We got your weekend: Anniversaries and America

Friday / America: The Party : My House NOLA, The Rusty Nail and Dirty Coast will co-host a 4th of July shindig ($5 cover at the door), aptly named “America: The Party,” at The Rusty Nail at 4 PM. The party is set to feature something for every 4th of July agenda: for the foodies — bites from the Fat Falafel, Grilling Shilling, Theo’s Pizza truck, and the NOCAA Boxcar; for the dancers — jams from DJ Tony Skratchere and DJ Quickie Mart; for competitive souls — jello eating and costume contests; for the person who can’t take enough selfless — a photo booth; and for the people with an executive bone to pick — a dunk tank with various American presidents ready to be plunged. You’re welcome, America.

The Prytania Theatre will screen the Beatles’ first full-length film, “A Hard Day’s Night,” this weekend.

Friday – Sunday / Beatlemania : While reruns and throwbacks circulate through cable networks…The Prytania Theatre is hosting “A Hard Day’s Night” 50th anniversary, honoring the Beatle’s first full-length film. Each screening will be followed by a presentation and/or discussion panel led by Beatles historian and author Bruce Spizer about the band’s music, the film, and the evolution of Beatlemania in America. Times vary. Tickets ($15) online.

Saturday / Freedom sings : The 4th will be behind us, but the freedom festivities continue. As part of a week-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act, the New Orleans Jazz NHP and Liberty ’64 will co-host a special panel, “Music of the Movement,” about the music behind the Civil Rights Movement, at the Old US Mint. Following, the Underground Railroad Freedom Singers, Geminelle Rollins, and Ashley Reneé Watkins’Acte II will perform. The event is free and open to the public. The panel begins at 2 PM.

Saturday / Maafa Commemoration : Also in the realm of African-American history, is the Ashe Center’s Maafa Commemoration, an annual week-long remembrance of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the experience of Middle Passage featuring African drumming in Louis Armstrong Park at Congo Square (with a special appearance from Bamboula 2000), followed by a procession through Treme and the French Quarter to the riverfront. Following, participants will board the Canal Street ferry for further tributes; participants are asked to dress in white.

Sunday / Essence poetry : During Essence Weekend, the Who Dat Poets present a more mellow Essence Fest alternative: a spoken word showcase, featuring performances from all over America, an open mic opportunity, and a hip hop brunch buffet at Cafe Istanbul from 11 AM – 3 Pm (doors open at 10 AM). Admission is $15 / $30 for VIP (inclusive of brunch).