We’ve got your weekend: Listen, talk, and think

(Illustration by: John D. Batten)

Wednesday, June 28/Howlin Wolf (907 S. Peters): Before Essence Fest takes over part the city with industry names, you can head to the Howlin Wolf for a Pre-Essence Jam Session with local New Orleans performers. The night will be sure to have soul, food, and groove with a line-up that includes Iris P, Willard Hill and one of our very favorites–Sly Watts. And, when we say food, we are talking about exclusive bacon and cheddar beignets and eats from the Holwin Wolf kitchen. Admission is $10, and you can buy your tickets here. Doors open at 7:00 PM.

Thursday, June 29/Propeller (4035 Washington Ave.): Propeller and the Broadmoor Improvement Association our partnering together for “Our Neighborhoods Part II: The History of Housing and Inequity.” On Thursday, they will have a panel discussion about housing and inequity, past and present, in the Broadmoor, Zion City, Hoffman Triangle, Gert Town, and Central City neighborhoods. Featured speakers include former LA State Rep. Rosalind Peychaud, HousingNOLA’s Andreanecia Morris, and longtime Broadmoor resident Bunny Walker. Beer from Urban South Brewery and food from Mona’s Cafe will be served. Get your drink, minds, and social activism going!

Thursday, June 29/The Music Box Village (4557 N. Rampart): Bring Your Own Stories and The Music Box Village are joining forces to bring you a night of live story telling and live music. The stories will revolve around the theme of “Where I’m From,” so the narratives will be about home, place, and roots. Plus, there’s an added bonus. Each story is scored to an original composition to be performed live. The evening begins at 7:30 PM and will wrap up by 10:00 PM. For more information about the event, you can check it out here.

Friday, June 30/Gasa Gasa (4920 Freret Street): If you have not checked out Gasa Gasa in the past weeks, month, or year, then you are missing out on many of our most talented and somewhat underground acts in New Orleans. Out-of-towners and locals alike play here, which we should mention has a solid PA system and a comfortable atmosphere. This Friday, 2nd Line will begin at Freret & Calhoun at 7:00 PM followed by Dark Matter + Special Guests “A Tribute to Prince” at 9:00 PM. Admission is $10, and you can buy your tickets here.

Saturday, July 1/Ace Hotel (600 Carondelet): Saturday is the official opening of Serious Things A Go Happen featuring an exhibit viewing, artist talk and after-sounds with a special guest DJ SUZ in the lobby. An unofficial history of Jamaican dancehall music told through graphic design, the Serious Things a Go Happen book features over 100 original street posters and signs, drawn from the collection of Jamaican film producer Maxine Walters. The exhibition will feature a selection of these signs. The night will include viewing, artists talks, and music. All proceeds from book sales go to the Consie Walters Cancer Care Hospice in Kingston, Jamaica, supporting dignified final care for cancer patients. The event begins at 4:00 PM and goes until 6:00 PM. For more details, check out their event page.

Sunday, July 2/Académie Gnostique (126 Baronne Street): The Académie Gnostique is beginning the first of its three-part investigation into the classification, origins, and magical application of well-known and esoteric fairy tales from around the world. Are you geeking out in excitement yet? Because we are. There will be a discussion panel led by Aleksandr Van Beber, Jamilah Reid, and Emily Schumacher. They will explore oral tradition, common systems of tale classification, and their use in identifying magical formulas in familiar stories. There is a $10 suggested donation and the event runs from 7:00 PM until 9:30 PM. Check out their event page for more information.