November in Baton Rouge fills up fast with football, family and turkey. Fridays at The Queen Baton Rouge are a good reason to save a night for live music downtown.

The riverfront casino at 1717 River Park Boulevard books bands into 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails, its bar and performance space, which pairs rustic American food with big-screen TVs for game days. Here is the November lineup posted on the casino's site, with shows at 9 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 6: The Bucket List Band

The month opens with a no-cover night. Seating is general admission and first come, first served, and once the seats are gone it turns into standing room only, so arrive early if you want a table.

Friday, Nov. 13: Shaun Ward, The DJ vs. The Violinist

This one is ticketed and 21 and up, with doors at 8 p.m. Buyers can pick general admission, which is standing room, or reserved seats in booths, at tables or up in the Loft at 1717. Drinks are sold at the bar.

Friday, Nov. 20: Total Control

The rock band returns with big vocals and no cover charge, a solid way to kick off the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Friday, Nov. 27: OMT

Make it a post-Thanksgiving night out. OMT is back for a crowd-pleasing set, and seating is general admission, so the early arrivals get the chairs.

Saturday DJs on the balcony

If Saturday fits better, The Royal Mix brings a different DJ to The Balcony every week from 8 p.m. to midnight, with sets that change from week to week.

Before you go

The Queen is 21 and up, and the casino floor has more than 700 gaming machines and 18 table games if you want to make a night of it. Call 225-709-7777 with questions, and check the casino's entertainment calendar before heading out in case the lineup shifts. If gambling stops being fun, the casino points guests to 1-877-770-STOP.

Photo courtesy of The Queen Baton Rouge.