Inside Scoop March/April 2008

 

March 2008

1 Auditions; Roots Music in Louisiana New Harmonies Talent Show. (Show April 26). Abita Springs Town Hall. Kathy, 892-0711 or Mary, 892-3597. abitatalentshow@gmail.com. townofabitasprings.com.

1 Easter Bunny arrives at North Shore Square Mall. 12pm. For hours, call 646-0661.

1 “Hot Flashes.” Slidell Little Theatre.
2024 Nellie Drive, Slidell. 8pm. 641-0324. slidell-slt.org.

1 International Movie Night: “The Seven Samurai.” St. Tammany Parish Public Library, Mandeville. 6:30pm. Free. 626-9779. sttammanylibrary.lib.la.us.

1 Stomp Out Childhood Obesity Fun Run. Junior League of Greater Covington. One-mile and 5-K races. Registration 6:30am, races start 8:30am. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. Diane Weiss, 893-3684 or Lisa Gros, 951-7020. jlgc.net.

1 Strawberry Festival Ball. St. Joseph’s Gym, Ponchatoula. Presentation of royalty at 8pm; dance, 9pm; $10. (800) 917-7045. jlgc.net.

1-2 3rd Annual Spring Market. Junior League of Greater Covington. Shopping, door prizes and children’s activities. Castine Center, Mandeville. Sat, 10-7; Sun, 11-4. $5/person/day or $8 multi-day pass. 809-6914. jlgc.net.

1-2 Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days & Craft Fair. Downtown Ponchatoula. Starts 9am. Free. (800) 617-4502. ponchatoulatradedays.com.

1-2, 7-9, 14-16 “The Hollow” by Agatha Christie. Playmakers, 19106 Playmakers Rd, Covington. Fri and Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. $10, $5/students. 892-9767. playmakersinc.com.

1, 8, 15 Watercolor 101 with Don Edwards. Slidell Art League, 1827 Front St., Slidell. $175, SAL members; $200, non-members. Laurie Manley, 847-9458. SlidellArtLeague.info.

1-29 “Sylvia.” Minacapelli’s Dinner Playhouse, 1540 Lindberg Dr., Slidell. 781-6565. minacapellis.com.

1-30 Covington Farmers Market. Vegetables, fruit, dairy, poultry, seafood, beef, wines, herbs, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, plants, homemade soups, dog biscuits, music and more. 609 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed, 12-4pm; Sat, 9am-1pm. Free. 867-3652.

1-30 “Duty, Honor, Country: When Baseball Went to War.” Continuing exhibit at the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., New Orleans. Tue-Sun, 9am-5pm. $14 admission; $8/seniors and students; $6/12 and under; under 5, free. (504) 527-6012. nationalww2museum.org.

1-30 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. Vegetables, fruit, seafood, wines, herbs, honey, baked goods, plants, artisans, bike rentals and more. 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville. Sat, 9am-1pm. Free. 624-3147.

1-30 Varnado Store Museum. A glimpse of the past. Exhibits change monthly. 936 Pearl St., Franklinton. Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 1-4pm; Friday, by appointment. 795-0680. varnadostoremuseum.org.

1-31 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the Month: Mandeville Junior High talented artists, instructed by T.A. Callahan. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway Approach. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-4795.

1-Apr. 20 Birds of a Feather: Wildfowl Carving in Southeast Louisiana. Williams Research Center at The Historic New Orleans Collection, 410 Chartres St., New Orleans. Tue–Sat, 9:30am–4:30pm. (504) 523-4662. www.hnoc.org.

1-June 8 Rodrigue’s Louisiana. Cajuns, Blue Dogs and Beyond Katrina. New Orleans Museum of Art. (504) 658-1700. noma.org.

6 Business After Hours. Hosted by Planet Storage, 64287 Hwy 41, Pearl River. 5-7pm. Members free, $5/non-members. East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, 643-5678. eaststtammanychamber.com.

6 Mandeville Republican Women’s Monthly Luncheon. Guest: State Treasurer John Kennedy. Beau Chêne Country Club, 602 N. Beau Chêne Drive, Mandeville. 11am, social; 11:30am, lunch. $18. Kristin McLaren. 966-2668. kristinmclaren@cox.net.

6 Pajamas & Play Series: “Gizmo Guys.” Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 220 E. Thomas St., Hammond. 7pm. $8, children 10 and under; $12, adults. 543-4371. columbiatheatre.org.

