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MAHJN’ HISTORY

Community turns out for record-setting marathon and supports ARNO

BY CELESTE TURNER Contributing writer

New Orleans-area mahjong en-

thusiasts cheered on a four-person South Carolina team as they set the Guinness World Record for the longest consecutive mahjong game during a 48-hour charity challenge held June 28 to 30. While the South Carolina team played for 48 straight hours, participants at Metairie’s Fleur de Mahj, the area’s first dedicated mahjong parlor, took part in a concurrent “48 Games in 48 Hours” fundraiser beneﬁting Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) Mahjong instructor and cofounder of Fleur de Mahj Carrie Pailet said the event was a success for the parlor, which opened in January at 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 121, Metairie.

“We reached our goal of 48 games in 48 hours on the ﬁrst day,” Pailet said. With eight tables accommodating up to 32 players at a time, the parlor had enough registered participants to keep play going throughout the fundraiser “We had more than our capac-

ity,” Pailet said. “Every seat was ﬁlled. There were four women who came to play at 4 a.m. on Tuesday who called themselves the ‘mahjong breakfast club.’”

Pailet noted that she and cofounder Sheila Moragas raised approximately $1,500 for Animal Rescue New Orleans through $48 registration fees per participant and in-kind donations of pet food and supplies collected in exchange for rafﬂe entries. The funds support the organization’s mission to rescue, care for, and rehome animals across the city.

“People don’t realize that there’s a great need in animal crises,” Animal Rescue New Orleans Ginnie Baumann said, one of ARNO’s directors and vice president. “Since 2006, we have rescued 13,000 dogs and cats.”

To enhance the event, Animal Rescue New Orleans brought ﬁve adoptable dogs to Fleur de Mahj on Sunday

“It’s all about coming together, having fun and supporting a good cause, all while playing mahjong,” Pailet said

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de Mahj a New Orleans-area mahjong parlor hosts a unique 48hour charity event to benefit Animal Rescue New Orleans Players make their moves on June 29 in Metairie.

Planning a summer vacation is exciting. Booking ﬂights, packing suitcases and mapping out the itinerary are all part of the fun. Then comes one of the biggest decisions for pet owners: where will the dog stay? Whether the pup will be spending a few nights at a veterinary clinic, a traditional boarding kennel or one of today’s upscale pet resorts with splash pools and bedtime treats, choosing the right facility takes more than

reading a few online reviews. After all, our dogs are family members. Leaving them behind is stressful enough without wondering whether they’re receiving the care and attention they deserve. A little homework before booking can make all the difference. Finding the right facility

Start with trusted people. Online reviews are helpful, but some of the best recommendations still come from people we know Ask a veterinarian, groomer, neighbors and friends where they board their pets — and just as important, where they don’t. Personal experiences often tell us far more

Carousel Gardens in City Park was lit on July 11. City Park Conservancy sponsored the event that offered unlimited rides, a silent disco, glow item giveaways, a TikTok photo booth, a glitter

than a ﬁve-star rating.

Never feel uncomfortable asking to see where the dog will actually be staying. Pay attention to cleanliness, odors and the overall atmosphere. Do the dogs seem relaxed? Are staff members interacting with the animals, or simply walking past the kennels? A good facility should welcome questions and be proud to show people around. Ask about supervision, not just playtime. Many boarding facilities advertise group play, enrichment activities and daycare sessions. Those are wonderful amenities, but supervision matters even more. Ask how dogs

are grouped, whether temperament evaluations are required and what the staff-to-dog ratio is during play sessions. Dogs should be matched based on size, personality and play style, not simply put together because space is available. Also ask what happens when dogs are resting. Are they checked throughout the day and overnight? Is someone on-site after hours?

Figuring out the right option

Not every dog enjoys daycarestyle boarding. Some dogs thrive on playing with other pups all day, while others would much rather have individual walks, quiet time

and plenty of naps. There’s nothing wrong with either personality The better a boarding facility understands a dog’s temperament, medical history and routines, the better it can tailor the experience. If a pet takes medication, eats a prescription diet or has mobility issues, ask detailed questions about how those needs are handled. Who administers medications? What happens if a pet refuses to eat? Is someone trained to recognize signs that a dog may be ill? These conversations are much easier before check-in than during a vacation.

