The Super Bowl XLIV party scene is lining up to be a glitzy mix of high rollers and Who Dats.

An early look at the Super Bowl XLIV party scene

By Susan Langenhennig, The Times-Picayune

The Super Bowl XLIV party scene is lining up to be a glitzy mix of high rollers and Who Dats.

Starting Wednesday, there are plenty of events open to the public, ranging from a $21 down-home tailgate with a second line to Sun Life Stadium to a $625-a-head “Night of Champions” hosted by Jamie Foxx and Mike Ditka in South Beach.

The Miami weather forecast calls for the rain to push through and things to heat up, both weather-wise and in the clubs and bars around town as we roll closer to the weekend.

Here’s an early look at what’s planned. Some of these events are free, others come cheap and the rest are for folks who can afford end-zone game tickets.

What: Super Bowl Fan Zone and Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam

When: Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Where: Off Ocean Drive and Eighth Street in South Beach

Cost: Free

Highlights: Concerts by Rihanna, Timbaland and Friends, and Justin Bieber on Thursday, and Nelly Furtado, Paulina Rubio and Pitbull on Friday. Daytime events include NFL player appearances, a Coors Light Beer Garden, a Bridgestone football tire toss, the Comcast Red Zone, McDonald’s DJ, and the Canon photo exhibit. After all, it wouldn’t be the Super Bowl without the commercials.

What: Eats Beats Cleats Gridiron Festival

When: Thursday through Sunday

Where: Lincoln Road, South Beach

Cost: Daily tickets, $85; VIP all-access weekend passes, $350 at www.ebcmiami.com

Highlights: Appearances by NFL players, celebrity chefs Ingrid Hoffman and Todd English, and boxer Evander Holyfield, autography signings, a sports film festival, sports exhibits, a coach’s show featuring Mike Ditka, and a tailgate party on Sunday.

****

What: Gridiron Greats Night of Champions, hosted by Jamie Foxx and Mike Ditka

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Ritz Carlton South Beach

Cost: $625 per ticket, 847.509.3086.

Highlights: Dinner, cocktail reception and all around football fantasia, hosted by Jamie Foxx. Former NFL greats, including Michael Irvin, Jimmy Johnson, Ed “Too Tall” Jones and Mike Lucci, Joe Montana, Tony Dorsett, Eric Dickerson, Michael Irvin, Merril Hoge, Emmit Smith, Vinny Testaverde, Mark Duper, Larry Little, Dwight Clark, Jim McMahon, Jack Youngblood, are schedule to attend, and music will be provided by former New Orleans offensive tackle Kyle Turley and his band.

****

What: Super Bowl Saturday Night

When: Saturday, gates open at 4 p.m., live music begins at 6 p.m.

Where: On the beach next to the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel

Cost: Free

Highlights: Outdoor concert and fireworks show, featuring the Barenaked Ladies, O.A.R. and Robert Randolph & The Family Band.

****

What: Taste of the NFL

When: Saturday, 7 p.m.

Where: Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale

Cost: Only $600 VIP tickets remain, www.TasteoftheNFL.com, 888.695.0888.

Highlights: Chef Allison Vines-Rushing of MiLa restaurant will represent New Orleans in this fundraiser benefiting food banks across the country, including Second Harvesters of Greater New Orleans. The event invites one chef from each city with an NFL team to cook with a current or former NFL player. One of those chefs will be making stuffed jalapenos, a recipe created by Emily Barre of Harahan. Barre’s dish was selected in an online contest by Epicurious.com, which is flying her to the event where guests select the winning recipe.

****

What: Game Day Fan Plaza

When: Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Where: On the grounds of Sun Life Stadium, adjacent to Gates F, G and H.

Cost: Free but only open to Super Bowl ticket holders

Highlights: Interactive games, including “The Extra Point Kick,” where you can do your best impersonation of Garrett Hartley's game-winning field goal, and the “Let It Fly,” where you can attempt to pass like Drew Brees.

****

What: New Orleans tailgate party with second line to the Sun Life Stadium

When: Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: El Palacio Sports Hotel

Cost: $21 per person and must be paid through PayPal. For details, email sheilafoster@yahoo.com. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Wednesday.

