V-Side: Edible Art, Arm Wrestling, Satchmo Fest

Friday / Accounting for taste: This Friday, Michael Gottlieb, the executive chef at Red Fish Grill, and Leah Chase, the Queen of Creole Cuisine, put the “nom” in NOMA. Leah Chase will be giving a cooking demonstration called “Zecrets Z’herbs,” focusing on the art of the roux and other tricks of the trade. This demonstration is part of a summer series called “Art You Can Eat,” focusing on bring professional techniques behind the dishes we love easy and accessible. This particular Friday is of note because oil paintings featuring Dooky Chase will be featured in the exhibit “Leah Chase: Paintings by Gustave Blache III.” It’ll be the tasty trip to the museum you’ve ever made. Friday, August 3, 7 PM, Café Noma in the New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, Free with the cost of admission to NOMA.

Saturday / I fought the LAW: It’s no secret that New Orleans has no shortage of beautiful women. However, if you’re interested in pretty ladies who could break your arm as well as your heart, look no further than the New Orleans Ladies Arm Wrestling (NO LAW) Circus Brawl this weekend at One Eyed Jacks. NO LAW is a group of women who engage in theatrical competitions to raise money for various local causes. This week’s beneficiary is Liberty’s Kitchen, an organization that helps at-risk youth gain practical experience and employable skills while building a supportive community. $5 gets you a front row seat to the action. Saturday, August 4, 8 PM, One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse St., $5.

Saturday / Hipster business: It’s not often that a band is critically compared to both Beyonce and Steely Dan, but the Brooklyn indie rock band, Dirty Projectors, has received such nods. They will be at the House of Blues Saturday night. Opening for them is Wye Oak, a duo fro Baltimore, Maryland. Known for their folk and pop influences, during their live shows, Andy Stack plays both keyboard and drums simultaneously (but who can’t do that?). Both bands have been called indie, experimental, rock, folk, pop, etc., but we think you should take a night off from yelling at Olympic athletes through the TV and decide for yourself. It’s better for you; we promise. Saturday, August 4, House of Blues, 225 Decatur St., Doors at 8 PM, $20 GA.

Thursday through Sunday / Because he knows what it means…: Only in New Orleans would a jazz festival have dance lessons between sets. Spend the weekend breaking it down at a festival honoring the great Louis Armstrong, Satchmo Fest. Free and open to the public, this year’s fest features local musicians as well as international talent. As all New Orleans fests do, Satchmo Fest features local cuisine and beverages. One event not to miss is Satchmo’s birthday party on Friday morning at 10 a.m., especially if you like cake for breakfast. The festivities start Thursday and continue through the weekend. Thursday through Sunday, August 2-5, Old US Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave., Free.