Gambit Digital Edition: March 18, 2024

March 18-24

2024

Volume 45

Number 12

REALESTATEFORRENT

1/2BLOCK TO MAGAZINE

1& 2bedroomsavailableinideal location and ROOMSBYTHE MONTHwithPRIVATE BATH.All utilitiesincludedmonthly.Call504-202-0381 for appointment

400-02 MILLAUDON ST.Renovated camelback forsaleorlease $2650./mo..Over$5k mo.revenue;see youtube Call Mary 504460 1547

UNIVERSITY/UPTOWN 7527BURTHEST.,2BEDROOM,ONEBATH,FUR‐

EMPLOYMENT

AcadiaCoachLinesnowhiringfullandparttimedri‐vers.Musthavea current CDLorchauffeur’s license with aclear record &passengerexperience.Phone 504-465-9454toscheduleaninterview

Business Analyst(Harahan, LA). Provideanalytical support to identify thebestopportunities forMfg Engg Group(MEG) to execute on projects,inclautomation, new eqpmt, valuestream, eqpmtperformance,& mfgprocess optimizations. Dvlp &reporton operatingmetrics,conduct laborcontent analysis,& dvlp justificationsfor capitalinvestments. Bach's deginMechanicalEngg, Engg Mgmt,Mfg,orrelated field.2 yrs' exp in mfg, qualityengg, or consulting role,to incl some solid expineachofthe following: MfgProcesses;QCConcepts; Data Analysis; Continuous ImprovementMethodologies; MicrosoftOfficeSuite;Power BI Data VisualizationTool.Excellent communication & interpersonalskills.HybridSchedulepermittedin Louisiana. MUST followthese application instructions to be considered:SendCV &cvr ltrtoallison.thomas@laitram.comor Allison Thomas,Intralox, LLC, 200Laitram Lane,Harahan,LA70123 w/in 30 days &ref

Job#W19089

Let Spring Begin!

@The_Gambit

STAFF

EDITORIAL

Editor | JOhN STANTON

PoliticalEditor | cLANcY DUBOS

Arts &Entertainment Editor | WILL cOVIELLO

StaffWriters | JAKE cLAPP, KAYLEE POchE, SArAhrAVITS

contributing Writer | IANMcNULTY

CREATIVE

creative Director | DOrA SISON

TrafficManager | JASONWhITTAKEr

ProjectManager | MArIAVIDAcOVIchBOUÉ

AssociateArt Director | EMMA VEITh

GraphicDesigner | GAVINDONALDSON

contributing GraphicDesigners | TIANA WATTS, ScOTTFOrSYThE, JASMYNEWhITE, JEFF MENDEL, TIMELSEA,JOhNGISPSON

BUSINESS&OPERATIONS

BillingInquiries 1(225) 388-0185

ADVERTISING

AdvertisingInquiries (504)483-3150

AdvertisingDirector | SANDYSTEIN BrONDUM [sstein@gambitweekly.com]

Salesand MarketingManager

ABIGAILBOrDELON

(504)636-7427 [abigail.scorsone@gambitweekly.com]

Salesrepresentatives

KELLYSONNIEr rODrIGUEZ (504)483-3143 [ksonnier@gambitweekly.com]

chArLIEThOMAS (504)636-7438 [cthomas@gambitweekly.com]

BENNETT GESTON (504)483-3116 [bennett.geston@gambitweekly.com]

ALYSSA hAUPTMANN (504)483-1123 [alyssa.hauptmann@gambitweekly.com]

Salesand Marketingcoordinators

ShAWNThOMAS [shawn.thomas@gambitweekly.com]

cLArEBrIErrE [clare.brierre@gambitweekly.com]

ARTS +ENTERTAINMENT Cosmicview

CongoSquare RhythmsFestival

byJakeClapp |

WATERSEEDHASBEEN“CLARKKENTING IT,”saysdrummerandvocalistLouhill.

WaterSeedaimsforthestarswithimmersiveconcert‘JourneytoFunkstar’ originalcomicbookconcept,but ultimatelydecidedtoshelveit.

TheNewOrleansbandhasalways beenforward-looking,bothinits progressivemixoffunk,soul,electronic musicandpop—ablendWaterSeed dubbed“FutureFunk”—andinits ambitions.Fansofsci-fi,comicbooks andtech,thebandmembersoverthe yearsimaginednewwaystopresent WaterSeed,theirperformancesand theirstorytelling,butwhiletherehave beenglimpsesalongtheway,practical constraintshavekeptthebandfrom creatingtheworldsthey’vepictured Audienceshaveonlyseenmaybe15% orsoofwhatWaterSeedhopedtoone daydo,hillestimates.

Now,withthenewimmersiveconcert “JourneytoFunkstar,”WaterSeedis turningmanyofthoseambitionsintoa reality.Andwithadesiretogrowwhat they’recapableof,hillsays,thisisn’t somuchaneweraasitisWaterSeed movingpastclarkKentconstraintsand showingoffitsSupermanpotential.

“JourneytoFunkstar,”whichtakes placeat8p.m.Friday,March22,atThe hangar,bringstogethermusic,video, lighting,projectionmapping,augmentedreality,cosplayandimpressive worldbuildingina90-minuteshow.

WaterSeed—hill,keyboardist JentlemanSharpandflautistcinese Love—alongwithbassistJemila Dunham,guitaristGranthudsonand percussionistEzellSmithJr.willprovidethesoundtrackwhilelargescreens display3Danimation(madewiththe powerfulUnrealEnginesoftware) thatmovestheaudiencethroughthe “intergalacticfantasy.”Augmented reality,lightingandotherelements aroundThehangertietheproject together,hillsays.

“It’ssomethingwe’vebeenworking onforanumberofyearsnow,”Love says.“TodoithereinNewOrleans isgoingtomeanalot.Torealizethat vision,thoseconversationsthathave beenhad…andtohavetheteamand supportmeansalot.”

Theconcepthasbeenintheworksfor awhile,sayshill,whoco-foundedthe bandwithSharpwhilelivinginAtlanta followinghurricaneKatrinaandthe federalleveefailures.Theymovedback toNewOrleansin2014

Thebandhasbeencallingitself

“FutureFunkStars”foralongtime,and earlyon,hillandotherbandmembers startedbuildingafictionalmythology aroundthe“FunkStars.”Theyhadan

Afewyearslater,anothercomic bookideastruckhill,andthis timeWaterSeeddevelopedit into“SoundsoftheWasteland,”a comicbookseriesandEPreleased in2022.Itopenedupanewworld fortheband,hillsays,especially asWaterSeedbeganhosting eventsaround“Soundsofthe Wasteland”thatblendedmusic, comicbooksandgaming.

WaterSeedhasbeendeveloping “JourneytoFunkstar”formore thanayear.hillsaysthisfirsteditionwillintroduceaudiencesto thecharacters,peopleand mythologyofFunkstarandits surroundinggalaxy.Aspacesuit-wearingnarratorwillwelcome concertgoersandguidethem throughseveralcitiesandenvironmentsasthestoryunfolds.

“Thisparticularportionofthestoryis aprequeltotheprequeltotheprequel,” hillsays.“WevisitFunkstar,wemeeta smallsliverofourbadguy,twopeople fallinlove,there’ssomeconflictandthe FunkStarsdefeattheirenemythrough thebeautifulsoundsofmusic.”

WaterSeedhopestotaketheconcept inanumberofdirectionsinthefuture we’restillonlyseeingabouthalfofwhat thebandwouldliketodo,hillsays.

“We’repreparinglikewe’venever preparedforashowbefore,”hillsays “WeusestufflikeUnrealEngine.We’re usingMetahuman.We’reusingmotion capture.There’satonofpeopleworking behindthescenes.There’sanimators, directors,actors.There’sallthese peoplewhohavesignedontohelpus bringthisthingtolifeandreallymakeita superimpactfulemotionalexperience.”

WaterSeedhascollaboratedwitha numberofpeopleandorganizationsfor “JourneytoFunkstar,”includinganimatorsfromNewOrleans’Metriccreative, ticketingplatformLyte,techcompany rypplzzandfilmmakerandperforming artistGianSmith,whodirectedthe visualstorythatwillunfoldonscreens.

Thebandwillbejoinedonstageby EricaFalls,Brass-A-holics,Kr3wcial, haSizzleandcasme.And“Marvel’s Voices”hostAngeliqueroche, voiceactorDanWhiteandTerence rosemore,whowillappearinJames Gunn’supcoming“Superman”film, alsoarespecialguests

Because“JourneytoFunkstar” involvestheintersectionofmusicand

Thefestivalhastwostages,witha brassbandstagefeaturingrebirth, hot8,Treme,OriginalPinettes,Free Agentsandmore.Theotherstage featuresTherumble,AlexeyMarti withYusa,coreyhenryandtheTreme Funktet,AlfredBanksandAfrican dancegroupsanddrumming.There alsoisanartmarketandfoodvendors. TheJazz&heritageFoundation sponsorsthefreefestivalinLouis ArmstrongPark.Musicisfrom10:45 a.m.to7:30p.m.Saturday,March23, andSunday,March24.Visitjazzandheritage.org/events/2024-congo-square-festivalfordetails.

WaterSeed’sCinese Love,LouHilland JentlemanSharp

art,math,scienceandtechnology, WaterSeedishostingabehind-thescenestourforschoolstoshowkids howtheshowwasbuilt.Agrantfrom thePositiveVibrationsFoundationis supportingthetour.

“Wewantkidstounderstandthat righthereinNewOrleans,techishere andthateverythingisatechmove,” hillssays.“Ifyou’reanartist,ifyou’re amusician,ifyou’reasongwriter,if youwanttomakefilmsorbuildvideo games,it’srighthereinthecity.Andwe wanttobealightningrodtokidstobe like,‘Iftheydidit,wecandoit.’”

AftertheMarch22premiere,Water SeedwilladapttheshowforaFrench QuarterFestsetonApril14andwill releaseacorrespondingalbum.The bandalsoplanstotour“Journeyto Funkstar”inthenearfuture,butitwas importantforthemtodoitfirstinNew Orleans,hillsays

“Thedecisionwasmadetodebut itherebecauseit’shomeandNew Orleansneedstoputastamponit,” headds.“WeviewthisasanopportunityforNewOrleanstodowhatNew Orleansdoes,andtostakeaclaim andsay‘Thatconceptcameoutof NewOrleans.’”

Ticketsfor“JourneytoFunkstar”are $30generaladmissionand$39VIP. Findmoreatjourneytofunkstar.com

NickiMinaj

RapperNickiMinajreleasedherfifth studioalbum,“PinkFriday2,”in December,noddingbacktoher2010 full-lengthdebutthatsetheronapath toadecadeofsuperstardom.“Pink Friday2”hitNo.1ontheBillboard 200,makingMinajthefirstfemale rappertohavethreealbumstopthe chart.Minajisnowonamassivetour andstopsinNewOrleansat8p.m. Monday,March18,attheSmoothie Kingcenter.Ticketsstartat$56 viasmoothiekingcenter.com.

JimGaffigan

AfteryearsminingHotPocketsand mundaneoccurrencesfornumerous comedyspecials,JimGaffiganbroke outindramaticrolesonfilmandTV. hecurrentlyappearsonthedramady “Linoleum.”he’llalsostarinNetflix’s “Unfrosted”withJerrySeinfeldand MelissaMccarthy,premieringin May.heperformsstand-upat7p.m Monday,March18,atSaengerTheatre. Findticketsviasaengernola.com.

LouisianaCrawfishFestival

Boiledcrawfishandcrawfishdishes highlightthefestivalinChalmette.The musiclineupincludesBagofDonuts, Groovy7,YeahYourightandmore. Thefestivalalsohasamusementrides,a pageantandmoreattheFrederickSigur

PROVIDED PHOTOBY RYAN MARRERO

PROVIDED PHOTOBY ERIC E. SIMON

WeedRatstotheleftofme,Landrytotheright,hereIamstuckinthemiddlewithyou

THUMBS UP/ THUMBS DOWN

TheU.S.Departmentof Transportationhasgiven$61.5 milliontothecitytoimprove pedestrianandcyclistpathways inNewOrleansEast.Thecity’s connectingNewOrleansEastfor PedestrianandBicyclistSafety andMobilityprojectplanstobuild shared-usepathsalongtheNorth andSouthI-10Serviceroadsfor peoplewalkingandcycling.The projectalsowillbuildanewwalkingbridgeacrossI-10.

Whatintheworldison myMarch23ballot?

TheDescendantsProject,a nonprofitworkingforracialand environmentaljusticeintheriver Parishes,recentlypurchasedthe 1811KidOryhistorichousein LaPlace,thesiteofthebeginning ofthe1811Germancoastuprising andthebirthplaceofjazzgreat KidOryin1886.SistersJoyandJo Bannerplantoreopenthehistoric houseasaneducationalcenteron theslaveuprising,KidOryandthe impactpetrochemicalcompanies havehadonthearea

THOUGHMANYMAYSTILLBERECOVERINGFROMLASTFALL’SELECTIONS, it’salreadytimetocastanotherballot inLouisiana.Believeitornot,early votingfortheMarch23electionhas alreadybegun.

Thisgo-around,theraceatthetopof theballotisleastcritical.It’sthesmaller races—forofficesrarelytalkedabout thataretheonestowatchnow.

Thoseraceswillhelpdetermineif theLouisianaDemocraticPartystarts puttingupafightagainstrepublicans oriftheycontinuetheirstreakof gettingsteamrolled.Butyouwouldn’t knowthatlookingattheballotalone.

Sowhatexactlyareyouvotingfor?

TheDemocraticStatecentral committee(DScc)runsthe DemocraticPartyatthestatelevel. TheirjobistohelpDemocratsget electedacrossthestate,andthey’re theoneswhovoteforpartyheads, suchasthechairandvicechair,and theexecutivecommitteethatguides partydecisionmaking.

chairKatieBernhardtwillstayin powerorifastatewiderecruiting efforttoreplaceherhassucceeded

Thenextraceonyourballotwilllikely beforDemocraticParishExecutive committees(DPEc)members.They focusonbuildingupthepartyintheir parish,whichincludesendorsingstate andlocalcandidatesandworkingwith otherlocalcommunitygroups.

Theirelectionisabitdifferentthan astandardelection.Ontheballot isalistofpeople,andyou’llhaveto chooseacertainnumberofthemto votefor.howmanyyouareasked tochoosedependsonwhichdistrict you’rein.Itcouldbe5,10,14,you nameit.Youmaybenarrowingit downtohalf,orlikeinoneMetairie district,youcouldbevotingfor10 outof11candidates,essentiallyjust votingagainstonecandidate.

It’salsoworthnotingthatsomeof thesamepeoplearerunningforspots onthestatecommitteeandtheir parishcommittee.

72,000

It’sthefourth-longestconstitutioninthe nation,andaccordingtoWWNO,Landry recentlycalledit“bloated”and“outdated andantiquated.”Landry,whooncesaidhe wasnot“interested”inschool,hasalready signedseveralchangesintoeffect,thanksto asupermajorityrepublicanlegislature.The legislativesessionlastsuntilJune3.

