MUSIC
ROCK ON: It's time for another Rockin' the Rails free concert on April 18, this one featuring the New Orleans-based Jump Hounds. The band specializes in the jazz-based rhythm and blues that bridged the gap between swing and rock 'n roll. The 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. show at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St., is free and family-friendly. Bring blankets and fest chairs for seating, but check the City of Covington Facebook page for a final decision on bringing in food and drinks.
SHARE: The Abita Springs Songwriter’s Circle meets the third Thursday of each month at the Abita Springs Opry/Town Hall, 22161 Level St., from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. for a night of creative collaboration, sharing and encouragement. Folks from throughout the region are invited to this free, performer-friendly gathering on April 18, but always check the group's Facebook Page in case of changes. Contact Todd Lemoine at forkarmabooking@gmail.com for more information.
BEAUTY: A program of chamber music is planned at the Third Sunday Concert at Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington, on April 21. The 5 p.m. concert features five accomplished musicians: pianist Robin Williams, clarinetist Larry Jones, violinist Ben Thacher, violist Luke Fleming and cellist Jake Fowler. Performance selections are Clarinet Trio in A minor, Op. 114 by Johannes Brahms and Quartet No. 1 in G minor, K. 478 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The one-hour performance is free to the public and followed by a wine and light hors d’oeuvres reception for all.
SWINGTIME: The nonprofit Northshore Traditional Music Society hosts an April 21 concert in Covington featuring some of the New Orleans area's best jazz players. The "Swingtime in Springtime" concert happens at 2 p.m. in Fuhrmann Auditorium as Louisiana musicians make two hours of traditional music. Tickets are available at bontempstix.com/events/swingtime-inspringtime-4-21-2024.
COMMUNITY: The Northshore Traditional Music Society, which promotes Celtic music, bluegrass and jazz with small special events monthly, is hosting an April 18 traditional Irish Session, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., at Abita Brew Pub; an April 26 Block Party Bluegrass Jam, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., at the Farmer's Market Gazebo; and an April 28 Slow/Fast Fiddle Session, noon-2 p.m., at St. John's Coffee. Doublecheck Facebook for any changes.
THEATER
LEGAL: Slidell Little Theatre at 2024 Nellie Drive continues with 'Legally Blonde, the Musical' over two long weekends, April 19-28. Elle Woods leads a charmed life until dumped by her Harvard Law-bound boyfriend. Determined to get him back, Elle charms her way into the prestigious school, where she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. So what does Elle actually learn? Directed by Macie and Chase Crane. Music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe & Nell Benjamin. Dinner shows at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets $35 for adults; $25 for seniors and students; on sale now at www.slidelllittletheatre.org.
STILL HERE: 'Designing Women — 2020 The Big Split' has brought Julia, Suzanne, Charlene and Mary Jo to the Cutting Edge Theater in Slidell for Friday and Saturday night shows through April 27. See the Sugarbakers interior design partners navigate touchy issues of the day, including presidential politics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Creator of "Designing Women" for TV, playwright Linda Bloodworth Thomason, moves her characters forward with their hallmark humor, wit and social commentary. Directed by stage veteran Sara Pagones. See theater's Facebook page for ticket details, then come on out to 767 Robert Blvd. for a reunion with some designing women.
OH MY: "The Importance of Being Earnest" (subtitled "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People") will be presented at 30 by Ninety Theatre for three weekends, April 20 through May 5. Said by many critics to be Oscar Wilde's last and greatest play, it uses the writer's intense wit and observation to satirize Victorian attitudes. Ultimately, Wilde employs the many tricks of rom com and farce to reflect back the most absurd people of all — ourselves. Cast includes Julia Simon as Cecily Cardew; John Wesley as Alernon Moncrieff; and Quinton Williams as Jack Worthing (masquerading as Earnest). Directed by Nino Bonura Sr. with assistant director Nino Bonura Jr. Shows at 8 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets online from $15.75 to $23.75, including fees.
CAJUN: The Lacombe Community Dinner Theater presents James Hartman's latest Cajun Mystery, "Shooting Gators," for a final weekend April 19-20 on stage at The Village Church-Lutheran, 29180 U.S. 190, in Lacombe. The cost of a Friday or Saturday performance and brisket dinner is $39 per person. Call (985) 788-7405 for reservations; see villagelutheran.org/LCDT for more details. The dinner theater is a ministry of The Village Church-Lutheran.
