April

1-12 Monotype 2004. Regional exhibition featuring work by 20 artists. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 10am-2pm. Free. Bo Gallup, 892-8650.

1-17 Fine Silver Exhibition. Commission on the Arts 25th Anniversary Celebration. Slidell Culturtal Center, 444 Erlanger St. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm, Sat, 10-2pm. Kelli Gustafson, 646-4375.

1-30 Louisiana Waterway Weekend. Solo exhibition featuring award-winning maritime artist Annie Strack of Lacombe. Atrium Gallery of the Hotel Intercontinental, 444 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. 882-8397.

1-30 Mandeville City Hall Art Exhibition. Featuring pre-school art. 3101 E. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-3144.

1-30 Martin Needom Sculpture Exhibition. Fort Isabel Gallery, 502 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed-Sat, 10am-4pm. Opening reception April 10, 6-9pm. Free. 892-1841.

1-30 Paris Moderne: Art Deco Works from the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. Celebrates the rich decorative style of domestic interiors in Paris during the 1920s and 1930s. Mississippi Museum of Art, 201 East Pascagoula St., Jackson, MS. (601) 960-1515. www.msmuseumart.org.

2 The Wonder Bread Years. Funny man Pat Hazell brings his one-man show-and-tell to Piffany Oaks in Mandeville. All proceeds benefit the Causeway Police Charitable Foundation. 1623 Montgomery St., Mandeville. 7pm. Couples, $75; singles, $40. 626-1616.

2-4 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Food booths, top entertainment, contests and plenty of delicious strawberries. Ponchatoula. (800) 917-7045. www.lastrawberryfestival.com.

2-30 Marvels of the Marsh. Examine the bio-diversity of marsh plants and animals. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. Fri, 5pm. 624-4442.

3 Art at the Park. Family fun with children's activities and entertainment, food and music. Sponsored by Christ Episcopal School Parents' Assoc. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. 10am-6pm. 892-9156. www.artatthepark.org.

3 Folk Crafts Festival. Learn about the diverse cultures that have shaped Louisiana; craft demonstrations, music and food. Otis House, Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville. 10am-6pm. 792-4652.

3 Northshore Cajun Dance. Live Cajun music, dancing and food. Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. Dance lessons, 7-7:30pm; live band, 8-11pm. Members, $6; non-members, $8. 882-3016.

3-4 Spring Home Tour and Tea. Sip tea while touring six exceptional homes in The Sanctuary. Benefits the Junior League of Greater Covington. 12-4pm. $15. Tickets available at Hatcreek & Company, 4350 Hwy. 22, Mandeville. (800) 674-8696.

3-4 3rd Annual Bayou Lacombe Chamber of Commerce Spring Art Exhibit. Juried exhibition. Louisiana Heart Hospital, 64030 Hwy. 434, Lacombe. 882-3352.

3-24 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. Denise Gutnisky, 624-3147.

3-25 Antiques Exhibition. April exhibit at century-old general store museum dedicated to preserving local history and heritage. Offers a glimpse of the past each weekend. Varnado Store Museum, 936 Pearl St., Franklinton. Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 1-4pm. Open Friday by appointment. Free. Judie Dauser, 839-5195. www.varnadostoremuseum.org.

3-28 Covington Farmers Market. Vegetables, fruit, seafood, wines, herbs, honey, baked goods, plants, artisans, entertainment and more. 609 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed, 12-4pm; Sat, 9am-1pm. Free. 892-1873.

4 Bayou Jam. Spring concert series. Soul, rhythm and blues by Purpose. Heritage Park, Slidell. 6-8pm. Free. 646-4375. www.slidell.la.us.

9-11 Ikebana. Exhibition on the art of Japanese flower arranging. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd., New Orleans. (504) 488-5488, ext. 12.

10 Slide Lecture & Reception. Enjoy an evening with artist John Scott. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 6-9pm. Free. Bo Gallup, 892-8650.

10 Creepy, Crawly Critters. Close-up look at a variety of invertebrates, including tarantulas, scorpions, giant millipedes and more. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. 1pm. 624-4442.

10 16th Annual Community Motors Car Show. Community Motors, Hammond. Vicky Fannaly, 386-3714.

14-30 GALA Horse Shows. Riders compete for more than $200,000 in prize money, including $20,000 Hunter Classic and $25,000 Grand Prix. 27460 Polo Rd., Folsom. Wed-Sun. Free. Rae Pertuit, 796-0125. www.galahorseshows.com.

15 Golf Etc. Demo Day. Try out the newest equipment from top golf manufacturers. Special discounts. Ironwood Driving Range, 15592 Club Deluxe Rd., Hammond. 3:30-7:30pm. 345-7274.

