schedule:
Trash and recycling collection will run a day behind schedule for the remainder of the week.
- Trash and recycling collection for Wednesday locations will occur on Thursday
- Trash and recycling collection for Thursday locations will occur on Friday
- Trash and recycling collection for Friday locations will occur on Saturday
Daily curbside trash collection will not be affected at eligible properties serviced by the City of New Orleans within the French Quarter and Downtown Development District during the Christmas holiday. The City of New Orleans thanks residents and businesses for their cooperation and wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
For questions or additional information about sanitation services, please contact the City’s Department of Sanitation at 311 or visit nola.gov/sanitation.
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Enjoy the Outdoors at Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
11000 Lake Forest Blvd
New Orleans LA 70127
Notes regarding time
Trails are open Monday - Saturday. Interpretive Center Thursday and Saturday 10 am - 2pm. Ranger Programs Saturdays at 11 am.
Description
The walking trails are open at Audubon Nature Center so take your kids on a nice little hike! Audubon Louisiana Nature Center is a cherished community resource. Located adjacent to Joe Brown Park in New Orleans East on 86 acres of hardwood bottomland forest, its creation was a project of the Junior League of Greater New Orleans, opening March 23, 1980. The Main Boardwalk and Adventure Trail (and restrooms) are open Mon-Sat 8:30 am - 3:00 and are monitored by rangers. The Interpretaive Center is open Thursdays & Saturdays 10 am - 2pm and the Ranger Programs are on Saturdays at 11:00 am. Click here to learn more.
Who
Everyone - family friendly.
Cost
FREE
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The term for the time between sunset and complete darkness is twilight.
Explanation: Twilight refers to the period after sunset when the sky still has some light due to the scattering of sunlight in the atmosphere, gradually transitioning to complete darkness.
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Rodrigue:
Before the Blue Dog
A new Louisiana State Museum exhibition Rodrigue: Before the Blue Dog, opens at the Cabildo .
This new exhibit presents more than fifty of Rodrigue's unique paintings alongside Louisiana State Museum artifacts related to Cajun culture.
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20 years of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture GardenThis year, the New Orleans Museum of Art celebrates 20 years of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, one of the city's favorite places for discovery, wonder, and respite. Free and open to all, NOMA's Besthoff Sculpture Garden features world-class artwork from the 19th century to the present day, all set within the unique landscape of South Louisiana.
Open seven days a week, 10 am–6 pm.
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Travel Back in Time with Dinosaurs at Audubon Zoo
EXTENDED by Popular Demand
Now - January 5, 2025
Enjoy even more time with the popular Dinosaurs at Audubon Zoo exhibit featuring over 50 life-size animatronic dinosaurs & dino-themed activities.
Hurry before they are extinct!
Now - January 5, 2025 only
| Daily 10AM - 5PM (Last entry 4:30PM)
Experience the awe-inspiring world of the pre-historic era with our spectacular collection of over 50 life-size, lifelike dinosaurs. This must-see exhibit at Audubon Zoo is perfect for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.
Stroll through our immersive outdoor adventure at your own pace and marvel at the wonders of 65 million years ago. Encounter iconic dinosaurs such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor, Brachiosaurus, and Stegosaurus. Don't miss this thrilling journey into the past!
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Check out our Daily SPECIALS Y’all!
- 4101 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA, United States, Louisiana
- (504) 324-6841
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NOLA ChristmasFest opens today for its 11th anniversary and will welcome thousands of guests into 300,000 square feet of holiday excitement, activities, parades and performances through Dec. 30 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Visitors to NOLA ChristmasFest are transported from New Orleans to the North Pole, enjoying an indoor winter wonderland of activities, such as ice bocce courts, an indoor ice-skating rink and four ice slides, plus the return of festival favorites like Skating with Santa.
The brand-new Yuletide YoYo ride brings a whimsical, high-flying twist to the festivities, adding a dash of adventure for carnival enthusiasts. Combined with the debut of Merry Mini Golf, these fresh attractions make 2024’s event the most dynamic yet, offering something for everyone to enjoy in the indoor festival.
For more information about NOLA ChristmasFest 2024, programing and a full schedule of events and activities, visit nolachristmasfest.com.
To see a full schedule of events, visit nolachristmasfest.com/special-events/.
NOLA ChristmasFest Schedule
- Dec. 24: Christmas Eve, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Dec 25: Christmas Day, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Dec. 26 – 30: 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tickets are $25 for weekdays and $30 for Saturdays and Sundays. Each ticket is valid for a single admission on the specific day and session selected. Each session is 4.5 hours in length, except on Christmas Day. Invite a friend and mark your calendars for NOLA ChristmasFest 2024 and Skating with Santa! Purchase tickets online at nolachristmasfest.com/plan-your-visit. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during their visit.
NOLA ChristmasFest 2024 is a credit card-only event, including ticket purchases and onsite concessions.
To take care of parking in advance, use ParkMobile. Click Here for ParkMobile Online Parking Reservations.
The Big Freezy and Festival Favorites:
This year, The Big Freezy returns as the only real ice-skating rink in the area, complete with magical indoor snowfalls at regular intervals. The Big Freezy zone also features two ice bocce courts, four dueling ice slides and the Polar Pub, a cozy spot for adults to enjoy festive cocktails. Whether you're gliding across the ice or relaxing with a drink, this zone is a can’t-miss highlight of NOLA ChristmasFest.
Pictures with Santa:
Families can capture holiday memories with professional photos of Santa from Dec. 20–23. Prices vary based on photo size and package. For details on Creole Santa and Papa Noel’s schedule, visit NOLA ChristmasFest special events page.
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tuesday DECEMBER 24 open at 1:00 pm
the villains
1:15pm-5:00pm
GISELLE ANGUIZOLA QUARTET
5:30PM-8:30PM
CAITIE B.
& THE HAND ME DOWNS
9:00PM-12:00AM
wednesday DECEMBER 25 open at 5:00 pm
MUSIC STARTS AT 5:00 PM
thursday DECEMBER 26 open at 5:00 pm
Caleb Nelson And His Hot 5 1:15-5:00 Queen Bonobo 5:30-8:30 Wolfe Johns Band 9:00-12:00
FRIDAY DECEMBER 27
open at 11:00 Am
the rug cutters11:00aM-1:45PM
FELIPE ANTONIO'S QUINTETO2:15PM-6PM
LES GETREX AND CREOLE COOKIN'6:30PM-9:30PM
BETTIS AND THE 3RD DEGREE BRASS BAND10:00PM-2:00AM
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The City of Covington's 12 Days of Christmas walking tour is up and ready to go! Grab the family or a friend and get your Christmas jogging jingle onor get in the car and make it a Christmas cruise | |
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Taco Tuesday just leveled up at Los Jefes Grill! Come join us tomorrow for unbeatable deals:
🔥 $3 Tacos – including our award-winning Top Taco favorites like Chicharrones, Barbacoa, and Certified Angus Beef!
🍹 2-in-1 Margarita Shakers for double the fun!
🥃 2-for-1 Shots to keep the good times rolling.
🎵 Live DJ starting at 6 PM – bringing the vibes you won't want to miss!
Bring your friends and let's make this the best Taco Tuesday yet. See you at Los Jefes!