7-8, 14-16, 21-22 Evening of One Acts. Slidell Little Theatre. 2024 Nellie Drive, Slidell. Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. 641-0324. slidell-slt.org.

8 32nd Annual Children’s Benefit. Junior Auxiliary of Hammond. McClendon’s Nursery, Ponchatoula. 6-10pm.

8 Art Under the Oaks. Oaks Montessori School art fair; Papillion will perform. Cade Street Park in downtown Hammond. Free. 11am-4pm.

8 Classics Film Night Matinee: “The Wizard of Oz.” St. Tammany Parish Public Library, Covington. 2pm. Free. 893-6280. sttammanylibrary.lib.la.us.

8 Falaya Fling. Saint Scholastica Academy’s 24th annual auction, buffet dinner and dance. Castine Center, Mandeville. 7-11:30pm. 892-2540, ext 104. esimmons@ssacad.com.

8 Madisonville Garden Show. Madisonville Town Hall. 9am-3pm. Molly Stillinger, 845-7348.

8 Mandeville Gardeners’ Market. Mandeville Park and Ride, across from the Mandeville Trailhead. City of Mandeville and Parks and Parkways Commission. Nancy Clark, 626 3144.

8 Spring for Art. Opening reception, St. Tammany Art Association during the Coordinated Gallery Openings. Downtown Covington. 6-9pm. STAA, 892-8650.

8 Spring Garden Day. Educational speakers, exhibits, demonstrations and more. LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station. 9am-3pm. Annie Coco, 748-9381. lsuagcenter.com.

8-Apr 5 Fort Isabel Gallery Group Show. Carol Hallock, Peggy Hessep, Suzanne King, Kelly Landrum-Hammell, Wes Koon, Carol Lapari, Martin Needom, Johnny Stout and Beryl Carbon. 502 N. Columbia St., Covington. Opening, Mar 8, 6-9pm; Wed-Sat 10am-4pm. 892-1841.

8-May 3 Sculpture by Vicki Grant. Brunner Gallery, 215 N. Columbia St., Covington. 10am-5pm. Opening reception: Sat, Mar 8; 6-8pm. 893-0444. brunnergallery.com.

9 Feast of St. Joseph Parade to Mater Dolorosa Church. Downtown Independence. 4pm. Frank Sampere, 878-6184.

9 Jazz Brunch. Benefiting the Abita Museum. Abita Quail Farm, Abita Springs. 11am-3pm. 892-0711.

10 Night Before the Opera. Workshop conducted by Paul Cimino. St. Tammany Parish Public Library, Covington. 6:30pm. Free. 893-6280. sttammanylibrary.lib.la.us.

12 Singles for Fellowship & Fun-Dine Around. Mandeville. For more information, contact Keith, 892-2851. keithmaher619@charter.net.

11 Telethon Kickoff. To kick off fundraising for OPTIONS Telethon 2008. Centennial Wireless, Hammond. 4:30pm-7pm. Mary Pirosko, 345-6269. options4u.org.

13-15 Southeastern Opera/Music Theatre, “The Marriage of Figaro.” Pottle Auditorium, SLU. 7pm. $14/adults; $10/seniors, Southeastern alumni, faculty and staff, non-Southeastern students; Southeastern students free with ID. SLU Music Department, 549-2184.

13-15 Tony and Tina’s Wedding. Presented by the Columbia Theatre at Twelve Oaks on SLU Campus, Hammond. 7:30pm. Columbia Theatre, 543-4371. columbiatheatre.org.

13, 20, 27 Abita Springs Trailhead Concerts. Call the Abita Springs Town Hall for times and details. 892-0711.

14 Harlem Globetrotters. SLU University Center, Hammond. 7pm. Duane Shafer, 549-3818. lionsports.ticketsxchange.com.

14 Salvations Gala and Auction. Benefiting The Green Project. The Shops at Canal Place, New Orleans. 8-10pm. $40/members, $50/non-members, $100/patron party. (504) 945-0240. thegreenproject.org.

14 Strollin’ on the River. Benefiting the Madisonville Foundation. Donate at the gate for a chance to sip wine, view fine art, listen to local musicians and more. Madisonville riverfront. 6-8:30pm. Samantha Goodwin, 778-7752.

14-16 Amite Oyster Festival. Tangipahoa Parish Fairgrounds, Amite. Fri, 3-10pm; Sat, 9am-10pm; Sun, 12-5pm. Carol Brooke, 748-7156. amiteoysterfestival.org.

