Art Walk in New Orleans Arts District

The New Orleans Arts District is a part of the changing landscape of the Warehouse District. Art galleries, lofts, restaurants and museums have been growing in the area. On the first Saturday of every month, you can use the sponsored Art Walks to see what the neighborhood has to offer. Most of the art galleries are located on Julia Street. To make it even better.... it is a FREE event :)

New Orleans Arts District Art Walk
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Saturday, March 7th, 2009
Camp, Saint Joseph & Julia Streets
Warehouse/Arts District
New Orleans, LA

http://www.neworleansartsdistrict.com/

Bustout Burlesque performing @ The House of Blues

Bustout Burlesque is a New Orleans dance company that brings to life vintage nightclub entertainment from Bourbon Street of old. You can catch the troupe performing two shows at The House of Blues, in the French Quarter, this Saturday.

Bustout Burlesque
Saturday, February 28th, 2009
Two shows ~ 8:00 pm and 10:30 pm
House of Blues
225 Decatur Street
French Quarter
New Orleans, LA

http://www.bustoutburlesque.com/

For tickets call # ( 504 ) 310 4999

LA/SPCA animal adoption event @ Canine Connection

The LA/SPCA is having an off-site adoption day at the Canine Connection. Adoption volunteers & counselors will be there to help you find the pet that is right for you. Lots of animals are in need of happy homes.

Animal Adoption Day
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday, February 28th, 2009
Canine Connection
3440 Magazine Street

For more info ~ call ( 504 ) 368-5191 or visit www.la-spca.org

Video ~ Vintage Mardi Gras parades in 1941

The day after! Yes, I have been up all night *grin* I found this wonderful video that shows krewes parading for Mardi Gras in 1941. Sooooo cool to see vintage images of old floats and costumes. This clip shows the first female krewe to ever parade in New Orleans ~ Krewe of Venus. Another thing to keep in mind is that this was the last Mardi Gras celebration until after WWII ended. The jazz music you hear in the video is by Johnny Dodds and George Lewis.

Krewe parade schedule for Mardi Gras Day

This is the parade schedule in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes for Mardi Gras day (Tuesday, February 24th, 2009).

• Zulu - Uptown, 8:00 a.m.
• Rex - Uptown, 10:00 a.m.
• Elks Orleans - after Rex
• Crescent City - after Elks
• Argus - Metairie, 10:00 a.m.
• Jefferson Trucks - after Argus
• Elks Jefferson - after Jefferson
• Grela - West Bank, 11:00 a.m.
• Bes - West Bank, after Grela

When is Mardi Gras in 2009?

Mardi Gras is fast approaching! One of the frequently asked questions about it is just exactly WHEN is it?!??! Here are a few dates to help you with your planning. :)

Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras Day) ~ February 24th, 2009
Mardi Gras Parade Season ~ January 6th to February 24th, 2009

If you want to be sure not to miss the most talked about, famous parades be in New Orleans over the last weekend leading into Fat Tuesday ~ Friday, February 20th to Tuesday, February 24th, 2009.

There will be more posts about all things Mardi Gras soon!

Thank you for your marvelous messages :)

As you may have noticed, my online life has been fairly limited lately. I know you have because I've received numerous thoughtful inquiries asking if everything is ok :) You are too sweet!

I try to keep my posts focused on the subject that brought you to my blog and not on personal stuff. In this case.... I realized that I need to let you know what has been occupying much of my concentration.

My doctor sent me to have a routine test recently. Something odd was noticed. The concern is discolored areas that can indicate cancerous cells. Gulp! In order to find out if I have cancer or not, I had to have a full body scan. Now, I'm dealing with the hard part of waiting for the results.

On top of that ~ A few weeks ago, I introduced you to our new rescued puppy. Jasper disappeared from our yard :( We love our dog soooo much. Jasper even has a blog.... http://jasperthedoggie.blogspot.com Breaking my heart!