Cheers,Los Jefes Grill Team 🌮🍹
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FRITZELS DECEMBER 2024 MUSIC CALENDAR
SUNDAY
12:30PM DOYLE COOPER BAND (12/1, 12/15, 12/29) MARTY PETERS BAND (12/8, 12/22)
5PM SAZERAC JAZZ BAND
8PM FRITZELS ALL STAR BAND W/MIKE FULTON
MONDAY
1PM MATINEE ALL STARS BAND
5PM TIN MEN
8PM RICHARD SCOTT AND FRIENDS
TUESDAY
1PM RICHARD "PIANO" SCOTT (CLOSED FOR PRIVATE PARTY 12/17)
5PM COLIN MYERS ORCHESTRA
8PM FRITZELS ALL STAR BAND W/JAMIL SHARIF
WEDNESDAY
1PM RICHARD "PIANO" SCOTT
5PM BOURBON STREET STARS
8PM FRITZELS ALL STAR BAND W/KEVIN RAY CLARK
THURSDAY
12PM RICHARD "PIANO" SCOTT
2PM DOYLE COOPER BAND
5PM JOHN SAAVEDRA BAND
8PM FRITZELS ALL STAR BAND W/CHUCK BRACKMAN
FRIDAY
12:30PM RICHARD "PIANO" SCOTT (SAZARAC JAZZ BAND 12/13)
2:30PM SAM FRIEND JAZZ BAND
6PM WOODIS/LANGE BAND (12/13, 12/27)) SAM LOBLEY BAND ( 12/6, 12/20)
9PM FRITZELS ALL STAR BAND W/KEVIN RAY CLARK
SATURDAY
12:30PM RICHARD "PIANO" SCOTT (SAZARAC JAZZ BAND 12/28)
2:30PM STEVE DETROY BAND
6PM BOURBON MATINEE JAZZ BAND W/CHUCK BRACKMAN
9PM FRITZELS ALL STAR BAND W/JAMIL SHARIF
Kevin Ray Clark
Clark Entertainment Consultants, LLC
619 23rd Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
contact: kevinclarkentertainment@gmail.com
website: www.kevinrayclark.com
nightcrawlers website: www.neworleansnightcrawlersbrassband.com
Music Director
Fritzel's Jazz Pub
"Bourbon Street's oldest jazz club"
733 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
www.Fritzelsjazz.com
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HE 2025 MARDI GRAS GUIDE has begun limited distribution. Copies may be found at all Barnes & Nobles, Beads by the Dozen, Plush Appeal, Mardi Gras Bead Factory, TJ's Carnival Supply, Jefferson Variety, with more outlets coming daily. Our 49th annual edition makes the perfect stocking stuffer for the Mardi Gras fan in your family. | | |
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Christmas Eve and Day Services
The Nativity of Our Lord
Christmas Eve Services in the Church
3 pm – Holy Eucharist with Christmas Pageant
5 pm – Holy Eucharist with organ, violin, and choristers
7 pm – Choral Holy Eucharist with organ, choir, brass and timpani
Note: Nursery available at 3 pm service only.
Christmas Day in the Chapel
10 am -- Nativity of Our Lord, Holy Eucharist with carols
December 29th, Christmas 1 in the Church
10 am - Lessons and Carols in the church (one service only)
Note: Parking on Christmas Eve could be an issue if you arrive very early for the 5 pm or 7 pm service, because people will not have left the previous service yet. Also, the 5 pm service is always overcrowded, consider attending a different service, each service is approximately 90 minutes long.
Which Christmas Service to Attend
If you love seeing the Children’s Nativity Pageant, come to the 3 pm service. If you love hearing O Holy Night with as many people as possible, come to the 5 pm service. If you love hearing the Choir and their special musicians— timpani and brass this year—come to the 7 pm service. If you love starting the day with church and singing carols, come Christmas Day.
Christ Church Covington | 120 S. New Hampshire Street | Covington, LA 70433 US
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We're pleased to announce that Kid Cafe', a free after-school meal program for youth- ages 18 and under, is now underway. In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, No Kid Hungry, and Share Our Strength, the program ensures that low-income children at afterschool program sites across New Orleans have access to nutritious meals during the school year. Kid Cafe' meals are available Monday through Friday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at multiple NORD rec centers. For more information, call us at 504-658-3052. | | |
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Positioning Your Menorah
The ancient rabbis felt it was important to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah. Therefore, many Jewish organizations erect large outdoor menorahs in their towns. You can also publicize the miracle by placing your menorah in a window facing the street. In most places, passers-by enjoying seeing the candles through the window. In moments when antisemitism has endangered Jewish lives, some Jews have chosen to light the menorah in a window as an act of defiance and bravery.
Placing and Lighting Your Candles
Your menorah should have eight spots for candles — one for each night — and an extra ninth spot that is at a different elevation. This ninth spot is for the shamash, or helper candle, that is used to light the others.
Support My Jewish Learning
On the first of Hanukkah’s eight nights, only two candles are placed in the Hanukkah menorah: the shamash, or “helper” candle, which has its own designated spot (usually in the center), and another candle that designates it is the first night. The first night’s candle is placed in the right-most spot. Each night, another candle is added so that on the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, all nine candles (the shamash plus eight others) are lit. To complete the ritual on all eight nights with one menorah, you will need a total of 44 candles per menorah. Most boxes of Hanukkah candles contain 45.
The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left (just as Hebrew is written from right to left), but are lit from left to right. The blessings are said before the candles are lit. In Ashkenazi communities, the shamash candle is the first one lit, and it is used to light the others, starting with the left-most one. (Think of it as lighting the candle representing the current night first.) In Sephardi communities, an extra candle — not part of the menorah — is used to light the candles that represent the nights, and then the shamash is lit last and the extra candle used for lighting is blown out.
When to Light
Hanukkah candles are lit after sundown, when it is dark. But there is one exception. Since Hanukkah lasts for eight nights, the holiday will inevitably overlap with Shabbat at least once. Lighting a fire during Shabbat is forbidden according to Jewish law, so there are slight adjustments to Hanukkah candle lighting on both Friday and Saturday nights. According to Jewish law, the menorah should be lit before the Shabbat candles on Friday evening while it is still light out. As for Saturday night, the candles are lit after the sun goes down and Shabbat has ended, but there are differing opinions regarding whether the menorah should be lit before or after the havdalah rituals are completed. There is no consensus among Ashkenazi rabbis, and the most widespread Sephardic custom is to recite havdalah first.
The Blessings
Before lighting the candles (but after placing them in the menorah), it is traditional to recite three blessings on the first night and then two on every night thereafter. Click here to download a printable PDF of the Hanukkah candle blessings.
Blessing #1
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִידְשָׁנו בְּמִצוֹתָיו וְצִיוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל חַנֻכָה
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Praised are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who made us holy through your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.
Blessing #2
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁעָשָׂה נִסִּים לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Baruch atah, Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, she-asah nisim la’avoteinu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh.
Praised are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in those ancient days at this season.
Blessing #3: Shehechiyanu (First Night Only)
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי אֱלוֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָּנוּ, וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיָּענוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Baruch atah Adonai, elohenu melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higiyanu lazman hazeh
Praised are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has given us life and sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.
