Juneteenth weekend marks Black culture, food, music and businesses
BY VIOLET BUCARO Staff writer
The New Orleans Juneteenth Festival Weekend is expanding for a seventh year by adding to its slate of community-centered events honoring Black liberation, culture, wellness and economic empowerment.
The Louisiana Afro-Indigenous Society will present the seventh annual free festival and related events from Thursday through Sunday across the city This year the festival has added stilt walkers to the second-line, a performance by Dawn Richard, children’s book readings and the economic sum-
mit event on Saturday
It all started with a nudge from Shaddi Livingston’s community elder, Baderinwa Rolland, affectionately known as Mama Butler, to create an event to commemorate Juneteenth. Livingston wanted to make one, but never thought to do it on her own
“You’ve been in the community your entire life. You watched your dad do things, your mom So it’s time for you to step up in the mix and make that happen,” Livingston said when recalling what Rolland told her Juneteenth celebrates the date of when the Union troops announced the enforcement of the
Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas, marking the end of slavery on June 19, 1865 She wanted to do it on her own, rather than waiting for it to come.
“It has to be done in a way that is authentic to myself and beneficial to others,” Livingston said. Livingston started the Juneteenth Festival with a small celebration in 2020, the year before it became a federal holiday She also founded the Louisiana AfroIndigenous Society, which has grown into a larger grassroots festival each year
The festival provides a space
ä See JUNETEENTH, page 2G
CREOLE CRUSH
reated as a delicious way to welcome the warmer summer months, the two-day Creole
took place in areas around the French Quarter on June 6-7. The festival was celebrating its
complete with music, art, dancing and plenty of tomato-themed food and drinks.
Dog days of summer can be dangerous for pets
This weekend marks the official start of summer, and it can be a brutal time for our pets. While many of us complain about the heat and humidity our pets often have an even harder time coping with soaring temperatures.
Traci Howerton ANIMAL RESCUE
Unlike people, dogs and cats cannot simply turn on a fan, grab a cold drink from the refrigerator or head inside when they get uncomfortable. They rely on us to recognize when conditions become dangerous and to help keep them safe.
Every year, veterinarians treat pets suffering from heat exhaustion, burned paw pads and dehydration many of which could have been prevented with a few simple precautions.
As temperatures climb this summer, here are some important reminders to help keep our pets safe and comfortable.
Heat-related illness happens fast
One of the biggest misconceptions about summer safety is that a pet will somehow “tell us” when it has gotten too hot. Unfortunately, by the time obvious symptoms appear a pet may already be in serious trouble.
Watch for signs such as excessive panting, difficulty breathing, heavy drooling, weakness, lethargy disorientation or collapse. Severe heatstroke can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and loss of consciousness.
Certain pets face an even greater risk. Flat-faced breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers and French bulldogs often struggle to cool themselves efficiently because of their shortened airways. Senior pets, overweight animals and those with heart or respiratory conditions are also more vulnerable to overheating.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution and keep pets indoors.
The car is never safe
Despite years of warnings, pets
ä See PETS, page 2G
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
New Groove Brass Band performs in a second-line parade that kicks off the 2025 New Orleans Juneteenth Festival in Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans.
Tomato Festival
40th year,
Mariam Ibrahim, 11, chows down on a tomato during the children’s tomato eating contest.
STAFF PHOTOS BY SOPHIA GERMER
The ‘Ripe & Ready’ second-line marches through the French Market during the 40th annual Creole Tomato Festival in New Orleans on June 6,
SWEET START TO SUMMER
Wyatt Lewis, 12, and his friend Leo Vitter, 11, proved to be savvy young entrepreneurs. Just one day after finishing their final exams, the two set up a lemonade stand at a busy four-way stop in Uptown New Orleans. The day before, Wyatt’s brother, Owen Lewis, and his friends earned about $200 from their own stand, at the same location, though they had to split the money four ways. Wyatt said even a city bus driver stopped during his route to buy a $1 cup of cold lemonade
practical nursing graduates honored at pinning ceremony
Twenty-four Nunez Community College Practical Nursing graduates participated in the program’s spring 2026 Pinning Ceremony on May 18. Graduates included Erykah Bell, Metairie; Kimberly Briscoe, Slidell; Claudean Capers, Chalmette; A’Naya Crutchfield, New Orleans; Michelle Fields, New Orleans; Lanata Fournette, Slidell; Sha’Kira Gray, Chalmette; Raven Johnson, Marrero; Nashua Jones, Slidell; Barbara Lewis, Westwego; Briyanna Martin, New Orleans; Jada McCathen, Slidell; Danielle Miller, New Orleans; Sierra Morgan, New Orleans; Eddrina Owens, Harvey; Angel Quillens, New Orleans; Savannah Rattley, New Orleans; Ashley Sentimore, New Orleans; Dyshell Shaffer, Marrero; Seymone Shelling, New Orleans; Shanquale Sylve, Buras; Shaundel Thomas, Picayune, Miss.; D’Andrea Williams, New Orleans; and Niyah Young, New Orleans.
