225 Magazine [June 2025]

GULF COASTgetaways

CARI AND ZAC CARAMONTA, OWNERS OF GNARLY BARLEY BREWERY ARE BACK AT WORK BREWING AMAZING BEER IN HAMMOND, LOUISIANA. BOTH ARE PATIENTS OF DR. OBERLANDER AND BOTH SAW HIM FOR SEVERE BACK PAIN AND LEG PAIN. ZAC GOT BETTER WITH THE CONSERVATIVE THERAPY THAT DR. OBERLANDER ORDERED AND WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE BREWERY GROWING WITHOUT MISSING WORK. WHEN CARI’S BACK WENT BAD, CONSERVATIVE THERAPY DIDN’T WORK AND SHE ENDED UP HAVING AN EASY OUTPATIENT MICROSURGERY WITH A QUICK RETURN TO THE BREWERY.

BACK BREWING BEER!

Whether it’s back to the brewery or the carpool line, getting your back-back is the goal!

As one of the few board-certified neurosurgeons in Louisiana who has fellowship training in minimally invasive and complex spine surgery, his services are in high demand. Join over 8,000 patients that see Team Oberlander per year. Call (225) 768-2023 to schedule your appointment.

Oberlander, MD Board Certified Neurosurgeon DrOberlander.com

SCAN THE QR CODE TO WATCH THE VIDEO OF THEIR AMAZING STORY.

Your newborn deserves the best care, and at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health that’s exactly what you’ll find. We set the standard for pediatric expertise in Baton Rouge, with a network of elite pediatricians and specialists trusted by families across Louisiana. From routine checkups to advanced specialty care, we’re here for every milestone and every moment.

We encourage parents to meet one or more of our primary care providers before baby is born. Schedule your complimentary visit today to discover the perfect pediatrician for your family.

Zeeland Street’s Tyrone sandwich

This Month @ BREC [JUNE]

GUEST APPRECIATION WEEKEND

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

June 7 + 8 | 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

SUNSET PADDLE

Milford Wampold Memorial Park

June 11 + 25 | 7-8:30 p.m.

MOVIE AT THE LAGOON:

DESPICABLE ME 4

Liberty Lagoon

June 13 | 7:30-9:30 p.m.

DAMONE CLARK FOOTBALL CAMP

Memorial Stadium

June 14 | 9 a.m.-noon

DOUG WILLIAMS HIGH SCHOOL

FOOTBALL SKILLS CAMP

Memorial Stadium

June 20 | 6-8 p.m.

DOUG WILLIAMS YOUTH

FOOTBALL CAMP

Memorial Stadium

June 21 | 9 a.m.-noon

YOGA DAY IN THE GARDEN -

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY

Independence Community Park

Botanical Gardens

June 21 | 7 a.m.-noon

DOG DAY AT THE SWAMP

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

June 21 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

BREC’S LARGEST SWIM LESSON

Liberty Lagoon

June 27 | 8:30-9:30 a.m.

brec.org/camps

BATON ROUGE SENIOR OPEN

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Beaver Creek Golf Course

June 28 + 29 | 8 a.m.

ARRL FIELD DAY

Highland Road Park Observatory

June 28 | 2-10 p.m.

Wheels up

I FOUND IT in the corner of a T.J. Maxx about 10 years ago: a set of baby-blue, hardside suitcases, the color of Florida’s Gulf Coast ocean waters on a clear day.

There was a carry-on and a checked bag, each trimmed with vintage-style leather straps. It was love at first sight.

It was also the first luggage I’d ever bought, having navigated my 20s up to that point using borrowed baggage from my parents. But I’d recently moved away from home, and now that I was living an airplane ride away from family, it was time to acquire my own.

Today, those suitcases are dented and cracked with the wear that comes courtesy of a decade’s worth of miles and memories. I’ve stuffed bridesmaids dresses inside. Crammed gifts for graduations, baby showers and holidays. I sat atop them in a desperate attempt to force them closed when they were overstuffed with wedding decor and my passport en route to my own nuptials and honeymoon.

I tearfully clutched the handles one Thanksgiving as I boarded the plane without my husband, who missed our flight while trying to find airport parking. I dragged them across miles of cobblestone streets in Europe as I ran toward a train I’d catch with seconds to spare.

They’ve been my companion on weekend getaways to Texas and Tennessee. I’ve ventured

with them to festivals, concerts and birthday celebrations. I’ve shoved them into my car on road trips, rolling down Interstates 12 and 10 and through Mobile’s iconic George Wallace Tunnel toward the promise of sand, sun and Publix.

No matter where I’ve voyaged, those suitcases have been the one constant. They’re a source of comfort. Because even when I’m seeking an escape, I know what I’ve packed inside will make my destination feel just enough like home.

But if I’m being honest with myself, my beloved bags have always been more form than function. The wheels don’t rotate 360 degrees or even roll properly. Walking long distances with them feels like trying to do cardio while lugging two 50-pound weights.

And in recent years, they’re in shambles. The carry-on’s zipper is partially broken. Every time I go through security at the airport, I pray my bag doesn’t get flagged—because if it did, I worry I won’t be able to reclose it after it’s searched. The checked bag has a broken strap that trails behind it, collecting dirt.

I needed to part with these bags like … yesterday. But I just keep thinking back to the time a woman chased me across the airport, dying to know where I’d gotten them from. I’m deluded enough about their beauty that I hope they’ll somehow get a second life with another lucky traveler someday.

Because this month’s 225 cover story on Gulf Coast getaways inspired me to finally pull the trigger and order a new suitcase.

This time, I researched for weeks instead of making an impulse buy. I couldn’t find a good trunk with vintage-inspired details—but the wheels will at least glide smoothly.

As I clicked “add to cart,” though, I felt strangely empty. I’m sure my new bag will make vacay a little more stress-free, but it feels soulless. I just don’t feel attached to it yet.

Maybe that’s OK. How can a mint-condition, unused suitcase compete with one tattered with the scars of so many milestones? Over time, I’m bound to form the same kind of bond I had with my old luggage.

Time to start planning a summer road trip.

Jennifer Tormo Alvarez 225 Editor-In-Chief

THIS ISSUE, by the numbers

100+

Number of restaurants, attractions, accommodations, events and destinations listed in “Seas the day,” our cover story about Gulf Coast travel conceptualized by 225 Managing Editor Laura Furr Mericas. Read more on page 28.

10+

Number of sources 225 Features Writer Maggie Heyn Richardson interviewed for “A lot of drama,” our look at the state of local live theater in the aftermath of this spring’s closure of Theatre Baton Rouge. Read more on page 20.

146

Number of years the iconic Hatch Show Print has operated in Nashville. Works from the letterpress shop will be on display starting this month at the LSU Museum of Art. Read more on page 56.

TARRENCE GORDWIN/COURTESYALABAMABEACHES

Publisher: Julio Melara

EDITORIAL

Editor-In-Chief: Jennifer Tormo Alvarez

Managing Editor: Laura Furr Mericas

Features Writer: Maggie Heyn Richardson

Digital Editor: Olivia Deffes

Staff Photographer: Collin Richie

Contributing Writers:

Madison Cooper, Holly Duchmann, Gracelyn Farrar, Benjamin Leger, Tracey Koch, Avery White

Contributing Photographers:

Ariana Allison, Amy Shutt, Avery White

ADVERTISING

Director, Consumer Sales: Michelle Green

Multimedia Marketing Consultant & Team Leader: André Hellickson Savoie

Multimedia Marketing Consultants:

Savannah Bankston Estes, Claire Hader, Jamie Hernandez, Angelle Theriot, Ashleigh Ward

Digital Operations Manager: Devyn MacDonald

Partner Success Manager: Matt Wambles

Content Creators: Erin Beene, Londyn White

Digital Ops Coordinator: Sydney DeVille

Content Strategist: Emily Hebert

MARKETING

Sales and Marketing Operations Manager: Kynley Lemoine

Marketing & Events Assistant: Mallory Romanowski

ADMINISTRATION

Chief Technology Officer: James Hume

Business Manager: Tiffany Durocher

Business Associate: Kirsten Milano

Office Coordinator: Donna Curry

Receptionist: Cathy Varnado Brown

CREATIVE SERVICES

Creative Services Manager: Ellie Gray

Art Director: Hoa Vu

Senior Graphic Designers: Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, Sidney Rosso

Graphic Designer: Britt Benoit

STUDIO E

Creative Director: Timothy Coles

Custom Content Editor: Lisa Tramontana

Business Development Manager: Manny Fajardo

Multimedia Marketing Consultant + Custom Publishing: Judith LaDousa

Corporate Communications Strategist: Mark Lorando

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

Circulation and Client Experience Manager: Ivana Oubre

Audience Development Campaign Manager: Catherine Albano

A publication of Melara Enterprises, LLC

Chairman: Julio Melara

Executive Assistant: Brooke Motto

Vice President-Sales: Elizabeth McCollister Hebert

Chief Content Officer: Penny Font

Chief Digital Officer: Erin Pou

Chief Operating Officer: Guy Barone

Circulation/Reprints

Discover Summer in Zachary, Louisiana!

Where Adventure Meets Small-Town Charm

Whether you're chasing the thrill of water sports, perfecting your golf swing, exploring historic streets, or dancing under hot air balloons, Zachary is your summer destination for unforgettable experiences.

Tee Off on Championship Greens

Zachary is a hidden gem for golf lovers!

Play at:

• Beaver Creek Golf Course

• Copper Mill Golf Club

• Fennwood Hills Country Club

Dine Like a Local

• South Plains Food Company

Patio dining + live music

• Asian Pearl

Beloved family-run staple

• LeBlanc’s

Serving up Louisiana

comfort food since 1978

• Cajun Catch, Hot Tails, and more!

Soak Up the Outdoors

13 Parks across the city offer something for every family:

• Zachary Community Park: Splash pad, nature trails, dog park, skate park, basketball, volleyball, outdoor fitness & more

• Zachary Youth Park: Home to 100K+ visitors yearly for baseball, softball, and league play

Where Champions Play and Familes Stay!

Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival – Aug 8–9

• 9 Balloons

• 5 Bands

• Splash Pad

• 60 Craft Vendors

• 18 Food/Drink Vendors

• Tethered Rides & Nighttime

Balloon Glow (weather permitting)

Make a Splash at Bennett’s Boat & Ski

• World-renowned water ski & wakeboard school for kids & adults

• Annual LA Night Jam – June 7

Elite global skiers compete Live music | Food trucks | Family fun

Learn more about Bennett’s here

Explore Downtown Vibes

• Zachary Farmers Market

Every Saturday

• Food Truck Fridays Live music + great eats

• Zachary Art Crawl, Downtown Live concerts, parades, and more

• McHugh House: Historical tours, Airbnb experiences, & Cajun culture

• Hug Your People Park: Walkable, whimsical, and perfect for families

Live, Eat, Play in Americana

• Walkable neighborhoods with restaurants, trails, and parks

• State-of-the-art YMCA

Just 20 minutes from Baton Rouge, but a world away from ordinary.

Zachary, Louisiana –Your Summer Starts Here

Follow us on social @CityOfZachary or visit CityOfZachary.org

Readers’ notes TOP STORIES

Guy Fieri visits at least 5 Capital Region spots on ‘Diners, DriveIns and Dives,’ starting with some ‘out-ofbounds’ oysters

39,823

Number of views on our Instagram reel

Re: Our coverage of the opening of TBR Books and Tea, a new bookstore filled with reads, teas, a children’s area and lots of cozy seating:

“This is incredible!! I’ve been hoping that BR would have something like this one day and I can’t wait to stop by!!” —@nathali.reyess, via Instagram

“I’m. Ob. Sessed.” —Dejanay Love-Gates, via Facebook

About our First Look inside the recently revamped Spanish Town Market and Cofe, now managed by Horatio Isadore of the former Southern Cofe: “Oh my godddd, yesss, Horatio! Only thing that could make me happy about this space closing is you taking it over.” —@rubies3, via Instagram

Comments and analytics are from April 1-30, 2025. They have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

225 things to do

There’s nothing to do in Baton Rouge, eh? For our April cover story, we found— count ’em—225 ways to prove the haters wrong. We revamped our viral list of 225 things to do, with new and classic ways to eat, shop and explore your way through the Capital Region. Though the issue is no longer on stands, access it digitally by scanning the QR code.

“I read it this morning and the list is amazing! ” —@sierra_davon, via Instagram

facebook.com/225magazine x.com/225batonrouge instagram.com/225batonrouge

SEAN GASSER

go

WHAT'S UP Things THUMP that

Myth-busting how to pick a ripe watermelon

June

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE

SURVIVING LOUISIANA’S

epic summertime heat depends on an arsenal of strategies, the tastiest of which is cold, sweet watermelon.

And so, when fresh melons start to appear, a new sport emerges: how to see past a thick rind to determine its level of ripeness.

Pounding on the side of a melon to elicit a hollow pitch is a favorite folk method, and it’s a safe bet you’ll spot devotees expertly thumping, knocking or slapping around a gourd or two to ferret out a drum-like tone.

But Hungarian Settlement watermelon farmer Frank Fekete says visual cues are more reliable. He inspects each fresh melon grown on the family farm before harvesting for the Thursday and Saturday Red Stick Farmers Markets.

“Hooked to the vine near the melon, there’s a little ‘whisker,’ a twisted-looking thing,”

Fekete says. “We try to pick the watermelon when that whisker is light brown to brown, kind of a pine straw color.”

If the tendril is still green or yellow, it’s too early to pick, Fekete says. Too dark, and the melon is probably overripe and mealy.

Fekete also examines the spot where the watermelon has been resting in the dirt. It should have turned from white to pale yellow, he says. And the exterior surface, appearing glossy while growing, should have dulled before picking. These markers mean it’s harvest time. Fekete starts with the melons closest to the original root system. Those growing several feet away amid the sprawling vine network are ripe later.

“We’ll cut a few watermelons to make sure,” he says. “We pick them only when we know they’re ready.”

Fekete expects to bring both seedless and seeded watermelons to the markets after June 10, he

says. They’ll be available roughly through the third week of July.

Historically, Louisiana farmers grow about 2,500 acres of watermelons, a crop long associated with well-branded locations like Washington Parish and Sugartown in Beauregard Parish. And while hulking, church picnic-sized melons remain a summertime staple, smaller seedless melons are a popular alternative. About five years ago, Fekete began planting the round seedless variety, Cracker Jack. It’s consistently sweet and easier to carry, he says.

But how can you be assured of ripeness when not buying directly from a farmer like Fekete?

Continue to look for a yellowish spot where the melon rested, experts say. Proceed with a ceremonial slap if you must, but bear in mind it’s not foolproof. Some growers do concede if you hear the dull thud of a flat tire, steer clear. The melon is overripe.

Still, even watermelon growers can be buffaloed in what remains a perpetual produce mystery. Fekete admits to buying a supermarket melon back in late April that was disappointingly bland, likely due to its early harvest and lengthy transport.

“We can’t get away with that at the farmers market,” he says. “We sell junk and people won’t come back.”

DIGIT

2,500

Acres of watermelons grown by Louisiana farmers

SAVE THE DATE July 2

Watermelon Field Day with the LSU AgCenter

The Sugar Research Station will teach on how to grow and harvest melons at home, plus serve watermelon recipe samples.

SOURCE: LSU AGCENTER

Look for a pale yellow spot when picking a watermelon.

WHAT’S NEW

By the book

Compiled by Gracelyn Farrar

TBR BOOKS AND TEA opened next to Baton Rouge Succulent Co. on Highland Road this spring. The new bookstore comes from local book lover Jamie Freeman, who wanted to meld her two favorite hobbies: reading and tea drinking. The result is a 2,500-square-foot bookstore filled with new reads, a kitchenette ready to serve hot

or cold teas, a children’s area and cozy seating where visitors can work, study or, of course, read. Freeman’s initial inventory order contained about 7,500 books from local and national authors in a variety of genres. She plans to serve drinks and pastries from the small kitchen area at the front of the store. tbrbookshop.com

What else is new?

Hot spot

Tacos del Cartel arrived at the former home of Habaneros in Perkins Rowe on April 17. It offers photo opportunities everywhere—from vibrant decor to fire-breathing bartenders to Latin American-inspired dishes, like the tacos de birria served on a traditional Mexican clothesline. tacosdelcartel.com

Aw shucks

Bayes Oyster Bar was slated to open last month in the former Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar space downtown. Co-owner Rick Volland was one of the original Jolie Pearl team members, and he and his son, Ricky, want to put the focus of the eatery back on oysters. The menu will also include shrimp and sandwiches. Find it on Instagram at @bayesoysterbar

Land and sea

Twin sisters Jewel Nguyen and Jade Nguyen took ownership of Sunshine Chicken & Seafood on Jefferson Highway and reopened the space in October. They have expanded the menu with new recipes and Asian-inspired dishes. Crispy chicken wings, butterflied shrimp and catfish strips are customer faves. Seafood egg rolls, stir-fry noodles, po-boys, milk teas and Vietnamese iced coffee are also on offer. Find it on Facebook

Shawn Gee

SHAWN GEE HAS helped plenty of Capital Region residents find their forever homes. But, you won’t find his face plastered on benches or billboards around town. And he won’t be knocking on doors or cold-calling.

It’s just not his style.

Rather, Gee’s clients find him through word of mouth—and his growing social media accounts.

“I was thinking if I make (posts) about the city ... if 0.01% reach out to me, I’d rather have that than to call 100 people a day that don’t want to talk to me,” Gee laughs.

Don’t expect to only find posts about listings and walk-throughs, either. Instead, Gee has turned into a bit of a local guide, showing off happenings and new businesses, using trending sounds, remaking memes and hooking in viewers with his friendly “Howdy, Baton Rouge!”

“Social media is the No. 1 thing that fuels my business,” Gee says.

Gee started his career teaching music in the Capital Region. He says making skate videos as a kid and teaching videos during the pandemic made social media editing come easily. In 2021, he became a licensed real estate agent, and now guides clients through the home-buying, inspection and closing processes.

“I’m a teacher at heart,” Gee says. “I still get to teach in some capacity.”

Gee loves the community that he’s connected with through his current career path. Today, he’s amassed around 34,000 followers across platforms. And by attending events throughout the Red Stick, supporting local establishments and getting to know clients, Gee says he’s gotten to know another side of the city he calls home.

Hailing from Slidell, Gee says he wasn’t familiar with the Capital Region until he enrolled at LSU in 2012. After graduating, Gee says he became hooked on Baton Rouge’s coziness.

These days, when he’s not working, Gee is out on the town with his wife, Laura, and his two pups, Noctis and Clementine.

His favorite activities include attending Capital City events and festivals like White Light Night and Night Market BTR, grabbing a bite at Simple Joe Café or French Truck Coffee, and thrift shopping at Circa 1857 or The Pink Elephant Antiques.

He says the city’s charm is something his clients have noticed, too.

“Coming from a smaller city to here, I was just like, ‘Dude, this is amazing,’” Gee says. “As a Realtor, I talk with people, and they feel the same way. … It depends on who you ask and their past experiences before they come here. (Baton Rouge) felt like a small big city because there are a lot of people here, but you don’t see massive skyscrapers.” shawngeerealtor.com

DISCOVER NEW PASSIONS AND LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS THIS SUMMER WITH OLLI AT LSU

For adults aged 50 and over who never stop asking “What’s next?”— there’s a place just for you. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at LSU offers a welcoming and inspiring environment for those eager to stay curious, make new connections and engage with the world through shared learning.

Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time, finally diving into photography or learning a new language, OLLI gives you the freedom to learn just for the joy of it. Members discover that the classroom becomes more than just a place for lectures — it becomes a hub for friendships, personal growth, and discovery. Summer registration opens June 9, with classes starting July 7. It’s the perfect time to explore something new or rekindle an old passion. From active classes like yoga

and walking groups to thought-provoking topics in literature, science and history, OLLI’s summer offerings are as diverse as its members.

