What's happening this weekend in New Orleans

As I sit in the cold Midwest, my mind wanders back once again to the city I love -- New Orleans. It is a city that is vibrant, always has something going on and, most importantly, is a city that takes care of each other in times of need. One of my good friends in New Orleans, Mike Gowland. a city firefighter, lost his son-in-law recently after a battle with cancer. This Sunday, their friends are having a fundraiser to help the family.

I urge everyone in the city to go to support the cause and have some fun at the same time. Here are the details from the organizers:

Sunday, November 8, 2009
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Old Fireman’s Hall – 307 4th. Street Westwego, LA 70094

Benefit for Live Oak Manor Volunteer Fire Department Captain Matthew Cervini's Family.

Captain Matthew Cervini, Sr., lost his two-year battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma on September 25, 2009 at the young age of 34.
He has left behind a Wonderful & Loving Wife and Three Beautiful Children. Matthew has not only lost his battle with cancer, but in the process he's lost his small business (Rescue Signs), his home in Waggaman, and sadly, he has left his family in debt.

We are asking everyone to please join us for this benefit.
Come on out and have a Great Time!
Sunday November 8th from 12pm-6pm at the Old Fireman's Hall in Westwego, LA.
There will be a $20.00 cover at the door that includes delicious food donated by various local restaurants and live music by:
The Foret Tradition
Lindsay Mendez and The Back Seat Drivers
The Brandon Foret Band

There will also be various raffle and door prizes.
A Cash Bar will be provided by The Old Fireman's Hall.

Not just a great cause, but Fun for all!

Also this weekend, the Mirliton Festival happens in the ByWater community on Saturday November 7th in Markey Park.
Gates open at 11:00 am and live music will continue until 7:00 pm. Admission is $5, but is free for kids under 5 years of age.

This annual festival started in 1989 and was organized by the neighborhood association. This is a community that is revitalizing after Katrina. Homes are being restored and many have historic designation. Galleries, restaurants and coffee houses have invested in this community.

The musical lineup includes the Panorama Jazz Band, The Valparaiso Men’s Chorus featuring Alex McMurray, Happy Talk Band, Hurray For The Riff Raff, DJ Jubilee, Ratty Scurvics, King Louie One Man Band, Guitar Lightning Lee and R. Scully Rough 7.

Food vendors include Sally’s Country Gourmet Foods, The Country Club, Popsicles by Meltdown, Café Roux, Karma Kitchen,
Wine by Bacchanal, Fraday’s, Gelato by Sucre, Jack Dempsey’s.

And let us not forget the Saint’s Game on Sunday against the Carolina panthers. Kick off is 4:15 ET, 3:15 CT. Let’s all rally behind our boys for another victory. GEAUX SAINTS!!


Until next week, keep supporting the city of New Orleans. Check out the great website: http://www.savenolanow.com where you can purchase great clothing, household items, and so much more. 100% of the net profits to go organizations dedicated to building, re-building or “greening” homes in New Orleans. Habitat for Humanity is one organization benefitting from this organization. They have great items….think Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, my friends.

Y’all have a safe, fun weekend…turn on some Neville Brothers, Tom Hook, Johnny Vidacovich, Neslort, Mac Rebennack and some Tim Laughlin and bring New Orleans into your home!

Peace…