Celebrate women of jazz, past and present @ NOLA Girl Jam!

By:  Conner James - MSTv Correspondent

Looks like its "ladies nights" and it feels so right for the beginning of March. The three day women of jazz and dance festival, known as the NOLA Girl Jam, begins on March 1st.

The event has several, free daytime activities and two ticketed night events designed for the ladies to channel the big-band dance fun had by their ancestors and senior loved ones.

But in case you think this party is "ladies only" biased, we fellows are very welcome to attend.  But, don't go in thinking this to be just a visual treat - you'll probably have to dance too.

"Two-stepping" its way into its second year, the NOLA Girl Jam offers women a way to have fun, leave some stresses at the door, network into their own little groups and just dance their cares away.

Girl Jam is dancing is similar to swing dance, with influences from traditional jazz-era dances, inspired by the music and culture of 1920 to 30's New Orleans.

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Taking place downtown, at the Old U.S. Mint, Girl Jam expands Sunday night to Frenchmen Street with a jazzy-dancy happy hour and club crawl.

Don't know what activity you want to participate in?  The options are many with dance lessons, walking tours, social dance parties, burlesque acts and music, classic and contemporary galore.

Aurora Nealand and Ben Polcer will lead traditional jazz bands; along with singers the likes of: Sophie Lee, Marla Dixon, Sarah Peterson, The Pfister Sisters, Kristina Morales and many more.

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Plus, if you're worn out by all the activities, or just aren't in the mood to dance, you need not worry about that either.  Bring the cash and cards, because the evening parties go consignment store style to feature vintage clothing vendors.

Plus, you can take a old-timey photo (just like Grams in her naughty youth) in a vintage photo booth.  Or,  get a facial and nail polishing with one of several on-site beauticians.

So ladies, its pampering and partying just for you, and at its best this weekend!  So, grab the shoes and make sure to wear the comfortable clothing, because you're gonna dance and sweat till dawn!

But, at least you can get a nice facial afterwards to maintain that glow!  Mmmmm....

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Daytime events at Old U.S. Mint are free; ticket prices vary for NOLA Girl Jam parties. Go to nolagirljam.com for details and purchase.

Friday, March 1

8 to 9 p.m.
Pre-Show Cocktail Party — Old U.S. Mint Jazz Theatre, 400 Esplanade Ave

9 p.m.-midnight.
Welcome to the Jazz Age, Old U.S. Mint Jazz Theatre, 400 Esplanade Ave. Bandleader Ben Polcer works with Kristina Morales, Miss Sophie Lee, Margie Perez, Sarah Peterson. The evening also will feature a best-dressed contest, performances by chorus girls, burlesque beauties, and open social dancing.

Saturday, March 2

10 a.m.,
Women in History Tour, Courtyard of Antoine’s Annex Coffee Shop, 500 Block of Royal Street

Free Events at The Old U.S. Mint

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Connecting to Jazz rhythms and to a dance partner, with Andy Reid

1:30 to 1:45 p.m.
Women in Jazz Talk

2 to 3:30 p.m.
Concert and dance with Aurora Nealand's Royal Roses, Old U.S. Mint Jazz Theatre, 400 Esplanade Ave

8 to 9 p.m,
Pre-Show Cocktail Party, Old U.S. Mint Jazz Theatre, 400 Esplanade Ave.

9 p.m. to midnight,
Return to Storyville, Old U.S. Mint Jazz Theatre, 400 Esplanade Ave. Bandleader Ben Polcer works with various singers. The evening also features a costume contest, performances by chorus girls, burlesque beauties & an All-Girl Solo Charleston Contest.

Sunday, March 3

Free Dance Classes, Old U.S. Mint Jazz Theatre, 400 Esplanade Ave.

11 a.m. to noon.
Solo Charleston with Nathalie Gomes-Adams

12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Solo Jazz Movement with Giselle Anguizola

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Burlesque for Modest Girls with Bella Blue

5 to 7:30 p.m.
Jazz Happy Hour with an All Girl Jazz Band, Three Muses, 536 Frenchmen St.

6 – till,
Frenchmen Street Club Crawl