DIMANCHE

Smiley Lewis

Ninety-nine years ago today, rhythm and blues musician Smiley Lewis was born in De Quincey, Louisiana. Lewis recorded “I Hear You Knockin’” in 1955, and it made the mid-century Billboard Charts. Sixty years later, Essence Fest is back in the city, and it’s a good day for art lovers of all kinds. More bookish lovers of soul can check out the Bayou Soul Writer’s and Reader’s Conference. If that doesn’t leave you feeling empowered enough, there’s still enough time to catch Lanford Wilson’s Civil Rights Era play, The Gingham Dog, at the Elm Theatre on Julia. 

Essence Music Festival (Superdome, through the weekend) All day at the Dome from July 5-8, Essence fest will be providing fierce, fun, and fabulous music with a healthy dose of empowerment. On the agenda for today is OMG Girlz, Kaitlyn Nichol and the Roots of Music. You can visit the festival's site for more info.

Bayou Soul Writers & Readers Conference Every Essence Fest weekend, readers, authors, publishers, and established writers come together to share ideas and empower the city’s potential young literary talent. On July 5-6, book lovers can attend panels, celebrity speakers, and lunches with some the New Orleans’ finest writers. 2012’s conference, “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants,” is partnering with M Francis Gallery, 604 Julia St. For more info or to register for the conference, visit the BSWRC’s website.

The Gingham Dog (Elm Theater, 220 Julia Street, 8pm) Lanford Wilson’s play takes place in 1968 and follows the separation of an interracial couple, Gloria and Vincent. Tensions mount as the pair divide their possessions and uncover the racially charged animosity underneath years of their struggling marriage. You can still catch Wilson’s play until July 7.

Helen Gillet’s Wazozo Zorchestra (Circle Bar, 1032 St. Charles, 10pm)Local cellist and singer is playing at Lee Circle tonight, and she’s bringing her big band with her. The style of Gillet’s Wazozo Zorchestra differs from her usual jazz improvisation, and you’re likely to hear everything from American Underground to French pop tunes sung by the native speaker herself.

Meanwhile, Geno Delafose plays Zydeco Night (Rock n Bowl, 8pm), and Kermit Ruffins and the Barbeque Swingers (Vaughn’s, 9pm) will be playing their usual gigs, and cellist Helen Gillet is bringing her one of a kind “zorchestra” to the Circle Bar.