Award recipients were Erykah Bell, Clinical Excellence Award; Shaundel Thomas, Florence Nightingale Award, presented to the student who best embodies the qualities of the mother of modern nursing; Claudean Capers, Spirit Award, chosen by the graduating class as the unofficial cheerleader for the group; and Lanata Fournette, Academic Achievement Award, presented to the student with the highest GPA in the graduating class. Also recognized were the officers of the Student Nursing Association at Nunez They were Jada McCathen, president; Claudean Capers, vice president; Erykah Bell, secretary; Briyanna Martin, treasurer; and Danielle Miller event coordinator Melissa Elsensohn is the director and program chair of practical nursing at Nunez.
JUNETEENTH
Continued from page 1G
for growth and creative expression, she said. People have had their vows renewed there, and others have had the opportunity to share and buy art and goods. But for her, it means creating faith and defining what freedom looks like for everyone.
The celebration kicks off at noon Friday at Congo Square inside Louis Armstrong Park, 701 N. Rampart St., in New Orleans, with a second-line. It begins at the corner of St Philip Street and North Rampart, then enters Congo Square for an afternoon of music, culture and education, ending at 5:30 p.m.
Headliner Dawn Richard is a musician with deep ties to New Orleans, playing R&B and pop music. She formed the group Dainty Kane and now performs with Redemption, New Breed and Second Line.
Other featured performances include New Groove Brass Band, New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies, Game Ova Skip, Dawn Richard, Watotos of Kumbuka, DJ RQ Away Flagboy Giz and more
Attendees can visit educational tents and resources, including REACH Center’s library card giveaway Southern University New Orleans’ small-business consulting, The Black School’s youth art and politics programs, Women of Action’s voting registration, and more. Arts and crafts, including African
textiles, embroidered jewelry, handmade soaps and upcycled goods, will be sold by local Black businesses.
Food options during the festival include acai bowls, Cajun jambalaya, barbecue, seafood, and sweet treats like candied grapes and sno-balls. Mobile food vendors and pop-ups include Lagnaipe Kitchen, Numada Honduran and Street Eats, among several others.
This year’s festival also includes free health screenings for attendees, provided by the Black Heart Association in partnership with Essence Festival of Culture.
The celebration continues Saturday at the Juneteenth Block Party on Bayou Road, which will run from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m
The final event of the festival is The Juneteenth Freedom Gala: Black Exodus, which begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at the André Cailloux Center for Performing Arts and Cultural Justice. Tickets are $50 and available online at www.nolajuneteenthfestival.org.
The festival this year also adds The Juneteenth Blueprint to Freedom Economic Summit, which begins at 11 a.m. Saturday at the André Cailloux Center
A panelist discussion will include local speakers, including Livingston, Caylin Parker, Joseph Cuillier, Lauren Turner-Hines and Tamah Yisael.
The summit will discuss professional strategies for business development and provide resources for financial wellness and economic development
“I wanted to give our community
PETS
Continued from page 1G
continue to suffer from heatstroke after being left in parked vehicles. Many people assume they’ll only be gone for a few minutes or that parking in the shade will help. It won’t.
On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can climb to dangerous levels surprisingly quickly
Cracked windows provide little relief and shade shifts as the sun moves.
Dogs cool themselves primarily by panting and through the pads of their feet. Once trapped in a hot vehicle, their body temperature can rise rapidly, leading to organ damage, heatstroke and death.
The safest approach is simple: If a dog cannot go inside at the destination, leave it at home.
Stay safe outside
While pet owners focus on air temperature, they may overlook the ground beneath their pets’ feet. Sidewalks, asphalt and concrete can become dangerously hot during the summer months.