Thankfully, life hasn't been all gloom & doom. Several dear friends came to town (from Florida, Texas, England, etc), we discovered two local bands/performers that rock, celebrated birthdays, danced the night away until the place shut down and so on. Things like this are what keep us going through tough spots, right?

I haven't had much time for online fun. When I do log on, your fantastic messages are very uplifting :)

I hope to have good news to share with you soon. That will make us extremely happy.... at least, until the medical bills begin pouring in *grin*

2008 Voodoo Experience Music Festival ~ October 24th to 26th

Music fans from all over the globe will be invading New Orleans for the Voodoo Experience Music Festival. The fun lasts for 3 days..... Friday, October 24th, 2008 to Sunday, October 26th, 2008. I can't even begin to list all of the performers you will have the opportunity to enjoy, so I'll just name a few to give you the idea ~

TV on the Radio, Panic at the Disco, Lil Wayne, REM, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, NIN (Nine Inch Nails), Joss Stone, N.E.R.D, Lupe Fiasco, New Orleans Bingo! Show, Wyclef Jean, Eryka Badu, STP (Stone Temple Pilots), Reverend Horton Heat, Old 97's, the Hot 8 Brass Band, Dashboard Confessional, Butthole Surfers, Irma Thomas, Bonerama, DJ Proppa Bear, Voodoo Aid and Pleasure Club, Fleur De Tease, Mars Volta, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk and on and on!

Voodoo Experience Music Festival
Friday thru Sunday, 10/24/08 to 10/26/08
Kicks off around 10:00 am each day
City Park
NOLA

Tickets :
$50 single day
$125 for 3 day pass
$450 for VIP pass
( 504 ) 522-5555
www.thetenthritual.com

Video ~ New Orleans Music

This is a splendid video dedicated to New Orleans music. Lots of footage showing local musicians playing and the beautiful scenery from the city. Anders Osborne wrote and narrates this clip.

http://www.andersosborne.com/

Kandye's puppy tale

It has been rainy and overcast in the city due to the edges of the hurricane. That causes night to fall early. It was becoming heavy twilight when Tommmmmmy dashed off to grab our dinner before True Blood tonight. As he approached a busy intersection (4 lanes on all sides ~ crossed by railroad tracks), he noticed cars swerving and slamming on their brakes. Accident? Crazy driver? No.... a small, dark figure cowered in the middle of traffic.

Inching first one way and then the other, but never reaching safety. A confused puppy faltered while cars honked, skidded and sped around him. My sweet Tommmmmy swooped to his rescue! He threw on the emergency brake & jumped out into the street. Other thoughtful drivers stopped to block the traffic in each direction so that he could reach the frightened puppy without being hit himself. There were many smiles of relief. One lady rolled down her window just to yell thanks!

No momma dog or other pups to be found.

Once they were finally safe in the warm, dry truck, Tommmmy called me. When I answered, the first thing he said was ~ "We have a new addition to our family!"

I want to introduce you all to Jasper :) We do not know what kinda dog he is, aside from adorable. Any ideas? Click on the photos above for a closer look.

Remembering our Gulf Coast neighbors on Hurricane Katrina's third anniversary

Today is the 3rd anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. I am humbled by the resilience of those who fought to get their lives back after the unreal devastation of that storm. People who lost family members, friends, homes, pets and businesses in Bay St Louis, MS ~ Waveland, MS ~ St Bernard Parish ~ NOLA ~ Lower Ninth Ward ~ Biloxi, MS (too many communities to list here). Yet, they would not give up! Rebuilding not only their own lives, but helping loved ones, neighbors & strangers to do the same. Add to that the outpouring of assistance and care from every state.... and around the world. It is awe-inspiring!

Several friends in New Orleans are asking for our positive thoughts as they nervously watch the approach of Hurricane Gustav. I know shelters and charities in Oklahoma City are gearing up to receive possible evacuees, in case of emergency. Patients from hospitals in Louisiana are already being transported to one of our medical centers.

Please, remember the people of the Gulf Coast!