ä See PET, page 2G

STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER

Fleur

Percy Sherman, 7, plays with fluorescent bubbles.

Murrill rides the Fun Slide with his son Avery Murrill during Glow in the Oaks.

STAFF PHOTOS BY ENAN CHEDIAK

Visitors walk through the lights during Glow in the Oaks at City Park’s Carousel Gardens in New Orleans on July 11.

Loyola announces new hires across departments

Staff report

Loyola University New Orleans has announced a series of leadership hires across departments ahead of the 2026-2027 school year Julia LeBlanc has joined Loyola as director of communications. She is the founder of JLA Communications, a New Orleans-based strategic communications ﬁrm that has supported organizations in emergency management, healthcare, economic development and the arts. Her leadership experience includes serving as global public relations and events director for David Yurman and as vice president of marketing and communications and global brand ambassador for Marco Bicego, where she led international brand strategy media relations, events and communications initiatives in the luxury and ﬁne jewelry industries.

Patricia “Trish” Nugent has been named dean of the University Library at Loyola. Nugent previously

MAHJONG

Continued from page 1G

Setting the record

Long after the Crescent City players achieved their “48 Games in 48 Hours” goal, the South Carolina team broke the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous mahjong game at about 9 p.m. on June 29. The previous record, set by a Russian team, stood at 33 hours, 3 minutes, and 49 seconds.

Nancy de Zutter, a member of the record-setting team and owner of Cane Bay Mah Jongg in Summerville, South Carolina, said she was inspired to take on the challenge with support from fellow players and community partners, including Fleur de Mahj and The Pickle Bar in Summerville South Carolina, which donated venue space for the attempt.

“I am obsessed with the game, and I knew I could sit at a table playing mahjong for 48 hours,” de Zutter said.

According to de Zutter, every aspect of the 48-hour marathon had to be documented and verified by Guinness World Records. The team hired a videographer, provided photographic evidence, and kept two witnesses on-site at all times to oversee gameplay and monitor breaks. Team members also created the Facebook group “Mahj 48 Marathon Community Hub” to docu-

served as associate dean of engagement, research and special collections. She has led the university’s Special Collections and Archives operations for more than a decade, overseeing the preservation and accessibility of collections documenting Loyola history New Orleans culture, the Jesuit tradition and the Gulf South. As dean, she will oversee Monroe Library operations, research and instructional services, archives and special collections, and strategic initiatives supporting student learning, faculty scholarship and academic innovation across the university Kearney Gay has joined Loyola as assistant vice president of development, where he will lead the university’s major gifts strategy and development operations to support Loyola’s future growth and philanthropic priorities. A multigeneration New Orleanian, Gay brings fundraising and nonproﬁt leadership experience, including serving as senior associate athlet-

ment and share highlights of the world-record effort.

“Guinness World Records allows one ﬁve-minute break for every uninterrupted 60 minutes of play,” de Zutter said “We can stack that time. We played three hours and were allotted a 15-minute break. That way we could bank enough minutes to take a bathroom break and rest our eyes.”

Each player on de Zutter’s team prepared independently for the marathon event. Some held 24-hour practice sessions, while de Zutter organized two training days, inviting family and friends to play for 12-13 hours at a time.

The entire event was nonproﬁt, de Zutter said, with proceeds beneﬁting a food bank in South Carolina and the Alzheimer’s Association at the national level.

“We do this for the sheer joy of the game and to bring awareness to the charities,” de Zutter emphasized. “It is our true passion.”

Continuing the game

Back in Metairie, players from across the city gathered at Fleur de Mahj’s event, where they connected with new friends while supporting Animal Rescue New Orleans’s rescue mission

Jean Pritchett of Orleans Parish, a four-month beginner, said she came to Fleur de Mahj alone and met fellow players at her table, quickly forming a new mahjong group.