Other Candle-Lighting Rituals
Many families follow candle lighting with traditional Hanukkah songs, playing dreidel, eating gelt or sufganiyot or latkes, or opening gifts. Happy Hanukkah!
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The kids will love all the fun activities at The Spirit of Christmas including:
Pictures with Santa • Santa’s Workshop • Christmas Caroling • Christmas Stand-Ins • Light Projections • Holiday Treats • and Pony Rides (weather permitting) for the Kids by Pony Tales.
The event is open from 5:30-9:30 pm. Free parking is available. Purchase tickets here!
13034 River Rd, Destrehan, LA 70047
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Christmas Lights at Destrehan Plantation
December 2024
6:00 pm
Destrehan Plantation
13034 River Road
Destrehan LA 70047
Step into the holiday season ~ take the family to see the wonderful Christmas lights at Destrehan Plantation in the beautiful Alley of Oaks! Destrehan Plantation is only 25 minutes from New Orleans and 10 minutes from the airport. The kids will love all the fun activities at The Spirit of Christmas including pictures with Santa, Santa’s Workshop, duck races, Christmas caroling, Christmas stand-ins, light projections, holiday treats and pony rides for the kids. Free parking is available. Purchase tickets here! This family friendly holiday event is a fundraiser for the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center. The Creole Christmas Combo Tour includes a walking tour of The Spirit of Christmas Lighting in the Alley of Oaks and a tour of the stately house with all of its festive holiday decorations. The Spirit of Christmas Walking Tour, is a 1/4 mile walking tour that winds through 5 acres of stately oak trees. The tour sports over 70 lighted frames, 50 Christmas trees, a lighted tunnel, and features The Cajun Night Before Christmas, by Trosclair, with permission from Arcadia Publishing. During the House Tour, guests will walk in the footsteps of those who lived in the house for 128 years. See, hear, and experience the French customs of a Creole Christmas among the beautifully adorned home in traditional finery befitting the time and style of this historic home as you tour. Learn how both free and enslaved people who lived here shaped holiday customs, brought to life through unique decorations and accounts of the past. Tours dates are time specific and are as follows: Tour times are 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm and 7:30 pm December 13 through 23, 2024. ADMISSION: $20.00 Adult (18+); $15.00 Youth (7-17 yrs. of age); $5.00 per child (3-6 yrs. of age). Free for children 2 and under
Who
Everyone - family friendly!
Cost
$20.00 Adult (18+); $15.00 Youth (7-17 yrs. of age); $5.00 per child (3-6 yrs. of age). Free for children 2 and under
How
Pay admission here.
More Info
https://www.destrehanplantation.org/
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Join us at the city of Kenner's Magical Christmas Village, where you can enjoy lights, snow, music, food, arts, crafts, and a special appearance from Santa Claus himself. Don't miss out on exciting vendors and entertainment!
- Admission: Free
- Location: Heritage Park in Rivertown, located at 2015 Fourth Street
- Date: This event is open to the public every day in December from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM.
Vendors and entertainment will be present every Friday & Saturday.
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We're excited to announce that our Holiday in the Park is now open until Sunday, January 5, 2025. Location: 5601 Read Boulevard, New Orleans, La. 70127. Time: Nightly, from dusk until 9:00pm. Big 'Thank You' goes to our sponsor, New Orleans East Hospital! We appreciate you! For more information, call 504-658-3052. | |
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Christmas in Lafreniere Park
Jefferson Parish's Lafreniere Park returns its Holiday Light Display this Christmas season. A longtime festive tradition, the park will be adorned with snowflake, candy-cane, and nutcracker lights that will turn on at 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. daily! Opening on December 1 through December 25, tickets range in prices from $10 to $15 per car.
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Make Memories to Last a Lifetime
Thru - January 3
City Park’s largest fundraiser, Celebration in the Oaks, is THE New Orleans holiday tradition. This incredible light festival has enchanted Park visitors since the 1980s and is vital to the Park’s maintenance, care, and beautification year round. Make memories with your loved ones in City Park this holiday season.
Tickets On Sale!
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Everyone’s favorite holiday party is now a little bit more festive!
Get Tickets
MON-THURS + SUN HOURS
Driving Tour: 6pm–10pm
Walking Tour: 6pm–10pmFRIDAY/SATURDAY HOURS
Driving Tour: 5pm–11pm
Walking Tour: 5pm–11pm *Christmas Hours: 6pm–9pm
Proceeds benefit the continued beautification and preservation of New Orleans City Park’s 1,300 acres
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TueDec24
6pm
Kid Chocolate + the Free P.O.C
Grammy Winning Trumpeter & Vocalist. Kid Chocolate & The Free P.O.C. Heal, Unite & Inspire with Music. The Man , The Horn , The Voice.
ThuDec26
6-9 pm
Palmetto Bug Stompers
RSVP
Tickets
The Palmetto Bug Stompers are one of the finest purveyors of traditional and New Orleans jazz. With a wide and varied background of musical influences, the Bugs get the crowd up and make 'em swing. They are a favorite of Lindy Hop dancers, performing at many of their showcases across the country. The band consists of Washboard Chaz on washboard and vocals, Robert Snow on acoustic bass, John Rodli on guitar and vocals, Will Smith on trumpet and vocals, Bruce Brackman on clarinet and Paul Robertson on trombone. Come check 'em out and be ready to dance.
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'Generation after generation:' A look at some of this year's Christmas Eve bonfire builders
The fires are set to blaze at 7 p.m. across the St. James Parish levees and into St. John the Baptist Parish. A tradition stretching back at least a century, bonfires will glow as families, friends and holiday-goers convene to watch the unique River Parishes Christmas Eve tradition.
Crews have been working on the structures for weeks, harvesting Mississippi driftwood and willow trees to build them.
Various theories have been floated for the tradition’s origin. Popular explanations include lighting the way for Catholic parishioners journeying to Midnight Mass or blazing a path for “Papa Noel,” according to the Louisiana Folklife website. In a 1990 Southern Folklore article by Marcia Gaudet, she proposed it was started by French immigrants in St. James Parish between 1880 and 1900.
Hymel Family: 4430 High-Crop Tractor
The Hymel family’s bonfire tradition stretches back to 1969. That year, Richard Roussel Jr. gathered with family and friends at the Gramercy house of his daughter, Denise "Denny" Hymel, and her husband, George "Scrap" Hymel on River Road for a Christmas Eve party.
The family’s longstanding tradition and the late Scrap Hymel’s contributions, were recently honored by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation and Louisiana Folklife Commission for the state’s 10th annual Folklife Month. In its announcement, the organizations designated the family as a “tradition bearer” for carrying on bonfire creations.
Kent “Rooney” Hymel, 54, remembered growing up with the annual parties at his home and said the former bonfires of the Gramercy Fire Department, which would create bonfires shaped like houses or cars, were especially notable.
“Growing up, watching that as a kid, I always admired it. And you know, we tried it back in the day when we were in high school to do some specialty stuff,” he said. “It was always hard, but it was always a dream for me to build something.”
Scrap Hymel, his father, passed away Dec. 30, 2022, a few days after celebrating at the family’s 2022 Christmas Eve party. At the funeral, his casket was pulled by an antique 4430 high-crop tractor.
