Happy Mother’s Day to all Crecent City moms, grandmothers, and great grandmothers! Celebrate mamas at Audubon Zoo with the Queen of Soul, or head to the 7th Ward for a second line in her honor. Happy Birthday to Kix Brooks (Brooks and Dunn), born on May 12, 1955, in Shreveport. Now, more to do this Sunday.

From old-fashioned florists to unbeatable brunches and even to a performance by the mama of soul herself, Irma Thomas, New Orleans' maternal instincts are on full display this weekend for Mother's Day.

Tonight in Mid City, celebrate 15 years of American Routes with Nick Spitzer and a long list of the city’s best talents. Crystal Castles are at House of Blues, NOMA is screening a movie in the sculpture garden, and more. On this day in 1960, Louisiana elected Governor Jimmie Davis. Now, more to do to kick off your weekend.

It's a big year for French Quarter Fest as it enters into its 30th run of providing music, culture, and art to the masses. The free festival has gotten even bigger and better, drawing legendary Louisiana talent to it stages, jazz brunch, and art booths. Experience the best the fest has to offer with our must-see music guide from its early start on Thursday to final festivities Sunday.

New Orleans has produced some of the world’s greatest giggers, but living show-to-show is a challenge for musicians with health problems, and for those who have yet to make it home after the Flood. Tomorrow night, Tipitina’s and the Howlin’ Wolf will be full of talents trying to help bring the Houseman home, and get Warmdaddy back on his feet. Saxophonist Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson and Theryl “Houseman” Declouet have some famous friends that will perform, including Allan Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Galactic, The Revivalists, and many, many more.

by Ryan Sparks

Whether it’s caught on a car stereo, an app on a smartphone, streamed through a computer, or bumping on the boombox in the corner of a barbershop, WWOZ is the soundtrack of choice for citizens citywide as well as aficionados around the world. The freeform station frequents 90.7 in airspace and handful of colorful rooms overlooking the French Market on your map, but without the support of listeners they’d be nowhere.

We've seen troops and treasures unfurled to celebrate Louisiana's 200th birthday. But the bow on this bicentennial present to the Pelican State, as ever, will come in the form of a song that's near and dear to our hearts. And you can watch in on TV! Sunday night on PBS (LPB/WLAE, 7 p.m.). "Sunshine By the Stars" stretches Gov. Jimmie Davis' famed "You Are My Sunshine" into a full hour with some help from famed Louisiana musicians.

by Emma Boyce

It’s Thanksgiving, the one excuse to overindulge in all of your holiday favorites.  But after you’ve sat around a table thanking friends and family for turkey and cranberry sauce, it’s time to focus on the giving part.  This Thanksgiving, help make someone else's Turkey Day at these meals:

Whether you came to Voodoo to bang your head or get down, Saturday's lineup offers the full gamut. Here's a smorgasboard of offerings that aren't worth missing from all five City Park stages:

Today, NOLA Veggie Fest gets even sexier in the Marigny, the Original Big 7 second line through downtown and the LPO gets a visit from Kermit Ruffins. Happy Birthday to trombonish Revert "Peanut" Andrews (1971). Be sure to call on your mama before heading out to these: