Gambit Digital Edition: June 8, 2026

® June 8-14 2026

Volume 47 Number 23

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Birds of a different feather

Comedian Joe Zimmerman comes to The Howlin’ Wolf by Will Coviello |

THE LAST TIME NEW YORK COMIC JOE ZIMMERMAN PERFORMED IN NEW ORLEANS it was at the Smoothie King Center in late March while on the road opening for Nate Bargatze, with whom he tours regularly.

Bargatze has broken attendance records for comedy tours, and he typically performs in arenas. Performing in the round for 18,000 people was a new experience, Zimmerman says. And there was only a slight adjustment for Bargatze’s “church clean” comedy and fans. Some jokes from Zimmerman’s 2023 debut special “Cult Classic” weren’t on the menu.

“I do a long bit about the time travel baby Hitler paradox in the special,” Zimmerman says. “But I don’t do that at the Nate arena shows. I do not talk about baby Hitler.”

Zimmerman is returning to New Orleans to headline his own show, and there’s plenty of clean comedy, and maybe a few darker jokes. He performs Friday, June 12, at The Howlin’ Wolf.

Bargatze directed Zimmerman’s special and advised him to go for an indie feel instead of recording it in a comedy club. So Zimmerman did the show at the Grey Eagle Music Hall in Asheville, North Carolina. It was a familiar environment, since Zimmerman first pursued comedy full time while living there.

“Asheville has an arts scene and it kind of felt like a good place to be broke,” Zimmerman says.

In “Cult Classic,” subjects range from the strange revelations of bird watching and oddities of male friendship to the gender equivalents of mansplaining.

And then there’s some edgier stuff about horoscopes, true crime documentaries and more. He tells a story about visiting New Mexico and going to see ancient petroglyphs of what looks like a snake. A stranger also looking at the scratchings notes that if they had a time machine, it would be great to go back and ask what it really is.

Zimmerman responds that it probably isn’t the best use of a time machine. Then he picks someone from the audience to ask if given the chance, would the man go back in time and kill Hitler as an infant, denying him the chance to grow up and later inflict great harm.

The man hesitantly agrees that he would kill baby Hitler.

Zimmerman then asks how he would do it.

As the man seems stumped, Zimmerman pleads that the fate of

his debut comedy special hangs in the balance, and he wants it on a good platform.

But most of the comedy is less troubling. Bird watching is a much bigger subject in the special. Zimmerman fears that being able to identify birds “doesn’t seem good” in what it says about what he’s doing with his life.

But since the pandemic, he actually has become a bird watcher. A big part of it is living in New York City and looking for green space.

Coincidentally, Central Park was the site of an incident gone viral in 2020, when a woman in a bird-watching area of the park threatened to call 911 and say a Black man was threatening her when bird watcher Christian Cooper asked her to put her dog back on a leash.

What Zimmerman learned was that Central Park was a great place for bird watching.

“I assumed that New York City wasn’t great for birds,” he says. “Then I looked into it, and Central Park is one of the top birding spots in the country. All these migrating birds pack into this one little spot as they’re passing through. Different species come through every few days. It’s like if you like dogs, but you can only see golden retrievers on a few days, when they’re all passing through.”

For comedy, Zimmerman says he spends some time in Manhattan clubs, like The Stand, but he does more regular shows in Brooklyn and spends a lot of time on the road.

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience

The wine tasting and culinary festival includes wine tastings, wine dinners, the Ella Brennan Award Gala and more. The Grand Tasting with food by local restaurants and more than 175 wines is 3-6 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Wine dinners at local restaurants pair chefs and visiting vintners for multicourse meals. There also are events focused on rosés, prosecco, wine blending, the Grasshopper cocktail and more. Events run June 10-13 at various locations. Visit nowfe.com for tickets and information.

Zimmerman moved to New York in 2012, to get more serious about his comedy career, he says.

He also was interested in writing, and he was able to get some humor pieces published in The New Yorker’s “Shouts & Murmurs” section. He’s also contributed pieces to the New York Times.

Zimmerman got what ended up being a break in 2021 when Bargatze threw his name out as a comic he liked. Zimmerman then reached out and invited Bargatze onto his podcast. They became friends, and as Bargatze has become one of the best-selling comics on tour, they now do short stints together regularly.

Zimmerman is currently working on his new comedy set and expects to keep honing it before recording it next year.

He’s also spending more time writing but on longer fiction. He just finished a draft of a novel about a bird watcher who spends a lot of time in Central Park.

“It’s kind of like ‘High Fidelity,’ but with birds,” he says.

Zimmerman is on a short tour in the area, hitting Lafayette, New Orleans and Mobile with Alabama-based comedian Chris Ives.

While in New Orleans, he also hopes to see some of the local birds.

“I am going to try to wake up and see some birds while I am down there,” he says.

Joe Zimmerman performs at 8 p.m. Friday, June 12, at the Howlin’ Wolf. Tickets are $25 via laughlife. standuptix.com.

Rob49

As a kid, New Orleans-born rapper Rob49 would occasionally sell water bottles outside of the Smoothie King Center. But in the last few years, the deep-voiced artist has been selling out the arena with his annual Vulture Island Experience, which pulls together a number of special guests. Along with Rob49, Vulture Island Experience 2026 will feature Sexyy Red, GloRilla, G herbo, YFN Lucci and more. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13. Tickets start at $89 via smoothiekingcenter.com.

Lilith in Loa: Cally Cole

The Loa Bar at the International House Hotel is currently hosting a twice monthly acoustic music series featuring great female singer-songwriters in New Orleans. Cally Cole, whose solo music leans toward folk and indie pop, plays the next edition at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, and Chloé Marie performs later this month on June 24. Admission is free. Find more info at ihhotel.com.

Pridefest

A block party at the Phoenix Bar with music, drag and a performance by New

The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience runs June 10-13.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY NOWFE

Comic Joe Zimmerman performs at an arena show. PROVIDED PHOTO BY NOAH STROUPE

THUMBS UP/ THUMBS DOWN

Louisiana lawmakers passed legislation to add an additional $50 million into the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program, which gives $10,000 grants to homeowners to strengthen their roofs. Lawmakers already assigned $30 million to the program in the 2026-27 budget, but a cash surplus from the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance program allowed the extra $50 million to be added. Registration for the next grant lottery is open until June 19.

OPENING GAMBIT

Already lookin’ forward to the 2027 craw sh season

S&WB pump station parts are rusting away underwater. No one knows

how bad the problem is.

Volunteers across Louisiana picked up 1.13 million pounds of litter during this year’s Love the Boot Week. The annual beautification initiative saw more than 28,000 people take part in cleanup events April 18-26, touching every parish in the state. There also were 4,231 plants and 1,546 trees planted during the week.

IT’S THE PHOTO THAT KEEPS SEWERAGE & WATER BOARD officials up at night.

Taken at Drainage Pump Station 7 in Lakeview, it shows the jagged edges of two huge, bell-shaped pipes eaten away by rust and detached from support pilings sticking out of the Orleans Canal.

It’s a rare glimpse of the discharge bells that help funnel stormwater collected on city streets into Lake Pontchartrain. The bells are usually submerged in water, where they must remain for the pumps to work. When the photograph was taken in 2012, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had lowered the canal for a construction project, exposing decades of corrosion.

officials have said. The risk of failure is ever-present, but there’s little information available to forecast when or if it might happen. Detailed inspections have not been conducted since the 2012 photo was taken, according to the S&WB. There also aren’t any plans to replace the bells, at least not any time soon, because there’s no money to do so.

THE AGE, IN YEARS, OF PROMINENT NEW ORLEANS ACTIVIST MICHAEL BURNSIDE

AS OF JUNE 5, 2026.

Burnside has long been a fixture at City Hall meetings and is regularly in contact with elected officials to stick up for the public, especially unhoused and other marginalized people. He has called on leaders to spruce up public spaces, hold utility companies to their word, fix blight and generally work to improve conditions on behalf of the people.

Louisiana’s tough-on-crime policies could see the state’s prison population double by 2034 and require an estimated $2 billion for new prisons over the next 10 years, Verite News recently reported, citing the Crime and Justice Institute. After taking office in 2024, Gov. Jeff Landry pushed lawmakers to pass a set of toughon-crime bills, which are now keeping people in prison for longer. The number of incarcerated people is now needlessly expected to grow. C’EST WHAT ?

Ever since, water board officials have worried that one or more of the 14-foot discharge bells at Pump Station 7 and six other major pumping stations will reach a point where the corrosion knocks a pump out of commission, leaving water to pool in city streets and potentially flood cars and homes. S&WB officials in recent months have displayed the photo in presentations to demonstrate the need for new funding.

The discharge bell corrosion could lead to pump failures at any time,

“We have just been in a reactive state and will continue to be so at this point until we can get an infusion of funds,” said S&WB General Superintendent Kaitlin Tymrak as she stood on the bank of the Orleans Canal, a few feet away from the submerged bells, during a recent tour of Pump Station 7. “Some things are going to be more risky than others. Certainly, the consequence of this is high.”

The rusty discharge bells are a symptom of the S&WB’s chronic condition: Major infrastructure problems are lurking within the utility’s drainage and tap water systems. The S&WB sewer system is in better shape after hundreds of millions of dollars in upgrades over the last two decades, but that system too will need upkeep in the coming years.

Decades of underinvestment have a spiraling effect, with

3.5%

New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board General Superintendent Kaitlin Tymrak talks during a tour of Pump Station 7 in New Orleans on Friday, May 15, 2026. STAFF PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE

maintenance backlogs growing more expensive and harder to address as years go by. And with no money in hand to pay for it all, S&WB leaders are increasingly warning about potential equipment failures, with severe consequences for residents unlucky enough to be located close to whatever piece happens to break.

“If we don’t properly fund our stormwater management system, we cannot continue to exist here,” S&WB board member Tyler Antrup said at a meeting earlier this month.

‘Figure something out’

PUMP STATION 7, WHICH WAS CONSTRUCTED IN THE EARLY 1900S, drains parts of Mid-City and Lakeview with three major pumps. It also receives some of the stormwater from the St. Louis Canal, which drains Treme and the Central Business District. A failure during a storm, Tymrak said, would create “a very difficult situation with some significant flooding in those areas.”

In addition to Pump Station 7, Tymrak said the bells at six other stations, serving every part of the city outside of New Orleans East and

Algiers, were constructed around the same time and are likely corroded, too.

Neighboring areas could suffer if just one of the Pump Station 7 pumps go down. That happened during the August 2017 flood, when one of the pumps was out of service and caused additional runoff into the northern part of Lakeview, according to an exhaustive consultant analysis. That area, which is served by a different pump station, suffered significant

flooding despite receiving a modest amount of rain, the analysis showed.

The S&WB commissioned designs for new discharge bells at Pump Station 7 after the catastrophic flooding, but they were shelved. The $12 million to $15 million cost exceeds what the S&WB has to spend on repairs for the entire drainage system in a single year.

Tymrak said detailed underwater inspections at Station 7 will be scheduled within the next year. All seven stations with steel discharge bells need inspections, she said, but that would likely cost more than $2 million. Even that amount is prohibitive.

“We want to do these broader investigations and end up being hampered,” Tymrak said.

If inspections show that immediate action is needed, Tymrak said “we’re going to have to figure something out.”

What the S&WB can afford

THE CONSULTANT ANALYSIS AFTER THE 2017 FLOOD LAID BARE THE S&WB’S MANY SYSTEMIC FAILURES, none bigger than the lack of reliable power for drainage pumps. The agency responded by constructing a $350 million power complex with a combination of city, state and federal funds.

The complex, which is built around a new Entergy substation, came online late last year and is currently providing more than enough power to run the drainage system.

New Orleans’ drainage woes transcend power, however. The analysis of the 2017 flood by ABS Group found infrastructure failures throughout the system. Notably, it pointed out that corroded discharge bells prevented pumps from running at full capacity.

ABS Vice President Darrell Barker, addressing City Council members in 2018, also pointed to “a very pervasive culture” within S&WB that allowed priorities to slide because there was never enough funding.

Former S&WB Executive Director Ghassan Korban, who led the agency from 2018 through the middle of 2025, said the Pump Station 7

A discharge bell is seen at Pump Station 7 in New Orleans on Friday, May 15, 2026.

STAFF PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE

Discharge bells are seen at Pump Station 7 in New Orleans on Friday, May 15, 2026. The station, operated by the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board, is located near the railroad underpass on Marconi Drive.

discharge bells and numerous other vulnerabilities worried him during his tenure. But he said the entire pumping system was in danger of malfunctioning without a new electricity source, so the power complex was the top priority.