Classes are available both in person and online via Zoom, offering convenience and flexibility for all schedules and lifestyles. Whether you

A $50 annual membership (valid July 1 through June 30) gives you access to register for as many courses, field trips and special events as you like across OLLI’s four regional chapters. While individual course and event fees apply, the membership opens the door to an entire year of learning and connection.

OLLI at LSU isn’t just about taking classes— it’s about becoming part of a supportive community. Members often say they come for the classes but stay for the people. New friendships blossom over shared interests, laughter during field trips and the mutual excitement of learning new things.

No grades, no pressure — just a shared passion for learning and connecting. Whether you’re newly retired or simply looking for something fun and meaningful to do, OLLI invites you to explore your potential in a friendly, engaging environment.

OLLI AT LSU IS ORGANIZED INTO FOUR CHAPTERS: 1 2

Camellia City Chapter Covington & Slidell

Crescent City Chapter New Orleans & Metairie

READY TO JOIN?

To purchase a membership or browse available courses, visit ce. lsu.edu/OLLI or call 225.578.2500

This summer, make time for yourself—because learning is a lifelong adventure.

drama A lot of

IT WAS SUPPOSED to have been the seventh of nine shows in Theatre Baton Rouge’s 79th season. But the schmaltzy, upbeat roller skate musical, Xanadu, ended up being TBR’s last show ever.

On March 1, six days before Xanadu’s opening night, TBR’s board of governors abruptly announced the veteran arts organization’s closure. The nonprofit would neither stage the season’s last two shows, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Fiddler on the Roof, nor would it reach a landmark 80th season this fall.

“It was very emotional,” actor Don Fields recalls. The LSU junior theater major played Sonny Malone in Xanadu, one of several TBR productions he has acted in since arriving at the university two years ago. “TBR meant a lot to people in the local theater world. It was a big loss.”

After a 79-year run, Theatre Baton Rouge now sits empty. What does its stunning closure mean for the future of local theater?

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

The organization’s board of governors cited finances as the culprit, pointing to post-pandemic pressures that included declining ticket sales and soaring production costs.

TBR’s shuttering took a notable quality-of-life amenity off the board for residents. And it served as a cautionary tale to other arts nonprofits.

“I never thought that I would see the closing of Theatre Baton Rouge,” says Playmakers of Baton Rouge executive director Todd Henry. “It’s always seemed so much bigger than the rest of our companies. And you know, if it can happen there, it could really happen to any of our theater and performing arts organizations.”

TBR’s demise has altered the region’s live theater landscape. Smaller organizations, some in existence for decades, have begun absorbing part of the role played by TBR, once seen as the area’s community theater hub. Its nearly

year-round slate of shows allowed performers to partake in sweeping musicals, youth productions and provocative social commentaries.

“It’s a loss to the arts in greater Baton Rouge,” says Sullivan Theater founder Dave Freneaux, a past TBR board member and volunteer. “Absent TBR, there honestly isn’t enough stage and theatrical time in the community for everybody who wants to be involved.”

It follows a dismal national trend in which scores of organizations have closed since the pandemic. In 2020, theaters recorded nearly 90% declines in ticket income following lockdowns and social distancing, says Corinna Schulenburg, director of communications at Theatre Communications Group.

The organization releases an annual Theatre Facts report on the state of U.S. nonprofit theaters. Over the last five years, Schulenburg says theaters have overwhelmingly struggled to bounce back, facing other headwinds from declining attendance and inflationary pressures.

“It’s impossible to imagine a swift rebound from that for any kind of organization,” Schulenburg says.

‘No words’

It was the morning of the Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade. Revelers were vying for pink beads and snapping suggestive selfies at one of Baton Rouge’s most raucous annual events.

The distraction didn’t keep scrollers from noticing TBR’s surprise online announcement late that morning. Gutted fans—including past

Theatre Baton Rouge in February during one of its last performances, Radium Girls

6,000

Number of annual subscribers TBR had back in 1970, when demand was so high the organization kept a waiting list of prospective members. But over the past five seasons, these seasonal memberships decreased from 937 to 450.

performers, patrons and volunteers—flooded its social media with plaintive responses. “Such a big loss for Baton Rouge,” “heartbreaking on so many levels,” “no words,” they lamented. And: “Why are we letting this happen?”

Open since 1946, TBR was the oldest community theater in the city, and one of the oldest in the country. The nucleus of Baton Rouge’s performing arts scene for almost eight decades, its renditions of iconic works like A Christmas Carol and The Rocky Horror Show were annual rituals for many.

The closure news came just six days after a Feb. 24 post about board resignations that followed an allegation about one of its members swirling on social media. TBR declined to discuss the matter with 225, other than to say its investigation was closed. But the issue, which followed other public and behind-the-scenes controversies, exposed TBR’s organizational struggles. At least four board members resigned earlier this year, as did TBR’s artistic director Sarah Klocke after less than five months on the job. Klocke did not return requests for comment.

Internal strife notwithstanding, the board pinned the closure on funding, pointing to inflation, debt, building and equipment maintenance costs, and a continuing decline in ticket sales.

“We really were struggling from COVID and beyond to kind of regain our footing,” says Andrea Tettleton, who joined TBR’s volunteer board of governors last August and stepped into the board presidency days before the announcement. “We just haven’t been able to locate that financial support in the way that we had hoped.”

Long COVID

Former TBR artistic director Jenny Ballard, now a theater professor in Tennessee, led the organization through the pandemic. She recalls the painful decision she and the then-board of governors made in closing The Fox on the Fairway, set to open in March 2020. When shows resumed later in 2020, they saw smaller crowds and generally ran over two weekends rather than

the usual three, she says. But even with the struggles brought by the pandemic, Ballard expected TBR to pull through.

“It never crossed my mind to close the theater,” she says. “The goal at all times, no matter what, (was) to keep the doors open.”

Following COVID-19, TBR and other theaters nationwide relied on long-term, low-interest loans from the federal government to stay afloat. Such loans plugged income shortfalls temporarily, but they also added debt to balance sheets.

Crowds never returned to pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, production costs doubled. Building supplies, labor costs and insurance have all spiked.

According to TCG’s Theatre Facts report, released in March and analyzing 2023, theaters are facing not just soft ticket sales, exorbitant expenses and a cessation of federal funding, but also a “worrying” three-year decline in charitable giving among trustees, Schulenburg says.

Patron behavior has also changed. Theatergoers are more likely to buy show-by-show tickets rather than committing to a season. Once TBR’s lifeblood, seasonal subscriptions decreased from 937 to 450 over the last five seasons,

after peaking to nearly 6,000 in 1970, according to Tettleton.

“The language that gets used is that ‘it’s like a leaky bucket,’” Schulenburg says. “There are audiences going in, but they’re not returning or converting into subscriber or donor status, a pattern that used to be the norm.”

Theatre Baton Rouge had been open about its post-COVID fiscal challenges in 2023, launching its urgent $100,000 Light the Stage fundraiser. The community stepped up, and the campaign surpassed its goal. While it helped pay down some debt, it wasn’t enough to secure the future, Tettleton says.

A growing number of theaters, Theatre Baton Rouge included, have had to budget for deficits

in the post-pandemic era. TBR’s 2023 tax return shows $836,603 in revenue and $993,226 in expenses—a $156,632 budget shortfall. The organization’s reported net assets that tax year were -$300,211.

It squares with national trends.

“Theatre Facts 2023 records the worst change in unrestricted net assets, or CUNA, since we’ve been recording that data, not only in the number of theaters experiencing a negative change in their unrestricted net assets, but also the severity of that change,” Schulenburg says.

Casting call

Despite the current climate’s challenges, the local live theater sector has sprouted fresh energy

Sullivan Theater’s recent Murder on the Orient Express cast 11 performers and drew strong audiences of theater fans.

The shows must go on

Catch summer productions from these other theaters

Playmakers of Baton Rouge

Seussical, Jr.: June 6-8 and June 13-15

Sullivan Theater

Oklahoma!: June 13-22

Noises Off: Aug. 15-24

UpStage Theatre Company

Mahalia!: June 27-28

The Old Settler: July 18-20

Ascension Community Theatre

Annie: July 10-27

Christian Community Theater

Singin’ in the Rain: July 27-Aug. 3

and new programming in recent years. The groups might have a smaller footprint than TBR’s, but their overhead is far lower.

The past decade brought newcomers like women-centric Red Magnolia Theatre Company and 225 Theatre Collective, largely volunteer-run groups offering familiar and experimental productions.

The 130-seat, volunteer-operated Sullivan Theater has seen steady increases in ticket sales since it opened in 2013, according to Freneaux. Its spring opener, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, was a complete sellout, including an extra show to meet demand.

“When it comes to community theater, it’s larger than just one place,” says actor Knick Moore, who recently starred as Hercule Poirot in Sullivan’s Murder on the Orient Express. “While TBR was the biggest, there was a lot of participation across other theaters.”

Indeed, Ascension Community Theatre celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Fields and

$28.5 million in scholarship money was offered to 75 percent of the class (as of 5/8/2025). This does not include TOPS scholarship information, which is not yet available. Fifty-two seniors completed 50 or more hours of community service during each of their four years.

fellow LSU theater student and Xanadu star Kamryn Hecker recently headlined ACT’s wellreceived spring production of Cabaret.

There’s been hopeful news for UpStage Theater Company. The small grassroots group has been named the resident company for the recently renovated historic Lincoln Theater, slated to open soon as a performing arts hall and Black history cultural center.

The local fabric also includes established players like LSU’s professional theater, Swine Palace.

Still, there’s no denying that TBR was the dramatic arts fulcrum, churning out back-to-back productions with a deep bench of onstage and backstage talent.

Founded by volunteers and then-named Baton Rouge Civic Theater, TBR put on its first shows in a space at Baton Rouge Metro Airport. In 1951, its name changed to Baton Rouge Little Theater—which many native Baton Rougeans still use.

CONGRATULATIONS TO

Louisiana Christian University

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State UniversityEunice

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American University

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College of Charleston

Colorado State University

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Denham Springs Beauty School

Elon University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Institute of Technology

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Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

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Georgia State University

Hampton University

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Rhodes College

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Rollins College

Rowan University

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Seattle University

Seton Hall University

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Southern Illinois University

Southern Methodist University

The Little Theater rebranded as Theatre Baton Rouge in 2013. Ballard became its artistic director in 2014, pushing for additional larger-scale and edgier productions.

