MARCH 2006

1-6 Art Exhibit. Brunner Gallery artists Tony Mose and Lauren Leonard feature original works. The Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy. 190, Covington. (225) 389-7224.

1-29 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. (866) 892-1873.

1-30 Ephemera-Paper Treasures. Exhibit of vintage documents of all types. Varnado Store Museum, 936 Pearl Street, Franklinton. Free. Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 1-4pm. 795-0680, or Darlene Jones, 839-4210.

1-31 Mandeville City Hall Art Exhibit. Featured artist Darlene Moore. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway Approach. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-4795.

1-31 Members Show. Slidell Art League Studio, 1827 Front Street, Slidell. Free. 847-9458.

3 Mozart, Mozart, Mozart. Concert by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Columbia Theater for the Performing Arts, 220 E. Thomas St., Hammond. 7:30 pm. Tickets, $19-$32. 543-4366.

3 Music Among the Oaks. Live concert. Bogue Chitto Park on Columbia Street, Covington. 6-8pm. Free. 892-1873.

3 New Orleans Museum of Art reopening. To celebrate the reopening of the Museum, a select group of objects from the Whitecloud collection of Native American art will be prominently displayed in the Great Hall. One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans. Free. (504) 488-2631.

3-4 Ballin’s Spring Trunk Show. View the contemporary sportswear collection of Magaschoni Beige. 721 Dante St., New Orleans. Free. (504) 866-4367.

4 Krewe of Erin Queen’s Toast. Public presentation of the parade’s royal court, including bagpipe playing and a Royal Celtic Tea. Lions Club Fountain, Ponchatoula. 11:30 am. Free. 386-2877.

4 Pontchatoula Strawberry Festival Ball. Music by Prime Time Express. St. Joseph’s Gym, Ponchatoula. 8pm-1am. $10. 542-7520; (800) 917-7045.

4-25 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. Vegetables, fruit, seasonal seafood, meat, wines, teas, poultry, honey, fresh baked goods, prepared foods, plants, flowers and herbs, artisans and more. Sat, 9am-1pm. Denise Gutnisky or Donna Beakley, 624-3147.

4-28 Exhibit. Kate Samworth and Ben Shamback. LeMieux Galleries, 332 Julia St, New Orleans. Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm. Opening reception Sat, Mar 4, 6-8pm. Free. 522-5988.

5 Mystic Krewe of Mardi-Paws Parade. Mandeville Lakefront. 11am. Free. 892-0060. www.mardipaws.com.

7 Laproscopic Gastric Bypass and LAP Band Procedures Seminar. Begin a new life and become a new you by learning more. Fairway Medical Center, 67252 Industry Lane, Covington. 7pm. Free. Reservations, 801-6299.

7 Music for Piano Four-Hands. SLU Art & Lecture at Christwood. 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington. 4pm. Free. 898-0515.

8 Coaching the Coach: Rookie and Veteran Dads Team up on the Field of New Fatherhood. Class for expectant dads. Lakeview Regional Medical Center, Covington. 6:30-9pm. $10. 867-4362.

8 Hornets v. Lakers. The Hornets are home! New Orleans Arena. 7 pm. Tickets start at $10. Multi-game packages available. (504) 525-HOOP.

8 “Where are Today’s Medicis?” Panel discussion focusing on rebuilding the New Orleans area art community. LeMieux Galleries, 332 Julia St., New Orleans. 7-8:30pm. Free. Christy Wood, (504) 522-5988.

8-12 New Orleans Boat Show. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Wed-Fri, 5-10pm; Sat, 11am-10pm; Sun, 11am-6pm. Adults $9, Youth $5, Accompanied children under 12 free. www.neworleansboatshow.com.

9-31 Student Exhibition. SLU Contemporary Art Gallery, Hammond. Reception March 9, 5-7pm. Gallery open Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm. Free. 549-5080.

10 Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament. Fundraiser for the Louisiana Special Olympics. First 250 players will be seated. Fraternal Order of Police Hall, 10777 Greenwell Springs, Baton Rouge. Registration 4pm. Tournament 5pm. $100 per person. Tiffany King, (800) 345-6644.

10-11 Ballin’s Spring Trunk Show. View the Vitamin collection of relaxed sophistication. 721 Dante St., New Orleans. Free. (504) 866-4367.

10-26 The Buddy Holly Story. A rollicking rock-n-roll tribute. Jefferson Performing Arts Society, 400 Phlox Street, Metairie. Fri-Sat,7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $30. Dennis Assaf, (504) 885-2000.

