V-Side: Philosophical jams, bikinis and boxing, dance-a-thons

THURSDAY-SUNDAY / I am because we are: Art and philosophy are often seen as inextricably linked. Music is no exception, as evidenced in Matt Lemmler’s album, “UBUNTU,” released this week. Ubuntu describes a universal connectedness in which the efforts of an individual contribute to the greater community. “UBUNTU” is a collection of ensemble pieces performed by many of New Orleans’ finest jazz musicians. This weekend brings five opportunities to see ubuntu in action. Showcases for Matt Lemmler’s New Orleans Jazz Revival Band are Thursday at 6 PM at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. “UBUNTU” CD release concerts are Friday at 8 and 10 PM. at Café Istanbul and Sunday at 8 and 10 PM at Snug Harbor. To read Evan Christopher’s interview with Lemmler about the mission of music in New Orleans, click here.

FRIDAY / Foxy boxing: Living in a city as exciting as New Orleans, when every Friday night is a party, sometimes it’s nice to throw in a little excitement. Instead of hoping you’re lucky enough to witness a bar fight, go to Freret Street for Friday Night Fights. It is their Sexy Summer Show, with women in bikinis and men in banana hammocks receiving free admission (which is good, because where would they keep their wallets?). Plus, in the August heat, they’re likely to be the most comfortable anyway. If you want to strut your stuff, there will also be a bikini contest. The reggae band Higher Heights will be opening the show. August 24, 7 PM, Freret Street Lot, Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

Live Music Blog: NOLA music pick for the weekend: Earphunk at One Eyed Jack’s

FRIDAY / Bring in da funk: Live Music Blog Nola Pick of the Week: Head down to One Eyed Jacks in the French Quarter this Friday to hear the far out funkadelics of Earphunk, the New Orleans natives with a seemingly unquenchable thirst for groove. Over the last few years these talented youngsters have honed in on a raunchy smoothness that is guaranteed to send a bounce into your legs and a fiery light into your spirit, so if you’re looking for a groovy experience this Friday, look no further. August 24, 9 PM, One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse St., Tickets $10 GA.

SATURDAY / Like nobody is watching: The Louisiana Bucket Brigade is holding its first annual dance-a-thon for clean air this Saturday at Café Istanbul. And they’re certainly not willing to let your two left feet and questionable rhythm get in the way of a good time. Dance instructors will be teaching salsa, swing, hip-hop, second line, Brazilian, Cajun-Zydeco, Crude Step 2-Step, and belly dancing throughout the day. After you’ve worked up an appetite, there will be free food and prizes. Get together a team for 12 hours of busting a move and breaking a sweat for clean air. August 25, 2 PM, Café Istanbul, 2372 St. Claude, $45/team.

 Anna Shults is associate editor of NolaVie.