Happy Thanksgiving! If you're traveling this weekend, please be safe. Despite all the lousy economic news, we still have much to be thankful for: our family and friends, our resilient country and its citizens, and the healing power of music. Hope to hear from you soon and have a great weekend holiday!

If you don't read the print version of OffBeat, you're missing some stuff that we don't have online. For example: we don't include our "Classic Song" series, nor do we include our ongoing series on musicians' cooking. So far, Irma Thomas has made Baked Macaroni and Cheese; John Boutte, his Oyster Pie, and we'e got a lot more to show you in upcoming months. OffBeat makes a great Christmas gift for anyone who loves New Orleans music, food and culture. We're not a "city magazine," or an "alternative weekly," or even an "arts publication." OffBeat is a little bit of all three, and our award-winning editorial and layout bring a fresh perspective on our home town and its Louisiana environs. Buy a subscription for a friend or friends. It's a gift that keeps on giving, and helps to sustain local musicians and the local New Orleans economy. If you want to subscribe in time for Christmas, click here.

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Read Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Jan Ramsey's monthly commentary "Mojo Mouth".

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OffBeat's Please support our advertisers and reserve space now in our annual "Best of The Beat Awards" January 2009 issue. The deadline for space reservations is December 15.

OffBeat's annual blowout awards show, the "Best of The Beat Awards" will be held on Saturday January 31, 2009 at the House of Blues. Stay tuned for talent, information on voting and ticket sales!

Last year, the French Market honored the late Tuba Fats (pictured) with "Tuba Tuba Tuba," a day of tuba-centric music culminating with a sousaphone orchestra organized by Kirk Joseph. Friday, the French Market presents "Tuba Tuba Tuba 2" from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting with two sousaphone-led processions at 11:10, one leaving from Conti and Decatur and one from Dumaine and Decatur. They'll merge at Jackson Square and St. Ann and continue to Battery Park across the street from Jackson Square for a sousaphone ceremony and performance. Afterwards, the Kirk Joseph-led ensemble will second line to the Barracks Street Stage, where music will continue all afternoon with the New Wave Brass Band (12:30 p.m.), Loose Marbles (1 p.m.), Tin Men (2 p.m.), Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove (3:15 p.m.) and Kirk Joseph, Anders Osborne, John "Papa" Gros and Jeffery "Jellybean" Alexander (4:30 p.m.). Sousaphone-oriented ensembles will be also perform throughout the French Market.

Luderin Darbone of the Hackberry Ramblers passed way last Friday at the age of 95. The fiddle player co-founded the group with accordionist Edwin Duhon in 1933 and continued playing until earlier this year, and his final performance was part of a tribute to the Hackberry Ramblers that took place during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The Ramblers enjoyed a career renaissance late in life when their 1997 album Deep Water was nominated for a Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album, and in 2002, Darbone and Duhon received National Heritage Fellowships from the Folk Arts Program of the National Endowment for the Arts. In January 2004, Darbone and the band were featured in the documentary Make 'Em Dance: The Hackberry Ramblers' Story, which was nationally broadcast on PBS. One of Darbone's fiddles is on permanent display at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

THE LIFE OF REILLY

On Sunday, the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival presents a staged reading of A Confederacy of Dunces. The two shows at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. will be fundraisers for the festival, and they'll feature the talents of Becky Allen, Shirl Cieutat, Bob Edes, Francine Segal, Nell Nolan, and John "Spud" McConnell as Ignatius J. Reilly. The show's at Le Chat Noir (715 St. Charles Ave.); tickets are $50, students, $35. The ticket is also good for a $10 coupon toward a ticket order for the 2009 Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival. For tickets, call 1-(800) 990-FEST or email boxoffice@... with "Seating" in the Subject line.


EASY, BREEZY, BEAUTIFUL

Midem is the international music market held yearly in Cannes, and as a part of it, there will be a songwriting competition for a Cover Girl Brand Anthem. Artists interested in submitting songs can do so by sending them to Midem.GreyMu sicNYC.com. Deadline is January 15.


TURKEY DINNER

For those who don't have other Thanksgiving dinner plans, Sheriff Marlin Gusman hosts the Sheriff's Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Morial Convention Center Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. George French and Irma Thomas and the Professionals will be among the artists entertaining the diners.


