Today's Date: Sunday, May 11, 2008

Today's Events

Exhibits & Museums

	Glass Art & Paintings Exhibit Sun Apr 20, 2008 - Sat May 17, 2008 | more info Lafayette. New works by glass artist Karen Bourque and paintings by Jebbye Moroux, Janie Bayard & Joe Abendroth.The Frame Shop & Gallery 912, 912 Coolidge Ave., Lafayette Parish. More Information: 337-235-2915

	Brunner Gallery- Henry Butler: Photography Mon Apr 28, 2008 - Sat May 24, 2008 | more info Baton Rouge. Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St.. More Information: 225-389-7180

	Brunner Gallery- Sculpture by Claudia Meyer Mon Apr 28, 2008 - Sat May 24, 2008 | more info Baton Rouge. Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St.. More Information: 225-389-7180

	George Rodrigue's Louisiana Exhibit @ NOMA Sat Mar 1, 2008 - Sun May 25, 2008 | more info New Orleans. New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, Orleans Parish.

	Janelle Hebert-Gaye Exhibit Fri Apr 11, 2008 - Tue May 27, 2008 | more info Lafayette. Lafayette Public Library, 301 W Congress, Lafayette Parish.

	"By the Same Hand" by Cynthia Knapp @ Ann Connelly Fine Art Gallery Mon May 5, 2008 - Wed May 28, 2008 | more info Baton Rouge. Ann Connelly Fine Art Gallery, 711 Jefferson Hwy # 3A. More Information: 225-927-7676

	Regional Artist Showcase: Lou Blackwell Sat May 10, 2008 - Sat May 31, 2008 | more info Lafayette. Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 West Vermilion Street, Lafayette Parish. More Information: 337-233-7060

"Jazz Fest 1970 & 1971: Beauregard Square" Tue Apr 22, 2008 - Fri Jun 6, 2008 | more info New Orleans. 10:00 AM. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation will unveil the first-ever showing of materials from the Foundation's Archive in a new exhibit documenting the first two years of Jazz Fest. It features various pieces of memorabilia and documentation that illustrate the challenges of staging what would eventually become one of the top music festivals in the world. The exhibit also features a collection of Noel Rockmore watercolors that illustrate the early days of the festival. Regular opening hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For additional information, call 504-558-6100 or visit www.jazzandheritage.com.Jazz & Heritage Gallery, 1205 North Rampart St.. More Information: 504-558-6100

	Evangeline the Birthplace of Louisiana Oil Mon Mar 10, 2008 - Fri Jun 13, 2008 | more info Jennings. 9:00 AM. An original exhibit of the early oil days in Evangeline, LA. See artifacts, photos, static displays and more.W.H. Tupper Museum, More Information: 337-821-5532

Louisiana History Celebrated Wed May 7, 2008 - Sun Jun 15, 2008 | more info Baton Rouge. 3:30 PM. The students of Northwestern Middle School of Zachary, Louisiana also take on the task of documenting the Louisiana experience in the LSM-BR sponsored Louisiana History Celebrated, May 7- June 15, 2008. Student artwork depicting the major eras of Louisiana history, from the Spanish period to the Civil War, will be on display at the Museum in addition to the permanent exhibitions.Louisiana State Museum, 660 N. Fourth Street.

	A Native Feeling Exhibit Wed Apr 2, 2008 - Sat Jun 28, 2008 | more info Gueydan. 1:00 PM. A collection of Simone Little's watercolors in oranges, reds, whites, and blacks, metal and glass works and Native American baskets and crafts.Gueydan Museum, 212 Main Street, Vermilion Parish. More Information: 337-536-0443

	Simone Little and Native American Treasures Wed Apr 2, 2008 - Sat Jun 28, 2008 | more info Gueydan. 1:00 PM. An exhibit featuring Simone Little's artwork with a native American theme supplemented by a display of native American artifacts.Gueydan Museum, More Information: 337-536-0043

	Michael O'Brien Exhibition Tue May 6, 2008 - Sat Jun 28, 2008 | more info Lafayette. W. Stephan Gallery, LLC, 1116-A Coolidge Street, Lafayette Parish. More Information: 337-234-7500

	Miriam Hirsch Exhibition Tue May 6, 2008 - Sat Jun 28, 2008 | more info Lafayette. W. Stephan Gallery, LLC, 1116-A Coolidge Street, Lafayette Parish. More Information: 337-234-7500