New Chalmette coach

ics director for major gifts at Tulane, where he helped raise more than $100 million for athletic facilities projects, including the Yulman Stadium initiative. His career has also included leadership roles with the American Red Cross and Team Gleason Foundation. Mark Harrington has been appointed senior assistant provost. In this role, Harrington will provide strategic oversight for the Student Success Center and lead university-wide initiatives focused on student retention, persistence, completion and postgraduate outcomes. Harrington returns to Loyola from Canisius University where he served as a faculty member, department chair, associate academic dean and assistant vice president for student success. Harrington also served as the founding chair and president of the Jesuit Student Success Network, helping shape collaborative approaches to supporting students across the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.

“That’s the beauty of mahjong,” she said. “You can always meet new people. I like the fellowship. We rescued a dog two years ago, so I believe in ARNO’s mission.”

Tara Waldron of Orleans Parish, who has played mahjong for three years, is already part of a foursome that meets regularly on Sundays.

The group registered for the Fleur de Mahj event together after learning about it on social media.

“We wanted to check it out,” Waldron said. “This is a great place to play and see other people in the mahjong community.”

Since the four-member team set a world record for the longest continuous mahjong game, Fleur de Mahj has gained momentum through open, guided, and league play for both new and experienced players.

Regular hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with additional classes and special events scheduled by appointment. The parlor’s website lists the latest schedule of events.

Pailet said the parlor offers a Beginner’s Boot Camp for those who want to learn how to play mahjong in a single day As the game’s popularity grows following the new mahjong world record, Moragas said, “We were so excited to be a part of mahjong history.”

Devon Jefferson Sr has been named head basketball coach for the Chalmette Owls.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Continued from page 1G

Getting a call that Fido escaped the boarding facility is a sureﬁre way to ruin a vacation and cause a lot of stress. Ask about fencing, double-gated entry systems, leash procedures and how dogs are transported between indoor and outdoor areas. Some facilities also offer webcams that allow owners to check in throughout the day While certainly not essential, they can provide peace of mind.

Living in south Louisiana means emergency planning should always be part of the conversation. It’s hurricane season. Ask what happens if severe weather threatens while pets are boarded. Does the facility have an evacuation plan? Will pets shelter in place? How will owners be notiﬁed if an emergency occurs? It’s also important to leave an emergency contact who can pick up the pet if travel delays prevent a prompt return.

Making it work

If a dog has never been boarded before, consider scheduling a daycare visit or even a single overnight stay before a weeklong vacation. This helps identify any concerns before a longer stay and gives the dog a chance to become familiar with the new surroundings.

Pack a little piece of home. Many facilities allow owners to bring a favorite blanket, toy or even an old T-shirt that smells like home.

Familiar scents can help ease anxiety, especially for dogs that haven’t boarded before. Just be sure to label everything clearly

Leaving town is never easy when the pets are staying behind, but choosing the right boarding facility can make the experience much less stressful for everyone.

EVENTS

July 25 — PetSmart Adoption Event, 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, from noon

Astrid is one of the longest cat residents at Animal Rescue New Orleans after coming to the shelter in October 2025. Fast forward to today, she’s 10 months old and has spent most of her youth just waiting for a home. Astrid is the lady for you if you want a kitty that likes people of all ages, dogs and other cats. To learn more, email adoptionteam@animalrescueneworleans org or submit an application at animalrescueneworleans.org/adoptfoster

to 4 p.m. Meet puppies and dogs from Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). All approved adopters will receive a PetSmart coupon book 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.

