Jazz Fest starts up again today! If you’re in the mood for something a little less crowded, Kermit Ruffins is playing Armstrong Park, and the Botanical Gardens in City Park are hosting some Latin beats. On this day in 1964, the Dixie Cups’ “Going to the Chapel” entered the Billboard R&B chart. Now, more ways to kick off your second Jazz Fest weekend. Check back for after dark events.

New Orleans concertgoers have been through the mud and the rain at JazzFest and beyond. But the thunderstorms contained in a severe weather system passing over the area is too much for tonight's previously scheduled Wednesday at the Square. The weekly installment of the humday concert series at Lafayette Square has been postponed.

Tonight, catch Grammy-winning R&B artist Anthony Hamilton on his NOLA tour stop. Service industry folks can take a dip in the Bywater. On April 3, 1949, Edwin Edwards married his first wife, Elaine Schwartzenburg. Now, more hump day happenings. 

The label that's helped turn many local musicians into nationally known stars is set to celebrate its 15th anniversary this Friday. The anniversary will start where the label began, with a blowout performance by Kermit Ruffins at Tipitina’s.

There’s a lot of fun to be had this Tuesday in the Big Easy, but there’s one important thing you need to do first: VOTE! It’s Election Day, and it’s time for you to cast your ballots for the candidates to lead your district, and the one to lead your nation. Happy Birthday to Cowboy Mouth’s guitarist and songwriter Paul Sanchez, born November 6, 1959. Now, more Election Day happenings.

Party knows no limitations in New Orleans so it's perhaps fitting that even national politics serves as an opportunity to party in the Big Easy. Tomorrow night is the big day we find out who will be president for the next four years, and on both sides of the aisle, people will be throwing election-viewing parties all over the city--in homes, and in venues from the Tremé to Metairie.  

by Erica Boni

Downtown New Orleanians are once again gourd-ing its loins for one of their biggest annual parties.The Bywater Neighborhood Association hosts its 23rd annual Mirliton Festival on Saturday. The mirliton is a unique heirloom perrenial squash, native to Louisiana. Since the beginning of the festival, neighborhood chefs have spent the first weekend in November cooking it up into delicacies.

by Emma Boyce

Dozens of people gathered today at Kermit’s Treme Speakeasy on Basin St. in response to Kermit Ruffins' earlier Facebook call to action to come together and get a plan to "stop the city from taking live entertainment away from small clubs."  Last week, DJ Soul Sister's HUSTLE party and other weekly gigs fell silent Mimi’s in the Marigny. Earlier, Siberia Bar, and, for a week, Circle Bar had to cease live music as a result of the city government’s “aggressive” enforcement of old zoning laws and sound ordinances. 

It's only about halfway through the City Council's regular meeting, but already they've had visits from nephews, Mother-in-Laws and the neighbors. A former member of the Saints, Kermit Ruffins and a Frenchmen Street eatery all appeared this morning. For their first order of business, the Council honored Deuce McAllister for being inducted into the New Orleans Hall of Fame. 

by Mary-Devon Dupuy

The doghouse isn't a bad place to be for two of New Orleans' foremost local musicians tonight. It’s the fifth night of Love Sessions, Irvin Mayfield’s twelve-night- celebration of music and philanthropy. Each night, the Mayfield and newly minted early bird Kermit Ruffins play their own sets before locking horns in battle. Proceeds from each show go towards a specific nonprofit. Money from tonight’s performance will go to Dag’s House, a rehabilitative center for disabled dogs.