	Civil War Artifacts Exhibit Tue Apr 1, 2008 - Mon Jun 30, 2008 | more info Eunice. 9:00 AM. The collection includes objects found by metal detectors, historical research & authentic re-enactment uniforms including samples of the type of food enlisted men were given. Eunice Depot Museum, 220 S. CC Duson St., St. Landry Parish. More Information: (337) 457-6540

Photographs of Butterflies by Robert Baxter Mon Apr 7, 2008 - Mon Jun 30, 2008 | more info Opelousas. 9:00 AM. These photographs were inspired after Hurricanes Katrina & Rita. Also, learn about the history and culture of the Opelousas area from prehistoric times to the present. Main Exhibit Room, Civil War Room, The Geraldine Smith Welch Doll Collection, Louisiana Video Collection Library and the SW LA Zydeco Music Festival Archives. Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center, 315 N. Main Street, St. Landry Parish. More Information: (337) 948-2589

Legacy of Dr. Ray P. Authement Mon Apr 28, 2008 - Mon Jun 30, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 2:30 PM. The career of Dr. Ray P. Authement, retiring UL Lafayette President, is reflected in two exhibits currently at Dupré Library. Display cases in the stairwell on first floor and in the Jefferson Caffery Reading Room on the third floor are filled with memorabilia drawn from the University Archives. Photographs, brochures, clippings, copies of speeches and letters offer insight into Dr. Authement’s contributions to the University and the Lafayette community. Dr. Bruce Turner, Head of Special Collections, mounted the Authement exhibits, which are free and open to the public. Call 482-6031 for Jefferson Caffery Reading Room and library hours.Dupre Library, UL Lafayette, 302 E. St. Mary Blvd., Lafayette Parish. More Information: 482-6031,

	Artrageous Exhibit @ the LAA Main Gallery Wed Aug 1, 2007 - Sat Aug 30, 2008 | more info Lafayette. Clay by Adele Devalcourt, recipient of the LAA UL Scholarship in 2006, and photography by Jack McGregor.Lafayette Art Association and Gallery, 412 Travis Street, Lafayette Parish. More Information: 337-269-0363,

The Sydney & Walda Besthoff Collection comes to Acadiana Exhibit Wed May 7, 2008 - Sat Aug 30, 2008 | more info Opelousas. 9:00 AM. In honor of OMA's 10 year anniversary, the most renowned contemporary art collection in private hands will be on display for the first time in Acadiana. The Besthoff's are best known for their unique collection of fine contemporary & photorealist art. OMA will feature approx. 45 selections of paintings & indoor sculpture. Suggested donation. Tues-Fri 1-5 PM & Sat 9 AM-5 PM or by appt. Opelousas Museum of Art, 106 N. Union St., St. Landry Parish. More Information: (337) 942-4991

	Acadian Museum of Erath Permanent Collection Wed Jan 2, 2008 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 | more info Erath. 1:00 PM. Specializing in the promotion of the French heritage and culture, the museum features exhibits on the deportation of the Acadians from Nova Scotia, Cajun music, Erath's history and artifacts of the Cajun and French people.Acadian Museum of Erath, More Information: 337-937-5468

Pre-Deportation Artifacts from Thibodeaux Village Wed Jan 2, 2008 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 | more info Erath. 1:00 PM. Display of artifacts from a site once known as Thibodeaux Village. These rare artifacts were discovered while plowing the land and date from the Acadian occupation of the site between 1690 and 1755.Acadian Museum of Erath, 203 South Broadway, Vermilion Parish. More Information: (337) 937-5468

Festivals

	Contraband Days Festival Tue Apr 29, 2008 - Sun May 11, 2008 | more info Lake Charles. Lake Charles Civic Center Grounds, Lake Shore Drive. More Information: 337.436.5508

FYI/Seasonal Events

Bayou Boat Tours Tue Apr 8, 2008 - Sat May 31, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 10:30 AM. Explore the rich cultural heritage and natural history of Bayou Vermilion in Lafayette on the "Cocodrie." Hosted by the Bayou Vermilion District and casting off from its Vermilionville Heritage & Folklife Park, the guided tour is a partnership between the Acadian Cultural Center of the Jean Lafittte National Park and Preserve and the Bayou Vemilion District of Lafayette Parish. Reservations encouraged.Vermilionville, 300 Fisher, Lafayette Parish. More Information: 337-233-4077/866-992-2968