Highlights: Longtime Saints fan Jay Foster booked a conference room, hired the Miami Heat Street Band and is setting up a Second Line to the Sun Life Stadium. Foster, who organized a similar tailgate party in Chicago for the NFC championship game in 2006, expects more than 400 people to attend. Only Saints fans need attend. “This is for all the folks who’ve sweated and bled all these years in the Super Dome,” Foster said.

Boy Scouts of America Mark 100th Anniversary Celebration - Adventure Base 100 to Roll into New Orleans 2/13/10

Boy Scouts of America Mark 100th Anniversary Celebration - Adventure Base 100 to Roll into New Orleans

Take a break from the Mardi Gras festivities and come celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Created specifically for the 100th Anniversary, Adventure Base 100, a unique, interactive 10,000-square-foot campus, will be in New Orleans on Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the front entrance of the Audubon Zoo. The event is free and open to the public. At Adventure Base 100, families will have the opportunity to try their skill at a ropes course, experience the IMAX-like video in the “Go Scouting! Dome,” and tour the traveling museum, among many other activities.

This is a unique opportunity that will be of interest to local Scouts, families and tourists in the New Orleans area who may be looking for a change of scenery from Mardi Gras. Please let me know if you are interested in covering this event, either prior to, during or after Adventure Base 100 is in New Orleans. I am also happy to put you in touch with local Scout Council members or Boy Scouts who have made significant contributions to their troops and community.

Adventure Base 100 to Roll into New Orleans

Boy Scouts of America Mark 100th Anniversary Celebration, Engage New Orleans-Area

Residents with Immersive Scouting Experience through Nationwide Tour

New Orleans, (Feb. 2, 2010) — Ropes Course. GoScouting! Dome. Traveling Museum. In celebration of the organization’s 100th anniversary, the Boy Scouts of America is bringing a truly unique and interactive experience to New Orleans: Adventure Base 100.

Created specifically for the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, Adventure Base 100 is traveling the country to rally people of all ages to take part in “Celebrating the Adventure, Continuing the Journey.”

Adventure Base 100 is a unique, interactive 10,000-square-foot campus featuring immersive and exciting Scout-related experiences to provide a hands-on view of the Boy Scouts of America’s 100 year history and the difference Scouting has made in the lives of millions of youth.

Starting in January at the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, Calif., and ending in November in New York City, Adventure Base 100 will be rolling into more than 40 markets across the country. It will be in New Orleans Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Our goal is to engage those interested in the Boy Scouts of America in a new and exciting way,” said Kenneth Pickering, 100th Anniversary of Scouting Chairman for the Southeast Louisiana Council. “We are thrilled to bring this experience to New Orleans to celebrate our rich 100 year heritage, spark fond memories in former Scouts and alumni, and intrigue those who may be interested in learning more about our organization.”

While in New Orleans, Adventure Base 100 will be located at the front entrance of the Audubon Zoo and will include:

· A high adventure ropes course for all visitors more than 4 feet tall weighing less than 200 pounds.

· A multi-sensory experience that will offer visitors the sights, smells and sounds of Scouting via the campus IMAX-like video “GoScouting! Dome.”

· A chance to win prizes just by spinning the wheel.

· An overview about what it takes to become an Eagle Scout, the highest level of Scouting.

· A chance to speak with members of Local Councils to learn more about Scouting.

· A traveling Scouting museum featuring an overview of the Boy Scouts of America’s amazing history, including a display of rare artifacts collected by the organization over the last 100 years.

· Visit Adventure Base 100 and receive a coupon to visit the Audubon Zoo for $4.25

In addition, local New Orleans Councils have provided their own artifacts to be featured in the BSA’s 100th Anniversary National Time Capsule, which includes submissions from local Boy Scouts of America Councils throughout the country.

For nearly a century, the Boy Scouts of America has brought families and communities together to prepare America’s youth to live, work, and play with character and integrity. Adventure Base 100 is one of eight major engagement programs the organization is undertaking as part of its 100th Anniversary Celebration.

# # #

About the Boy Scouts of America

Serving nearly 4.1 million youth between the ages of 7 and 20, with more than 300 councils throughout the United States and its territories, the BSA is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The Scouting movement is composed of 1.2 million volunteers, whose dedication of time and resources has enabled the BSA to remain the nation’s leading youth-service organization. For more information on the BSA, please visit www.scouting.org.

More information about 100 Years of Scouting can be found at www.scouting.org/100years.