To honor his father and Ken Rodrigue, an antique tractor collector who passed away a few months later, Rooney Hymel, his friend Raymond Poche, and their friends and kids constructed a bonfire shaped like a 4020 High-Crop tractor last year.
“When I built the 4020, I thought it was just going to be a one-time thing and then, you know, we had a couple of guys (go), ‘Man, you need to keep that going. It looks cool,’” he said. “So, I said, ‘Well, if I build another one, it's going to be the 4430 we used for my dad's funeral.’”
That creation — built with Willow trees and old fence boards — has recently been completed by the same team. And Rooney Hymel said that come Christmas Eve, everyone is welcome.
“You really can come and enjoy yourself without even spending any money,” he said. “If a family wants to come down and do it, it's definitely something to see. And I always say, it's something to put on your bucket list.”
Blood, Sweat and Bonfires: A white-tailed deer
One of the most famous groups, the Blood, Sweat, and Bonfires team has been building bonfires for decades. But around 2008, they began creating elaborate wooden sculptures, including a crab and snapping turtle.
Garyville resident Josh Weidert said the group grew up building bonfires with their dads.
“We've been doing this since we were little kids,” he said. “We just kind of grew up doing it and took over … now we’re kind of full-time with it, I guess.”
He helped oversee the construction of the white-tail deer, which began with planning in July. Interviewed in early December, he said the antlers and head were being created off-site. A week before Christmas Eve, the completed sculpture gazed out over the levee.
“You draw the image and then you kind of figure out a scale for it. After the scale’s complete, you determine materials you might need. How you’re going to do certain things,’ he explained. “And we also, you know, built a little model to go with the bonfires every year.”
George Loupe, the father of some team members, said he’s built bonfires since he was thirteen and now assists mostly by cooking. He remembered building a 76-foot tower in the late 1970s, before regulations were instituted that limited the height.
“I used to build the big ones … but they started the tradition again. The younger generation,” he said, pointing to the crew at work. “Takes us a month to build it and a day to burn it down.”
Built with wood harvested from the back of the levee, he emphasized the tradition’s importance through family and community involvement.
“We all have a good time. We’re family around here, (it) gives us something to do, you know what I’m saying?” he said. “… I grew up with all their daddies, so they just took it over from us, and just keep passing it down generation after generation.
And Garyville resident Steven Accardo, 56, also helps in providing meals for the team. Each day the team is working, he helps prepare dishes ranging from fried catfish to jambalaya.
“Since this is going to be a deer, we did do a deer sauce piquant during one of the meetings just recently,” he added. “We thought that was appropriate for the bonfire that we’re building this year.”
Gauthier Family: Traditional pyramid structure
And the tradition continues to attract new adherents. The Gauthier family — Jason, Lisa and their son Caleb — built their first bonfire in 2023 in Hester after attending the event for years.
“We've been living here for about 10 years now, but I've got family in this area … Every year we used to come and ride up and down River Road just to see the bonfires on Christmas Eve,” Jason Gauthier said. “Caleb … last year he started kind of nagging us a little bit, ‘I think we should build one!’”
He added that it was around ten feet tall, and Lisa Gauthier said they learned through trial and error.
“We had to rebuild our bonfire like five times,” she explained. “We didn’t have the post straight, and it just kept leaning over and trying to topple.”
When interviewed by a reporter in early December, they were busy digging their hole for the bonfire’s center post. Made mostly from willow logs, Jason Gauthier said the pyramid structure was going to be roughly the same height as 2023.
“I enjoyed it much more than I ever thought that I would,” he added.
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The three-toed sloth is the slowest mammal in the world, moving at an average speed of 0.15 miles per hour:
- Speed: Sloths are so slow that algae can grow on their fur.
- Diet: Sloths have a low metabolism and eat an energy-efficient diet of leaves.
- Movement: Sloths move in a distinct way that's synonymous with "slow, lazy, and languid".
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2836 Lasalle Street, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana 70115
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Takin' It to the Streets
Weekly Brass Band events:
Mondays - Big 6 Brass Band at Da Jump Off Lounge (1901 N. Claiborne Ave.) - 9pm
Tuesdays - TBC Brass Band at Maple Leaf Bar (8316 Oak St.) - 9pm
Tuesdays - Sporty's Brass Band at Hi Ho Lounge (2239 St. Claude Ave) - 9pm
Tuesdays - Brass Band at Rabbit Hole (1228 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.) - 10pm
Wednesdays - New Breed Brass Band at Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen St.) - 9:30pm
Thursdays - Brass-A-Holics at Jazz Playhouse (300 Bourbon St.) - 7:30pm
Thursdays - Where Y'At Brass Band at Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen St.) - 9pm
Fridays - Sporty's Brass Band at Brass Hall (1104 Decatur St.) - 9pm
Fridays - Trumpet Slim & Brass Flavor at Blue Nile Balcony Room (532 Frenchmen St.) - 10pm
Saturdays - Marigny Street Brass Band at Blue Nile Balcony Room (532 Frenchmen St.) - 10pm
Saturdays - City of Trees Brass Band at Maison (508 Frenchmen St.) - 10pm
Sundays - Brass Band Sundays at Treme Hideaway (1234 N. Claiborne) - 10pm
Sundays - Street Legends Brass Band at Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen St.) - 10:30pm
Sundays - Hot 8 Brass Band at the Howlin' Wolf (907 S. Peters St) - 10:30pm
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- 6711 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA, United States, Louisiana
(504) 733-2248
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NATIONAL EGGNOG DAY
National Eggnog Day raises a holiday toast once a year on the day before Christmas. Also known as egg milk punch, eggnog is a popular drink throughout the United States during the holidays.
The sweetened dairy-based beverage is traditionally made with milk and cream, sugar, whipped eggs, and spices. When served at parties and holiday get-togethers, liquor is often added to the eggnog. Many people prefer brandy, rum, whiskey, bourbon, or vodka. Sometimes they even mix up a combination. For added holiday cheer, garnish the glass with a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice.
Eggnog also flavors other holiday treats, too. For example, you can find eggnog flavored coffees, teas, baked goods, and puddings at your grocery store. You may even have a few recipes of your own to spice up your holiday baking, too!
Even though the origin of the eggnog drink is debated, many believe that the drink initially developed in East Anglia, England. However, others believe it originated as a medieval European beverage made with hot milk.
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What does "deasil" mean?
Clockwise
Upwards
Downwards
Counterclockwise
deasil
/ˈdeɪzəl/
Definition: an adverb meaning to move in a clockwise direction, particularly in a ritual or ceremonial context.
Origin: derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "deas," meaning "right" or "south," combined with the adverbial suffix "-il."
Example: The participants walked deasil around the bonfire, honoring the ancient traditions.
"Deasil" refers to the act of moving in a clockwise direction, often used in ceremonial practices. This movement is significant, as it aligns with the sun's path, symbolizing life, growth, and positive energy. In contrast, moving counterclockwise, or "widdershins," is often associated with the opposite energies, sometimes invoking chaos or negativity. Understanding "deasil" enriches our appreciation of rituals and cultural practices that emphasize the importance of directionality and intention. Thus, "deasil" can be succinctly understood as synonymous with "clockwise," capturing its essence in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
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Memorable Birthdays for December 24
Benjamin Rush (1745-1813) - Physician and politician who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Johnny Gruelle (1880-1939) - Author and illustrator who created the Raggedy Ann and Andy and the books with their characters.