Of course, the Red Cross is preparing to help. I am soooooooo proud of my fellow Moonlight (tv show) fans for supporting such an important organization with countless blood drives and donations :)

For those who want to donate &/or volunteer ~
http://www.redcross.org/

Fast Times 80's Night Dance Party @ One Eyed Jacks

One Eyed Jacks is hosting a totally tubular dance party every Thursday night. Enjoy cool retro music at their Fast Times 80's Night! Only five bucks to get in.

Fast Times 80's Night
One Eyed Jacks
Thursdays ~ August 21st, 2008 thru December 25th, 2008
$5 cover charge
615 Toulouse Street
French Quarter
New Orleans, LA
www.oneeyedjacks.net

Video ~ Street musicians playing at Bourbon & Canal Street intersection

Street music is always one of the first things most New Orleans fans mention when asked what we love about the city. Rijbaklvr has shared this awesome video from a recent trip. The clip shows a fun group of young, musicians performing on the corner of Canal and Bourbon Streets. This is a frequent scene in the French Quarter. We have stood many, many times at that exact NOLA intersection enjoying the sounds of street, brass bands!

First preseason game for the New Orleans Saints

ESPN will broadcast the New Orleans Saints first preseason football game tonight. Saints will be playing the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Football season is almost here! YEA!

NOLA Saints Football
NFL Preseason Game #1
ESPN
Thursday, August 7th, 2008
7:00 pm Central Time
8:00 pm Eastern Time

Dirty Linen Night in the French Quarter

Now that you've celebrated White Linen Night, it's time for Dirty Linen Night! Royal Street is one of my favorite strolls in NOLA. We love wandering in & out of the antique shops, art galleries & stores that line this famous avenue in the French Quarter. A good friend of ours had a wonderful gallery on Royal before Hurricane Katrina. But.... I don't want to digress into that.

Dirty Linen Night began as the Royal Street merchants response to the Warehouse District's White Linen Night. Now, it includes Dumaine Street, Jackson Square & Dutch Alley Artist's Co-Op. You will be surrounded by sidewalk music, performances & demonstrations. Enjoy dirty martinis, dirty rice ~ you get the idea :) The shops will be open late, and many offer special sales for the night. You will see lots of laundry baskets as props too.

Blocks 500 to 1000 of Royal will be closed to traffic turning the street into a great pedestrain mall.

The festivities will wrap up with a Second Line Parade. It will start at Dutch Alley Artist's Co-op ( Decatur & Dumaine ) around 8:45 pm. From there, you will end up on Bourbon Street.

Dirty Linen Night Art Walk
Saturday, August 9th, 2008
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Royal Street & surroundings
French Quarter
New Orleans, LA
http://dirtylinennight.org

This year, Dirty Linen Night has partnered with a non-profit called Better Opportunities Right Now. "BORN specific purpose is to provide Better Opportunities Right Now by connecting socio-economically disadvantage citizens with life skills information and resources through education, advocacy and referral services."

www.BetterOpportunitiesRightNow.org

Annual White Linen Night ~ August 2nd

Browse the super fab art galleries in the Warehouse/Art District on NOLA's annual White Linen Night.... Saturday, August 2nd. This free event has become a tradition each summer. Just head over to the 300 to 600 blocks of Julia Street. While wandering in & out of the galleries, you will also get to enjoy live music being played outside. Of course, there will be food and drinks available for purchase provided by 7 on Fulton, New Orleans Ice Cream, Bombay Club, Ye Old Kettle Cooker, Nirvana Indian Cuisine, Cool Brew Coffee, etc.

An afterparty will be hosted at the Contemporary Arts Center beginning at 9:00 pm. Tickets are $10. Admission is free for CAC members.