	Art in the Afternoon Sun Apr 20, 2008 - Sat May 31, 2008 | more info Arnaudville. New art works by Daren Tucker and music by the Cypress Bottom Boys. Art work will be featured through May.Cypress City Antiques, 1510 Highway 93, St. Landry Parish. More Information: 337-754-5528

Health

	Qi Gong - Tai Chi Mon Apr 7, 2008 - Mon May 12, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 6:00 PM. Tai Chi and Qi Gong fundamentals and easy-flowing sequences. Beginners welcome. Improve your strength, balance and peace-of-mind.Heaven On Earth Gifts & Yoga, 108 Rena Dr., Lafayette Parish. More Information: 337-981-0355, , Heaven On Earth Jewelry Gifts & Yoga

Simply Yoga @ Heaven On Earth Gifts & Yoga Thu Dec 6, 2007 - Thu Jun 19, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 9:00 AM. Ongoing classes Thursdays (also Sat.& Tues.) Offering classes since 1990. A relatively gentle, guided flow through multiple posture variations, with opportunities for challenge, if you choose. "90 minutes of strength and peace working together within you" Drop-in & multi-class rates available.Heaven On Earth Gifts & Yoga, 108 Rena Dr., Lafayette Parish. More Information: 337-981-0355, , Heaven On Earth Gifts & Yoga

Hobbies

Paddle Lafayette 2008 Sat May 10, 2008 - Sun May 11, 2008 | more info Lafayette. Tour Lafayette from the perspective of its main waterway, Bayou Vermilion. The trip begins in Lake Martin and will wind its way to Bayou Vermilion. The first day will end at the campground near Vermilionville. The second day will focus on the area's culture and begins with a breakfast at Vermilionville and a presentation on the Cajun culture. Paddlers may pick which days to participate. Canoe and kayak rentals are available in limited numbers, so if you need a rental, please register soon. Evening educational entertainment, vehicle shuttle and food are included in price of the trip. For more information, visit paddlelafayette.com.Vermilionville, 300 Fisher Road, Lafayette Parish. More Information: 233-4077

Basic Oil & Acrylic Painitng Class Tue Apr 1, 2008 - Tue May 20, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 6:00 PM. Artist Catherine Siracusa takes you through and 8 week session learning methods of using oils and/or acrylics. Starting w/ small landscapes and still lifes. $225 all materials included. $25 deposit. Limit 8 students.3816 W. Congress St., #2, Lafayette, LA County, maj. More Information: 337-993-9271,

Southern Open 2008 Exhibition Sat May 10, 2008 - Sat Jul 26, 2008 | more info Lafayette. The Acadiana Center for the Arts is gearing up for the second annual Souther Open, a juried exhibition open to all visual artists 18 years of age and older, currently residing in one of the following southern states: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. All work must be original, completed in the past two years and not previously shown at the AcA. No students please. Southern Open 2008 Calendar: Feb. 11: Entry form postmarked and e-mail submission deadline March 10: Jury decision notification and artwork delivhttp://www.cajunfun.com/control/event.php?id=60971&type=current CajunFun.comery information April 28-May 2: Artwork delivery deadline May 9: Artist reception from 6-8 p.m. May 10: Public reception from 6-8 p.m. May 10-July 26: Exhibition datesAcadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W. Vermilion St., Lafayette Parish. More Information: 337-233-7060AcA

	Salsa by Dee Sat Mar 1, 2008 - Sat Dec 27, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 11:00 PM. free salsa lesson at GUMAS resturaunt every saturday night.Guamas, Jeffeson Street, Lafayette Parish. More Information: 225-776-3938, ,

Kid's Stuff

UL Dance Guild Ballet class Fri Feb 15, 2008 - Thu May 15, 2008 | more info Lafayette. No prior experience required. For 8-12 yrs. Registration is by mail and must be received by Friday February 15th. Classes are on UL Lafayette campus in McLaurin Gym. Classes are $7 each, and students register for a series. For days and times, class descriptions, and other info: www.danceguild.blogspot.com or call 237-4820. Runs 2/22/08-5/02-08 at 4 PM.McLaurin Gym, University of Louisiana, Lafayette Parish. More Information: 3372374820, , UL Lafayette Dance Guild

