Editor’s Picks for October

Selected regional events in October are listed below.

New Orleans inaugurates Steamboat Stomp

Oct. 11-13

The Steamboat Stomp debuts this month in New Orleans, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of jazz music along the Mississippi River.

The weekend features live performances by the Dukes of Dixieland, Butch Thompson, Banu Gibson, Duke Heitger’s Steamboat Stompers, Solid Harmony and the Yerba Buena Stompers.

“Steamboat Stomp is a new festival to enjoy traditional jazz as originally played on steamboats and to celebrate the sounds that paved the way for our musical legacy,” said Adrienne Thomas, director of sales and marketing for the Steamboat Natchez, on which much of the festival takes place.

A three-day festival, it kicks off at 5:45 p.m. on Friday aboard the steamboat. Music lasts until 10 p.m., and the boat cruises for two hours beginning at 7 p.m. During that time, four bands perform on two stages. New Orleans cuisine is sold.

On day two, the festivities commence with a cruise from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event continues that evening at Bourbon Orleans Hotel from 7-10:30 p.m. with more musical performances.

A jazz brunch aboard Steamboat Natchez opens up the third day at 10:45 a.m. Lectures and other events are scheduled throughout the weekend.

Weekend passes start at $200. Friday’s festivities begin at $50 for the cruise.

For more information, visit www.steamboatstomp2013.com.

Cajun Fly-in returns to Houma-Terrebonne airport 

Oct. 19

Aircraft enthusiasts converge on Houma-Terrebonne Airport for a special day of exhibits and fly-ins.

Static aircraft displays at the Cajun Fly-in include a DC-3 and L-39 Albatros, several home-constructed aircrafts and an exhibit by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Department and Houma Fire Department will have equipment and personnel on hand.

The Regional Military Museum sets up World War II exhibits, and LUMCON hosts an interactive children’s exhibit.

Door prizes include a free L-39 Albatross ride and one case of aircraft engine oil.

Burgers, hot dogs, drinks, jambalaya, snowballs and ice cream are sold.

Admission and parking are free. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19 at Hangar No. 1.

For more information, call (985) 872-6732.

Senior dancers win gold, perform throughout month

Oct. 22-23, 29

A local dance troupe, comprised of eight senior citizens, won a gold medal at the Louisiana State Olympic Games last month in Harahan.

Danseur de Bonne Terre return to the Tri-parish area with several performances throughout the month.

“It’s so much fun, and the physical activity and the mental challenge are all good to help keep you active and challenged,” said charter member and team captain Sharon Boudreaux.

The dancers practice two times a week, three hours each. During a performance hiatus this summer, the seven-year-old group installed new dances and attained long-awaited success. “It was our first gold,” Boudreaux, 61, said.

Danseur de Bonne Terre perform at 11:30 a.m., Oct. 22 at Bayou Vista’s Golden Age Luncheon; at 1:30 p.m., Oct. 22 at the Morgan City Health Center; at 3 p.m., Oct. 23 at the Thibodaux Health Care Center; at 10 a.m., Oct. 29 at Chateau Terrebonne and at 1:30 p.m., Oct. 29 at Oaks of Houma.

The group has performed several times in the past at the Smithridge summer camp in Chauvin. Campers take delight in the “Smithridge Shuffle, Boudreaux said

Other members include Carolyn LeCompte, Darlene Stevens, Ouida Breaux, Donna St. Germaine, Linda Hebert, Dot Bergeron and Gwen LeBlanc.

“As our senior citizen, I think a lot of our goal is to encourage seniors to be active. You don’t have to sit at home and not do anything,” Boudreaux said.

Danseur de Bonne Terre are, from left, Carolyn LeCompte, Darlene Stevens, Ouida Breaux, Sharon Boudreaux, Donna St. Germaine, Linda Hebert, Dot Bergeron and Gwen LeBlanc. Fresh off a gold-medal-winning performance, they perform several times locally this month.

COURTESY PHOTO