When thousands of people gather together for a festival, waste is inevitable.  Trashcans overflow with beer bottles, empty cans glimmer in the grass under a hot sun, and paper plates with half-eaten poboys litter the sidewalks.  One festival, however, aims to combat collateral refuse by bringing more than just music to the table.  This weekend, the MotherShip Foundation’s annual Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo rings in its eighth year with revamped musical acts, better food vendors, more art, and an even more powerful message of sustainability.  

by Morgan Dowdy

If the mission statement of the Trombone Shorty Foundation can be summed up in a single phrase, it’s this: pass it on. The first annual Shorty Fest, a benefit concert for the foundation, gives you the opportunity to participate in that mission this Thursday evening.

Whether it’s colossal Krewe or a kid-sized parade you’re after, Saturday night has something in store for you. There’s also live music and theatre from St. Claude to Oak Street. On this day in 1861, Louisiana’s Secession Convention voted to secede from the Union to become the Republic of Louisiana. Now, more Carnival craziness in the Crescent City.

Tonight, come early to the Krewe du Vieux Queen’s Shakedown! See performances from Dr. John, George Porter Jr., and more. Theatre people can head to the CAC, or check out the first day of MicroFest. On this day in 1990, Louis Armstrong was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Click through for some pre-weekend events.

Whether you’re looking for pasties and tassels or a gala event, tonight has something in store for you. There’s live music, theater, and more from uptown to the Marigny. On this day in 1987, “Pistol Pete” Maravich was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Now, more Saturday happenings.

Celebrate the start of the weekend with art after hours, brass on Frenchmen, and the Nite Tripper at House of Blues. On this day in 1862, the former state Capitol was burned by Union soldiers. Now, more ways to kick off your weekend.

Just one day shy of Turkey day, and there’s still plenty to do tonight in the Big Easy. Hear music at Tip’s, the Maple Leaf, and of course, on Frenchmen. Meschiya Lake and Tom McDermott are on Canal for their weekly gig. Happy Birthday to Dr. John! The legendary local turns 72 today. Now, for more hump day happenings.

On September 29, get costumed as your favorite musician and race down Tchoupitoulas to support NOLA's high school marching bands. Then enjoy some music from Dr. John, Ellis Marsali, and Jon Cleary at Tip's. 

Today, Wednesday at the Square gets funky with the Dirty Dozen, lectures around town take on Roger Williams, Ethiopia and voluntourism and Shakespeare returns to the Sculpture Garden. On this day in Louisiana history, the House that Long Built, otherwise known as the state capitol, was completed up in Baton Rouge (1932) and Jefferson Airplane's Jack Casady was arrested for pot possession at the Royal Orleans Hotel (1969). Now unwrap the present:

Today, Jazzfest shows begin before the gates of the Fair Grounds are opened. Kermit and his band steal away to Armstrong park for Jazz in the Park, Jimbo Mathus brings the Mississippi rock to Chickie, and The Grandmothers of invention get the Quarter all Zappa'd up. This day in history, Galvez siezed 11 richly laden English ships on the Mississippi River (1777), and Trumpeter Tannon "Fish" Williams (Soul Rebels Brass Band, Brass-A-Holics Brass Band) was born in New Orleans (1975). Now click through to check out the prelude to the cubes: