Information overload...or not?
I really love the web. For anyone with a curious mind, it's a fantastic resource. I feel sorry for all the old Internet-resistant folks out there--who are obviously not reading this newsletter--since they can't enjoy the access to knowledge the internet provides. What I don't like is that the web access, in many ways, can have a very negative impact on culture and history. Yes, we can use it to find out more historical facts, but we also have to put up with spam and malicious viruses. We can post our photos online, but what happens to them if the electricity goes away, for whatever reason? You know damned well you don't print them out.
I certainly not knocking technology; I'm the gadget freak in my household. But in some ways, we're losing some of our humanity with the advent of tech. I personally think you get a much better rounded appreciation of the news by reading a newspaper, not logging onto a news website. Kindles are really great, but it's much harder to make notes in the margins with a keyboard! There's a lot to be said for using more of your senses than just vision in acquiring knowledge. I love the feel and smell of books. I like to listen to artisans tell me how they make their products, and why they do what they do. Call me an old-fashioned geek. It's fine with me.

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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Please help us by completing our latest survey here.

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

If you haven't done so already, please renew your OffBeat subscription. We want to be able to continue to update you on what's happening down here, y'all!

As always, we appreciate your reading OffBeat, and the Weekly Beat, our e-publication, and welcome your comments on what can make it better.

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!

For the last two years, the Future of Music Coalition and progressive activist group Air Traffic Control have coordinated efforts to bring such musicians as Steve Earle, Tom Morello, My Morning Jacket's Jim James, OK Go's Damien Kulash, Boots Riley, Corin Tucker, Kimya Dawson andJon Langford to New Orleans for an activism camp that discusses how artists can best use their standing for public good. This week, Will Oldham (Bonnie "Prince" Billy) (pictured), Nicole Atkins, Hank Shocklee (Bomb Squad, Future Frequency), Alec Ounsworth (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit (Flobots), Waterflow (of Senegalese hip-hop band Wageble), Steve Berlin, John Boutte, J. Tillman (Fleet Foxes) and members of Bonerama are part of the three-day program, and they'll perform individually and together Thursday night at Tiptina's at "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home IV." The show is a benefit for Sweet Home New Orleans.

Jim James says, "I feel so fortunate to be able to have come to New Orleans to learn and celebrate with fellow friends, artists and musicians from NOLA and around the country. It is so important for us to keep New Orleans and its rich musical heritage alive and on people's minds alongside the many other issues the world is dealing with right now. It's hard to believe there are still countless unresolved situations from the damage and mismanagement of Katrina and other Gulf Coast storms. The good people of New Orleans deserve their due, as there are still so many wrongs to be righted and unfinished situations that need to be dealt with fairly."

OffBeat and Tipitina's have two pair of tickets to give away for the show to the first two readers who can identify the band Steve Berlin is best known for playing in. Send your answers to alexrawls@.... (Note: winners can only win once per Weekly Beat).

In December's OffBeat, we reported on the Howlin' Wolf turning 20 this month. In the story, Jeff Hannusch traces the club's history from its early days in Fat City to its current home in the Warehouse District. All month, the Wolf will celebrate its birthday with a series of special shows starting this weekend with a "Brass Off" Friday with Rebirth Brass Band, Soul Rebels Brass Band and the Hot 8 Brass Band , and a funk show Saturday night with PBS (Porter, Batiste, Stoltz) with John Gros, and The Trio featuring Johnny Vidacovich, George Porter, Jr. , John Gros, and special guest Kirk Joseph.

OffBeat and the Howlin' Wolf have three pairs of tickets to give away to Saturday night's funk extravaganza to the first three readers who send the correct answer to the following question to alexrawls@...: On what date did the Howlin' Wolf open?

THE RETURN OF OBTV

OffBeat editor Alex Rawls appears again this week on WLAE's A Greater New Orleans Thursday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. He'll talk about Christmas music, David Egan's new album You Don't Know Your Mind, OffBeat cover story subjects Quintron (pictured) and Miss Pussycat, and more.


OPENING BORDERS

The new Borders location Uptown (3338 St. Charles Ave.) will have its official grand opening this weekend with a host of in-store activities including a number of live performances. On Friday at 6 p.m., the Rebirth Brass Band will play, followed at 7:30 by the Thelonious Monk Institute Ensemble. On Saturday, the Iguanas will play at noon, Theresa Andersson will play at 2 p.m., followed by the Pinettes at 4 and the Wild Magnolias at 4:45. At 6 p.m., OffBeat presents a Saturday night music festival with Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue, the Joe Krown Organ Trio, Los Poboycitos and Paul Sanchez. On Sunday, Lindsay Rae Spurlock performs at 4 p.m., then Dr. Michael White at 7.