Tegan & Sara Plus Holly Miranda @ Tipitina's, New Orleans: February 24, 2010

Tegan & Sara Plus Holly Miranda @ Tipitina's, New Orleans

Dates: February 24, 2010 at 8:00 PM

Purchase Tickets Here

Tegan and Sara are a highly motivated musical group with ten years of touring and recording experience. They are committed to seek and obsessively discuss love until the end of time.

Soul Rebels CD Release Party @ Tipitina's, New Orleans: February 26, 2010

Soul Rebels CD Release Party @ Tipitina's, New Orleans

Dates: February 26, 2010 at 10:00 PM

Purchase Tickets Here

Imagine blending the sounds of Mardi Gras funk, soft rock, and reggae so seemingly it defies category. Now shrink that idea into a seven-piece ensemble, add a hip hop sensibility plus a hundred years of New Orleans jazz tradition, and you’ll get the Louisiana sound known as the Soul Rebels. This shrewd crew of college trained multi-instrumentalists are forcing listeners to “Let your mind be free” as they “Work it out” on the dance floor. Their music is utterly uplifting and hard core leaving fans with a myriad of intrinsic sounds and songs to enjoy.

Indigo Girls Plus a Fragile Tomorrow @ Tipitina's, New Orleans: March 5, 2010

Indigo Girls Plus a Fragile Tomorrow @ Tipitina's, New Orleans

Dates: March 5, 2010 at 10:00 PM

Purchase Tickets Here

The Indigo Girls Emily Saliers and Amy Ray have been serving up a harmony-rich blend of folk-rock for the past 20 years. Don't think that they're getting tired, either. They've just embarked on another tour, so see them when they pass by your town.

Bayou Country Superfest: Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney @ LSU Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge: May 29, 2010

Bayou Country Superfest: Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney @ LSU Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge

Dates: May 29 and May 30, 2010 at 4:00 PM

Purchase Tickets Here

Organizers announced country music stars such as Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Brooks and Dunn, Keith Urban, Kellie Pickler, Jason Aldean, Jake Owen, David Nail, Gloriana and Justin Moore are all headed to Baton Rouge for the Bayou Country Superfest.

The old cajun "Ayeee" is about to be replaced with a country "Yee-haw." For two years, Baton Rouge officials worked to bring the Bayou Country Superfest to the Capital City. Next Memorial Day weekend, the city will host some of the biggest stars it has ever attracted.

Several people are predicting the Bayou Country Superfest will make Baton Rouge a major travel destination. It will feature 10 stars in two nights. Hang on Baton Rouge. In the words of Alan Jackson, "we're goin' country."

Paul Arrigo with the Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau says his office is always asked why big acts don't come to Baton Rouge, but they won't be able to find a show much bigger than this one.

Quint Davis, the festival producer, announced the stars that will appear. Baton Rouge's country music fest will be one of the last times fans will see Brooks and Dunn perform LIVE together. Concerts with Kenny Chesney reportedly sell out in a matter of minutes. Producers say singing in Tiger Stadium will be the first time Taylor Swift has taken on such a large a venue. She headlines opening night, along with Keith Urban.

"This will be an event that will be a game changer for Baton Rouge," Davis said. "That will become a major tourism, leisure, travel destination on Memorial Day weekend."

Create the best Saints drink and win tickets to Tales of the Cocktail

Create the best Saints drink and win tickets to Tales of the Cocktail

This week, everything must be black and gold. That includes our drinks. Think you have what it takes to create a cocktail that’s a champion? Enter the Times-Picayune/Tales of the Cocktail “Drink like a Saint” competition. The winner walks away with a fistful of free passes to Tales of the Cocktail in July.

The rules are simple. Only amateur bartenders can enter. Each drink must celebrate the Saints. And, of course, it must taste great, or it wouldn't be worthy of our team.

To enter, send your name, the drink's name, the recipe and a brief explanation of the drink to NODrinks@TimesPicayune.com. The deadline for entries is noon on Sunday, January 31. The finalists will be printed in the paper on Thursday. The winner, as selected by our panel of distinguished drinkers, will be announced before the Superbowl on Sunday at www.nola.com/drink. Points will be awarded for taste, creativity and team spirit.

The creator of the best cocktail receives a Tales of the Cocktail “Native Spirits Package,” which includes two passes to the cocktail hour, the USBG Milagro Margarita cocktail competition, the Grand Marnier Barroom Brawl and the “One Night Stand” global cocktail tasting.