10-26 “Plaza Suite.” Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell. Fri-Sat, 8pm. Sun, 2 pm. Adults, $12; youth, $5. 641-0324.

11 Art Exhibition. The works of Brunner Gallery artist Rhea Gary will be on exhibit in the lobby of the St. Tammany Homestead Savings and Loan Association. 205 N. Columbia, Covington. Free. (225) 389-7224.

11 “Can I Eat That?” Learn what plants along the riverfront are edible. Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville. 1pm. Free with admission ($1per person) to the park. 792-4652.

11 Krewe of Erin. Celtic-themed parade celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. A Ceila, or Irish dance party, to follow parade. Downtown Ponchatoula at Le Fleur de Lis, 111 North 6th Street. 10:30am. Free. 386-2877.

11 NOCCA Auditions. New Orleans Center for Creative Arts offers auditions in St. Tammany Parish for prospective dance, vocal and instrumental music, theatre, arts and writing students. Slidell Branch Library, 555 Robert Road. 10am; Causeway Branch Public Library, 3457 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 2pm. Call (504) 940-2854 to make an appointment. www.nocca.com.

11 Rock ’N Roar Fest. Student Union, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond. 8am-3pm. www.selu.edu/roarfest.

12 Spring for Art. A grand opening of galleries. Downtown Covington. 6-9pm. Free. 892-1873.

12 Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series. Live music in the park, featuring Christian Serpas and Ghost Town Bayou Lane, Heritage Park, Slidell. 6-8pm. Free. 646-3475.

12 36th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Metairie Road. Noon.

13 Save our Lake Golf Classic. Chateau Golf and Country Club, Kenner. Benefits Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation. Registration, 10:30am; tee time, 11:30am; awards party, 4pm. $250-$2,000 sponsorships. Players, $125. Sheila Ehren, (504) 836-2205.

14 Celtic Fiddler, Natalie MacMaster. Columbia Theater for the Performing Arts, 220 E. Thomas St., Hammond. 7:30pm. Tickets $19-32. 543-4366.

14 “Female Suicide Bombers.” SLU Art & Lecture at Christwood. 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington. 4pm. Free. 898-0515.

14-18 Ballin’s Spring Trunk Show. View the & Trousers collection, known for pants that fit real women. Covington location, 806 E. Boston, March 14; New Orleans location, 721 Dante St., March 17-18. Free. 892-0025.

14-30 Common Routes: St. Domingue-Louisiana. Exibits and fascinating lectures of St. Domingue’s history and its relationship to Louisiana. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal Street, New Orleans. Tues-Sat, 9:30am-4:30pm. Seniors, $10; students, $7; free admission to Louisiana residents on Wednesdays, 4-7pm. (504) 523-4662.

16 Camillia Quilters Guild Meeting. Azaela Estates, 354 Robert Blvd., Slidell. 9:30am and 7pm. Jan Barbero, 863-2060.

16 Silver Threads & Golden Needles: The Tapestries of my Life. The Christian Women’s Connection presents vocalist Clinnetta Moore and speaker Pat Shields. Benedicts Plantation Room, Mandeville. 11am-1pm. $13. Reservations required. Jennifer 626-4585 or Teresa 845-0067.

16 Spring Trunk Show. Ballin’s Ltd., 8645 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge. Free. (225) 757-9222.

16-18 Bluegrass on the Bayou 2006. Hot Air Balloon Competition, music workshops, live blues and a cook off with Chef John Folse to benefit the Cancer Center at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. LSU campus, Baton Rouge. 9am-11pm. $15. www.bluesonthebayou.com.

16-19 Washington Annual Catfish Festival. Music by Papillion, Hunter Hayes, Keith Frank, Rockin Doopsie, Jr., and Percy Sledge, rides, antiques, Civil War re-enactment and catfish cook off. Festival Grounds near I-49. Fri, 5pm-12am; Sat-Sun, 11am-12am. Thursday Family Night, 5-9pm. Call for ticket prices. (337) 826-7336.

17 Concert at the Landing. Bogue Falaya River, Columbia Street Landing, Covington. 7pm. Free. 892-1873.

17 Spring Market Preview Party. Shopping, food and libations, presented by the Junior League of Greater Covington. Heiner Brau, 226 Lockwood, Covington. 5-9pm. $25 per person, $40 per couple. Renee Galvan, 809-3531.

17-18 Spring Trunk Show. Ballin’s Ltd., 721 Dante Street, New Orleans. Free (504) 866-4367.