Charles Wakefield Cadman (1881-1946) - Composer and critic.
Jack Thayer (1894-1945) - First class passenger on the Titanic who survived to become a successful author and businessman.
Marguerite Williams (1895-1991) - The first Black to earn a doctorate degree in geology.
Howard Hughes (1905-1976) - Billionaire, filmmaker and aviator who lived as a recluse.
George Patton IV (1923-2004) - Major general in the U.S. Army and the son of General George Patton Jr.
William C. Schneider (1923-1999) - Aerospace engineer for NASA.
Libby Larsen (1950-Still Living) - Co-founder of the American Composers Forum.
S
cott Fischer (1955-1996) - Expert mountaineer.
Clarence Gilyard (1955-2022) - Actor remembered for his role as Conrad McMasters on the series Matlock.
Mary Barra (1961-Still Living) - The first woman to run a global automotive company.
Kate Spade (1962-2018) - Fashion designer.
Stephenie Meyer (1973-Still Living) - Author who is best known for writing the Twilight series.
J
ane Summersett (1987-Still Living) - Ice dancer.
Memorable Events for December 24
1826 - The Eggnog Riot at the U.S. Military Academy.
1832 - The first "Negro" hospital is founded (by whites).
1893 - Henry Ford completes his first gas-fuelled engine.
1901 - The use of the word "postcard" replaces the words "souvenir card."
1912 - Irving Fisher patents the archiving system.
1943 - General Eisenhower is named Supreme Allied Commander for Operation Overlord.
1948 - The first solar heated house is occupied in the U.S.
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The photographic firm known simply as Covert was commissioned by the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce to document the businesses in the city. For several years between 1920 and 1930 they cataloged dozens of local concerns. This photograph is of women in the packing department of the Reily Taylor Coffee Company, located at 640 Magazine Street at the corner of Girod Street. The company were coffee importers and roasters whose most popular brand was and still is "Luzianne" Coffee.
Derby Gisclair
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🎄🎄
🕺St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans in 1895
Jess Kozlowski
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1970 Original Jazz Fest Poster
Who knew back in 1970 that the poster for the Jazz & Heritage Festival would become such an important part of the entire experience? The first festival was held outside of the old Municipal Auditorium at Beauregard Square, now collectively known as Congo Square and Armstrong Park. The poster, like the lineup of musicians, was straight forward as festival promoter George Wein just hoped people would show up. I’d say that the event caught on
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Need help? Here are some tips for streaming from a phone from WWOZ's Video Director. | |
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OnlineWire - New Orleanrtual gig calendar |
Welcome to
OffBeat‘s live music listings!
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The application period for selection to volunteer on a police district-based Police Community Advisory Board (PCAB) is NOW OPEN!
Police Community Advisory Boards are volunteer, independent, police district-based, citizen led advisory groups that communicate and engage with their police district community at large to provide at least four quarterly PCAB/community meetings. The PCAB led quarterly community meetings are designed to gather the police district community together to allow it to discuss New Orleans Police Department policy and policing with the goal of then identifying board recommendations to improve policy and policing for NOPD to consider.
The eight police district-based PCABs are seeking applicants willing and able to provide the time to this important civic work.
In terms of basic requirements, applicants must be at least 18 years old, a resident of New Orleans (Orleans Parish), a resident of the PCAB police district, and must be willing and able to provide the time to assist with organizing the PCAB/community meetings, to spend time learning about NOPD policies and operations, to meet and regularly communicate with your fellow district PCAB members as necessary and as a team, and to participate in PCAB outreach that builds awareness of the district PCAB so that community participation at quarterly PCAB/community meetings is robust.
Selected members of a police district-based Police Community Advisory Board serve at least one two-year term with an option for a second two-year term.
The DEADLINE to SUBMIT is 5 pm, Monday, December 30, 2024.
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Free Program
Step into 1920s Holiday Traditions at HNOC’s Organ Demonstrations
Experience the sound and history of HNOC’s restored 1925 Aeolian player pipe organ at free demonstrations held Wednesdays through Sundays at 11 a.m. This December, the presentation highlights how the rapid modernization of the 1920s shaped holiday traditions.
Organ demonstrations
Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.
Barbara S. Beckman Music Room, 520 Royal Street
Free admission and no RSVP required
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25
2 PM – 7 PM
Lafreniere Park Farmers Arts Market
3000 Downs Blvd,
Metairie, LA 70003-3957,
United States
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25
1 PM – 5 PM
German Coast
Farmers Market-
Westbank Bridge Park
13825 River Rd, Luling, LA 70070-6219, United States
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New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins Diboll Circle, City Park,
New Orleans, LA 70179
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*Wednesdays are free for all Louisiana residents, courtesy of The Helis Foundation | |
MUSEUM
10 am–5 pm, Tuesday–Sunday*
BESTHOFF SCULPTURE GARDEN
10 am–6 pm, Seven Days a Week
CAFE NOMA
10 am–4 pm, Tuesday–Sunday, and Private Events
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FREE Admission to the Ogden Museum of Art for La. Residents
10:00 am
Ogden Museum of
Southern Art
925 Camp St.
New Orleans LA 70130
If you are a Louisiana resident you can enjoy the Ogden Museum of Southern Art for free on Thursdays thanks to the Helis Foundation. Great museum with the largest and most comprehensive assemblage of Southern art in the world, establishing the Ogden Museum as the preeminent resource on art and culture of the South.
. Purchase tickets in advance.
Who
All ages
Cost
Free for La. Residents
How
RESERVE TIMED
TICKETS HERE
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- Comedy club
- 609 Fulton St, New Orleans, LA 70130-1612, United States, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana
- (504) 444-9553
9:00 pm - 10:15 pm
(Entry at 8:00 pm
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Racing Schedule
Thursday through Sunday
We love seeing horses in the paddock again! Doors open at 12, first race is at 12:45
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Skate Country, located at 1100 Terry Parkway in Terrytown,
Skate Country is open from 8-11 p.m. on Thursdays, 7-10 p.m. on Fridays and from 1-10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission prices range from $8 to $15, and skate rentals are $5.
Skate Country’s schedule offers the following events:
- “Adult Night” from 8-11 p.m. Thursdays
- “Top Music Chart Night” from 7-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday
- “Family Matinee” from 1-3:30 p.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
“Sunday Night Skate” from 7-10 p.m. Sunday.
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Since the inception of the Krewe of Red Beans, the Treme Brass Band has been a cornerstone for our group. It is a dream-come-true for us to host them every Thursday beginning tonight! Join us 6 to 8 pm!
3300 Royal St
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Comedy House New Orleans
THE BEST COMEDY SHOW EVERY FRIDAY!
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughs with the BEST stand-up comedy in New Orleans every Friday! Tickets are selling fast – grab yours now before they're gone!
Don't miss out on the funniest night in town!
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COME IN FOR
WINE DOWN
FRIDAY
--------------------------------------
Wine Down Friday with one of the largest wine selections in the city.