Remember to save your "dirty" clothes to wear for Royal Street's Dirty Linen Night the following Saturday :)

White Linen Night
Saturday, August 2nd, 2008
300 to 600 block of Julia Street
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Warehouse/Art District
New Orleans, LA
http://www.cacno.org/special/event/2008/08/white+linen/

Rain date Saturday, August 9th

Official post party @ CAC
900 Camp Street
9:00 pm to Midnight

Satchmo Summerfest ~ July 31st to August 3rd

Time for the incredible Satchmo Summerfest in the French Quarter! It is the 8th annual celebration of Louis Armstrong. You will be able to enjoy tons of amazing jazz music on four stages, inside the Old US Mint. There are many seminars scheduled, such as Cinematic Satch: Louis Armstrong on Film with Ricky Riccardi and Red Beans and Ricely…HIS! hosted by the legendary Leah Chase (of Dooky Chase restaurant) accompanied by the singing of her talented daughter. All this fun is FREE!

Satchmo Summerfest
July 31st to August 3rd, 2008
Thursday thru Sunday
Old US Mint
French Quarter
New Orleans, LA
Phone : ( 504 ) 522-5730 or ( 800 ) 673-5725
http://www.fqfi.org/satchmosummerfest/

Photos courtesy of French Quarter Festivals, Inc

Wonderful quote about the French Quarter

My lovely friend, Andrea, shared a great quote about the French Quarter. I liked it so much that I wanted to share it with you too :)

I am currently reading Fabulous New Orleans. It was first published in 1928, so obviously some opinions, etc., are dated, but it has some interesting parts for die-hard New Orleans lovers.

“My advice to you is to stay for a while in the old section of the city, sit for a time in Jackson Square and let the old world charm you. Give the atmosphere a chance to lull you. Take your time and wander slowly; look twice at the old houses, they are worth it. Talk to the beggars in the street; talk to any one you chance to meet. The natives of the Quarter are pleasant people and they will gladly tell you anything they happen to know."

— Lyle Saxon
Fabulous New Orleans

Photo ~ The beautiful St Louis Cathedral anchoring Jackson Square in the French Quarter

Charity Fundraiser ~ Dining Out for Life on July 17th

What are you doing for dinner on Thursday night? Just by eating a delicious meal, you can help raise much needed money for the NO/AIDS Task Force. The charity fundraiser is Dining Out For Life. Lots of wonderful New Orleans restaurants are participating. Thursday evening, 25% of their proceeds will be donated to the charity. Waiter staff will have envelopes available for additional donations, if you wish to give more $$$. Those who donate extra cash will be entered to win a stay at the International House Hotel or the W New Orleans - French Quarter. Even better, your waiter will also be entered to win this great prize. *cheer*

Here are just a few of the delicious restaurants that are participating ~ Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown & French Market, Cafe Degas, Muriel's Jackson Square, Joey K's, House of Blues, Marigny Brasserie, Arabesque, 7 on Fulton, N'awlins Flava Cafe, Hookah Cafe, Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine, Eat New Orleans, Bywater Bar-B-Que, Feeling Cafe, etc. For a full listing, check out their website.

One restaurant is having their event on Friday night (July 18th) only.... Minacapelli's Dinner Playhouse in Slidell.

Dining Out for Life
Dine Out, Fight AIDS
Thursday, July 17th, 2008
6:00 PM
Benefiting NO/AIDS Task Force
HIV & AIDS Charity
http://www.noaidstaskforce.org/

New Orleans featured on Passport to Great Weekends show ~ July 17th

Programming note ~

Samantha Brown does a fun show for the Travel Channel. It's called "Passport to Great Weekends." Guess what marvelous city will be featured on her show this week?!? NOLA! She visits some of my fave places on the program. Just seeing the name Central Grocery makes me drool for a Muffuletta

The show airs Thursday, July 17th, 2008 @ 9:00 pm Central & 10:00 pm Eastern.

New Orleans Weekend

Is the "Big Easy" back on its feet post Hurricane Katrina? Samantha's there to find out. Of course a weekend in New Orleans wouldn't be complete without music, so there's a live jazz concert in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, plus dancing at a local bowling alley which doubles as a live music venue. Samantha also gets up close and personal with a gator during a back-water bayou trip, and even helps out on a non-profit project which builds new houses for musicians left homeless by the hurricane.