COMMUNITY GUMBO
EARTH: Bayou Lacombe Museum invites nature lovers to its April 20 Earth Day Celebration for arts and crafts, scavenger hunt, plants, food trucks with seafood, smoked meats and sweet treats. Special attention will be given to our four-legged friends and exhibits that encourage preservation for future generations. It all happens at 61115 S. St. Mary St. in Lacombe from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
LOVE: Tennis For All is a free clinic scheduled at the Calamari Tennis Center in Olde Towne on April 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and players ages 8 and up are encouraged to attend. The Slidell Tennis Association hopes to bring in new players and will supply the equipment and the coaching. Go to SlidellTennis.com to sign up or get details.
DRAW BLOOD? Mardi Gras Krewes are competing to send the most donors to an April 24 blood drive sponsored by Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 360 Robert Blvd., in Slidell. One donor can help three people, so think kindly and donate — especially krewe members. Reserve a spot online at www.tbcdonors.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/49592 or call the church office at (985) 641-5829.
PEARLS: The second annual Pastels, Pearls & the Girls spring soiree to benefit the Rainbow Child Center takes place April 27 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Cross Gates Family Fitness, 200 N. Military Road, in Slidell. Silent auction; fashion show; a new Pearl Award winner announced; and live music by Tyler Kinchen & The Right Pieces. Tickets $40 at any Cross Gates in Slidell. For more, visit crossgatesclub.com/special-events/.
GROUP GATHERINGS
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MRA: The Military Road Alliance meets April 17 at 7 p.m. in the Boyet Jr. High Cafeteria on Rebel Drive, with ample parking. Public invited. Joseph Dominic, executive director of the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center, to discuss ongoing activities and financial operation of the facility that services five parishes. For more, call Robert Broome (985) 774-1662 or email at robertbroome@fastmail.com.
FESTIVALS, FUNDRAISERS & SUCH
HEROES: The Children's Advocacy Center-Hope House, an independent nonprofit dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse on the northshore, will honor seven local "champions" at the third annual Champions for Children Breakfast on April 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Fleur De Lis Event Center in Mandeville. Tickets are $30 per person or $300 for a table of eight and include the buffet breakfast. Buy them online at www.cachopehouse.org/events.
MUDBUGS: The 19th annual Crawfish Cook-Off to benefit Hospice House takes place, rain or shine, on April 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Slidell's Fritchie Park. More than 50 teams cooking 40,000-plus pounds of crawfish for all-you-can-eat visitors. Live music with Lost Bayou Ramblers and two more bands. Go to crawfishtickets.com or eventbrite.com for advance $35 tickets; $40 at the gate.
MORE BUGS: Third annual Crawfish Cook-Off for the Corps fundraiser on April 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club in Mandeville. All-you-can-eat crawfish and beer included, with ID and ticket. Cash bar. Kids 12 & under free; enjoy swimming, live music and bounce house. Teams will compete for best mudbugs. Sponsored by Marine Corps League — LCpl. Justin McLeese Detachment 1487. Tickets start at $45 on Eventbrite; $55 at door.
HOUSE: Tickets still on sale for the 2024 Raising the Roof for Charity Home Raffle to win a new house on June 2. Purchase of a $100 ticket offers the chance to win a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Madisonville; also drawings on April 19 and May 19 for cash. Proceeds from the raffle of this Northshore Builders Association home will guarantee that Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West can finish building the Blessey family's "sweat equity" home. Tickets are sold in the Habitat Restore Tuesdays through Saturdays at 1400 N. Lane in Mandeville or online at www.rayze.it/raisingtheroof.
TEE OFF: The fourth annual Milne Golf Tournament will take place April 30 at Money Hill Golf & Country Club in Abita Springs with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Will include lots of extras, including breakfast and lunch and prizes. All money raised will help provide quality care for all individuals living at Milne, a nonprofit residential community of adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
RUN OR PLAY: West St. Tammany YMCA's first 5K will take place May 11 to coincide with their free annual Healthy Kids Day. Both events open at 7:00 am. Healthy Kids Day activities include fun, no-cost things just for them. The 1-mile run starts at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30 a.m. Those interested in the 5K should register at RUNSIGNUP.COM under HKD5K. Email Donna Laiche at donnal@ymcaneworleans.org for more info.