We’ve got your weekend: From chamber music and Buffy to murder mystery and acrobatic opera

Kokomo Stroll is happening in downtown Covington on June 2 (photo courtesy of: Kokomo Stroll)

Wednesday, May 30-June 9/Contemporary Arts Center (900 Camp Street): Birdfoot is back in town with its annual celebration of dynamic live chamber music as part of its residency partnership with the CAC. Birdfoot once again makes Downtown New Orleans its home, rehearsing, performing, and staging its city-wide performances, Young Artist Program, and Community Concerts from the CAC. There are an array of concerts throughout the festival, and for a full list of concerts and times, you can check out their website here. 

Thursday, May 31/The Chart Room (300 Chartres Street): Thursday is the day to wear orange, and, yes, we consider this an event. Moms Demand Action Nola Chapter asks the citizens of New Orleans to wear orange and join them in a Second Line led by James Andrews of the Crescent City Allstar Band as they march to Armstrong Park.  Orange beads, buttons, signs and calls to action will be distributed to encourage participation in raising awareness to end gun violence. A table will be set up at Armstrong Park. It all begins at 5:00 PM, and you can find out full details here. 

Friday, June 1/Norman Mayer Library (3001 Gentilly Blvd): The library is bringing some mystery back into a Friday night with their interactive murder mystery play. And what will this murder mystery brings? Well, there is mention of Club Söda, which may not be the most popular bar in the Quarter, but their monthly Amateur Detectives Drink Free Night always draws a crowd, including a murderer. It’s not the smartest night for someone to murder the owner; but maybe you’ll be the one to crack the case. The script is written by local author Zach Bartlett, and the free event is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library. The mystery begins at 6:00 PM, and for full details, check out their event page. 

Friday, June 1/Arrow Cafe (628 N. Rampart): Attention all you Buffy fans, and I know there are a lot of you out there! Arrow Cafe is dedicating their space and night to the wonders of Buffy. The show will feature multiple local artists showing their love for Buffy. They will also have two ladies behind the bar making Bronze inspired cocktails that will help you slip into that 90’s feeling. The Buffy-mania begins at 7:30 PM, and you can find full details here. 

Saturday, June 2/Backatown (301 Basin Street): School may be out, but that doesn’t mean education is stopping. Big Class will be hosting 826 New Orleans in celebrating “There is no School Without Us” and “We Are.” This is the spring publications from their signature teen program, the Young Writers’ Council. There will be readings, and this will be the official book release for their publications. The night begins at 6:00 PM and goes until 8:00 PM. For full details, check out their event page here. 

Saturday, June 2/The Civic Theater (510 O’Keefe Avenue): Opera is getting a twist this weekend, literally. The Opus Opera is presenting “Mystique,” where they will offer many of opera’s greatest hits, and they will be joined by Fly Circus Company with aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, and clowns in the multifaceted performance which will push the limits of the vocal and circus arts. Yes, you read that correctly. The performance will also include internationally renowned opera singer Bryan Hymel, who is coming home for #NOLA300. Tickets range from $25-$175, and you can purchase them here. For full details about the show, check out their website. 

Saturday, June 2/Downtown Covington (200 Block of Columbia Street): In the spirit of summer, the Covington Business Association presents the second annual Kokomo Stroll in downtown Covington. Flip flops and boat drinks will be aplenty as crowds fill the downtown streets to taste the more than a dozen scrumptious summer drinks at CBA member businesses across downtown. Each participating CBA member business will provide a different summer specialty drink for patrons to sample. Live music – in keeping with the event’s beachy theme – will be playing in the streets and at local establishments. The check in and stroll cup pickup is at 3:45 PM until 6:30 PM, and the official stroll is from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Kokomo Stroll cups are $25 each. To purchase cups and find more details about the event, check it out here. 

Sunday, June 3/Loyola University Marquette Theater: This is the closing night of Southern Rep’s production of All the Way. Performances take place Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 PM, and Sunday’s final show will be at 3:00 PM. Tickets vary in cost, which you can purchase here, and to learn about the play and the reviews, check out Southern Rep’s site.