Even when the air temperature feels tolerable, pavement temperatures can be hot enough to burn sensitive paw pads within seconds. A simple test is to place the back of the hand on the pavement for several seconds. If it is uncomfortable for a person, it is too hot for a dog.
Whenever possible, schedule walks for early morning or late evening, when temperatures are lower and surfaces have had time to cool.
Summer is also the time for hidden outdoor chemicals that can pose a serious threat to pets — insecticides, rodenticides, citronella products, tiki torch fuels and other outdoor chemicals.
Even products designed for people, such as sunscreen and insect repellents, may contain ingredients that are unsafe for animals.
Always use pet-specific products and follow label instructions carefully
If a pet is suspected to have ingested something toxic, contact a veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The dog days of summer are challenging enough without adding an emergency veterinary visit to the mix.
Water safety matters
Water safety matters, too. Summer often means pool
parties, boat rides and trips to the beach, but not all dogs are natural swimmers. Pets should always be supervised around pools and open water Introduce them to swimming gradually and never assume they instinctively know how to get out of a pool once they’re in. For boating adventures, properly fitted canine life jackets are a smart investment, even for strong swimmers. After swimming, rinse pets thoroughly to remove chlorine, salt water and other irritants from their skin and coat. Don’t let them drink pool water, which can upset their stomachs and expose them to chemicals.
Grooming could help When temperatures soar, many owners assume that shaving a long-haired dog is the best way to keep them cool.
In reality a dog’s coat often serves as insulation against heat and sun exposure. Shaving certain breeds too closely can increase the risk of sunburn and interfere with the coat’s natural ability to regulate temperature. Regular brushing is usually the better option, especially for dogs with thick coats and cats prone to shedding. If considering a dramatic summer haircut, consult a groomer or veterinarian first.
By providing plenty of fresh water limiting activity during the hottest parts of the day, protecting paws from hot pavement and never leaving pets in vehicles, owners can help ensure their furry family members stay safe all season long. After all, if the heat feels miserable to us, imagine how miserable it would be while wearing a fur coat.
EVENTS
June 20 — PetSmart Adoption Event, 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, from noon to 4 p.m. Meet puppies and dogs from Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from PetSmart and a new bed from ARNO. For more information, email adopt@ animalrescueneworleans. org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteerbased, no-kill shelter For more information on ARNO, visit www animalrescueneworleans. org.
PET OF THE WEEK
opportunities for financial partners, business information, and to let folks know what is there for them. It gives those people a place to speak,” Livingston said.
In years past, speakers of the Blueprint to Freedom would be at the festival, but this year, the conversation will have a designated day and space for open discussion.
‘It’s a reminder to folks’ Fresh Fruit Sensations, run by husband-and-wife team Don and Claire Harding, has been selling seafood salads and fruity drinks for 18 years and has appeared at the festival for the past three years.
Don Harding said the festival sends an important message of freedom and serves as a reminder of the hard battles of history
“It’s a reminder to folks,” Harding said. “Understand and know your history; carry it with you.”
For him, the festival is especially important in New Orleans because of the heavy role Congo Square played in the trafficking of slaves, where the festival itself is held on Friday. He said he believes it is important not to blend together Fourth of July and Juneteenth, for they are both distinct and important days.
“It’s good people celebrating a good cause, and it’s all positive,” he said.
Contributing writer Valerie Andrews contributed to this report. Violet Bucaro can be reached at violet.bucaro@theadvocate.com
Nunez
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
Levee safety group celebrates J. David Rogers Day
Community members, engineers, flood-protection advocates and locals gathered May 16 at the Levee Exhibit Hall and Garden for the inaugural J. David Rogers Day, organized by Levees.org. The event honored the late J. David Rogers and his work investigating the causes of the Hurricane Katrina levee failures.
Bagpiper Marta
Pictured are Levees.org founder Sandy
Vincent performed at the event to recognize Rogers’ efforts to correct the public narrative about the 2005 New Orleans flooding. Rogers showed that engineering and design flaws were key causes of the federal levee system’s collapse during Katrina.