Gov.JeffLandrytriedtonamea Texasbusinessownerandmajor campaigndonorwithnopastconnectionstoNewOrleansaschair oftheErnestN.Morialconvention centeroversightboard.Theboard overseesoperationsattheeconomicallyimportantfacilityaswell asdevelopmentofthe$1billion riverDistrictproject.NewOrleans hospitalityleaders,though,managedtoblockLandry’spick,The Times-Picayunereported

Thestatecommitteehas210 seats,a“maleseat”anda“female seat”fromeachstatehousedistrict. hundredsofracesmaysoundoverwhelming,butofthem,you’llonlybe votinginuptotwo.

Iftherearen’ttwoDSccraceson yourballot,thatlikelymeansthat oneorbothracesinyourdistrict wereunopposed.

Thechairandotherleadership electionswilltakeplaceabouta monthafterelectionday.That’s whenwe’llknowifDemocraticParty

Withsomanynamesontheballot, itcanbehardtoresearchallofthem Antigravityhascreatedathorough voterguideontheNewOrleans races.MeanwhileBluereboot,a statewidegroupofmorethanDScc candidateswhohavepromisedto voteforanewchair,hasalistoftheir members,whichincludeanumberof first-timecandidates,LGBTQpeople andformerlyincarceratedpeopleof VOTE,agroupthatadvocatesforthe reformofLouisiana’scriminallegal system —KayleePoche

Whowouldyouwanttoseechair theLouisianaDemocraticParty?

KatieBernhardtcouldbeoutasthestate’stop Democratafterthismonth’selection.

SCREENSHOT FROM YOUTUBE

BLAKEVIEW

@GambitBlake

HeyBlake,

Weenjoyedthenew“Cabrini”movieabout thelifeofSt.FrancesXavierCabrini.Itbriefly mentionsherministryinNewOrleans.Other thanthehighschoolnamedforher,arethere otherspotswhereshelivedandworked?

Dearreader,

CABRINIHIGHSCHOOLONESPLANADEAVENUEOFFERSTHEMOST TANGIBLEREMINDERSofSt.FrancesXaviercabrini’slegacyin thecity,butMothercabrini’sfirststopinNewOrleanswasthe FrenchQuarter.It’swheresheandherMissionarySistersof theSacredheartofJesuscaredforthepoor,especiallyItalian immigrantsjustasinNewYork,asdepictedinthenewfilm

BorninItalyin1850,cabrinicametoNewOrleansin1892, justthreeyearsafterarrivinginNewYork.Shepurchaseda buildingat817St.PhilipStreetwhichhadbeenamansionbut wasatenementhousebythetimesheboughtit.Sheopened aschool,daynurseryandorphanagethere.

Soonaneedaroseforevenmorespaceforthenunstocare forthemanyNewOrleanschildrenwholosttheirparents intheyellowfeverepidemic.cabrinisecureda$75,000 donationfromcapt.andMrs.SalvatorPizzatitobuildthe SacredheartOrphanAsyluminthe3400blockofEsplanade Avenue.Duringconstruction,Mothercabrinilivedinthe nearbyPitothouseonMossStreet

Theorphanageopenedin1906.In1959itwasconverted intoacatholicgirls’highschool.In1965,amodernschool

buildingopenedonBayouSt.Johnbehindtheoriginalstructure.Mothercabrini’schapelandsomeofherpersonalitems remaininsidetheEsplanadeAve.building

ThecabriniDayNurseryonSt.PhilipStreetremainedopen until1999asaheadStartcenter.Itwassoldandconvertedto luxuryapartments

Mothercabrinidiedinchicagoin1917.In1946,shewas declaredasaintbytheromancatholicchurch.Sinceshehad becomeaU.S.citizenin1909,shewasthefirstAmericanto becanonized.

AmongthetributestoMothercabriniinNewOrleansisa statueontheharrisonAvenueneutralgroundinLakeview ThereisalsocabriniPlaygroundinthelowerFrenchQuarter andacabrinicourtinGentilly.

NEXTSATURDAY(MARCH23)WILLMARK

THE75THANNUALBIGBASSFISHINGRODEO atcityPark,theoldestfreshwaterfishing rodeointhecountry.

TheeventwasthebrainchildofPaul Kalman,aNewOrleansnativewhoworked asajournalistandpublicrelationsexecutive.Theavidoutdoorsmanalsoservedon thecityParkBoardofcommissioners.

AsKalmanwroteinaJanuary1949New OrleansItemcolumn,“Therodeowas startedbyTheItemin1946,whenitcame totheattentionofTheItemthatcityPark, whichhassomeofthefinestbassfishing watersintheUnitedStates,sponsoredno fishingcontestofitsown.”

Theeventwasalsodesignedasawayto introducethecity’syoungpeopletofishingandtothefishingopportunitiesoffered incityPark.93fishermenparticipated thefirstrodeo,whichwasheldonApril7, 1946,andfeatured$100incashprizes.

NowsponsoredbythecityPark conservancyandtheLouisiana DepartmentofWildlifeandFisheries,the eventofferscategoriesforallagesandskill levels.Thereisalsoafreefamily-friendly Fishtivalwithmusic,gamesandother activities.Formoreinformationvisit neworleanscitypark.org.

betterwithfriends

CabriniHighSchoolcheerleadersthrow artificialsnowoverthecrowd.

PHOTOBYSHAWN FINK /THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

ONE LANDRY TO BIND THEM ALL

UNDERTHE WATCHFUL EYEOF

GOV. JEFF LANDRY,REPUBLICANS PUSH A REGRESSIVE LEGISLATIVEAGENDA

THE REGULARSESSION OF THESTATE LEGISLATURE hasonlyjustbegun,butRepublicanshavealready notchedscoresofkeylegislativevictoriesthankstotwospecial sessionsandaseriesofexecutiveordersremakingthestategovernmentinGov.JeffLandry’simage.

ThebreakneckpaceatwhichRepublicanshavedismantledthe modestcriminaljusticereformsofthepastdecadehasbeennothing shortofbreathtaking.Inlessthantwoweekslastmonth,theynotonly undiddecadesofhardworktomodernizethestate’sjusticesystem butinstitutednewpunitivepolicies,includingeliminatingparoleand authorizingnew,inhumaneformsofcapitalpunishment.

Andthey’renotdone.Lawmakersareproposinganumberof additionalcriminaljusticebillsincreasingprisonsentencesfor someconvictionstolegalizingvehicularhomicidesunder certaincircumstances

Butthosechangesduringthesecondspecialsessionarelikelyonly thebeginningofabroadpushtoimposeahostofoftencruelconservativepolicypositions.LawmakersintheHouseandSenateareonce againtargetingtheLGBTQcommunity—particularlytransgenderand gendernonconformingpeople—withaseriesofbillslegislatingtheir veryidentities.

Republicansandbusinessinterestsalsoaregunningforwhat remainsofLouisiana’salreadyweaklaborprotections,rangingfrom eliminatingkeychildlaborrulestobanningpublicsectorunions

Therightsofyoungpeoplearealsounderassaultinahostofareas, includingproposalstorequiretheTenCommandmentsbepostedin publicschools,bantheirabilitytofreelyusesocialmedia,limitthe typesofbookstheycanfindinlibrariesandfurtherrestricttheirability tomakehealthcaredecisions

EvenbarownersfindthemselvesintheGOP’ssightsthisyear,with billstoraisetheageofbartenders,makeconcealedcarrylegalintheir establishmentsandevenputthemonthehookforliabilityifsomeone underageisservedandisinvolvedinaDUI.

Howmanyofthedozensofradicalbillsbeingconsideredpass remainstobeseen.Intheory,theremnantsofoldline“countryclub” styleRepublicanscould,intheory,blockorsignificantlywaterdown themostcontroversialofthesemeasures.

Butonethingiscertain:WithoutaDemocratinthegovernor’s office,nopartoftheRepublicanParty’sagendacanberuled outanymore.

ABOVE: PHOTO BY HILARYSCHEINUK / THE ADVOCATE

RIGHT:PHOTO BY JAVIER GALLEGOS / THE ADVOCATE

JEFF LANDRY’S EVERYTHING,

EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE

PUSH TO THE FAR RIGHT

Landry’s first two months as governor have been nonstop

BY KAYLEE POCHE

Editor’snote:Thisstoryhas beenshortenedforprint.Visit bestofneworleans.comtoreadthe fullversion

MONTHS AFTER HIS ELECTION LAST OCTOBER, JeffLandry enteredtheLouisianagovernor’soffice, gunsblazing.

Republicansupermajoritiesinboth chambersofthenewlysworn-inlegislaturelikewisecamepreparedtobackthe state’sfirstGOPgovernorineightyears.

Forthepasttwomonths,between executiveordersandspeciallegislative sessions,citizensandthemediaalike havehaddifficultykeepingupwith Landry’severything,everywhere,allat onceapproachtocarryingouthisfarrightagenda

Evenbeforehisinauguration,Landry surroundedhimselfwithindustry headsandbusinessleaders.Heputoil lobbyistsandexecutivesatthehelmof theDepartmentofEnergyandNatural Resources,formerlyknownasthe DepartmentofNaturalResources.

Whenafederaljudgeordered lawmakerstocreateasecond majority-Blackcongressionaldistrict, Landryaddedmorethanadozenunrelatedtopicstohisofficialcallforthe requiredspeciallegislativesession.

Thoughlawmakersdidn’tgivethe governoreverythinghewantedthen, theylargelydidinaspecialsessionon crimeamonthlater.

Landry,previouslyLouisiana’sattorneygeneral,madethatsessionhistop campaignissue.Thesession’sagenda includedcampaignpromisessuchas longerjailterms,severelyreducedopportunitiesforparole,andputtingthe state’spublicdefendersystemunder thegovernor’sdirectcontrol.

Andit’sonlybeentwomonths.

Theregularlawmakingsessionkicked offMonday,March11,andmustendno laterthanJune3.

ComparedtohisDemocratic predecessorJohnBelEdwards’more deliberateapproachtolegislatingand policymaking,Landryhassetabreakneckpaceforhislegislativealliesand thepublic.

Still,accordingtoPublicAffairsResearchCouncil(PAR)ResearchDirector MelindaDeslatte,whospentmorethan twodecadesasajournalistcovering Louisianapolitics,Landry’searlypush, while“slightlysurprising,[wasn’t]far outsideofthenormofwhatothergovernorshavedoneovertheyears.”

“Whenyoujustgetelectedand comeintooffice,arguablythat’sthe heightofyourpower,”shetoldGambit. “It’sbeforeyou’veirritatedlegislators withthingsyou’rerequestingofthem It’sbeforethey’vehadfeedback fromvotersbackhomeaboutstuff they’vepassed.”

Thatsaid,DeslattenotesthatLandry has“provenheiswillingtobealittle bitofadisrupterortoapproachthings differentlythanperhapssomepast governorshave.”

DURING HIS CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR,

LandrypaintedNew Orleansasalawlesscitythatonlyhe couldfix,vowingto“bendthecity”to his“will.”

Whilethecityhasstruggledwith gunviolenceandhighratesofpoverty andtrauma,therateofviolentcrime droppedsignificantlyin2023

Still,Landrykepthispromisetocall aspeciallegislativesessiononcrime, whichranfromFeb.19toFeb.29.

Duringit,lawmakersspeedilypassed traditionalfailed“toughoncrime” measuresthatwillput andkeep morepeoplebehindbarsinastatethat alreadyhasoneofthehighestincarcerationratesinthecountry.

Thepreviouslegislatureseemedto understandthatin2017whenlawmakerspassedabipartisansetofreformsto thecriminallegalsystem

Thecurrentlegislature,fueledby Landry’ssupport,undidmuchofthose reformslastmonth insomecases makingthesystemharsherthanitwas before2017 He’salreadysignedmost ofthemintolawandisexpectedtosoon signtherest Oncesigned,they’llstart takingeffectoverthenextsixmonths

Theyeliminatedtheparolesystem almostentirelyforanyoneconvictedof acrimeafterAug.1.Theonlyexception wouldbejuvenileswhoreceivelife or essentiallylife sentences.Evenbefore 2017,Louisianahadaparolesystem; thereformsjustexpandedit

Lawmakersalsoseverelylimited theabilityforpeopleinprisontoearn “goodbehaviorcredits”or“goodtime,”

Study

whichallowsfortheirsentencestobe shortenedasarewardforthingslike followingprisonrulesorcompleting educationandcounselingcourses.

ThatmeansLouisianawillkeep peopleinprisonuntiltheyatleastserve 85%oftheirsentences,nomatterifit’s foraviolentornonviolentoffenseor howmanygoodbehaviorcreditsthey earn.That’supfromthe35%minimum setin2017fornonviolentcrimes—and morethandoublethe40%required bypre-2017laws,accordingtoThe Times-Picayune.

FormerstateRep.JoeMarino,a no-partyindependentfromGretnaand acriminaldefenselawyerwhowaskey inthe2017reforms,saysthisisoneof themostconcerningmeasurespassed.

smallamounts,butthisupsitto25to 99yearsinthesecases.

Illegaluseofweaponswillbeclassifiedascrimesofviolence.Alegislative fiscalanalysisestimatedthatunderthe newlaw,peoplewillbelockedupfor anaverageof13yearsinsteadofthe currentthreeyears,costingthestate $11.5millionmoreeachyear

Atthesametime,lawmakersremoved permittingandtrainingrequirements currentlyrequiredtocarryconcealed weaponsinLouisiana—andloweredthe minimumagefrom21to18.

Legislatorsalsopassedabillgiving anyonewhogetsaconcealed-carry permitspecialimmunityfromcivil damagesiftheyshootandinjureorkill anundefined“perpetrator”in“ajustifieduseofforceorself-defense.”

“Ifourgoalisn’ttodoublethejail population,thentheresponsiblewayto dothat,ifyou’regoingtoraisethenumberupto85%undertheguiseof‘we needclarityinsentencing,’[istolower] allofthesentencingrangesaccordingly,”Marinosays.

Newlawsalsosingleoutteenswho enterthecriminallegalsystem.

Louisianawillnowrequiretrying more17-year-oldsasadultsforall crimes.Onceconvicted,therewillbe feweropportunitiesforminorstohave theirsentencesshortened.

Anotherlawwillcreateanonline databaseforthepublictoaccess courtrecordsofjuvenilesarrestedfor violentcrimes.

Lawmakersalsorampeduppenalties forcarjacking,distributingfentanyland usingweaponsillegally.Minimumcarjackingpenaltieswillroughlydouble, fromaminimumoftwotofiveyears andfrom10-to-20yearsto20-to-30 yearsifavictimisseriouslyinjured.

Anothermeasurecreatesstiff sentencesforthosemarketingfentanyl productsinpackagingdeemedunder thelawtobe“child-friendly.”Currently,there’saminimumfive-year sentencefordistributingfentanylin

Thatmeansthosefoundtobe“perpetrators,”alongwiththeirsurvivors orheirs,cannotsuefordamagesvia awrongfuldeathorpersonalinjury lawsuit—unlesstheshooterdisplayed extremelyrecklessbehavior(“gross negligence”),orknewtheycouldhurt orkillsomeoneanddiditanyway (“intentionalmisconduct”).