“I don’t think I was comfortable with any component of our systems,” Korban said. “The reality is, decisions came down to what we could afford. How much money do we have, and what are the top of the top priorities? That’s how we had to do business.”

Funding cliff

S&WB OFFICIALS SAY THEIR HANDS ARE TIED, with barely enough funding for day-to-day operations and just a few million dollars for repairs every year. Three property taxes for drainage annually combine for about $75 million, leaving a $50 million shortfall for what the system needs, according to an S&WB consultant. The shortfall could widen after next year, when one of the three drainage taxes expires. If voters don’t renew it, about a quarter of the existing drainage revenue would be wiped out starting in 2028.

With the potential funding cliff looming, the S&WB and Mayor Helena Moreno’s administration are attempting to work out how to pay for drainage in the future.

The S&WB wants a new stormwater fee paid by all property owners,

including universities, churches and other tax-exempt property owners who represent about 40% of the city’s combined property value. Administration officials agree tax-exempt owners should pay into the system, but they say it could unfairly benefit higher-value property owners. The administration prefers a multipurpose “parcel fee” to pay for a range of infrastructure, including drainage, but hasn’t provided details. Any new fee will need approval from voters and winning them over could require an extensive public outreach campaign. Rebecca Mowbray, executive director of the Bureau of Governmental Research, the nonpartisan policy shop, said she’s worried that time is running out before the drainage tax expires.

“We need our public and elected officials to settle on plans quickly and start educating the public,” said Mowbray.

All the while, the corrosion continues, as pump operator Darrell Hayward witnessed during his time working at Pump Station 7 from 2013 to 2021.

Rusted holes occasionally opened up in above-water portions of the discharge bells and other parts of the station during his time, he said during a recent interview.

“Sometimes it breaks off in the front, sometimes it breaks off in the back,” Hayward said. “We don’t really know about it until you damn near hear the pump whistling.”

Hayward said welders would patch those holes, but nothing was done to check the underwater portions. He likened corrosion to “cancer of metal” that doesn’t stop until all the metal is gone. Regular inspections would have been an obvious step “in the regular world,” he said.

“That is not the Sewerage and Water Board world. The Sewerage and Water Board world is backward,” Hayward said. “You do not fix it until there’s a problem.” — Ben Myers /

STAFF PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE

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BLAKE PONTCHARTRAIN™

@GambitBlake | askblake@gambitweekly.com

Hey Blake,

We enjoyed the new movie “Michael” about the life of Michael Jackson. Did he and the Jackson 5 perform in New Orleans? If so, what were some of their memorable concerts?

Dear Reader, RADIO PERSONALITY, RECORDING EXECUTIVE AND MUSIC PROMOTER LARRY MCKINLEY first brought the Jackson 5 to New Orleans for a sold-out concert on April 6, 1971. The group — originally consisting of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, with Randy replacing Jermaine in 1975 — performed at the Municipal Auditorium. “At last you will be able to see America’s most loved singing group live — singing, dancing, having fun,” promised newspaper ads. Tickets cost between $4 and $6 and were sold at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, Werlein’s music store and Mason’s Motel.

The group would return to the city in March 1972. “Monday night looms as another sellout at the Auditorium when the Jackson 5 return for another engagement under the auspices of impresario Larry McKinley,” wrote States-Item columnist Thomas Griffin. They were back in July 1972 for another Municipal Auditorium show and two years later returned with a new sound and some new faces. “Contrary to their old style, they now lean more toward rock,” reporter Cherry Gamble wrote in the Aug. 7, 1974, Times-Picayune, “and with the

BLAKE VIEW

addition of sisters Janet and LaToya, they have even a broader appeal.”

The next year, in September 1975, the Jackson 5 returned to a much bigger venue: the Superdome, which opened just one month earlier.

Performing for some 20,000 people, they headlined a show with the Four Tops, Commodores and Ohio Players. States-Item writer Chuck Bauerlein’s review was not kind. “If Friday evening was a fair indication, this band’s time has come and gone. Although they were the headliners, the Jacksons couldn’t even match the mediocrity of the Four Tops or Ohio Players,” he wrote. “Dressed in luxurious threepiece white suits, the brothers hit center stage with their pistons roaring,” he wrote, but “seemed like a sleek white Cadillac convertible in need of a tune-up.”

Following Michael’s death in 2009, the Jacksons returned to New Orleans in 2023 when they performed an outdoor concert at Metairie’s Family Gras. Tito Jackson died a year later, in September 2024.

THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT’S new campaign called “Summer Starts Downtown,” offers discounts and specials to encourage more locals and visitors to support downtown restaurants, hotels and shops.

One of those hotels is The Barnett at 600 Carondelet St. Its name honors a former tenant of the property, Max Barnett Furniture. Born in New Orleans in 1878, Barnett entered the furniture business in Chicago when he was 19, before opening his first local furniture store in 1899 at Poydras and South Rampart streets, according to a New Orleans Item-Tribune profile. He relocated to different spots on Poydras and then Baronne Street, before constructing the nine-story Art Deco-style building on Carondelet Street in 1928. Barnett advertised it as “the south’s largest and finest furniture store.”

Later rebranded as Barnett’s, the downtown store closed in 1971, with owners saying they would instead focus on their four other suburban locations. The Carondelet Street building was converted into Central Plaza, offering condominiums and office space.

In 2016, the building was renovated at a cost of $80 million and reopened as the Ace Hotel. The property changed hands and was rebranded as The Barnett in 2024.

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in “Michael” PROVIDED PHOTO FROM LIONSGATE/ THEADVOCATE.COM

IN PLACE IN PLACE

From hip boutique pools to hotel deals, beat the heat this summer without leaving town

BY JOHN STANTON | Gambit editor

SUMMERS IN NEW ORLEANS are always brutal. Obviously, the heat and humidity can be absolutely unbearable. But the summer is also inevitably marked by an economic turndown, which can mean making ends meet is harder and more stressful.

This year is already shaping up to be an especially hard summer given the downturn in tourism thanks to the Trump Regime. So much so, getting out of the city to beat the heat may not be in the cards for a lot of us. Still, getting even a few days off can be a lifesaver, especially if you spend ’em in a hotel — and in a pool.

POOLS

EVEN IF YOU’RE STAYING HOME

during your staycation, you’ll still need to beat the heat. And what better way than a dip in the pool, preferably with a cold, tasty beverage? New Orleans boasts dozens of pools to choose from, including hotel pools which sometimes provide roof top views of the city, boutique pools that offer daily and yearly memberships and, of course, the network of free pools operated by the New Orleans Recreational Development Commission.

BOUTIQUE POOLS

Haven Pool Club at the Dew Drop Inn

2836 LaSalle St.

The recently renovated Dew Drop Inn isn’t just for music. It’s also a working hotel — which also has an excellent pool. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., day passes are available through the summer for $20 a person, although be warned, its 21 and over unless you’re a family staying as guests. Check dewdropinnnola.com for details.

The Country Club

634 Louisa St.

The venerable Country Club remains one of the city’s most popular private pools. They also have an outstanding kitchen, so their weekend drag brunches are a great staycation excursion. The club also hosts various other events throughout the year, including their annual three-day Pride Weekend Pool Party June 12 through June 14. Day passes run $20, and an annual pass runs $499 and includes 15% off meals in the dining room (other than during drag brunch). For details check thecountryclubneworleans.com.

Lost Coyote

1614 Esplanade Ave.

The Railyard

710 Poland Ave.

This queer-friendly, clothing-optional saltwater pool and bed and breakfast offers a variety of pool access options, including $30 day passes, monthly passes that start at $60, which allow you to bring up to four guests at discounted rates, and yearly passes that cost $625 for individuals and $1025 for two. The venue also hosts special events throughout the year. See therailyardnola.com for details.

Lost Coyote opened just over a year ago, but from their impressive food and cocktail menus to their picturesque pool, they’re already ... making waves (ba-dum-ching! Please tip your waiters) in the city’s food and pool lounging scenes. Day passes run $20 with a free glass of bubbles, while the $350 annual pass will get you a complimentary towel, one monthly guest pass and six glasses of bubbles per month. See lostcoyotenola.com for details.

Sunnies

4917 Feret St.

Sunnies is the latest addition to New Orleans’ growing pool and bar/restaurant scene and is a great oasis in the bustling Feret Street area. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, you get complimentary access to their saltwater pool with the purchase of drinks or food. Check sunniesnola.com for details.

UNO Aquatic Center

6801 Franklin Ave.

UNO’s pools are a bit of a hidden gem, combining the quiet of a private pool with the programming and facilities of a public one. It’s definitely more of a fitness space than others on the list: there’s fully equipped locker rooms, a 50-meter indoor and 25-yard outdoor pools, and they offer a variety of classes from basic swimming to SCUBA certification. But you also just hang out at the outdoor pool, relax and take the occassional dip too.

Memberships require a one-time fee of $100 that covers up to four people living at the same address, and monthly rates are $30 per person and annual rates run $270 per person. Check unoaquatics.com for more details.

The Chloe hotel pool

PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER / THE TIMES - PICAYUNE

PUBLIC POOLS

PUBLIC POOLS IN NEW ORLEANS began operating under summer hours May 30, which will remain in effect through August 29. Between the pandemic closures and the Cantrell administration’s inability to pay lifeguards on time, for several years the choices were limited. But this year, it appears the NORD pool system is up and running more or less.

NORDC outdoor pools:

A.L. Davis

2600 LaSalle St.

Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Federal City

2220 Constitution St.

Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lemann

628 N. Claiborne Ave.

Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pradat

7200 Dreaux Ave.

Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rosenwald

1120 S. Broad St.

Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Bernard

1500 Lafreniere St.

Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sampson

3211 Treasure St.

Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stallings St. Claude

4300 St. Claude Ave.

Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stallings Gentilly

2700 Lapeyrouse St.

Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Whitney Young

6500 Magazine St.

Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cut-off Splash Pad

6600 Belgrade St.

Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Village De L’Est Splash Pad

13512 Granville St.

Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NORD Indoor pools:

George V. Rainey

2529 General Meyer Ave.

Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gert Town

3411 Broadway St.

Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Joe W. Brown

5601 Read Blvd.

Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sanchez

1616 Fats Domino Ave.

Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Treme

900 N. Villere St.

Mon.-Fri. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PLENTY OF HOTELS AROUND THE CITY offer special deals during the summer, especially in the later months when there’s few conventions or other things to draw outsiders to town. And whether you’re looking to splurge on a fancy, pampered stay for you and your partner or an affordable weekend away from home for the family, there are loads of options.

Le Pavillion

833 Poydras St.

The high-end CBD hotel is offering its “Louisiana Experience Package” through Sept. 9. That package runs at $259 per night (with a two-night minimum). Check lepavillon.com for details.

The Four Seasons

2 Canal St.

The Four Seasons ain’t ever cheap, but if ever there’s a time to stay at the posh downtown hotel, it’s the summer. The hotel has a number of staycation packages, including deals catered toward kids as well as couples looking for a romantic getaway from everyday life. Through Sept. 3, they’re also offering a third or fourth free night when you pay for two or three. Check fourseasons.com/neworleans for details.

Hotel Peter and Paul

2317 Burgundy St.

Definitely one of the coolest hotels in the city, Hotel Peter and Paul is located in an old church complex in the Marigny. While it doesn’t have a pool like most of its downtown competition, its charm, location and excellent Elysian Bar more than make up for it. The hotel offers a “Love Thy Neighbor” discounted rate for residents, which can vary depending on what days you’re booking. Check ash.world/hotels/peter-and-paul for details.

The Chloe

4125 St. Charles Ave.

The Chloe is one of the city’s nicest boutique hotels for sure. This summer they’re offering a 10% discount on bookings with proof of residency. Check thechloenola.com for more information.

Holiday Inn Express

334 O’Keefe Ave.

While Holiday Inn isn’t as fancy as the Four Seasons or some of our boutique hotels, if you’re on a budget it is a great spot for a staycation. This summer the O’Keefe location is

offering $89 nightly rates, which come with complimentary breakfast, wi-fi and pool access. Check ihg.com for details.

The Barnett

600 Carondelet St.

The Warehouse District boutique hotel this summer is offering the “local stays” package, with a 15% discount on room costs, complimentary cocktails at check-in, a $25 food and beverage credit and free access to the hotel’s pool. Check thebarnett.com for more details and use code 504LV when booking to get the discount.