Legendary locals dish on the spicy local characters of New Orleans
Ed Branley and Derby Gisclair
will take a romp through the stories and antics of some of New Orleans’ most famous people in New Orleans
Chris Smith
LIBRARY LAGNIAPPE
at 7 p.m. June 18 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Drawn from the pages of Branley’s book Legendary Locals of New Orleans, these characters put the spice in our gumbo from the early French and Spanish days to business owners, pirates, musicians, soldiers, politicians, sports personalities and more Patrons will learn what they never knew about some of these famous New Orleanians.
New Orleans native Branley has written five books for Arcadia Publishing, including “Legendary Locals of New Orleans” and Images of America books “New Orleans: The Canal Streetcar Line,” “Maison Blanche Department Store” and “New Orleans Jazz.” He is a graduate of Brother Martin High School in New Orleans and the University of New Orleans.
A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Gisclair is a member of the Society of American Baseball Research and its 19th century, minor leagues, deadball era, oral history and pictorial history committees. He heads the Schott-Pelican Chapter of SABR in Louisiana and serves on the nominating and selection committees for the Greater New Orleans Professional
Baseball Hall of Fame. He is the author of several books, including “Baseball in New Orleans,” “Baseball at Tulane University” and “The Dixie Series.”
Author events
Local author Kathy Chappetta
Spiess will discuss her new book, “The Faith of New Orleans,” at 7 p.m. June 23 at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
“The Faith of New Orleans” tells the story of Catholicism in New Orleans.
From the fervor of the Code Noir’s demand for Roman Catholic adherence to Bienville laying the cornerstone of the first church, the city’s Catholic roots run deep, stretching back to an era when papal authority was distant and the king’s emissaries held sway Spiess is a native of Metairie. She received her Bachelor of Arts from LSU and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She has authored and edited several books on New Orleans history In addition to her books, she has published short stories and poetry
Author Stephen Rea also recently had a book published by a major publisher, Simon & Schuster, titled “Ozzy and Me,” describing his tenure on the road with the rocker Ozzy Osbourne.
The event is at 9:30 a.m. June 20 at the Wagner Library, 6646 Riverside Drive, Metairie. He will talk about what it’s like to work with a major publisher and describe the journey from writing to editing, to getting an agent, to signing with Simon &
Make bookish crafts and get free library and book swag at the Middle Grade Book Club, Cita Dennis Hubbell Library, 725 Pelican Ave., 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 18.
Orleans libraries feature diverse summer programs
BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer
The New Orleans Public Library’s summer programming is in full swing. With dozens of free events for all ages and interests at library locations across the city, there’s something for everyone this summer Visit events.nolalibrary org to explore the full programming calendar, or check out some highlights below
June 17
Schuster in New York. Rea is also the author of two other books, “Finn McCool’s Football Club” and “World Cup Fever.”
Adult spelling bee
The Jefferson Parish Library will hold its annual Spelling Bee for Adults at 7 p.m. June 25 at the East Bank Regional Library Adults 18 years of age and older may participate in the Spelling Bee. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Participants should simply come to the event on the day it is held. The purpose of the Adult Spelling Bee is to promote good spelling and spelling habits, expand vocabulary and encourage accurate word usage and pronunciation. Individual competitors will be eliminated when they fail to spell a given word correctly Summer ACT Prep Camp
Get ready to boost your confidence and scores at the library’s four-week Summer ACT Prep Camp. Led by a certified teacher, sessions are designed to help students strengthen skills across all ACT subject areas — English, math, reading and science. Open to students in grades 9-12, with priority given to juniors and seniors. Registration is required on the library’s website. For more information, visit https://calendar jplibrary.net/event/summer-act-prepcamp-29078.
Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
n Community Arts and Literacy with YALA, Nix Library, 1401 S. Carrollton Ave., 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This interactive arts workshop, presented in partnership with Young Audiences of Louisiana (YALA), offers a unique learning experience for children ages 6 months to 5 years and their caregivers. n Young Alligators and Louisiana Wildlife Introduction, Nora Navra Library, 1902 St. Bernard Ave., 11 a.m. to noon and Nix Library, 1401 S. Carrollton Ave., 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Touch and handle Louisiana wildlife furs and skulls, plus live young alligators. For ages 6-12 and caregivers.
n Cardboard City STEAM Club, Central City Library, 2020 Jackson Ave., 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Work together to plan and build a miniature city using cardboard, clay and other found materials. Come every week or drop in for a single session. For ages 6-12 and caregivers.