Criminalcases—whichcansendpeopletojailandrequireahigherburdenof proof—couldstillproceed.

Statelawalsowillnowshieldlaw enforcementofficersfrombeingsued forcivildamagesforanyactionsthey takeonthejob,eveniftheyseriously injureorkillsomeonebecauseofrecklessness.Criminallawsuitsorlawsuits forfraudagainstofficerswouldstillbe fairgame.

Thelawallowsjudgestograntleniencytolawenforcementofficerswhen theirmisconductleadstoinjuries,a conceptknownas“qualifiedimmunity.”Nowsuchimmunityisrequired.

FollowinginthefootstepsofAlabama,whichrecentlybecamethefirst governmentintheworldtoexecute someoneusingnitrogengas,Louisiana addednitrogengasandelectrocution

Rep.MichaelMelerine,R-Shreveport,in2023.

PHOTOBYJILLPICKETT / THESHREVEPORT-BOSSIERCITYADVOCATE

towaysthestatecouldcarryoutthe deathpenalty.

Thestatealsowillkeepsecretthe identityofexecutiondrugandequipmentproviders—andexposepeople whorevealsuchinformationtobe sued.Itdoesnotcarveoutexceptions forjournalists

Inanother“lawandorder”move, lawmakersshortenedthetime—from twoyearstooneyear—thatpeople convictedofcrimescanseekpost-convictionrelief.Suchreliefoftencomes intheformofaskingthejudgewho heardtheoriginalcasetoconsidernew informationorevidence.

Thefinalversionofthelawwon’t changepost-convictionreliefsoughton thegroundsof“factualinnocence.”

LAWMAKERSRAMMEDALL

THOSE MEASURES throughthe legislativeprocessinjust11days, beforestaffcouldaccuratelyestimate eachbill’scosttoLouisianataxpayers

“It’snotentirelysurprisingifthe governorisofthesamepoliticalparty asthemajorityofthelegislaturethat billswouldmovefairlyquicklyina specialsession,”PAR’sDeslattesays.

“Thatbeingsaid,thereareareas wheretheyspeduptheprocess evenfurther.”

Forexample,DeslattesaidtheHouse skippedtheusualprocessofreferring proposalsthatcouldcostthestate moneytotheHouseAppropriations Committeeforfiscalreviewanddebate.However,statesenatorsdidput billsthroughthatprocess.

Lawmakersalsolimitedopportunities forpublictestimonyonbillsincommitteehearings.It’stypicalforeachspeaker tobelimitedtotwoorthreeminutes, butduringthespecialsessionRepublicansalsocappedtotaltestimonyattwo hourstotal—onehourinfavorofabill, andanotherinopposition

Addtothatthefactthatbillsflew throughmultiplecommitteesatthe sametime,anditwasdifficult,ifnot impossible,forsomepeopletospeak oneverybilltheywantedtoaddress

“Iliterallysawpeople...running fromtheHousesidetotheSenatesideto trytobeabletotestifyagainstabillin theSenatesideaftercomingoutof theHouseChamber,”Marinosays.

“That’sdisturbing.”

Marinosayshebelievesthespeed ofthesessionwasintentionalbecause Republicanswereunderpressurenotto challenge—orchange—anyofthebills

HebelievestheRepublicanmajorities intheHouseandSenatemaycontinue tolimitpublicdebateinfuturesessions.

“Ithinktheywerejustgoingthrough themotionsoflisteningtothepublic, butthebillsweregoingtobepushed throughandpassedwithlittletono changes,”Marinosays.

TheTimes-Picayunereportedthe changeswillcostatleast$32million ayear,butthepricetagcouldendup beingfarhigher

“Allofthatrightnowisaquestion mark,”Deslattesays,adding,“but anytimeyoukeepsomeoneinjailor prisonlonger,thathasacosttothe state.Itsimplydoes.”

A2022reportonthe2017reforms bytheLouisianaDepartmentofPublic SafetyandCorrectionsandtheLouisianaCommissiononLawEnforcement showedthereformssavedthestate $152.6million,whichthenwenttothe stategeneralfundandprogramsaimed atkeepingpeoplefromreturningtothe prisonsystemoncetheyleaveit.Those programscouldlosefundingnow.

“It’sgoingtobeafinancialproblem beforetheendofthegovernor’sfirst term,100%,”Marinosays.

LOUISIANAGOVERNORS

ALREADYWIELD ENORMOUS POWER, butLandrywantstoexpand hiscontrol

DuringtheJanuaryredistrictingsession,Landrycalledformajorchanges towhocanvoteinLouisiana’sprimaries,wantingtoturnthemintoclosed partyprimaries.

Lawmakersscaledbackthatattempt,makingitapplyonlytofederal electionsandcertainstateracesaswell asallowingno-partyvoterstovotein anyparty’sprimary.Itwilltakeeffect in2026

LawmakersalsorefusedtopassseveralotheritemsinLandry’scall,such ashisproposalstorebuildthestate SupremeCourttohisliking.

Forthecrimespecialsession,Landry’s staffalsowroteabillthatwouldgive hisofficemorecontroloverLouisiana’s publicdefendersystem,whichprovides legalrepresentationtothemorethan 80%ofpeopleincriminalcaseswho can’taffordaprivatelawyer

Thoughthemeasurewaswatered down,itstillletsthegovernorappoint thestatepublicdefender,whichthe statepublicdefenseboardcouldthen approveorveto.Thegovernorwillalso nowhaveahandinchoosingmostof theoversightboardmembers.

Additionally,inthemiddleofthe crimespecialsession,Landryissuedan executiveorderrollingbacksomeof formerGov.JohnBelEdwards’changes toLouisiana’sindustrialtaxexemption program(ITEP).

Companiesnownolongermust provethey’recreatingjobstogetalocal propertytaxbreakonaproject And,insteadofhavingeachlocal taxingbodyindividuallyapproveor denyataxbreak,eachparishmust haveasingleboardthatmakesan all-or-nothingdecision.ButasLandry spokespersonKateKellytoldThe

LouisianaIlluminator,“thegovernoris thefinalsay.”

Landryalsohasshownhe’sinterestedinexercisingsomestatecontrol overNewOrleans,includingrecently appointingataskforcetorecommend changestohowthecity’sSewerage& WaterBoardoperates

Potentialchangesincludehavingall ratepayerspayastormwaterfeeand revampingthestructureoftheboard. Thatcouldrangefromdecreasingthe numberofboardappointmentsthe mayorcanmaketoremovingthemayor asboardpresidententirely.

Goingintotheregularlegislative session,itappearsLandry’sauthoritarianstreakwillcontinue—withthe helpofsomelawmakers.Rep.Michael Melerine,aShreveportRepublican, filedabillthatwouldexemptrecordsin Landry’sofficefromLouisiana’sPublic RecordsAct.Melerinepulledthebill shortlyafteritwentonline,butheis expectedtorefileit

However,themostsweeping changescouldcomeviaaconvention torewritethestateconstitution— somethingLandrynevermentioned asacandidate.Legislatorshavetalked aboutthatideaforyears,buttrade publicationLaPoliticsWeeklyreported Landryofficials,legislativeleadersand Republicandonorsaresignalinginterestinmakingthatarealitythisyear

Aconventioncouldbeanopportunityto shortenLouisiana’sConstitutionof1974, whichhasmushroomedwithamendmentsduringthepasthalf-century Butwhatactuallyhappenswould dependonwhothedelegatesareand howthey’reselected.Consideringthe holdRepublicanshaveonthegovernor’sofficeandthelegislature,itcould beahighlypartisanundertaking.

Deslattesaysagovernor’sbacking iscrucialtoconveningaconstitutional conventionbutthatforittobesuccessful,“youhavetoalleviatefearsthat somethingnefariouswillhappenin thatconvention.”

MelindaDeslatte,researchdirector atPARandformerCapitolreporter

PHOTO BY GERALDHERBERT / ASSOCIATED PRESS

PERSONAL

Salismarried to Lisa CassanovaBrocato for29 years. They have a24-year-old son, Dominic Joseph Brocato.

EDUCATION

n BrotherMartinHighSchool,1988

n University of NewOrleans,B.S.inBusiness Management,1996

n Southern University LawCenter,J.D., 1999

LAWENFORCEMENT

n NewOrleans Police Department

l PoliceAcademy,P.O.S.T.certification, LouisSirgo AwardasIdeal PoliceOfficer

n JeffersonParishSheriff’s Office

l RetiredRes.Deputy

n LouisianaDept. of Justice (AttorneyGeneral’s Office)

l SpecialAgent –CriminalDivision

n PlaqueminesParishSheriff’s Office

l Asst.General Counsel– LegalDivision

l Hasmaintainedthe annual P.O.S.T. continuing education, training and qualificationssince 1993

LEGALEXPERIENCE

n BrocatoLaw Firm,PLC, 1999–Present

n FirstParishCourt –THO Judge,2018–Present

COMMUNITYINVOLVEMENT/DWI EDUCATION

n SuddenImpactProgram (Sponsored by LA StatePoliceand LCMC)

l Mock trialprosecuting attorney

l Participated as prosecutor in 10 mock trials at localhigh schoolsfor textingwhile drivingand DWIeducation

COACHING

n BrotherMartinHighSchool

l Part-timepowerliftingcoach (present)

l Part-timehighschool football coachfor 10 years

ORGANIZATIONS/AFFILIATIONS

n LouisianaState BarAssociation,Member

n LouisianaItalianAmericanBar Association, Past President& Member

n National ItalianAmericanBar Association,Member

n JeffersonBar Association,Member

n Nicholls StateUniversityAthleticAssociation,Board Member

n Cefalutana Society,PastDirectorand CurrentMember

n BrotherMartinAlumniBoard of Directors,PastPresident & CurrentBoard Member

n NorthBridgedaleSubdivision Civic Association,Board Member

“Itwould be my honortoserve you on the Republican StateCentral Committeeand theRepublicanExecutiveCommittee. I will work hard to promoteRepublican values and helpelect strong Republican candidatestopublic office.”

WIN BASKETBALL SHOES*

—Sal Brocato PAID FOR BY SAL BROCATO CAMPAIGN

FROM CHILD LABOR ROLLBACKS TO ATTACKS ON TRANS PEOPLE, REPUBLICANS

PURSUE A RADICALLY CRUEL AGENDA IN LOUISIANA

BY JOHN STANTON | GAMBIT EDITOR

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

HB166

REP. DELISHA BOYD

Requiresanyoneconvictedofasexcrimetoundergoavasectomy.

SB371

SEN. REGINA BARROW

Requiresthecastrationofanyoneconvictedof sexualassaultagainstachildunder13

HB355and383

REP. JAY GALLE

Thispairofbillswouldlimitcivilandcriminalliabilitytoanyonewhokillssomeonewiththeircarifthe personisillegallyblockingaroadwayandthedriver believestheyareinimmediatedangerof“seriousbodilyharm.”Itappearstobeinresponseto protestswhichimpedetraffic.Overthelastseveral years,anumberofpeoplehavebeeninjuredduring peacefulprotestswhenanopponenthasdriven intoacrowd

SB21

SEN. ALAN SEABAUGH

Prohibitsspeedingcamerasandredlightcameras. Althoughpopularwithdrivers,thebillwouldhave anenormousimpactonmunicipalbudgetsbecause thesecamerasareareliablesourceofsignificant incomeeveryyear

SB24

SEN. SEABAUGH

OVER THE LAST EIGHT YEARS whileTexas, Florida,Alabamaandotherdeep-redSouthernstates engagedinaracetothebottomonhumanrights, criminaljusticeandbasicdecency,Louisianacharteda relativelystablecourse,inlargepartthankstoformer Gov.JohnBelEdwards.

Asapro-gun,anti-choiceconservativeDemocrat,Edwardswasnevergoingtochampionprogressivepolicies, buthedidaccomplishmostofwhathesetouttodo

Hegotthestate’sfiscalhouseinorder,gavelocalgovernmentsaroleingrantingpropertytaxexemptions, expandedMedicaidundertheAffordableCareAct, andhelpeddragthestate’scriminaljusticesystem outofthe19thcentury tonameafewofhismost notableaccomplishments.

Perhapshisbiggestaccomplishmentwasbeinga “governor”onthefar-rightproclivitiesofRepublican lawmakers.Forinstance,hevetoedanti-transbillsin 2022,andwasabletoconvinceenoughlegislatorsto sustainhisvetoduringaspecialoverridesession.That wasn’ttheendofthosemeasures,ofcourse;Republicansforcedanti-transbillsthroughthefollowingyear

Still,ontransissuesandmanyotherpolicyareas,EdwardswasatleastabletoslowLouisiana’sdescentinto officialcruelty.Ifhehadn’tbeengovernor,lawmakers likelywouldhaveadoptedtheworstexcessesof,say, Florida orevenplowedevenmoretroubledground.

Unfortunately,Edwardsdidn’tgoverninavacuum Duringhistenure(halfofwhichcoincidedwithDonald Trump’spresidency),Republicansunderwentan alarmingtransformation Yearafteryear,conservatives inplaceslikeFloridaandTexaspassedincreasingly draconianmeasurestargetingBlackpeople,women, theLGBTQcommunityandlabor,eachbuildingupon previousrollbacksofcivilandhumanrights

Mostofthosethingsdidn’thappeninLouisiana untilnow.

Gov.JeffLandryhaspositionedhimselfonthefront linesoftheRepublicanwaroncivilrights,theenvironmentandthepoor.HewillsoonsendtheStatePolice toNewOrleansandNationalGuardtroopstoTexas’ borderwithMexico afterscrappingasuccessfulprogramtofeedpoorkidsduringthesummerandputting oilexecutivesinkeyenvironmentalpositions.

Nottobeoutdone,RepublicansintheHouseand Senatehaveintroducedahostofbillsintheannualsessionthatbeginsthisweek,proposingwhatwouldhave beenconsideredfringepoliciesevenafewyearsago. Theyseemintentonsurpassingourneighborsviabook banningandanti-transrightsbills,aversionofFlorida’s “Don’tSayGay”legislation,andevenameasurerequiringtheTenCommandmentstobedisplayedinschools.

WorkingpeoplearealsosquarelyinRepublicans’ sightsthisyear.Theyhaveintroducedmeasurestoroll backworkers’compensationanddisabilityprotections.

Sen.AlanSeabaugh,R-Shreveport,hasintroduceda seriesofbillstargetinglaborunionsandtheabilityof workerstoorganize LikeFloridaRepublicans,Seabaughalsoistargetingchildlaborprotections,proposingtoeliminatearequirementthatemployersgiveteen workersa30-minutemealbreakduringtheirshifts.