15 Abita Springs Opry. Live Louisiana roots music. Doors open, 5:45pm; show, 7-9pm. $15, reserved; $12, general admission. 892-2342. abitaopry.com.

15 Girls and Baseball. The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans. 1-4pm. (504) 527-6012, ext. 229. nationalww2museum.org.

15 Krewe of Erin Parade. 24th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Downtown Ponchatoula. 10:30am. Bryan T. McMahon, 386-2877. ponchatoula.com.

15 Relay for Life, Northwest St. Tammany. Covington High School, 73030 Lion Dr. 6pm. Lynn Weber, Lynn.Weber@cancer.org. relayforlife.org.

15 Rock ‘N Roar. SLU Campus, Hammond. 9am-2pm. Kathy Pittman, 549-2150. selu.edu/alumni.

15-16 The Northshore Garden Show. St. Tammany Fairgrounds, Covington. St. Tammany Master Gardener Association, in conjunction with the LSU AgCenter. 9am-4pm. $3.

16 Bayou Jam Concert Series. Featuring LA46. City of Slidell. Heritage Park, Slidell. Free. 5:30-7:30pm. 646-4375. slidell.la.us/cultural.php.

16 Chef Soirée. Benefiting the Youth Service Bureau. Samplings from over 85 restaurants; live music; fireworks. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. 5-9pm. $125. 893-2570. chefsoiree.com.

16 Christ Episcopal Church’s Third Sunday Series. 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington. 5pm. Free. 626-5714. christchurchcovington.com.

17, 24, 31 Hand Appliqué Quilting, a three-part series. The St. Tammany Parish Library Slidell Branch, 555 Robert Blvd. 6:30-8pm. 646-6470.

19 Business After Hours. St. Tammany West Chamber, hosted by Work Construction, 3960 Florida St, Mandeville. 5:30-7:30pm. $5/members, $10/non-members. 892-3216.

19 Holy Ghost Golf Tournament. Oak Knoll Country Club. Hammond. Shotgun start at 12pm. Mary Loving, 981-1697. HGSchool.org.

19-20 Radiothon 2008. Benefiting TARC. North Shore Broadcasting, Hammond. 7am-6pm. Robin Abrams. 549-0712.

20 Business After Hours. Hosted by Villa du Lac, 62200 West End Blvd, Slidell. 5-7pm. Members free, $5/non-members. East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, 643-5678. eaststtammanychamber.com.

21 Sunset at the Landing Concert. “The Mighty Supremes” gospel group. Columbia Street Landing, Covington. 6-8pm. Free. 892-1873. cityofcovingtonla.com.

22 Tammany Christian Singles Easter Dance. Food and setups, door prizes, 50/50 drawings. 3090 E Causeway Approach, Mandeville. 8pm-12am $10. Claudette. 626-7930. tammanychristiansingles.com.

23-31 Women’s 25K Challenger. Professional women’s tennis event. Oak Knoll Country Club, Hammond. 10am-6pm. Abrie du Plooy, 634-6229. futuretennis.com.

28 Columbia Street Block Party. Street festival and classic car display. Covington. Free. 6:30-9:30pm. 892-1873. cityofcovingtonla.com.

28-29 Hammond Smokin’ Blues and BBQ Challenge. Downtown Hammond. Fri, 4-10pm; Sat, 10am-9pm. Cindy Watts, 345-2490. hammondbluesandbbq.com.

28-30 Dog Agility All-Breed Show. Florida Parishes Arena. 1301 NW Central Ave, Amite. 748-5914. fparena.com.

28-30 Tangipahoa African American Heritage Festival. African American Heritage Museum, 1600 Phoenix Square, Hammond. 1pm-12am. George Perkins, 345-9134. africanamericanheritagemuseum.com.

29 Acting for Teens and Preteens. 10:30-11:15am, preteens; 11:15-12:00pm, teens. Speak Easy Center, 839 Heavens Dr, Mandeville. 792.0901. speakeasycenter.com.

29 Bottom of the Ninth. The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans. 9am-4pm. (504) 527-6012, ext. 229. nationalww2museum.org.

29 Gospel Music Festival. Village of Tickfaw. 8am-6pm. Mayor Anthony Lamonte, 542-9249.

29-30 Jazz On the Bayou. Benefits STARC and Easter Seals. Gardner and Ronnie Kole’s home on Bayou Liberty in Slidell. 3-7pm. 643-5761. jazzonthebayou.com.

