We’ve got your weekend: Readings, exercise, parades, and galas

Irish Channel Parade 2018 (photos by: Brandon Robert)

Wednesday, March 13/Octavia Books (513 Octavia Street): Why There Are Words – New Orleans (WTAW-NOLA) is having their first quarterly reading of the year. Local writers will be reading on the theme of “Transformation,” including the fantastically talented Julia Carey-Arendell. Books will be on sale and authors will be signing. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door, and the readings begin at 6:00 PM. For more details on the event, you can check out their event page here.

Thursday, March 14/Lafitte Greenway (2101 St. Louis): There’s little that feels better than kicking things and not getting in trouble for it. So, thank goodness there’s a free outdoor Hip Hop Kickboxing with Ndo Energy every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (starting March 14th-May 2nd). All you’ll need is a water bottle, a towel, and to be ready to sweat! All-levels and beginners are welcome. In the event of rain, the class is canceled and additional classes will be added to the end of the series. Updates will be posted on their event page here.

Thursday, March 14/Rogers Memorial Chapel (Tulane University): Music Rising at Tulane is holding “Women and Movement #4: This Little Light: An Evening with Directors/Producers Wendi Moore-O’Neal and Ada McMahon.” This event will include a film screening, Q&A with Moore-O’Neal and McMahon, and conclude with a Community Sing, led by Moore-O’Neal. This Little Light is the fourth event in a four-part series called “Women and Movement” that examines music, dance, women, and social activism in contemporary New Orleans and presents women of color in discourse about performance and socio-political challenges. The event begins at 7:00 PM, it is free and open to the public, and you can find out more details here.

Friday, March 15/The French Quarter: Who says that parades are over just because Mardi Gras was last week? Not the Irish. Molly’s at the Market will be holding their St. Patrick’s Day Parade this Friday. The Jim Monaghan’s parade rolls at 6:30 PM. The parade takes its leave from Molly’s at the Market (1107 Decatur. St.), then the route will lead marchers down Decatur Street to take a right on Bienville Street, then take a right on Dauphine Street to loop past Erin Rose (811 Conti St.). They’ll march down Bourbon then finally take a right on Gov. Nicholls St. to return to Molly’s. There, of course, will be drinking, music, dancing, and Irish mischievousness.

Saturday, March 16/New Orleans Shaolin-Do (4210 St Claude Avenue): From walking safely, to controlled high-kicks in martial arts, and everywhere in between, balance is essential to upright movement. But how does one improve and maintain their balance? The secret is relaxation and release, and Tai Chi is the method. As part of New Orleans Shaolin-Do’s Balance focus for the month of March, New Orleans Shaolin-Do will be holding a three-class workshop that will cover stationary 2-legged grounding exercises, hip opening stretches and movements to prepare for one-legged balance, and more. The workshop is modifiable and safe for all levels. Tuition is $20, and you can find out full details here.

Saturday, March 16/The Farrell Estate (4534 St. Charles Avenue): It feels good to support independent film. It feels even better to support it by eating, drinking, and dancing. The New Orleans Film Society is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the New Orleans Film Society with a night replete with gourmet dishes, craft cocktails, and entertainment to support independent cinema in New Orleans. The patron party begins at 7:00 PM with hors d’oeuvres by Marcello’s, Drago’s, and Galatoire’s; champagne by Piper-Heidsieck; and music by Mahmoud Chouki Band. The gala and live auction will start at 8:00 PM and go until 11:00 PM. Tickets range from $250+ and you can purchase them here.

Sunday, March 17/Finn McCool’s Irish Pub (3701 Banks Street): Nope, our Irish celebration isn’t over yet! The Irish and New Orleans go way back, so we’re giving them multiple shout-outs. In fact, did you know that the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in New Orleans was held in 1809? Well, you do now. You should also know that Finn McCools Irish Pub will be holding their 17th St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Sunday. They will have Clesi’s crawfish, The Wee Parade, live music from Van Hudson and The Renegades, performances by The Muggivan School of Irish dancing, and karaoke! It all starts at 10:00 AM and goes until 1:00 PM. For full details, you an check out their event page here.