Nightlife in Baton Rouge

In addition to shaking up myriad specialty martinis, the staff at Duvic’s Martini Lounge piles plates with a slew of Cajun-inspired bar staples. Duck, crawfish, and pork cohabitate in savory boudin balls ($6), and spicy-bacon creole cream cheese oozes from fried louisiana shrimp ($7) like charm from a New England bed-and-breakfast. Duck-fat fries ($5) can accompany a half-pound burger, showcasing a brioche bun loaded with beef that's ground in-house ($7.50). Duvic’s signature martinis include the key lime pie, a blend of Stoli Vanil, melon liqueur, fresh lime, pineapple juice, and cream served in a graham-cracker-rimmed glass. Chocolaty drinks abound, such as the mint chocolate chip, chocolate raspberry, or white chocolate, and the Cajun martini tempts sippers with a mixture of tabasco, okra, and spicy green beans zesty enough to make maracas shake themselves.

Helmed by Opera Louisiane music director Michael Borowitz, Chorus! soars through the sanctuary at First Baptist Church on the undulating sound waves of a 120-person choir and four soloists. Backed by a full orchestra, the Opera's own singers and those of the Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus pay homage to instantly recognizable works including the "Humming Chorus" from Puccini's Madame Butterfly and "Toreador Song" from Bizet's Carmen, moving the audience through dreamy, sweeping refrains and bold exclamations throughout a program that runs just less than two hours. Audience members may find themselves humming along in surprise to songs they already know from movies, commercials, or the soundtracks dogs hear when chasing squirrels.

Lucy's laid-back staff chops, slices, and serves a mouthwatering mélange of Cajun, Californian, and Mexican cuisine from their eclectic menu. The Cali burger ($8.95) healthfully silences the stomach's high-pitched whale calls with a tender turkey patty nestled on a whole-wheat bun. Diners can also feast on surfer-inspired handhelds such as todos santos fish tacos ($10.95 for two), or dive into the fried-shrimp-and-spinach salad's sea of creole mustard vinaigrette ($9.95). Appetizers such as the Jamaican jerk chicken ($7.95) prepare teeth for cross-cultural chomping with four chicken-breast skewers drenched in tangy Pali sauce and dressed in matching mini swim trunks.

The Gang of Outlaws tour stirs up a sizzling brew of platinum-selling superstars, mixing the full-steam-ahead blues of ZZ Top, the driving alt-rock of 3 Doors Down, and the brawny country music of Gretchen Wilson. Legendary Texas trio and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers ZZ Top have scratched the boogying itch of fans for more than 40 years with their slippery lyrics and blues-seared, buzzsawing riffs. Unlike estranged trios such as Charlie's Angels, the impenetrable force of ZZ Top is still composed of the same rigid core of rock ‘n’ roll mercenaries: Les Paul–wielding guitarist Billy Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard, the historically beardless one. ZZ Top's adroit musical powers and Santa-shaming facial hair have made them a household name. With a new album in the works and an Eliminator full of rocket fuel, ZZ Top's live show throbs thumping energy while classic-rock staples such as "Legs" and "Tush" rile up audiences. Fellow outlaws 3 Doors Down flood the outdoors with hits such as “Kryptonite,” and Grammy-winning chanteuse Gretchen Wilson gets rowdy with hits such as “Redneck Woman” and “All Jacked Up.”

Funny Bone Comedy Club gratifies audiences with a multifaceted lineup of talent, from hypnotically hilarious comedians to comically mesmerizing hypnotists. Patrick DeGuire does a two-night whistle stop on February 24 and 25 to regale audiences with off-the-cuff insights on family, Mexican food, and having to deal with his significantly impaired vision. Anthony Potmesil unleashes his adults-only brand of hypnotism on March 2 and 3, lulling volunteers into a trance using nothing more than a pocket watch and readings from Dame Judi Dench’s autobiography. Consult the club's robust schedule to scope out its assortment of visiting rib-ticklers, then enjoy the chucklefest while dousing your internal mirth inferno with a bucket of beers from the full-service bar. If VIP tickets are available (a $15 value/ticket), Groupon customers can sit in the VIP-designated tables near the stage. If not, customers will have general-admission seats (a $10 value/ticket). Call in advance to make a reservation.

There are few online reviews for Fred's Bar, but they are featured on Best of Baton Rouge.