New Orleans July events start with Essence Festival, sip a few for the Tales of the Cocktail, and finish with some Tulane Lyric Theatre. Now you know it's summer!
- Wednesday, July 1
Octavia Books: Independent America: Rising from Ruins
An award-winning film about how locally-owned businesses in New Orleans played, and continue to play, a vitally important role in bringing New Orleans back from Katrina.
6 p.m., at Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St.
Meet the Author: Reza Aslan
Middle East commentator for CBS, Reza Aslan, will discuss his new book, How to Win a Cosmic War. 6:30 p.m. at the Cabildo.
- Thursday, July 2
Wargames at National World War II Museum
The National World War II Museum hosts WWII board and miniatures gaming on the First Thursday in every month for gamers at all levels. Pre-registration is required. A minimum number of gamers must register for the meeting to be held. Please contact Walt Burgoyne at walt.burgoyne@nationalww2museum.org or 504-527-6012 x 333 for more information. 5:30 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday, July 3-5
Essence Music Festival
The 15th annual music festival turns the whole quarter into a celebration of sound. Featured performers incude: Beyoncé, Lionel Richie, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Maxwell, Anita Baker, Al Green, John Legend, Robin Thicke, Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Keri Hilson, Ryan Leslie, Melanie Fiona, Irvin Mayfield, Marva Wright (health permitting), Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Rebirth Brass Band, and Jonathan Slocumb. Booths in the CBD will also feature African American art.
- Saturday, July 4
Go 4th on the River
Ranked 5th "must see" fireworks display in the U.S. by the American Pyrotechnic Association. This year, the 19th annual event will feature the "Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza."
Live performances include Daddy-O Brothers Band, The Bucktown Allstars, The Mixed Nuts, and the New Orleans Concert Band. There will also be special events to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday.
- Wednesday-Sunday, July 8-12
Tales of the Cocktail
This celebration of cocktails and cocktail culture has over a hundred ticketed events, such as: The Nightclub & Bar Professional Series at Tales of the Cocktail held at the Hotel Monteleone on Wednesday, July 8; Spirited Lunches -- Tales of the Cocktail with a set menu from some of the French Quarter’s most famous restaurants; Cocktail Tours led by popular local historian Joe Gendusa: Danny DeVito promoting his Premium Limoncello, an estate crafted lemon liqueur produced exclusively using the finest lemons in the world from Sorrento, Italy.
New Orleans Zephyrs vs. Omaha
Wed-Fri 7 p.m., Sat 6 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. at the Zephyrs Stadium, 6000 Airline Drive, Metairie
- Thursday, July 9
Seventh Annual Les Comédiens Français Lecture
"A Touch of the Muse: Ladies of New Orleans and their Music." A recital with Peter Collins, piano, and Thais St. Julian, voice.
6:30 p.m. at 410 Chartres St.
Patrice Fisher and Latin Rhythms
Swing and Latin combine for music delight. Mint juleps, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and food available for purchase. No outside food and drink or pets allowed.
Adults $6, children (5-12) $3, children under 4 free. Open 5-8 p.m., performance at 6 p.m. at Botanical Garden's Pavilion of the Two Sisters.
- Thursday - Sunday, July 9-12
Company at Tulane's Summer Lyric Theatre
"The clashing sounds and pulsing rhythms of New York City underscore this landmark concept show, considered by many to have inaugurated the modern era of musical theatre."
$26-$35, 8 p.m. with Sunday 2 p.m. matinee, at Tulane's Dixon Theatre.
- Friday, July 10
Art Opening and Spoken Word Performance
"Our Flesh of Flames," featuring the art work of Amiri Baraka, Theodore A. Harris, and students at Xavier University. Harris will present and discuss his work, Spoken Word, performed by Kalamu ya Salaam.
Free, 7:00 p.m. at Ashe Cultural Arts Center.
- Sunday, July 12
Screening of Louisiana Story with J.C. Boudreaux
"Tells the story of a young boy whose childhood in the Louisiana great outdoors is forever changed when his father signs a lease agreement with an oil company."
Free and open to the public, 2 p.m. at 410 Chartres St.
Let Them Eat Cake!
Honor Bastille Day with free music from the Pierre Pichon Gypsy Swing Trio, cake, and champagne, as well as a costume contest and prizes.
2 - 3:15 p.m. The Market Cafe at 1000 Decatur Street, right behind the Jeanne d' Arc statue.