Hotel Theo

535 Gravier St.

Located in the CBD, Hotel Theo is offering locals 15% off the best available rate on rooms through the summer. Check hoteltheoneworleans.com for details.

Virgin Hotels

550 Baronne St.

This upscale hotel chain is offering locals a 15% discount off rooms. Check virginhotels.com/new-orleans/offers/ love-for-the-locals/ for more information.

The Four Seasons Hotel FILE PHOTO BY JAMES NORTON

Brooklyn Morris, 12, plays in the pool during Splash Day at the George V. Rainey Natatorium

PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE / THE TIMES - PICAYUNE

BEAT BOREDOM WITH

BOOKS, BOOZY SEMINARS AND OTHER FUN AT THE NEW ORLEANS

PUBLIC LIBRARY THIS SUMMER

BY SARAH RAVITS

IN ADDITION TO BEING A RELIABLE

PLACE to get lost in a good book, the library this summer is popping off with all kinds of free events, seminars and social gatherings for all ages.

Reading competitions, boozy seminars and learning how to make a DIY comic book are just a few of the options.

The library recently launched its Summer Reading Challenge with prizes and more for children, teens and adults.

The challenge is to log 800 minutes of reading and complete a variety of activities — which are tracked on a library Bingo card and can earn participants prizes, like a limited-edition tote bag. Everyone receives a prize just for registering, and kids get a free book appropriate for their age group.

For staycationers looking for free things to do, check out the library’s Culture Pass Program, which allows users to get free tickets to local museums and other attractions, including the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium, the National World War II Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, and more. Find details at nolalibrary.libcal.com/passes.

ADULT PROGRAMS

There’s also some other unexpected fun to be had. Most people don’t associate their local library with boozy happy hours, but for at least two evenings this summer, it’ll be a place to sip and socialize.

Elizabeth Pearce of Drink and Learn is teaching a lesson about rum and its connections to Louisiana June 11 at 5:306:30 p.m. at the Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center in Broadmoor, and June 25 at 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the East New Orleans Regional Library. Pearce will provide samples and recipes.

The East New Orleans Regional Library is holding a songwriting workshop June 25 at 5:30-6:30 p.m. led by Paul Faith, who will offer prompts for songwriters and allow musicians to share their works in progress.

Adult writers, meanwhile, can compete in the Summer Fun Adult Writing Contest, June 1-July 31. The theme this year is “mystery,” and both poetry and prose submissions are accepted, with winners receiving gift cards and the opportunity to be published in an upcoming edition of library’s anthology, “RENEWED.” Find out more about the competition at nolalibrary.org/learn/for-writers.

COMIC BOOKS & ART MARKETS FOR TEENS

The library partners with Trinity City Arts, a nonprofit youth arts program, to host Teen Volunteer Days for people ages 14-18 to earn community service hours and deepen their sense of social justice and activism. There will be a six-week workshop series for teens who are interested in making their own comic books, especially for those who want to use the medium to envision and help build a more equitable New Orleans. Workshops take place Wednesdays, from 4-6 p.m. at the Rosa Keller Library & Community Center, starting June 10 through July 15.

Another option for creative kids — especially those with an entrepreneurial streak — is the Teens Create Market, which is June 27 at 2-3:30 p.m. at the Main Library branch downtown. The market gives teens a chance to promote their own stories, zines and other creations with a literary bent. The deadline to sign up is June 15, and more information can be found at nolalibrary.co/teens-create.

TWEEN BOOK CLUBS

Kids 9-12 can connect and discuss books with literary-minded peers at the Middle Grade Book Club, held Thursdays at Hubbell Library at 4-5 p.m. in Algiers Point, and Tuesdays at the Latter Library in Uptown at 3-5 p.m.

OTHER YOUTH PROGRAMS & HIGHLIGHTS

Drag queen Laveau Contraire hosts a family-friendly reading event and singalong June 27 at the Main Library at 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Toddlers are also included in the programming this summer. My First Book Club is geared toward little ones aged 2-5, with hands-on activities and books to take home, and it’s held June 2 and June 16 at the Central City Library at 2-3 p.m.

The library’s full programming calendar is online at events.nolalibrary.org, or download the NOLALibrary App to keep up with other happenings.

Cosmetic Pouches

Ballerina Banner Kit DIY B

SUMMERTIME, AND THE

READING’S EASY

Here’s some of our favorite books to help pass the dog days of summer

WHETHER

YOU’RE AT HOME ON THE COUCH, at the beach, lounging by the pool or sitting in a well air conditioned bar, a book is a great way to spend your time during the hot and humid days (and nights) of summer. Here are some of our favorite reads to help pass the time, learn something new or escape from the constant terror and insanity of the world today.

“33 1/3: ‘The Wild Tchoupitoulas’ ”

By Bryan Wagner

It’s the 50th anniversary of The Wild Tchoupitoulas’ landmark album, so there may not be a better time to pick up this quick read by author and Berkeley professor Bryan Wagner. Part of the 33 1/3 series of books, where each edition focuses on a specific album, Wagner’s “The Wild Tchoupitoulas” doesn’t just relate the making of the Mardi Gras Indian funk classic but puts it all into appropriate context with history about the Indian tradition, New Orleans in the mid20th century and the musical connections that tie everything together.

George Landry, better known as Big Chief Jolly, formed The Wild Tchoupitoulas in the early 1970s, and when the tribe set out to record an album — influenced by the Wild Magnolias’ groundbreaking funk recordings released just a few years earlier — Landry turned to his nephews: Art, Charles, Aaron and Cyril Neville, a move that ultimately led to The Neville Brothers. Zigaboo Modeliste, Leo Nocentelli and George Porter Jr. fill out the lineup, and Allen Toussaint produced the album. The book is a breezy read, but there’s a lot of history and insight into New Orleans music itself in the small book. Give the album a fresh listen and then learn more about this important piece of New Orleans culture.

“Cafe Lafitte in Exile: Queer New Orleans and the Story of America’s Oldest Gay Bar”

By Frank Perez and Jeffrey Palmquist

In the recently released “Cafe Lafitte in Exile,” Frank Perez revisits the material of a book about the French Quarter gay bar that the authors released 15 years ago. After publishing several books about local queer history and founding the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, he started over with a wider perspective and deeper understanding and this is a new work. Some of the most interesting chapters are about how gay friendly many spaces and social circles were in the Bohemian French Quarter a century ago, and the book talks about the cultural contributions of many famous people not always identified as queer. It shows the effect of efforts to write people in or out of history and how that matters. It’s also likely of interest to anyone who enjoyed John Shelton Reed’s “Dixie Bohemia: A French Quarter Circle in the 1920s,” which also is a great look at how things have changed from a century ago.

WILL COVIELLO

“Disorientation”

By Elaine Hsieh Chou

Honestly, sometimes I do judge a book by its cover, and the stunning pink color is how I found this one at the bookstore. On its face, a book about a Taiwanese-American Ph.D student doing her dissertation on a Chinese poet she doesn’t like may not sound captivating. But after she finds out something shocking about said poet, things go off the rails so spectacularly you can’t help but keep reading to see what happens next. This wild satire was just what I needed to help me get out of a reading slump.

“Kitchen Confidential”

By Anthony Bourdain

The late chef Anthony Bourdain first gained attention after his 1999 essay for The New Yorker, “Don’t Eat Before Reading This,” which pulled back the curtain on the realities of the restaurant industry.

Following the craze over the article, he released his first book, “Kitchen Confidential.” Part memoir and part exposé, the book traces his life through fragments of both his childhood and culinary career, and offers an unfiltered look inside his world, and all the grit and glory that comes with it. Bourdain doesn’t shy away from his own darker truths either. Amid the chaos are moments of profound self-reflection and insight, sometimes unexpectedly, that beautifully ground readers with clarity.

– MADDIE SPINNER

“Lady Macbeth”

By Ava Reid

This is an indulgent, page-turning Gothic-fantasy book that’s heavily inspired by the classic Shakespearian tragedy “Macbeth,” though the author took many creative liberties and strayed from the original play with new characters — including a

dragon — and scandalous backstories. It’s told from the perspective of the captivating Lady Roscille, a beautiful young French woman (and a secret witch) who is forced to relocate to Scotland to enter an isolating, abusive marriage to the violent, power-hungry Macbeth. This is a dramatic story of self-preservation, and Roscille has to plot and figure out how to outsmart and manipulate not just her creepy husband, but all of the unsavory sycophants surrounding him, before she can be truly free. SARAH RAVITS

“Everything I Need I Get from You: How Fangirls Created the Internet As We Know It”

By Kaitlyn Tiffany

As someone who had a huge One Direction and Tumblr phase, I have personally been loving how the tide has been changing when it comes to society’s view of fangirls. Events like Robert Pattinson reembracing the Twilight films after hating on them for years feel like nature is healing. This book explores how much fangirls and fandoms, including One Direction’s, have influenced culture, painting them as more passionate than hysterical and more of tastemakers than cringe.

KAYLEE

POCHE

Very good dog Pete Sampras looks at a book on Scrim.

PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER / THE TIMES - PICAYUNE

”Two-Headed Doctor: Listening for Ghosts in Dr. John’s Gris-Gris”

By David Toop

Author and musician David Toop takes a “forensic” deep dive into “GrisGris,” the first album by Dr. John, in this expansive book. Toop digs into and unravels the many histories behind New Orleans-born musician Malcolm “Mac” Rebennack’s Dr. John persona and how he came to record his 1968 album, which helped paint a picture for national audiences of dark Louisiana swamps, Voodoo priests and Congo Square dances.

“Two-Headed Doctor” goes much further than telling the simple story of how Rebennack and producer Harold Battiste ended up in Los Angeles and what led them to record “Gris-Gris.” Toop winds together deep music his tory and anthropology, explanations of New Orleans cultural traditions and spiritual practices, the stories of the great musicians of the time and the context of 20th century racial issues in order to better understand the mystifying Dr. John.

It’s a heavier read than my “Wild Tchoupitoulas” recommendation, and Toop can sometimes be a little too heady, as a lot of music writers obsessed with obscure liner notes can be. But “Two-Headed Doctor” is a satisfying read packed with insights into a enigmatic album. JAKE CLAPP

“American Rambler: Walking the Trail of Johnny Appleseed”

By Isaac Fitzgerald

Storytelling is an art, one that can transform an anecdote, humorous recollection or the recounting of a tragedy into an all encompassing journey. Typically, there’s two types of good storytellers: those that can physically tell it and those who can write it. Doing both is tricky. What works well vocally often doesn’t translate well to the page, and vice versa.

Isaac is one of the rare storytellers who can do both. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting Isaac, you already know how completely lost you get when he’s telling a story. And in “American Rambler,” the spiritual follow-up to his excellent “Dirtbag, Massachusetts,” Isaac is at his best with a written tale. From its first line — “I’ve been drinking a bit less and praying a lot more than I used to” — Rambler pulls you into Isaac’s

world. Ostensibly about retracing the steps of the famed Johnny Appleseed, Rambler is about so much more, combining geography, history, myth, the love and trauma of family and the reckoning of coming to terms with yourself. JOHN STANTON

“Happy Bad”

By Delaney Nolan

This dystopian novel is set in the South in a not-too-distant future, where society has all but completely collapsed under the weight of private equity, corporate greed and worsening climate change. The protagonist is a somewhat degenerate but well-meaning, scrappy healthcare worker who is surrounded by troubled teenage girls in a vastly under-resourced Texas facility. Essentially these girls are the guinea pigs in a pharmaceutical trial that is going to determine whether or not they can continue to receive funding for their care, and after a series of disasters they are forced to skip town and embark on a road trip in a stolen van to find a new home.

It’s of course, a bleak premise, rife with warnings about unfettered capitalism at the expense of communities and even entire cities, but it’s also filled with dark humor, friendship and innovation. The author, Delaney Nolan is a local journalist who has a lot of experience in mutual aid and working in marginalized populations, which makes the fictional book seem all the more realistic SARAH RAVITS

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Staycation ISSUE

OMNI ROYAL NEW ORLEANS

OMNIHOTELS.COM/HOTELS/ NEW-ORLEANS-ROYAL-ORLEANS

America is calling - and your next getaway can start right here at home. Make it a summer staycation with Omni and enjoy more time to relax, recharge and explore without going far. Stay 2 nights and save 15%, or stay 3 or more nights and save 20%. Plus, kids eat free from April 27 through September 7, making it an easy family escape. Book by September 7 for stays through October 31.