Otherlawmakers,likeRep.JayGalle,aregoingeven further.TheSt.TammanyParishconservativehasintroducedlegislationtoallowdriverstokillanyoneblocking theirpathiftheybelievetheyareindangerof“serious bodilyharm.”Thepairofbills,whichshielddriversfrom civilandcriminalliability,appeartobearesponseto protestsoverpolicebrutalityagainstBlackAmericans.

Intherecentpast,abilllikeRep.DixonMcMakin’s plantobarthepublicfrompostingvideosofsomeone committingacrime,wouldhavebeendismissedoutof hand Nowadays,thetraditionalrulesofpoliticaltealeafreadingnolongerapplywhenitcomestoRepublicancontrolledstatelegislatures

Abilltorepealtheso-called“mugshot”law,which soughttolimitthepublicationofmugshotsandto makeiteasierforpeopletohavetheirmugshots removedfromwebsitesandotherpublications.

SB105

SEN. SEABAUGH

Mandatoryoneyearminimumsentenceforfelons foundtobeinpossessionofaconcealedweapon

HB173

REP. BRYAN FONTENOT

Makesitillegalto“approach”within25feetofapoliceofficerengagedinwork Thismeasureappears tobeinresponsetomembersofthepublicandthe presstakingandpublishingvideosofinstancesof policebrutality.

ANTI-VAX

HB288

REP. BERYL AMEDEE

Anti-vaxbillthatrequirescoronerstoinclude vaccinationrecordsinautopsiesofbabies

HB711

REP. GALLE

Requiresparentalconsentforvaccines

HB87

REP. MICHAEL ECHOLS

Underthisbillany“employerorschoolthat mandatesitsemployeesorstudentsreceivea

LouisianaGovernorJeffLandrygiveshisaddressintheHouseChamberonopeningdayoftheregularlegislativesession

PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

COVID-19vaccinationshallbeliable foranyinjuriesincurredasaresultof theemployeesorstudentsreceiving thevaccination.”Covidvaccinesare safeandeffectivedespiteconspiracy theorists’liestothecontrary

HB46and47

REP. KATHY EDMONSTON

Apairofanti-vaxcovidmeasures, thefirstbansCOVID-19vaccination requirementsinallpublicandprivate schools.Thesecondessentially bansmandatoryimmunizationsin schoolsbyrequiringexemptionsbe allowedforbothcurrentandprospectivestudents.

SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES

HB334

REP. AMEDEE

Thisbillwouldallowclergytominister inpublicschoolseitheraspaidstaffor onavolunteerbasis.

HB414

REP. JOSH CARLSON

Imposesobscenitylawsonlibraries andappearstobepartofthe efforttoremoveLGBTQmaterials fromlibraries.

SB358

SEN. BETH MIZELL

Lowerstheageformandatoryschool expulsionforgunanddrugpossession from16to13.

HB71

REP. DODIE HORTON

RequirestheTenCommandmentsbe displayedinpublicschools.

CONSPIRACY

HB357

REP. AMEDEE

ACentralBankDigitalCurrencybill. CBDChasbecomeabigdealamong fringeconservativeswhoareworried the“elite”aregoingtotaketheirmoneyanduseittomonitortheiractivities. FloridaGov.RonDeSantisandU.S. Sen.TedCruzareinthisweirdworld.

HB515

REP. HORTON

Thisseemstobeanewconspiracy theorythatthegovernmentisgoing toforcepeopletobuyelectriccars, anditselfhadsprungforthfroman entirelydifferentconspiracytheory

involvinggaspricesandtheBiden administration’ssupportforUkraine againstRussia Horton’sbillwould bansuchamove.Asanaddedbonus, Horton’sbillalsowouldprohibittheAir PollutantEmissionControlProgram fromrestrictingthetypesofcars peoplecanbuy.

LABOR

HB156andSB109

REP. ROGER WILDER III AND SEN. SEABAUGH

Repealscurrentrequirementthat employersprovideamealbreak tominors

SB292

SEN. SEABAUGH

Requiresyearlycollectivebargaining votes.Iflessthan60votetoreauthorize,theyhavelessthanonemonth togetanewrepresentativeorlose theircollectivebargainingabilityfor oneyear

SB299

SEN. SEABAUGH

Barsunionsfromrepresentingemployeesincollectivebargaining

SB315andHB668

SEN. SEABAUGH AND REP. MICHAEL MELERINE

Thesecompanionbillslargelygut disabilitybenefitsemployersare onthehookforwhenworkersare injured.Iteliminatesbenefitsifan injuredworker“hasthecapacityto engageinanyself-employmentor occupationforwages”ofanykindorif theyhavereached“maximum medicalimprovement.”

HB571

REP. RAYMOND CREWS

Thisbill“prohibitsapublicemployer fromenteringintoanyemployment contractwithanypublicemployeeor labororganization”anddeclares anyexistinglaborcontractsnull andvoid

HB572

REP. CREWS

Thisbill“prohibitsastate,parish,city, town,orgovernmentalbodyfrom recognizinganylaborunionorother employeeassociation”forthepurposesofcollectivebargaining

HB712

REP. CREWS

Thisbillbarsschoolunionsfromusing memberduesforpoliticalactivity.

ALL UP IN OUR BUSINESS

HB123

REP. LAURIE SCHLEGEL

Thisbillbarskidsfromusingsocial mediawithoutadultconsent.

SB107

SEN. MIZELL

Thisbillcriminalizesthepossession, importationor“trafficking”of“child sexdolls.”Thebillappearstobein responsetoLawandOrderSVU’s Season25firstepisode.Fortheuninitiatedsexdollsare,well,dollsusedfor sexandwhichcomeinvaryingdegrees oflife-likedetail Whileexceedingly creepyandgross,thereisn’tany evidenceofLouisianabeingawashin aseaof“childsexdolls”orthattheir possessionleadstoassaultsorother criminalactivity

SB171

SEN. MIZELL

Thebillstripssellersofalcoholofimmunityforliabilitywhensoldtominors whoareinvolvedinaDUI.

SB207

SEN. MIZELL

Thisbillsetsspecificpoliciesforwhat todowithpersonalelectronicdevices foundonstudentsinschools.

SB291

SEN. MIZELL

Thisbillmandatesbartendersbe21 orolder.

SB353

SEN. MIZELL

Includesaprovisionbarringmassage businessesfromadvertising“in anypublicationoranywebsite marketingservicesappealingtothe prurientinterest.”

SB168

SEN. MIZELL

Thebilldramaticallyincreasespenaltiesforthesaleofalcoholtoaminor.

ANTI EVERYTHING

SB5

SEN. BLAKE MIGUEZ

Thisbillexpandspreviouseffortsto limitthetypesofinvestmentfundsthe stateinvestsintoprohibitanywhich

incorporateenvironmental,gender, identityorraceconsiderationsinits investments.Practically,thiswould expandbeyondtheexistingpush against“green”investmenttoalsoincludefundsthatdon’tinvestinsocially badactors.

GUNS

SB214

SEN. MIGUEZ

Thebillallowsconcealedcarryin restaurantsthatservealcohol.

SB234

SEN. MIGUEZ

Thebillbarsstatecontractswithcompaniesthatwon’tdobusinesswithgun companiesororganizations.

IMMIGRATION

SB208

SEN. MIGUEZ

Thisisananti-sanctuarycitybill

ANTI-POOR

SB195

SEN. MIGUEZ

Thisanti-SNAPbilllimitsability toseekwaiverstoworkrequirementsandimplementsnew workrequirements.

ANTI-LGBTQ

HB608

REP. WILDER ET AL.

Thisbillhasmorethanadozenauthors andwouldformallydefinegenderto precludetransandgendernon-conformingpeople

HB121

REP. CREWS

Requiresteacherstouseastudent’s deadnameandpronounsunlessthey havewrittenpermissionfromparents.

HB122

REP. HORTON

Thisyear’s“Don’tSayGay”bill.

HB256

REP. HORTON

Appearstobepartoftheanti-trans agenda.Itbroadlysetsageofconsent at18forminorsseekingmedicalcare andrequires“parentalconsentfor medicalorsurgicalcareorservices performedonaminor.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber’srockopera musicalisdirected by Kenneth Beck andfeaturesa live orchestra with an ensemble cast of 34 localand visiting performers.

5Performances Only

MARCH 15-24

6400 AIRLINE DRIVE METAIRIE, LA 504-885-2000 JPAS.ORG

OurWar Too celebrates American servicewomen in WorldWar II and theirenduringimpacton shapingopportunities for future generations

SCAN QR CODE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

LANDRY

CONTINUES TO STEER A HARD-RIGHT COURSE, AND HE’S NOT ALONE

BY CLANCY DUBOS

EVERY NEW GOVERNOR takes officepromisingchange Yet,even asLouisiana’spoliticalpendulumhas swungbackandforth,fromrightto leftandbackagainforgenerations,not muchhaschanged.

LouisianastilltrailsotherSouthern statesinjustabouteverywaymeasurable fromliteracyratestoinfantbirth weights,fromstudenttestscoresto cancerrates,fromgunanddomestic violenceratestopopulationgrowth,and frompovertyratestoobesity.Thelist oflow“qualityoflife”scoresgoes onandon.

Gov.JeffLandry,likeallofhis predecessors,promiseschange butlittleofhislegislativeagenda addressesthesocietalillslistedinthe precedingparagraph.

Rather,Landryhasembarkedon ahard-rightpushthatincludesmore attacksonhumanandcivilrights,less governmenthelpforthosestruggling atthebottom,expandingthestate’s already-generouscorporatewelfare programs,furtherprivatizingpublic education,andremovingasmanylayers ofconsumerprotectionaspossible

HealsowantstorewriteLouisiana’s “bloated,outdated,antiquated,and much-abused”constitution,though hehasn’tspecifiedhowthatwould happenorwhowoulddotherewriting.

Landry’soverallgoal,however,isone thatmanyreformershavetouted removingfiscalminutiaefromthestate’s charterandfreeinglawmakers(and governors)tosetbudgetaryprioritiesto meetevolvingchallenges.

Thelastgovernortopushforanew constitutionwasEdwinEdwards,who campaignedonthatissuein1971 Landrydidnotmentionaconstitutional rewriteduringhiscampaignlastyear

Writinganewconstitutionisatallorder,evenforagovernorwithalegislative supermajority.Thecurrentconstitution, whichvotersapprovedin1974,contains ahostofprovisionsputtherebyspecial interests,includingsheriffs,district attorneysandotherswhowerekeyto Landry’selection.Itwillbeinteresting toseewhatcomesofhispitchfor arewrite.

Elsewhere,thegovernorsaidhisprioritiesinthelegislativesessionthatbegan March11areeducation,theeconomy andinsurancereform.

WhileLandrywillbethedominant forceduringthesession,hewon’tbethe onlybigplayer

NewInsuranceCommissionerTim Templeisbackingaslateofbillsthat favorinsurancecompanies,andnew SecretaryofStateNancyLandrysupportsan“electionintegritypackage.”

Lawmakersalsowillconsiderbills thataffectthemedicalcommunity andhealthcare,coastalrestoration, localgovernance particularlyfor NewOrleansandtheSewerageand WaterBoard(S&WB) andSupreme Courtreapportionment.

Thosearejustthetoplines Lawmakershaveintroducedmorethan1,000 bills.Manyareduplicative,andmost willfailbythetimethe85-day“regular” sessionreachesitsmandatoryenddate onJune3.

Betweennowandthen,here’sa lookatsomeoftheproposalsthatwill makeheadlines.

EDUCATION

LANDRY AND CONSERVATIVES

willunitebehindaproposaltoauthorize “educationsavingsaccounts,”orESAs, whichactuallyhavenothingtodowith “savings.”They’reactuallythenew buzzwordforvouchers.

“Putparentsbackincontrol,andlet themoneyfollowthechild,”Landrytold lawmakersinhisopening-dayspeech

Translation:Getreadyforatsunamiof pop-upfaith-basedschoolsthatseek totappublicfundsattheexpenseof publicschools.

Landryalsocalledforschoolstobe “freefromthedangersofuncontrolled classrooms,freefrombureaucracy thatprioritizespettygrievancesabove childrenintheclassroom,andfreefrom beingindoctrinatedbythelatestradical socialcause.”

Translation:Nomore“diversity,equityandinclusion”orDEI;nomoretalkof slaveryanditslegacyofdiscrimination (onlywhitewashed,“feelgood”history); andnothingthatwelcomesLGBTQ studentsortheirparents.

INSURANCE

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

TEMPLE supportsapackageofbills thatinsurancecompanieswilllove.

Oneofthemostcontroversialisa proposaltoeliminateLouisiana’sunique “three-yearrule.”Therulebansinsurers fromdroppingcustomersiftheyhave beenwiththeinsurerforthreeyears

andpaidpremiumsontime Former CommissionerJimDonelonisabigpromoteroftherule.Templesaysitdrives insurersaway

Templealsobacksmeasuresthatwill overhaulhowclaimsarehandledby settingnewdeadlinesforwheninsurers mustpayclaims,providenewdefinitions forkeytermsintheclaimsprocessand limithowandwhenpolicyholderscan suetheirinsurers Theseproposalswill drawfirefromtriallawyers,manyof whombackedLandry Sofar,thegovernorhassteeredclearofthisfight.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

LANDRY AND NEW LOUISIANA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (LED) chiefSusanBourgeoishave beenworkingwiththeprivatenonprofit Committeeof100,whosemembersincludethestate’stopbusinessandhigher educationCEOs,todraftlegislation thatwilloverhaulhowthestateattracts investmentandcreatesjobs

StateSen.BethMizell,R-Franklinton, hassaidshewillintroduceabilltoimplementthechangessoughtbyBourgeois. ThedeadlineforfilingbillsisApril2.

Overall,Landry’sapproachwillbe moregeneroustaxbreaksfornewand expandingbusinessesandindustries,removingasmanyregulationsaspossible, andimplementingalong-rangeplanthat continuesfromoneadministrationto

thenextratherthanchangingwitheach newgovernor

“Wemustactnowtocreateabusiness-friendlyatmosphereatthispivotal momentinhistory,”Landrysaidinhis openingremarksonMarch11

OnespecificchangeLandrymentionedisadopting“universallyrecognizedoccupationallicensures.” HesaidLouisianaranksamongthe mostburdensomestatesforoccupationallicensing.

NEW ORLEANS ISSUES

LANDRY HAS TARGETED S&WB forspecialtreatmentbynamingatask forcetocomeupwithwaystoimprove themuch-malignedagency,whichwas createdbystatelegislationmorethana centuryago.