FREE TO DRINK!

Friday is Repeal Day, celebrating the events of December 5, 1933 when the 18th Amendment was repealed and prohibition ended. Dewar's Scotch Whiskey says it was one of the first liquors legally served in the country, and it's behind Repeal Day, with Dewar's cocktails such as an Old Fashioned, Ward Eight and the Rob Roy on sale in historic bars around the country including Pat O Brien's (which opened two days before prohibition was repealed-a fact revealed in our story on Pat O'Brien's piano bar in the current issue), Antoine's, Tujague's, the Napoleon House, the Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar, the Court of Two Sisters, Commander's Palace and Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop


SAVING NEW ORLEANS ONE CALLER AT A TIME

Wednesday night from 8 p.m. to midnight CST, the Plains Radio Network will host a four-hour broadcast of Bob Vernon's Honest American News dedicated saving America's music, particularly the music of Louisiana. The money raised during the call-in show will go to the Cultural Recovery Fund and will benefit the New Orleans South Africa Connection. The show will feature calls from Louisiana artists as well as Louisiana music. To pick up the webcast, go to PlainsRadio.com.


COULD YOU BE BROWN?

Brown, the comedy improv troupe, will have a live auditions at the Voodoo Mystere Lounge (718 N. Rampart St.). Interested audience members will be invited to be part of the show Thursday night at 10:30 p.m. Your host and contact is P.H. Fred. For information, call (504) 458-2641.

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 Miss Pussycat, Charlie's Steakhouse, a Backtalk with songwriter Jimmy Webb, "Gravy" featuring a recipe by Ingrid Lucia, and much, much more.

If you are reading this email but you do not subscribe to the print edition to OffBeat we encourage you to purchase a subscription.

When you buy an annual subscription you receive 12 issues including the Jazz Fest Bible issue and a free unique compilation CD of Louisiana music.

IF YOU'RE ALREADY A PRINT SUBSCRIBER, HERE'S A SPECIAL OFFER:Renew your subscription for two years and we'll send a non-subscriber friend a FREE 6- month subscription to OffBeat.

To take advantage of this offer, please email JosephIrrera@... to renew your subscription and give us the name and address of your friend so we can make them an "OffBeater."

If you like the Weekly Beat, please consider this small investment in our ability to provide information on New Orleans and Louisiana music and culture, and to pu rchase an OffBeat subscription.

Your subscription supports OffBeat and the Weekly Beat.

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SINGLE ISSUES: Domestic and Canadian (except Jazz Fest issue) $6; Jazz Fest issue $10; Rest of the Word (except Jazz Fest issue) $10; Jazz Fest issue $12.

Thank you so much for supporting New Orleans and Louisiana culture by reading OffBeat and the Weekly Beat.

This weekend is the inaugural New Orleans Songwriter's Festival, a celebration of the song featuring Allen Toussaint, Zachary Richard, Jimmy Webb and more. It starts Friday night at the Blue Nile with the New Orleans Songwriters Festival/Bluebird Café Open Mic hosted by the Bluebird's Barbara Cloyd. One musician who plays and stays will win a free Louisiana-made Composite Acoustics ("CA") High Gloss GX guitar, and everybody will win something. It runs from 8 p.m. until midnight, with a special guest at 10 p.m. The evening is a chance to be heard, to meet other songwriters, and play before an audience of peers.

On Saturday, the Louisiana Music Factory will host CD- release parties for Jenny Brooks (2 p.m.) and Mark Stephen Jones (3 p.m.), and at 3 p.m., the Blue Nile will host a songwriter's circle with Mary Gauthier, Susan Cowsill, Jim McCormick and Ralph Murphy. At 8 p.m., there will be another writer's round, this time at the House of Blues with Jimmy Webb ("Wichita Lineman," "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "MacArthur Park"), Allen Toussaint, Zachary Richard and Cassandra Wilson (pictured). OffBeat and the Songwriter's Festival have a pair of tickets to the show at the House of Blues for the first person who sends the title of two more Jimmy Webb songs to alexrawls@....