ST. JOAN

Next year will be the first night for the St. Joan of Arc Krewe's Twelfth Night Joan of Arc procession down Decatur Street. It will take place January 6, and the krewe is looking for musicians who can play flute, mandolin, dulcimer or violin and who want to be part of the event. The parade and celebration of Joan of Arc's birthday will involve walking in costumes and with candles through the French Quarter. Interested musicians should write stjoankrewe@....

Our December issue of OffBeat focuses on Christmas music, our writers' choices for best CDs of the year, the 50th anniversary of New Orleans venerable bar, Pat O'Brien's, the wacky world of Quintron and Ms. Pussycat, Charlie's Steakhouse, a BackTalk with songwriter Jimmy Webb, "Gravy" featuring a recipe by Ingrid Lucia, and much, much more.

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VH1 Soul is located on channel 362 on Cox Cable locally, and it has a new program called Soul Cities, hosted by writer Nelson George. On Tuesday at 8 p.m., the show on New Orleans will air. It was shot after the Essence Music Festival and includes Irma Thomas, Raheem DeVaughn (who performed at Essence), DJ Soul Sister, Terrence Blanchard, Kermit Ruffins and Big Sam of Big Sam's Funky Nation.

BIG SAM'S FUNKY NATION
Dec 5 Austin TX Continental Club

MARC BROUSSARD
Dec 2 Spanish Fort AL Bluegill Restaurant
Dec 4 Lake Buena Vista FL House Of Blues
Dec 5 Saint Petersburg FL State Theater
Dec 6 Delray Beach FL City Limits
Dec 8 Jacksonville FL Freebird Live
Dec 9 Charleston SC Music Farm

CHUBBY CARRIER THE BAYOU SWAMP BAND
Dec 5-6 Kansas City MO Knuckleheads Saloon

JON CLEARY, GEORGE PORTER, JR. APPEARING WITH JOHN SCOFIELD
Nov 27 Zurich SWI Moods
Nov 28 Monte Carlo MON Jazz Festival
Nov 29 Sacile ITA Teatro Zancanaro
Dec 1 Innsbruck AUT Treibhaus

ELLIS MARSALIS
Dec 5-6 Baton Rouge LA Performing Arts Theater

AARON NEVILLE
Dec 5 Nashville TN Wildhorse Saloon
Dec 6 University Park IL The Center For The Performing Arts

AARON NEVILLE QUINTET FEATURING CHARLES NEVILLE
Nov 30 Alexandria VA Birchmere
Dec 2-3 Annapolis MD Rams Head On Stage

IVAN NEVILLE'S DUMPSTAPHUNK
Dec 6 Charleston SC The Pour House
Dec 8 Athens GA Georgia Theater

GEORGE PORTER JR. WITH JOHN SCOFIELD THE PIETY STREET BAND
Nov 27 Zurich SWI Moods
Nov 28 Monaco MTC Jazz Festival
Nov 29 Sacile ITL Teatro Zancanaro
Dec 1 Innsbruck AUS Treibhaus

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND
Dec 2 Traverse City MI Traverse City Opera House
Dec 4 Lake Worth FL Palm Beach Community College
Dec 5 Jacksonville FL Church Of The Good Shepherd
Dec 6-7 Leesburg FL Lake Sumter Community College

QUINTRON AND MISS PUSSYCAT
Nov 29 Miami FL Churchill's Pub

CHRISTIAN SCOTT
Dec 2-3 Oakland CA Yoshi's
Dec 4 Santa Cruz CA Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Dec 5 Chico CA Harlan Adams Theater
Dec 6 Portland OR Someday Lounge

THE SAVOY-DOUCET CAJUN BAND
Dec 4 Asheville NC Grey Eagle Music Hall
Dec 5 Winston Salem NC The Garage
Dec 6 Carrboro NC ArtsCenter

TROMBONE SHORTY ORLEANS AVENUE
Nov 28 Louisville KY Headliners Music Hall
Nov 29 Nashville TN Exit In

Thursday night, Preservation Hall's Brass Band Thursday presents the Paulin Brothers Band at 8 p.m., and later that night the Rebirth Brass Band has its Thanksgiving Blowout at the Howlin' Wolf. Garage rockers the Royal Pendletons also return on Thursday night with a record release party for their new album, Nites Along the Mississippi.

