The V Side offers these offbeat entertainment options for the weekend.
Thursday / Meet the artist: We alerted you last week to a trio of arresting photography shows at Newcomb Art Gallery (read that story here). This week, you can dig a little deeper with an Exhibition Walk-Through by photographer Thomas Roma, whose works on view were developed for various books. Join the discussion at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the gallery in the Waldenberg Art Center at Tulane University. A reception with light refreshments will follow.
Thursday / DJ delight: Well, of course you know it’s the 10th annual Ponderosa Stomp at Howlin’ Wolf this weekend. But why not seek a little warm-up to this annual showcase of performers who’ve been missing from the stage for decades? (This year said survivors reflect essential New Orleans sounds, as they all have been pulled from Cosimo Matassa’s Stax Records label). Anyway, get your groove going soonest at the pre-Stomp Hip Drop, Thursday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at d.b.a., 618 Frenchman St. DJ Soul Sister and Brice Nice have collected the Crescent City’s best DJs for a dizzying round of 45s. You may not stop dancing until Monday.
Kitten on the Keys
Thursday-Sunday / Pomp and pageantry: And of course you know it’s the third annual New Orleans Burlesque Festival this weekend. If you didn’t, you can read all about it in these provocative interviews with organizer Rick Delaup and dancer Mina Mechante. And even if you did, you might want to mark your calendars for the main event on Sunday at 8 p.m. at Harrah’s Casino. That’s when the best classic striptease dancers gather to compete to be The Queen of Burlesque. Emcee is Kitten on the Keys. This one sells out, so look for advance tickets ($45 and $50) here.
Thursday-Sunday / Vampire doings: World of Darkness fans will unite this weekend at the Hotel Monteleone for The Grand Masquerade, a convention devoted to role-playing games set in this fictional universe of supernatural creatures. The first convention, held here last year, drew 1,300 gamers. This year’s event celebrates the 20th anniversary of the creation of Vampire: The Masquerade , a game that pretty much started the popular fascination with the fanged wonders. Catch up on the back story at MTV Geek News here. Events range from LARPs (live-action role playing) to cemetery tours. For details and ticket prices, click here.
Friday / Make mine straight up: Yes, here at NolaVie we’re searching for the perfect Sazerac, but that doesn’t mean you should give other classic cocktails a miss. Check out Martini Madness from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at City Park’s Pavilion of the Two Sisters. More than 25 specialty martinis stations (don’t try them all) as well as music, a photo booth and prizes round out this fundraiser sponsored by Republic National Distributing Company. Proceeds go to continuing restoration of Popp Fountain. Who said donating for a cause wasn’t fun? To buy tickets ($50), click here.
Friday / Reeling: Catch a sneak preview of the 2011 Mississippi River 9th Ward Film and Arts Festival, arriving Oct. 6-9 at the Galvez Restaurant, with a screening of Mississippi Damned at 6:30 p.m. Friday at The African-American Museum, 1418 Gov. Nicholls St. Director Tina Mabry will be on hand to discuss her gripping film about three black kids in rural Mississippi who confront a host of family and social ills. It’s free, but seats are limited; call 504.942.8542 with questions.
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