With one of the largest selection of wines in the Greater New Orleans area, Langenstein's and Prytania Wine & Spirits has WINE DOWN FRIDAY.
Wine Down Friday is a weekly 10% discount on all bottles of wine purchased every Friday.
So join us every Friday to "Wine Down!"
The Wine Down Friday discount is limited to wine in stock at our three Langenstein's locations in Uptown, Old Metairie, River Ridge...and every Friday at Prytania Wine & Spirits too!
UPTOWN
1330 Arabella Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: (504) 899-9283 | Mon-Sat: 7:00am to 7:00pm
Sun: 8:00am to 6:00pm
Breakfast served Daily: 7:00am to 10:00am
Lunch & Dinner on our Hot Bar Daily: 11:00am to 6:00pm (Closes at 5 pm on Sunday)
OLD METAIRIE
800 Metairie Rd, Metairie, LA 70005
Phone: (504) 831-6682 | Mon-Sat: 7:00am to 8:00pm
Sun: 7:00am to 7:00pm
Breakfast served Daily: 7:00am to 10:00am
Lunch & Dinner on our Hot Bar Daily: 11:00am to 6:00pm (Closes at 5 pm on Sunday)
RIVER RIDGE
122 Sauve Rd, River Ridge, LA 70123
Phone: (504) 739-1000 | Mon-Sat: 7:00am to 8:00pm
Sun: 7:00am to 7:00pm
Breakfast served Daily: 7:00am to 10:00am
Lunch & Dinner on our Hot Bar Daily: 11:00am to 6:00pm (Closes at 5 pm on Sunday)
PRYTANIA WINE & SPIRITS
1300 Arabella St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: (504) 891-0448 |
Mon-Sat: 10:00am to 7:00pm
Sun: Closed
Free wine tastings every Friday.
FACEBOOK: @PrytaniaWineandSpirits
INSTAGRAM: @prytaniawineandspirits
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TODAY AT 11 PM – 2 AM
Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers
Blue Nile
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Swirl Wine Bar & Market
3143 Ponce de Leon Street
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Friday, 2024 at 7:00 PM - Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10:00 PM (CT)NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans • New Orleans LA Get my tickets
NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans
- 317 Baronne Street New Orleans, LA 70112
- Friday
- 27
- 7:00 PM
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- 512 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA, United States, Louisiana
- (504) 454-9449
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Gretna Farmer’s Market
Event Date:
Saturday 28
from 8:30 am - 12:30 am
Gretna Market
301 Huey P Long Ave
Gretna, LA 70053
| Enjoy fresh local produce and crafts at the Gretna Farmers Market, every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, rain or shine, under the covered Gretna Market Building, Huey P. Long Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets in historic downtown Gretna. | | |
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28
Join us every Saturday,
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for over 80 local artisan vendors, including produce, prepared foods, jewelry, art, crafts, plants, music and more!
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Louisiana Tech Football
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (5-7, 4-4 Conference USA) vs. Army Black Knights (11-2, 8-0 American Athletic Conference)
Date: Saturday, December 28
Time: 9:15 PM ET // 8:15 PM CT
Location: Independence Stadium - Shreveport, Louisiana
TV: ESPN
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Los Jefes Grill
Brunch isn’t brunch without bottomless drinks… and now a mariachi band. Weekend brunch Saturday + Sunday 11AM — 2PM. KIDS EAT FREE!
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Comedy House New Orleans
Saturday nights just got a lot funnier!
Join us in the heart of NOLA’s Arts District for Super Standup Saturday, featuring top local talent and visiting comics seen on Netflix, MTV, and more. Don’t miss out!
- 610 Fulton St, New Orleans, LA 70130-1612, United States, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana
- (504) 444-9553
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LSU Women's Basketball
LSU has one more non-conference game remaining when it returns from the break on December 29 in the PMAC against Albany.
Sun.
Dec 29
vs.
Albany
Baton Rouge, La. (Maravich Center)
Presented by
1:00 pm CT
Thu.
Jan 2
at
Arkansas
Fayetteville, Ark. (Bud Walton Arena)
8:00 pm CT
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BATON ROUGE, La. – The LSU Tigers
The Tigers are 10-2 entering the week-long Christmas holiday break. LSU’s final non-conference game is set for Dec. 29 at 6 p.m. CT against Mississippi Valley State.
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Join us here at Palmettos on Sundays from
10 am to 3 pm for an authentic
Louisiana Jazz Brunch.
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JAZZ BRUNCH HOURS
SUN0AY
10 am – 3 pm
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Prefer to make your reservation via phone?
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Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen are bringing a full stage of incredible guests to Tipitina’s for one special night on Sun, Dec 29th!
The Absolute Monster Horns, James Rivers, and John Boutté will be in the house after Charlie Halloran & The Tropicales start off the night!
Tickets and full show details currently available at Tipitinas.com
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Pups & Pints at Chafunkta Brewing Co.
- Recurring Recurring weekly on Sunday
- Time: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Price: Free
- Chafunkta Brewing Company
- 69123 Skybrook Rd., Mandeville, LA 70471
- (985) 869-0716
Make your Sunday a true FUNDAY with Chafunkta Brewery's "Pups and Pints," every Sunday! Bring your dog to the brewery on Sundays and your second pint is free. Don't have a pup or can't bring one? That's OK, as 10% of ALL SALES will go to the Northshore Humane Society.
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Here’s the Saints’ full 2024 schedule in list format
Regular season
Week 17: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, noon, Sunday, Dec. 29 (FOX)
Week 18: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, TBD, Saturday or Su
nday, Jan. 4-5. (TBD)
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New Orleans Jazz Club 12-29
JAZZ, JAZZ, JAZZ... we're back this Sunday, for some great Jazz from fantastic musicians at Mo's Chalet from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. It's an open Jam Session to Trad Jazz musicians and those who love the music which is FREE and open to the public. NOTICE to musicians...all musicians are welcome to play whether you're a regular or new to the Club. Keyboards and drums are provided so bring your ax and sign in and you'll be assigned 1 of 4 sets to perform in. Mo's provides a safe and welcoming environment for an afternoon of New Orleans Jazz. Bring your family and friends to create your own Jazz party where outside food is OK with a cash bar hosted by Sandy, Metairie's finest plus join in on our 50/50 cash drawing. Become a member and be a part of New Orleans music history by supporting America's oldest Jazz Club which was started in 1948. The NOJC Jam Session's are held on the last Sunday of the month from 2:00 to 6:00 pm.
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Harahan Farmers Market
- weekly on Sunday
- Address: 6601 10th Street, Harahan, LA
- Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Price: FREE
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Parran's Po-Boys of Kenner
Hungry? Red Beans and Rice Monday.
Kenner
2321 W Esplanade Ave 504-305-6422
Metairie
3939 Veterans Memorial Blvd 504-885-3416
Open 11-7:30 pm
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The Bluegrass Pickin' Party is an open acoustic bluegrass jam. Bring your guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, dobro, harmonica, or singing voice to join the jam circle. Beginners welcome to come and learn traditional bluegrass music. Intermediate and advanced players welcome as well. This weekly jam is also open to anyone and everyone who'd like to come listen and enjoy the music.