James Hall is back in town for the weekend, and he plays the Circle Bar on Friday night. Also that night, Jeff and Vida (pictured) play the early show at d.b.a. followed by the Tin Men around 10 p.m. Evan Christopher's at Dos Jefes, the White Bitch is at the Dragon's Den, and E.O.E. opens for Latin Grammy winners Café Tacuba at Tipitina's. E.O.E. will be joined by Doug Dietrich and Anthony Cuccia, and they're sponsoring a toy drive for the kids in Children's Hospital. Those who bring a new toy to the show will receive a limited edition E.O.E sticker. Sweet Lorraine's presents the first night of a two-night stand with Michael Ward and special guests Joey Sommerville and guitarist Eric Essix.

On Saturday, Ward's weekend at Sweet Lorraine's continues, and the Dragon's Den presents the Gulf Coast Hardcore Fest with A Hanging, We Need to Talk, Justin Bailey, We Are the Living, Idiot Icon, Legion, Severe Discomfort, Bloated Carcass, Party Time, Werewolf Casey, Reclaim Life, Mordechai, Hangtime, A Fist Full of Fingers, and the Fun Boys. Tab Benoit, James Hall and Louisiana LeRoux play the Rock 'n' Bowl, and John Gros, Anders Osborne and John Fohl are at Carrollton Station. E.O.E. with Doug Dietrich and Anthony Cuccia continue their toy drive shows at Café Lazziza. They'll take the toys to Children's Hospital when they play there Wednesday. Mose Allison returns to Snug Harbor, where he'll perform with Johnny Vidacovich and James Singleton for a two-night stand.

On Sunday, Mose Allison returns to Snug Harbor. Vic Shepherd plays a free show at Peaches at 3:30 while author Kit Wohl will sign her cookbooks. Also that night, Gov't Majik is at Hookah Café and the Hi Ho Lounge presents the Magic-Chamber Band featuring Helen Gillet on cello, Rick Trolsen on trombone, Matt Rhody on violin and Justin Peake on micro-percussion.

Monday night, horror rockers the Misfits are at the House of Blues with Rock City Morgue and Scott H. Biram opening. The Howlin' Wolf has a night of indie hip-hop with MC Lars, MC Frontalot, G-Eazy and YT Cracker, and d.b.a. has Galactic's Rich Vogel's Organ Trio.

Tuesday night, Latin soul band Los Poboycitos play the Rock 'n' Bowl and the Johnny Vidacovich Duo's at d.b.a.

Wednesday night, Marva Wright's at the CoCo Club.

Looking ahead, Thursday, December 4 sees "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home IV" coming to Tipitina's. The show is a benefit for Sweet Home New Orleans with Will Oldham (Bonnie "Prince" Billy), Nicole Atkins, Hank Shocklee of the Bomb Squad and Future Frequency), Alec Ounsworth (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit of Flobots) and Waterflow of Senegalese hip-hop band Wageble.

The subdudes: Live And Acoustic (Biographica Films)
November 4, 2008
Jimmy Breaux Friends: Live at Festivals Acadiens(Way Down in Louisiana)
Keith Frank: Love, Fear, Respected (Soul Wood Records)
Brice Miller: A Day In The Life Of Brice Miller (Miller Mack)
Leo Nocentelli: Say Na Hey (Independent)
Christian Scott: Live at Newport (Concord)
Truckstop Honeymoon: Great Big Family (Squirell)
Various Artists: Festivals Acadiens: Live 1981 (2 CDs)(Louisiana Crossroads)

November 10, 2008
Harry Connick, Jr.: What A Night! - A Christmas Album (Columbia)
Santeria: Year of the Knife (Independent)
Various Artists: Piano Blues Boogie 1938-39 (Solo Art)

November 29, 2008
The Courtyard Kings: The Courtyard Kings (Independent)
Desoto Street Band: Desoto Street Band (Little King Records)
The subdudes: Live And Acoustic (Biographica Films)
Toubab Krewe with Hot 8 Brass Band: Live (Upstream)
Lucinda Williams: Live from Austin Texas (New West)

December 1, 2008
Jimmy Carpenter: Toiling in Obscurity (Independent)

December 16, 2008
Justin Peake Robin Boudreaux: Submerge (Ears Eyes)

Touch Trio: Touch (Ears Eyes)

We Landed on the Moon!: These Little Wars (Independent)

January 20, 2009
BeauSoleil: Alligator Purse (Yep Roc)

