Friends of Culture   - New Orleans - Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 Miss Friends of Culture Scholarship competition for young ladies 14-17 and not 18 before  June 2011.  Application deadline is March 27, 2010 and must be returned with copy of your birth certificate, last grades and  a headshot photo without any caps, crowns, etc.  The competition will take place on Sunday, July 25, 2010.  This is not a beauty pageant!  Judging is based on scholastic achievement, talent, speaking skills and poise. The winner will win a $1000.00 scholarship to the college of her choice and an all expense paid cruise to the Caribbean where she will promote Friends of Cultures annual Bayou Baccahnal (West Indian Carnival). To download an application and ot keep up with whats going on with them, visit their website at http://www.bayoubacchanal.org/  or email Geri at nolacaribe@aol.com for more info.

Trelawney Jamaica - Jan. 24 -30, 2010, Jazz and Blues Festival at Greenfield Stadium featuring Gladys Knight, Jon Secada, Erykah Badu, Maxi Priest and many more.