Jefferson Parish students attend leadership academy Republican Women’s Club of Jefferson Parish sponsored 15 high school students from Jefferson Parish to attend Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy, a leadership development program that empowers young women in grades 9-12 through education, civic engagement and hands-on learning experiences. Held at Nicholls State University, the 2026 academy included 84 attendees from 19 parishes. Pictured from left, front row, are Angelle Deadford, Liv Dunn, Louisiana Center for Women in Government and Business Executive Director Laura Badeaux, Louisiana Center for Women in Government and Business Corporate Board Member Faith Peperone, Addison Kirkpatrick, Elba Moloina Flores and Morgan Markey; back row, Presley Kish, Evelyn Dicasali, Zoe Crosbie, Sophia Quintero, Briana Lucas, Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy Media Team Member Bella Polk and Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy Chair Kristen Borne. Not pictured are Kimberly Ortiz, Valery Oliva and Junior Counselor Natalie Magnon. THEEASTJEFFERSON -ADVOCATE

crescentcity@theadvocate.com

N.O. library seeks volunteer curators for local music platform

BY JANE LEGROS Contributing writer

The New Orleans Public Library is seeking volunteers to help curate the 2026 class of Crescent City Sounds, the only music streaming service composed exclusively of New Orleans-based artists.

The library-built platform launched in October 2022 with 30 local artists and has since grown to a catalog of 225 albums from more than 200 bands Crescent City Sounds aims to help up-and-coming musicians build a following and gain access to the local music scene, while establishing a lasting record of what New Orleans music is today, using software designed by Rabble.

Library associate Joshua Smith spearheaded the Crescent City Sounds project and now leads curation and platform maintenance. As the library heads into the ﬁfth round of music submissions, Smith said he hopes to attract a team of community curators with a wide range of backgrounds and musical tastes to ensure the platform reﬂects New Orleans’ vast musical scene.

“Our curation team really is the heart of this project,” Smith said. “Crescent City Sounds is strongest when we have as many different voices as possible at every level so that we can highlight the beautiful diversity of New Orleans. We encourage anyone who feels like they have the expertise to apply to be a curator.”

The library will select between six and eight community members to work with Smith and a team of library staff to curate the ﬁfth group of local artists. If chosen for the platform, artists will receive an honorarium of $300 per album. Curators must be at least 18 years old, based

in New Orleans and have a strong connection to local music.

“We’re asking the public to self-identify as a candidate due to the wide array of voices, backgrounds and identities that populate the local music scene,” Smith said.

“You may love everything about New Orleans music, or you may be deeply embedded in a speciﬁc corner of the scene most people don’t even think about, or land somewhere in between Whatever makes you special makes New Orleans special, and that is what we are trying to capture through this project.”

Past curators include Tavia Osbey, manager of Tank and the Bangas; music journalist Alison Fensterstock; local rapper Alfred Banks; members of the popular cover band LSD Clownsystem; talent booker Mark Roberts; and pop music scholar and author Kyle DeCoste, to name a few

“Curating for Crescent City Sounds hipped me to lots of new music, put me in touch with other curators who also care deeply about the wellbeing of the city’s music and musicians, and allowed me to contribute to a free public resource for music-lovers everywhere,” DeCoste said.

“If you’re serious about good music and care about the music of New Orleans, curating for Crescent City Sounds is one way to demonstrate and deepen that care.”

Curator applications are open now through August 17. Music submissions will be accepted from Sept. 4 through Oct. 2, and new music will be released in December To apply, visit crescentcitysounds. org.

Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library

Students can get college planning help at upcoming Jefferson workshop

Carol Langston will discuss the need to “Start College Planning Early” at 6 p.m. on July 30 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Dr Langston will cover topics for students entering eighth through 12th grades.

Topics will include when your gradepoint average matters, which extracurriculars to consider, how to prepare for entrance exams, how to visit colleges and how to be proactive.

Langston has worked as a college counselor for more than 30 years. She has presented at several national college admissions conventions and served as an admissions reader for a college in the Northeast for three years. Currently, she works as an independent college admissions adviser and is the owner of Langston Educational Consulting LLC.

Author Event

Lori Downs, an environmental engineer and recognized climate and sustainability leader, will discuss her new book, “Second Nature: How to Build Ecohabits that Stick,” at 7 p.m. on July 29 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Downs believes people want to live more sustainably but habits don’t stick because most sustainability advice ignores how habits actually form.

She says her book shows how to make sustainable behavior automatic.

Drawing on real-world climate and sustainability experience, Downs breaks down the psychology of habits and provides a clear system for building ecohabits that last Instead of relying on motivation, readers will learn to make small changes that ﬁt into daily routines and stick.