June 18
n Afro-Caribbean Drumming Workshop for Kids With Majek Fingers, East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dive into Afro-Caribbean drumming with this fun, hands-on experience. Explore the djembe, learn its history, and play a few rhythms and songs — all in one high-energy session.
n Songwriting Workshop With Paul Faith, Robert E. Smith Library, 6301 Canal Blvd., 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Learn songwriting techniques using prompts to shake up your usual routine. Share a work in progress with fellow
songwriters. Visit events. nolalibrary.org to sign up. n Middle Grade Book Club, Cita Dennis Hubbell Library, 725 Pelican Ave., 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hang out and talk about the books you’ve been reading. Get book suggestions from peers or librarians to build your TBR (to-be-read list). Make bookish crafts and get free library and book swag. For ages 9-12. Visit events.nolalibrary.org to register
June 20
n Rainbow Story Hour, Mid-City Library, 4140 Canal St., 11 a.m. to noon Celebrate LGBTQIA families with stories, songs, and activities. For children ages 0-5 and their families.
n Nixies and Nightgaunts: Dungeons and Dragons, Nix Library 1401 S. Carrollton Ave., 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Experience the adventure, grandeur and thrills of tabletop Dungeons and Dragons role-playing. For ages 18 and up.
June 22
n Blue House Music, Milton H. Latter Memorial, 5120 St. Charles Ave., 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Explore the natural connections between language and music through singing and storytelling in this music-and-earlyliteracy workshop. For families with children up to age 5.
June 23
n Teen Tech Center on Tour, Central City Library, 2020 Jackson Ave., 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sample what the New Orleans Public Library’s Teen Tech Center offers, including a virtual tour of the center using a Meta Quest 3 For ages 11-18 n Local Pride, Readings by Local LGBTQIA Authors, Milton H. Latter Memorial, 5120 St. Charles Ave., 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Celebrate LGBTQIA Pride with readings of poetry and prose by local writers Genevieve Rheams, Fritz Westenberger, Essie Linzy and Gabrielle Octavia Rucker Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library
Rosenthal, left, and Jackie Shreves.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
OPERATION RESTORATION JUNE-
TEENTH COMMUNITY FESTIVAL:
Operation Restoration (OR), a New Orleans-based organization founded to support women and girls affected by incarceration, will host the fourth annual festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on June
19 at PotBelly NOLA, 2908 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in New Orleans. The free event will feature music, food, a resource fair, diaper distribution, legal assistance and voter registration support. www.or-nola.org
WADADA DAY JUNETEENTH IN MAR-
RERO: The traveling celebration of peace, unity, love and fun will take place 1-6 p.m. on June 20 at Wag’s Food & Culture, 1601 Plaza Drive in Marrero. The Alafia Market will showcase local artists, businesses and community organizations.
LAFCADIO FEST: The 2026 festival, a celebration of the life and legacy of New Orleans author Lafcadio Hearn presented and produced by the Japan Society of New Orleans, will be held 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on June 20 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum 400 Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans. Festivities include a scholars’ panel, a keynote address, community, food by Greta’s Sushi, virtual “visits” from the mayor of Matsue, Japan and Hearn’s great-grandson and musical surprises. Entry is free and open to the public. https://nolajazzmuseum org/ events/2026/6/20/lafcadio-fest-2026.
MINI RENAISSANCE FEST: Urban South Brewery, 1645 Tchoupitoulas St. in New Orleans, will host a mini festival starting at 11 a.m. on June 20. Activities include a makers’ market, miniature farm animals from Rowdy Rascals Petting Zoo and medieval games and challenges. Costumes are encouraged. This event is familyfriendly and free to attend. https:// urbansouth.com/upcoming-events.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ANNIVERSARY OF THE UPSTAIRS
LOUNGE FIRE MEMORIAL: Crescent City Leathermen will lay a wreath at the UpStairs Lounge fire site at 7 p.m. on June 24, at 604 Iberville St., in New Orleans. The ceremony honors the lives lost in one of the deadliest attacks on a gay club in U.S. history https://crescentcityleathermen net/
RUTH U. FERTEL DISCOVERY HOUSE: Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road in New Orleans, has opened a Rosenwald house modeled after a Rosenwald teacher’s residence, built with materials from a teacher’s residence in Liberty, La. Rosenwald Schools were funded by Julius Rosenwald in the early 20th century for Black children, with residences for their teachers. Rosenwald was the father of Edith Stern, who, with her husband, Edgar, built and lived at Longue Vue. https:// longuevue.com/.