Released in October 2008
Bobby Charles: Bobby Charles (Rhino)
Dash Rip Rock: Country Girlfriend (Abitian Records)
Jo "Cool" Davis: Jo Cool Sings Soul Gospel (Jo Cool Productions)
David Egan: You Don't Know Your Mind (Out of the Past)
Don Ewell and Yoshio Toyama: Duet (Jazzology)
Gumbeaux Rouge: Stirrin' It Up (Jin Records)
Joe Krown, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Russell Batiste, Jr.: Live at the Maple Leaf (Independent)
Les Freres Michot: La Caroline (LFM)
Magnolia Jazz Band: Evening Prayer (GHB Records)
Joseph "Zig" Modeliste: Obama Groove (Single) (JSM Records)
Aaron Neville: Greatest Gospel Hits (EMI)
Quintron: Too Thirsty for Love (Goner Records)
John Royen: In The Beginning (Independent)
Vic Shepherd: Crescent City Serenade (Independent)
T-Broussard the Zydeco Steppers: Super T (Independent)
Various Artists: A Jazz Blues Christmas (Putumayo)
Various Artists: New Mardi Gras Classics (Abitian Records)
Lucinda Williams: Little Honey (Lost Highway)
Zydepunks: Finisterre (NMR)

Released in September 2008
Brint Anderson: Brint Anderson (Brinttunes)
Theresa Andersson: Hummingbird, Go! (Basin Street Records)
Vince Anthony: Swamp Poppin' Blues (Midnight Gold)
Barisal Guns: No. 1 (Independent)
B.G. Chopper City Boyz: Life in the Concrete Jungle (Chopper City Records)
Marc Broussard: Keep Coming Back (Atlantic)
Cowboy Mouth: Fearless (Valley Entertainment)
Donald Harrison: The Chosen (Nagel Heyer)
The Iguanas: If You Should Ever Fall On Hard Times (Yep Roc)
Lenny Jorns: Cover the Shit with Flowers (Independent)
Jean Knight: R&B Queen of New Orleans (Independent)
Lost Bayou Ramblers: Vermilionaire (Bayou Perdu Records)
Porter Batiste Stoltz: Moodoo: Live at Club Metrnome (High Steppin')
Daryl Sherman: New Orleans (Audiopfile)
Armand St. Martin his Bayou Bohemian All- Stars : Katrina Anthem (Patty Lee)
The Tomatoes: Divisionism (Revolution Blues Music)
TriFunctA: Hangin' (Independent)

Borders opens, Theresa Andersson's news, Harry Connick, Jr. 's Christmas and more.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 27
Apple Barrel: Dave Gregg the Odd Man Band (BL) 8p, Andre Bouvier the Royal Bohemians (BL) 10:30p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Blue Nile: DJ T-Roy (RG) 11p
Café Beignet: Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (JV) 6p
Café Lazziza: call club
Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone): John Autin (PK) 9p
d.b.a.: Royal Pendletons (JV) 10p
Dos Jefes: Lantana Trio (LT) 9:30p
Fritzel's: Charlie Fardella Richard Scott (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Big Al Carson the Blues Masters (BL) 8p
Howlin' Wolf: Rebirth Brass Band Thanksgiving Blowout (BB) 10p
Kerry Irish Pub: Chip Wilson (BL) 9p
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Jeff "Snake" Greenberg (PK BL VR) 6p
Le Bon Temps Roule: Soul Rebels House Party (BB) 11p
Maple Leaf: the Trio feat. Johnny Vidacovich, Tony Hall and more (FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Eddie Parino (RR) 7p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: Zydeco Night feat. Geno Delafose (ZY) 8:30p
On Trois (Ritz Carlton Hotel): George French Trio (JV) 5:15p
Preservation Hall: Brass Band Thursday feat. Paulin Brothers Band (TJ) 8p
Snug Harbor: call club
Tropical Isle Beach Club: Waylon Thibodeaux (PP) 5p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Corey Michael (VR) 5p, Debi the Deacons (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Dwight Breland (PP) 5p, Late as Usual (PP) 9p
Vaughan's: Kermit Ruffins the Barbecue Swingers (MJ) 10:30p