TBR was where many local actors, set designers, directors and backstage crews cut their teeth.

Talent was never in short supply. Regional music and theater teachers auditioned for shows, along with LSU School of Theatre students, who’ve long used TBR as a classroom extension, Fields says.

“Being in a local show gives you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in front of an audience,” he says.

Some LSU theater alums returned to TBR after working professionally in larger markets, adds LSU School of Theatre Associate Professor Shannon Walsh.

“Some of the shows I have seen at TBR rival shows that I would have seen from when I worked in Minneapolis, which is a huge theater city,” she says.

The Class of2025

The Class of2025

Southern University and A&M College

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Next act

TBR’s closure was seen as abrupt because the nonprofit seemed to be conducting business as usual. This past fall, its play selection committee chose the shows that would have comprised a milestone 80th season. And in February, TBR was selling ticket bundles for all remaining performances, signaling those shows would take place.

Even the Feb. 24 announcement about board leadership changes invited community members interested in filling open board positions to reach out.

But behind the scenes, the financial picture was bleak. Facing overdue building and equipment maintenance costs, plus the pressure to purchase the rights to perform and advertise the 80th season shows, Tettleton says a quorum of the remaining eight-member board of governors made the unanimous decision to pack it in.

“We have exhausted every option,” their announcement said.

While TBR is no more, it’s

possible something could become of its space, which Walsh says is an enviable arts asset. A handful of concerned theater experts met with TBR’s board this spring to discuss the future, but as of early May, nothing had been decided.

“We have a growing landscape of theaters, but we are a very spacepoor community,” Walsh says. “I just hope that space doesn’t get bulldozed over or repurposed into something else.”

Last month, the building held its final event for now: a costume sale. More than 70 people snagged limited reservation slots, sifting through racks of relics.

TBR’s history can’t help but cast a long shadow over regional dramatic arts. But actors like Moore have a different vantage point.

“We had 11 performers in Murder on the Orient Express and (130) people in the audience for eight shows. So, the theatergoers are there. The theater will continue to be here in one capacity or another.”

As one of its final goodbyes, Theatre Baton Rouge held a costume sale at its facility in May.

You’re free to live your life out loud! Because you’ve got the compassion of the cross, the security of the shield, and the comfort of Blue behind you.

COLLIN

RICHIE

Baby steps

Why its new jaguar cub is a big deal for the Baton Rouge Zoo

A SWEET ARRIVAL greeted visitors at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo for the first time this spring. Lacumba III, the baby jaguar born last fall, is officially on exhibit now for visitors.

Jaguars are classified as a nearthreatened species, at risk to shrink in numbers or become endangered in the future. Lacumba III is one of six jaguar cubs to survive in the last five years at Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)accredited facilities. There are 82 jaguars living in AZA-accredited facilities across six countries today.

Stacey Johnson calls the cub’s birth an “important step forward” for the program.

“This birth is not only a milestone for our zoo but a significant impact on the genetics of this extraordinary species,” adds Baton Rouge Zoo Director Jim Fleshman.

The zoo marked the moment with a community-driven naming, decided earlier this year by a voting process. Participants could cast votes in exchange for $1 donations to the Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation. Proceeds will help support jaguar conservation, educational programs and animal welfare at the zoo. Lacumba won out over names like Seti, Taiyari and Soona.

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“The community’s passion and engagement reflect their commitment to protecting wildlife for generations to come,” Fleshman says. brzoo.org

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AZA’s Jaguar Species Survival Plan (SSP) supports zoos in keeping their jaguar populations healthy, studying each animal’s ancestry and managing safe transfers between zoos. The Baton Rouge Zoo has been a partner since the program’s inception nearly 20 years ago. Jaguar SSP Executive Director

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What’s in a name?

“Lacumba” means “heart of Africa” and is linked to past Southern University live mascots Lacumba and Lacumba II. The zoo celebrated Lacumba III’s debut during Southern University Day at the Zoo as a tribute to the school’s mascot and legacy.

20

Number of years that have passed since the last jaguar cub was born at the Baton Rouge Zoo

173,000

Jaguar population worldwide

19

Number of countries where jaguars are found, primarily in forests and swampland in Central America and South America. Their habitats have declined 20% since the early 2000s.

10-15 years

Average lifespan for jaguars in the wild

82

The population of jaguars in Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos across six countries. This number represents animals who are part of AZA’s Jaguar Species Survival Plan.

Sources: BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Association of Zoos & Aquariums

Locals’ locale

225 asked our readers where they love to vacation in the Gulf Coast and why. Find their answers throughout this feature.

SEAS THE DAY

Toes in the water and a drink in your hand—you might not need many more reasons than these to head to the beaches, lakes and small towns along the Gulf Coast this summer. And chances are, you already have a getaway on the books. But just in case you need an extra bit of motivation to get out of town, or think you know everything there is to do in the region’s travel destinations, let us introduce you to a few hidden gems, new openings and spots worth a detour. Think: James Beard-recognized restaurants, recently renovated resorts, an underwater art museum and much, much more.

Grab your sunnies. Let’s hit the road. The coast is calling.

Grayton Beach, Florida

OCEAN SPRINGSMississippi

Find world-class restaurants, boutique hotels and a rich arts scene in this Gulf Coast darling

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

ECLECTIC OCEAN SPRINGS has been one of the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s best-kept secrets for decades. But recent accolades about the charming town from outlets like USA Today and Southern Living signal the cat is out of the bag.

Don’t worry, though. All those accolades haven’t spoiled the magic. Maintaining both authenticity and elbow room, Ocean Springs is known for its relaxed vibe and artsy throughline.

The cornerstone attraction is the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which houses works by the 20th-century painter, arguably Mississippi’s most famous artist. Since opening in 1991, the museum has catalyzed Ocean Springs’ vibrant cultural scene, spinning off numerous artist studios, galleries, outdoor murals and annual events. Shearwater Pottery, the brainchild of Anderson’s master potter brother, Peter Anderson, is also a popular visit.

Antique stores abound in Ocean Springs, along with adorable inns, cabins and boutique hotels. Gourmands have plenty to chew on, thanks to 100 local restaurants that include a 2024 James Beard nominee and a forthcoming concept created by a Food Network star.

Eat

Outdoor dining and quiet beaches make Ocean Springs a winning summer hangout. But fall is a great time to visit, too, thanks to inspired gatherings like the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival and the Mississippi Songwriters Festival

At 2024 James Beard Best Restaurant finalist Vestige, elegant plates fuse Japanese style with Southern ingredients, the handiwork of husband-wife founders Alex Perry and Kumi Omori. Don’t miss elevated Southern comfort fare by Top Chef and Chopped Champions contestant Chef Nick Wallace at The Hen & Egg, opening this year. Sink your teeth into Mississippi-style barbecue at 43-year-old Pleasant’s BBQ. Cool off at Pop Brothers artisan popsicle stand, and don’t miss a macaron, iced latte or homemade Dubai chocolate bar at French Kiss Pastries

Vestige

The Roost Boutique Hotel

Do

View fantastically rendered coastal flora, fauna and landscapes at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, and make time to see some of Anderson’s preserved murals in one of the outbuildings. Sip local suds at The Cypress Taphouse and grab a cocktail at The Wilbur Bar Catch some rays on the tranquil and sparsely populated Front Beach or East Beach, known for their flat sand and kid-friendly shallow water.

Stay

Ocean Springs’ many cute accommodations include The Roost Boutique Hotel, complete with a year-round plunge pool, and Front Beach Cottages’ restored 1940s fishing shacks.

Locals’ locale

More to explore in Mississippi

Bay St. Louis

From its dog-friendly beaches and boardwalk trail, this small town screams old-school fun. Go trendy with a stay at The Pearl, or head to Crab Fest in July.

Gulfport

Family-friendly activities take priority in Gulfport, including the Mississippi Aquarium and the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.

Biloxi

Knock back a local craft brew at Fly Llama Brewing. Do your best seventh-inning stretch at a Biloxi Shuckers game.

Pass Christian

"Gulfport, Mississippi. It’s a small town with everything you need and more, and it’s not too crowded."

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SCIENCE

Find a study near you:

“The Pass” was almost destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, but has fought its way back with a picturesque downtown and quiet beach rentals. Reach it via the Menge Avenue exit on Interstate 10, soon home to a Buc-ee’s, set to open June 9.

The Roost Boutique Hotel

Orange Beach & Gulf Shores

Sister vacation cities promise white sands, calming waves and tons to do

BY OLIVIA DEFFES

ALABAMA GETS A bad rap from Baton Rouge’s legions of Tiger fans. But with miles and miles of white sandy beaches, Orange Beach and its sister town Gulf Shores totally get a pass.

Swimsuit up, grab a few towels and trot out to this tried-and-true vacation destination for sun-soaked days slightly cooled down by the salty breeze. Beaches may be the highlight at these neighboring towns, but there’s plenty to do away from the shore, too.

Shake off the sand and head for everything from arcades and mini golf to dive bars, shopping and beachfront dining. End the night with icy sweet treats, and don’t forget to commemorate your stay with a retro airbrushed tee or tastefully tacky seashell fridge magnet from the gift shops perched on seemingly every street corner.

EAT

Alabama

Rise early to beat the crowd at City Donut for sugary breakfast treats in flavors like red velvet, Key lime, Fruity Pebbles and more. If you’re looking to sit down for a classic morning meal, take a trip to Duck’s Diner for plates piled high with eggs your way, proteins, hash browns, biscuits and pancakes.

For dinner, head over to The Gulf or Coastal Orange Beach for relaxed outdoor dining, cool cocktails and wide-ranging menus. For a more elevated experience, venture to Cobalt, The Restaurant on the bayside at the Caribe Resort for crab claws, grilled grouper, oysters, pastas and more fresh fare.