15 Rebecca Miles/Malvin Hudson Memorial Golf Tournament. Annual tournament held at Bogalusa Country Club to benefit the American Cancer Society. 4-man scramble format with a 1pm tee time. 735-6546.

15-17 Great Southern RV Park Bluegrass Event. Bluegrass music on an indoor stage, food, arts and crafts, camping. Off Hwy. 21 in Angie. "Chick" Boyd, 985-8411.

15-18 The Great Louisiana BirdFest. Guided birding trips to destinations in St. Tammany and other sites in southeastern Louisiana, workshops and tours of the Northlake Nature Center. Castine Center, Pelican Park, Hwy. 190, Mandeville. Larry Burch, 626-1238. northlakenature.org.

16 Wine Tasting Dinner. Includes four courses, six to seven wines and features a guest speaker. Discounts on wine purchases. Reservations required. Hugh's Wine Cellar, 4250 Hwy. 22, Mandeville. 7pm. $45. 626-0066.

16-18 LIHA Spring Pow Wow. Hidden Oaks Family Campground, Robert. Andi Randazzo, (504) 367-1375.

16-18 Tangipahoa Heritage/Expo Festival. 1000 S. Morrison Blvd., Hammond. George Perkins, 345-9134.

17 Spring Garden Day. Hammond Research Station, Hammond. Annie Coco, 748-9381. www.lsuagcenter.com.

17 Spring Street Fair. Annual street fair in Franklinton benefits the Varnado Store Museum. Terry Seal, 839-3279.

17 Starry Safari 2004. 5th annual benefit for Global Wildlife's Animal Care Program. Silent and live auctions, entertainment by The Boogie Men, exotic foods from 20 restaurants on both shores. Artist Martin LaBorde's original oil featured on live auction. Global Wildlife Center, Folsom. 7-10:30pm. Christina Cooper, 796-3585. www.globalwildlife.com.

17 Talented Arts Exhibition & Reception. Featuring educators of the Talented Arts Program of St. Tammany Parish. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 6-9pm. Free. Bo Gallup, 892-8650.

17 Wonders of Wetlands. Learn more about Lake Pontchartrain and the surrounding wetlands. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. 2pm. 624-4442.

17-30 Mixed Media Exhibition. Featuring clay sculpture by Lucille Hunter and works on paper by Bryan Lafaye. Brunner Gallery, 215 N. Columbia St., Covington. Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm. Opening reception April 17, 6-8pm. Free. Robin Hamaker, 893-0444.

18 American Society of Italian Heritage Italian Family Picnic. Multi-generational day includes bocce tournament, contests, food and storytelling of Italian folk tales. Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville. 11:30am. Sandra Scalise Juneau, 845-2388.

18 Bayou Jam. Spring concert series. Rising star Leslie Smith. Heritage Park, Slidell. 6-8pm. Free. 646-4375. www.slidell.la.us.

18 Senior Olympics Bocce Event. Participants compete in bocce, one event of the annual St. Tammany Parish Senior Olympics. Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville. 11am. 792-4652.

18 Senior Olympics Sailing Regatta. Sponsored by Pontchartrain Yacht Club. Skippers must be 50 or over; crew can be any age. Jane Eshleman, 626-9062.

18 Third Sunday Concert Series. Thirteenth season. Louisiana Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra performs a program of Mostly Mozart. Wine and cheese reception. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington. 5pm. Free. 892-3177.

20 Seven Seas Club Night. Door prizes and discounts. Seven Seas Aquatic Specialties, 530 Asbury Dr., Mandeville. 7-9pm. 624-5692.

23 Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Concert presented by the Slidell Symphony Society. Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 Second St., Slidell. 8pm; pre-concert lecture, 7pm. $15; family (2 adults, 2 students), $35. 643-1010.

23-25 Independence Italian Festival. Mater Dolorosa School Grounds, Independence. Parade Sat, 10am. 878-1902.

23-25 Silver Creek Blowout. Poker Run benefits the Mt. Hermon Volunteer Fire Department. Bands, food, contests and more. (800) 420-5627. www.silvercreekcamp.com.

23-25, 29-May 2 35th Anniversary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Soul-stirring performances by local and internationally known musicians, Southern culinary specialties and traditional and contemporary crafts. Fri-Sun, Apr 23-25; Thur-Sun, Apr 29-May 2. New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly Blvd. (800) 488-5252. www.nojazzfest.com.

23-30 Mary Mary. Play by Command Performers. The Playhouse, Times Square Shopping Center, Hammond. Fri, Sat, 8pm. Linda Broussard, 345-7154.

23-30 The Music Man. Musical presented by Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell. Fri-Sat, 8pm. Adults, $15; youth, $8. 641-0324. www.slidell-slt.org.