Mon, Dec 30
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Jan 2025
Mon, Jan 6
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Jan 13
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Jan 20
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Jan 27
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Feb 2025
Mon, Feb 3
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Feb 10
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Feb 17
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Feb 24
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mar 2025
Mon, Mar 3
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Mar 10
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Mar 17
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Mar 24
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Mar 31
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Apr 2025
Mon, Apr 7
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Apr 14
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Apr 21
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Apr 28
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
May 2025
Mon, May 5
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, May 12
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, May 19
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, May 26
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Jun 2025
Mon, Jun 2
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Jun 9
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Jun 16
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Jun 23
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Jun 30
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Jul 2025
Mon, Jul 7
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Jul 14
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Jul 21
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Jul 28
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Aug 2025
Mon, Aug 4
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Aug 11
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Aug 18
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Aug 25
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Sep 2025
Mon, Sep 1
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Sep 8
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Sep 15
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Sep 22
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Sep 29
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Oct 2025
Mon, Oct 6
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Oct 13
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Oct 20
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Oct 27
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Nov 2025
Mon, Nov 3
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
Mon, Nov 10
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Interested
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In Person Classes in New Orleans
Mondays, 7:30-8:30pm
"Shimmer" Bellydance Basics
For all levels. Ongoing
$60 per month or $18 drop in.
10 classes, used within 10 wk., $120
At: "The Movement Collective"
3921 St. Claude Ave, (Bywater)
New Orleans
Tamalyn Dallal
Movement Collective - New Orleans
Public
·
Mondays, 7:30-8:30pm
Come and dance...
Bring veils, zils, and your hips to do lots of shimmies.
$18 per class, $60 per month
10 classes for $120
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Comedy House New Orleans
The most unique comedy show in New Orleans is The Open Mic From Hell, hosted by Chris Trew (as seen on MTV, Comedy Central, America's Got Talent)
CHNO ( Comedy house New Orleans)
609-610 Fulton St
New Orleans, LA 70130
Mon,December 23
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
(Entry at 7:30 pm)
The Open Mic From Hell is the most unique night of comedy in New Orleans.
Everything about the show is chaotic and unpredictable in the most beautifully hilarious way.
The list of performers? A total mystery.
The jokes they’ll tell? Nobody knows, not even them.
How does it work? Comedians sign-up on the list an hour before showtime. At least 13 names get pulled out of the bucket.
When a name gets pulled they come on stage and make a choice - do they do an entirely new set based on words from the audience, or a special challenge set.
Past challenges have had comics doing their set outside on the street, with noise canceling headphones on, and with a designated heckler in the crowd. We are always adding new, improved, and ridiculous challenges to the show.
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NOLA Jitterbugs
Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans
Tickets
nolajitterbugsfall2023.dancecamps.org/booking.php
Public
Join the award-winning (1st place, baby!) NOLA Jitterbugs for a 6-week series with live music in the last class!
Our live music classes with local musicians and culture bearers, as well as our overall emphasis on music appreciation is what makes our lessons stand out among the rest!
Starts at The Contemporary Arts Center!
6-7pm Intro to Swing
For total beginners to swing dancing or dancing of any kind. Also for those looking to refresh their basics and learn some ragtime dances. We use these pre-swing era dances to teach beginners how to step on rhythm, step on rhythm while connected to another person, how to connect in order to lead or follow, you'll learn to syncopate your footwork, and then we'll slowly start to let go of one hand and create the beginnings of what will eventually be a bad-ass swing out.
7:30-8:30 Lindy Hop Vocab - Intermediate Level
This class is gonna give you some must know moves, some technique, some philosophy, and of course, we'll continue to clarify and polish up your swing outs.
No partner required to take either of these classes. Come alone or with friends!
SIGN UP HERE:
https://nolajitterbugsfall2023.dancecamps.org/booking.php
- 900 Camp St, New Orleans, LA, United States, Louisiana
- (504) 528-3805
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We’re headed back to Houston! The Tigers will play Baylor in the Texas Bowl at 2:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. | | | |
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Billy Nungesser Lt. Governor of Louisiana
For the fourth consecutive year, Louisiana will showcase its vibrant culture in the 2025 Tournament of Rose Parade in Pasadena, California! This year’s float, featuring a Louisiana alligator adorned with beads, a Cajun dance hall, and pots of boiled seafood, perfectly captures the essence of a “Louisiana Saturday Night.” Plus, enjoy mid-parade entertainment by rising country star Timothy Wayne!
We can’t wait to share Louisiana’s celebratory spirit and unique culture with the world once again.
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400 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116 | |
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Uptown Square
200 Broadway Street at the River
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Mayor's Office of Nighttime Economy and Health Department Announce Developing Series of Free Narcan and Stop the Bleed Trainings for Hospitality Workers
NEW ORLEANS – The Mayor's Office of Nighttime Economy, in collaboration with the Health Department, is excited to announce a developing series of Narcan and Stop the Bleed trainings to equip hospitality workers with critical, life-saving skills. These free trainings will provide participants with the knowledge to respond effectively to overdose incidents and severe injuries, helping to make the nightlife community safer. To maximize accessibility, trainings will be scheduled in neighborhoods across the city.
Narcan training sessions will include free Narcan for all participants, while Stop the Bleed training will cover essential skills for managing bleeding emergencies. As an extra incentive to participate, The Broadside will offer free movie tickets to a screening at the Broad Theater for the first 15 attendees at each of their hosted sessions.
Upcoming Training Schedule
- Wednesday 1/8/2025 at 6 p.m. - Narcan Training at Sports Drink, 1042 Toledano Street
- Monday 1/13/2025 at 3 p.m. - Stop the Bleed Training at The Broadside, 600 North Broad Street
"Bystanders hold the power to change the outcome of a crisis. Awareness and training can create a community of lifesavers,” said Summer Lander, Opioid Outreach and Education Coordinator at the New Orleans Health Department.
“Hospitality workers are on the front lines of our nightlife, and we’re committed to providing them with the resources they need to respond to emergencies,” said Julia Heath, Policy and Outreach Manager at the Mayor's Office of Nighttime Economy. “Through this training series, we’re empowering them with the essential skills and confidence needed to handle life-threatening situations.”
For more information or to volunteer a nightlife business to host a training, contact nighttime@nola.gov
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The 2025 Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award Gala Honoring Dickie Brennan
Thursday, January 9, 2025
VIP Reception: 6-7pm, Award Gala: 7-10pm
The Four Seasons New Orleans
2 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
The Plimsoll Ballroom
Dickie Brennan, Owner and Managing Partner of Dickie Brennan & Company, is our recipient of the 2025 Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award for upholding the standards of Southern hospitality and his extraordinary contributions to our culinary culture and heritage; and for carrying on the legacy of Hospitality that his Aunt Ella embodied and inspired.
Attire: Cocktail attire
Parking: There is self parking in the Poydras Parking Garage for $15. Or you can valet at the Four Seasons for a discounted event rate of $29 per car
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St. John Fools of Misrule Twelfth Night March
Date: Jan. 11
Location: Historic Downtown Covington
The St. John Fools of Misrule heralds the arrival of Carnival season on the Northshore with its 14th annual Feast of Fools and March, taking place Saturday, January 11, 2025. The "Fools" (men) and "Jewels" (women) of this marching krewe take to the streets of Covington on the Saturday closest to Twelfth Night, also known as King's Day or The Epiphany.