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 28
Apple Barrel: Kenny Holladay and Rick Westin (BL) 8p, the Hip Shakers (BL) 11p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Balcony Music Club: the Touchables (RR) 8p, J Monque D Blues Band (BL) 10:30p
Blue Nile: Enharmonic Souls (OR) 11p
Bombay Club: call club
Café Beignet: Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (JV) 6p
Café Lazziza: Chris Royal Jazz (JV) 7:30p
Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone): John Autin (PK) 9p
Carrollton Station: Jimmy Robinson (RR) 10p
Circle Bar: James Hall (AU) 10p
Creole Queen Paddlewheeler: New Orleans Spice (JV) 7p
Crescent City Brewhouse: New Orleans Streetbeat (JV) 6p
d.b.a.: Jeff Vida (BL) 6p, Tin Men (MJ) 10p
Dos Jefes: Evan Christopher (TJ) 10p
Dragon's Den: White Bitch (RR) 10p
Fritzel's: Chuck Brackman Barry Foulon (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Mark the Pentones (BL) 4p, Big Al Carson the Blues Masters (RR) 8p
Hi Ho Lounge: Rik Slave the Phantoms (RR) 10p
Hookah Café: Ladies Night feat. DJ EF Cuttin (RB RH) 10p
Howlin' Wolf: Pandemic, Sole Pursuit, Centerpunch (RR) 10p
Kerry Irish Pub: Slewfoot Blues Band (BL) 5p
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Jeff "Snake" Greenberg (PK BL VR) 6p
Le Bon Temps Roule: Joe Krown (PK) 7p, Juice (FK RR) 11p
Loews Hotel: Jerry Reyes (PK) 7p
Maple Leaf: Papa Grows Funk (FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Danny T. (KJ) 7p
Market Café: Andy K. and Bobby Love (OR) 5p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: Bucktown All- stars (PP) 9:30p
Mulate's: La Touche (KJ) 7p
Old Point Bar: Westbank Mike the Fischer Projects (BL) 9:30p
On Trois (Ritz Carlton Hotel): George French Trio (JV) 5:15p
Palm Court Jazz Café: Palm Court Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark (JV) 8p
Preservation Hall: NOLA All-stars (TJ) 8p
Rivershack: Wattusi Radio (BL) 7p
Snug Harbor: Ellis Marsalis Quartet (MJ) 8 10p
Steamboat Natchez: Dinner Jazz Cruise feat. Dukes of Dixieland (TJ) 7p
Tipitina's: Café Tacuba (OR) 10p
Tropical Isle Beach Club: Waylon Thibodeaux (PP) 5p, Willie Locket (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Corey Michael (VR) 5p, Debi the Deacons (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Al Hebert (PP) 5p, Late as Usual (PP) 9p
Yo Mama's: improv comedy (CO) 8p, Sol Fiya (RR FK) 10p