30 Bayou Jam Concert Series. Featuring The Blue Eyed Soul Revue. City of Slidell. Heritage Park, Slidell. Free. 5:30-7:30pm. 646-4375. slidell.la.us/cultural.php.

30 Gurney Games. Gurney race and decorating contest. The St. Tammany Hospital Foundation, presented by Fauntleroy & Latham Architects. Columbia St, downtown Covington. 2-5pm. Free. Nicole Suhre, 898-4171.   

30 Hammond Garden Club Tour of Homes. Downtown Hammond. 2-5pm. Melanie Stein, 345-8295.

30 Northshore Bridal Show. Landmark Hotel & Conference Center, Hammond. 12-4pm. Debi Menasco, 254-7811. hammondstar.com.

31 Free Breast Cancer Screening. St. Tammany Parish Hospital & Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Covington. (888) 616-4687.

April 2008

1 Special Olympics Louisiana Spring “Phantom Ball.” Don’t spend money on attire and preparation—spend the evening with your family and donate to the Special Olympics. Hammond. Tiffany Harvey, 345-6644. laso.org.

1-30 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the Month: Muriel Dauterive. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway Approach. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-4795.

2-30 Covington Farmers Market. Vegetables, fruit, dairy, poultry, seafood, beef, wines, herbs, honey, baked goods, prepared foods, plants, homemade soups, dog biscuits, music and more. 609 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed, 12-4pm; Sat, 9am-1pm. Free. 867-3652.

3 Mandeville Republican Women’s Monthly Luncheon. Guest: St. Tammany Clerk of Court Malise Prieto. Beau Chêne Country Club, 602 N. Beau Chêne Dr, Mandeville. 11am, social, 11:30am lunch. $18. Kristin McLaren. 966-2668. kristinmclaren@cox.net.

4 1964: The Tribute. Recreating the 1964 Beatles invasion of America. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, Hammond. 7:30pm. 543-4371. columbiatheatre.org.

4 Youth Charities Golf Tournament. Oak Knoll County Club, Hammond. 11:30am-5:30pm. Duane Shafer 549-3818.

4-5 American Cancer Society Relay For Life, North Tangipahoa. Florida Parishes Arena, 1301 NW Central Ave, Amite. 748-5914. fparena.com.

4-6 The Southern Breeze Wine and Culinary Festival. Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge Convention and Visitors Bureau, (225) 383-1825.

5 American Cancer Society Relay for Life, West St.Tammany. Fontainebleau High School, 100 Bulldog Dr. 4:30pm. relayforlife.org.

5 International Film Night: “Faust.” St. Tammany Parish Public Library, Mandeville. 6:30pm. Free. 626-9779. sttammanylibrary.lib.la.us.

5 Kids Wanna Help Lemonade Brigade. Young Business Owner Workshop. Tchefuncta Country Club, Covington. 9:30am-4:30pm. $10. 875-0407.

5 Slidell Air Show. Slidell Municipal Airport, Slidell. $10. 641-7590. slidell.schultzairshows.com.

5-6 Louisiana Strawberry Cup Girls’ Soccer Tournament. Hoover Soccer Fields Complex, Hammond. 7:30am- 4:15pm. Nick Gagliano, 542-5457. stysa-la.com.

5-6 Louisiana OFF Roader’s Expo. All proceeds go to TARC. Community Motors, Hammond. Begins 8am. Dwayne Hughes (225) 806-3135. louisianaoffroaders.com/expo.

5-26 “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah.” Minacapelli’s Dinner Playhouse, 1540 Lindberg Dr., Slidell. 781-6565. minacapellis.com.

5-26 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. Vegetables, fruit, seafood, wines, herbs, honey, baked goods, plants, artisans, bike rentals and more. 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville. Sat, 9am-1pm. Free. 624-3147.

5-26 Varnado Store Museum. A glimpse of the past. Exhibits change monthly. 936 Pearl St., Franklinton. Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 1-4pm; Friday, by appointment. 795-0680. varnadostoremuseum.org.

6 Chef’s Evening. Benefiting Southeastern Academics. SLU University Center, Hammond. 5:30-7:30pm. Lyn Horgan, 549- 3380. selu.edu.

6 Woofstock 2008. The northshore’s largest family dog festival. St. Tammany Humane Society. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. 892-7387. sttammanyhumanesociety.org.