BIG SAM'S FUNKY NATION
Dec 5 Austin TX Continental Club
Dec 12 Houston TX Continental Club

BONERAMA
Dec 16 Boulder CO Fox Theater
Dec 17 Crested Butte CO The Eldo

MARC BROUSSARD
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
Dec 11 Knoxville TN Bijou Theater
Dec 12 Charlotte NC Neighborhood Theater
Dec 13 Atlanta GA Center Stage
Dec 14 Birmingham AL WorkPlay Theater
Dec 17 Chicago IL Park West

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

DR. JOHN
Dec 11-14 Washington DC Blues Alley

CHRIS KLEIN THE BOULEVARDS
Dec 11 Berkeley CA Starry Plough

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
Dec 12 Madisonville KY Glema Mahr Ctr. For The Arts
Dec 13 Florence IN Belterra Casino Resort

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

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND
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

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

CHRISTIAN SCOTT
Dec 4 Santa Cruz CA Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Dec 5 Chico CA Harlan Adams Theater
Dec 6 Portland OR Someday Lounge

The weekend in New Orleans starts on Thursday, and at 6 p.m., the Ogden Museum's "Ogden After Hours" series presents percussionist Bill Summers. One of the highlights of this year's Jazz Fest was Grupo Fantasma (pictured), and the Latin funk band will be at the Blue Nile Thursday. Also that night, Glasgow plays at Carrollton Station, Leon Chavis performs at Zydeco Night at the Rock 'n' Bowl, and sax player Jimmy Carpenter will have the CD-release party for his new album, Toiling in Obscurity, at d.b.a. with guests John Gros, John Fohl, Cass Faulconer, Wayne Maureau and more.

Friday night, Atlanta art/noise/pop band Deerhunter plays One Eyed Jacks with tourmates Nite Jewel and Times New Viking. Lafayette blues singer Carol Fran is at Snug Harbor and Tipitina's presents Bonerama and Eric Lindell.

Saturday night, the Contemporary Arts Center hosts the Kurt Rosenwinkel Group at 8 p.m. The show's part of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation's "Jazz Journey" series in conjunction with the CAC's "Jazz Alive" series, and the set will feature new works and classics from the guitarist's decade- long career. Also that night, the Kerry features From Bob Dylan featuring Dave James and Pete Bradish at 5 p.m., followed at 9 by a Beatles tribute with the Rites of Passage. The NOLA All-stars featuring Tom Sancton play Preservation Hall, and "Celebrate Gate" is at Tipitina's - a show featuring the music of Gatemouth Brown with Coco Robicheaux, Luther Wamble, Good Moon, Mark "Tex" Bell and Guitar Lightnin' Lee.

On Sunday, Vic Shepherd plays a free show at Peaches at 3:30 while author Kit Wohl will sign her cookbooks. That night, Dillard University presents its 72nd annual Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Lawless Assembly Hall (2601 Gentilly Blvd.). The show is free and features the Dillard University Choir, which will sing on its own and accompany Grammy-nominee Ledisi, who this year released a new Christmas album, It's Christmas. Betsy Braud - Baton Rouge's "Jazz Nurse" - plays Snug Harbor with her quartet including keyboardist John Smart, and the Banks Street Bar presents Salsa Dance Night with Los Pingus.

Monday night, John Fohl plays Dos Jefes and Justin Peake's Acoustic Trio's at the Dragon's Den.

Tuesday, cellist Helen Gillet and One Man Machine performs at the Blue Nile's "Open Ears Series" and Latin boogaloo band Los Poboycitos are at the Rock 'n' Bowl.

Wednesday, the Trinity Church presents a gospel workshop featuring Albert Bemiss at 6:30 p.m., and later that night, Ice Cube is at the House of Blues.

Guyland Leday Family and Friends Zydeco Band: Welcome To My World (Shrimpo)
December 1, 2008
Jimmy Carpenter: Toiling in Obscurity (Independent)

Guyland Leday Family and Friends Zydeco Band: Welcome To My World (Shrimpo)
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 November 2008
Jimmy Breaux Friends: Live at Festivals Acadiens(Way Down in Louisiana)
Harry Connick, Jr.: What A Night! - A Christmas Album (Columbia)
The Courtyard Kings: The Courtyard Kings (Independent)
Desoto Street Band: Desoto Street Band (Little King Records)
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)
Santeria: Year of the Knife (Independent)
Christian Scott: Live at Newport (Concord)
The subdudes: Live And Acoustic (Biographica Films)
Truckstop Honeymoon: Great Big Family (Squirell)
Toubab Krewe with Hot 8 Brass Band: Live (Upstream)
Lucinda Williams: Live from Austin Texas (New West)
Various Artists: Festivals Acadiens: Live 1981 (2 CDs)(Louisiana Crossroads)
Various Artists: Piano Blues Boogie 1938-39 (Solo Art)

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)