17-19 Amite Oyster Festival. Oyster cook-off, parade, bands, poker run, antique car show, fireman games. Tangipahoa Parish Fair Grounds, Amite. Fri, 3pm-11pm; Sat, 11am-11pm; Sun, 12-6pm. Parade Saturday, 10am. Free. Carol Brook, 748-7156.

18 Abita Springs Opry. Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. 7-9pm. Tickets, $5-10; children 12 and under free. 892-0711.

18 Spring Market. Shopping, Easter Bunny visit, door prizes. Presented by the Junior League of Greater Covington. 9am-4pm. The Greater Covington Center, 317 N. Jefferson St., Covington. $5. Renee Galvan 809-3531.

18 Hornets v. Nuggets. The Hornets are home! New Orleans Arena. 7 pm. Tickets start at $10. Multi-game packages available. (504) 525-HOOP.

18 Strawberry Jam ’N Toast to the Arts. Downtown Ponchatoula. 10am-6pm. Free. (800) 617-4502, www.strawberryjam.org.

18-19 Northshore Garden Show. Presentations and plant problems solved by flower, shrub and tree specialists; children’s discovery area and plant sale. Proceeds to Dr. Bobby Fletcher College Scholarship Fund for students interested in horticulture. Covington Fairgrounds. 9am-4pm. $3. Peggy Joffrion, 893-5204.

19 Chef Soirée. Samplings from over 100 restaurants, live music, fireworks. Benefits the Youth Service Bureau. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. 5-9 pm. Tickets, $110. No tickets sold at gate. Lorayne Martinson, 893-2570.

19 St. Joseph’s Parade. Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence. 4 pm. Free. Buster Guzzardo, 878-2093.

19 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Community parade with full-size floats, throws, bands. Olde Towne, Slidell: Second Street and Bouscaren to Front Street to Carey to Pontchartrain Drive to Front Street. 1pm. Brad Champagne, 643-3151.

21 Hornets v. Clippers. The Hornets are Home! New Orleans Arena. 7pm. Tickets start at $10. Multi-game packages available. (504) 525-HOOP.

22 “Music for Viola and Piano.” SLU Art & Lecture at Christwood. 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington. 4pm. Free. 898-0515.

23 St. Paul’s Celebrity Waiters Dinner. Dinner event to support the school’s annual College Tour and student financial aid. St. Paul’s School, Covington. Social, 6pm; Dinner, 7pm. $50 per person. 892-3200.

24 Genetic Couseling. Genetic cancer risk assessment and counseling for those at risk for hereditary syndromes. Screenings available by appointment. North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Free. 542-5000.

24 Rotary Youth Charities Golf Tournament. Oak Knoll Country Club. Hammond. 12pm. Call for pricing. Duane Shaefer, 549-3818.

24 Whisperings Patron Party. Whisperings cast members give a pre-event performance of historical reenactments of the founders of Covington. Location to be announced. 7pm. $30. Lynn Moore, 898-4722.

25 5th Annual Gospel Music Fest. Downtown Tickfaw. Rose Loewenthal, 542-7159 or (800) 542-7520.

25 Abita Springs Whole Town Garage Sale and Flea Market. Benefiting the Abita Recreation Center, Inc. Hundreds of booths at CJ Finn Ballpark, Hwy. 36, Abita Springs, and garage sales throughout the city. Maps distributed on day of event. 8am-4pm. JoAnne Barton, 893-7529.

25 Bike-A-Thon. Fund raiser for New Horizons Youth Services Bureau . Zemurray Park, Hammond. April Wehrs, (225) 294-0843.

25 “Biodiversity on the Riverfront” Ranger-led tour of the flora and fauna. Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville. 1pm. Free with park admission ($1 per person). 792-4652.

25 Falaya Fling. St. Scholastica Academy’s annual fundraiser, featuring live and silent auctions, buffet and a trendy band. Patron party, 6pm; event, 7pm. The Castine Center, Mandeville. Elaine Simmons 892-2540, ext. 132; Tara Huguet, ext. 104.

25 Northshore Cajun Dance. Live Cajun music, dancing and food. Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. Dance lessons, 7-7:30pm; live band, 8-10:30pm. Members, $6; non-members, $8. Paulette Laurent and Bill Weissborn, 882-3016.

25 Whisperings. Historical reenactment of the founders of Covington. Covington Cemetery No. 1. 6pm. $10. Lynne Moore, 898-4722.

