Tonight, Poolside Calypso at the Country Club in the Bywater! All over the city, there's live music, theater, and more happening this Friday. On this date in Louisiana’s Civil War history, Union troops captured Baton Rouge. Now, more ways to kick off your weekend.

Tonight, Rebirth turns 30, and Greek Fest celebrates its 40th birthday on Bayou St. John. There are more silly plays, culinary activities, chamber music, and more happening all over the city. On this day in 1999, Britney Spears’ debut album Baby One More Time was certified four times platinum. Now, more to do this Friday.

The band that Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist, Flea, calls “hard as hell” and “free as a ray of light” celebrates its 30th anniversary this weekend with two shows at the Howlin’ Wolf.  Inside and outside the city, people recognize Rebirth Brass Band for its edgy blend of brass, hip-hop and funk that always draws a full crowd.

The day has come, and fest goers are counting down the minutes until JazzFest kicks off in the Fairgrounds! After the fest, see giant puppets, Anders Osborne, Dumpstaphunk, Rebirth, and more. Happy Birthday to Tannon “Fish” Williams, born April 26, 1975. Now, more to do this first fest Friday!

Enjoy some Jazz in Armstrong Park, rock the CASA to end child abuse, and enjoy some art after hours at the Ogden Museum. On this day in 1864, the Battle of Sabine Pass took place in Cameron Parish. Now, more to do this Thursday. 

Whole hogs at City Park, an Easter egg hunt in Algiers, theatre performances from the CAC to Gentilly, live music, and more are happening today in the Big Easy. On this day in 1957, Fats Domino’s “I’m Walkin’” hit number one on the Billboard Chart. Now, more to do this Saturday. 

Pioneering a small venue in the name of theatre at the Den of the Howlin' Wolf, Circus Lovesick opened its final weekend Friday. While originally produced in San Diego, this production benefits from a city that knows a thing or two about sultry women and circus freaks. 

Start your day off making groceries at the River Bend, see some classical music uptown, and close out the night on Frenchmen with some traditional brass. On this day in 1977, Gospel Queen Mahalia Jackson won a Grammy for “Best Soul Gospel Performance.” Now, more to do this Tuesday.

Krewe du Vieux is coming early in 2013, but before they blow their load, they’re offering the public some civilized entertainment. Tonight at Howlin’ Wolf, the Krewe’s Shakedown Benefit is bringing Dr. John, George Porter Jr., Bonerama, and many more to the stage, giving crowds an all star lineup to support the New Orleans Musicians Clinic. We talked to Krewe du Vieux’s 2013 Queen and  NOMC’s executive director Bethany Bultman about health, wealth, and coming loudly.

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.