FULL LIST OF LOCATIONS

Faubourg Marigny

Snug Harbor Jazz Club
626 Frenchmen Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 949-0696

Central Grocery
923 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 620-0174

Cajun-Style Swamp Tours
5123 Hatty Street
Lafitte, LA 70067
(504) 689-3949

Jackson Square
Miss Lena Fortune Teller
Jackson Square
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 307-6733

Mid City Lanes Rock n' Bowl
4133 S Carrollton Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 482-3133

Habitat for Humanity
7100 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 861-2077

http://tinyurl.com/63ybl8

Fleur De Lis tattoo honoring New Orleans

A marvelous Nola-Blog reader sent in this photo of their Fleur De Lis tattoo! He proudly displays the cool black and gray body art on his arm in honor of New Orleans :) Thank you for sharing your ink!

The Shakespeare Festival at Tulane University

In just a few days, you can enjoy the first play of the season at The Shakespeare Festival. The Taming of the Shrew begins its run on Thursday, May 29th, 2008. All performances are held at the Lupin Theatre on the Tulane University campus in NOLA. This is the 15th season for the summer festival.

This year's schedule includes The Taming of the Shrew, As You Like It & Twelfth Night ~ performed from May 2008 to July 2008.

Your kiddos can get involved by joining the All Things Shakespeare! summer program for students in grades 9 to 12.

The Shakespeare Festival at Tulane University
Uptown New Orleans
Across from Audubon Park on St Charles Avenue
Email box@tulane.edu
Phone Number : ( 504 ) 865-5105
www.neworleansshakespeare.com

K-Ville television show has been canceled

Many of you have been asking about the New Orleans based tv show, K-Ville. Fox has officially canceled the series. :( Rumor has it that star, Anthony Anderson, is in talks to join the cast of NBC's Law & Order.

Photos ~

1. Anthony Anderson & Cole Hauser, stars of K-Ville

2. Cast of KVille television show

Video ~ New Orleans Mardi Gras 2008 ~ Fat Tuesday in the French Quarter

llarrylane has created a wonderful Mardi Gras 2008 video! It captures the colorful, exotic, beautiful, funny and elaborate costumes revelers wore to parade through the French Quarter on Fat Tuesday (February 5th, 2008). You can feel what a marvelous time they are all having in New Orleans.

New Orleans 44th Annual Mardi Gras Marathon ~ February 24th, 2008

Run or walk at the 44th Annual New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon. The course will wind its way through the beautiful streets and neighborhoods of NOLA. You begin at the Louisiana Superdome. It will take you through the French Quarter ~ down Bourbon and Royal Streets. Travel St Charles Avenue to Audubon Park and in the Garden District. Then, down the beautiful Bayou St John to City Park. Does any other race have such a historic & gorgeous course?!? Both the marathon and half marathon end back at the Superdome.

They are also asking for area high school bands and music groups to participate by performing along the course and cheering on the runners/walkers. How fun!

Mardi Gras Marathon
Sponsored by the New Orleans Track Club
Sunday, February 24th, 2008
Beginning at 7:00 AM CST
Rain or shine
Marathon, half marathon & 5K race
Phone number ( 888 ) 485 - 2582
http://www.mardigrasmarathon.com/registration.shtml

Click on the image above for a larger version of the course map.

New Orleans Band, Bonerama, to perform on The Late Show with David Letterman

New Orleans "brass funk rock" band, Bonerama will perform on The Late Show with David Letterman next Monday night! This will be their first time on the program. However, two members of the band have appeared on Letterman a few times with a guy named Harry Connick, JR. Bonerama's Craig Klein and Mark Mullins are his trombonists.

OK Go's Damian Kulash will also appear. The performance on Letterman is to promote their new release ~ "You're Not Alone." The amazing thing is all proceeds from the recording will benefit musicians who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. *cheer* You can get "You're Not Alone" exclusively from iTunes. What a great cause!

