If you leave the Fest early this Friday, head to Octavia Books and hear Augusten Burroughs, or take the kids to New Orleans’ Giant Puppet Festival. On this day in 1995, the Neville Brothers, the Dixie Cups, Allen Toussaint, and Professor Longhair were inducted into the New Orleans Musical Walk of Fame. Now, more to do this rainy JazzFest Friday. Stay with NoDef for complete after dark events coverage. 

The Stooges Brass Band found a new, but familiar, home for their Thursday night show—the Rock Bottom Lounge (3801 Tchoupitoulas St.). Beginning this Thursday, March 28, the band will return to the Tchoup spot for their weekly residency, giving second liners and music loving locals alike something to step out about.

Today, get some fresh grub in Armstrong Park. Later, fashion week struts down the runway, and there’s live theatre and music all over the city. Governor Jacques Villere died on his plantation on March 7, 1830.

It’s chilly again, so bundle up and head to the river for the city’s best local talents. Book lovers head to Octavia Street for an author event, and philanthropists check out “Africa for the Future, on the Avenue. On this day in 1988, Grambling graduate Doug Williams was named MVP of the Super Bowl XXII during his time on the Washington Redskins. He was the first black quarterback ever to start in a Super Bowl Championship game. Now, more to do this Thursday.

The year in New Orleans music was full of Grammys, viral videos and unfortunate losses. It all adds up to a historically insular music scene on the verge of getting the national recognition it's always deserved. We look back at 2012 and look ahead to 2013:

Celebrate the start of the weekend with art after hours, brass on Frenchmen, and the Nite Tripper at House of Blues. On this day in 1862, the former state Capitol was burned by Union soldiers. Now, more ways to kick off your weekend.

by M.D. Dupuy

As strong as we are, New Orleanians couldn’t have made such strides following The Flood if it weren’t for a little help from our friends in the Northeast. Now it’s our turn to pay back the favor. This weekend, Mayor Mitch is leading a contingent of the city’s most famous chefs and musicians for a Big Easy holiday lunch in Sandy-torn Brooklyn. Elsewhere, the musicians staying behind are doing what they can from home. WWOZ and a smattering of musicians are hosting a benefit concert tomorrow at Siberia to raise money for New Jersey’s beloved WFMU Radio Station.

Today in New Orleans, get hear some free spoken word and jazz and Tulane, see our city’s one and only Trombone Shorty at House of Blues, and see the most violent musical in the city at Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. Happy Birthday to twin brothers and the artists behind “Shake it Like a Dog,” (2000).

Get over your Monday blues with a free play in Mid City, some funk uptown, and some blue grass in the Marigny. On this day in Louisiana history (1983) former Governor Edwin Edwards beat Governor Dave Treen with 62 percent of the vote. Read on for more of today's events.

Don’t spend your Monday night watching reality TV! Tonight, get taken to school by the Wu-Tang Clan's Genius, chill with up-and-comers the Bombay Bicycle Club, fresh off the boat from the UK, and then turn the clock back to 1974 with a screening of Soul Power.  Today in Louisiana history, Gov. Alejandro O'Reilly limited the number of taverns in New Orleans to 12 (1769), and early jazz legend Clarence Williams (1898), R&B Singer Wallace Johnson (1937) and bassist James Singleton (1955) were born. Check out what Monday has in store this week: