1) Abita Springs Busker Fest is happening this Sunday, April 22. Performers at the trailhead this year include Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band, Deslondes, Dr. Bird and the Beak Division, and Aurora Nealand & the Royal Roses. Keep up to date on any changes due to weather at their Facebook event page. **THIS EVENT HAS BEEN MOVED TO MAY 13 DUE TO WEATHER**

2) On Sunday, Herbie Hancock and Terence Blanchard will perform for a special kick-off edition of the global celebration of International Jazz Day (April 30). This event will take place at the Orpheum Theater (originally scheduled for Congo Square; it was moved due to high chance of rain). Hancock and Blanchard will share the stage at the multi-faceted celebration as well as perform in different configurations. Students from the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA) are scheduled to play, and Blanchard is set to lead his entire E-Collective ensemble. It all starts at 2p. 

3) It's almost Jazz Fest, which means there are a ton of great live, local music events around New Orleans-- and some are free. Check out Swing in the Oaks at City Park on Tuesday with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Wednesday at the Square with Big Sam's Funky Nation and The Deslondes, and the 34 free sets coming up at Louisiana Music Factory starting on Thursday, April 26 from performers like Samantha Fish, Brass-A-Holics, Johnny Sansone, Cyril Neville, and dozens more. 

4) This Tricentennial year is for the dogs-- at least this weekend, when the city hosts a Tricentennial Dog Parade. Bring your puppers out Sunday from 10a-1p. 

5) Speaking of the Tricentennial, the tall ships are here and open for touring! Take the kids and hit the decks at Woldenberg Riverfront Park on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.