Most sustainability advice focuses on information. This book focuses on behavior “Second Nature” provides a practical way forward for people who: n Started to go green, then slipped

Powering Progress

Louisiana is at the forefront of Shell’s

laptop or Surface tablet issues (2012 or newer) can bring their devices for repair on Monday at 5 p.m. at the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey Patrons may bring up to two devices. Desktop computers, servers, mobile phones, e-readers, external hard drives, printers and fax machines are not accepted. Patrons should back up their devices before the event and bring chargers, cords, USBs and external hard drives.

This event is open to Jefferson Parish residents, who should bring proof of residence.

Patrons with a reciprocal NOLA card will be seen if time allows. Registration is required via the JPL website. Call (504) 838-1144 for information.

Music event

The Jefferson Community Band performs American music at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary

Warehouse sale

back into old habits.

n Felt overwhelmed about where to start.

n Wondered whether their actions really make a difference.

The book provides a simple system for building ecohabits, explains how habit formation works and how to leverage its power shows how to overcome setbacks and break unfriendly habits, offers real examples for daily life, and provides worksheets to plan, track and reinforce progress.

Downs is an environmental engineer and recognized climate and sustainability leader with more than 25 years of global experience. She has empowered thousands of people to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors that have resulted in signiﬁcant and lasting change. Downs lives in the Greater New Orleans area with her family, where she champions ecohabits at home, such as meal planning to reduce food waste and using reusable products.

Device repair clinic

Jefferson Parish residents with

The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will sponsor a Warehouse and Puzzle Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Patrons are encouraged to arrive early to purchase the boxes of books, as past sales have sold out in under an hour

Mixed media boxes will be sold for $5 each. They may include CDs, children’s books, cookbooks, and ﬁction paperbacks and hardbacks. These boxes cannot be opened before purchase.

DVDs will be sold for $10 per box. Each box is labeled with its contents and cannot be opened before purchase.

Jigsaw puzzles will range from $2 to $6. Payment can be made with cash or credit card. For more information, contact the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library at (504) 4552665 or friendsjpl@yahoo.com. Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library

With thousands of Shell men and women across thestate,we areworking everyday to reduce emissions, while increasing efﬁciency in ouroperations

Our tomorrowdepends on what we do today. Together, we arepoweringprogressfor abrighter future. Louisiana is whereweliveand we’reproud to call it home

Chris Smith LIBRARY LAGNIAPPE

FILE PHOTO The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will sponsor a Warehouse and Puzzle Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS

BACK TO SCHOOL MARKET: The City of Harahan will host a craft market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 25 at Harahan Playground, 6601 10th St. Harahan. All proceeds beneﬁt Harahan Playground.

BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE-THRU

GIVEAWAY: Inspire NOLA and Zulu Community Services Foundation will hold a giveaway starting at 10 a.m. on July 25 at McDonogh 35 High School, 4000 Roneagle Way, New Orleans. This event is free and open to the public. Items will be distributed on a ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served basis, with one backpack per child in the car and one computer per vehicle

BACK TO SCHOOL MAKEUP WORK-

SHOP: Makeup artist Kellie Bode will lead a hands-on workshop at 6 p.m. on July 29 at NOLA Gifts & Decor, 5101 W. Esplanade Ave., Suite #1, Metairie. The cost is $65 per person Registration is available online at www.nolagiftsanddecoronline.com/ shop/workshops/102

COMMUNITY EVENTS

NATIONAL JURIED ART SHOW: The New Orleans Art Association is seeking artists for the 2026 show which will run at The Building in New Orleans, Oct. 3-31. Artists from around the country are showcased in the annual exhibition, which awards more than $5000 in cash and additional merchandise prizes. Entries will be accepted through ShowSubmit until Aug. 3. noartassoc.org.

LOUISIANA RESIDENTS DISCOUNT

MONTH: The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans, offers reduced-price museum admission to Louisiana residents during July Through July 31, state residents with a state-issued photo ID can get half off a general admission ticket with access to all exhibits or the best-value experience package with access to all exhibits, “Beyond All Boundaries,” and the Freedom Theater. www.nationalww2museum.org/louisiana.