HOTEL FONTENOT HOTELFONTENOT.COM

Your next New Orleans staycation just got sweeter. Hotel Fontenot is o ering Louisiana, Alabama, Texas and Mississippi residents up to 25% o room rates, plus 50% o valet parking. Guests can also enjoy complimentary morning co ee in the lobby and a relaxing wine hour each evening. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a quick city escape or a little downtown reset, this special makes it easy to stay close and treat yourself. Valid state ID required at check-in.

HOTEL POMPADOUR

HOTELPOMPADOUR.COM

Hotel Pompadour is an art-saturated escape unlike anywhere else. Housed in two 1800s townhouses within James Michalopoulos’s artist studio, this artist-owned hotel o ers 12 outrageously playful ne art- and antique- lled suites.

Hotel Pompadour celebrates craftsmanship and artistic expression. Every object has been thoughtfully curated by artists who chose to work slowly and intentionally. This is not simply a hotel; rather, Hotel Pompadour is a sanctuary for wonder, an “art home” that celebrates the humanity of space—a place where care, love, and creativity intersect to create something extraordinary.

THE RAILYARD THERAILYARDNOLA.COM

Nestled at edge of the Bywater; The Railyard NOLA is a thoughtfully designed retreat created with queer and trans travelers at its center. Surrounded by lush palms and tropical gardens, this intimate escape features a carefully curated collection of authentic mid-century modern furnishings, a sparkling saltwater pool and spa, and custom-built cabanas with serene tropical views. Warm, welcoming, and intentionally inclusive, The Railyard o ers a unique textile-optional environment where guests can feel comfortable and fully themselves. More than a place to stay, it’s a sanctuary for community, comfort, and self-expression. Become a member to enjoy complimentary daily swimming and exclusive discounts on stays throughout the year.

LE PAVILLON LEPAVILLON.COM

Louisiana Experience Package- Experience the best of New Orleans in one e ortless getaway. Enjoy a 2-night stay, with valet parking included for one standard vehicle. Explore the city’s rich history with admission for two to The National WWII Museum and ride like a local with a 2-day Jazzy Pass. Take the streetcar to the elegant Garden District, or hop the ferry across the Mississippi River to Algiers Point for a laid-back taste of local life. Package starts at $259 per night, 2 night minimum, must book 72 hours in advance, non-refundable, prepaid at time of booking. Stay window: 5/22/2026 - 9/6/2026. Can book starting 5/11/2026.

THE ROYAL SONESTA NEW ORLEANS NEWORLEANSROYAL.SONESTA.COM

Make the most of summer with the Sonesta Swim Club, available now through the end of the season. Enjoy unlimited access to our Oasis pool 7 days a week, including Sonesta Sundays. Membership perks also include discounts at on property food and beverage outlets, access to the tness center and discounted daily parking.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekday escape, a weekend retreat or a vibrant Sunday pool experience, the Sonesta Swim Club o ers the perfect way to soak up summer. Join today and enjoy exclusive bene ts designed to elevate your summer at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans.

THRIVE NOLA SPA

THENOLASPA.COM

Looking for a getaway without leaving New Orleans? Thrive NOLA Spa is o ering exciting Staycation Specials designed to help guests reset, recharge, and reconnect with themselves. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Thrive NOLA Spa provides massage therapy, facials, waxing, wellness recovery services, and personalized self-care experiences in a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re a local professional needing a break, a couple seeking relaxation, or someone prioritizing wellness, our team is committed to helping you feel your best. Sometimes the best vacation isn’t far away, it’s a few hours dedicated to your health, recovery, and overall well-being right here at home with Thrive NOLA Spa. Monday-Friday specials on massages, facials, and waxing, all summer long!

HAUNTED HISTORY TOURS

HAUNTEDHISTORYTOURS.COM

Even longtime New Orleanians can nd something new in the city’s layers of history, folklore and local legends. Since 1995, Haunted History Tours has been leading guests through some of the city’s most intriguing stories with tours that blend historical research and engaging storytelling. Options include the Dead of Night Ghost & Cemetery Bus Tour, the New Orleans True Crime Tour and the Homes of the Rich & Famous Garden District Tour. From haunted tales and unsolved mysteries to the grand homes and colorful characters that shaped New Orleans, these tours o er a deeper look at the city and the stories that continue to de ne it. Book your tour today!

THE ALLWAYS LOUNGE

THEALLWAYSLOUNGE.NET

Enjoy the afternoon deluges, the evening chorus of cicadas, and the comfort of a cozy booth at your favorite air-conditioned cabaret when you’re ready to pretend you’re in Gay “Parie.” Featuring Follies, Feathers & Fantasy... and open every night! These are the good old days.

If you haven’t experienced us yet, summer is the perfect time. The crowds are a little smaller - or, as we prefer to call them, more intimate. Explore our calendar, discover what’s on stage, and purchase tickets at TheAllWaysLounge.net. MADAME AUCOIN PERFUME

FRENCH QUARTER PHANTOMS

FRENCHQUARTERPHANTOMS.COM

TripAdvisor’s Top Ten Ghost Tours in the World! In New Orleans Every Body, has a story to tell. Enjoy YOUR exciting history with our Master Storytellers. Garden District Home & History, Tour Treme, Voodoo, or Ghosts & Vampires our fun and friendly guides are here to entertain you. Bring your camera, Bring your friends, Use Promo code STAYCATION at check out and receive a 20% additional discount on your tickets. Family Friendly, Adults Only and Private Tours available. Not your Ordinary Cheap Thrill ! Educated, Experienced and Entertaining. (504) 666 8300.

HOTEL DE LA POSTE

HOTELDELAPOSTENOLA.COM

Experience a lively daycation in the heart of the French Quarter at Hotel De La Poste – French Quarter, A Renaissance Hotel. This vibrant oasis puts you in the center of it all, with a sunny outdoor courtyard pool, chaise lounges, and handcrafted cocktails made for easy lounging. When hunger strikes, head to 3rd Block Depot Kitchen + Bar for Southern Creole street food and refreshing drinks. Book a day pass on ResortPass and spend the day relaxing, unwinding, and enjoying the good life.

Everyone needs a signature summer scent—why not discover yours at Madame Aucoin Perfume in the French Quarter? Discover niche and luxury fragrances from around the world at 608 Bienville St. From sun-soaked coastlines and tropical island retreats to cool mountain forests and bustling spice markets, fragrance has a unique ability to transport us through scent and memory.

This summer, take a vacation through scent—no passport required. As a special summer and while supplies last, a $250 or more purchase will include a complimentary travel-size fragrance, perfect for bringing a little piece of your fragrance journey wherever your summer adventures take you.

LONGUEVUE HOUSE & GARDENS

LONGUEVUE.COM/MEMBERSHIPS

Stop by the Museum Store for that special item to make the perfect beach trip or backyard cookout.

Try some of our new seasonal beverages at Edith & Edgar’s Garden Cafe including lavender matcha and white chocolate rose latte.

Members receive a 10% discount in Edith & Edgar’s Garden Cafe and the Museum Store in all seasons. Learn about Longue Vue Memberships on our website.

DDOWNTOWN OWNTOWN Summer Starts

Summer starts in Downtown New Orleans with can’t-miss deals across dining, drinks, activities, services, and retail. From happy hour steals to shopping finds, everything you need for the season is right here.

EAT + DRINK

Scaling up

Kenji Kazoku opens in Old Metairie by Beth D’Addono |

FINDING A GOOD BUSINESS PARTNER

can be tricky. But when a professional relationship works, when trust is there, magic can happen. In the case of Kenji Kazoku, the new Japanese restaurant in Old Metairie, that magic happens on the plate in a setting that dazzles with verve and style.

The original partners, both raised in New Orleans East, are chef Matt Nguyen, a seasoned “itamae,” or head sushi chef, and Malachi Dupre, a former LSU football star and NFL wide receiver with a keen sense for business. The pair met when Dupre tasted the chef’s handicraft at Yakuza House.

“There are good Japanese restaurants here, but it’s hard to find a chef making things the traditional Japanese way with so much passion and precision,” Dupre says. “Matt lets the fish speak for itself.”

When they met, Nguyen was ready to have his own place, and Dupre, who didn’t have any restaurant experience but knew talent from his first bite, wanted to make that happen. They opened Kenji Omakase two years ago in the International House Hotel and later expanded the menu to include a la carte options as well as the $135 tasting menu.

“New Orleans has good sushi for sure, but I think we still have a ways to go to expand the refinement of our Japanese palate,” Dupre says. “I think we are helping to change that. Five, 10 years ago, sushi just meant rolls in New Orleans. When you eat Japanese food in a city like L.A., it’s a different experience.”

They recently expanded and brought in minority partners in the new venture, including local attorney Paris Jean and her brother, real estate developer Logan Jean, whose friendship with Dupre dates back to LSU Over the past year, they built out the 54-seat Old Metairie restaurant, which opened in April, steps from chef Michael Gulotta’s Italian place Tana. “Not everybody wants to go downtown,” Dupre says.

“Old Metairie just has a different vibe. It’s chill. It’s local.”

The modern decor sets an exceptional stage, with low, dramatic lighting, bamboo dividers and dark walls set off by light wood. There are striking Japanese-style gyotaku prints from Destin, Florida, artist Harley Van Hyning, all made with imprints of real fish, generally the types featured on the menu.

The two restaurants share a chef’s pedigree along with some of the same menu items and additions. Fish are butchered and aged on site, sourced primarily from the Toyosu fish market in Tokyo. There also are black sea bream from Greece, kanpachi amberjack from Hawaii, Ora King salmon from New Zealand and a Tasmanian ocean trout. Gulf shrimp figures prominently in dishes like drunken noodles, fried rice and tempura.

The new restaurant has a Japanese hardwood charcoal robata grill, where skewers of Texas wagyu, Gulf shrimp and Japanese Hokkaido scallops are fired into smoky goodness.

There are new rolls including the deep-fried Kenji Bomb made with eel, snow crab, spicy tuna and eel sauce.

Hamachi Spice is a crowd pleaser made with shishito peppers, hamachi, or yellowtail inside and out, with jalapeno aioli adding heat to the finish. Besides the intimate 10-seat sushi bar, there’s a cocktail bar with an emphasis on Japanese spirits and creative riffs on traditional drinks. The Hibiscus 75 is similar to a French 75 but with the tang of yuzu and hibiscus syrup.

On the hot side, karaage, or Japanese-style fried chicken, is a star, with tender, crunchy bites of fried chicken served with habanero aioli. Tempura-fried lobster, beef tataki and a grilled fish of the day are all listed as market price.

“Cost is always fluctuating, which is a real challenge to a restaurant’s margins,” says the chef.

Plans are in the works to add lunch service in the next month or so.

So far, the response from Old Metairie has been beyond positive.

“We are already seeing a lot of regulars and people walking in from their neighborhood,” Nguyen says. “For guests who have been with us downtown, this is the same level of service and quality ingredients as downtown, but we’re not in a hotel setting. People come in and hang out. We love that.”

FORK + CENTER

Making the list

NEW ORLEANS WAS A HUB FOR CULINARY HEAVYWEIGHTS from around North America on May 28 as three high-profile local restaurants were named to a new list of the continent’s best dining destinations.

The city hosted the latest unveiling of the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list, with a gala ceremony culminating nearly a week of culinary events.

Dakar NOLA, Emeril’s Restaurant and Acamaya made the list, which was revealed Thursday night in New Orleans at the Sheraton Hotel.

Dakar NOLA was ranked No. 4, Emeril’s took the No. 20 spot, and Acamaya was No. 30.

Last year, Dakar was ranked No. 6 while Emeril’s was No. 30. This was Acamaya’s debut on the list.

Dakar NOLA was created by chef Serigne Mbaye, initially as a pop-up serving communal meals, giving a modern vision of the chef’s Senegalese heritage. He and business partner Effie Richardson turned this into a tasting menu restaurant in 2022. The latest award arrives as they are in the midst of a big move.

The restaurant has a new location, now at 937 Leonides St., in the leveeside space that was previously Mat & Naddie’s Restaurant. It opened June 2, with a new approach to its tasting menu. It will also have a patio for more casual a la carte service, which is slated to debut in July.

In another honor, Dakar NOLA was named the Best Restaurant in the South USA.

Matt Nguyen, left, Logan Jean and Malachi Dupre, right, opened Kenji Kazoku.

PHOTO BY MADDIE SPINNER / GAMBIT

Chef Serigne Mbaye and Effie Richardson are moving their award-winning restaurant Dakar NOLA to Leonidas Street.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DAKAR NOLA

Emeril’s, the restaurant Emeril Lagasse first opened in 1990 as a showcase for his “new New Orleans” cuisine, has been reinvented as a tasting menu restaurant, run by his son, E.J. Lagasse, as chef and co-owner.