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 29
Apple Barrel: Sneaky Pete (BL) 8p, the Hip Shakers (BL) 11p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Balcony Music Club: Happy Hour Acoustic Show (AU) 5:30p, Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove (FK) 10:30p
Blue Nile: Soul Rebels (BB) 11p, Jealous Monk (upstairs) (RR) 10p
Café Beignet: Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (JV) 6p
Café Lazziza: call club
Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone): John Autin (PK) 9p
Carrollton Station: John Gros, Anders Osborne and John Fohl (RR) 10p
Creole Queen Paddlewheeler: New Orleans Spice (JV) 7p
Crescent City Brewhouse: New Orleans Streetbeat (JV) 6p
d.b.a.: John Boutte (JV) 7p, Egg Yolk Jubilee (OR) 11p
Deutsches Haus: Danny O'Flaherty (FE) 7p
Dos Jefes: George French (BL JV) 10p
Dragon's Den: Gulf Coast Hardcore Fest feat. A Hanging, We Need to Talk, Justin Bailey, We Are the Living, Idiot Icon, Legion, Severe Discomfort, Bloated Carcass, Party Time, Werewolf Casey, Reclaim Life, Mordechai, Hangtime, A Fist Full of Fingers, the Fun Boys (RR) 2 p; Flow Tribe, M@ People's Collective (RR) 10p
Fritzel's: Chuck Brackman Richard Scott (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Mark the Pentones (BL) 4p, Big Al Carson the Blues Masters (RR) 8p
Hi Ho Lounge: Terranova, the Unnaturals, Knock Galley West (RR) 10p
Hookah Café: call club
Kerry Irish Pub: Denise Marie (BL) 5p, Andre Bouvier the Royal Bohemians (BL) 9p
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Jeff "Snake" Greenberg (PK BL VR) 6p
Le Bon Temps Roule: Gal Holiday the Honky Tonk Revue (CW) 10p
Loews Hotel: Jerry Reyes (PK) 7p
Maple Leaf: Morning 40 Federation (RR FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Irving Bannister's All-stars (RB) 4p
Market Café: Andy K. and Bobby Love (OR) 5p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: Tab Benoit, James Hall and Louisiana LeRoux (BL) 9:30p
Mulate's: Bayou Deville (KJ) 7p
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park: Treme Brass Band (TJ) 11a, NOLA Trio with Todd Duke Chris Cole (TJ) 2p
Old Point Bar: Delfeayo Marsalis (MJ) 7p, Josh Garrett the Bottom Line (BL) 10p
On Trois (Ritz Carlton Hotel): George French Trio (JV) 5:15p
Palm Court Jazz Café: Palm Court Jazz Band feat. Lionel Ferbos (JV) 8p
Preservation Hall: Preservation Hall Jazz Band (TJ) 8p
Rivershack: Kim Carson (BL) 10p
Rusty Nail: DJ Third World Nathan (VR) 10p
Snug Harbor: Mose Allison, Johnny Vidacovich and James Singleton (MJ) 8 10p
Southport Hall: the Molly Ringwalds (PP) 10p
Steamboat Natchez: Dinner Jazz Cruise feat. Dukes of Dixieland (TJ) 7p
Tipitina's: call club
Tropical Isle Beach Club: Waylon Thibodeaux (PP) 5p, Willie Locket (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Corey Michael (VR) 5p, Debi the Deacons (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Al Hebert (PP) 1p, Dwight Breland (PP) 5p, Late as Usual (PP) 9p
Yo Mama's: improv comedy (CO) 8p, Deadly Four (RR) 10p

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30
Apple Barrel: Sebastian and Rick Westin (BL) 3p, Rollin' Hills (BL) 8p, Margie Perez (BL) 10:30p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 10:30a 6:30p
Balcony Music Club: Gal Holiday the Honky Tonk Revue (CW) 8p
Bombay Club: Phillip Melancon (PK) 7p
Café Beignet: Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (JV) 6p
Café Lazziza: the Cuban Revolution (OR) 9p
d.b.a.: Palmetto Bug Stompers (JV) 6p, Alex McMurray the Go-Cup All-stars (OR) 10p
Fritzel's: Lisa Lynn (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Mark the Pentones (BL) 4p, Willie Locket (BL) 8p
Hi Ho Lounge: Scatterjazz (JV) 10p
Hookah Café: Gov't Majik (RH) 9p
House of Blues: Nat Alex Wolff, Savannah (PP RR) 4:30p
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Jeff "Snake" Greenberg (PK BL VR) 6p
Maple Leaf: Joe Krown Trio feat. Russell Batiste and Walter "Wolfman" Washington (FK BL) 10p
Margaritaville: Irving Bannister's All-stars (RB) 4p, Eddie Parino (RR) 7p
Marigny Brasserie: Pfister Sisters (JV) 11:30a
Market Café: Andy K. and Bobby Love (OR) 5p
Melange (Ritz-Carlton): jazz brunch feat. Armand St. Martin (JV) 10a
Mulate's: Bayou Deville (KJ) 7p
Muriel's Jackson Square: jazz brunch feat. Joe Simon (JV) 11a
Old Point Bar: Jesse Moore (RR) 3p
Palm Court Jazz Café: Sunday Night Swingsters feat. Tom Sancton (JV) 8p
Preservation Hall: St. Peter All-stars (TJ) 8p
Snug Harbor: Mose Allison, Johnny Vidacovich and James Singleton (MJ) 8 10p
Spotted Cat: Yvette Voelker (JV) 4p
Steamboat Natchez: Dinner Jazz Cruise feat. Dukes of Dixieland (TJ) 7p
Tipitina's: Sunday Music Workshop Series feat. Leslie Smith (SS) 12:30p, Cajun Fais Do Do feat. Bruce Daigrepont (KJ) 5:30p
Trinity Church: Ruth Bakke, organist (CL) 5p
Tropical Isle Beach Club: Waylon Thibodeaux (PP) 5p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Corey Michael (VR) 5p, Debi the Deacons (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Al Hebert (PP) 9p

