Dee Dee Bridgewater

Today, Midsummer Mardi Gras motorboats through Carrollton, the Saints mess with Texans, the La. Bucket Brigade dances to Stomp Out the Stink and Dee Dee Bridgewater picks up where Kermit Ruffins left off at the Love Sessions. On this day in New Orleans history, Louis Armstrong was baptized at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (1901) and legendary trad jazz drummer Freddie Kohlman was born (1918). Now to christen today:

Saints v. Texans (Da Dome, 7:00 PM) The Saints return for dome field advantage in a preseason clash with the Houston Texans. Get your first look at the new-look Black and Gold.

Midsummer Mardi Gras (Maple Leaf Bar, 7:00 PM) The annual August romp through the streets of Carrollton returns with the theme of Motorboatin' in Carrollton. All the walking krewes you could ask for help the Krewe of O.A.K. make this one of their biggest parties yet. 

La. Bucket Brigade Dance-a-Thon (Cafe Istanbul, 2 p.m - 2 a.m.) In lieu of a gala, the local enviornmental group hosts a dance-a-thon to raise money for their programming and continued watchdogging of the Gulf Coast. And to Stomp Out the Stink as well, of course. Get down with dance lessons, and the Stooges Brass Band throughout the night.

Love Sessions (I Club, 7:30 p.m) The annual 12-night festival of giving shifts scenes from Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse to his I Club. And with it comes a change in opponent for the formidable Mayfield. Renowned jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater will be dueling with the local trumpeter for the remainder of the festival. Tonight's event benefits kids who want to take T.R.E.E. (Teaching Responsible Earth Education) classes, but don't have the means to do so.

Boobs and Goombas: A Super Mario Bros. Burlesque (Allways Lounge, 10 p.m.) The sexy ladies of Gorilla Tango Burlesque are returning for their  third and final week performing at the Allways Lounge with the  continually successful Boobs and Goombas. Follow Mario and Luigi on  their plight to find Princess Peach, as they encounter many beautiful ladies along the way. Shows are selling out quickly so be sure and get your ticket early. Tickets are $15.

NOLA Theatre From Beach Boys tributes to Renaissance shenanigans, the coming fall is starting to fill out the schedule onstage once again. Check out NoDef's full theatre listings here.