The menu is an ode to New Orleans and Louisiana flavors, and the restaurant’s own history.

In addition, Emeril Lagasse himself received a special honor, the Icon Award. While accepting the award, he thanked everyone for “being here in New Orleans.”

“I hope you’re having a good time, because I am tonight,” Lagasse said.

Acamaya is an upscale/casual Mexican seafood restaurant that chef Ana Castro and sister Lydia Castro created in the Bywater in 2024. It’s an invigoration and revelation of Mexican cuisine, based on their family roots in Mexico City and Ana Castro’s experience in high-end modern restaurants. The sisters recently opened a casual Mexican breakfast and lunch spot, Casimiro, just down the street.

50 Best is a brand from U.K.based media and events company William Reed Ltd., which, since 2002, has ranked restaurants around the globe with its World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. In more recent years, it’s been adding regional lists to showcase more restaurants.

Like the group’s other lists, North America’s 50 Best Restaurants is determined through an assessment by an anonymous panel that includes, according to the group, “chefs, restaurateurs, food and beverage journalists, educators, and well-traveled gourmets.”

50 Best says “any style of restaurant in the region is eligible for votes and restaurants do not have to fit any criteria or tick any pre-ordained boxes to be considered. Voters are simply asked to name their eight best restaurant experiences of any kind across the voting period.”

The North America ranking covers restaurants in the U.S., Canada and parts of the Caribbean. Restaurants in Mexico, Cuba and

the Dominican Republic are covered in a separate ranking, Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants.

The No. 1 spot on this year’s list went to Smyth, a tasting menu restaurant in Chicago.

Another winner from the 50 Best event was, in many ways, the city’s culinary scene in general.

Starting days before the ceremony, in some cases over Memorial Day weekend, many top chefs from around the country, Canada and the Caribbean were in town for preliminary events. There were numerous collaborations between local restaurants and visiting chefs. Sponsoring brands spent lavishly on parties and events at hotels and restaurants around the city.

For instance, water brands S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna took over the St. Charles Avenue restaurant Jack Rose and its rooftop bar for a night with seven chefs preparing a dinner for visiting food media and hospitality professionals. It all came when the city otherwise typically slows down after festival season.

Many of these visitors said it was their first time in New Orleans and that they were eager to return after getting a taste of its culinary riches. By hosting some of the top minds and influential voices in modern cuisine, the city had a chance to show off the blend of tradition and innovation in its own food scene. That goal was one reason New Orleans & Co. partnered with 50 Best to bring the event here.

Walt Leger III, president and CEO of the city’s tourism marketing agency, called it “part of a larger effort to amplify our culinary scene” and “raise the profile of New Orleans as a global travel destination and a culinary center of excellence.” — Ian McNulty

Restaurant Week deals

NEW ORLEANS RESTAURANT WEEK IS JUNE 8-14, and the promotion brings prix fixe specials to a host of local restaurants. There are two-course lunches starting at $25, three course dinners starting at $36 and some premium threecourse dinners starting at $56.

Many of the participating restaurants are fine dining spots, from old-line Creole institutions to contemporary bistros, and there are oyster houses, barbecue joints and more. Most restaurants are in Orleans, but there are a handful in Jefferson Parish as well. Visit neworleans.com to see participating restaurants and menus. The page is searchable by neighborhood and type of cuisine. — Will Coviello

Chef Ana Castro (left) and Lydia Castro opened Acamaya.

PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER / THE TIMES- PICAYUNE

Rela xonour

Rawlston Williams Chef

RAWLSTON WILLIAMS GREW UP IN ST. VINCENT IN THE CARIBBEAN and started cooking at age 7 under the tutelage of an ailing aunt who needed help in the kitchen. He later joined his family in New York and considered several professions, including entering theology school. But cooking was what gave him the most satisfaction. At his first restaurant, The Food Sermon in Brooklyn, he prepared many Caribbean dishes. Phaidon recently released his “Caribbean Cookbook,” and it explores a wide variety of dishes from 28 nations, from marinades, savory marmalades and tropical relishes to fish, poultry and desserts. Williams is coming to New Orleans to prepare a collaborative dinner with chef Nina Compton at Compere Lapin on June 20. Tickets for the dinner are $125 via comperelapin.com. For more about Williams, see @iamrawlston on Instagram.

Gambit:

What did you want to do with your first restaurant?

RAWLSTON WILLIAMS: I went to the French Culinary Institute. The idea of cooking Caribbean food didn’t match up with what I was planning on doing initially.

I was doing a lot of private chef work and meal prep out of my home. Every day was like Thanksgiving.

I ended up finding a small space. The idea was to serve the public. Food Sermon was supposed to be a catering kitchen. I only had like four chairs. There was a sliver of a table. On the other side was a high table for people to stand up and eat.

When I started my first kitchen, it was so stressful that I put together a menu that I called “the usual suspects.” What everyone would expect me to cook, being from the Caribbean. The plan was to switch the menu once I got settled.

But what ended up happening was it ended up taking off. Of course, you didn’t expect it, but when you build something, people show up. By 2015, we were named the No. 1 place to eat cheaply by the New York Times. It became a thing. We had people lining up.

Gambit:

What did you want to show in the cookbook?

W: It’s to show the diversity in the cuisine and the culture. Phaidon has these cooking bibles. They do their books based on geography. I submitted these countries. I didn’t expect them to accept them all, to be honest. Then I was like, OK, I can see that. I ended up researching and speaking to people and traveling. You want to think about the idea that if an alien came from outer space, they would understand what Caribbean food is. It’s a foundational thing.

It casts a net that shows we’re so much alike even though we’re separated by the sea. There may be

you cook. With Caribbean, you build flavor based on the marinating process. With broths — a lot of broths or teas with protein — the idea was there was never really enough, but you get the essence of the flavor. We call it long water. Once in a while you can add more, and then maybe you have a soup. Or maybe you boil a fish head or tail.

I love the food in Dominica. I love that they use a lot of smoked meats there. You can find smoked chicken or duck or smoked fish. It helps to build flavor. You might be making a fish stew, but you might have a smoked chicken leg in there. That gives you another level of flavor.

If you go to Cayman Islands or Bermuda and places with more of a high tourist concentration, you may see refinement or a slightly different approach, but these are foundational dishes.

The idea was to do it the original way or the way a family that I talked to did it. If I did a different book, I could do my interpretation of it. Or pop in other ingredients.

Gambit: What are you cooking at the dinner at Compere Lapin?

some nuances, but we’re really quite alike. If I go to Puerto Rico, they do the conch in a way that is similar to how we would do it in St. Vincent. It speaks to our origin and the way the food came about out of necessity and struggle and survival — but making things taste delicious.

When it comes to marinades, that’s a foundational thing we do in Caribbean food. That’s the beginning of flavor. Maybe you have a sofrito or a green seasoning, which you may find in certain countries. In Haiti, it’s epis. You baptize the protein of some kind in it. It’s your way of making it yours. You marinate the protein. That’s the base of flavor. In other cuisines, you build the flavor in the pan. You add as

W: I love a whole fish. A whole fish is very dramatic. I love fishing. That’s the main thing I do when I go back to the islands. I get in a rowboat with my good friend and we go fishing. He yells at me the whole time. We come back and clean the catch. I give some to the community, and I also go home and cook a whole fish. That’s one of the main things that happens throughout the Caribbean. You roast a whole fish and serve it with sides, and you eat it head to tail.

I am also doing a seafood callaloo. Callaloo is usually the tops of the taro root. Those elephant ears. It’ll have some crab and coconut milk and a little bit of shrimp and herring to get that smoky element, like it was smoked outside in the yard. Herring is very common in the Caribbean, just like the salted cod.

In this case I might use collard greens. But it’s the way we would cook callaloo back home. We’re cooking from the book, but we’re also cooking with our own creative license at the dinner.

Rawlston Williams

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PHAIDON

—App

JUNE 5-7

Salmon cakes withlemon dill aioli

—LUNCH —

Butter Beans withfried Catfish

Andouillecornbread

stuffed chicken withMac andcheese &vegetables

—DINNER—

Shortrib Ragu

Stuffed redfish withvegetablesand seafoodcream

BRUNCH

Saturday &Sunday!

Pecancrusted redfish withorange Minièresauce withdirty rice and brussels sprouts

—Brunch

Lobsteromelette

Tail on shrimp andcheesegrits withbacon lardons

French toast withfresh berries, hashbrowns, andbacon !

Out to Eat is an index of Gambit contract advertisers. Unless noted, addresses are for New Orleans and all accept credit cards. Updates: Email willc@gambitweekly.com or call (504) 483-3106.

3rd Block Depot — 316 Chartres St., (504) 552-4095; 3rdblockdepot.com — The menu ranges from seafood and sausage gumbo and Gulf shrimp ceviche to smashburgers and steaks. Brunch brings crab cake Benedict with hollandaise on an English muffin. Reservations available. Breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner daily. $$$

Acropolis Cuisine — 3841 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 888-9046; acropoliscuisine.com — The menu of classic Greek dishes includes souvlaki, gyros and pita wraps, spanakopita, hummus and Greek salads. Moussaka has layers of eggplant, potatoes, zucchini, ground beef and bechamel. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. $$

$ — average dinner entrée under $10

$$ $11-$20

$$$ — $20-up

varieties including chicken and sausage gumbo and seafood gumbo with shrimp, crab and crawfish. The menu also has boudin balls, Bayou shrimp scampi, crawfish etouffee and fried shrimp po-boys. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. $$

The Commissary — 634 Orange St., (504) 274-1850; thecommissarynola.com — Dickie Brennan’s Commissary supplies his other restaurant kitchens and also has a dine-in menu and prepared foods to go. A smoked turkey sandwich is served with bacon, tomato jam, herbed cream cheese, arugula and herb vinaigrette on honey oat bread. The menu includes dips, salads, sandwiches, boudin balls, fried oysters and more. No reservations. Outdoor seating available. Lunch Tue.-Sat. $$

lle 504 488 6582 katiesinm

Angelo Brocato’s — 214 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 486-1465; angelobrocatoicecream. com — This Mid-City sweet shop serves its own gelato in flavors like praline, salted caramel and tiramisu, as well as Italian ices in flavors like lemon, strawberry and mango. There also are cannolis, biscotti, fig cookies, tiramisu, macaroons and coffee drinks. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. $

Don’s Seafood — 4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 888-1555; donsseafoodonline.com — The seafood options range from char-broiled oysters to seafood gumbo, fried shrimp and catfish platters and stuffed flounder. The menu also has rib-eye steaks. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. $$ Elizabeth’s Restaurant — 601 Gallier St., (504) 944-9272; elizabethsrestaurantnola. com — Elizabeth’s is known for its signature praline bacon, and the menu also includes boudin balls, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and eggs Florentine. Outdoor seating available. Reservations accepted for parties of 10 or more. Breakfast and lunch daily. $$ Katie’s Restaurant — 3701 Iberville St., (504) 488-6582; katiesinmidcity.com — The Cajun Cuban is stuffed with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. The eclectic menu also includes char-grilled oysters, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, fried seafood platters, pasta, salads and more. Delivery available. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. $$

3701 iberville st 504.488.6582 katiesinmidcity.com Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri&Sat 11am-10pm•Sun 10am-5pm

Annunciation — 1016 Annunciation St., (504) 568-0245; annunciationrestaurant.com — Gulf fish Capri includes artichokes, crawfish, tomatoes and capers. There also are oysters, seafood pasta dishes, salads, steaks, lamb chops and desserts like bananas Foster bread pudding and lemon icebox tart. Reservations recommended. Dinner Thu.-Mon. $$$

Audubon Clubhouse — 6500 Magazine St., (504) 558-1200; audubonclubhouse.com — The menu by Dickie Brennan and Co. includes crabmeat cheesecake, shrimp remoulade, fried oysters, burgers, sandwiches and more. Shrimp Tchefuncte combines house-made andouille, mushrooms, popcorn rice and Creole meuniere sauce. Outdoor seating available. Reservations recommended. Brunch, lunch and dinner daily. $$$ Banana Blossom — 500 9th St., Gretna, (504) 500-0997; 504bananablossom. com — There are traditional Thai dishes like pad thai, green curry, pineapple fried rice, drunken noodles and coconut shrimp as well as original creations. Beef rib Chiang Mai features a slow-braised beef rib with yellow curry, egg noodles, pickled mustard greens, cilantro and chili oil. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. $$

