July 30, 2007 1:09 PM

Shine in Your Summer Whites
The New Orleans Arts District Association will present the annual Whitney White Linen Night on Sat., Aug. 4 (Rain date is Aug. 11). The annual summer art walk, which is sponsored by Whitney Bank and produced by the Contemporary Arts Center, is a place to see and be seen in your bright summer whites – and it’s free! Art galleries all over Julia Street will throw open their doors, plus there will be music by Vavavoom and the Washboard Chaz Blues Trio. Afterwards, the Contemporary Arts Center will host its official post-party with even more art, entertainment, cash bars and music by Big Sam’s Funky Nation. (Tickets to the after-party are free to CAC members and are $10 for non-members.)
Information, 528-3805, www.cacno.org, 300-600 blocks of Julia St.

White Linen Night, Aug. 4



Saintly Support
Let the “Who Dats” begin – the Saints are back this month! We’ve all been waiting, rather impatiently, for the past eight months and now the city’s ready to bust out the black and gold again (though many sported their pride even in the off-season.) On Aug.10, the first pre-season game will be played in the Superdome, where our Bless You Boys will take on the Buffalo Bills. The Saints will hit the road after that but will return again at the end of the month to take on the Miami Dolphins Aug. 30.
Information, 733-0255,  www.neworleanssaints.com.

New Orleans Saints pre-season home games, Aug. 10, 30.





Historic Houses
In an effort to steer locals to the French Quarter, the Hermann-Grima/Gallier Historic Houses have a special offer for Louisiana residents. Every Friday, residents are welcome – free of charge – to the Gallier house and the Hermann-Grima house. The Hermann-Grima house, located at 820 St. Louis St., is a restored Federal mansion with a courtyard garden that, before the Civil War, was home to a wealthy Creole family. The Gallier house, located at 1132 Royal St., was once the personal residence of its architect, the renowned James Gallier who designed the Victorian house in the 1850s. The Gallier house will be in “Summer Dress” – the 19th century housekeeping practice implemented before air conditioning was invented. Summer dress helped homes beat the heat: Cool white slipcovers protected the upholstered furniture and heavy silk draperies were removed in favor of the lace curtains to catch the breeze. Plus chandeliers, frames, mirrors and beds were protected by netting from insects and dirt, while beds were also draped in light mosquito nets. Tours of both houses are available Mon.- Fri.
Information, 525-5661, www.hgghh.org.

Hermann-Grima/Gallier Historic Houses, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31.

Divas & Decadence
Southern Decadence, held on Labor Day weekend (this Aug. 29-Sept. 3), began over three decades ago as a simple going away party. Each year, it draws over 100,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered participants to the French Quarter for several days of parties, music, comedy, dancing and more. The grand finale, held on Sunday, will be the annual parade that begins at 2 p.m. with Grand Marshals Electra City, Guadalupe and Marcus Martinez. This year, the official theme of Southern Decadence is “Ancient Truths, Lies and Sacrifice.” It’s also a special year for “The Diva of Decadence” – hostess Chi Chi LaRue, as it’s her 10th anniversary.
Information, www.southerndecadence.net.

Satchmo Summerfest
Louis Armstrong, known fondly to many as Satchmo, is one musician very dear to New Orleanians. Satchmo SummerFest – Aug. 2-5 – celebrates the late icon’s birthday: Aug. 4. Four stages – Traditional Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Brass Band and Children’s – will host dozens of bands over the weekend including local favorites such as Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers, Trombone Shorty, ReBirth Brass Band, The Storyville Stompers and more. There will be delicious food, a second-line parade, a Jazz Mass at the Historical St. Augustine Cathedral in Jackson Square and seminars. If you make an appearance at this event you might just think to yourself, what a wonderful world.
Information, 522-5730,  www.fqfi.org.

Satchmo SummerFest, Aug. 2-5.