9 Second Wednesday Luncheon. Sponsored by the Silver Slipper Casino. The Gallery, 137 Taos Street, Slidell. 11:15am. East St. Tammany Chamber. 643-5678. info@estchamber.com.

10-12 WWII in Film, Newsreels & Documentaries. The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans. $299 and up. (877) 813-3329, ext. 257. nationalww2museum.org.

11-13 37th Annual Strawberry Festival. Memorial Park and N. 6th Street, Ponchatoula. Fri, 4-11pm; Sat, 9am-11pm; Sun, 10am-6pm. Parade Sat, 9:30am. (800) 917-7045. lastrawberryfestival.com.

11-13 North Oaks Junior Grand Prize Tennis Classic. Oak Knoll Country Club, Hammond. 8am-9pm. Abrie Du Plooy 634-6229. futuretennis.com.

12 Acoustic Music Fest. Madisonville riverfront. 12-6pm. Madisonville Chamber of Commerce, 845-9824.

12 Classics Film Night: “The African Queen.” St. Tammany Parish Public Library, Covington. 6:30pm. Free. 893-6280. sttammanylibrary.lib.la.us.

12 Rhapsody on the River. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs in Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. 4-6pm. Free. City of Covington. 892-1873. cityofcovingtonla.com.

12 Second Saturday Evening Stroll. Downtown Covington. Coordinated galleries open from 6-9PM. City of Covington. 892-1873. cityofcovingtonla.com.

12 Sugarplum Ball. “Sea Shells by the Sea Shore;” annual fundraiser for Childrenís Hospital. New Orleans Museum of Art. 7pm. $300/couple. Beth Favrot, (504) 891-2676.

12 Truth Expression Festival. Slidell Heritage Park, Slidell. 10am-7pm. Free. YouthTruth, Inc., 639-8040.

12-May 28 Smithsonian Exhibit: New Harmonies Roots Music in America. Abita Trailhead Museum. Mary Davis, 892-3597. townofabitasprings.com.

12-13 Louisiana Strawberry Cup Boys’ Soccer Tournament. Hoover Soccer Fields Complex, Hammond. 7:30am-4:15pm. Nick Gagliano, 542-5457. stysa-la.com.

12,19 Spring Farm Fest. Red Bluff Farm, 15110 Hwy. 1078, Folsom. 796-0452. 9am-4pm. $7/adults; $4/children. www.redblufffarm.com.

13 Bayou Jam Concert Series. Featuring The Blackened Blues. City of Slidell. Heritage Park, Slidell. Free. 5:30-7:30pm. 646-4375. slidell.la.us/cultural.php.

14 Night Before the Opera. Workshop conducted by Paul Cimino. St. Tammany Parish Public Library, Covington. 6:30pm. Free. 893-6280. sttammanylibrary.lib.la.us.

15-May 20 Pastels II with Jean Lajuanie. Slidell Art League, 1827 Front St., Slidell. $175, SAL members; $200, non-members. Laurie Manley. 847-9458. SlidellArtLeague.info.

16-19 Southeastern Theatre: “Medea.” Vonnie Borden Theatre, SLU, Hammond. 7:30pm. SLU Department of Music and Dramatic Arts, 549-2184.

17 Covington Garden Club’s Fashion Show. Benedict’s Plantation, Mandeville. Open 10am; lunch and show, 11am. $25. Arleen Bennett, 845-4369.

18 Brigham Young University-Idaho Symphony Band. Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 Second St. 7pm. Free; tickets required. City of Slidell, 646-4375. slidell.la.us/cultural.php.

18,20 Classically Yours: Haydn: Mariazellermesse; Paulus: Pilgrim’s Hymn and more. Northlake Performing Arts Society. Fri, 7pm; Sun, 3pm. Furhmann Auditorium. 317 N. Jefferson St., Covington. $15. Tickets at Braswell Drugs, Covington or Lowes Jewelers, Mandeville.

18 Sunset at the Landing Concert. Columbia Street Landing, Covington. 6-8pm. Free. 892-1873. cityofcovingtonla.com.

19 5th Annual Crawfish Cook-Off. Fritchie Park, Slidell. Hospice Foundation of the South. Kathy Busco, 643-5470. hospicefoundationofthesouth.org.

19 Abita Springs Opry. Live Louisiana roots music. Doors open, 5:45pm; show, 7-9pm. $15, reserved, $12, general admission. 892-2342. abitaopry.com.