26 Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series. Live entertainment featuring artists Veda Love & the TW Band. Bring chairs, picnic blankets, food and beverages. Heritage Park, Slidell. 6-8pm. Free. Kelli Gustafson, 646-4375.

26 Southeastern’s Chefs Evening. Champagne Toast and Patrons Reception. University Center, Hammond. 5:30-7:30 pm. $40. 549-2239.

26 Third Sunday Concert Series. Musician, David LeDoux. Wine and cheese reception following the performance. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington. 5pm. Free. 892-3177.

28 Hammond Garden Club Spring Tour of Homes. Downtown Hammond. 1-4 pm. $10. Melanie Stein, 345-8295.

30-April 2 Tenneessee Williams Festival. This popular New Orleans Literary Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary. Programs include panel discussions, theatrical performances, a one-act play competition, lectures, literary walking tours, musical performances, and bookfair. Prices range from Walking Tour, $20 to Gala, $175. (504) 581-1144, www.tennesseewilliams.net.

31 Audubon Country BirdFest. Beginning and advanced birding and field trips.
St. Francisville Inn, 5720 Commerce St. Opening social 6:30 pm. $15/day or 3-day pass for $25. (800) 488-6502.

31 Columbia Street Block Party. Music, family fun and antique car display. Columbia Street, Downtown Covingon. 6:30-9:30pm. Free. 892-1873.

31 Smokin’ Blues and BBQ Challenge. Professional and amateur BBQ competition and live blues music competition, to benefit the Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity. Downtown Hammond. 8am-10pm. Free. www.hammondbluesandbbq.com.

APRIL 2006

1 Folk Crafts Festival. Craft demonstrations, cloggers, music and food, tours of the Otis House Museum. Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville. 10am-6pm. 792-4652.

1 Jazz Under the Stars. Fundraiser benefiting Cancer Crusaders. Live and silent auctions, food provided by local restaurants and entertainment. Maritime Museum, Madisonville. 7-10pm. $75. Ellen Miller, 674-7897.

1 Louisiana Eastern European Adoptive Families Picnic. Easter egg hunt and picnic for prospective and adoptive parents. Lil’s Country Critters, Bush. 10am-12pm. $5. Karen Bordelon, 727-1074.

1 Madisonville 2nd Annual Garden Show. Plants, gardening products, speakers on gardening topics and music by Fletcher Harris. Madisonville Town Hall, 704 Water Street. 9am-3pm. Free. Gail Perry, 845-0360.

1 Phantom Ball. Ghostly, eerie and surprisingly empty. Guests are asked to donate to Special Olympics to not attend! Call to receive a phantom invitation. Tiffany King, 800-345-6644.

1 Smokin’ Blues and BBQ Challenge. Professional and amateur BBQ competition live blues music competition to benefit the Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity. Downtown Hammond. 7am-10pm. Free. www.hammondbluesandbbq.com.

1-2 Audubon Country BirdFest. Beginning and advanced birding and field trips.St. Francisville Inn, 5720 Commerce St. Opening social, 6:30 pm. $15/day or 3-day pass for $25. (800) 488-6502.

1-13 Student Exhibition. SLU Contemporary Art Gallery, Hammond. Mon.-Fri, 8am-4:30pm. Free. 549-5080.

1-29 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. Vegetables, fruit, seasonal seafood, meat, wines, teas, poultry, honey, fresh baked goods, prepared foods, plants, flowers and herbs, artisans and more. Sat, 9am-1pm. Denise Gutnisky or Donna Beakley, 624-3147.

1-30 100 Years, 100 Photographs: Life Along the Tracks to our Community. Photographs depicting life as seen through train windows in the early 1900’s. Varnado Store Museum, 936 Pearl Street, Franklinton. Sat, 10am-4pm; Sun, 1-4pm. Free. 795-0680, or Darlene Jones, 839-4210.

1-30 Mandeville City Hall Art Exhibit. Exhibit featuring Mandeville Junior High Talented Art students, under the direction of T.A. Callahan. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway Approach. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Free. Interested artists or groups, call 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. (866) 892-1873.

3 17th Annual Chamber Golf Classic and Texas Hold’Em Tournament. Four-man scramble, limited to the first 32 teams. Poker play limited to first 50 entries. Tchefuncta Country Club, Covington. $150 per golfer, $100 per poker player. 892-3216.

4 Laproscopic Gastric Bypass and LAP Band Procedures Seminar. Begin a new life and become a new you by learning more. Fairway Medical Center, 67252 Industry Lane, Covington. 7pm. Free. Reservations, 801-6299.