Boil & Barrel — 900 Harrison Ave., (504) 3322645; boilandbarrel.com — The menu includes dishes like barbecue shrimp, char-broiled oysters, boiled crawfish, seafood platters and roast beef po-boys. B&B fruit de mer includes shrimp, mussels and crawfish tossed with spaghetti in San Marzano tomato sauce. The bar offers a long list of bourbons and whiskies. Outdoor seating available. Reservations available. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. $$$

Budsi’s Authentic Thai — 1760 N. Rampart St., (504) 381-4636; budsisthai.com —

Chef Budsaba Mason prepares dishes from her native Issan region of Thailand and other popular Thai dishes like papaya salad, grilled pork shoulder, larb, khao soi, pad thai and red curry. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. $$

Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop — 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 835-2022; gumbostop. com — The Gumbo Stop has several gumbo

The Country Club — 634 Louisa St., (504) 9450742; thecountryclubneworleans.com — The Bywater restaurant and pool has a menu of crab beignets, truffle mac and cheese, shrimp and grits, burgers and more. Seared redfish is served with kale, toasted chickpeas, sesame seeds, chili crisp and whipped tahini. Outdoor seating available. Reservations recommended. Lunch, brunch and dinner daily. $$$ Delacroix Restaurant — 1 Poydras St., (504) 655-9002; delacroixrestaurant.com

With views overlooking the Mississippi River, the restaurant serves a mix of South Louisiana dishes like smoked duck gumbo, crawfish bisque, shrimp Creole, blackened redfish and crawfish étouffée. Drum amandine is served with green beans and stewed potatoes. Reservations available. Lunch and dinner daily. $$$

Desire Oyster Bar — Royal Sonesta New Orleans, 300 Bourbon St., (504) 5860300; sonesta.com/desireoysterbar — A menu full of Gulf seafood includes oysters served raw on the half-shell or char-broiled with with Parmesan, garlic and herbs. The menu also includes po-boys, gumbo, blackened fish, fried seafood platters and more. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$

Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House — 144 Bourbon St., (504) 522-0111; bourbonhouse. com — There’s a seafood raw bar with raw and char-broiled oysters, fish dip, crab fingers, shrimp and more. Redfish “on the half-shell” is cooked skin-on and served with crab-boiled potatoes, frisee and lemon buerre blanc. The bar offers a wide selection of bourbon and whiskies. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. $$$

Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse — 716 Iberville St., (504) 522-2467; dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com — The menu includes a variety of steaks, plus seared Gulf fish, lobster pasta, barbecue shrimp and more. A 6-ounce filet mignon is served with fried oysters, creamed spinach, potatoes and bearnaise. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sat. $$$ Domenica — 123 Baronne St., (504) 6486020; domenicarestaurant.com — The Italian restaurant offers a mix of wood-fired Napolitano-style pizzas and house-made pastas. Appetizers include various salumi and cheese boards, antipasti, roasted cauliflower and more. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. $$$

King Brasserie & Bar — Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, 501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3000; kingbrasserieandbar.com — The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the cuisine of the Riviera and southern France. There are dishes like steak frites and bouillabaisse as well as blackened Gulf fish and barbecue shrimp and oysters. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$$ Legacy Kitchen’s Craft Tavern — 700 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 613-2350; legacykitchen.com — The menu includes oysters, flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, salads and sharable plates like NOLA Tot Debris. A slow-cooked pulled pork barbecue sandwich is served with coleslaw on a brioche bun. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$ Legacy Kitchen Steak & Chop — 91 Westbank Expressway, Gretna, (504) 513-2606; legacykitchen.com — The selection of steaks and chops includes filet mignon, bone-in rib-eye, top sirloin and double pork chops and a la carte toppings include bearnaise, blue cheese and sauteed crabmeat. There also are burgers, salads, pasta, seafood entrees, char-broiled oysters and more. Reservations accepted. Outdoor seating available. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. $$ Luke — 333 St. Charles Ave., (504) 378-2840; lukeneworleans.com — The raw bar offers oysters, boiled shrimp, cured tuna, smoked trout dip and more. The menu has dishes like shrimp and grits, crab omelets, crawfish etouffee and steak frites. Reservations encouraged. Breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner daily. $$$ Lyons Corner — 537 Gravier St., (504) 5270006; lyonscornernola.com — The eclectic menu includes Cajun prawns, bang-bang fried oysters, chicken sandwiches, salads and more. In the morning, there are breakfast empanadas, muffins, croissants, scones, beignets and more. Delivery and takeout available. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$ Mikimoto — 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881; mikimotosushi.com — The menu of Japanese cuisine includes sushi, signature rolls, tempura fried items, udon noodles, teriyaki, salads and more.The South Carrollton roll includes tuna tataki, avocado, snow crab, green onion and wasabi roe. Reservations accepted. Delivery available. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. $$

Mosca’s — 4137 Highway 90 West, Westwego, (504) 436-8950; moscasrestaurant.com — This family-style eatery serves Italian dishes and specialties including shrimp Mosca, baked oysters Mosca and spaghetti bordelaise and chicken cacciatore. Chicken a la grands is sauteed with garlic, rosemary, Italian herbs and white wine. Reservations accepted. Dinner Wed.-Sat. Cash only. $$$ Mother’s Restaurant — 401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656; mothersrestaurant. net — This counter-service spot serves po-boys dressed with sliced cabbage like the Famous Ferdi filled with ham, roast beef and debris. Creole favorites include jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, red beans and rice and more. Breakfast is available all day. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$ Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro — 720 Orleans Ave., (504) 523-1930; orleansgrapevine.com — The wine bar offers a selectoin of cheese boards and appetizers. Creole pasta combines shrimp and andouille in tomato cream sauce. Reservations accepted for large parties. Outdoor seating available. Dinner Thu.-Sun. $$ Pascal’s Manale — 1838 Napoleon Ave., (504) 895-4877; pascalsmanale.com — This Creole-Italian spot invented New Orleansstyle barbecue shrimp, and the menu also includes seafood gumbo, crab cakes, oysters and Italian-style pasta dishes. There’s also an oyster bar. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. $$$ Peacock Room — Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, 501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073; peacockroomnola.com — At brunch, braised short rib grillades are served over grits with mushrooms, a poached egg and shaved truffle. The dinner menu has oysters, salads, pasta, shrimp and grits, a burger, cheese plates and more. Reservations accepted.

Dinner Wed.-Mon., brunch Sun. $$ Pizza Domenica — 4933 Magazine St., (504) 301-4978; pizzadomenica.com — Pizza is the focus of this offshoot of the Italian restaurant Domenica. There also are meatballs, roasted cauliflower and house-made pastas. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. $$ Restaurant August — 301 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 299-9777; restaurantaugust. com — The fine dining restaurant serves Creole and contemporary dishes featuring foie gras, Gulf fish, duck and more. Gnocchi are served with crab, summer truffles and Parmesan. Reservations recommended.

Dinner Sun.-Fri., lunch Fri. $$$

Rivershack Tavern — 3449 River Road, Jefferson, (504) 834-4938; rivershacktavern.com — This tavern along the levee offers a casual menu of roast beef po-boys, burgers, wraps, fried shrimp platters, catfish and gumbo. A country fried steak is served with brown gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetables and salad. Outdoor seating available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. $$ Shaya — 4213 Magazine St., (504) 891-4213; shayarestaurant.com — The Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menu includes dishes like hummus, falafel, kebabs, grilled chicken and wood-oven pita bread. A chicken schnitzel sandwich is dressed with little gem lettuce, pickles and harissa mayonnaise on sesame brioche bread. Outdoor seating available. Reservations recommended. Lunch and dinner daily. $$$ Stingray’s Restaurant & Bar — 1303 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, (504) 443-4040; stingraysseafoodrestaurant.com — Zydeco

fish is stuffed with crabmeat dressing and topped with shrimp cream sauce. The menu also includes fried shrimp and oyster platters, grilled redfish, crabmeat jalapeños, and boudin egg rolls. Reservations available. Lunch and dinner daily. $$$

Tableau — 616 St. Peter St., (504) 934-3463; tableaufrenchquarter.com — The menu features traditional and creative Creole dishes. Pasta bouillabaisse features squid ink mafaldine, little neck clams, Gulf shrimp, squid, seafood broth, rouille and herbed breadcrumbs. Outdoor seating available on the balcony. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Thu.-Sun. $$$ Tacklebox — 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651; legacykitchen.com — The menu includes raw and char-broiled oysters, seafood platters, po-boys, fried chicken, crab and corn bisque and more. Redfish St. Charles is served with garlic-herb butter, asparagus, mushrooms and crawfish cornbread. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$

Tavi — 330 N. New Hampshire St., (985) 200-2045; tavirestaurant.com — The menu combines dishes from the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean. There’s hummus, falafel, kebabs, flatbreads, grilled fish, lamb burgers and more. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. $$$

Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 1212 S. Clearview Parkway, Elmwood, (504) 733-3803; 2125 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 510-4282; 4024 Canal St., (504) 302-1133; 4218 Magazine St., (504) 894-8554; 70488 Highway 21, Covington, (985) 234-9420; theospizza. com — A Marilynn Pota Supreme pie is topped with mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, mushrooms, bell peppers and onions. There also are salads, sandwiches, wings, breadsticks and more. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily. $

The Vintage — 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144; thevintagenola.com — There’s a full coffee drinks menu and baked goods and beignets, as well as a full bar. The menu has flatbreads, cheese boards, small plates and a pressed vegetable sandwich with avocado, onions, arugula, red pepper and pepper jack cheese. No reservations. Delivery and outdoor seating available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$

Vyoone’s — 412 Girod St., (504) 381-4384; vyoone.com — The French-Creole menu includes dishes like escargot, crawfish beignets, crab cakes, shrimp pasta, duck a l’orange and lamb chops. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun. $$$

Willa Jean — 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 5097334; willajean.com — The bakery and cafe serves biscuits with honey butter, cookies, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, shrimp and grits and more. Avocado toasts are made with house-baked ciabatta topped with tomatillo, spiced pepitas, pickled onion, cilantro and chipotle aioli. Outdoor seating available. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. $$

Yinzer’s Amazing Cheesesteaks — 1514 Delachaise St., (412) 860-6801; yinzersamazingcheesesteaks.com —There are classic and original cheesesteaks filled with steak, chicken and more. Diners can opt for toppings like provolone, house-made cheddar whiz, mushrooms, onions, banana peppers and more. Delivery available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun. $

York’s Tony & the Kiki on Saturday, June 13, is the main event of the annual Pridefest. There’s also an opening reception at Ruby Slipper on Thursday, June 11, and an afternoon pool party at Railyard on Sunday, June 14. The block party starts at 5 p.m. Saturday, and admission is free. Visit nolapridefest. com for information.

48 Hour Film Project

More than 20 teams of local amateur and professional filmmakers will write, shoot and edit a short film in 48 hours based on a randomly drawn film genre such as buddy film, romance, musical or horror. Teams also have to use a specific character name, prop and line of dialogue. Completed films will be screened on June 20 at the University of New Orleans. The kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday, June 12, at Morning Call Coffee Stand. Visit 48hourfilm. com/neworleans for information.

Emma Willmann

Comedian Emma Willmann starred on “Crazy Ex Girlfriend” and she’s a regular at clubs like The Stand and Comedy Cellar in New York. She’s in New Orleans for shows at 7 & 9 p.m. Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13 at Sports Drink. Tickets $28.99 via sportsdrink.org.

‘Unipooper’

Local filmmaker Paul Dale presents his true crime-horror-comedy mash-up mockumentary “Unipooper” in an interactive show with costumes, props, drinking game bits, performance interludes and more. In the film, someone’s been vandalizing high school bathrooms, and the directors try to unmask the culprit. At 7 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Zeitgeist Theatre & Lounge. Tickets $8-$10. Visit zeitgeistnola.org for information.

Big Easy Thai Festival

There’s Thai food, music, dance, activities for kids including a bounce house and water slide, a petting zoo and more at Wat Wimuttayaram (1601 Stanton Road). At 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, June 14. Free admission. Find information @bigeasythaifestival on Instagram.

Soot

Nashville band Soot rolls noise rock, post-hardcore and experimental influences into a relentless sound. They’re in town for a show at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, at Siberia. Tortuous, Cornhusk Doll and Psychic Bastard also perform. Tickets are $12.47 via siberianola.com.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Treme Brass Band and BassX

Led by sousaphonist Julius McKee, BassX turns a progressive eye toward New Orleans’ jazz and brass band traditions and, as the name implies, emphasizes the lower end of musical frequencies. BassX will perform with the Treme Brass Band on Friday, June 12, at Gasa Gasa in a show aiming to sway from the traditional to the modern. The music starts at 9 p.m., and tickets are $15 advance via gasagasanola.com and $18 at the door.