LATE NIGHT LASER: Kenner Planetarium and Megadome Cinema will host the third in its Friday night series on July 24 at Rivertown, 2020 Fourth St. in Kenner. Queen will perform at 7 p.m., Foo Fighters at 8 p.m., and Rush at 9 p.m. Admission is $6 per person per show. www kenner.la.us/348/Features-andAttractions.

EDUCATOR DAY: The Historic New Orleans Collection will host a special opportunity to visit “American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition,” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 25 in the first-floor Tricentennial Wing, 520 Royal St. in New Orleans. Teachers can explore interactive 3D reconstructions of the defining moments of the American Revolution in this new exhibition experi-

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS

ence. Admission is free with RSVP. https://hnoc.org/events/educatorday-american-revolution-2.

HARLEY HANGOUT: New Orleans

Harley-Davidson will continue its Hangout Saturdays at 11 a.m. on July 25 at 6015 Airline Drive in Metairie. In addition to all-day demo rides, there will be music, cold drinks and barbecue. www neworleansh-d.com/Events.

BIG EASY ROLLER DERBY: The Big Easy Roller Derby Second Line and the Crescent City Crushers will headline a doubleheader on July 25 at 3632 Desire Parkway in New Orleans. Doors open at 4 p.m., with the Juniors game at 5 p.m. as the Crushers take on the Cyber Punk. At 7:30 p.m., the Second Line takes on Montgomery. Food and drink will be available for purchase, along with rafﬂe items and merchandise. Suggested door donation is $10. www bigeasyrollerderby.com/.

GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS:

Ambush Magazine presents the 36th awards, 6 to 9:30 p.m. on July 25 at the Marigny Opera House, 721 St. Ferdinand St., New Orleans. The awards honor members of the LGBTQ community who are often overlooked for their outstanding service and efforts. Tickets start at $23.18 via Eventbrite. www.ambushmag. com/ambush-magazine-announcesthe-top-5-for-the-2026-gay-appreciation-awards/.

LRA SHOWCASE: The Louisiana Restaurant Association will hold its 73rd annual event, July 25-26, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans. Activities include networking, education, industry innovation and global culinary competitions. Tickets start at $60. https://events.american-tradeshow. com/lra2026/attendeelanding.

AKC LAGNIAPPE CLASSIC DOG

SHOW: Metairie Kennel Club and Louisiana Kennel Club will sponsor a show featuring more than 1000 dogs of all breeds, July 30-Aug. 2, at the Alario Center, 2000 Segnette Blvd., Westwego. alariocenter. com/mec-events/akcs-lagniappeclassic-dog-show-presented-by-themetairie-kennel-club-the-louisianakennel-club/.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

TIDES OF CALM WELLNESS NIGHT: Destination Healers will host an immersive experience on July 26 at the Audubon Aquarium, 1 Canal St., New Orleans. The event features guided meditation and a sound bath. There will be two session times: 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Participants should bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow and an optional eye mask. This event is for ages 16 and older. Tickets start at $60. https://ticket.audubonnatureinstitute.org/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=store&c=33.

YOGA WITH CATS: NOLA Cat Lounge, 1029 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, will host a special workout experience on July 26, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Yoga mats and cats will be provided. Tickets are $35.92. www.purplepass. com/events/380061-cat-yoga-jul26th-2026.

FAITH & RELIGION

CELEBRATION CHURCH: The church will host a beautiﬁcation day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 25 at the Metairie campus, 2001 Airline Drive in Metairie. In preparation for Friend Sunday, participants will help with weeding, washing and wiping. https://celebrationchurch.org/. SINGLES MINISTRY CONFERENCE 2026: Registration is open for “Don’t Waste Your Life,” a day of inspi-

ration, fellowship and spiritual renewal, to be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 1 at Franklin Ave. Baptist Church, 8282 I-10 Service Road in New Orleans. Registration is $25 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. www.franklinabc.com.

