by Devin Bambrick

Hardcore fans of Nick Spitzer's public radio juggernaut American Routes are no doubt quivering in anticipation for tonight's celebration of the program's fifteen year anniversary at Rock N' Bowl. 

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.

Saturday is High Fest, as 20 stages are available for listening pleasure in the French Quarter. Any stroll through the Vieux Carre is sure to tantalize the aural inclinations. Once again, April Siese mines the schedule for a handful of French Quarter Fest gems:

by Elisabeth Morgan

When was the last time you ate escargot while drinking a beer and watching live Cajun music? If it's been a while (or never), Saturday, March 23, is the day to make it happen. This weekend École Bilingue de la Nouvelle Orleans hosts its 14th annual Fête Française from its location at 821 General Pershing Street to the corner of General Pershing and Constance.

This Friday, see the Vagina Monologues in Cenral City, Catch the Wall at Dillard, and a Freaksheaux at the Allways. On this day in 1967, Clay Shaw was indicted on for conspiracy in the attempted assassination of JFK. Now, more theatre and music to kick off your weekend.

The wait is over for Halloween weekend in New Orleans and the Voodoo Music Experience. On Friday morning, the throngs will once again descend on City Park for the annual harvest of music, art and much more. To whet some whistles, Jillian Firnhaber caught up with a couple of up-and-comng New Orleans arists that are worth watching at the Fest:

Today, listen to Zydeco and eat tons of Creole Tomatoes in the combined festival at the Old U.S. Mint and French Market, dip your mustache in some beer and move your feet with the 610 Stompers in their 3rd annual Ball Crawl in Uptown, check out the result of Skin Horse Theater’s experimental 24-hour project, see the city’s young student filmmakers’ works at UNO, and listen to Quintron conduct the Music Box orchestra. Get out there:

Today, French Quarter Fest swings into the weekend, The Lost Bayou Ramblers have a record release show at One Eyed Jacks, Mia Borders plays at the 12 Bar, and the Zydepunks & DeBauche unite their European sounds on St. Claude once again. This day in history, "Ain't That A Shame" by Fats Domino was released, it was his first tune to enter the Billboard charts (1955), and noted Cajun vocalist, guitarist and songwriter D.L. Menard was born in Erath (1932). Click through to view:

Today, Lost Bayou Ramblers roll into the Marigny, Bonerama plays Tip's, Nerdnite NOLA returns to the CBD and the Grassroots Hip-hop showcase goes off at Dragon's Den. This is an important day in Louisiana history, as it marks the date when Iberville and Bienville landed in Louisana, and celebrated the state's first Mardi Gras (1699), and LSU mascot Mike The Tiger IV was laid to rest after a reign of almost 21 years (1995). Now check out more about today:

August 19th, when Google went public (2004), when ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom’ ended, and the last U.S. combat brigade crossed the border to Kuwait (2010), National Avation Day, International Humanitarian Day, Coco Chanel (1883), Bill Clinton (1946), Nate Dogg (1969, RIP), and Fat Joes' (1970) birthdays, and Groucho Marx’s death (1977).