This Wednesday, enjoy some free music in Lafayette Square, see weekly gigs from some of the city's best acts, and hear local writers discuss their work on Elysian Fields. On this day in 1877, Reconstruction officially ended in Louisiana. Now, more hump day happenings. 

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.

There’s a little something for everyone this hump day, with David Sedaris at Tulane, free music in Lafayette Square, and even a live talk show on St. Claude. On this day in our state’s history, Buddy Roemer III beat three-term Governor Edwin Edwards in the 1987 Gubernatorial Election.

New Orleans is set for a weekend of clear skies, which should make for a great backdrop to the 7th Annual Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival October 12-14 in Lafayette Square.  

It’s a Wednesday packed with activities around the Big Easy, whether you’re in the mood for a free show after work or a concert from one of the three big acts in town tonight. Music lovers can choose from Victor Wooten at the Howlin’ Wolf, Dinosaur Jr. Uptown, and Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeroes in the Treme. On this date in our state’s history, Hurricane Hilda hit St. Mary Parish in 1964, causing 100 million dollars in damages. Now for today’s events: 

by April Siese

Harvest the Music, the concert series benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank returns tomorrow to Lafayette Square. Running every Wednesday from September 19 - October 24, Harvest the Music acts as the benevolent fall incarnate of Wednesdays at the Square, a springtime tradition also in Lafayette Square. In addition to bountiful music offerings, the series supports the work of Second Harvest Food Bank. As the run starts this year, need in the community from the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac, as well as at Second Harvest itself.

Despite the fancy ratings and that one day where clothes aren't required, commuting on two wheels remains a lonely act in this town. The angry horns of drivers and near misses when the road narrows can make for the equivalent of a transportation wilderness. But this week, a pair of local organizations are offering a chance for those small, red lights to blink as one. On Wednesday, NOLA Bike to Work Day is allowing cyclists a chance to bike to work together. And, there will be swag.

Dirty Dozen Brass Band will once again sidestep the role of lightning rod this evening. Per the Young Leadership Council, tonight's weekly Wednesday at the Square festivities at Lafayette Square have been canceled due to the weather, which calls for scattered thunderstorms continuing into the night. Worry not, however. The weekly mini-fest returns next Wednesday with Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk and Brass-A-Holics "Gogo Brass Funk" Band.

by Ben de la Cour

In a city renowned worldwide for its music and food this weekend's Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival is going to be a real box-ticker that combines our love of music with our love of gorging ourselves on tasty meat snacks. It runs from Friday to Sunday in Lafayette Square. There's no reason to feel down about going. Since the fete is funded by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation it is free and open to the public.

Occupy New Orleans began its demonstration Thursday at noon. The group chose Orleans Parish Prison as the location to begin its march. This decision reflected the risk that some of the movement’s protestors may have ended their participation there.