New Orleans Events til New Years

As some of you know, I live in New Orleans. There is always something going on. There are festivals most weekends, live music, Prospect 1 (until January 18), great art, and there is always a party. The problem is that I don't do a very good job of keeping track of it all. To force myself to pay attention to what is going on around me, I'm going to do a best of New Orleans post every couple of weeks to highlight events in the community that I find interesting.

This post is going to cover from now until New Years. Email me if I left anything out and I'll gladly include it.

12.19.08
Sip Through the City
A pub crawl sponsored by Old New Orleans Rum. It starts at Molly's at 6pm and ends at The John at Midnight. Old New Orleans Rum is debuting a new beverage called Gingeroo. Captain Cocktail has suggested that there might be a pick up kickball game during the crawl. Sounds awesome.

12.20.08
31 Live at the Library
Irvin Mayfield's 31st Birthday Celebration (.pdf) to raise funds for the NOPL Foundation starts at 7 p.m and is at the Main Library (219 Loyola Avenue 70112). The Roots, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbeque Swingers , Rebirth Brass Band, and others are playing. Present your library card at any NOPL branch and get a free ticket.

12.25.08
Dinner for the Homeless and Needy
Bridge House holds its 15th annual Christmas dinner prepared by Harrah's, with live music and distribution of clothing, toiletries and toys. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m at the Bridge House (1160 Camp St.).

12.28.08
Saints v Panthers
The Saints play the Carolina Panthers in the Superdome at Noon central time. They just put Reggie Bush on Injured Reserve for the rest of the season.

Year End Jazz Funeral
This is held at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of New Orleans (2903 Jefferson Ave) at 10:30am to lay 2008 to rest.

12.31.08
Jackson Square
"Baby Bacchus" drops from its perch on the top of Jax Brewery followed by a magnificent fireworks show over the Mississippi.

Fireworks Cruise
New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise on the Creole Queen - $100

Giant Ridiculous Bonfire
People pile their old Christmas trees up on the neutral ground on Orleans by Carrolton and then they light it on fire. Last year there was a stack of trees piled 20ft high. Lots of people dancing and running around a huge bonfire while shooting off fire works. It is great fun but, not a place for small children or the faint of heart.

The Quest for Father Time
The Quest for Father Time: A New Years Adventure Game - $100 per player - 7:30 pm - The game ends with an buffet, champagne toast, party favors and one big New Year's party. If anyone does this, let me know how it was.

Music
Better Than Ezra at H.O.B. - $100 - 9:30pm - Costs a $100 per ticket, I don't know anyone who likes Better Than Ezra than much.

Galactic at Tipitina's - $55 - 10pm - Proceeds benefit the Tipitinas Foundation and the Staletta Fund. Galactic is always a good show and expect them to play until the sun comes up.

Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk plus Papa Grows Funk at The Howlin Wolf - $60 - 10pm

Walter "Wolfman" Washington and the Roadmaster at D.B.A. - 11pm - $15

Soul Rebels at Le Bon Temps Roule - 11pm - Every show I have ever been to at Le Bon Temps Roule has been free, I assume this one is too.

Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes at the Maple Leaf - 10pm - Not sure what the cover will be, but there will be a cover.

Morning 40 Federation, Bobby Adams, Kick Buttkiss at One Eyed Jacks - 10pm -

Irvin Mayfield Presents the N.O.J.O. Jam, Astral Project, Irvin Mayfield at Snug Harbor - 8pm