Christmas with Al Copeland, Tony Bennett, Harry Connick, Jr. , Ledisi and more.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 4
Apple Barrel: Dave Gregg the Odd Man Band (BL) 8p, Johnny J. and Benny Maygarden (BL) 10:30p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Banks Street Bar: Cosmic Sweat Society (RR) 10p
Blue Nile: Grupo Fantasma (LT) 10p, DJ T- Roy (RG) 11p
Bombay Club: Philip Melancon (PK) 7p
Café Beignet: Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (JV) 6p
Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone): John Autin (PK) 9p
Carrollton Station: Glasgow (RR) 10p
Circle Bar: Levi Weaver, Cohen, the Ghost (RR) 10p
CoCo Club: Marva Wright (BL) 8p
d.b.a.: Todd Duke, Germaine Bazzle, Eric Traub Peter Harris (JV) 7p, Jimmy Carpenter (OR) 10p
Dos Jefes: Rick Trolsen the New Orleans Po-boys (BL JV) 9:30p
Dragon's Den: Bassbin Safari (VR) 10p
Fritzel's: Jamie White (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Big Al Carson the Blues Masters (BL) 8p
Hookah Café: Super Cool DJ Kazu (RB) 9p
House of Blues: Randy Rogers Band, Sean McConnell (CW) 8p
Jazz Emporium: BRW (JV) 8p
Kerry Irish Pub: Mike Darby Band (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 guests (FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Eddie Parino (RR) 7p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: Zydeco Night feat. Leon Chavis (ZY) 8:30p
Ogden Museum: Ogden After Hours feat. Bill Summers (JV) 6p
Old Point Bar: Marc Stone Westbank Mike (BL) 6:30p, Kim Carson (BL) 9p
Palm Court Jazz Café: Crescent City Joymakers (JV) 8p
Prejean's (Lafayette): Clarece Denias (KJ) 7p
Preservation Hall: Brass Band Thursday feat. Tornado Brass Band (BB) 8p
Rivershack: Gal Holiday the Honky-Tonk Revue (CW) 7p
Rusty Nail: Royal Payne (OR) 7p
Saturn Bar: Alex McMurray (RR) 10p
Snug Harbor: Brian Seeger Quartet feat. Scott Bourgeois (MJ) 8 10p
Tipitina's: Benefit for Sweet Home New Orleans feat. Nicole Atkins, Bonnie Prince Billy, Jonny 5 and Brer Rabbit (from Flobots), Papa Moussa Lo and more (VR) 9p
Trinity Church: Choral Evensong (CL) 6:30p
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

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5
Apple Barrel: Kenny Holladay Rick Westin 3p, the Hip Shakers (BL) 11p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Balcony Music Club: Pierce Penniless (RR) 9p
Banks Street Bar: Isabella, I, Octopus (RR) 10p
Big Top: Friday Night Music Camp feat. the Abita Strings (VR) 5p
Blue Nile: New Orleans Songwriter's Festival/Bluebird Café Open Mic (SS) 8p
Bombay Club: Johnny Angel the Swingin Demons (SI) 9:30p
Café Beignet: Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (JV) 6p
Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone): John Autin (PK) 9p
Carrollton Station: Direwood (RR) 10p
Circle Bar: ActionActionReaction Indie Dance Party, Spring Break Shark Attack (RR) 10p
CoCo Club: Marva Wright (BL) 9p
Creole Queen Paddlewheeler: New Orleans Spice (JV) 7p
Crescent City Brewhouse: New Orleans Streetbeat (JV) 6p
d.b.a.: Hot Club of New Orleans (JV) 6p, Groovesect (FK) 10p
Dos Jefes: Eric Traub (BL JV) 10p Dragon's Den: Pure (TC) 10p, the Revivalists (upstairs) (RR) 10p
Fritzel's: Chuck Brackman and Barry Foulon (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Mark the Pentones (BL) 4p, Big Al Carson the Blues Masters (RR) 8p
Hi Ho Lounge: Dana Abott (RR) 10p
Hookah Café: Ladies Night feat. DJ EF Cuttin (RB RH) 10p
Howlin' Wolf: Howlin' Wolf 20th Anniversary Series feat. Rebirth Brass Band, Soul Rebels and Hot 8 (FK BB) 10p
Jazz Emporium: Chucky C. Clearly Blue (JV) 8p
Kerry Irish Pub: Chris Segar (BL) 5p, Chip Wilson Friends (BL) 9p
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Jeff "Snake" Greenberg (PK BL VR) 6p
Le Bon Temps Roule: Joe Krown (PK) 7p, Joe Krown Organ Combo (JV) 11p
Loews Hotel: YaDonna West feat. Kurt Branch and Geoffrey Clapp (JV) 7p
Maple Leaf: Gravy, Flow Tribe (FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Danny T. (KJ) 7p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: Christian Serpas Ghost Town, the Dempseys (RR CW) 9p
Old Point Bar: the Space Heaters (BL) 9:30p
One Eyed Jacks: Deerhunter, Nite Jewel, Times New Viking (RR) 10p
Palm Court Jazz Café: Palm Court Jazz Band feat. Thais Clark (JV) 8p
Prejean's (Lafayette): Woody Daigle (KJ) 7p
Preservation Hall: Preservation Hall Jazz Masters feat. Tom Sancton (TJ) 8p
Rivershack: Austin Sicard the Medics (BL RR) 9:30p
Rusty Nail: Gal Holiday (CW) 10p
Snug Harbor: Carol Fran and Company (MJ) 8 10p
Steamboat Natchez: Dinner Jazz Cruise feat. Dukes of Dixieland (TJ) 7p
Tipitina's: Bonerama, Eric Lindell (FK) 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
Tulane Dixon Hall: Tulane Percussion Ensemble directed and conducted by Doug Walsh, Works to performed by Anthony Cirone, Saul Goodman, J.S. Bach, Joe Maroni and Max Roach (CL), 8p. Yo Mama's: live audience interactive improv comedy (CO) 8p, Drew Landry (CW) 10p