MONDAY DECEMBER 1
Apple Barrel: Sam Cammarata and Dominick Grillo (BL) 8p, the Hip Shakers (BL) 10:30p Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Banks Street Bar: Beaucoup Crasseaux (BL) 10p
Circle Bar: Bourbon Cowboys (RR) 10p
CoCo Club: Kurt Brunus Project (BL) 7p
d.b.a.: Rich Vogel Organ Trio (JV) 10p
Dos Jefes: John Fohl (BL JV) 9:30p
Dragon's Den: Justin Peake's Acoustic Trio (AU) 8p, Rex Gregory (JV) 10p
Fritzel's: Chuck Brackman and John Royen (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Willie Locket (BL) 8p
Hi Ho Lounge: Bluegrass Pickin' Party (BU) 8p
House of Blues (The Parish): 3oh!2, Innerpartysystem, Chain Gang of 1974 (RR) 6p
House of Blues: Misfits, Rock City Morgue, Scott H. Biram (RR) 9p
Howlin' Wolf: MC Lars, MC Frontalot, G-Eazy and YT Cracker (RH) 10p
Jazz Emporium: Tribal Butterfly (JV) 8p
Kerry Irish Pub: Kim Carson Friends (BL) 9p
Maple Leaf: Papa Grows Funk (FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Brint Anderson (BL) 7p
Prejean's (Lafayette): Les Freres Michot (KJ) 7p
Preservation Hall: 726 Jazz Band feat. William Smith (TJ) 8p
Snug Harbor: Charmaine Neville (MJ) 8 10p
Spotted Cat: Jerry Jumonville (JV RB) 6:30p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Partytime Band (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Bruce Bono (PP) 9p

TUESDAY DECEMBER 2
Apple Barrel: Mike Sklar (BL) 8p, Kenny Schwartz the Palace of Sin (BL) 10:30p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Banks Street Bar: Reggae Jam feat. the Uppressors (RG) 10p
Blue Nile: Upscaled feat. Roy McGrath and Daniel Stephenson (MJ) 8p, Justin Peake Group (MJ) 9:30p
Carrollton Station: acoustic open mic night (AU) 10p
Circle Bar: Mosquitosapaghus, the Sarah Quintana Band (RR) 10p
CoCo Club: Kurt Brunus Project (BL) 7p
d.b.a.: Johnny Vidacovich Duo (JV) 10p
Dos Jefes: Joe Krown (PK) 9:30p
Dragon's Den: Jake Saslow (JV) 10p, Schatzy (upstairs) (RR) 10p
Fritzel's: Tom Fisher and Friends (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Big Al Carson the Blues Masters (BL) 8p
Jazz Emporium: Tribal Butterfly (JV) 8p
Kerry Irish Pub: Jason Bishop (BL) 9p
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Jeff "Snake" Greenberg (PK BL VR) 6p
Maple Leaf: Rebirth Brass Band (BB) 10p
Margaritaville: Brint Anderson (BL) 7p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: Los Poboycitos (LT RR) 8:30p
Prejean's (Lafayette): Woody Daigle (KJ) 7p
Preservation Hall: Preservation Hall-stars feat. Kerry Brown (TJ) 8p
Snug Harbor: Jesse McBride the Next Generation (MJ) 8 10p
Southport Hall: Live Band Karaoke (RR) 9p
Trinity Church: Organ Labyrinth (CL) 6p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Partytime Band (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Dwight Breland (PP) 9p
Voodoo Barbecue: Marc Stone's Voodoo Duo feat. Patrick Williams (BL) 6p
Yo Mama's: Beth Patterson (FE) 8p

