Of Literary Lions
The Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Fest – a celebration of writing
Among the various Tennessee Williams festivals held annually, the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival (TWFest; March 20-24) remains the oldest, liveliest and most diverse gathering since its 1986 inception. Headquartered in the famously haunted, elegant Hotel Monteleone (Williams’ residence while writing “The Rose Tattoo”), the five-day cerebral jamboree is preceded by the uproarious Stella Shouting Contest where contestants emulate Stanley Kowalski’s “Hey, Stelllla!” shout in Jackson Square (March 17). More than 100 acclaimed writers, poets, scholars, historians, journalists, agents, actors and musicians are staging everything from literary panels and walking tours to master classes and theatre events for eager enthusiasts. TWFest is synchronized with the 21st annual Saints and Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival (March 22-24; sasfest.org) and the 2nd annual Last Bohemia Fringe Festival (tennesseewilliams.net).
Shreveport
Rapper 50 Cent’s Film Mecca
Lights, camera and action are returning to Shreveport’s former Millennium Studios, thanks to New York-bred rapper and certified multi-platinum artist, Curtis “50-Cent” Jackson. The entrepreneurial “In Da Club” hitmaker/producer, who was recently approved for a 30-year lease for the city-owned Millennium Studios, has moved his G-Unit Film and Television, Inc. into the sprawling state-of-the-art Shreveport facility. He is gearing up to “provide more opportunities for artists and crew members within the community.”
Baton Rouge, Zachary
Singing the Blues
The free Baton Rouge Blues Festival returns with a line-up of more than 30 acts including such national blues legends as Charlie Musselwhite and Elvin Bishop plus a tighter festival footprint (April 19-21). For soul-stirring nights with local legends, visit Phil Brady’s Bar, a down-home hangout boasting the longest Thursday night blues jam at 21 years (facebook.com/philbradys.bar/), and the inimitable Teddy’s Juke Joint (teddysjukejoint.com) on the Old Scenic Highway near Zachary (brblues.org).
New Orleans
Forever Young
More than 5,000 musicians will be performing everything from jazz to rock ‘n’ roll at the Fair Grounds April 25-28 and May 2-5. Jazz Fest’s new expansion to eight days gives Thursdays a double billing both weekends, enhanced by the long-awaited Rolling Stones’ Thursday, May 2 set (originally slated for 2019 and 2021) featuring new hits from the octogenarian rockers’ first original studio album in 18 years, “Hackney Diamonds” (certified diamond; Polydor Records; therollingstones.lnk.to/USHackneyDiamonds) with Lady Gaga, Elton John and Paul McCartney (nojazzfest.com for a complete music lineup).
West Monroe
Putting on the Dog at Woofstock
Bring your perkiest pets to Woofstock 24, Northeast Louisiana’s largest pet festival (April 20), held at the all-inclusive Kiroli Park. Pups will be strutting their stuff during Canines Got Talent, costume contests, dog races, pet pageants and the popular owner and pet look-alike contest. Perks include dog training demos, an agility course, search and rescue demos, onsite grooming, food trucks and music (facebook.com/Woofstock23).