SATURDAY DECEMBER 6
Apple Barrel: Sneaky Pete (BL) 8p, the Hip Shakers (BL) 11p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Balcony Music Club: Kirk Joseph (FK) 9p
Banks Street Bar: the Bills, Original New Orleans Film Release and Screening (RR) 10p
Big Top: art opening feat. Me, Myself and I (VR) 6p
Blue Nile: New Orleans Songwriter Festival presents a Writer's Round feat. Mary Gauthier, Ralph Murray, Susan Cowsill and Jim McCormick (SS) 3p, Kermit Ruffins the Barbecue Swingers (MJ) 10p
Bombay Club: Ingrid Lucia Trio (SI) 9:30p
Café Beignet: Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (JV) 6p
Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone): John Autin (PK) 9p
Carrollton Station: Cortland Burke and Tony Italiano (RR) 10p
Circle Bar: Kings of Happy Hour (RR) 10p
CoCo Club: Kurt Brunus Project (BL) 9p
Contemporary Arts Center: Kurt Rosenwinkel Group (MJ) 8p
Creole Queen Paddlewheeler: New Orleans Spice (JV) 7p
Crescent City Brewhouse: New Orleans Streetbeat (JV) 6p
d.b.a.: John Boutte (JV) 7p, Little Freddie King (BL) 11p
Dos Jefes: Sunpie the Louisiana Sunspots (BL JV) 10p
Dragon's Den: DJ Frenzi (RB) 10p, Truth Universal Grass Roots (upstairs) (RH) 10p
Freret Market: Mike Darby Band, Chris Klein the Boulevards, Billy Iuso the Restless Natives (RR) 12p
Fritzel's: Tom Fisher and Friends (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Mark the Pentones (BL) 4p, Big Al Carson the Blues Masters (RR) 8p
Hi Ho Lounge: Zombie Legion (RR) 10p
Hookah Café: DJ Beverly Skillz (RH) 9p
House of Blues: New Orleans Songwriter's Festival presents Jimmy Webb, Allen Toussaint, Cassandra Wilson and Zachary Richard (SS) 8p
Howlin' Wolf: Howlin' Wolf 20th Anniversary Series feat. PBS, John Gros and guests (FK) 10p
Jazz Emporium: Lewis Blues Band (BL) 3:30p, Chucky C. Clearly Blue (BL) 8p
Kerry Irish Pub: From Bob Dylan feat. Dave James, Pete Bradish (BL) 5p, Beatles Tribute feat. Rites of Passage (BL) 9p
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Jeff "Snake" Greenberg (PK BL VR) 6p
Le Bon Temps Roule: Country Fried (CW) 11p
Loews Hotel: YaDonna West feat. Kurt Branch and Geoffrey Clapp (JV) 7p
Maple Leaf: Bloodkin, Cosmic Sweat Society (FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Irving Bannister's All-stars (RB) 4p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. (ZY RR) 9:30p
Old Point Bar: Delfeayo Marsalis (MJ) 5p, Gringo do Choro feat. Rick Trolsen (MJ) 9:30p
Palm Court Jazz Café: Palm Court Jazz Band feat. Lionel Ferbos (JV) 8p
Prejean's (Lafayette): Woody Daigle (KJ) 9a, Gervais Matte the Branch Playboys (KJ) 7p
Preservation Hall: Nola All-stars feat. Tom Sancton (TJ) 8p
Rivershack: Mustard Brothers (BL RR) 10p
Rusty Nail: DJ Third World Nathan (RG) 10p
Snug Harbor: Herlin Riley Quartet (MJ) 8 10p
Steamboat Natchez: Dinner Jazz Cruise feat. Dukes of Dixieland (TJ) 7p
Tipitina's: Celebrate Gate feat. the music of Gatemouth Brown with Coco Robicheaux, Luther Wamble and more (BL) 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) 1p, Dwight Breland (PP) 5p, Late as Usual (PP) 9p
Yo Mama's: live audience interactive improv comedy (CO) 8p, Joe Krown Organ Combo (PK) 10p