Potential“fixes”includeideasthat willrequirelegislativeapproval,suchas changingtheboard’smakeupandleadership(themayorchairstheboardunder currentlaw),separatingwaterandseweragefromdrainageresponsibilities,and providingmoredirectstateoversightof S&WBbillingandoperations

Thecityalsowillbelookingformillions morefromthestatetocompletea newelectricsubstationtoreplacethe S&WB’santiquatedgenerator

LouisianaGovernorJeffLandry

PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Inthewakeofthegovernor’sspecial sessiononcrime,cityofficialsand hospitalityleadersarehopinglawmakerswillamendtherecentlyadopted “constitutionalcarry”lawthatallows anyone18oroldertocarryaconcealed handgunwithoutapermitandwithout training.Theiraimistobarconcealed handgunsintheFrenchQuarter exceptforthosewithavalidstatepermit, whichrequirestraining

AnotherhottopicinNewOrleans isfindingwaystoreininthe“Krewe ofChad” folkswhoblockoffpublic spacesforprivateenjoymentduring MardiGras AstateSenatecommittee hasalreadyblessedSenateBill339 bystateSen.JimmyHarris,D-New Orleans,toimposeaminimumfine of$2,500forblockingstreetcarlines “beforeorafterapublicevent”(read: MardiGrasparade).

OTHER HOT TOPICS

LANDRY HOPED TO CONVINCE LAWMAKERS toditchthestate’s popular“jungle”or“open”primary electionssysteminfavorof“closed” partyprimariesduringhisfirstspecial session,buttheyinsteadpasseda significantlywatered-downmeasure. Thenewlawrequirespoliticalparties toallowmorethan600,000unaligned or“noparty”votersinLouisianatocast ballotsinanypartyprimaryorrunoff, anditappliesonlytoelectionstoU.S. HouseandSenate,thestateSupreme Court,theBoardofElementaryand SecondaryEducation(BESE),andthe LouisianaPublicServiceCommission

Thegovernorapparentlyhasn’tgiven uponclosedprimaries,however.

StateRep.JulieEmerson,R-Carencro,filedameasuretomakeall statewide,legislative,SupremeCourt andnon-localofficessubjecttoparty primaries.Asoriginallyfiled,Emerson’s billkeepstheprovisioninthenew lawallowing“noparty”voterstocast ballotsinpartyprimariesandrunoffs. ItwillbeworthwatchingtoseeifEmerson’sbillstaysthatway.

Elsewhereontheelectionsfront, SecretaryofStateNancyLandry(norelationtothegovernor)wantslawmakerstopassbillsthatexpandtheannual votercanvass,prohibitindividualsfrom assistingwithmorethanoneabsentee ballot(exceptforimmediatefamily members),banranked-choicevoting, createaDivisionofElectionIntegrityin heroffice,andrequirethosewhoconductvoterregistrationdrivestoregister withherofficesothatvoters’personal informationisprotectedandnewregistrationsaresubmittedontime

Inamovethatsignalslawmakers’ continuedinterestin“toughoncrime” legislation,SenateBill24bystateSen. AlanSeabaugh,R-Shreveport,would repealalawenactedtwoyearsago

Easily cash out equityinyour rental or investment property

thatlimitslawenforcement’srelease ofmugshots

Sen.RoyceDuplessis,D-New Orleans,authoredthe2022law,which hesaysprotectsinnocentpersonsfrom havingtheirreputationspermanently harmedbybookingphotosthatgo publicimmediately.Currentlawalso prohibitsfor-profitwebsitesfrommakinginnocentpeoplepaytohavetheir mugshotsremoved.Seabaugh’sbill repealsthecurrentlawentirely,though hesayshe’sopentoaprovisiondealing withthewebsites

Oneofthefewdefeatsdealtto Landryinbothspecialsessionswas hisattempttoredistricttheLouisiana SupremeCourt.Hehasn’tgivenupon that,either.

ThreeSupremeCourtredistricting billsclearedcommitteeinthefirst daysofthecurrentsessionandareset tobeconsideredbythefullSenate onMarch20.Allthreewouldcreate asecondmajority-Blackdistrict,but theyvarysignificantlyinhowthatgoal isachieved Landryandotherssaycreatinga secondmajority-Blackdistrictwould helpresolveapendingfederallawsuit challengingthecurrentSupreme Courtdistricts.

•Commonpropertytypes arefourplexes, non-owner occupied singlefamilyresidential andcommercial

•Maximumloan to recently appraisedvalue amount of 65%

•Must be owned by acorporation

•Can notbeanowner-occupied residence

•Typically close within3daysofappraisal’scompletion

•Cash out or fix and flip funding

•Assetbased loan

•Firstliens only

StateRep.JulieEmerson

PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Sen.AlanSeabaugh,R-Many

PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

LouisianaCommissionerofInsurance TimTemple

PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

nolahardmoney.com

Newmedical research studieshaveopenedat Tandem Clinical Research.Enrolling studiesinclude:

•Alzheimer Disease

•Asthma

•CeliacDisease

•Crohn’s Disease

•Depression

•Gastroparesis

•Heartburn

•HighTriglycerides

•IBS

•LewyBody Dementia

•Liver Disease

•LossofSmell

•MemoryLoss

•Osteoarthritis

•Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

•Schizophrenia

•Type2 Diabetes

•UlcerativeColitis

•WeightLoss

Studyparticipantsmay receivecompensationfor time and travel.Nomedical insuranceisrequired. Call today

Wildside

ChefMichaelStoltzfusopenstastingmenurestaurant byBethD’Addono |

COQUETTECHEFANDOWNERMICHAEL STOLTZFUSwantedtocallhisnew restaurantWildSouthwhenhetook overthespaceonThaliaStreetsix yearsago.ButwhenUrbanSouth Breweryopenedupnearby,the namesseemedtoosimilar.heopened Thaliainthespacein2019,andthen thetastingmenurestaurantLengua MadrewithchefAnacastroin2021

“Peoplealwaysmispronounce coquette,andtheybutcheredLengua Madre,”hesays.“WildSouthissimple.There’semotionbehindit.And youcan’tmispronounceit.”

The40-seatWildSouthopeneda fewweeksago,withaweekly,fivecourse,$85tastingmenuaswellasan alacartemenu,withdishesranging from$13-$17,availableonlyatthe six-seatbar.

TheBarbiepinkneon-lithallway thatledtoLenguaMadre’sdining roomisnowlinedwithburnished refurbishedwood.Thereischarming Mexicantileinthediningroom–look foronewithimbeddedpawprints— andlocalphotographsonthewalls.

“It’saworkinprogress,” Stoltzfussays.

Thefloorplanisthesame,witha curvaceousbarbetweentheopen kitchenanddiningroom.Therewill betwochef’stastingseatsfacing theaction.

“Wewanttohaveourfriends andneighborsin,”Stoltzfussays. “Wehaveanamazingteamhere, manyfromcoquette.Wejust wanttogetfolksinthespaceto seewhatwe’redoing.”

Therestaurant’sexecutivechef isBretMacris,whocametoNew Orleansin2017andpreviouslywas chefdecuisineatDonaldLink’scajun restaurantcochon.AnAngeleno raisedinBurbank,california,Macris trainedwithNancySilvertonat campanileandlaterworkedatrose WaterinNewYork.

“We’reherebecauseweloveNew Orleans,”hesays.“IhaveFrench familyrootshere,andwe’dvisita fewtimesayear.Wewantedto makeitpermanent.”

ThealacartemenuincludesUgly cheeseToast,acrustymeltmadewith Leo’sthicksemolinabreadandEldo, arawcow’smilkcheesefromTexas that’sreminiscentofmanchego. There’sahouse-madetunanduja, groundtunacuredwithchiles;fried fishpiecesusingcutslikethecollarleft overfromportioning;andsteamed LittleMoonoystersfromGrandIsle servedwithswordfishbacon Thetwochefsknewofeachother foryears.BeckyBrooks-Macris directsserviceatcoquetteandnow WildSouth.“Mywifehasworkedfor Mikeforalongtime,”Macrissays.“he triedtohiremeforthecolumns,but thetimingwasn’tright.”

WildSouthhitsalltherightnotesfor bothchefsandisperfectlysuitedto servewhat’sfreshandlocal.Withhis seafoodprogram,Macrisdependson localfisherstoinformhismenu,which recentlyincludedgrilledgrouperwith greensandshiitakemushrooms.The openingmenuwasseafoodcentric asanodtowardsLent,butupcoming menusincludebeef,porkandrabbit alongwithseasonalvegetables.Fried Lion’sManemushroomswasarecent vegetarianoption Achangingfive-coursetastingmenu doesn’tposeachallengeforMacris. “TheonlyplaceI’veworkedwitha

menuthatwasn’talwayschanging wascochon,”hesays.“Ihavethis weirdencyclopediaofdishesinmy headtodrawfrom.Ithinkofmystyle ascomplexsimplicity.Mygoalisto keepallthedishesdelicious andapproachable.”

Stoltzfusseesthe$85pricetagas insyncwiththeperpersonpricesat manyfinediningrestaurants.“Our menuisdeliciousbutnothingcrazy,” hesays.“NewOrleanswasn’tatasting menucityforareason.Peopledon’t wantafour-hourmealdrivenby‘look whatwecando.’Ourgueststrustus. Theycomein,andwetakecare ofthem.”

SommelierryanPlascurateda $45winepairingmenuandlistsof bottlesandby-the-glassoptions. JasonKaplanoverseescocktailsand willintroduceanon-alcoholicpairing menuinthecomingweeks.

“Weareresearchingkombuchas andfunsodas,”Kaplansays.“Just becauseaguestdoesn’twantto drinkdoesn’tmeantheydon’twant tostimulatetheirpalate.Becausewe aresmall,wecanexecutethatoption here.Iwantittobeatouchpointfor therestaurant.”

FORK +CENTER

Emaildining@gambitweekly.com

Diningout

ASSOONASTHEWEATHERTURNSNICER INNEWORLEANS,INTERESTINOUTDOOR DININGheatsup.Lately,thepossible optionshavegrowntremendouslyand deepenedinvariety.

Outdoordiningisnowanintegralpart ofmanyrestaurants.herearesome optionsacrossdifferentpriceranges anddifferentneighborhoods.Among themarerestaurantswhereoutdoor diningisnotanamenitybutthemain act,andinmanycasestheirsolereason forbeing.Someweredesignedlikethis fromthegroundup;othersevolved recentlyintotherole.

SIDECARPATIO&OYSTERBAR

1114ConstanceSt.,(504)381-5079

Arestaurantthat’sbeenagame changerforoysterloversinNew Orleansappropriatelycanfeellikea restaurantonthehalfshell.Frommost seats,there’snothingabovebutgreen frondsandmaybeasunsail.

Thisopen-airspacegrewoutofthe adjacentrustyNailbar,withthesame owners,andit’sgrownmorelushinthe timesince.Dinerscanexploreavarietyof oystersfromaroundthecountryandfrom localwaters,whilethekitchencanround outafullmealaroundtheicedplatters.

BARRACUDATACOSTAND

3984TchoupitoulasSt., (504)266-2961;446PelicanAve., (504)766-7268

Dinerscanhaveamargaritagardenin thesamewaytheycanhaveabeergarden,right?Barracudamakesthecaseas tacostandsbuiltaroundleafyoutdoor diningareas.ThereareNewOrleans locationsonbothsidesoftheriverand oneinBatonrouge.

Thefeelislaid-backandlush,and thetacosonfreshlymadeflourtortillas arefantastic.

SidecarPatio&OysterBaroffersoutdoor diningintheWarehouseDistrict.

PHOTOBYCHRIS GRANGER/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE

ChefsBrettMacrisandMichael StoltzfusatWildSouth PHOTOBYCHERYLGERBER/GAMBIT

SEITHER’SSEAFOOD

279HickorySt.,Harahan, (504)738-1116

Whatstartedasatinyseafoodjoint nowcanfeelabitlikeabeachfrontgetawaywithboiledseafood,somehow transplantedtosuburbanharahan. There’sstillthesmall,originaldining room,butmostofJasonSeither’srestlesslycreativeNewOrleansseafood shackisoutsidenow,withastagefor livemusiconweekends.

It’safun,unlikely,deliciousfind forgreatfoodfromtheboilingrig andkitchen.

PAT’SRESTAWHILE

2129LakeshoreDrive,Mandeville, (985)951-2173

Builtfromacollectionofhistoric buildingsthatwereoncealakefront camp,Pat’sisnowamoderndestinationtoeat,drinkandsimplywatchthe lakeandthesky.

VeteranchefPatGallagher’scasual takeonLouisianaflavorfitsjustright, betweentheoysterbar,cedarplank fishandfriedseafoodplatters.The building’selevationoffersbothaview andabreeze,makingatableonthe openpatiofeellikeaseatonthedeck oftheship.

CLESI’SRESTAURANT ANDCATERING

4323BienvilleSt.,(504)909-0108

JamesClesistartedout10years agoasapop-upproviderofcrawfish boils,mainlyforbars,usuallyworking outonthesidewalk.Whenthebusinessgrewintoarestaurant,itbrought muchofthesamespiritalong

Fromtheoutdoortablesandthe coveredpatio,dinerscanwatchthefull boiloperationinprogress.Itcanfeellike abackyardboil,withoutthecleanup.

MONDAYRESTAURANT+BAR

4327BienvilleSt.,(504)581-8900

Thetemplatewasalreadyset whenthisone-timeautogarage wasconvertedtoarestaurantcalled Treps.ThenLarryMorrowtookover, revampeditasMonday,andaconcept builtaroundopen-airpatiostookoff.

ThemenuofmodernNewOrleans flavorsandcomfortfoodandthe vibearoundthevariousoutdoor diningareaskeepMondayhopping nomattertheday(exceptTuesdays, whenit’sclosed).

BACCHANAL

600PolandAve.,(504)948-9111

Itallstartedoutasawineshop,and itsfirstregularfrombackinthosedays basicallywilleditintoaplacetohang outdoorsanddrinkwine.Thathas beenformalizedthroughtheyearsas Bacchanalhasprogressed

Todayitisoneofthegreatconvivialeatinganddrinkingspacesof NewOrleans.Itisamultifaceted

Acheeseplateisservedat BacchanalintheBywater.

PHOTOBYSOPHIAGERMER/THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

phenomenonofwine,goodfoodand livemusicacrossayardthatlooks morelikeamini-festivalgroundsthan arestaurantpatio,andasecond-floor barthatfeelslikeacreolecottagetree houseandthroughawineshopasdark andcoolasawinecellar N7

1117MontegutSt

Onpaper,N7hasalotincommon withBacchanal,butinpracticeitfeels verymuchlikeitsowncreature.Just offSt.claudeAvenue,patronsfinda tallfence.

Theycanpushopenthedoorto findasceneyou’dexpecttofindina vineyard,withtrellisedcanopiesand longfarmtables.Thisisawinebar andbistrowithchefYukiYamaguchi’s menuofmodernFrenchcuisinewith aninfusionofsubtleJapaneseflavors.

ROSALITA’SBACKYARDTACOS

3304St.ClaudeAve.,(504)354-2468

Thenameisnoaffectation.The backyardbehindthisBywatertaco shopisthediningroom,androsalita’s storygoesbacktowhatwasatfirsta backyardkitchenfortacosthatearned adevotedfollowing.