Bonerama
David Letterman's Talk Show
Monday, February 11th, 2008
CBS Network
10:30 PM in most markets ~ check your tv listings
http://www.bonerama.net/newsevents.html

Video ~ Society of Saint Anne Mardi Gras Parade 2008

22nola has provided this great fan video from Mardi Gras 2008. It shows a bit of the Society of Saint Anne and the Storyville Stompers' parade. Talk about being right in the middle of the action! Filmed at Rue Royal and Elysian Fields.

Fleur De Tease Burlesque Dance Troupe ~ Show Sunday, Feb 10th

Celebrate Valentine's Day a bit early.... Fleur De Tease is a burlesque dance troupe performing in New Orleans. In addition to the lovely dancers, they have fire eaters, comedians, aerialists, magicians and singers. You never know what you will see because every performance is different. Their next shows will be on Sunday, February 10th, 2008 at One Eyed Jacks. You can pick from two show times or go to both!

Valentine's Revue
Fleur De Tease
Sunday, 02/10/08
8:00pm & 10:00pm
One Eyed Jacks
615 Toulouse Street
New Orleans, LA
Email : info@fleurdetease.com
http://www.fleurdetease.com/Home.html

The lovely photos are by Hampton Van Meter.

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra ~ Festa d’Italia

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will offer a two day "Celebration of American-Italian Contributions to New Orleans Culture" on February 22nd & 23rd. You can enjoy food, music and fashion! *cheer* It all begins with a concert on Friday the 22nd at 7:30pm in McAlister Auditorium on the Tulane University campus. On Saturday from 11:00am to 4:00pm, a bunch of restaurants and stores on Canal Street will offer fun for the whole family ~ street art, food, music and more. The festivities conclude that night with a grand ball.

Festa d’ Italia
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

New Orleans, LA
Friday, 02/22/08 & Saturday, 02/23/08
http://www.lpomusic.com/index.php?q=festaditalia

Happy Mardi Gras ~ Fleur De Lis Wallpaper

Happy Mardi Gras! To celebrate Fat Tuesday, this Fleur De Lis wallpaper is for you. Decorate your website, computer background or MySpace Page. I hope you all had a marvelous, SAFE time while you were celebrating :)

Family Fun ~ Parade of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus

I'm often asked for family friendly options, especially during Mardi Gras. The parade of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus certainly fits that description. It is composed of dogs and their owners dressed in their finest costumes. Marching through the historic streets of the French Quarter. The theme for the 2008 parade is "Indiana Bone and the Raiders of the Lost Bark." If you would like to join in the fun with your puppy, just fill out the registration form & send your $40 membership/parade fee. The best part is that all proceeds will be donated to various animal shelters and humane societies. You get to have a great time AND help doggies in need. :) They are also asking for volunteers.

The Barkus Royal Ball will be held on Saturday, January 26th, 2008 at The Windsor Court Hotel, from 8:00 PM to Midnight. It is for humans only. The only canines allowed will be the King and Queen. You do not have to be registered for the parade to attend the party. Tickets $80.00.

Mystic Krewe of Barkus

Parade ~ Sunday, January 27th, 2008

Starting from Armstrong Park at 2:00 PM

New Orleans, LA

Register Online ~ https://secure.neworleans.com/SSL-clients/barkus/

Email : info@barkus.org

When is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras is fast approaching! One of the frequently asked questions about it is just exactly WHEN is it?!??! Here are a few dates to help you with your planning. :)

Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras Day) ~ February 5th, 2008
Mardi Gras Parade Season ~ January 25th to February 5th, 2008

If you want to be sure not to miss the most talked about, famous parades be in New Orleans over the last weekend leading into Fat Tuesday ~ Friday, February 1st to Tuesday, February 5th, 2008.

There will be more posts about all things Mardi Gras soon!

Four New Orleans Theme Desktop Wallpapers

Every now & then we post some New Orleans theme wallpapers you can use for inspiration. They are quite popular. So today, we thought we would give you four new backgrounds to enjoy. OK... actually we needed to clear-up some space on our computer. But we really think you'll like them anyway, ha ha!

