We got your weekend: Boudin, bums, Black Joe Lewis, “Before I Die”

The original Before I Die Wall in the Marigny

Thursday / Before I buy : Before you buy Candy Chang’s new Before I Die book, which was released yesterday, head to the launch party at the Ogden from 6 – 7 PM. Chang will be present to sign books, which will sell for a $5 discount ($20), and an installation based off of the Before I Die walls will be open for guests to peruse, as they sip on drinks. The event is free and open to the public.

Thursday / Listen up : At 6 PM, The Newcomb Institute presents their ongoing lecture series Women, Art, and Social Change: The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise, concerned with how New Orleans post Civil War pottery enterprise bettered both women’s lives and the recovering economy. This week’s guest lecturer will be Professor Beverly Brandt, from the Design Institute at Arizona Univeristy. The event will be at the Freeman Auditorium in Tulane’s Woldenberg Art Center.

Friday – Saturday / Let’s bum it : Lebowski Fest? I guess New Orleans really does host festivals for everything, Dude. Friday festivities include music by Catfish Orchestra & The Dudes Abide (because what’s a Lebowski extravaganza without some Dudes), as well as a screening of the film at the Howlin Wolf. On Saturday, there will be a bowling party at AMF All Star Lanes (3640 Williams Blvd, Kenner), with costumes, trivia, and bowling (duh). Both events start at 8. Tickets for Friday are $15 in advance and $18 at the door (18+ only); tickets for Saturday are $25 in advance and $30 at the door (all ages).

One of many boudin offerings from last years Boudin, Bourbon, and Beer

Friday / Learn your B, B, B’s : The Emeril Lagasse Foundation is hosting their annual Boudin, Bourbon, and Beer benefit at the Foundry (333 St. Joseph)on Friday from 7 – 10:30 PM. Get ready, it’s going to be a decadent night. 50 acclaimed chefs — from Mario Batali to Emeril, himself — will bang out various preparations of boudin, all of which will be paired with beers and bourbon drinks. While you chow down and drink up, entertainment will be provided by a performance from the 610 Stompers and musical sets from Lost bayou Ramblers, Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Packway Handle band, St Claude Serenaders, and Grace Potter. Tickets are $99 (inclusive of food, beverage, cigar tastings, and a bag of swag).

Saturday / Shane’s shout out :

Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears at Tipitinas, Saturday – 10 PM (doors open at 9). Tickets $20

Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears

Emerging from that hub of musical innovation known as Austin, Texas, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears play what I like to call “garage funk.” With all the groove your booty can handle, mixed with a side of explosive guitar and swaggering vocals, Black Joe Lewis always delivers a good party. The band makes their way through town a few times a year, most recently playing two late night shows at One Eyed Jack’s during Jazz Fest. Don’t miss ’em this time around. Here is a video of what you can expect to hear and see.

Saturday – Sunday / Eat your veggies : For the vegetarians and vegans who were left out of the boudin festivities Friday night, I feel very sad for you. However, you can drown your soy-woes in the Jazz and Heritage Foundation’s Treme Creole Gumbo Fest, which has been assigned an unexpected theme this year — vegan gumbo. Carnivores, calm down; there will be non-vegan gumbos and foods available too, but the competition will be based upon each team’s vegan preparation. In addition to an arts market, celebrity judging panel, and dance contest; live music will be provided by the LPO Brass Band, Treme Brass Band, and The Madd Wikkid’s Brassft Punk (a brass band tribute to Daft Punk). Festivities run from 11 AM – 6:30 PM daily, in Louis Armstrong Park. The event is free and open to the public.

Chelsea Lee is assistant editor of NolaVie. Email comments to her at chelsea@nolavie.com.