Today’ssomewhatmoreformalized locationisjustablockawayfromthe housewhereitstarted.Thelengua (beef)tongue,friedfishwithcrema, thesmokedbrisketandtherangeof salsasaregoodstartingpointstolearn whathadallthosefirstregularsflockingtothebackyard

STATION6

105Metairie-HammondHwy., Metairie(504)-345-2936

Thewallsherearemoreorlessthe samefromwhentheaddresswasTwo Tony’s,asolidcreole-Italianspotthat longagorelocatedtotheWestEnd.

ButStation6isreallydefinedbythe outdoorspacethathasblossomed aroundit.Thatlendsamorecasualair toarestaurantwheretheselectionand handlingoffishisonparwithfarmore upscalespots

Adultvolunteersare needed fora newasthmaresearchstudy.

• study-relatedcareatnocost

•compensationfor time andtravelmay be available Call todayfor details!

VOLUNTEERSNEEDED!

Newmedical research studieshaveopenedat Tandem Clinical Research.Enrollingstudies include:

•Alzheimer Disease

•Arthritis

•Asthma

•CeliacDisease

•Crohn’s Disease

•Depression

•Gastroparesis

•Heartburn

•HighTriglycerides

•IBS

•LewyBody Dementia

•Liver Disease

•LossofSmell

•MemoryLoss

•Rotator Cuff

•Schizophrenia

•Sinusitus

•Type2 Diabetes

•UlcerativeColitis

•WeightLoss

Studyparticipantsmay receivecompensationfor time andtravel. No medicalinsurance is required.Calltoday or

TungNguyen

chef/restaurateur

byWillCoviello

TUNGNGUYENCOMESFROMAFAMILY OFRESTAURATEURS,andhe’sopened hisownrestaurants,suchas(thenow closed)EmTraiSandwichco.andfood conceptsatSt.rochMarket,including hiscurrentSlow&Pho.Thisweekhe openshissecondstallatthemarket, asandwichcounternamedroch& claude.Andthissummer,he’llappear onaTVcookingcompetition.

Forthepasteightyears,he’sbeen apartofhogsforthecause,the barbecueandmusicfestivalthatraises fundstofightpediatricbraincancer. Thisyear,heintroduceshisownteam, PorkYouLongTime.Nguyenisdoing pop-upstoraisefundsbeforethe festival.OnFriday,March22,he’s collaboratingwithTaceauxLoceaux onthefoodtruck’sroundsofUptown bars.OnMonday,March25,he’sdoing aredbeansandricewithporkchops specialasafundraiseronthecourtyard infrontofthemarket.AtSlow&Pho, proceedsfromhiswontonnachos supporthogs.

FormoreinformationaboutNguyen, see@cheftungnguyenonInstagram

Howdidyouget interestedinbarbecue?

TUNGNGUYEN: Ihavebeen involvedwithhogsforthecause forthelasteightyears.Therewasa hiatusbeforeIopened(myfirststall) atSt.roch.Duringthattime,Iwas travelingtoTexasanddoingtrade showswithmybuddyonmyhogs teamwhoownedacharcoalcompany Iwasmeetingpeopleandpicking theirbrainsaboutdoingcertainitems, honingmycraft.

In2016,abarbecueguy,Damian Brugger,wasatSt.rochMarket.he hadaplaceinabaruptownbeforehe cametoSt.roch.OnedayIranoutof brisketforpho.Iwaslike,“Iamoutof meat,dude.Youhaveanything?”he hadsomeleftoverbrisketfromtheday before.hegavemesome,andIput itinmypho.Iwaslike,“holycow!” Theflavorprofileandthedepthofthe barbecuebroughtanotherdimension tothebroth

Itwasanaccident,butIwanted todabblesomemore,soIstartedto puthispulledporkonthebanhmi.I waslike,“Thiscouldbesomething.” Iincorporateddifferentflavorsand stylesofcooking.

Ihavedonedifferentstyles(of barbecue).IhavedoneArgentinian

livefire.Ihavebeen doingKoreanbarbecue.Butthebaseis theTexasstyle,but withtheAsianflavor profile:gochujang (chilies),charsui, sesameoil,using lemongrass,using lotsoffreshgreens tobrightenitup

Whatare youdoingat Roch&Claude?

N: Mybrotherin-lawopenedup aJerseyMike’son (VeteransMemorial Boulevard).Igot apercentageof thebusiness.I amoperatingthat andlearningtheir systems.Igrewasan entrepreneur.Itwas agoodlearningtool

Ijustrecentlygot anopportunityto openupanotherstallinsideSt.roch Kevin(Pedeaux)approachedmeand said,“Whatdoyouhave?”Ihada sandwichcompany,EmTrai,whereI wasdoingoysterBLTsonsourdough bread.Iwasdoingblackenedchicken caesarsaladwithcornbreadcroutons (Now)Ihavethebackgroundwith JerseyMike’s.Iwaslike,“Let’sdo adeli.”

WINE OF TH E WEEK

Themarketneedsasandwichshop. There’stwosandwichesintheentire market.That’sahole.Ithinkwecando somethingcomfortingandfamiliarand easytoputout.Iknowhowtoputouta goodsub.Iknowhowtojazzitupand elevateit.

Whatareyoudoing atHogsfortheCause?

N: Lastyearwasmyfirstyearasa teamcaptain.Iwentsafeandsoldmy stufffromtherestaurant.Thisisall newstuff

PorkYouLongTimeistheteam name.It’sourfirstyear.Everything thisyearscreamsTung.Wehaveabout 25people—somefromTexasandthe barbecuecircuitandthecharcoalstuff

It’speopleImetatSt.rochsupportingit.Kevinissupportingit.

Wearedoingasmokedporkbelly friedrice.We’redoingcharsiuporkroti withallthebanhmitoppings.We’re doingacandiedbaconcannolifor baconnightonFriday.Saturday,we’re doingasmokedlemongrasswhole hoglomein.We’llgetalltheshredsof thewholehogandmarinateitinour

lemongrassmarinadeandfolditinto thelomein.We’redoingasmoked pulledporkbanhmistylenacho.All thefunstuffyoucangetinabanhmi withsmokedpulledporkshoulderand barbecuesauce.We’redoingalive firetabletacobar.Afiretableisaheat sourceunderhangingmeats.Youput inaplanchaandcookoverlivefire.

ThemoreIgotinvolvedwithhogs anddoingyear-roundstuff—raising money,seeingthekidsandgoingtothe hogshouseandseeingwhatkindof impactwehad,Ijustturnedmyhead leftandright—therewasnoAsianAmericaninfluenceinhogs.Therewas Sarena(Teng),acaptainwithPigLatin. Isawherrecruitherfriends.Iwas like,letmebringmyfamilyintothis.I broughtmyfamilyonboardtheyearit wasatBellechasse.Theyincorporated theirfoodandhadafifthplaceshowing.Thentheygotthebug. hogsisyear-longthing.It’sbecome secondnaturetome. hogsunifieswhatNewOrleansdoes reallywell.It’snicefood,throwinga party,andwe’redoingitforagood reason.havingmyfamilytheresupportingme,itreallycomesfullcircle:a first-generationfamilythatcameover andstartedwithnothing.Nowweare ataplacewherewe’regivingback, makingasplashinthecommunity. We’rehelpingkidsgoingthroughahard thing.Goingtothehogshouse,you’re like,Ihelpedbuildthis.

PinotNoir

This PinotNoir has bright fruit flavors of cherry,strawberry,and blackberry thisPinotNoir is very well balanced with hints of cocoaand caramel on the long lasting finish. Pair this wine with grilled salmon on abed of quinoa, lamb chops with amintsauce, or acrispycastiron Chicken thighs.

TungNguyen(left)willleada teamatHogsfortheCause. PHOTOPROVIDEDBYTUNGNGUYEN

SCAN QR CODE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

EXPLORETHE MUSEUM’S GALLERIES

Journeyintothe American experienceinWorld WarII, through engaging,immersiveexhibitslike R Rooaad t to T Tookyyo, Road to Berlin n,and thebrand-new Liberation Pavilion.

ENHANCE YOUR VISIT withincredible cinematicexperiences like theNEW rotating Freedom Theater

Out2EatisanindexofGambitcontractadvertisers.Unlessnoted,addressesareforNewOrleans andallacceptcreditcards.Updates:Email willc@gambitweekly.comorcall(504)483-3106.

AngeloBrocato’s 214N.CarrolltonAve., (504)486-1465;angelobrocatoicecream. com—Thissweetshopservesitsowngelato, spumoni,Italianice,cannolis,biscotti,fig cookies,tiramisu,macaroonsandmore.

LunchanddinnerTue.-Sun $

Annunciation 1016AnnunciationSt.,(504) 568-0245;annunciationrestaurant.com

GulfDrumYvonneisservedwithbrown buttersaucewithmushroomsandartichoke hearts.reservationsrecommended.Dinner Thu.-Mon.$$$

Bamboula’s 514FrenchmenSt.;bamboulasmusic.com—Thelivemusicvenue’s kitchenoffersamenuoftraditionaland creativecreoledishes,suchascreolecrawfishcrepeswithgoatcheeseandchardonnay sauce.reservationsaccepted.Lunch,dinner andlate-nightdaily $$

TheBlueCrabRestaurantandOyster Bar—118HarborViewCourt,Slidell,(985) 315-7001;7900LakeshoreDrive,(504) 284-2898;thebluecrabnola.com Basin barbecueshrimpareservedovercheesegrits withacheesebiscuit.Outdoorseatingavailable.Noreservations.Lakeview:Lunchand dinnerTue.-Sun.Slidell:LunchWed.-Fri., dinnerWed.-Sun.,brunchSat.-Sun $$

Broussard’s—819ContiSt.,(504)581-3866; broussards.com rainbowtroutamandine isservedwithtassoandcornmacquechoux andcreolemeunieresauce.reservations recommended.Outdoorseatingavailable. DinnerWed.-Sat.,brunchSun.$$$

CafeNormandie—HigginsHotel,480 AndrewHigginsBlvd.,(504)528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining—Themenu combinesclassicFrenchdishesandLouisiana itemslikecrabbeignetswithherbaioli.No reservations.Breakfastandlunchdaily.$$

TheCommissary—634OrangeSt.,(504) 274-1850;thecommissarynola.com—A smokedturkeysandwichisservedwith bacon,tomatojam,herbedcreamcheese, arugulaandherbvinaigretteonhoneyoat bread.Noreservations.Outdoorseating available.LunchTue.-Sat.$$

Curio—301RoyalSt.,(504)717-4198;curionola.com—Thecreativecreolemenuincludes blackenedGulfshrimpservedwithchicken andandouillejambalaya.reservations accepted.Lunchanddinnerdaily.$$ Dahla—611O’KeefeAve.,(504)766-6602; dahlarestaurant.com—Themenuincludes popularThaidisheslikepadthai,drunken noodles,curriesandfriedrice.crispyskinned duckbasilispreparedwithvegetablesand Thaibasil.Deliveryavailable.reservations accepted.LunchanddinnerMon.-Sat $$

DesireOysterBar—RoyalSonestaNew Orleans,300BourbonSt.,(504)586-0300; sonesta.com/desireoysterbar—Amenu fullofGulfseafoodincludeschar-grilled oysterstoppedwithParmesanandherbs reservationsrecommended.Breakfast, lunchanddinnerdaily.$$

DickieBrennan’sBourbonHouse— 144BourbonSt.,(504)522-0111;bourbonhouse.com—There’saseafoodrawbar anddisheslikeredfishwithlemonbuerre blanc.reservationsaccepted.Lunchand dinnerdaily.$$$

DickieBrennan’sSteakhouse 716Iberville St.,(504)522-2467;dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com—A6-ouncefiletmignonis

$—averagedinnerentréeunder$10

$$—$11-$20

$$$—$20-up

servedwithfriedoysters,creamedspinach, potatoesandbearnaise.reservationsrecommended.DinnerMon.-Sat.$$$ ElPavoReal 4401S.BroadAve.,(504) 266-2022;elpavorealnola.com—Themenu includestacos,enchiladasandsauteedGulf fishtoppedwithtomatoes,olives,onionand capers,servedwithriceandstringbeans. Outdoorseatingavailable.Noreservations LunchandearlydinnerTue.-Sat.$$

Juan’sFlyingBurrito—515BaronneSt., (504)529-5825;2018MagazineSt.,(504) 569-0000;4724S.CarrolltonAve.,(504) 486-9950;8140OakSt.,(504)897-4800; juansflyingburrito.com TheFlyingBurrito includessteak,shrimp,chicken,cheddarjack cheese,blackbeans,rice,guacamoleand salsa.Outdoorseatingavailable.Noreservations.LunchanddinnerThu.-Tue $$ Katie’sRestaurant—3701IbervilleSt.,(504) 488-6582;katiesinmidcity.com Theeclecticmenuincludesacajuncubanwithroasted pork,ham,cheeseandpickles.Delivery available.reservationsacceptedforlarge parties.LunchanddinnerTue.-Sun $$

Kilroy’sBar—HigginsHotel,480Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504)528-1941;higginshotelnola.com/dining—Thebarmenu includessandwiches,saladsandflatbreads, includingonetoppedwithpeach,prosciutto, stracciatellacheese,arugulaandpecans.No reservations.DinnerWed.-Sat.$$

LegacyKitchen’sCraftTavern 700 TchoupitoulasSt.,(504)613-2350;legacykitchen.com—Themenuincludesoysters, flatbreads,burgers,sandwiches,saladsand aNOLAStyleGritsBowltoppedwithbacon, cheddarandapoachedegg.reservations accepted.Breakfast,lunchanddinnerdaily.$$ LegacyKitchenSteak&Chop—91Westbank Expressway,Gretna,(504)513-2606; legacykitchen.com Themenuincludes filetsmignonsandbone-inrib-eyes,as wellasburgers,saladsandseafooddishes. reservationsaccepted.Outdoorseating available.LunchanddinnerMon.-Sat $$ LuzianneCafe 481GirodSt.,(504)2651972;luziannecafe.com—cajunSunshine Beignetsarestuffedwitheggs,bacon,cheese andhotsauce.Noreservations.Deliveryavailable.BreakfastandlunchWed.-Sun.$$ Mikimoto—3301S.CarrolltonAve.,(504) 488-1881;mikimotosushi.com TheSouth carrolltonrollincludestunatataki,avocado andsnowcrab.Themenualsohasnoodle dishes,teriyakiandmore.reservations accepted.Deliveryavailable.LunchSun.Fri.,dinnerdaily $$ Mosca’s—4137Highway90West, Westwego,(504)436-8950;moscasrestaurant.com Thisfamily-styleeatery servesItaliandishesandspecialtiesincluding chickenalagrandeandbakedoystersMosca. reservationsaccepted.DinnerWed.-Sat cashonly $$$

Mother’sRestaurant—401PoydrasSt., (504)523-9656;mothersrestaurant.net— Thiscounter-servicespotservespo-boys, jambalaya,crawfishetouffee,redbeansand riceandmore.Deliveryavailable.Noreservations.Breakfast,lunchanddinnerdaily.$$ NewOrleansHamburger&SeafoodCo. 817VeteransMemorialBlvd.,Metairie,(504) 837-8580;1005S.ClearviewParkway, Jefferson,(504)734-1122;2515BManhattan