The first two images are some amazing architectural details you see on all the best buildings in NOLA. New Orleans is known for amazing homes and buildings. One graphic is a beautiful entrance gate with a gold Fleur De Lis. The 2nd photo wallpaper is a very famous landmark sign that is right in front of the Cafe Du Monde (Jackson Square location). Mmmmm.... beignets!

Next, to kind of change gears, we thought we would do a wallpaper presenting some grand historical value. It's a map of Olde New Orleans from 1728. Wow, a 280 year old map!

The last wallpaper is one of my favorites. It's a vintage postcard of the Old Absinthe House ~ a very famous building in the French Quarter. It looks like a colored black & white photo with a great "Vintage Look".

We hope you enjoy these FREE, New Orleans computer desktop backgrounds! :) Please... consider using them to brighten your PC/Mac desktop themes, websites, Facebook page or use in a MySpace Layout. Simply, click on any of the images above for larger versions to save and use.

Christmas Lights ~ Celebration in the Oaks at City Park

It is time for City Park's annual, spectacular Celebration in the Oaks! This is a tradition in NOLA. Amazing Christmas light displays and musical performances will be on view. You can visit nightly through December 30th, 2007 ~ except for X-mas eve and day when it will be closed.

Celebration in the Oaks

City Park

New Orleans, LA

Tickets :

$6.00

Children under 3 years of age admitted free

Friends of City Park also get free admission

Hours :

Sunday to Thursday 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Friday & Saturday 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Video of legendary Jazz man Punch Miller

Klikonojazz kindly put this amazing video of Punch Miller on YouTube. It captures Punch walking through the French Quarter to Preservation Hall, then playing and singing Sister Kate. Awesome!

A bit about the legendary Jazz trumpet playing musician..... Ernest "Kid Punch" Miller (1894 to 1971) was born in Louisiana. Lived in New Orleans and Chicago. He played with many famous musicians, such as Kid Ory & Jelly Roll Morton. A touching documentary entitled Til the Butcher Cuts Him Down was filmed about him in 1971 ~ the same year he died.

Postcard with Aerial View of New Orleans

This is a cool, vintage postcard from 1939 ~ titled Aeroplane View of New Orleans, LA. I like the perspective of the bends in the Mississippi River winding through the Crescent City. Great aerial view! Click on the image above for a larger version of the postcard.

City Park Carousel Reopening November 23rd

Hurricane Katrina drowned City Park's historic Carousel in around 10 inches of water for three weeks. After two years of painstaking restoration, the 101 year old beauty will reopen on Friday, November 23rd, 2007!

St Charles Streetcar New Orleans photo wallpaper

In honor of service returning, here is a St Charles Streetcar photo wallpaper for you! It is great to see one of the icons of New Orleans back up and running. The St Charles Avenue service began in 1835. Currently, the line is from Canal St to Napoleon. It will operate daily from 5:27 AM to 11:55 PM for the low fare of $1.25.

Click on the picture above for a bigger version of the image to use as your computer desktop background, MySpace layout, website graphic and so on :)

Another Lovely Fleur De Lis Tattoo

Here is a great close up photo of a lovely Fleur De Lis tattoo! :)

BOO!!!

Love this photo ~ he definitely has the spirit! Pushing a shopping cart of pumpkins through the storied New Orleans streets of the French Quarter. HAPPY HALLOWEEN to all :)

Halloween at the Hive!

The Hornets are back home in NOLA! Halloween night is the home opener at the New Orleans Arena. There will also be trick or treating for the kiddos, a costume contest (with $500 for 1st place) and a free t-shirt for every fan in attendance.

Tyson Chandler, Chris Paul ~ CP3 and the gang will be taking on Mike Bibby and the rest of the Sacramento Kings.

Halloween at the Hive!
NBA Basketball
Hornets vs Kings
Wednesday, October 31st, 2007
7:00 PM
New Orleans Arena
1501 Girod Street
New Orleans, LA

( 504 ) 525-HOOP

Halloween Night at the Mortuary!

