There’s a wide variety of events going on today beginning with Carolyn Hembree’s poetry reading at Crescent City books. Stop by the shop to hear her latest material Skinny and have your copy signed. Later, gallery openings will take place throughout the city for Art for Art’s Sakes. Last but certainly not least The Wild Magnolias perform at the I club tonight led by Big Chief Bo Dollis and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux Seven years ago today New Orleanean singer and actress Linda Hopkins was officially honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

Art For Art’s Sake (Contemporary Arts Center, 6pm)

Art for Arts Sake takes place tonight featuring art openings at galleries throughout the city including Time Traveling Tales a show of works from the CAC Arts Camp. Stop by Julia Street from 6-9 for a block party with cash bars before heading to L’entrpot from 9-11 for a Bombay sapphire afterparty. The opening reception takes place at 900 Camp Street and is free and open to the public.

Gretna Fest (Gretna, 4pm)

Gretna Fest continu7es today, featuring over 75 local and international acts performing with headliners Joe Cocker, Temptations Review, The Spinners, Big and Rich, Cowboy Troy and more. In addition to concerts and carnival rides, there will be vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to German beers to Italian food! Admission is $20 per day or $50 for a weekend Pass. Admission is free for children 12 and under. Go to the fest's sitefor more information.

Gentilly Fest (Pontchartrain Park, 6pm)

The fifth annual Gentilly fest continues today with concerts on four stages and food and crafts from a variety of local vendors on sale. The family oriented festival will feature pony rides for the kids and a fire truck for them to climb on. The festival helps support the N.O.P.D. the fire department, EMS, children’s music camps and this year funds will additionally be donated to the sports programs of Pontchartrain park and Milne playgrounds as well as the Louis Armstrong summer Jazz camp for kids. Come celebrate and support! Admission is free and open to the public. Go to the fest's sitefor more information

New Orleans Afrikan Film Festival  (Café Istanbul, 7pm)

NOAFEST continues today with screenings of The Interrupters, City of Gold. Enjoy the Jamaican Cuisine and the tunes of Tank and the Bangas.  Tickets are $20 at the door and limited seating is available so book yours today for a chance to win a door prize.

Here to Stay: The Gershwin Experience (Mahalia Jackson Theatre, 7 p.m.) A multimedia show guides attendees through the life of one of America's great 20th century composers. Guests Sylvia McNair (soprano), Jason Cole (piano) and conductor Glenn Langdon join the Louisiana Philharmonic.

Wild Magnolias (I Club, 10pm)

The Wild Magnolias perform tonight led by Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux. Come enjoy the long running band’s performance of Indian masking rituals along with funky Mardi Gras music and traditional dance.

Hatebreed (House of Blues, 9pm)

Connecticut’s Hatebreed was formed in 1994 and has since toured with Slayer and Napalm Death, which effectively added new influence to their music giving it a unique crossover sound that’s both metal and hardcore.  Deathcore bands Whitechapel and All Shall Perish open along with Australian hardcore group Deez Nuts. Tickets are $20 to $30.

Carolyn Hembree (Crescent City Books, 2pm)

Poet Carolyn Hembree presents her new book of poetry Skinny collection that follows the title character’s epic journey from life in the south to bustling New York.  A book signing will take place after the reading and admission is free and open to the public