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 3
Apple Barrel: Sista Otis (BL) 8p, Mike Darby (BL) 10:30p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Banks Street Bar: Gravity A (RR) 11p
Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone): John Autin (PK) 9p
Carrollton Station: stand-up comedy open mic night (CO) 9p
Circle Bar: Golden Animals, Glorybee (RR) 10p
CoCo Club: Marva Wright (BL) 7p
d.b.a.: Walter "Wolfman" Washington the Roadmasters (BL) 10p
Dos Jefes: Bob Andrews (BL JV) 9:30p
Dragon's Den: Dancehall Classics feat. DJ T- Roy (RG) 10p
Fritzel's: Charlie Fardella (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Big Al Carson the Blues Masters (BL) 8p
Hookah Café: Latin Night feat. DJ Sosa (LT) 9p
Jazz Emporium: BRW (JV) 8p
Kerry Irish Pub: Chip Wilson, Jesse Moore and Don Williams (BL) 9p
Maple Leaf: call club
Margaritaville: Brint Anderson (BL) 7p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: Swing Night feat. Joe Krown (SI) 8:30p
Palm Court Jazz Café: Palm Court Jazz Band feat. Lars Edegran and Topsy Chapman (JV) 8p
Prejean's (Lafayette): Woody Daigle (KJ) 7p
Preservation Hall: Essential New Orleans Jazz Band feat. Carl LeBlanc (TJ) 8p
Rusty Nail: Jenn Howard (OR) 6p
Snug Harbor: Irvin Mayfield the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (MJ) 8 10p
Spotted Cat: Pfister Sisters (JV) 6:30p
Trinity Church: gospel workshop feat. Albert Bemiss (GS) 6:30p
Tropical Isle Bourbon: Partytime Band (PP) 9p
Tropical Isle Original: Dwight Breland (PP) 9p

CLASSICAL

NOVEMBER 2-30
Trinity Artist Series: Albinas Prizgintas presents this eclectic concert series every Sunday throughout November at Trinity Church, 1329 Jackson Ave. Check the OffBeat daily listings for scheduled performances. 5p.

CONCERTS

NOVEMBER 28
Battle of the Bands: The Bayou Classic's legendary musical event puts legendary school bands in a battle for the crowd. Louisiana Superdome. 7p.

FESTIVALS

NOVEMBER 28-JANUARY 1
Celebration in the Oaks: Celebrate the holidays in City Park with lighted figurines and a Christmas village with live music, food, art and displays. (504) 483-9415, www.celebrationintheoaks.com.

THROUGH DECEMBER 7
Louisiana Renaissance Festival: Live out your medieval fantasies in Hammond with swordsmen, jugglers, free-flying hawks, glassblowers and even full-contact jousting. Sat. Sun. 10a-5p. (985) 419-9376, www.larf.org.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

DECEMBER 1-23
Cathedral Concerts: The St. Louis Cathedral hosts a series of free concerts of Christmas music by local choirs and prominent musicians including Ellis Marsalis, Phillip Manuel and Theresa Andersson. The series starts December 1 at 6 p.m. with Irvin Mayfield. For a schedule, go to "Christmas New Orleans Style" at www.fqfi.org.

DECEMBER 2-20
Chef's Holiday Cooking Demonstrations: Learn how to prepare some great holiday dishes from some of the best chefs in town. The Shops at Canal Place. Wed.-Thu. 3p. (504) 522-5730.

SPECIAL EVENTS

NOVEMBER 29
Bayou Classic: More than just a sporting event, the 35th annual football game between Grambling and Southern will turn the city into one big party.

THROUGH JANUARY 18
Prospect.1 New Orleans: Witness the largest biennial of international contemporary art ever organized in the United States. For more information, a schedule and list of locations, visit www.prospectneworleans.org.

THEATER

THROUGH DECEMBER 7
The Seafarer: It's a lonely Christmas Eve in North Dublin. Sharky Harkin and his blind brother Richard stock up on booze for some celebratory Christmas Eve poker. When their raffish old friends drop by with a dapper if darkly mystifying guest, the stakes become deadly serious. Southern Rep Theatre. (504) 522-6545, www.southernrep.com.

Once again, Harrah's and the Fulton Street merchants have set up Miracle on Fulton Street, complete with two lighted, faux-snowy tunnels and for the first time, Santa, live reindeer and a giant gingerbread house.

On Saturday, a Metairie tradition starts its final season as the Christmas lights on Al Copeland's house (5001 Folse Dr. where Transcontinental meets the lake) will be lit for the final time. Next year, his lights will moved to Lafreniere Park as was planned before Hurricane Katrina. The lights are typically over the top, and they'll be plugged in at 6 p.m. This will be the first time the lights have been lit since Copeland died earlier this year of Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

On December 13, the Copeland Family will host a "Heaven on Earth" gala to raise money for Merkel Cell Carcinoma research. For details and tickets, go to AlCopelandFoundation.org. [

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