4 Pooch Parade. St. Tammany Humane Society Fundraiser. Vet clinic, adoptable pets, auctions, contests and more. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. 11am-4pm. Adults, $10; Kids $5; kids under 5 and dogs free. 892-7387.

4 Stalin’s Sweethearts Take Up Arms: Soviet Women During World War II. SLU Art & Lecture at Christwood. 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington. 4pm. Free. 898-0515

6 Health Fair. Bogue Falaya Hall, Greater Covington Center. 9am-3pm. Free. Kay Burton, 732-6615.

6 Spring Trunk Show. Ballin’s Ltd., 8645 Bluebonnet Blvd. Free. 757-9222.

6-9 The Great Louisiana Birdfest. Visit varied habitat including seashore, swamps, wetlands, pine savanna, and hardwoods. Northlake Nature Center, Mandeville. Free. www.northlakenature.org.

7 Music Among the Oaks. Live concert. Bogue Chitto Park on Columbia Street, Covington. 6-8pm. Free. 892-1873.

7-8 Ballin’s Spring Trunk Show. Meet the designer A.R.T.E. and enjoy beautiful silk soft dressing for day to evening. 721 Dante Street, New Orleans. (504) 866-4367.

7-9 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Parade, live music, pageants, talent show, carnival rides, food, 10k race, and more. North 6th St., Ponchatoula. Fri, 4-10pm; Sat, 10am-11pm; Sun, 10am-6pm. Parade on Sunday, 9:30 am. Half-price ride tickets on Friday. Free. 542-7520; 800-917-7045.

8 Coordinated Gallery Openings. Downtown Covington. 6-9pm. Free. 892-1873.

8 Golf: The Musical. Columbia Theater for the Performing Arts, 220 E. Thomas St., Hammond. 7:30 pm. Tickets, $15-30. 543-4371.

8 Mad Hatter Tea Party. High Tea with clowns, children’s characters. Benefits the Children’s Advocacy Center. St. Timothy’s Church, 335 Asbury Dr., Mandeviile. 2-4pm.Tickets, $15. 892-3885.

8 North Shore Art Market. Lee Lane, downtown Covington. 10am-4pm. Free. www.northshoreartmarket.com.

8-9 Home Tour and Tea. Presented by the Junior League of Greater Covington. 1 Sancturary Blvd., Mandeville. $15. 674-7500.

9 Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series. Music by The Blackened Blues Band. Bayou Lane, Heritage Park, Slidell. 6-8pm. Free. 646-3475.

9 Gospel Music on the Northshore. Concert featuring the award-winning 100-voice St. Timothy Choir. St. Timothy Church, 335 Asbury Dr., Mandeville. 5pm. Free. 626-3307.

11 Solo Piano Classics. SLU Art & Lecture at Christwood. 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington. 4pm. Free. 898-0515.

15 28th Annual Crescent City Classic. 10K race starts at Jackson Square and finishes at City Park. Post Race festival, with food, refreshments and live entertainment. Race starts at 8:30 am. www.CCC10K.com.

15 Abita Springs Opry. Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. 7-9pm; doors open at 5:30pm. Tickets $5-10; 12 and under, free. 892-0711.

15 Celebrating Easter Traditions. Easter egg hunt, egg rolling and egg pocking (an Easter custom that originated in Louisiana). Fairview Riverside State Park. $1; seniors and children under 3, free. 792-4652.

17 Earth Day Northshore. Educational and environmental booths, earth-friendly arts and crafts, more. Heritage Park, Slidell. 4-8pm. Free. Bondilyn Jolly, 781-4471.

18 Jazz Standards of the 1950’s and 1960’s. SLU Art & Lecture at Christwood. 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington. 4pm. Free. 898-0515.

19 Maritime Heritage Day. Folk artists, demonstrations of music, arts or skills such as alligator hunting, boat building, commercial fishing, fishnet making, cooking traditions, blacksmithing, miniature boat making, sail making, storytelling, knot tying, navigation, and other aspects of the maritime industry. 133 Mabel Drive, Madisonville. 9 am-3 pm. $3. 845-9200.

19 St. Tammany Senior Olympics. Bocce, bait casting and horseshoe competions. Fairview-Riverside State Park, Madisonville. Opening Ceremonies, 9am. Lynne Coxwell, 892-0377.