SUNDAY DECEMBER 7
Apple Barrel: Sebastian (BL) 3p, Rollin' Hills (BL) 8p, Dave Gregg the Odd Man Band (BL) 10:30p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 10:30a 6:30p
Balcony Music Club: Gal Holiday (CW) 9p
Banks Street Bar: Salsa Dance Night feat. Los Pingus (RR) 10p
Big Top: Torch Night (OR) 8p
Blue Nile: Carolina Gallop's Art of Mingling (OR) 5p
Bombay Club: Philip Melancon (PK) 7p
Café Beignet: Steamboat Willie Jazz Band (JV) 6p
Circle Bar: Drive West, Black Andes South (RR) 10p
CoCo Club: Kurt Brunus Project (BL) 7p
d.b.a.: Palmetto Bug Stompers (JV) 6p, Chris Mule Band (BL) 10p
Dos Jefes: Mo' Jelly Blues Band (BL) 9p
Dragon's Den: Elijah (RR) 10p, Corrosion (upstairs) (RR) 10p
Fritzel's: Lisa Lynn (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Mark the Pentones (BL) 4p, Willie Locket (BL) 8p
Hookah Café: Gov't Majik (RH) 9p
House of Blues: Sunday Gospel Brunch (GS) 9:30a
Jazz Emporium: Tribal Butterfly (JV) 3:30p, BRW (BL) 8p
Kerry Irish Pub: Slewfoot Blues Band (BL) 9p
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop: Jeff "Snake" Greenberg (PK BL VR) 6p
Maple Leaf: Joe Krown, Russell Batiste and Walter "Wolfman" Washington (BL FK) 10p
Margaritaville: Irving Bannister's All-stars (RB) 4p, Eddie Parino (RR) 7p
Marigny Brasserie: Pfister Sisters (JV) 11:45a
Muriel's Jackson Square: jazz brunch feat. Joe Simon (JV) 11a
Old Point Bar: Some Like it Hot (BL) 5p
One Eyed Jacks: Fleur de Tease (SH) 8 10p
Palm Court Jazz Café: Sunday Night Swingsters feat. Tim Laughlin (JV) 8p
Prejean's (Lafayette): Clarece Denias (KJ) 9a, Gervais Matte the Branch Playboys (KJ) 7p
Preservation Hall: St. Peter Street Jazz feat. Dwayne Burns (TJ) 8p
Saturn Bar: Mama's Boy (RR) 10p
Snug Harbor: Betsy Braud and John Smart Quartet (MJ) 8 10p
Spotted Cat: Rites of Swing (JV) 4p
Steamboat Natchez: Dinner Jazz Cruise feat. Dukes of Dixieland (TJ) 7p
Tipitina's: Sunday Music Workshop Series feat. Chris Severin (VR) 12:30p, Cajun Fais Do Do feat. Bruce Daigrepont (KJ) 5:30p
Trinity Church: Trinity Artist Series feat. Xavier University Concert Choir (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 8
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: the Wind and the Flame (RR) 10p
CoCo Club: Kurt Brunus Project (BL) 7p
Dos Jefes: John Fohl (BL JV) 9:30p
Dragon's Den: Justin Peake's Acoustic Trio (AU) 8p, Zydepunks (RR) 10p
Fritzel's: Earl Boney (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Willie Locket (BL) 8p
Hi Ho Lounge: Bluegrass Pickin' Party (BU) 8p
House of Blues: GWAR, Kingdom of Sorrow, Toxic Holocaust (ME) 8p
Jazz Emporium: Tribal Butterfly (JV) 8p
Kerry Irish Pub: Denise Marie (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 9
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: Helen Gillet and One Man Machine (OR) 9:30p
Carrollton Station: acoustic open mic night (AU) 10p
Circle Bar: I Love You (RR) 10p
CoCo Club: Gina Brown (BL) 7p
d.b.a.: St. Louis Slim (BL) 10p
Dos Jefes: Tom Hook (BL JV) 9:30p
Dragon's Den: Cliff Hines Quartet (JV) 10p, Van Halen II: Rise of the Machines (upstairs) (JV) 10p
Fritzel's: Jamie White (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Big Al Carson the Blues Masters (BL) 8p
Hi Ho Lounge: Deadbird, Zoroaster, Catholicon (RR) 10p
Jazz Emporium: Tribal Butterfly (JV) 8p
Kerry Irish Pub: Mike Ryan (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 10
Apple Barrel: Sista Otis (BL) 8p, 19th St. Red (BL) 10:30p
Arnaud's Jazz Bistro: the Gumbo Trio (JV) 6:30p
Banks Street Bar: Gravity A (RR) 11p
Blue Nile: Deadly Four (OR) 10p
Carousel Lounge (Hotel Monteleone): John Autin (PK) 9p
Carrollton Station: stand-up comedy open mic night (CO) 9p
Circle Bar: the Dark Knights of Camelot, the Parasols (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: Tom Fisher and Friends (TJ) 9p
Funky Pirate: Big Al Carson the Blues Masters (BL) 8p
Hookah Café: Latin Night feat. DJ Sosa (LT) 9p
House of Blues: Ice Cube (RH) 9p
Jazz Emporium: BRW (JV) 8p
Kerry Irish Pub: Chip Wilson (BL) 9p
Maple Leaf: call club
Margaritaville: Brint Anderson (BL) 7p
Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl: Swing Night feat. Rocky's Fox Trot Orchestra (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
Tipitina's: Homegrown Night (RR) 10p
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