MIDMOD HOME TOUR AND HAPPY
HOUR: The Preservation Resource Center will host a self-guided tour of three preserved midcentury homes from 5-8 p.m. on June 17. Tickets start at $25. https://prcno.org/event/2026midmod-home-tour-and-happy-hour/
DINE & DANCE: SWINGIN’ INTO SUMMER: A dinner dance featuring a three-course meal and music by the Victory Swing Orchestra will be held 5:30-8:30 p.m. on June 20 at BB’s Stage Door Canteen at the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St New Orleans. Tickets are $77 for members, $80 for non-members and $30 for the show only. www.nationalww2museum.org/events-programs/events/ dine-dance-swingin-summer.
QUEER SINGLES MIXER: The New Orleans Pride Center will host an LGBTQIA+ mixer, 5-7 p.m. on June 20, at The Original Nite Cap, 1300 St. Bernard Ave., New Orleans. Admission is free. https://nolapridecenter.org/ THERAPY, TESTIMONY AND TEA: Kairos Kingdom Sisters Ministry will host a women’s event, 1-5 p.m. on June 20, at 1158 Terry Parkway, Gretna. Activities include tea, treats, connections and wisdom from the featured expert Tickets start at $25.24 via Eventbrite PARADE OF HOMES: The 2026 Parade of Homes, sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO), will be held 1-5 p.m. on June 20-21 and June 27-28. This year’s homes feature a mix of newly built and renovated homes Attendees can also connect with builders, designers, lenders and real estate professionals for advice. Tour tickets are free but required. www
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS
hbagno.org.
NOAGE WALKING GROUP: New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ Elders (NOAGE) hosts a walking group each Monday, starting at 4 p.m. at the Magazine Street entrance to Audubon Park, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans. Adults of all ages are welcome. www noagenola.org.
MAHJONG MONDAY: Urban South Brewery, 1645 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans, will host a BYOBoards Mahjong night in the taproom at 6 p.m. on June 22. https://urbansouth.com/ upcoming-events.
SNO-BALL SOCIAL: Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, will offer free admission to the gardens and a free sno-ball, 3-5 p.m. on June 25. Members of the Longue Vue gardens team will discuss what’s in bloom this season. Registration is required. https://longuevue. com/event/whats-in-bloom-sno-ballsocial-3/.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
SENIORS AWARE AND STANDING
STRONG (SASS): Registration is open for Silence Broken, Inc.’s series of events supporting adults who have lived through Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The event runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 25 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6249 Canal Blvd., New Orleans. The topic is “How do ACEs affect our relationships?” The day includes information, movement and art activities, lunch and special giveaways. Registration is by email or phone. Admin@SilenceBrokenNow. org (504) 261-5834.
THEATER & CONCERTS
“ONCE”: The only show with music to win an Academy Award, a Grammy, an Olivier Award and a Tony, this love story set on the streets of Dublin will be performed June 4-21 at Le Petit
Théâtre Du Vieux Carré, 616 St. Peter St., in New Orleans. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m., with weekend matinees at various times. A free student matinee will be held at 10 a.m. June 11. Tickets start at $27. www.lepetittheatre.com/ events/once.
“CHICAGO”: Tickets are on sale for the Tony Award-winning musical by Bob Fosse, John Kander and Fred Ebb, to be performed June 18-21 by Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre at 103 Dixon Hall at Tulane University, 6823 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Evening curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Matinees start at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30. https:// liberalarts.tulane.edu/summer-lyrictheatre/tickets/chicago.
ECHOES OF THE HEART: NOCCA Stage Company will present a six-voice song cycle created and directed by Blake Coheley on June 18-20 at 7 p.m. and on June 21 at 2 p.m., at Press Street Station, at the corner of Homer Plessy Way and Royal Street in the Bywater. The event includes appetizers and cocktails. Tickets are $64.80 via Eventbrite. https://nocca.com.
TIPITINA’S FREE FRIDAYS: Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave. in New Orleans, will continue its free summer concert series for ages 21 and older on June 19 with Good Enough for Good Times and Daria & The Hip Drops. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. for all series concerts. https:// tipitinas.com/freefridays/. SEA SHANTY SING-ALONG: The Scurvy Baratarians, a crew of musical stowaways, will host a sing-along, 6-8 p.m.
on June 26 at Oak Street Brewery 8203 Oak St., New Orleans. Pirate garb is strongly encouraged. Children and dogs are welcome. Lyrics will be provided. https://scurvyband.com/.