20 Camillia Quilters Guild Meeting. Azaela Estates, 354 Robert Blvd., Slidell. 9:30am and 7pm. Jan Barbero, 863-2060.

21 Business Appreciation Luncheon. Presented by the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with ReExpo 2006. Nominate a deserving business for an award. The Castine Center, Pelican Park, Mandeville. 11:30am. $25 members, $35 non-members. RSVP required, 892-3216, ext. 2.

21 West St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce’s “ReExpo.” Recovery-focused business trade show. The Castine Center, Pelican Park, Mandeville. 10am-6pm. 892-3216.

21-23 French Quarter Festival. Enjoy the Crescent City’s finest music and food. Children’s activities, fireworks and fun exhibits. Free. (504) 522-5730 or (800) 673-5725.  

22 Abita Springs Opry. Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs. 7-9pm. Tickets $5-10; children 12 and under, free. 892-0711.

22 “Chapel of Love” Gala. An evening of food, drink, live and silent auctions, car raffle and music by the Domino’s. Benefits the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation. Holiday Inn, 2000 S. Morrison Blvd. Hammond. $150 per couple. Patricia Westmoreland, 386-0400.

22 Crawfish Cook-Off. Fundraiser for the Hospice Foundation of the South. 30-40 teams boiling crawfish for the public to taste. Celebrity judges and popular vote select the best tasting crawfish for prizes. Fritchie Park, Slidell. 11am-7pm. Advance tickets $20, $25 at the gate. Kathy Busco, 643-5470.

22 Rhapsody on the River. Northshore Symphony concert. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. Free. Time TBA. 892-1873.

22-23 Ozone Film Fest. Workshops and film screenings highlighting local and regional professional and amateur filmmakers at various Historic Downtown Covington venues. Call for times and locations. 892-8460.

23 Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series. Live entertainment by featured artist, Right On Limited. Bring chairs, picnic blankets, food and beverages. Heritage Park, Slidell. 6-8pm. Free. Kelli Gustafson, 646-4375.

24-28 Oil Painting workshop with Roberta Remy. St. Tammany Art Association at the Art House, 320 N. Columbia. Reservations required. 892-8640.

25 Brahms’s Ein deutsches Requiem: Dialectic in the Music and Text. SLU Art & Lecture at Christwood. 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington. 4pm. Free. 898-0515.

25 Go Red for Women Luncheon. American Heart Association event featuring health screenings, fashion show, silent auction and a heart healthy lunch. Presented by Slidell Memorial Hospital, People’s Health Network and Northshore Regional Medical Center. Northshore Harbor Center, Slidell. 9am-1pm. $30. (504) 463-2300.

25 Tea Tasting. Learn about the health benefits of tea. English Tea Room. 734 Rutland St., Covington. 6:30pm. 898-3988.

27-31 Department of Visual Arts Senior Exhibition. SLU Contemporary Art Gallery, Hammond. Reception on April 27th, 5-7pm. Gallery open Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Free. 549-5080.

28 Broadway comes to Hammond. Concert by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Columbia Theater for the Performing Arts, 220 E. Thomas St., Hammond. 7:30pm. Tickets, $19-32. 543-4366.

28 Columbia Street Block Party. Music, family fun and antique car display. Columbia Street, Downtown Covingon. 6:30-9:30pm. Free. 892-1873.

28 Genetic Couseling. Genetic cancer risk assessment and counseling for those at risk for hereditary syndromes. Screenings available by appointment. North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Free. 542-5000.

28-29 Camelot. Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell. Fri-Sat, 8pm. Sun. 2 pm. Adults, $12; youth, $5. 641-0324.

28-30 Independence Italian Festival. Food and fun. Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church School Grounds, Independence, LA.  Bill Perkins, 878-6313 or (800) 542-7520.

28-30 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Music, food, art, history and culture. New Orleans Fairgrounds. 11am-7pm. Advance tickets, $30; at the gate, $40; 12 and under, $5. (504) 522-5555. www.nojazzfest.com.

28-30 St. Peter School Party at the Pavillion. Bingo, raffles, live and silent auctions, games, food and music including Big Wheel, 4 Unplugged and Top Cats. Fri, 6-11pm; Sat, 10am-11pm; Sun, 10am-5pm. Free. 892-1831.

28-June 10 ‘Salad Days’ Children’s Juried Art Competition. Exhibition of artwork by young St. Tammany artists. Slidell Cultural Center at Slidell Art League Gallery, Slidell Train Depot, 2nd floor; 1827 Front St. Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm. Sat, 10am-2pm. Free. Kelli Gustafson, 646-4375.

29 Abita Springs Water and Crawfish Festival. Abita Tourist Park. Free. 10am-10pm. 892-0711.