DECEMBER 4
Holiday Concert: Enjoy a holiday concert by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra at the Pontchartrain Center featuring Rebecca Miller and Joseph Meyer. 7:30p. (504) 523-6530, www.lpomusic.org.

DECEMBER 7-28
Trinity Artist Series: Albinas Prizgintas presents this eclectic concert series every Sunday throughout December at Trinity Church, 1329 Jackson Ave. Check the OffBeat daily listings for scheduled performances. 5p.

CONCERTS

DECEMBER 6
Three Doors Down: The popular rock group plays the Hard Rock Live in Biloxi. 6p.

DECEMBER 9
Carlos Mencia: The Hispanic funny man made popular with his Mind of Mencia show on Comedy Central comes to the Baton Rouge River Center Theater. 7p.

FESTIVALS

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.

DECEMBER 5-6
New Orleans Songwriters Festival: Also known as "Songfest," this two-day event will feature performances by award-winning songwriters to promote the composition of original music in New Orleans. See www.nosongfest.com for a schedule of performances and venues.

DECEMBER 5-7
Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival: Brave the cold weather and take a drive out to Belle Chase for a fun weekend of Cajun music, arts and crafts, citrus displays and orange peeling contests. (504) 656-7599, www.orangefestival.com.

DECEMBER 6-7
Mile Branch Pioneer Christmas Celebration and Festival of Trees: Take a trip out to the Mile Branch Historical Settlement in Washington Parish for a weekend of historical tours, living history re- enactments, food and more. (985) 986-8411.

DECEMBER 8-14
DesCours Festival: The American Institute of Architects puts on an architecture and art festival featuring architecture, visual art and entertainment. Visit www.descours.us for more information and a schedule of events.

DECEMBER 12-14, 24
Festival of the Bonfires: Witness blazing bonfires and enjoy some festival fun on the banks of the Mississippi River in Lutcher. (225) 869-1717, www.festivalofthebonfires.org.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

THROUGH DECEMBER 30
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 JANUARY 6
Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights: Make a weekend trip up to Natchitoches for one of the finest and largest Christmas festivals in the South. There will be plenty of lights, entertainment and food along with trolley and carriage rides. (318) 352-8072, www.christmasfestival.com.

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

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.

DECEMBER 6
Fundraiser Concert: The Friends of the Heritage School of Music will host its first fundraiser concert which will help raise money for music camp scholarships, tuition assistance, instrument repair and more. 2-5p. 1205 N. Rampart St.

DECEMBER 6-27
Gretna Farmer's Market: Head to Gretna every Saturday for a farmer's market featuring food and wine vendors and cooking demonstrations. 8:30a-12:30p. www.gretnala.com.