STAY

Eat, stay and play at Hilton’s The Lodge at Gulf State Park, complete with on-site dining, beach access, a fitness center, pool and more. Many Phoenix Rentals properties dot the coast with spacious condos and beachfront balcony views. Tucked away from the action, the Caribe Resort offers condos for rent, mini golf, putting greens, a full-service marina and trolleys to the beach.

City Donut

The Lodge at Gulf State Park

The Gulf

DO

Spending time on the shore is a given in OBA. But if you’re tired of the sand or encounter a rainy forecast, there’s lots more to check out. Shop till you drop at various retail concepts throughout The Wharf. Stay for a spin on the Ferris wheel or a laser show. For a change of scenery, hike or bike through the winding Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail at Gulf State Park. Or take a tasty trip through the Bushwacker Trail to sip on different iterations of the area’s signature dessert cocktail at local bars and restaurants, including, of course, at the famous FloraBama that straddles the state line.

Flora-Bama

More to explore in Alabama

Mobile

From a battleship to botanical gardens, this coastal city has plenty to see. Get a little taste of home by perusing the Mobile Carnival Museum, expected to reopen this fall after renovations.

Fairhope

Spend the day shopping in Fairhope’s French Quarter or learning local history and seeing art at museums. Look out onto Mobile Bay at the Fairhope Municipal Pier, or sit by the pool and hit the links at the classy Grand Hotel.

Lake Martin

Swim, boat or waterski on this man-made lake in central Alabama. Take some time on land at its natural sand beaches, or go farther inland to one of many restaurants in the area.

Dauphin Island

Alabama’s Sunset Capital is quite a hoot. Home to the 164acre Dauphin Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary, the area is a great place to spot an array of species. Don’t forget the binoculars!

Locals’ locale

“Gulf Shores, Alabama, because it’s old school and for the proximity. Seaside, Florida, for the vibes and amphitheater.” @dananmuller, via Instagram

Grayton Beach

Florida

AThough Grayton Beach is a pet-friendly town, permits are required to bring dogs on the beaches.

Dune lakes, dog-friendly eateries and an art-driven culture are the draws of this beach village

BY JENNIFER TORMO ALVAREZ

LL DOGS GO to heaven, especially in Grayton Beach.

“Nice dogs, strange people” is the town’s catchphrase, stamped across T-shirts and buildings. The community is so committed to its canine-friendly rep, it has a sprawling mural dedicated to depictions of man’s best friend. If one of its sweet subjects has died, the dog’s head is enshrined by a halo. It captures Grayton’s eclectic energy, the kind of place where you’re likely to find pup treats on restaurant menus.

Grayton’s sparkling beaches and dune lakes, which are often shallow enough for wading and catching crabs with your hands, are bait for visitors. But its penchant for art gives Grayton personality.

The history of that mural is tied to two local institutions. It originally appeared in the ’90s near The

Red Bar. Strung with Christmas lights and vintage posters, the boho venue is locals’ longtime go-to for live music. A recreated version of the dog-centric painting now sits outside the Shops of Grayton, a collection of cottages housing retailers and galleries. And 58 feet below the waters off Grayton Beach State Park, another gallery lures not just art enthusiasts and divers but scientists, too. The Underwater Museum of Art is the country’s first permanent undersea sculpture garden. Its annually rotating juried selection of works by global artists doubles as an artificial reef. Schools of fish congregate around metal and concrete structures shaped like ocean creatures and shells.

The dog snapper, named for its canine teeth, is among the species sighted there.

Guess it caught word about Grayton’s motto.

Locals’ locale

“Pensacola Beach, Florida. It’s still a relatively laidback atmosphere with cozy cottages and a visible beachfront. We enjoy the numerous golf courses, tours of the naval museum, (watching the) Blue Angels practice, dolphin boat tours ... I always find the best oysters at Dave’s Oyster Bar and Grill.“

—Dusty Kling, via a 225 survey

Eat

With a sunny yellow striped interior, Saladita Taqueria is a new arrival from 2025 James Beard Best Chef - South Semifinalist Nikhil Abuvala. Order the grouper tacos, with blackened local fish swaddled by house-made corn tortillas. At Abuvala’s fine dining establishment Roux 30A, watch for this summer’s Around the World dinner series, with themed menus inspired by Thailand, Greece and India. Starbucks is nowhere to be found in Grayton—a good excuse to sip on one of the seasonal flavors at the freshly renovated Hotz Coffee. On Thursdays, pick up fresh veggies, creamy dips, crusty bread and gooey cinnamon rolls at the Grayton Locals Market

do

stay

Glamping, anyone? Immerse yourself in nature by renting a Florida State Parks Cabin. Grayton Beach State Park offers 30 two-bedroom, modest-but-airconditioned cottages a short walk from the shore, and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park boasts stylishly furnished tents. For more amenities and curated interiors, head down the road to Seaside and check in to boutique property The Court or the 60-room WaterColor Inn

Bike, paddle, boat, hike, bird or fish your way through Grayton Beach State Park. Wheel around on an electric bike or beach cruiser rental from YOLO Bike + Board. At the Shops of Grayton, try on a ruffle-trimmed swimsuit at Summer of Spivey, paint a charcuterie board during an art sesh at The Shard Shop and sample a Hummingbird latte with lavender and sea salt at the popular Black Bear Bread Co. View dollhouse-sized paintings and ceramics inside the 30A Tiny Art Gallery, perched in front of the Lululemon off Highway 30A.

More to explore in Florida

Walk the historic downtown, examine 150 aircraft at the National Naval Aviation Museum and go for a night ride with Glow Paddle.

Destin + Fort Walton Beach Snorkel Okaloosa County's 500-plus reefs, mingle with crabs at Norriego Point Tide Pools, and unpack angler lore at The Destin History & Fishing Museum.

Rosemary Beach

Stroll cobblestone downtown streets oozing charm and character, swirl a glass of wine on the rooftop at Pescado, and check into the stylish Pearl Hotel.

Panama City Beach Spot manatees and alligators inside St. Andrews State Park, and spend a sunny day exploring the waters around Shell Island via a pontoon boat rental.

Pensacola

Saladita Taqueria

The Underwater Museum of Art

Galveston Texas

Take a westward beach getaway that’s full of history and unexpected treasures

BY LAURA FURR MERICAS

MOST BATON ROUGEANS are familiar with the draw of the Lone Star State’s major metros. But its sleepy beach towns and barrier islands are full of hidden gems waiting to be explored.

Take Galveston: Located just about an hour away from Houston, it’s been a laid-back escape for city dwellers for decades with its own culture and coastal vibes. What it lacks in white sand and turquoise waters, it makes up for with historic architecture, family-friendly attractions and a Texas-sized list of restaurants, ranging from divey joints to an American classic recognized by the James Beard Foundation.

The recently renovated Grand Galvez—a 1911 beachfront property reconceptualized by Mark Wyant, known for The Saint Hotel brand in New Orleans and Charleston—has brought excitement and luxury accommodations to the island. Meanwhile, longtime institutions like The Grand 1894 Opera House and Galveston’s walkable downtown district continue to charm history buffs and average vacationers alike.

And with 32 miles of beachfront, travelers are welcome to skip all the history and head out to shore. No boots or buckles required.

Eat

Find ocean views and fresh catches at Gaido’s. The 114-year-old restaurant was named the James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics: Texas recipient this year. For an entirely different vibe, head to The Spot for pina coladas and fried fish. And you can’t leave Texas without a few good tacos. Hit up Fish Company Taco for its namesake grub or the luchador-themed Chilangos Brothers Taco Shop for birria and asada.

Stay

Book a well-appointed room at the Grand Galvez, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection Hotels, for private beach and pool access and elegant interiors. Rent a home on the East End or West End beaches, or stay in the heart of downtown at the iconic Tremont House hotel.

La King's Confectionery

The Founders Bar at the Grand Galvez

More to explore in Texas

Mustang Island

State Park

Kayakers and canoers flock to the island's wellpreserved paddling trail. It’s a great day trip or camping spot for nature lovers staying near Corpus Christi.

South Padre Island

Visit a sea turtle rehabilitation center, see epic sandcastles on the Sand Sculpture Trail and dine on huge helpings of Cajun-style seafood at Dirty Al’s.

Surfside Beach

Surfside is Galveston's less commercialized sibling, just about an hour away. Find fishers galore, casual eateries and beaches known for producing the most consistent waves in the region.

Toledo Bend Reservoir

Swim, boat, fish and picnic at this man-made lake on the Sabine River, straddling the state line—ideal for a meetup with your favorite Texas transplants.

IPT Musical Camp ~ Summer 2025

After just three weeks of hard work, creativity, and fun — our talented theatre campers are hitting the stage! Don’t miss their full-scale performances of IMAGINE A DRAGON and BEETLEJUICE, JR., where young stars bring the magic to life with everything from choreography and costuming to powerful performances. Come support the next generation of performers and experience the BIG SHOW they’ve worked so hard to create!

Musical Theatre Camp productions

Cast + Crew Ages: 7-11

Performance: June 20 / 6 p.m.

Cast + Crew Ages: 12-16

Performance: July 11 / 6 p.m.

Do

Galveston is best explored through its distinct neighborhoods. Stroll along the Seawall, built in the early 1900s to protect the area from hurricanes. Shop The Strand, and grab something sweet at La King’s Confectionery. See architectural charmers in the East End Historic District and Central Island area, which is also home to historic African American landmarks and churches. The West End’s Jamaica Beach and Galveston Island State Park offer nature-filled tranquility. While East Beach (for adults) and Stewart Beach (for kids) are packed with action. Families can find sand-free fun at attractions like Moody Gardens and Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, too.

Who’s on aux?

Scan the QR code below for the 225 team’s top road trip

work by artist Jim Sherraden, artist and musician

Jon Langford, and Hatch Show Print.

June 12 through September 21, 2025

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

No place

Like Home

Get away without going too far at these in-state spots BY

OLIVIA DEFFES

LOUISIANA IS HOME to many travel-worthy destinations.

Some are just outside Baton Rouge city limits, while others warrant a mini road trip from the Red Stick. With so much to do, see and, of course, eat, nothing beats bopping around the Boot.