23-30 The Wizard of Oz. Presented by Franklinton Community Theatre. Franklinton Junior High Auditorium. Fri-Sat, 7pm; Sun, 2pm. Rod Sabiston, 848-5845.

24 Abita Springs Opry. Louisiana roots music in acoustic setting. Live radio broadcast. Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St. 7-9pm. Adults, $7; seniors 65 and older, $5; children 12 and under, free. 892-0711.

24 An Evening of Southern Elegance. Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation gala. Carter Plantation, Springfield. 7pm-1am. Ricky Masaracchia, 542-4982. www.richardmurphyhospicefoundation.com.

24 Folsom Centennial Antique Car Show. Car show, vintage tractor showcase, barbeque chicken dinners, door prizes, and live entertainment by Steadfast Quartet and the Cajun Wolfman. Railroad Ave. from Canton St. to Garfield St., Folsom. 8:30am-3:30pm. Free. 796-9833.

24 Open House & Marine Fair. Boat dealers, marine hardware suppliers, nautical accessories, boating safety and sailing instruction information, door prizes and more. Pontchartrain Yacht Club, 140 Jackson at Lakeshore Dr., Mandeville. 9am ‘til. Dennis Cheuvront, 264-3185.

29 LSU National Championship Tour. Featuring Coach Nick Saban and Director of Athletics Skip Bertman, the tour provides a wrap-up of spring practice and a preview of the Tigers' 2004 season. Bid on silent auction items such as Tiger merchandise, autographed photos and special memorabilia. Mandeville. For additional details or to make reservations, visit www.tammanytigers.com.

30 Holy Ghost Parish Fair. Holy Ghost Church/School, Hammond. Jeanette Garofalo, 345-3360. www.holyghostcatholicchurch.org.

30 Jefferson House 31st Anniversary Celebration. Spectacular annual sale featuring flower arranging by Keeth Buckley, jewelry by Lizzie Tish, handmade purses by Susan Plessala and much more. 619 S. Jefferson, Covington. 10am-5pm. 892-6841.

30 Salute to the Beatles. Northlake Performing Arts Society Chorale. Greater Covington Center, 317 N. Jefferson St., Covington. 7:30pm. For ticket information, call 792-1392.

30 Zoo To Do For Kids. Pint-sized version of the annual gala benefiting the educational facilities and programs at Audubon Zoo. Audubon Nature Institute, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans. (504) 861-6160. www.auduboninstitute.org.

May

1 Some Enchanted Evening. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Heritage Park, Slidell. 7pm. Rain date May 2, 7pm. Free. 646-4375.

1 West St. Tammany Relay for Life. Benefits American Cancer Society. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. (504) 465-8404.

1-2 GALA Horse Shows. Riders compete for more than $200,000 in prize money, including $20,000 Hunter Classic and $25,000 Grand Prix. 27460 Polo Rd., Folsom. Free. Rae Pertuit, 796-0125. www.galahorseshows.com.

1-8 Mary Mary. Play presented by the Command Performers. The Playhouse, Times Square Shopping Center, Hammond. Fri-Sat, 8pm. Sunday matinee May 2, 3pm. Linda Broussard, 345-7154.

1-15 The Music Man. Musical presented by Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell. Fri-Sat, 8pm. Sunday matinee May 2 & 9, 2pm. Adults, $15; youth, $8. 641-0324. www.slidell-slt.org.

1-29 Covington Farmers Market. Vegetables, fruit, seafood, wines, herbs, honey, baked goods, plants, artisans, entertainment and more. 609 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed, 12-4pm; Sat, 9am-1pm. Free. 892-1873.

1-29 Johnny Stout Photography Exhibition. Fort Isabel Gallery, 502 N. Columbia St., Covington. Wed-Sat, 10am-4pm. Free. 892-1841.

1-29 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. Vegetables, fruit, seafood, wines, herbs, honey, baked goods, plants, artisans and more. 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville. Sat, 9am-1pm. Free. Denise Gutnisky, 624-3147.

1-29 Mixed Media Exhibition. Featuring clay sculpture by Lucille Hunter and works on paper by Bryan Lafaye. Brunner Gallery, 215 N. Columbia St., Covington. Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm. Free. Robin Hamaker, 893-0444.

1-30 A Salute to our Military Heroes. May exhibit at century-old general store museum dedicated to preserving local history and heritage. Offers a glimpse of the past each weekend. Varnado Store Museum, 936 Pearl St., Franklinton. Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 1-4pm. Open Friday by appointment. Free. Judie Dauser, 839-5195. www.varnadostoremuseum.org

1-31 Salad Days Art Exhibition. Juried show. Slidell Cultural Center, 444 Erlanger St., Slidell. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; Sat, 10am-2pm. Free. Kelli Gustafson, 646-4375.