UL Dance Guild Ballet class Fri Feb 15, 2008 - Thu May 15, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 4:00 PM. For 8-12 yrs. No prior ballet experience necessary. Registration is by mail and must be received by Friday February 15th. Classes are on UL Lafayette campus in McLaurin Gym. Classes are $7 each, and students register for a series. For days and times, class descriptions, and other info: www.danceguild.blogspot.com or call 237-4820. Runs 2/22-5/2Dance Guild, 202 Whittington Drive, Lafayette Parish. More Information: 3372374820, , UL Lafayette Dance Guild

UL Dance Guild Ballet class Fri Mar 14, 2008 - Fri May 23, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 4:00 PM. For ages 8-12. No prior ballet experience necessary. Registration is by mail and is preferred by Wednesday March 12th. Classes are on UL Lafayette campus in McLaurin Gym. This class is $70 for 10 sessions. For registration address and other info: www.danceguild.blogspot.com or call 237-4820.Dance Guild, McLaurin Gym, ULL, Lafayette Parish. More Information: 3372374820, , UL Lafayette Dance Guild

Project Playhouse Mon Apr 14, 2008 - Mon May 26, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 1:30 PM. Healing House; Hope for Grieving Children, is raffling off a child's playhouse. The raffle tickets are $5 a ticket and can be purchased online at www.healing-house.org or in the Mall of Acadiana. The house may also be viewed in the Mall of Acadiana from April 14 until May 26. The drawing will take place on May 26.Mall of Acadiana, 5725 Johnson St., Acadia County, La. More Information: breauxemily@yahoo.com, , Healing House

Learn the Ropes and the Marquis de La Fayette's Contributions to America Exhibit at the Children's Museum Fri Oct 12, 2007 - Sat Nov 29, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 10:00 AM. "Learn the Ropes and the Marquis de La Fayette's Contributions to America", an exhibit in conjunction with Lafayette's 2007 celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of the Marquis de La Fayette. The CMA exhibit focuses on: 1) The Corderie Royale and the 17th century rope making industry; 2) The Marquis' relationship to America; 3) The use of rope in Louisiana industries; and, 4) Different knot types and their applications. For more information, contact the CMA (337) 232-8500. Friday, October 12, 2007 - Saturday, November 29, 2008 Every week(s) on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday ending on 12/29/2007. Children's Museum of Acadiana, 201 E. Congress, Lafayette Parish. More Information: (337) 232-8500

Night Life

	Gervais Matte & Branch Playboys @ Prejean's Sat May 10, 2008 - Sun May 11, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 7:00 PM. Prejeans, 3480 I-49 North, Lafayette Parish. More Information: 337-896-3247

	Corey Arceneaux @ Randol's Sun May 11, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 6:30 PM. Randol's Restaurant, 2320 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Lafayette Parish. More Information: 1-800-YO-CAJUN

	Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boggie @ Whiskey River Sun May 11, 2008 | more info Henderson. Whiskey River, 1275 Henderson Levee Hwy, St. Martin Parish. More Information: 337-228-8567

	Jackie Caillier, Ivy Dugas & the Cajun Cousins @ La Poussiere Sun May 11, 2008 | more info Breaux Bridge. 3:30 PM. La Poussiere, 1215 Grand Point Ave., St. Martin Parish. More Information: 337-332-1721

	Jamie Bergeron @ Wrangler's Sun May 11, 2008 | more info Carencro. 9:00 PM. Wrangler's, 3601 N. University Ave., Lafayette Parish. More Information: 337-896-0539

	Pool Tourney Night Sun May 11, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 7:00 PM. $2.50 Purple Haze & Amber Bock, $2 Wells & $.50 PoolThe Green Room, 229 Jefferson St, Lafayette Parish.

Performing Arts

	IPAL Presents Moon Over Buffalo Fri May 9, 2008 - Sun May 11, 2008 | more info New Iberia. 7:30 PM. Written by Ken Ludwig and directed by Michael Durand. Comedy. $10/ticketEssanee Theater, 126 Iberia St., Iberia Parish.

	Goldman Thibodeaux & The Lawtell Playboys @ Vermilionville Sun May 11, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 1:00 PM. Vermilionville, 300 Fisher, Lafayette Parish.

	Jessica Speer- Sr. Media recital Sun May 11, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 7:30 PM. Angelle Hall, University of Louisiana, Lafayette Parish.

	Scott Domingue - Gr. Precussion recital Sun May 11, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 6:00 PM. Angelle Hall, University of Louisiana, Lafayette Parish.