St. Francisville Drive time: 35 minutes

Staycation at The St. Francisville Inn or Hotel Toussaint. Feeling adventurous? Explore rumored-to-be-haunted The Myrtles. Find treasures at West Feliciana Antique Mall, then dive into lunch at Basel’s Market.

Ponchatoula Drive time: 50 minutes

Have the sweetest time in the “Strawberry Capital of the World.” Stock up on the ruby red fruits at Berry Town Produce, or harvest your own at Baglio Farms LLC and Carona Farms in nearby Independence.

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The Northshore Drive time: 1 hour

Spend a day on the Mandeville lakefront or kayak at Fontainebleau State Park. Sip pints at Abita Brewing Company. Meander through downtown Covington and dine at restaurants like Lola and Tavi.

Lafayette Drive time: 1 hour

Head to the heart of Cajun and Creole country. Support local creatives at downtown’s monthly ArtWalk and frequent festivals. See how peppery Tabasco is made at nearby Avery Island.

New Orleans Drive time: 1 hour, 30 min

Immerse yourself in history and culture in the French Quarter, or visit the New Orleans Museum of Art. Stroll City Park or Audubon Park. Stamp your foodie passport at restaurants vying for Michelin stars.

Houma

Drive time: 1 hour, 45 min

Take a dip in the bayou on a gator-filled swamp tour, wander The Regional Military Museum or live in the fast lane with indoor go-karting at HyperVelocity Race Track.

Natchitoches

Drive time: 2 hours, 45 min

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Feel movie magic at the Steel Magnolia House, or climb the branches of family trees at the Natchitoches Genealogy Library. Satisfy any arising hunger with the city’s favorite dish: a hearty, savory meat pie.

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Grand Isle

Drive time: 2 hours, 45 min

Get your sea legs in this coastal town by fishing or boating where Barataria Bay meets the Gulf. Landlubbers can enjoy Grand Isle State Park with space to hike and camp with beach access.

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Is unique, and your financial plan should be too. As an Ameriprise private wealth advisory practice, we have the qualifications and

New Orleans Museum of Art

Fontainebleau State Park

diningDestination

Where to eat while you’re on the road

BY MAGGIE HEYN RICHARDSON

FRESH GULF SEAFOOD, along with the Deep South’s year-round produce and its robust culinary traditions, deliver the makings of a toptier dining scene. Tuck into a fine dining experience or a waterfront shack for a sunset nosh.

Dining out during your Gulf Coast vacation is a great way to explore the area while keeping you out of the condo kitchen. Or ditch the drive-thru while en route and take a detour to one of these eateries that are well worth the drive.

Mississippi

Radish (Long Beach)

Named for the coastal town’s unlikely signature crop, this ingredient-driven spot does magical things with artisan products and local produce. radishlongbeach.com

Stalla (Biloxi)

Dive into Italian favorites like veal parmigiana and brick-oven pizza paired with a selection of Italian wines within Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. beaurivage.mgmresorts.com

Thorny Oyster (Bay St. Louis)

Raw and cooked interpretations of fresh Gulf seafood are reimagined with global flair at this stylish eatery inside the hip Pearl Hotel. thornyoysterbsl.com

Alabama

Kitchen on Main (Daphne)

Think casual-with-a-twist at Kitchen on Main, where the menu includes dry-aged rib-eye with compound butter and diver scallops over risotto with lobster sauce. kitchenonmaindaphne.com

The Hope Farm (Fairhope)

Dishes are made with hyper-local ingredients grown on-site and throughout the region at this multifaceted eco-restaurant founded by a father-and-son team. thehopefarm.com

Jesse’s Restaurant (Magnolia Springs)

Situated in a former post office, this small-town favorite deploys ingredients by boutique producers in a charming setting. Don’t miss the buttery, Gruyere-draped baked Oysters Jesse or the famous wet- or dry-aged steaks. jessesrestaurant.com

Florida

Dharma Blue (Pensacola)

Founded by a marine biologist in 1996, Dharma Blue is known for sushi and seafood specials in an eclectic setting. The fresh fish is sourced from its sister seafood market in Destin. dharmablue.com

Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant (Santa Rosa Beach)

This lauded establishment in pastelhued Seaside has been a favorite for decades, thanks to its fine food and wine, as well as a rooftop bar with stunning Gulf views. budandalleys.com

Gallion’s Restaurant (Rosemary Beach)

Break out your White Lotus wear for lunch or dinner at Gallion’s. The “après beach” menu of small plates and craft cocktails is a must for parents during kiddie naptime. gallions30a.com

Locals' locale

“Grand Isle, Louisiana. Inshore and offshore fishing is abundant year round, and the beaches have been restored. ... There are great places to eat, from the more upscale Hurricane Hole Marina & Resort to American fare at Starfish Restaurant and Yum’s. Jo-Bob’s Gas & Grill has the best burgers. Bridge Side Marina sells out of hot biscuits every day.”

—Leslie Gladney, via a 225 survey

Thorny Oyster

Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant

The Hope Farm

THE NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM

opened in New Orleans on June 6, 2000

Scan QR code to purchase tickets

as a single exhibition hall dedicated to telling the stories of the everyday Americans who participated in the greatest amphibious invasion in history. Now, 25 transformational years later,

THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM

explores and honors the entire American experience in World War II— why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—reaching audiences both on its seven-pavilion campus and around the world.

LABOR OF

CELEBRATING 400,000 BIRTHS

More than just a milestone—it’s a reflection of the trust and care that have defined every delivery since 1968. From preparing for arrival day to welcoming home your bundle of joy, we offer support at every step of your journey. Thanks to our incredible team, world class physicians and state-of-the-art facility, you and your baby receive compassionate care before, during, and after delivery.

If the shoe fits

Style

From tiny tennis shoes to mini Mary Janes, Oh Pair is helping kiddos and their parents find shoes fitted to their growing feet

BY OLIVIA DEFFES

PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE

IT’S SPRING BREAK in Baton Rouge, but Raegan Bowman is busier than ever. Kiddos and their parents file in and out of her Jefferson Highway shoe shop, Oh Pair, in pursuit of kicks to last through the summer.

Bowman expertly measures petite feet and rings up parents. In the background, short shoppers beg for coins to ride a big mechanical sneaker at the front of the shop.

For Bowman, it’s business as usual. Since 2014, she has stocked an inventory of footwear in a range of children’s sizes while also providing proper foot measuring— two amenities she recognized the Capital Region needed when she opened her store over a decade ago.

“No shoe fits the same,” Bowman says. “There are some styles of shoes that fit certain kids better than others based on the anatomy of the foot. There weren’t really places for that need that had more forward-thinking shoes or more on-trend shoes. A lot of the places had just your old, basic, straightforward, classic shoes. So we wanted to mix both.”

Baton Rouge has a variety of children’s apparel stores that stock shoes, but independent boutiques specializing solely in kid’s shoes are rarer. Bowman draws shoppers to shelves lined with shoes that customers can see, touch and try on today. The back room is stacked with more sizes and colorways.

Classic Velcro-fastened Keds and leather saddle shoes share space with trendier lace-up New Balance sneakers and ruby Western boots. Bowman says customers gravitate toward both ends of the inventory, but she has seen recent shifts.

“I think there's been a huge movement to casual footwear.”

—Oh Pair owner Raegan Bowman

“I think there’s been a huge movement to casual footwear,” she says. “Maybe it’s just the lifestyle post-pandemic, as well, where it’s just more kind of lax. … Our athletic sales have really increased in the last couple of years.”

Another trend is small versions of adult styles so parents can twin with their minis. Think: itty-bitty pairs of Hunter rain boots or

shrunken sneakers resembling Golden Gooses.

While trends come and go, Bowman knows one thing will never go out of style: a pair that fits feet properly. Before credit cards are swiped, customers can expect to have their child’s feet measured. Bowman developed relationships with podiatrists and physical therapists to inform her understanding of tiny feet. Her expertise guides

customers to the right pairs and helps her make selections when she goes to market.

Little feet grow fast, but Bowman says she tries to always keep sustainability and durability in mind when building her inventory. After a pair of shoes leaves her shelves, it will go home with a child who will toddle, run and play in it.

“My philosophy, no matter if it’s a tennis shoe or a sandal, is ‘buy less more often,’” she says. “Because you’re not really going to wear all of those styles when

they’re super young. They’re going to outgrow them before you truly do get to wear them. I want people to really wear what they walk out of the store with.”

Because 10-plus years of running a shoe store has given Bowman a backseat view as children age—graduating from Velcro to buckles to laces. Her kiddie customers will one day outgrow Oh Pair’s selection entirely. But she says getting to meet and form relationships with families through their sole searching is the soul of her shoe shop. shopohpair.com

Customers can expect to have their child’s feet measured when shopping at Oh Pair.

BATON ROUGE SEPTEMBER 27, 2025

LADIES LADIES

TAYLOR BECH

AMELIE BERNHARD

RACHEL CANNON

SHYLA HIEBERT

DR. JAMES “ JIMMY

DA ID FLESHMAN

TERRENCE GINN

DR. KATHERINE “ COCO ” MARCEL

ALLIE MCALPIN

JENNIFER POE

DR. G NJAN “ GIGI ” RAINA

KIARA WHITFIELD

LEIGH ZIMMERMAN

RYAN HAYNIE

BRANDON HOLLIE

BREA NADER

RA I PATEL

CHIP ROBERT

AARON TARA ELLA

HAYNIE FAMILY F N A I N

heart From the

How family recipes and a community spirit have earned Zeeland Street local—and national—love

BY BENJAMIN LEGER // PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE

MAKING FRIENDS

IN a new place can be difficult.

When Stephanie Phares moved to the Capital City in the early ’90s, she felt like a “Mississippi girl in a Baton Rouge world.”

Phares and her then-husband were the new family on Zeeland Avenue. They didn’t know any of their Garden District neighbors and were the only Black household. So Phares decided to introduce herself by doing what came naturally: She cooked.

At the end of each month, Phares hosted a potluck, pulling from memory recipes that her grandmother had taught her and the skills she had learned as a teenager when she started a hot dog and burger stand.

Her husband noticed the growing crowd, and in 1992, they purchased the former convenience store on the corner of Zeeland Avenue and Perkins Road, naming it Zeeland Street Market and adding breakfast and lunch counter service.