CHROMATICA: A PRIDE BELLY DANCE
SHOW: An evening of movement, artistry, identity and community, presented by Karla Marie Shimmy Soul and Studio Shakti NOLA, will take place, 7-9:30 p.m. on June 20, at Café Istanbul, 2372 St. Claude Ave., Room 252, New Orleans. More than 50 dancers will participate. Tickets start at $25. studioshaktinola.com/rsvp.
“MACBETH”: The famous “Scottish play” will be presented June 25-July 12 as part of the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane. Performances will be held at the Lupin Theatre on the campus of Tulane University, 69 Newcomb Circle, New Orleans. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. for evening performances, with matinees at 1:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. https://neworleansshakespeare.org/. FUNDRAISERS & GALAS
WYES SEASON OF GOOD TASTES: The wine-pairing dinner series returns for its 33rd year, running from May through July. Each of the nine dinners is crafted by the host chef, with every course designed to complement the wines served that evening. Dinner prices range from $135 to $200 and include tax and gratuity. All dinners begin at 6:30 p.m. and benefit WYES Reservations are available online. www.wyes.org/tv/wyes-originals/ season-of-good-tastes.
SUMMER SOLSTICE RITUAL AND READ-
ING SALON: Greater New Orleans Pagan Pride will host a fundraiser from 6-10 p.m. on June 19 at the Neutral Ground Coffeehouse, 9000 Hickory St., New Orleans. Admission and ritual attendance are free. Reservations are available online. www gnopaganpride.com/event-details/ summer-solstice-ritual-and-readingsalon-fundraiser
BARKS & BRUNCH: Flamingo-A-Go-Go, 869 Magazine St., New Orleans, will host a fundraiser from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 20, benefiting Take Paws Rescue. The pet-friendly event features Flamingo’s signature brunch dishes, bottomless drink options and special dog-friendly treats. Reservations are available online. https://flamingonola.com THROTTLE FOR TOYS: A toy drive for Manning Children’s Hospital in New Orleans will be held from 10 a.m.1 p.m. on June 20 at NOLA Motorsports, 11075 Nicolle Blvd., Avondale. NOLA Fast Krewe will present bikes and exotic cars. Food and beverage vendors, artists and other vendors will be on site. Toys or monetary donations will be accepted.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
HIGH TEA BASICS: The Culinary Arts and Entrepreneurship program at Nunez Community College in Chalmette will hold a three-hour brunch class on June 20, 10 a.m. — 1 p.m., in the Culinary Café (Kane Building), 3710 Paris Road. Instructors Ronda and Doyle DeForest will teach the class. Participants can sip mimosas, learn to make brunch dishes, and eat gourmet tea sandwiches, scones, small pastries and tarts, and handmade chocolates. Tickets are $70. Register: www2.registerblast.com/ nunez-events/Event/EventDetailStep/892.
DUTCH OVEN SOCIETY: The Wego Cookers, part of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, will meet on June 20 at Pavilion 7 in Bayou Segnette State Park, 7777 Westbank Expressway in Westwego. All those interested in outdoor cooking in old-fashioned black iron pots are invited to attend. Set-up begins at 9 a.m., and sampling of the creations begins at 11:30 a.m. The event is free, but a $3 entrance fee for the park is required for those under 62. (504) 756-1853 jheiken209@ gmail.com.
MOVIES
LAKESHORE MOVIE NIGHT: Lakeshore Library, 1000 W. Esplanade Ave. in Metairie, will screen the 2025 John Wick series film “Ballerina” at 6:30 p.m. on June 17 in the library commons. The cast includes Keanu Reeves, Ana de Armas and Anjelica Huston. https:// calendar.jplibrary.net/event/lakeshore-movie-night-rated-h-m-19713.
BOOKS & LITERARY EVENT
AUTHOR SIGNINGS: Barnes & Noble, 3721 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie, will host book signings starting at 11 a.m. with Margaret Orr, author of “Scrim My Tail: As Told to Margaret Orr!” Connie Morgan, author of “The Runaway Beignet,” will sign books at 1 p.m. NOLADEEJ will sign copies of “Deserted New Orleans: A Journey Through Abandoned Landmarks” at 2 p.m. Deirdre Mitchell will sign copies of her children’s books at 3 p.m. https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/ store/2768.