Girl's Night: The Musical Thu May 8, 2008 - Sun May 25, 2008 | more info Baton Rouge. 8:00 PM. Non-stop musical laugh-out-loud comedy features feel-good favorites like "I Will Survive," "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," and "Man I Feel Like a Woman." Performances run Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35-55.Manship Theatre, 100 Lafayette St.. More Information: 225-344-0334

Ballet Classes Thu Oct 25, 2007 - Sat May 31, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 12:00 PM. Ballet classes ongoing at The Ballet Académie at Cité des Arts. Ages 5 - 19 & Adult. Now offering an afternoon schedule for homeschoolers! For more information, contact Gina Hanchey at 337-412-6476 or email: theballetacademie@gmail.comThe Ballet Académie at Cité des Arts, 109 Vine Street, Acadia Parish. More Information: 337-412-6476,

Shackles of Memory Mon Apr 21, 2008 - Sat May 31, 2008 | more info Lafayette. April 15 - 26 is 2008 African Diaspora Heritage Week. The public is invited to attend the opening of a special bilingual exhibit (English and French) on the slave trade. A brief reception will be followed by a presentation in English at 6 p.m. on the history of the slave trade by M. Jean-Marc Masseaut, Educational Director for the Study Center of the Shackles of Memory Association. "The Shackles of Memory" exhibit recounts the history of the slave trade and the chain of events that took place in Europe, Africa and the Americas. The exhibit will remain on view through the end of May.Cite des Arts, 109 Vine Street, Lafayette Parish. More Information: 337-291-1122

	Pont Breaux Cajun Jam Session Sat May 10, 2008 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 | more info Breaux Bridge. 11:00 AM. Traditional Cajun music jam session hosted each week at The Coffee Break at 109 N. Main Street in downtown Breaux Bridge (Pont Breaux).109 N. Main Street, St. Martin Parish. More Information: 337.342.3334,

Religion & Spirituality

	Meditation on Bodhicitta Sun May 11, 2008 | more info Lafayette. 10:00 AM. Katog Choling Tibetan Cultural Center, 901 E. St. Mary Blvd., Lafayette Parish. More Information: 337-654-0696

Jesuit Spirituality Center Retreat Mon May 5, 2008 - Wed May 14, 2008 | more info Grand Coteau. 4:30 PM. A directed retreat is a personally guided prayer experience in which the retreatant follows the dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius while listening for God's personal word spoken through the Sacred Scriptures. Each retreatant is assigned a director with whom the retreatant meets daily for reflection and spiritual discernment. Retreatants may request specific directors, although it may not be possible to comply with these requests. Nonetheless, each retreatant must have a director in order to get the most out of his/her spiritual experience. There are two 8-day periods set aside each month for individuals who wish to make a directed retreat of 3, 5, or 8 full days, not including the day of arrival and departure. In addition to these, three 32-day periods each year are set aside for those who wish to make the full Exercises. All these scheduled retreats are individually directed by staff members. SILENCE, both interior and exterior, is a necessary condition for the efficacy of a directed retreat. Fees: 8-Day Retreat = $480 5-Day Retreat = $300 3-Day Retreat = $180 Jesuit Spirituality Center, St. Charles College, St. Landry Parish. More Information: 337-662-5251, , Jesuit Spirituality Center

	Jesuit Spirituality Center's 8-Day Retreat Mon May 5, 2008 - Wed May 14, 2008 | more info Grand Coteau. Non-refundable deposit of $50 required.Jesuit Spirituality Center, St. Charles College, St. Landry Parish. More Information: 337-662-5251

Sports & Recreation

	Indoor Soccer Thu Feb 28, 2008 - Thu May 15, 2008 | more info Youngsville. 5:00 PM. Indoor Soccer Register Now! 10u-Adult For more info visit www.aisasports.net Registration thru May 15th. AISA Acadian Indoor Sports Association (a non-profit organization)Top Shelf Sports, 1616 Youngsville Hwy, Lafayette County, La.. More Information: 337-839-9084, , Acadiana Indoor Sports Association

Travel

	Join "FOX 29 & FOX 64" on the Carnival Ecstasy 4 Day Cruise Thu May 8, 2008 - Mon May 12, 2008 | more info Galveston. Sail May 08, 2008 on the CARNIVAL ECSTASY to Cozumel for an unforgetable Mother's Day Weekend!Carnival Ecstasy, More Information: (337) 981-7870