“We started to build a clientele,” Phares says. “We knew we wanted to grow it into a neighborhood restaurant. Slowly, it became something I could be proud of.”

Phares planned on attending law school in Baton Rouge. But in the first years after opening the restaurant, she had two daughters and decided to focus on her family and the business. More than 30 years later, Zeeland Street (which eventually dropped Market from its name) is a local institution with national draw.

Last year, The New York Times named it one of the 50 best restaurants in the country, putting it on the map for soul food dishes like its savory pot roast plate lunch, sandwiches named after nearby streets and hefty breakfast omelets paired with buttery biscuits Phares makes from scratch each morning.

Zeeland Street helped Phares find her community. It also made her a trailblazer in the food scene.

“I was a Black woman going up against a lot of white men who are the chief restaurant owners in this

Taste of history

About this feature: Each month across our 20th year, 225 will revisit restaurants from our past coverage. From Capital Region classics and award-winners to trendsetters and hidden gems, these businesses have helped shape our dining culture.

town,” she says. “There was no one to mentor me or a woman in the business I could talk to.”

What Phares proved early on was her ability to respond quickly to the community’s needs. She served utility crews after Hurricane Andrew and weathered COVID-19 by adding an outdoor patio. Among several one-off ventures, the restaurant partnered with Dyson House Listening Room in 2019 for an evening concert series and briefly introduced an elevated dinner concept, Beloved, in the space in 2023.

That ambitious evening service launched just before Phares was diagnosed with lung cancer, contributing to its unfortunately short lifespan. Her two sisters pitched in to help keep the restaurant running for breakfast

and lunch service. And her extended Baton Rouge family responded as well—a fundraiser organized by nearby Varsity Sports helped pay Phares’ medical bills.

She’s doing better now, and still shows up every morning at 6 a.m. to bake her famous biscuits, delivering on the consistency that’s kept locals returning to Zeeland Street’s slatted wood booths.

“What I think they keep coming back to is my homemade cooking, my heritage, my grandmother’s recipes,” she says.

Three decades in, Phares still believes cooking, like life, is about connecting with people.

“They go hand in hand,” she

says. “One of the highlights for me is meeting and serving so many Baton Rougeans. Some of these families that come in, I’m on the third generation. … I realized it’s a privilege to be known as Miss Stephanie to so many people here.” zeelandstreet.com

Stephanie Phares (right), owner of Zeeland Street, with Wanda Brown, who’s managed the kitchen for 22 years

Zeeland’s Mama’s pot roast lunch special and the black drum salad

DINING

Grill mister

Four marinades for Father’s Day gifting

BY TRACEY KOCH // PHOTO BY AMY SHUTT

IALWAYS STRUGGLE with what to give my husband and my dad for Father’s Day. I usually find myself buying them a new shirt, a tie or something for the grill.

This year, I decided to stick with the grilling theme but give it a twist by creating a few of my favorite homemade marinades. I packaged them up in recycled wine bottles, replaced the wine labels with my own handwritten versions and topped the bottles off with cute wooden cork stoppers I found online.

Since my father is from Texas and loves Mexican food, I made him a carne asada marinade that’s loaded with smoky chili flavor and is great over steak or pork. I also made him a lighter classic Greek-style marinade with lots of fresh lemon and herbs for chicken or beef.

My husband is a fan of Jamaican jerk dishes that we enjoy on trips to the Caribbean, so I made him a marinade inspired by these flavors. I also whipped up a kicky Korean barbecue marinade that doubles as a stir-fry sauce. Both of these can be used for chicken, beef or pork. Make these for the father figures in your life, or concoct your own version based on flavors you know they enjoy. Throw in a new meat thermometer or silicone mitts, and you’ll be all set to celebrate Dad.

Grilling tips

• Use 1 cup of any of these marinades to 2 pounds of beef, pork or chicken.

• For best results, always allow your desired protein to marinate for at least 2-3 hours before grilling.

• Make sure to bring your marinated protein up to room temperature before placing it on to the preheated grill.

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat.

• Always allow grilled meat to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the grill before slicing to keep it tender and juicy.

Carne asada marinade

Yields 3 cups

4 cloves minced garlic

1 cup of jarred chipotle chiles

3 cloves minced garlic

1¼ teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1½ teaspoon chili powder

2 teaspoons cumin powder

1 teaspoon smoky paprika

¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro

1 teaspoon fresh lime zest

1 teaspoon fresh orange zest

¼ cup fresh lime juice

½ cup fresh orange juice

2 cups vegetable oil

1. Place all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined.

2. Carefully pour the marinade into a jar or bottle with a tightfitting lid and place it into the fridge to chill until you are ready to use. This marinade will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Jamaican jerk marinade

Yields 3 cups

1 cup chopped onion

4 cloves minced garlic

1 cup pickled jalapenos

1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger

1 tablespoon orange zest

1½ teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon dried jerk seasoning

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup pineapple juice

1 cup vegetable oil

1. Place the onion, garlic, jalapenos, grated ginger and orange zest, along with all of the dry ingredients, into the bowl of a food processor.

2. Turn the food processor on and slowly add in the wet ingredients.

3. Continue processing until everything is fully incorporated. Carefully pour the jerk marinade into a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid and chill until you are ready to use. This marinade will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Korean barbecue marinade

Yields 3 cups

1 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon black pepper

6 cloves minced garlic

2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger

½ cup chopped green onions

2 cups low-sodium soy sauce

1/3 cup toasted sesame oil

½ cup vegetable oil

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, salt, red pepper flakes and pepper. Stir until well combined.

2. Add garlic, grated ginger and chopped green onions.

3. Slowly whisk in the soy sauce until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the sesame oil and vegetable oil.

4. Use a funnel and pour the marinade into a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Chill until you are ready to use. This marinade will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Classic Greek marinade

Yields 3 cups

4 cloves minced garlic

2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried mint

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1½ teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

½ teaspoon paprika

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

¼ cup red wine vinegar

2 cups olive oil

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk all of the ingredients together until well combined.

2. Carefully pour the classic Greek marinade into a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

3. Place the marinade in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors can develop. Keep refrigerated until you are ready to use. This marinade will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Roll the credits

Twenty years ago, the idea for Celtic Studios was born. It’s since been the hub for production in the Capital Region

BY

Celtic Studios was conceptualized back in 2005, with the first building opening in 2007 and additions built in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

HOLLY DUCHMANN // PHOTOS BY COLLIN RICHIE

CELTIC STUDIOS

HAS played host to a wealth of different projects in the past two decades since breaking ground in Baton Rouge.

Tucked off of Bluebonnet Boulevard and Airline Highway, the studio has grown from a single sound stage to seven that span across 29 acres.

Described as an entrepreneur’s entrepreneur, Irish immigrant Brendan O’Connor was reportedly inspired to start Celtic Media Centre—now known as Celtic Studios—in Baton Rouge after running into the Failure to Launch production team while they were shooting in Harahan in 2005.

O’Connor was familiar with Master P’s abandoned-andunfinished music studio off

Bluebonnet Boulevard, and soon after he negotiated deals utilizing tax credits from the state to start renovating the property into a sound stage for film production.

The first space, the O’Connor Building, opened in 2007. Smaller independent productions were among its earliest clients. After opening additional buildings from 2008-2010, it started to attract larger film and television projects.

Negotiations with Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides which ultimately booked London for shooting—helped stir buzz for Celtic. Soon, it attracted major motion pictures like Battle: Los Angeles and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. Grossing $212 million at box offices worldwide, Battle was then Louisiana’s largest production since All the King’s

Men was shot before Hurricane Katrina, according to Patrick Mulhearn, an industry consultant who served as executive director of Celtic Studios from 2009 to 2017.

“From 2010 to 2011, the studios felt like a small town,” Mulhearn says today.

The film industry in Louisiana kept its accelerated rate of growth until 2015, when the state capped its film tax credits. The studios would sit empty for a year before being called to play host to evacuees seeking shelter from the region’s August 2016 floods.

BEAUTIFY

Some of Celtic Studios’ team, including Brooke O’Neil, Chris Lightfoot, Brandi Manship, Keith Chappell, Cory Parker, Jennifer Gaudin, Caleb Owens and Fred Wilson

Family legacy: Celtic Studios founder Brendan O’Connor’s son, Michael O’Connor, owns the studios today.

Today, Celtic remains one of the country’s largest design-built sound studios. Its sister company, Celtic Marine & Logistics, also turns 40 this year. Both entities are owned by O’Connor’s son, Michael O’Connor.

“I’m proud of Celtic Studios’ 20-year contribution to Louisiana’s film industry, promoting job creation, positive economic impact and creativity,” Michael says.

The future looks bright, according

to Cory Parker, an industry veteran who took the helm in 2024 as Celtic’s executive director. Dramathriller Mercy Mercy Me just wrapped up shooting in March.

“We’re in discussions with a large feature film that could begin very soon,” Parker says. “We also have three independent films we’re in talks with. … Our team’s dream is to continue down the same path for film production.”

Extra footage

Fun facts about Celtic Studios

• With a 70-foot peak, Stage 5 has one of the tallest peaks in North America and is modeled after Rome’s Cinecittà, the largest film studio in Europe.

• The first building, Stage 2, was once designed as Master P’s basketball court for his record studio.

• The studios originally opened as Raleigh Studios Baton Rouge at the Celtic Media Centre. Celtic parted ways with Raleigh to rebrand and manage itself in 2013.

• Stage 4, one of the stages where Breaking Dawn was filmed, was later briefly converted into pickleball courts. Birthday

• Parts one and two of Breaking Dawn were shot as one production project.

BL o CK party

Works from Nashville’s iconic letterpress studio arrive in Baton Rouge this month

By Avery White

YOU CAN HARDLY go anywhere in Nashville without seeing a Hatch Show Print poster.

The historic letterpress shop’s name is synonymous with the city’s music and arts culture. It has created thousands of handmade posters for the likes of Elvis Presley, Beyoncé and Johnny Cash.