Blvd.,Harvey,(504)684-6050;4141St. CharlesAve.,(504)247-9753;6920Veterans MemorialBlvd.,Metairie,(504)455-1272; nohsc.com—Themenuofburgers,salads andcreoledishesincludesthin-friedcatfish Lafitteoverricepilaf.Deliveryavailable. Lunchanddinnerdaily.$$

Neyow’sCreoleCafe—3332BienvilleSt., (504)827-5474;neyows.com Themenu includesredbeanswithfriedchickenor porkchops,aswellasseafoodplatters, po-boys,grilledoysters,saladsandmore.No reservations.Lunchdaily,dinnerMon.-Sat., brunchSun.$$

NiceGuysBar&Grill 7910EarhartBlvd., (504)302-2404;niceguysbarandgrillnola. com—char-grilledoystersaretoppedwith cheese.Themenualsoincludeswings,quesadillas,burgers,salads,seafoodpastaand more.Noreservations.Lunchdaily,dinner Mon.-Sat.$$$

TheOriginalItalianPie—3629PrytaniaSt., (504)766-8912;theoriginalitalianpieuptown.com TheItalianPiecomboincludes pepperoni,Italiansausage,groundbeef, mushrooms,onions,bellpepper,black olives,mozzarellaandhouse-madetomato sauce.Noreservations.DinnerandlatenightTue.-Sat.$$

OrleansGrapevineWineBar&Bistro—720 OrleansAve.,(504)523-1930;orleansgrapevine.com—Thewinebar’smenuincludes creolepastawithshrimpandandouillein tomatocreamsauce.reservationsaccepted forlargeparties.Outdoorseatingavailable. DinnerThu.-Sun $$ PalaceCafe 605CanalSt.,(504)523-1661; palacecafe.com Thecontemporarycreole menuincludescrabmeatcheesecakewith mushroomsandcreolemeunieresauce. Outdoorseatingavailable.reservationsrecommended.BreakfastandlunchWed.-Fri., dinnerWed.-Sun.,brunchSat.-Sun.$$$ ParishGrill—4650W.EsplanadeAve.,Suite 100,Metairie,(504)345-2878;parishgrill.com—Themenuincludesburgers, sandwiches,pizzaandsauteedandouille withfigdip,bluecheeseandtoastpoints. reservationsaccepted.Lunchanddinner Mon.-Sat $$

PeacockRoom—KimptonHotelFontenot, 501TchoupitoulasSt.,(504)324-3073; peacockroomnola.com—Blacklentilvadouvancurrycomeswithroastedtomatoes,

Dahla(611O’KeefeAve., 504-766-6602;dahlarestaurant.com)servescurry duckandmoreintheCBD.

PHOTOBYIAN MCNULTY / THETIMES-PICAYUNE

mushroomsandbasmatirice.reservations accepted.DinnerWed.-Mon.,brunchSun $$ Rosie’sontheRoof HigginsHotel,480 AndrewHigginsBlvd.,(504)528-1941;higginshotelnola.com/dining—Therooftopbarhasa menuofsandwiches,burgersandsmallplates Noreservations.Dinnerdaily.$$

Tableau—616St.PeterSt.,(504)934-3463; tableaufrenchquarter.com—Pastabouillabaissefeaturessquidinkmafaldine,littleneck clams,Gulfshrimp,squid,seafoodbroth, rouilleandherbedbreadcrumbs.Outdoor seatingavailable.reservationsrecommended DinnerWed.-Sun.,brunchThu.-Sun $$$

Tacklebox—817CommonSt.,(504)8271651;legacykitchen.com Themenuincludes oysters,anddisheslikeredfishSt.charleswith garlic-herbbutter,asparagus,mushroomsand crawfishcornbread.reservationsaccepted. Breakfast,lunchanddinnerdaily.$$

Theo’sNeighborhoodPizza—1212S. ClearviewParkway,Elmwood,(504) 733-3803;2125VeteransMemorialBlvd., Metairie,(504)510-4282;4024CanalSt., (504)302-1133;4218MagazineSt.,(504) 894-8554;70488Highway21,Covington, (985)234-9420;theospizza.com AMarilynn PotaSupremepieistoppedwithmozzarella, pepperoni,sausage,hamburger,mushrooms, bellpeppersandonions.Therealsoaresalads, sandwichesandmore.Deliveryavailable. LunchanddinnerTue.-Sat $

Tito’sCeviche&Pisco—1433St.CharlesAve., (504)354-1342;5015MagazineSt.,(504) 267-7612;titoscevichepisco.com Peruvian lomosaltadofeaturessauteedbeef,onions, tomatoes,soysauceandpisco,servedwith potatoesandrice.Outdoorseatingavailable onMagazineStreet.Deliveryavailable. reservationsaccepted.Lunchanddinner Mon.-Sat.,brunchSun.$$$

TheVintage 3121MagazineSt.,(504) 324-7144;thevintagenola.com—Themenu includesbeignets,flatbreadsandaveggie sandwichwithavocado,onions,arugula,red pepperandpepperjackcheese.Noreservations.Deliveryandoutdoorseatingavailable Breakfast,lunchanddinnerdaily.$$

ARTS &ENTERTAINMENT

civiccenterMarch21-24.Admission isfreeonThursday,$5onFridayand $10ontheweekend.Findinformation atlouisianacrawfishfestival.com.

VolksFest

ThetraditionalGermanspring festivalfeaturesmusicbyholy Schnitzel,WurstcaseScenarioand BierMusikanten,aswellasMaypole dancing,Dachshundraces,asoccershootoutandGermanfoodand beverages.At4-10p.m.Friday,March 22,and11a.m.-10p.m.Saturday, March23,atDeutscheshausonBayou St.John.Admissionis$5,andfreefor membersandkidsunder12.Findinformationatdeutscheshaus.org.

PussyRiotFeaturingNadya

Russianfeminist,punk,performance artgroupPussyRiothasbecome well-knowninternationallyoverthe lastdecadefortheirunflaggingprotests againstVladimirPutinandrussia’s oppressivestanceonLGBTQrights, women’srightsandfreedomofspeech. Severalmembers,includingco-founder NadyaTolokonnikova,havebeen imprisonedfortheirperformances,and Tolokonnikovalastyearwasplacedon russia’smost-wantedlist.Thathasn’t slowedherdown:Sherecentlyopened apop-upexhibitionofworksatthe WendeMuseumincalifornia,andshe hasahandfulofperformancedates, includinginNewOrleans.Pussyriot FeaturingNadyaperformsat9p.m.

Saturday,March23,attherabbithole withNewOrleansmusicianBoyfriend Ticketsare$35generaladmissionvia rabbitholenola.com.

DavidSpade

ComedianandactorDavidSpade madesarcasmhishallmarkon “SaturdayNightLive”inthe1990s, andhewentontostarinthesitcoms“JustShootMe,”“rulesof Engagement”andothers.heperforms stand-upat8p.m.Saturday,March23, atOrpheumTheater.Findtickets viaorpheumnola.net

NicoleCardoza

OneoftheveryfewBlackwomenin magic,NicoleCardozaisknownforher coinandcardtricks.herBlackMagic touralsoincludesplentyofstorytelling andhighlightsBlackmagicians.At 7p.m.Thursday,March21,athotel PeterandPaul.Tickets$35 viaeventbrite.com.

KellerWilliams

KellerWiliamsdipsintoawidearray ofgenres,frombluegrasstojazzand

funk.hebecamepopularinthejam bandsceneandcollaboratedwith groupsliketheStringcheeseIncident. Butheusuallyperformssoloanduses loopingpedalstofillouthissound. ForthisDeadPettyKellerGrasshow, he’splayingpsychedelic-tinged bluegrassversionsofGratefulDead, TomPettyandhisownsongs.The hillBendersalsoperform.At9p.m. Friday,March22,atTipitina’s.Tickets $30attipitinas.com

‘LuciadiLammermoor’

InthetragicItalianopera,Luciais pressuredtoforsakeherloveEdgardo andmarryArturoforthesakeof herfamily.TheNewOrleansOpera Associationpresentstheopera7:30 p.m.Friday,March22,and2:30p.m.

Sunday,March24,attheMahalia JacksonTheater.Findticketsand informationatneworleansopera.org

LouisianaIrishItalianParade

Theparadefeatureswalkingclubs, floatsandtrucksonaVeterans MemorialBoulevardroutefrom clearviewcitycentertoMartin BehrmanDrive.Theparadebeginsat noonSunday,March24.Visitlairishitalian.orgfordetails.

LauraJaneGrace

AsthefrontpersonforAgainstMe!and inherownsolomaterial,punkrocker LauraJaneGracehaslongusedher voicetorageagainstinjustices.Grace naturallycontinuestodosoonher latest,retro-feelingsoloalbum,“hole inMyhead,”releasedinFebruary,but thesinger-guitaristalsoturnstomore personaltopics,punkmemoriesand theintricaciesofgenderdysphoria, likeonthealbum’ssingle“Dysphoria hoodie.”catchthosesongsliveat7:30 p.m.Tuesday,March19,atTipitina’s ThelmaandTheSleazeandDikembe alsoperform.Ticketsare$29.50 viatipitinas.com

‘Leprechaun’

Inthe1993comedyhorror,aman returnstotheU.S.withapotofgold hestoleinIreland,andavengeful leprechaunwantsitback.Thefilm becameacultfavorite,andalso wasthefirstfilmfeaturingJennifer Anistoninaleadingrole.The ScreamfestfilmfestivalandTimecode NOLApresentthisspecialscreening, anddirectorMarkJoneswill doaZoomQ&Aafterward.At 7:30p.m.Monday,March18,at theBroadTheater.Findtickets viathebroadtheater.com.

MUSIC

FOrcOMPLETE MUSIc LISTINGS AND MOrE EVENTSTAKING PLAcE IN ThE NEWOrLEANSArEA, VISIT CALENDAR.GAMBITWEEKLY.COM

Tolearnmoreaboutaddingyourevent tothemusiccalendar,pleaseemail listingsedit@gambitweekly.com

MONDAY18

BANKSSTREETBAR—TheUpper Strata,3pm

BOURBONOBAR TiffanyhallAndThe JazzMasters,4pm;KidMerv,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— MatineeAllStarBand,1:30pm;LeeFloyd AndThunderboltTrio,5pm;richard ScottandFriends,8pm

SMOOTHIEKINGCENTER— NickiMinaj,8pm

TUESDAY19

BAYOUBARATTHEPONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL Peterharrisandthe O.G.s,7:30pm

BLUENILE—Bomb'sEx-Lover,9pm

BOURBONOBAR Dr.Zach,4pm; IngridLucia,8pm

BALCONYMUSICCLUB—Parker's Mood,5pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— richard"Piano"Scott,1pm;colinMyers Band,5pm;FritzelsAllStarBandw/Jamil Sharif,8pm

HAPPYLANDTHEATER JustinVittitow, MattBooth,&rexGregory,8pm

NEWORLEANSJAZZMUSEUM— ArrowheadJazzBand,2pm

ROCK'N'BOWL JavierOlondo& Asheson,8pm

SANTOS—TheBrokenView,9pm

THEJOYTHEATER—hippie Sabotage,9pm

THERABBITHOLE rebirthBrass Band,7pm

WEDNESDAY20

BAYOUBARATTHEPONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL—Firmroots,7:30pm

BOURBONOBAR GaryBrown,4pm

BOURBONOBAR—Serabee,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— richard“Piano”Scott,1pm;Bourbon StreetStars,5pm;FritzelsAllStarBand W/Kevinray clark,8pm

FJEANLAFITTENATIONALHISTORICAL PARKVISITORCENTER,NEWORLEANS JAZZNATIONALHISTORICALPARK

SaskiaWalker,JennaMcSwain,2pm

MADAMEVIC'S—Parker'sMood,8pm

THEJAZZPLAYHOUSE Funkin'ItUp withBigSam,7:30pm

THURSDAY21

BAYOUBARATTHE PONTCHARTRAINHOTEL— DoubleBird,8pm

BLUENILE—WhereY'at BrassBand,9pm

BOURBONOBAR— Kimchisoop,4pm;Leroy MarshallBand,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZ

CLUB richard“Piano” Scott,12:30pm;Doyle cooperBand,2:30pm; JohnSaavedraBand,6pm; FritzelsAllStarBandW/Tom Fischer,8pm

NEWORLEANSJAZZ

MUSEUM—Pianohour,2pm

OGDENMUSEUMOF SOUTHERNART— Joshua Starkman,AnnaMoss, charlieGabriel,6pm

PEACOCKROOM, HOTELFONTENOT— ruthMarie,8pm

ROCK'N'BOWL—chubby carrier&BayouSwamp Band,8pm

THEHISTORICBKHOUSE

&GARDENS— TheNew OrleansNightcrawlers,6pm

THEJAZZPLAYHOUSE

Brass-A-holics,7:30pm

THEPRESSROOMATTHEELIZAJANE

—LesGetrex,Blues&NewOrleansMusic VarietyShow,5pm

THREEMUSES—MiaBorders,5pm

FRIDAY22

BAYOUBARATTHEPONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL OhYeah!,8pm

BLUENILE ThecaesarBrothersFunk Box,8pm;Kermitruffinsandthe BarbecueSwingers,11pm

BOURBONOBAR—EllenSmith&April Spain,4pm;MemShannonTrio,8pm

BOURBONSTREETHONKYTONK — TheBadSandys,8pm

DOUBLEDEALERCOCKTAILBARATTHE ORPHEUMTHEATER—Jenavievecooke andtheWindingBoys,9:30pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB richard"Piano"Scott,12:30pm; SamFriend,2:30pm;LeeFloydand ThunderboltTrio,6pm

GEORGEANDJOYCEWEINJAZZ& HERITAGECENTER BigchiefMonk Boudreaux&TheGoldenEagles,8pm

PUBLICBELTATHILTONNEWORLEANS

RIVERSIDE—PhilMelancon,8pm

ROCK'N'BOWL—ryanForet&Foret Tradition,8:30pm

THEHANGAR—WaterSeedPresents JourneytoFunkstar,8pm

THEPRESSROOMATTHEELIZAJANE— Dr.MichaelTorregano,5pm

SATURDAY23

BAYOUBARATTHEPONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL—JordanAnderson,8pm

BLUENILE GeorgeBrownBand,8pm; MainLine,11pm

BOURBONOBAR—BrianWingard,4pm; TheBluesMasters,8pm

DOUBLEDEALERCOCKTAILBARATTHE ORPHEUMTHEATER Jenavievecooke andTheWindingBoys,9:30pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— richard"Piano"Scott,12:30pm;Steve DetroyBand,2:30pm;LeeFloydand ThunderboltTrio,6pm;FritzelsAllStar Bandw/JamilSharif,9pm

JEANLAFITTENATIONALHISTORICAL PARKVISITORCENTER,NEWORLEANS JAZZNATIONALHISTORICALPARK— SashaMasakowskiTrio,2pm

PUBLICBELTATHILTONNEWORLEANS RIVERSIDE PhilMelancon,8pm

ROCK'N'BOWL TheBoogie Men,8:30pm

SANTOS DollMuscle,MarieMadeleine andLauraJinnwithTatumGale,9pm

THEJAZZPLAYHOUSE—chuckyc& Friends,7:30pm

THEPRESSROOMATTHEELIZAJANE— LesGetrex,5pm

WaterSeedplays

TheHangerMarch22.