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/seasonof-good-tastes.

STREETCAR STRUTTERS SKATE NIGHT: The Streetcar Strutters will host a beneﬁt from 7 to 10 p.m. on July 23 at Airline Skate Center, Inc., 6711 Airline Drive in Metairie. The event is open to the public. In addition to open skating, area groups, including the Muff-a-lottas Dance Troupe, Nola Bombshells, Nola Showgirls Marching Club and the Streetcar Strutters, will perform. The entry fee is $15, cash only. This is an 18-and-up event. Proceeds beneﬁt Big Easy Animal Rescue of New Orleans. https://sites.google. com/streetcarstrutters.com/streetcar-strutters/home.

SPAGHETTI DINNER: Metairie Humane Shelter will sponsor a fundraising dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. on July 25 at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 6017 Camphor St. in Metairie. Each dinner includes spaghetti, salad, bread and a drink. Desserts will be available for sale. Each plate is $16. Reservations will be taken at (504) 458-0531. metairiehumane.org.

THEATER & CONCERTS

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 July 24 with Soul Brass Band + The Next Level Band and on July 31 with New Orleans Suspects + Brass Tyrannosaurus. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. for all series concerts. https://tipitinas. com/freefridays/.

“THE ROSE TATTOO”: Tickets are on sale for the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans run of the three-act Tony Awardwinning play, a tale of tragedy set in Mississippi, July 23-Aug. 9 at the Marquette Theatre on the campus of Loyola University, 6363 St. Charles Ave. in New Orleans. Evening curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Matinees begin at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $13 via Ovationtix. www.twtheatrenola.com.

MELLOW MOOD MONDAY: Rueben Williams and his reggae/ska band,

FIREBRAIN, will perform from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on July 27 at The Broadside, 600 N. Broad St., New Orleans. The show is free. www.simpletix. com/e/free-reggae-mellow-moodmondays-with-ﬁreb-tickets-280921.

“A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC”: Stephen Sondheim’s 1973 Tony Awardwinning musical, featuring “Send In The Clowns,” will be performed by Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre July 30-Aug. 2 at Dixon Hall on the Tulane campus, 6823 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m., with the Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $32 via Tix.com. https://liberalarts. tulane.edu/summer-lyric-theatre/ tickets/little-night-music.

“A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER”: The Tony Awardwinning musical comedy opens the 2026-2027 season for Jefferson Performing Arts Society at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre, 177 Sala Ave., Westwego. The show runs July 31-Aug. 9, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $42 via Ticketmaster. www.jpas.org/theatre/westwego-performing-arts-theatre

CULINARY EXPERIENCES

SUMMER ABROAD WINE CAMP: Ralph’s on the Park, 900 City Park Ave. in New Orleans, will host the Sparkling Across Europe summer wine series, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on three Wednesdays, starting July 15 and running through Sept. 16. It will explore wines from Italy, France and Spain. Each class features a guided tasting of three pours, paired with curated light bites. Aug. 19 will focus on Champagne and French sparklers. Sept. 16 will feature cava and Spanish sparklers. Tickets start at $58. www.ralphsonthepark.com.

SUMMER SABER FRIDAYS: Brennan’s Restaurant, 417 Royal St. in New Orleans, will host a Friday afternoon series in July and August, during which guests can learn the art of sabrage — slicing open a bottle of Champagne with style. Seatings are available in 30-minute increments between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The experience ticket includes a pre-selected bottle of bubbly (Bisol “Crede” Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore 2022), the saber lesson and tax and gratuity. A Spectator Ticket can be added for additional guests to enjoy the show. Seating is ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served. Ticket price does not include a reserved table. Tickets are $75. www.brennansneworleans. com/events.

SUMMER SOMMELIER TOURS: Brennan’s Restaurant, 417 Royal St. in New Orleans, will host wine cellar tours with their sommeliers, Saturdays at 3:30 during July and August. The tour includes three wine tastings and light bites. Tickets are $65. www.exploretock.com/brennans/ event/612168/summer-sommeliercellar-tours.