19 Earth Day. Bike race, Audubon wetlands exhibit and more. Downtown Hammond. 8am-6pm. Downtown Development District, 542-3417. hammond.org/ddd.

19 Italian Festival Spaghetti Cook-Off. Gina’s Café parking lot, Independence. 9am-1pm. Marie Guzzardo, 878-4664. TheItalianFest.com.

19 Oil Painting with Bruce Hume. Slidell Art League, 1827 Front St., Slidell. $50/advance, $60 at door. Laurie Manley. 847-9458. SlidellArtLeague.info.

19-20 Olde Towne Slidell Spring Street Fair. Olde Towne Slidell. 10am-5pm. Free. 641-6316. christchurchcovington.com.

20 Christ Episcopal Church’s Third Sunday Series. 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington. 5pm. Free. 626-5714. christchurchcovington.com.

20 Richard Murphy Hospice Gala, “A Day At The Derby.” Live music, food, auctions and raffle. Chevy’s Nightclub, University Dr., Hammond. 3-8pm. Patricia Westmoreland, 386-0400. richardmurphyhospice.com.

22-23 Trunk show, Ronen Chen. Ballin’s Ltd., 806 E. Boston St, Covington. 892-0025.

23 Business After Hours. Hosted by The Shops. 1200 W. Causeway App., Mandeville. 5:30-7:30pm. $5/members; $10/non-members. St. West Tammany Chamber of Commerce, 892-3216. sttammanychamber.org.

24 Festa Siciliana International Dinner/Fundraiser. Sponsored by the American Association of University Women. Christ Episcopal Church, Covington. 6:30pm. $30. Eileen deHaro, 624-9553.

25 Chamber Member Orientation. St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce, 610 Hollycrest Blvd., Covington. 8-9am. 892-3216. sttammanychamber.org.

25 Columbia Street Block Party. Street festival and classic car display. Covington. Free. 6:30pm-9:30pm. 892-1873. cityofcovingtonla.com.

25 Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra: “Just Plain Folk!” Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, Hammond. 7:30pm. 543-4371. columbiatheatre.org.

25-27 Independence Italian Festival. Mater Dolorosa School Grounds, 509 Pine St, Independence. Parade downtown Sat, 10am. Fri, 6pm-12am; Sat, 9am-12am; Sun, 10am-6pm. Andrew Truxillo, 878-3960. TheItalianFest.com.

25-27, May 1-4 Jazz Fest 2008. Fairgrounds Racecourse, New Orleans. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. For full lineup and ticket information, go to nojazzfest.com.

25-June 7 Salad Days Children’s Juried Art Exhibit. Featuring artists aged 5 to 19. Reception Fri, Apr. 25, 6-8pm. Slidell Cultural Center, 1827 Front St. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; Sat, 10am-2pm. Free. City of Slidell Dept. of Cultural and Public Affairs, 646-4375. slidell.la.us.

26 8th Annual Motorcycle Poker Run & Parade. Mater Dolorosa School Grounds, 509 Pine St., Independence. Registration 7am; 9:45am, parade; 10am, poker run. Mike Correnti, 809-4011 or 878-0035.

26 Roots Music in Louisiana New Harmonies Talent Show. Abita Springs Town Hall. Kathy, 892-0711 or Mary, 892-3597. abitatalentshow@gmail.com. townofabitasprings.com.

26 Tammany Christian Singles Spring Fling. Dance with food and setups provided, door prizes, 50/50 drawings. 3090 E. Causeway Approach, Mandeville. 8pm-12am $10. Claudette. 626-7930. tammanychristiansingles.com.

26 Telethon 2008. Benefiting OPTIONS. North Oaks Health Systems Diagnostic Center, Hammond. 10am-2pm. Mary Pirosko, 345-6269. options4u.org.

27 Bayou Jam Concert Series. Featuring The Delta 88. City of Slidell. Heritage Park, Slidell. Free. 5:30-7:30pm. 646-4375. slidell.la.us/cultural.php.

27 Children’s Museum Soirée. ”A Celebration of Pure Imagination,” benefiting the Southeast Louisiana Children’s Museum. Castine Center, Mandeville. 6pm. $100/person. Junior League of Greater Covington, 892-5258. jlgc.net.

28 Jazz Ensemble I. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, Hammond. 7:30pm. General admission, $3; students free. SLU Department of Music and Dramatic Arts, 549-2184.