THEATER AND DANCE

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.

DECEMBER 4-21
Christmas at the Crawfords: Taking place on Christmas Eve, 1944, this production musical comedy plays at the Marigny Theatre. (504) 218-8559, www.marignytheatre.org.

DECEMBER 5-28
Scrooge in Rouge: Enjoy A Christmas Carol re-imagined as a Music Hall show with three of New Orleans' funniest actors playing all of the roles. Fri.- Sat. 8p, Sun. 6p. (504) 581-5812, www.cabaretlechatnoir.com.

This week, singer and Civil Rights activist Odetta (pictured) passed away of heart disease at 77. She had hoped to live long enough to sing at Barack Obama's inauguration. New Orleans and Mississippi blues and R&B producer Senator Jones also died this week, passing away in his sleep at his home outside Jackson, Mississippi. Jones produced songs for Tommy Ridgley, Chris Kenner, Johnny Adams and Walter "Wolfman" Washington among others, and services will be held for him in Jackson Saturday at 2 p.m. at Devine Ministry Church (1440 Pear St.).

Here's this week's Christmas update:

At the St. Louis Cathedral, the free Christmas concerts this week are Shades of Praise Sunday, the New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale Monday, the Mahalia Jackson Gospel Choir Tuesday and Phillip Manuel Wednesday. All shows start at 6 p.m.

Restaurant 5 Fifty 5's Executive Chef Mark Quitney (pictured) will prepare a "Crescent City Christmas dinner" at the James Beard House in New York City on December 20. Those who can't make it to NYC for the occasion can go to 5 Fifty 5 (555 Canal St.) for this year's Reveillon dinner, a four- course meal for $55, with complimentary parking at the New Orleans Marriott. This meal is offered until Christmas Eve.

On Friday, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art will once again present "The Art of Giving," a members-only shopping event at the museum with free drinks, snacks and a 15 percent discount on purchases in the museum shop. Saturday, "The Art of Giving" will be open to the public and include a Family Fun Day, with gift-making stations for kids based on works of art in the Ogden's collection. Parking will be validated with purchases in the parking lots adjacent to the museum.

"Royal Wednesdays" take place on the remaining Wednesdays before Christmas on the 500 to 700 blocks of Royal Street in the French Quarter. On those days, there will be special promotions in the stores as well as aids to Christmas cheer - and sales of certain items are tax free.

Finally, the Garden District Book Shop will have its holiday party Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. in the Rink (2727 Prytania St.) with holiday music, wine tasting, and refreshments including samples from our favorite kind of cookbooks, Junior League cookbooks (next to our own Elsa Hahne's (next to our own Elsa Hahne's You Are Where You Eat, which is also on sale there). Five percent of all sales will go to local literacy efforts, and the other stores in the Rink will have promotions and discounts as well.

On March 3, Britney Spears (pictured) will start her North American tour at the New Orleans Arena with opening act the Pussycat Dolls.

The Essence Music Festival announced this week that it will return to New Orleans July 3, 4 and 5 with headliner Beyoncé. It will be the festival's 15th anniversary and to mark the occasion, select tickets are available with a 15 percent discount until January 31, 2009. General admission daily tickets are available for $51, $67 or $79, and the discount applies when those tickets are purchased from Ticketmaster for all three days.

Bonnaroo has a similar promotion. The 8th annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival will take place June 11-14, 2009 at its usual site in Manchester, Tennessee, and ticket pre-sales start Thursday and continue until December 31. During that period, tickets will be specially priced, including VIP tickets, and for the first time, general admission tickets can be purchased in five installments of $50 plus the applicable service charges.

Almost a thousand people signed up for a chance to win a beautiful Gibson Guitar, and the winner--chosen randomly from the names submitted --is Tiffany Kahrs!

Tiffany, please call the OffBeat office at (504) 944-4300 to come pick up your brand- new guitar.

Post your views on this week's Weekly Beat here.

OFFBEAT HOME DELIVERY The only way to truly keep up with the musical cosmos of New Orleans (and Louisiana) is by subscribing to OffBeat. Besides having OffBeat hand-delivered to their mailboxes, OffBeat subscribers receive a variety of free CDs throughout the year, including our annual "Best of the Beat" CD. A one- year subscription to OffBeat is $29; a two- year subscription is $50 To subscribe by credit card, call (toll-free) 1-877-944-4300. We graciously accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. To subscribe by mail, send check or money order to OffBeat Subscriptions, 421 Frenchmen Street, Suite 200, New Orleans, LA 70116-2506. Or subscribe online at SubscribeOnline