The St. John Fools of Misrule take their name from the historic St. John District in Covington through which they march each year, and the “Foolish Tradition” itself comes from an ancient English custom whereby men “clamored along the evening streets creating unruliness with cowbells and whips while delivering jeers and spankings to those caught on the street unaware.”
This procession through Covington's historic St. John District begins first with a members-only "Feast of Fools" at 4:00 p.m. at Seiler Bar and Columbia Street Tap Room & Grill (434 N. Columbia St.). Then, at 6:00 p.m., the beautifully costumed krewe marches from Seiler Bar to the Covington Trailhead to crown the "Lord of Misrule." The revelers, including flambeaux, a brass band and masked marchers in extravagant medieval attire, then set out to carouse through downtown Covington. Learn more at https://www.foolsofmisrule.org/
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The 2025 Jazz & Heritage Spring Concert Series, produced by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and presented by Goldfarb Financial, is set to be a remarkable celebration of music! Taking place at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, located at 1225 N. Rampart Street in New Orleans, the concerts will honor both traditional and contemporary jazz. The four-week series will be an unforgettable experience that bridges the timeless and modern evolution of jazz!
2025 Traditional and Contemporary Jazz Series presented by Goldfarb Financial
Friday, January 10 – Mark Braud’s New Orleans Jazz Giants 🎟 $10
Saturday, January 11 – Victor Campbell 🎟 $10
Friday, January 17 – Mikhala “Jazz Muffin” Iversen 🎟 $10
Saturday, January 18 – Jason Marsalis Presents: The Rare Works of Ellis Marsalis 🎟 $10
Friday, January 24 – The Pfister Sisters 🎟 $10
Saturday, January 25 – Jason Stewart Quintet ft. Donald Vega 🎟 $10
Friday, January 31 – Panorama Brass Band 🎟 $10
Saturday, February 1– Steve Masakowski Family and Friends 🎟 $10
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Full Moon Calendar 2025
Full Moon DateNative American NameTime of Full Moon
January 13Wolf Moon5:27 PM
February 12Snow Moon8:53 AM
March 14Worm Moon2:55 AMApril 12Pink Moon8:22 PMMay 12Flower Moon12:56 PMJune 11Strawberry Moon3:44 AMJuly 10Buck Moon4:37 PMAugust 9Sturgeon Moon3:55 AMSeptember 7Corn Moon2:09 PMOctober 6Harvest Moon11:48 PMNovember 5Beaver Moon8:19 AMDecember 4Cold Moon6:14 PM
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39th Annual
Louisiana American Italian Sports Hall of Fame Gala
Join us for this year's gala at the JW Marriott on February 1, 2025.
This exciting celebration will include a cocktail reception, a silent auction, a delicious, seated dinner, and the presentation of awards to our amazing inductees, and our National Honoree!
This year’s National Honoree: Sal Paolantonio of ESPN.
LAISHF Inductees:
Wayne Francingues, Ryan LoProto (posthumously), and Sam Scelfo.
Awardees:
Louis Prima Arts & Entertainment Award: Tony Orlando
Buddy “D” Media Award: Vincent B. “Chip” LoCoco
Business Achievement Award: Arthur Brocato
Dr. John Adriani Medical Award: Dr. Jeffery Scott Pinto
Joseph I Giarrusso Civic Award: Leon Cannizzaro
Joseph Maselli Heritage Award: Joe Scelsa
Join us as we celebrate these deserving people, click below for tickets!
*Don't miss Appearances by Rocky Marciano Jr. and Vince Ferragamo, former quarterback of the LA Rams!
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Super Bowl LIX may happen more than three weeks before Fat Tuesday, but the host committee wants to make sure the city -- and the throngs of visitors in town for the NFL's championship game -- get the carnival experience.
The day before the game, February 8, there will be a Mardi Gras-style parade complete with elaborate floats, marching bands, and throws.
Our partners at NOLA.com report details of the parade are still being finalized, but float-builder Barry Kern says it will likely be a 20-float parade made up of signature floats from various krewes.
And because it is not an official carnival parade, corporate sponsors will also be a part of it.
Todd Graves, founder of Baton Rouge-based Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, will serve as grand marshal.
Rather than follow one of the traditional Mardi Gras routes, the Super Bowl parade will line up on Elysian Fields in the Marigny, parade up Decatur Street along the French Quarter, then take Tchoupitoulas St. to Poydras, turn up to St. Charles Ave., then proceed along St. Charles to St. Joseph St. just before reaching Harmony Circle.
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Super Bowl LIX pre-game show features all New Orleans and Louisiana musicians
The NFL announced on Thanksgiving that the Super Bowl LIX pre-game telecast will spotlight singers and musicians from New Orleans and Louisiana.
Jon Batiste, who grew up in Kenner and attended St. Augustine High School and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, will sing the national anthem in the Caesars Superdome ahead of kickoff on Feb. 9.
Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, who grew up in Treme, will team up with contemporary Christian singer and Lafayette native Lauren Daigle to perform "America the Beautiful." They have previously made guest appearances with one another onstage and on recordings.
And contemporary R&B singer Ledisi, who was born and raised in New Orleans before moving to California, will perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
“We’re honored to work with this year’s pregame lineup to celebrate the rich musical legacy of New Orleans and the entire state,” said Seth Dudowsky, head of music at the NFL, in a news release. "The Super Bowl is a rare moment to unite fans around the world, and this year’s performers will bring the energy, soul and vibrant sounds of the region to a global stage, as we kickoff Super Bowl LIX with a celebration to remember.”
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NFL on FOX
WE GOT NEXT.
See you in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX on FOX
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Just two days after Super Bowl LIX, Jefferson Parish will celebrate its 200th birthday on Feb. 11. Bicentennial festivities kicked off at the State of Jefferson address Tuesday with the unveiling of the official poster, depicting a pelican before the Mississippi River in vivid pink and blue hues. It is illustrated by Louisiana artist Becky Fos, known for designing the 2023 state "I Voted" sticker, modeled after the Louisiana state flag.
A limited supply of signed and numbered posters can be purchased for $150, with proceeds going toward the Jefferson Community Foundation.
Courtesy of Jefferson Parish
The parish will celebrate the bicentennial on Feb. 11 with a Light the Night event, followed by a community-wide king cake party at Lakeside Mall on Feb. 15.
The following month, a bicentennial-themed Senior Expo will take place at the Alario Center on March 20, and a "Park to Park" 10K run will happen March 22 at Lafreniere Park.
Festivities for the parish's 200th birthday will come to a close June 14 with the Bicentennial Ball at Lakeside Mall, hosted by the Jefferson Community Foundation. Lee Sheng said she wanted parish events to involve the entire community and asked residents and local business owners to get involved.
"I want our bicentennial to feel like everybody's a part of it," Lee Sheng said in her address.
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Love New Orleans &
She'll Love You Back.
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.Sincerely,
Frank Stansbury
Lafete News
504-450-1955
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A direct and compelling headline | | | | |