But soon, you won’t have to travel to Tennessee to see them. Works from the historic shop and artists like Jim Sherraden and Jon Langford, who are keeping its legacy alive, will be on display at the LSU Museum of Art’s “Carved & Crafted: The Art of Letterpress” exhibit starting June 12.

Museum. Over the decades, it has maintained a reputation of creative excellence and adherence to tradition. It’s known for its distinct typography and bold designs, pressed onto paper using wooden blocks, movable type and printing presses. Today, it receives over 600 poster commissions per year, many of them from musicians.

Issue Date: June 2025 Ad proof #3

Jon Langford’s and Jim Sherraden’s “Storm Coming,” mixed media and watercolor, 2023

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Created by the Hatch brothers in the 1800s and later passing through the hands of several different owners, the shop is now owned by the Country Music Hall of Fame and

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Melara Enterprises, LLC. 2024. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700

“Hatch was very iconic for their style,” says LSU MOA Chief Curator Michelle Schulte. “They were combining text with these fancy and fun drawings that they were making through the wood blocks, and their style

Elvis Presley poster, letterpress on paper restrike, undated

just really set them apart from everybody else.”

experimented with archived print blocks and new techniques.

“The show is really about how Hatch has inspired Jim Sherraden,” Schulte says. “But it’s also this beautiful story of this print shop that has just endured.”

Expect a variety of original works on display, from archival pieces like 1920s tour posters commissioned by Hank Williams to more current pieces like a Raising Cane’s poster.

While the exhibit will feature the art and history that have defined the print shop, visitors can also learn the detailed process of making the prints.

“I’d like for visitors to have an appreciation of the handmade,” Schulte says. “I’d love for people to see the handmade quality and that adherence to tradition that the Hatch brothers started.”

SEE THE EXHIBIT

Issue Date: JUN 2025 Ad proof #3B

• Please respond by e-mail or phone with your approval or minor revisions.

• AD WILL RUN AS IS unless approval or final revisions are received within 24 hrs from receipt of this proof. A shorter timeframe will apply for tight deadlines.

But by the ’80s, the traditional handmade print shop was confronted with evolving technologies and was in need of modernization. It found it with Sherraden, an apprentice at the time, who

“He was really part of the revitalization,” Schulte explains. “He decides, ‘Well, I’m going to start making art on my own ... so I can give these ancient blocks a new context in a contemporary time.’”

• Additional revisions must be requested and may be subject to production fees.

Carefully check this ad for: CORRECT ADDRESS • CORRECT PHONE NUMBER • ANY TYPOS This ad design © Melara Enterprises, LLC. 2024. All rights reserved. Phone 225-928-1700

Sherraden created a process of cutting up prints and piecing them together in quilt-like patterns.

His intricate works, including his more recent collaborations with artist and musician Langford, will be on display at the “Carved & Crafted” exhibit.

“Carved & Crafted: The Art of Letterpress” will be on display at LSU Museum of Art from June 12 to Sept. 21. Find more info at lsumoa.org

VALET STAY

and ESCAPE TO NEW ORLEANS FOR A fun and relaxing staycation JUST AN HOUR FROM BATON ROUGE

Book your stay at The Roosevelt and enjoy complimentary valet parking, making your arrival seamless from the start. Treat yourself with 20% off all spa treatments during your visit —because you deserve it. Plus, don’t miss our newly renovated Pool Deck, the perfect place to unwind in luxury under the sun. RESERVE YOUR GETAWAY TODAY AND EXPERIENCE RELAXATION REDEFINED. BOOK NOW

Jon Langford’s and Jim Sherraden’s “I Thought He was Dead,” mixed media and watercolor on paper, 2023

Cyndi Lauper poster, original letterpress edition

June 7

Now-Aug. 15

Compiled by Olivia Deffes

Explore a rainbow of fashion at the LSU Textile & Costume Museum’s “Color Me Fashion“ exhibit. This collection uncovers the power of hues as they relate to style trends throughout the decades. Complementary colored clothing and monochromatic looks spanning from 1890 to 1990 are on display. lsu.edu/agriculture/textilemuseum

Rock out with NOLA-born tribute band The Chee-Weez at L’Auberge Casino Hotel. From Styx to Journey, expect to hear all the classic rock hits at this show. Along with bringing the tunes, this five-piece band entertains with pyro, lights, lasers and video walls during its performances. lbatonrouge.com

June 18

June 20

Heart is still beating, and the ’70s rock band is packing shows for its An Evening with Heart tour. Expect hits like “Crazy on You,” “Alone,” “Barracuda” and more at its Raising Cane’s River Center Arena set. raisingcanesrivercenter.com

June 28

Comedian and actor Tim Meadows heads to Baton Rouge. Expect the Saturday Night Live alum to bring the laughs with a stand-up set at Manship Theatre. manshiptheatre.org

June 20

Bust a move on the Chelsea’s Live dance floor at the Hot in Herre 2000s Dance Party. Suit up in your old Apple Bottom Jeans, Juicy Couture tracksuits, and definitely don’t forget the boots with the fur. Jam to the biggest pop hits from artists like Pitbull, Nelly, Rihanna and other chart-toppers. chelseaslive.com

Take a trip to Electric Depot to support young creatives at Local Pop-Up’s Mini Makers Market. Held in conjunction with the usual monthly vendor market, this event will also showcase the work of enterprising, up-andcoming artists and makers. localpopup.shop

June Where to play Batonaround Rouge this month

Compiled by Olivia Deffes

OUTDOOR SCREENINGS

Grab your picnic blankets and lawn chairs and head to the Main Library at Goodwood for Movies on the Plaza. Every Friday in June, this outdoor movie series will show family-friendly favorites like Inside Out 2, Wish and more. Refreshments will be available for purchase and a dance party will ensue after the credits roll. ebrpl.org

MEALS ON WHEELS

Sample dishes from local mobile eateries at Food Truck Round-Up at the Rowe. Eateries like Elisa’s Cuban Coffee & Kitchen, Vel’s Mobile Cafe and Wings on the Run will line Perkins Rowe for an evening of good eats. There will also be live music by Derrick Lemon in the shopping center’s Town Square. perkinsrowe.com/foodtruck

FOR THE KIDS

Scotlandville’s Kid Fest is back with activities for kiddos of all ages. Families can enjoy face painting and bounce houses, along with educational and artfocused interactive zones, live music and food. Parents can mingle with vendors, local youth services and other resource groups. Find it on Facebook

JUNE 10: Andrea Bocelli, smoothiekingcenter.com

JUNE 13-15: New Orleans Pride, neworleanspride.org

JUNE 16-22: Restaurant Week New Orleans, neworleans.com/restaurantweek

BURSTING WITH PRIDE

Follow the rainbow to the Raising Cane’s River Center for Baton Rouge Pride Fest. Held annually in June, this event celebrates all things Pride with live entertainment, a resource fair, an art market and more. batonrougepride.org

ALSO THIS MONTH

JUNE 14

The city of Donaldsonville hosts the 30th Annual Juneteenth Music Festival with a lineup of local musicians like The Michael Foster Project, Red Tape Musiq and more. Along with live tunes, attendees can sample food from local vendors and shop for merchandise. Find it on Facebook

JUNE 21

Celebrate International Yoga Day at BREC’s Botanical Gardens at Independence Community Park. Find your inner zen with a day of outdoor classes led by yoga instructors—and a few goat yogis, too. brec.org

JUNE 28

Bring the kiddos for a prehistoric good time at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum’s Dino Day. Attendees are encouraged to play paleontologist with hands-on activities and dinosaur-themed shows at the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium. lasm.org

JUNE 28

Thumb through crates of vinyl records and dig through stacks of VHS tapes at the Dead Media Market held at Chelsea’s Live. Expect to find vendors selling vintage items like toys, CDs, tapes, comics, games and more. chelseaslive.com

MORE EVENTS

Subscribe to our newsletter 225 Daily for our twice-weekly roundups of events. 225batonrouge. com/225daily

JUNE 8: Créole Culture Day Celebration, bayouvermiliondistrict.org

JUNE 13: State of the Arts Symposium 2025, acadianacenterforthearts.org

JUNE 21: Luke Bryan, cajundome.com

COLLIN RICHIE

HOSTED BY:

Join us as we toast to this year’s Best of 225 winners!

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Be the first to know who won awards in all of your favorite categories. Wine down with drinks, live music and bites from Bin 77.

EVENT SPONSORS: & JUNE 24 | 6:30 - 8:30 P.M.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE AND GET TICKETS

Later, Gator

House of blues

Taco Tuesday has a new local player

SHOWY COCKTAILS AND modern Mexican fare are on the menu at Blue Iguana Taco Bar & Tequila, which opened in March on South Sherwood Forest Boulevard.

Previously 225 Crab, the restaurant was transformed into Blue Iguana, a regional chain with locations in Lake Charles and Eunice, Louisiana, and Destin, Florida.

Rattan lighting and a blue-and-white color scheme bring tropical vibes, while patterned tile flooring adds Mexican-inspired flair. Iguana characters are seen in artworks by Ricardo Barreiro Guzmán.

The menu is composed of family recipes, says Alejandro Oseguera, who co-owns the restaurant with Ruben Chavez and Jorge Oseguera. There’s a whole section devoted to birria. Think: birria quesadillas, burritos, tortas and tacos. Diners will also find a variety of wings, burgers, fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and other items.

Bartender Leonardo Vigoritto creates drinks by hand, served in novelty glassware featuring designs like parrots and bananas. And they sometimes include dramatic presentations. The Beso De Iguana, with mint, watermelon, lemon and a choice of spirit, features smoking dry ice.

“Mr. Leonardo does fire shows on Fridays and Saturdays (in the bar). He spits fires,” Oseguera adds. blueiguanabr.com

Catch you on the flip side

Read the full story—and more digital content—on 225’s website at 225batonrouge.com. Or, subscribe to our newsletter at 225batonrouge.com/225daily

GRACELYN FARRAR

Louisiana’s spine care leader now has a new Baton Rouge address. Visit us inside the Center for Health on Summa Avenue or request an appointment online at spinela.com.

Matthew Neumann, MD

C. Chambliss Harrod, MD

Kevin P. McCarthy, MD

Nathaniel Rawicki, MD