"Funeral home gone amok!" The Mortuary is a great place to celebrate Halloween night! Doors open at 7:00 PM tonight. They will stay open as long as their guests can stand it.

Tickets go on sale at 6:30 PM. General admission is $20. If you don't want to wait in the long lines, you can purchase VIP tickets for $30. You can also get online coupons through their website. We like discounts :) Just provide your email address and they will send you a printable coupon!

The Mortuary Haunted House
Halloween Night
October 31st, 2007
7:00 PM until at least 11:30 PM
4800 Canal Street
(Bernadotte St @ Canal)
New Orleans, LA

Website : www.themortuary.net

Parking : Limited valet parking at the door. Free off street parking on Canal Street. Or, offsite parking is available at the Delgado City Park Avenue lot, with bus service back & forth to the haunted house for $5.

Update on Dooky Chase's Restaurant Reopening

A little update for everyone regarding Dooky Chase's Restaurant. You can now get their yummy food to go! Pick up your take out order! The dining room is still not open yet for dine in. However, it is available for special occasions, family gatherings after funerals, etc. In fact, Chef Leah and staff feed President Bush on his recent trip to New Orleans in August. Word is they hope to offer full service in the next month or so.

Dooky Chase's Restaurant

2301 Orleans Avenue

( 504 ) 821-0535

New Orleans City Skyline and Vintage Postcard Wallpapers

For your viewing enjoyment ~ two ever-so-delightful "New Orleans Theme" desktop background wallpapers! :)

The 1st wallpaper is a scenic photo sent in to us by a loyal Nola-Blog reader named Jack. Jack said, "this is a awesome NOLA city skyline photograph taken at night." He wasn't lying! Thanks Jack!!

The next wallpaper is a replica of a vintage postcard style logo from the 1940's. It's for the great city of New Orleans & features a lot of the famous landmarks, symbols & buildings ~ like the Saint Louis Cathedral, Magnolia Blossom, Andrew Jackson Monument & the French Quarter. Please feel free to use these New Orleans wallpapers as a background in a MySpace layout, on your website or to give you something pretty to look at on your computer desktop!

Just click on the image you like to get the bigger version. Then, right click on it and save as wallpaper. Done!

Blaine Kern's Haunted Fun House

Looking for more Halloween fun in NOLA? Blaine Kern's Haunted Fun House is there for you! This spooky event is provided by the Krewe of Boo, and takes place inside Mardi Gras World. Aside from scary, Halloween entertainment you will also be supporting the Greater New Orleans First Responders Fund! Oooooooo.... you can also be part of the escapade by volunteering as a ghost, ghoulie, ticket taker, house guide, etc.

Blaine Kern's Haunted Fun House

Thursday, October 25th to Wednesday, October 31st

Open Halloween Night ~ 10/31/07

7:00 PM to Midnight

Tickets $12.00

233 Newton Street

New Orleans, LA

( 504 ) 361-7821

Take the Canal Street Ferry free of charge! Plus, it is a great ride across the Mississippi River. :) You can also take the shuttle or drive yourself.

Greater New Orleans First Responders Fund

http://www.gnofrf.org/

Halloween costume contest for doggies at the Canine Connection

The Canine Connection is a doggie daycare, grooming, boarding, healthy pet food & treats, clothing, toys and gift store. You can even host your pet's next birthday party at their fun location. If your puppy is staying with them, you can even check in on one of their web cams.

On Halloween night, they are having a Halloween Canine Costume Contest! The proceeds will benefit the Louisiana SPCA. :) It only costs $5 bucks to enter the contest. Prizes will go to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Shaggy's Seafood & Sandwich Shop is providing the food for the evening. Fun!

Canine Costume Contest

Wednesday, October 31st, 2007

6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Canine Connection

3440 Magazine Street

( 504 ) 218-4098

www.canineconnectionnola.com

www.la-spca.org