Tommy Davidson in the East

Comedy legend Tommy Davidson started doing standup in 1984 and rose to national prominence in the early ’90s as a cast member of the sketch comedy TV series “In Living Color.” His career has been wide-ranging, as he’s also appeared in dozens of films and hit shows including “MadTV,” “Hollywood Squares” and “Martin.” He’s also an accomplished musician, having opened for artists including Patti Labelle, Kenny G and Luther Vandross. His latest comedy tour stops at the Comedy Room and Restaurant in New Orleans East with sets at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. June 12 through 14. Tickets are $38 via neworleanscomedyroom.com.

Divas through the Decades

Beloved local drag queen Debbie with a D recently launched her biggest full-scale production to date. “Divas Through the Decades” is a glamorous celebration of drag, burlesque, pop music and other theatrics, coinciding with Pride Month. The show’s next performances are 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, June 12, at Toulouse Theatre, and will explore musical eras of the past and lean into the seduction of French Quarter nightlife. The cast also includes La Reina, Zephyr, Roslynn Aphrodite Alexander, Rusty Fawcett, Kozmik, Vantasia Divine and Emonie Alexander Pryce. Tickets start at $20 and VIP tables are also available at toulousetheatre.com.

Stormy Daniels

Stormy Daniels is a woman of many talents. The former porn star is also famous for accepting $130,000 to stay silent during the 2016 election campaign from Donald Trump’s lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen. She’s also a comedian and her Unicorns in the Kitchen tour brings her to The Howlin’ Wolf at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 10. Daniels will tell jokes, share stories and do a Q&A with the audience. Tickets $30.79 and up via thehowlinwolf.com.

To learn more about adding your event to the music calendar, please email listingsedit@gambitweekly.com

MONDAY 8

ALLWAYS LOUNGE — Betsy Propane & The Accessories, 7 pm

APPLE BARREL — Mark Appleford, 6 pm; Decaturadio, 10:30 pm

BACCHANAL Byron Asher, 6 pm

BAMBOULA’S The New Orleans Rug Cutters, 12 pm; Jon Roniger, 4:30 pm; Ted Hefko & the Thousandaires, 9 pm

BJ’S LOUNGE Red Beans & Blues with Washboard Chaz & Jonathan Freilich, 9 pm

BUFFA’S David Doucet, 8 pm

CAFÉ NEGRIL — Keep It Rollin Brass Band, 9 pm

DBA Secret Six Jazz Band, 6 pm; Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet, 9:30 pm

DOS JEFES John Fohl, 8:30 pm

MAHOGANY JAZZ HALL — Victor Campbell, 6 pm; The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, 8 pm

THE MAISON — Eight Dice Cloth, 5 pm; Gene’s Music Machine, 8:30 pm

MAPLE LEAF BAR — George Porter Jr. Trio, 7 & 10 pm

POORBOYS Gumbolaya, 9 pm

SATURN BAR — BC Coogan, 8:30 pm

SIBERIA Camping In Alaska with Dear Cinncinati and Glimpse, 9 pm

SNUG HARBOR Charmaine Neville Band, 7:30 pm; 9:30 pm

SPOTTED CAT Jenavieve & The Winding Boys, 2 pm; Dominick Grillo & The Frenchmen Street All-Stars, 6 pm; Aurora Nealand, 9:30 pm

TRUE SOUTH The Danny Alexander Blues Jam, 8 pm

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

APPLE BARREL Bubbles Brown, 6 pm; Jackson’s Flying Circus, 10:30 pm

BACCHANAL — Tangiers Combo, 6 pm

BAMBOULA’S — F K-rrera, 12 pm; Giselle Anguizola Quartet, 4:30 pm; Caitie B. & the Hand Me Downs, 9 pm

BANKS STREET BAR — VetJams, 7 pm

BUFFA’S Alex McMurray, 7 pm

CAFÉ NEGRIL — Super-Most-FantasticBlues-N-Such-Jam, 7 pm

DBA — Nat & Kat Cajun String Band, 6 pm; Kid Chocolate + the Free POC, 9:30 pm

DOS JEFES — Raphael Bas, 8:30 pm

GASA GASA — The Miss B. Haven Show, 9 pm

MAHOGANY JAZZ HALL —

Big Joe Kennedy, 6 pm; Leroy Jones & The Home Team, 8 pm

THE MAISON — Jacky Blaire & The Hot Biscuits, 5 pm; Paradise Jazz Band, 8 pm

NO DICE Truth Club + Pope, 9 pm

OKAY BAR Big Easy

Stompers Line Dancing, 8 pm

THE RABBIT HOLE Rebirth Brass Band, 10 pm

SALON SALON Double Whisky, 7 pm

SATURN BAR — Los Guiros + DJ C’est Funk, 9 pm

SIBERIA — The Crybabies with Fritz and Sons pus Ponch Bueller, 9 pm

SNUG HARBOR

Gerald Watkins Quartet, 7:30 & 9:30 pm

VAUGHAN’S LOUNGE —

Cuttin’ Up with Lil Prince and the Youngbloods, 10 pm

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

BACCHANAL — Jesse Morrow, 6 pm

BAMBOULA’S — Jacky Blaire & the Hot Biscuits, 12 pm; Swingin’ with John Saavedra, 4:30 pm; Sugar & The Daddies, 9 pm

BJ’S LOUNGE — Vintage Night with DJ Cole Slaw, 9:30 pm

BMC — The Rumpshakers, 6 pm; Under The Covers, 9 pm

BUFFA’S — Mark Carroll & Friends, 7 pm

CAFÉ ISTANBUL — Songs For The People, 7 pm

CAFÉ NEGRIL — Jam-ilton, 7:30 pm

CHICKIE WAH WAH — Jon Cleary, 8 pm

COMMONS CLUB — Leaux Fye Tribe, 6 pm

COMPASS POINT — Wednesdays on the Point ft. Terry McDermott, 6 pm

DBA — Stephen Walker N’em, 6 pm; The Next Level Band, 9:30 pm

DOS JEFES — Joe Krown, 8:30 pm

THE FILLMORE — The Runarounds, 8 pm

GASA GASA — Love Gang//Dana Ives// The Nancies, 8 pm

HOLY DIVER — The Amazing Henrietta, 8 pm

JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — Funkin’ It Up with Big Sam, 7:30 pm

LOA BAR Lilith In Loa Concert Series

ft. Cally Cole, 8 pm

THE MAISON Gene’s Music Machine, 6 pm

OKAY BAR — S.L.O.G. + Chemsexxx + Heaven Forever + Laughing Torso, 6 pm

SANTOS BAR Chambre Noir with Paco, 10 pm

SATURN BAR Zahria Sims Collective and Jewel Quartet with Zehrin Sims, 9 pm

SIBERIA — Soot with with Cornhusk Doll, Psychic Bastard, and Tortuous, 9 pm

SNUG HARBOR — Nayo Jones Experience, 5 pm; Uptown Jazz Orchestra with Terrance Taplin, 7:30 & 9:30 pm

THURSDAY, JUNE 11

ALLWAYS LOUNGE — Van Ella Bordella, 7 pm

APPLE BARREL — Bubbles Brown, 6 pm; Johnny B, 10:30 pm

BACCHANAL Raphael Bas, 6 pm

BAMBOULA’S — J.J. & the A-Ok’s, 12 pm; Cristina Kaminis & The Mix, 4:30 pm; Wolfe Johns Band, 9 pm

BJ’S LOUNGE Hanoun Brass Band + Sabine McCalla, 9 pm

BLUE NILE — Irvin May eld’s Music Church, 9 pm

BMC — Dapper Dandies, 6 pm; J.A.M. Brass Band, 9 pm

BUFFA’S — Millie Grace Band, 7 pm

CAFÉ NEGRIL — Maurice Cade & The E.S.S. Band, 6:30 pm; Armani Smith & Soul Ties, 10 pm

CHICKIE WAH WAH Quail P + Anella, 9 pm

It Up with Big Sam plays the Jazz Playhouse Tuesday June 9, at 7:30

DBA Palmetto Bug Stompers, 6 pm; Vegas Cola, 9:30 pm

DOS JEFES — The Mark Coleman Band, 8:30 pm

GOOD MEASURE — Chloe Marie, 8 pm

HOUSE OF BLUES Yebba, 8 pm

JAZZ PLAYHOUSE Brass-AHolics, 7:30 pm

LE BON TEMPS ROULE Jay Dufour & the Strange Gang, 11 pm

MAHOGANY JAZZ HALL The New Orleans Catahoulas, 6 pm; Jamil Sharif & His New Orleans Extravaganza, 8 pm

THE MAISON — Dane Harter, 4:30 pm; SingleMaltPlease, 8:30 pm

OKAY BAR — Dumpster + Laughing Racoon, 8 pm

PEACOCK ROOM Da Lovebirds: Robin Barnes & Pat Casey, 8 pm

SAINT JOHN Sean Riley & The Water, 4 pm

SALON SALON Geovane Santos, 7 pm

SANOTS BAR Tainted Love 80’s Night with DJ Shane Love, 10 pm

SATURN BAR — Lyle Hutchins + Mae Maagdalene + Lyla DiPaul, 9 pm

SIBERIA — Cardiel + The Nancies + Gacked, 9 pm

Funkin’

PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THE TIMES- PICAYUNE

SNUG HARBOR — Noah Young Quartet, 7:30 & 9:30 pm

THREE MARIES — Rick Fletcher, 7 pm

TRUE SOUTH Chris Zonada, 8 pm

VAUGHAN’S LOUNGE Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet, 10 pm

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

ALLWAYS LOUNGE Ficheraz, 8 pm

BACCHANAL — Willie Green, 7 pm

BAMBOULA’S — The New Orleans Rug Cutters, 11 am; Felipe Antonio Quarteto, 2:15 pm; Les Getrex & Creole Cookin’, 6:30 pm; Bettis & the 3rd Degree Brass Band, 10 pm

BJ’S LOUNGE Cumbia Nasty Crew + Lapis, 9 pm

BLUE NILE Caesar Brothers’ FunkBox, 7:30 pm; Kermit Ru ns & The BBQ Swingers, 10 pm; DJ FTK (Upstairs), 10 pm

BMC — Tropical Weather, 6 pm; Kat Kiley Experience, 9 pm

BUFFA’S — T Marie & Bayou Juju, 8 pm

CAFÉ NEGRIL — Jamey St. Pierre & The Honeycreepers, 6:30 pm; Higher Heights, 10 pm

CHAPEL CLUB AT HOTEL ST. VINCENT

Chorizo Funk DJ Set, 10 pm

CHICKIE WAH WAH — An Evening with Shadowgrass, 9 pm

COMMONS CLUB — Nell Simmons Bradley, 8 pm

DBA — Michael Watson & The Alchemy, 6 pm

DOS JEFES — Tom Fitzpatrick with Sax & The City, 9 pm

GASA GASA — BassX & Tremé Brass Band, 8 pm

HOLY DIVER — DarkLounge Ministries, 8 pm; DJ Reverend Robert Sinewave, 10 pm

JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — Trixie Minx’s Burlesque Ballroom ft. Romy Kaye, 7:30 & 9 pm

LE BON TEMPS ROULÉ The Grace Manor Haints, 11 pm

THE MAISON — Nola Sweethearts, 3 pm; Shotgun Jazz Band, 5 pm; Feral House Cats, 8 pm; DJ RQ Away, 11 pm

THE RABBIT HOLE — Hercules and Love A air, 10 pm

SANTOS BAR High Gloss Presents: Corporate Pride ft. Otto Von Blotto, Virginia SlimJim, Nebula Omega & More!, 9 pm

SATURN BAR — SLAAP Cabaret, 9 pm

SIBERIA Witch House//Emo//Dark Wave with Eclipzia + Sailem, 9 pm

SNUG HARBOR — Astral Project, 7:30 pm; 9:30 pm

TIPITINA’S Free Fridays Concert Series ft. The Quickening + Sam Price & The True Believers, 9 pm

TRUE SOUTH — Marsh Fire, 8 pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

BACCHANAL — Pete Olynciw, 7 pm

BAMBOULA’S Aaron Levinson & Friends, 11 am; James McClaskey & the Rhythm Band, 2:15 pm; Johnny Mastro Blues, 6:30 pm; Paggy Prine & Southern Soul, 10 pm