2 Jump for the Cure. GALA Horse Show benefit for the Breast Diagnostic Center at Lakeview Regional Hospital. Food, auction and $25,000 Jumper Grand Prix. GALA Horse Show grounds, 27460 Polo Rd., Folsom. 2pm. $25. Rae Pertuit, 796-0125.

2 Salute to the Beatles. Northlake Performing Arts Society Chorale. Greater Covington Center, 317 N. Jefferson St., Covington. 3pm. For ticket information, call 792-1392.

2 The Wizard of Oz. Presented by Franklinton Community Theatre. Franklinton Junior High Auditorium. Fri-Sat, 7pm; Sun, 2pm. Rod Sabiston, 848-5845.

3-28 Mandeville City Hall Art Exhibition. Features Marlene Markel. 3101 E. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-3144.

7 Beethoven & Blue Jeans. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is back for this ever-popular casual night. Columbia Theater, Hammond. 7pm. Donna Gay Anderson, 543-4371. www.selu.edu.

7 Doin' Downtown. Arts, culture and entertainment in historic downtown Hammond. 5-9pm. 542-3471. www.hammond-ddd.org.

7 Zoo To Do. Dance and dine under historic oaks to benefit educational facilities and programs at Audubon Zoo. Audubon Nature Institute, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans. (504) 861-6160. www.auduboninstitute.org.

7-23 Postmortem. Thriller by Ken Ludwig, directed by Kay Files. Playmakers, Inc., 19106 Playmakers Rd., Covington. Fri-Sat, 8pm. Sunday matinee, May 16 & 23, 2pm. 893-1671. www.playmakersinc.com.

8 Northshore Cajun Dance. Live Cajun music, dancing and food. Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. Dance lessons, 7-7:30pm; live band, 8-11pm. Members, $6; non-members, $8. 882-3016.

8 ZooFari Adventure. Northshore Jewish Congregation Fun'd Raiser. Open to the entire community. Cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions, and dancing to music of Four Unplugged. Castine Center in Mandeville. $50; a portion of proceeds benefits Habitat for Humanity. 951-7976.

8 Talented Arts Student Exhibition & Reception. Featuring work by students participating in the Talented Arts Program of St. Tammany Parish. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 6-9pm. Free. Bo Gallup, 892-8650.

9 Bayou Jam. Spring concert series featuring the Navy's New Orleans Show Band. Heritage Park, Slidell. 6-8pm. Free. 646-4375. www.slidell.la.us.

12 Southern Nights. SLU alumni and St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Livingston and Washington parish chamber members discuss northshore issues with state legislators and public officials. Live music, delicious food. Governor's mansion, Baton Rouge. 6-8pm. Free; tickets required. Contact local Chamber of Commerce for more information.

14 Wine Tasting Dinner. Includes four courses, six to seven wines and features a guest speaker. Discounts on wine purchases. Reservations required. Hugh's Wine Cellar, 4250 Hwy. 22, Mandeville. 7pm. $45. 626-0066.

16 Third Sunday Concert Series. Thirteenth season. Six-piece string band plays pop, jazz, Hawaiian and country music from the 1920s-1940s. Wine and cheese reception. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington. 5pm. Free. 892-3177.

18 Seven Seas Club Night. Door prizes and discounts. Seven Seas Aquatic Specialties, 530 Asbury Dr., Mandeville. 7-9pm. 624-5692.

19-22 Bluegrass Jamboree. Apostolic Campground, Independence. "Pop" Cooksey, 878-3772.

20 Marty Raybon. Bluegrass singer renowned for his years with award-winning country music band Shenandoah. Columbia Theatre, 220 E. Thomas St., Hammond. 7pm. 543-4371.

22 Abita Springs Opry. Louisiana roots music in an acoustic setting. Live radio broadcast. Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St. 7-9pm. Adults, $7; seniors 65 and older, $5; children 12 and under, free. 892-0711.

23 Bayou Jam. Spring concert series. The Topcats. Heritage Park, Slidell. 6-8pm. Free. 646-4375. www.slidell.la.us.

29 Live music by Christian Serpas & Ghost Town. Columbia Street Tap Room, 434 N. Columbia St., Covington. 898-0899.

29 Swamp Pop Music Festival. Hidden Oaks Family Campground, Robert. Nita Vedros, 345-9244.

29-30 North 40 Craft & Music Festival. Nationally known country music acts, craft booths, antiques and more. Hwy. 40, Folsom. Sundra Steinhauer, 796-5853.

Got an upcoming event? E-mail the information to editor@insidenorthside.com.

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