1) Tales of the Cocktail is here! The cocktail convention kicked off July 17 and runs through Sunday, July 27. 

2) Little Freddie King is celebrating his 78th trip around the sun with a Blues Birthday Bash at BJ's on Friday, July 20! Happy birthday!

3) Get out of town? The Cajun French Music and Food Festival is happening in Lake Charles on Friday and Saturday. This event celebrates 31 years of preserving and promoting Cajun music and heritage with continuous live Cajun music, traditional Cajun foods, arts and crafts, Cajun waltz and two-step dance contests, and children's activities. 

4) The Blind Boys of Alabama, Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville and Mem Shannon, pianist Tom Worrell, bassist Cornell Williams and drummer and musical director Terence Higgins will be performing a benefit concert for a Gentilly preschool, Educare, at the Orpheum Theater on Sunday at 7:30p. 

5) The WWOZ Groove Gala is coming on Thursday, September 6! This is not your average gala-- we're hosting an indoor festival with performances from Irma Thomas, Dr. Michael White, Amanda Shaw, Treme Brass Band, Doreen Ketchens, Gregory Agid Trio, Joe Krown, and Michael O'Hara. Attendees are encouraged to wear your "best" fest attire-- BayouWear, sundresses, hats, and more. Food will be provided by Dickie Brennan Restaurants. Get all the details or buy your tickets at this link.