In the event of a tie, the winner will be decided by a coin toss.

Updated Mardi Gras parade schedule that adjusts with the New Orleans Saints' history-making Super Bowl appearance in Miami.

Alla, Carrollton and King Arthur Mardi Gras parades adjusted for Super Bowl

New Orleans police have released an updated Mardi Gras parade schedule that adjusts with the New Orleans Saints' history-making Super Bowl appearance in Miami.

The Krewe of Alla will now roll on Saturday, February 6, behind Adonis and Choctaw. The next day, on February 7, Carrollton and King Arthur will now both start an hour earlier, at 11 a.m. and noon, respectively.

Barkus, which trots down the streets of the French Quarter two Sunday's before Mardi Gras, will roll one hour later, at 1 p.m., according to the Mystic Krewe of Barkus' Web site.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell has released the star-studded lineup for 2010.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell has released the star-studded lineup for 2010.

Come to the Fair Grounds Race Course April 23 - 25 and April 29 - May 2 to see Louisiana legends and international superstars. Enjoy the famously delicious Louisiana cuisine; browse the work of hundreds of contemporary and folk artisans, and second-line until you drop.

WEEKEND 1: April 23 - 25

Simon & Garfunkel, Lionel Richie, Allman Brothers Band, My Morning Jacket, Anita Baker, Dr. John, Darius Rucker, The Black Crowes, Steel Pulse, Jonny Lang, The Levon Helm Band, Drake, Keely Smith, Baaba Maal, George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic, Imagination Movers and many more...

WEEKEND 2: April 29 - May 2

Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Widespread Panic, The Neville Brothers,

B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Irma Thomas, Gipsy Kings, The Dead Weather, Elvis Costello

& the Sugarcanes, Teena Marie, Allen Toussaint, Band of Horses, Gov't Mule, Average White Band and many more.

Click Here for the Full Lineup

Lead the parade as a Jazz Fest VIP with three outstanding packages - limited amount available:

BIG CHIEF VIP EXPERIENCE: Don't miss a beat with the most luxurious way to enjoy Jazz Fest. Access to VIP Viewing Stands, a Private VIP Hospitality Lounge, and more will make this year an unforgettable experience.

THE GRAND MARSHAL VIP PASS: Jazz Fest fans can upgrade their Festival experience with exclusive access to an upfront viewing environment at the Festival's three main stages.

KREWE OF JAZZ FEST: Jazz Fest attendees have the opportunity to view all the action at the Acura Stage in an exclusive environment, featuring covered seating along with private upscale restroom facilities and a dedicated beverage concession area.

A Night of Rythym & Love featuring: Kem, Angie Stone & Joe @ New Orleans Convention Center: February 6, 2010

A Night of Rythym & Love featuring: Kem, Angie Stone & Joe @ New Orleans Convention Center

Dates: February 6, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Purchase Tickets Here

In walking-friendly New Orleans, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is literally just steps away from the Warehouse/Arts District and the historic French Quarter, where the old-world charm of fine restaurants, first-class hotel rooms and unique cultural experiences are around every corner.

Altar Boyz @ Harrahs Casino, New Orleans: February 19 -21, 2010

Altar Boyz @ Harrahs Casino, New Orleans

Dates: February 19 - 21, 2010 at 8:00 PM

Purchase Tickets Here

"Holy Hit! Off-Broadway's best musical comedy, ALTAR BOYZ, will rock Harrah's Casino New Orleans for three days only!

Winner of the 2005 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical and winner of the 2006 & 2007 Broadway.com Audience Favorite Award.

ALTAR BOYZ tells the holy inspiring story of 5 small-town boys - Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham - trying to save the world one screaming fan at a time. With an extraordinary mix of side-splitting songs convincing enough to be played on MTV, uncontrollable laughs and lighthearted fun, this award-winning and totally original new musical is 90 minutes of pure delight that's suitable for all ages (over 21).

ALTAR BOYZ is a laugh out loud spoof destined to rock the masses of all denominations!

Joel Osteen @ New Orleans Arena: March 13, 2010

Joel Osteen @ New Orleans Arena

Dates: March 13, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Purchase Tickets Here

Young, dynamic and inspiring, Joel Osteen is taking his message of personal achievement and prosperity on the road. Pastor of the largest congregation in America, and known to millions from his weekly television broadcasts and best-selling book, "Your Best Life Now," Joel Osteen will open the doors of success for you.