“SCANDAL OF THE SUMMER”: Author Alexandra Vasti will discuss her newest book with Colleen Kelly at 7 p.m. on June 20 at Blue Cypress Books, 8123 Oak St. in New Orleans. Audience Q&A and book signings will follow. Tickets are $19. https://bluecypressbooks.com/event/scandalofthesummer.
MARITA CRANDLE: The author of “Mosquito — Southern Vampires” and “Mosquito II — Southern Vampires” will read from her books at 6 p.m. on June 22 at Garden District Book, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. The event is free. RSVPs are encouraged via Eventbrite. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com/events-1/daniel-fitzpatrickat-the-gdbs-1.
“LOVE, ME”: Author Tiffany D. Cross will celebrate the release of her new book at 6 p.m. on June 23 at Baldwin & Co., 1030 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans. General admission is free. Reserved copies start at $35.64 via Eventbrite. www.baldwinandcobooks. com/.
MEETINGS
NETWORKING LUNCHEON: The St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking lunch on June 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Today’s Ketch, 2110 E. Judge Perez, Chalmette. Local professionals, business owners, and community members are welcome. The event is free; guests pay for their own food and drinks. More info: www stbernardchamber.org/chamber-connections-networking-lunches.
CLASSES & LECTURES
RESEARCHING YOUR NEW ORLEANS
PROPERTY SEMINAR: Friends of the Cabildo will host a seminar on historic home research, led by Robert J. Cangelosi, Jr., adjunct lecturer at the Tulane University School of Architecture, 10 a.m.-noon on June 20 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave New Orleans. Tickets are $25 for museum members and $35 for general admission. Zoom participation is also available. Reservations can be made online at FriendsoftheCabildo.org. FLOW LIKE LAVA: Mistress Jacqueline will lead a workshop in Intro to Polynesian Dance, including the Hawaiian hula and the Tahitian Ori, starting at 12:40 p.m. on June 20 at Enchantress Dance and Fitness, 1820 Dickey Ave., Suite C, Harahan. Tickets are $32. www.enchantressnola.com/.
THE ALGIERS COURTHOUSE: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE: Former newspaper reporter Joseph Bonney president of the Friends of the Algiers Courthouse, will discuss the 1896 community landmark at the June 20 meeting of the Algiers Historical Society. The meeting, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., will be held at the Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive, Algiers. Admission is free. https://algiershistoricalsociety.org/index.html.
Donors receive ice cream voucher
Staff report
Ochsner will host blood drives across southeastern Louisiana in June, accepting all blood types with the greatest need being platelets and Type O. Donors will receive a voucher for a pint of Blue Bell ice cream through June 30, while supplies last, at all blood donation locations.
Ochsner Health will accept blood and platelet donations at the Ochsner Medical Center-New Orleans Blood Donor Center, next to OMC Medical Library-Hospital first floor 1514 Jefferson Highway in New Orleans, on the following dates: Mondays and Wednesdays 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fridays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Other Ochsner locations for blood donation include OCH Main Mobile, 1514 River Road, Jefferson, on June 15, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Ochsner Medical Center-West Bank, 2500 Belle Chasse Highway in Gretna, on June 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Ochsner Baptist-A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center 2700 Napoleon Ave. in New Orleans, on June 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, these locations will host blood donation drives: Xavier University, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, on June 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Department of Energy, 850 S. Clearview Parkway, New Orleans, on June 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; St. Charles Parish Hospital, 1057 Paul Maillard Road, Luling, on June 26, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and Knights of Columbus Belle Chasse No. 6357, 9016 La. 23, Belle Chasse, on June 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds; be free of cold or flu symptoms for 72 hours; have had no dental work (including cleaning) in the past 72 hours; have not donated whole blood in the last eight weeks; have had no transfusions for three months; have not lived with a person who has had hepatitis in the past three months; and have had no tattoos in the past three months from a facility that is unlicensed or not regulated by a U.S. state. Reservations can be made at ochsnerbloodbank.org/donorportal.
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD
Crescent City Leathermen will lay a wreath at the UpStairs Lounge fire site at 7 p.m. on June 24, at 604 Iberville St., in New Orleans.
