The V Side: Saint Joan plus the Saints and tailgating, too

Tony Kishman sings McCartney

FRIDAY / Beatle mania: Do you ever ponder who is your favorite Beatle? Could your answer possibly be Paul? If so, then consider Live and Let Die, a symphonic tribute to the music of Paul McCartney by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, taking place at 8 p.m. Friday at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Broadway sensation Tony Kishman, backed by the full LPO, will sing such classics as “Yesterday,” Hey Jude,” “Let it Be,” and “Band on the Run.” Tickets start at $20 through Ticketmaster.

FRIDAY / Carnival launch: Of course you know that on Twelfth Night the Phunny Phorty Phellows will be parading along St. Charles Avenue on a rollicking 7 p.m. streetcar ride. But did you know that the Feast of the Epiphany – January 6 – is also the birth date of Joan of Arc? The Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc does, and its members will celebrate with their fourth annual Joan of Arc Parade (six Joans of Arc riding!) down Chartres Street (but of course) at 6 p.m. Friday, beginning at the Bienville statue at Conti Street and ending at the golden Joan of Arc statue (but of course) in New Place de France. Favors handed to the crowd include special prayer cards and black and gold shot cups, an anomaly that should surprise us, but (of course) doesn’t. Join the krewe post-parade for king cake (you’re invited to bring one for the feast) and a toast to Joan with a sip of Goldschläger, which, we are told, is a gold-flecked liquor.

SATURDAY / 13th Night revelry: Of course you know that Saturday is the anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, with a requisite celebration from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Chalmette Battlefield. And of course you know that an equally important battle will take place at the Superdome that same evening. So where to watch the playoff match between the Saints and the Lions? The 610 Stompers will kick off the Orpheus 13^th Night Party (by the Carnival krewe founded by Harry Connick Jr.) from 7 p.m. to midnight at Generations Hall. In addition to music by Gashouse Gorillaz and open bar, there will be plenty of TVs set up for the big game. Tickets are $55 online, $65 at the door.

MONDAY / BCS cook-off: The next big battle at the Superdome takes place Monday night when LSU and Alabama meet in the BCS championship match. But first, Louisiana chef Chris Barbato (Café Adelaide) and Alabama chef Drew Robinson (Jim ‘n’ Nick’s) face off in Boudin vs. Bar-B-Q, a culinary competition and tailgating party from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Piazza d’Italia, 300 Poydras St.