PHOTOBYLANES LENSE/ PROVIDED BY LOUHILL

SUNDAY24

BLUENILE—TheBakedPotatoes,8pm; StreetLegendsBrassBand,10:30pm

BOURBONOBAR—MarkStone&Kenny Brown,4pm;KennyBrown&theKB Express,8pm

BOURBONSTREETHONKYTONK —The BadSandys,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— connorStewartBand,12:30pm; LeeFloyd&ThunderboltTrio, 5pm;FritzelsAllStarBandw/Mike Fulton,8pm

NEWORLEANSJAZZMUSEUM honorbandconcerts,11am

THEJAZZPLAYHOUSE—BigJoe Kennedy,7:30pm

THEJOYTHEATER— AJcroce,8pm

SCAN FOR THECOMPLETE GAMBIT CALENDAR

Bohemianrhapsody

byWillCoviello

THETENNESSEEWILLIAMSNEW ORLEANSLITERARYFESTIVAL USUALLYOFFERSattendeesa tasteofboththeplaywright’s bestandleast-knownworks, including“catonahotTin roof”thisyear.Andtheliterary festivalalsobringscontemporarywritersandallsortsof eventsandguests.

Thefestivalstartswiththe StellaShoutingconteston March17,andtheliterary conferenceisMarch20-24, mostlyatvenuesintheFrench Quarter.Therearepaneldiscussions featuringcontemporarywriters,aswell aswalkingtours,tributereadings,live musicandmore.Severalproductionsof Williams’workalsorunconcurrentwith andbeyondtheconferencedates.

ThePulitzerPrize-winning“catona hotTinroof”isoneofWilliams’landmarkworksandwasamajorsuccess onBroadwayandonfilm,memorably starringPaulNewmanandElizabeth Taylor.There’ssomestar-powerinthe festivalpresentationofAct2ofthe workfromtherecentoff-Broadway revivalfeaturingchristianJulesLe Blanc,starofthedaytimesoapopera “TheYoungandtherestless.”

It’sahomecomingforLeBlancwho attendedJesuithighSchoolandTulane University.he’llplayBigDaddy,and Mattderogatiswillreprisehisroleas Brick.There’satalkbackaftertheperformanceledbyDavidKaplan,director ofProvincetown’sWilliamsfestival(7 p.m.Saturday,hotelMonteleone)

TheTennesseeWilliamsTheatre companyofNewOrleanshasmounteda newproductionofWilliams’earlywork, “KingdomofEarth,”atLoyolaUniversity NewOrleans’MarquetteTheatre. Thedramadelvesintotherivalryof half-brotherswhoeachwanttotakepossessionofthefamily’sMississippiestate. Visittwtheatrenola.comfortickets

Thenewwomen-ledtheatercompanyTheFireWeedsispresentingtwo Williamsoneacts.“ThePrettyTrap” wascreatedwhilehewasworkingon “TheGlassMenagerie”andhassimilar themes,and“Interior:Panic”issimilar to“Streetcar,”andseemstoexplore analternateending.TheFireWeeds presenttheprogramatBigcouchin BywaterThursday,March21,through Saturday,March30.See@thefireweedsonInstagramforinformation

Thefestivalwelcomesmanyvisiting writers,includingMichaelcunningham, JustinTorresandIrishwritercolm

Toibin.Maureencorrigan,whoappears

onNPr’s“FreshAir”andwritesabout booksfortheWashingtonPost,will interviewallofthematthefest.

cunninghamwonthePulitzerPrize for“Thehours,”modeledonaVirginia Woolfnovel.Lastyear,hereleased “Day.”JustinTorreswonaNationalBook Awardfor“Blackouts,”anovelexploring gayidentity.corriganwillinterviewthem togetherat4p.m.Friday,March22,at thehotelMonteleone

Toibinisknownfornovelsincluding “TheMaster,”imaginingthemind ofhenryJames,“TheBlackwater Lightship”andmore,aswellasworks ofnonfiction.corriganinterviewshim at4p.m.Saturday,March23,atthe hotelMonteleone.

TheSaintsandSinnersLiterary Festival,onceaportionoftheWilliams fest,runsconcurrently.Foralistofits visitingwriters,workshopsandevents, visitsasfest.org.

Thefestival’sLastBohemiaFringe Festivalfeaturesseveralshows,including “TheSinkingOpulenceShow”cabaret. TheMudlarkPuppeteersreprisetheir puppetversionofWilliam’s“Thisisthe PeaceableKingdom,OrGoodLuck God.”“TheLastBohemiaSoiree”featuresaperformancebyVinsantos,and isatthehomeof“hedwigandtheAngry Inch”creatorJohncameronMitchell, whowillhostatalkbackonSaturday

Thefestivalalsoholdsatribute readinganddiscussionaboutTruman capoteonthecentennialofhisbirth. Anothersessionexaminestheshort fictionofEudoraWelty.TheMusic& Smokeseriesfeatureslivemusicby JohnBoutte,AmandaShawandothers atthePalmcourtJazzcafe

Forafullscheduleandinformation, visittennesseewilliams.net.

TheStellaShoutingContestkicks offtheTennesseeWilliamsNew OrleansLiteraryFestival.

PHOTOBYCHRIS GRANGER/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE

GAMBIT’S APRIL2024

FESTIVAL ISSUES

FRENCH QUARTER FEST ISSUE DATE:

APRIL 8 [RESERVESPACE BY MARCH 29]

JAZZ FEST ISSUE DATES:

APRIL 22 [RESERVE SPACEBYAPRIL 12]

APRIL29 [RESERVESPACE BY APRIL 19]

Joiningthecircus

byWillCoviello

JIMBOTHEDRAGCLOWNWON SEASONEIGHTOF“RUPAUL’S DRAGRACEALLSTARS”last year.Someofhersignature looksthatwentintoherwin areoutfitswithmassivefake breastsandimpersonating celebritiesincludingJoan riversandShirleyTemple

Itwasn’tabigpartofher win,butJimbousuallywore thesameshirtfor“confessional”scenes.Theredsatin cowboyshirthasbluestars andplentyofgoldtassels It’soneofJimbo’slinksto NewOrleans.

“It’smyluckyshirtfrom NewOrleans,”Jimbo,aka JamesInsell,says.“Ibought itatanoldvintageshopin theFrenchQuarter,andit’s broughtmealotofluck.”

JimboreturnstoNew Orleansthisweekwithher“Jimbo’s Dragcircus”showonTuesday,March 19,attheFillmore.Theshowincludes herriversandTempleimpersonations —butnottheshirt.

ThenewshowfeaturesJimboasseveralcharacters,andsheco-wrotethe musicforit.She’lldobitsfeaturingher asTVlawyerNancyGrace,aswellasa newcharacter,AlphabetAnnie. conceptually,itisdesignedtohave thevibrancyandvarietyofacircus

“‘circus’ismoreaboutthevibeandthe style,”Jimbosays.“Theideaisthatyou leaveyourregularlifeandyou’reinvited intoanotherrealmwithmagicandwonder.Thenyou’reexposedtodifferent actslikethefreakshowordeath-defying featsofstrength.Ilovethatframework.I lovethevintagevibeofthecircus.Ibring itintothefuturewithdraganddoing somethingdifferent.”

Jimbohasabackgroundincostume andproductiondesign.Shewasworkingonfriends’showswhenshefirst steppedonstageasadiscoballinoneof theirbits.Afterotherssawherpotential andencouragedher,Jimbostarted exploringperformance

“Iwasveryshy,”shesays.“ButItook someclownworkshopsandfoundthis connectiontoperformance.”

Soonshedidherownactasanevil stepmotheratAtomicVaudevillein Victoria,Britishcolumbia.Shestarted performingmoreoften,bothintheaters andatprivateevents

“Iidentifyasafashionclown,”she says.“Ihavewovenmyhistoryasa costumemakerandfashionintomy performanceartistryasadragqueen

Draghassomethingforeverybody.It’s visualandcomedicandemotionaland hasalotofpersonalstoryinit.It’sfunto playwithallthosethings.”

In2020,Jimbowasbookedonthe inauguralseasonof“Dragracecanada” andfinishedfourth.Thenshecompetedon“ruPaul’sDragrace:UKvs. TheWorld.”

On“AllStars,”sheshowedatalent fordesigningoutrageousoutfits, fromtheexaggerationsofoutrageous curvestohigh-conceptlooks,likea walkingselfiewithmultiplesmartphonespointedatherself.

Jimboalsohasacameoinanupcominglocalfilm.Sheplaysthedemanding bossoftheIntergalacticrealtors Associationconference(IGrAc).The groupcostumesasaliensatcarnivaland otherspecialevents.They’reworking withfilmmakerEmilyMacKenzieona mockumentaryaboutIGrAc.Someof itwasfilmedattheBonnarooMusic+ ArtFestival,wheretherealtorstriedto selloffEarth

AftermeetingseveralIGrAcmembersataBurningMan-typeeventin canada,Jimbohashadmorereasonsto returntoNewOrleans.Theyshotmovie scenesinfallduringhalloween.But she’sbeencominghereforyears.

“IfellinlovewithNewOrleanswhen IstayedintheBywaterabout10years ago,”Jimbosays.“Ilovethevibeand theculture,andItrytogetbackas oftenasIcan.”

Forticketsfor“Jimbo’sDragCircus” viafillmorenola.com

SUDOKU

PROVIDED PHOTOBY FERNANDO CYSNEIROS

LOVINGLY MAINTAINED COTTAGE!!!

4937 Tchoupitoulas Street Uptown

Michael Styles (504)777-1773 nolastyles.com

2 Bedrooms| 2Baths |1,443 SqFt $399,900

PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ERIN GO BRAGH

By Frank A. Longo

ACROSS

1Recover lost ground

8“-- la vista!”

13Expulsion, informally

20New World explorer

Vespucci

21Swiss peaks, in French

22Incited

23Many a composition by John Philip Sousa

25Marina “parking” fee

26Tax form ID

27Arsenal stuff

28Dieter’s meal, maybe

29Statement to a person who had a close call

38Director DuVernay

39“Rambo” site, in brief

40Four: Prefix

41Attend

42Chinese menu declaration

44“OMG, no more details”

47Pea family plant used as manure

51Jazz singer Fitzgerald

53CEO’s deg.

55China’s Zhou

56Deer’s kin

57Mascot of a “Fighting” NCAA team

63Author Levin

64Not fixed in place

65Denver-toBismarck dir.

66Not outlawed

69Color lighter than emerald

73Actor Lew

77Twosome

79Ate for supper, say

81Suffix with propyl

82Spoiling a celebration

88Actress Meyers

90Went aboard

91Big racket

92Regretted

93“Breakout” actress

97Sci-fi talent

99Small bite

CHICMODERNCONTAINERHOME WITHCHARMINGTOUCHES!!

2117ROUSSEAUST.•LOWERGARDENDIST. NEWLISTING

Entertainer’s3BD/2.5BA 2-Story,HomeisCraftedfrom 8WeldedContainersw/aSteel L-beamFraming&MetalRoof Floor-to-CeilingGlassWindows &PorcelainFloors.Open Concept,MeticulouslyDesigned CustomKitchen.PlentyofNat’l Light.SlidingDoorsOpento Entertainer’sBkyd.Lotsof EnergyEfficiencyUpgrades.Everydetailexudeselegance &functionality.GatedDrivewayfor2cars!Location provideseasyaccesstoUptown,CBD,FrQuarter,I-10& WestBank!$599,000

102 Fashion designer Marc

103 “Dies --” (Mass hymn)

104 Back in time

106 Put a knot in

107 Longtime program on 80-Down featuring Celtic music

115 Toy truck producer

116 Low grades

117 Dubai’s fed.

118 Kia SUV

121 Observance associated with eight key words in this puzzle

127 Properly arranged

128 Talk formally

129 More transparent

130 Tattoos, e.g.

131 Madrid man

132 Bitter beers

DOWN

1Rotating engine part

2Pal, to Henri 3 Aviv-Jaffa

4Peter of Kiss

5Many a Top 40 song

6Kampala’s country

7“-- favor”

8Exaggerated onstage

9Texas shrine

10Brussels --

11Sleuth, in slang

12Silver-gray

13Relating to blood

14Volkswagen ecocar

15Reach (achieve some target)

16Old-time actress

Elena

17Writer LeShan

18Pig

19Individual

24Pirate’s cry

28Tranquil

29Is capable

30Lacto- -vegetarian

31Welcome kit pin-on

32First-aid ace

33Opposite of fastforward: Abbr.

34Pilot

35Witch group

36Music compilation record label

37Part of NYC

BIGBYWATERDOUBLE!!! NEWLISTING

3913-15N.RAMPARTSTREET

CharmingHistorical Dblbuiltin1895.Prime Location.Liveon1-side &haverental($1850) helpw/mortgage! GoodInvestment!3913 hasaLivingRm,3Lrg Bdrms&Eat-inKitchen 3915hasaDbleParlorw/SideHallthatallowsfor IndependentBedrooms.LrgUpdtdKit.Bothunitshave LotsofClosets.EasilyAccessibletoFrenchmenSt& Fr.Qtr $475,000

TOPPRODUCER GARDEN DISTRICT OFFICE 2016, 2017, 2020 &2022

43Camera type, for short 453,006, to Livy

46Skyscraper girder

48Special attention, in brief

49Lyricist Sammy

50Jungle vine

52USN bigwig

54Light ratio in astronomy

57Nothing

58Metal source

59MSN rival

60Baylor of basketball

61Anise-flavored liqueur

62Driver’s 180

67Cavity fillers’ org.

68Mario’s brother, in video games

70“-- Meenie” (2010 song)

71Perfect sites

72Tel. book collection

74Shares part of a book with, say

75Finish up

76Look at

78 about

80“Car Talk” network

82Poet Rainer Maria

83Suffix with Tokyo

84NYC area near SoHo

ABR,CRS,GRI,SFR,SRS

85Knot up

86Car company

87Stephen of “Citizen X”

88“Leaving on -- Plane”

89Very well-off

94Jackpot game

95Scottish “no”

96Poker-faced, as a comic

98Oom- -- (polka sound)

100 Muscle jerk

101 Cartoon yell

105 Spanish cowboy

108 Toyota competitor

109 Lay to rest

110 Hybrid tennis garment

111 “Groovy!”

112 Put off

113 Bygone Russ. state

114 Prepare for another use

118 Bro, e.g.

119 “Toyboat” singer Yoko

120 Angling pole

121 “Send help!”

122 Three, in Italy

123 MSN, e.g.

124 Rapping “Dr.”

125 Lingus

126 Cen. units

(504) 895-4663