BJ’S LOUNGE — Je rey Broussard & The Nighttime Sindicate + Sweet Magnolia , 9 pm

BLUE NILE — Afrobeat NOLA with DJ Ojay & Kodjo the Mojo, 10 pm

BMC Andre Lovett Band, 3 pm; Mother Ruckus, 6 pm; Sierra Green, 9 pm

BROADSIDE — Big In The 90’s plays Weezer, 8 pm

CAFÉ NEGRIL Sunny Side, 6 pm; Lyndsey Smith, 10 pm

CHICKIE WAH WAH — Water Seed, 9 pm

COMMONS CLUB AT THE VIRGIN HOTEL DJ RQ Away, 8 pm

DBA — Colin Davis & Night People, 10 pm

DOS JEFES — BassX, 9 pm

FAVELA CHIC — Dead Men Don’t Play Jazz, 4 pm

HOTEL ST. VINCENT — Chorizo Funk DJ Set, 12 pm

JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — The Nayo Jones Experience, 7:30 pm; 9 pm

LE BON TEMPS ROULÉ — Zehrin Sims, 11 pm

MAHOGANY JAZZ HALL — Stephen Walker N’em, 3 pm; Gerald French Trio, 7 pm; Mahogany Hall Jazz Band, 9:30 pm

MAPLE LEAF BAR — Soul Stu & the Desperate Roadies, 9 pm

NO DICE — Noble Apes + Rare Seed + Mars & Other Planets, 9 pm

PHOENIX BAR — Pridefest 2026 ft. Tony & the Kiki + More!, 5 pm

POOL CLUB AT THE VIRGIN HOTEL — DJ Legatron, 3 pm

SANTOS BAR — The Summoning of the Heauxs: The Safari ft. Mijita, 10 pm

SATURN BAR — Mod Night, 9 pm

SIBERIA — Boot with Social Daze and El jombtron, 9 pm

SMOOTHIE KING CENTER — Rob49’s Vulture Island Experience, 7:30 pm

TIPITINA’S — Lost Bayou Ramblers + Crush Diamond, 9 pm

TRUE SOUTH — Patrick Cooper with Mark Carroll, 4 pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 14

ALLWAYS LOUNGE Sunday Swing, 6 pm

BACCHANAL Noah Young, 7 pm

BAMBOULA’S — Jay Dufour Band, 11 am; Laura Doyle Quartet, 2:15 pm ; Midnight Brawlers, 6:30 pm; Kat Kiley, 10 pm

BJ’S LOUNGE James McClaskey & The Rhythm Band, 9 pm

BLUE NILE Street Legends Brass Band, 9:30 pm

BMC Deej Flava & Mother Ruckus, 3 pm; Maurice Cade & ESS, 6 pm; Kim In Da Wind Band, 9 pm

BUFFA’S — Matt Wilson, 8 pm

CAFÉ NEGRIL John Lisi & The Delta Funk, 5:30 pm; Ado Soul & The Tribe, 9 pm

DBA — Paradise Jazz Band, 6 pm; The Jump Hounds, 9:30 pm

DOS JEFES — Joplin Parnell, 8 pm

HOUSE OF BLUES Big K.R.I.T., 7 pm

MAHOGANY JAZZ HALL — Smoking Time Jazz Club, 2:30 pm; Big Joe Kennedy, 6 pm; Mahogany Hall Swingsters, 8 pm

THE MAISON Eight Dice Cloth, 3 pm; Jenavieve & the Windin Boys, 6 pm; KreweDeBauchery, 9 pm

POOL CLUB AT THE VIRGIN HOTEL — DJ Shan Li, 2 pm

SATURN BAR — NO Liberation Center’s Party for the People, 7 pm

SIBERIA — Regency Dance with Giddy Up Two Step, 7 pm

SNUG HARBOR — Shawan Rice Trio, 4:30 pm; Charlie Halloran & The Tropicales, 7:30 pm; 9:30 pm

SCAN FOR THE COMPLETE GAMBIT CALENDAR

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or

MUSIC

Modern patois

By Jake Clapp

AS MUSICIAN JERMAINE

BUTLER was writing verses in Louisiana Creole for his new hip-hop EP “Lalézon,” he found an interesting challenge.

The language, also called Kouri-Vini, has a vocabulary that largely leans into the natural world, with seasons, wild plants and animals, says Butler, who records and performs under the moniker Jermaine from the South.

Whenever someone starts learning any language, they’ll find there’s a unique way of expressing things, using a vocabulary that’s been developed in unique places and among unique conditions. Louisiana Creole — which developed in 18th-century Louisiana among Creoles blending French and West African dialects — is a “country language,” Butler says, one that’s been preserved by communities in Pointe Coupee Parish, along the Bayou Teche and the German Coast region between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

“You find yourself expressing things in those terms … and this is the vocabulary that you have,” Butler says. “So OK, how am I going to use vocabulary about hurricanes and Spanish moss and snowy egrets to express the feelings that I’m having right now? It’s a cool challenge.”

It’s hard to know for sure, but Jermaine from the South’s “Lalézon” may be the first hip-hop album fully recorded in Louisiana Creole, which today is spoken by fewer than 10,000 people. And although the natural world is all over the exceptional project — the cover is Butler sitting in a tub among sugarcane — “Lalézon” is a wholly modern EP of engaging, left-of-center hip-hop.

Butler was born in Lake Charles and grew up in Baton Rouge, and although his family has deep Louisiana roots, he wasn’t really exposed to Kouri-Vini as a child. In 2015, he moved to Indiana to pursue his Ph.D. at Indiana University, studying folklore and ethno-musicology as well as Middle Eastern languages and cultures — a background that set him up for intensive research into Louisiana Creole years later.

Butler also has been an active musician since high school, playing bass and drums largely in rock bands, including the former Baton Rouge and L.A. psych-rock outfit Moon Honey. During the pandemic lockdowns, Butler began filling his time by grabbing a sampler and his bass and making J Dilla- and

Madlib-inspired instrumentals, leading to his Jermaine from the South project and a 2024 full-length featuring guest vocalists. Butler also toured the project as a trio.

Early last year, Butler threw himself into learning Louisiana Creole. And when Creole Heritage Month rolled around in October, celebrating Creole cultures around the world, Butler wanted to test himself. He committed to writing a short song each week, posting 30-second clips to social media. The songs quickly took off.

“Once October was done, I was like, since I have all of this here and people want to hear this, I could at least write an EP,” Butler says.

“Lalézon” is built on melodic bass lines and textured production and is full of interesting details. The EP’s opening track, “Bal Tanmbou,” gives a nod to different South Louisiana cultures with the use of a traditional triangle rhythm as well as New Orleans brass instruments. Butler ties together the Creole diaspora on the song through percussion and lyrical content that flows from secluded gatherings of the past to modern social justice movements.

Along with Butler, the EP features New Orleans vocalist and former Moon Honey member Jess Joy, Butler’s partner Jacqueline Fortier, L.A.-based musicians Lightfoot and TwoLips, Kouri-Vini speaker Alésia Chevalaret and saxophonist Caleb Robinson. There also are guest verses on the song “Vini La, Ga Wa” by Baton Rouge-based vocalist Kruella DeRelle and New Orleans’ Babydoll Countess.

Butler feels like he hit on a new style for his music, he says, and plans to continue recording in Louisiana Creole. But he also wants to challenge more Louisiana artists to explore the language.

“This is a great language for expressing yourself, and you can do that in a modern way,” he says.

Find “Lalézon” at jermainefromthesouth.bandcamp.com.

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GOING OUT

Who’s on top

by Will Coviello

AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME THAT “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” took off as an e-book, David Ives’ drama “Venus in Fur” had an award-winning run on Broadway, following up a successful stint off-Broadway.

In the drama, a director is casting parts for a play he adapted from an erotic novel, “Venus in Furs,” a work by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. The 1870 German novel inspired the term “masochism.”

Power in relationships also is the focus of Swedish playwright August Strindberg’s work from the same period, “Miss Julie,” written in 1888. Both take exotic looks at odd couples.

The two one-act plays are being presented by Fat Squirrel Productions at CANOA June 10-20.

“Watching the two back-to-back has a profound effect on the experience,” says Andrea Watson, who’s directing the shows. “I feel like somebody gave two playwrights — 110 years apart — the same prompt: Write a two hander about gender dynamics and flip the power structure.”

The settings are quite different. In Strindberg’s work, the namesake Miss Julie is the daughter of a wealthy family. She was brought up by her mother to be strong-willed and tough. Julie tends horses and at times dreads social status putting her on a pedestal, isolated and detached. She’s more comfortable mingling with the household’s servants.

That includes Jean, who has returned to work on the estate after time away. He long served Julie’s father the Count. He’d like to not work for others anymore and instead open his own inn. It’s not lost on him that Miss Julie might be able to help him, though he is already engaged.

The crossing of classes makes it more scandalous, but Strindberg plays out who has the upper hand between them and how that fits the social mores of the times.

In “Venus in Fur,” Ives builds a more fluid scenario. Thomas has adapted Sacher-Masoch’s novel, in which an unnamed man tells his friend Severin that he is fascinated by cruel women and dreams of talking to the goddess Venus, while she’s draped in furs. Severin suggests the man read a book about a character, also named Severin, who is obsessed with a woman named

Elizabeth McCoy and Jonathan Mares star in Fat Squirrel’s productions of ‘Venus in Fur’ and ‘Miss Julie.’

Wanda and offers to be her slave. While Wanda accepts the offer, it also changes her view of him, and she becomes crueler and crueler to Severin, until they hit a breaking point.

Thomas is frustrated that he can’t find the actress he wants to play Wanda. At the end of a long day of tryouts, a woman named Vanda arrives to audition. She’s brassy, sometimes crass and unconventional. She’s also very late, and Thomas is not in the mood to give her a chance. But she’s very persistent. Vanda is more than he bargained for, and even though he wrote and is directing the work, she challenges his vision of it. Some of that bruises his ego as he defends the work.

In one scene, he is playing the part of the servile Severin as Wanda holds an imaginary whip. Vanda tells him the scene won’t work, and Thomas is caught as both the director in charge and the slave on the ground.

With the play within the play and the different roles, it’s up for grabs who’s in control. Ives’ work is a clever, visceral and often funny battle of wits and wills.

For Fat Squirrel, Elizabeth McCoy plays both Miss Julie and Vanda.

Jonathan Mares is Jean and Thomas. Mares starred as John Proctor in the company’s recent production of “The Crucible.” McCoy played Helen of Troy in the company’s production of “The Trojan Women.”

“Miss Julie” and “Venus in Fur” start at 7:30 p.m. June 10-13 & 17-20 at CANOA. Tickets $25 via fatsquirrelnola. square.site

PROVIDED PHOTO

PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

GET MOVING!

By Frank A. Longo

Front autos in

of

84 Drink brand with a three-leaf logo

Mexican appetizer items

Chore, e.g.

Chef delivery

And the like: Abbr.

or 2028, per Chinese calendars

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In need of victuals

Classic comic Martha

forms above a mountain peak

Apt question from this puzzle’s creator to its solvers?

Informal chat

Made an appraisal of

Carrere of “Jury Duty”

Hinged flaps on air plane wings

Faith rejecters

Boating tool

brand that lost its “title” in 2020

1727-30 czar of Russia

Flying on foot

Fill to excess, as with fluid 49 Paid promotion for a shop

Network (with)

53 Deep anxiety

55 Just before sunup

56 University city in Wyoming

57 Tax cheaters, e.g.

58 Three in one, as the Godhead

59 Off-roader, for short 60 -- Valley, San Francisco

Impales

62 Gobble up 64 Marriage site

68 Non-Rx

69 “Plain” filename extension

70 Wheaton of “Stand by Me”

71 Society of brainiacs

73 Blarney Stone’s land

75 Knights’ fight

77 Like many sr. citizens

78 Part of NHL

79 Seat people at a wedding, slangily 80 Central California city

83 Dark black

85 Org. against smuggling

87 “Personally, I think,” online 88 Writing tool 89 Cinch -- (Hefty brand) 90 Hoppy brew

Allow aboard

West Indies island nation

93 Common knee injury, for short 95 Subway in an Ellington title

96 Gives form to 99 New Mexico’s state flower

100 China’s Zhou

In opposition to, with “of”

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Soccer player Lionel

Writer Levin 108 Have a hunch

Totals (up)

-- -Magnon

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Directed

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