The 55th Annual New Orleans Home & Garden Show @ Louisiana Superdome: March 11 - 14, 2010

The 55th Annual New Orleans Home & Garden Show @ Louisiana Superdome

Dates: March 11 - 14, 2010

Purchase Tickets Here

The New Orleans Home & Garden Show is the largest consumer home show in the south eastern United States. Presented by Entergy New Orleans, the show returns to the Louisiana Superdome March 11-14, 2010. For 55 years The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans has brought you this show, and it is like no other. It brings an unparalleled variety of home-related services and products under one gigantic roof with everything needed for home remodeling, green building, decorating and landscaping.

Tens of thousands of show visitors are expected during the four-day run of what promises to be an extraordinary event offering innovative ideas and solutions for getting the most out of your home in this part of the country.

Stage Schedules

Thursday March 11, 2010

4:00 John Besh - Restaurant August

4:30-5:30 Leo Tandecki – The Vintage Garden Kitchen

Friday March 12, 2010

2:30-3:30 Justin Devillier – La Petite Grocery

4:00-5:00 Darren Nesbit – Bourbon House

5:30-6:30 Paul Prudhomme – K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen

Saturday March 13, 2010

Noon John Besh - Restaurant August

1:30-2:30 Brian Landry – Galatoire’s

3:00-4:00 Michael Farrell – Le Meritage

4:30-5:30 Greg Reggio – Zea Rotisserie

6:00-7:00 Chris Lusk – Café Adelaide

Sunday March 14, 2010

Noon John Folse – Bittersweet Plantation

1:30-2:30 David and Torre Solazzo – Del Porto

3:00-4:00 Keith and Nealy Frentz – LOLA

Promotion: The New Orleans Hornets Five Game Draw Plan presented by Harrah's

Promotion: The New Orleans Hornets Five Game Draw Plan presented by Harrah's

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

With the Hornets new 5-Game Draw Plan presented by Harrah's New Orleans, you have the flexibility to customize your 5-game ticket plan. Choose the dates and match-ups you want and we'll throw in a $20 Total Rewards Gift Card and a Hornets player meet and greet!

5-Game Draw plans start at just $75 and allow you to create the perfect mini plan to fit your schedule and interests. Seating is available in both the lower bowl and Balcony but the best seats will go quickly, so don't wait - customize your plan today!

New Orleans Mardi Gras 2010 Parade - Grand Stands Tickets For Sale

New Orleans Mardi Gras 2010 Parade - Grand Stands Tickets For Sale

Purchase Tickets Here

It's almost carnival time again in New Orleans! Check out the new parade route schedule, discover information about the many krewes in the area, learn about the history of the King Cake or plan a Mardi Gras party wherever you are! Full Mardi Gras Schedule Here

PARADE DATES AND TIMES:

February 10 6:00 PM - Druids

February 11 5:45 PM - Babylon: Chaos: Muses

February 12 6:00 PM - Hermes: D'Etat: Morpheus

February 13 11:00 AM - Isis: Tucks

February 13 4:15 PM - Endymion

February 14 11:00 AM - Okeanos: Thoth: Mid City

February 14 5:15 PM - Bacchus

February 15 5:15 PM - Proteus: Orpheus

February 16 8:00 AM - Zulu: Rex: Elks: Cresent City

New Orleans Mardi Gras 2010 Parade Schedule - It's almost carnival time again in New Orleans!

New Orleans Mardi Gras 2010 Parade Schedule - It's almost carnival time again in New Orleans!

It's almost carnival time again in New Orleans! Check out the new parade route schedule, discover information about the many krewes in the area, learn about the history of the King Cake or plan a Mardi Gras party wherever you are!

Each year there are dozens of parades in New Orleans and the surrounding area, and this year is no different. Parades begin Friday, February 5, 2010 and continue until Mardi Gras day, February 16, 2010. Usually days have several parades booked back to back, so whether you are on St. Charles Avenue with the family, catching beads from a Central Business District balcony or enjoying the floats on Canal before a night in the French Quarter, plan for a day of Mardi Gras magic!

Pack clothing that is comfortable and can be layered, as the weather is often warm during the day and cooling off for the night parades. And don't be shy, wear a costume, especially on Mardi Gras day. It's all about fun!

Click here for the 2010 Parade Schedule and more Mardi Gras Information