Gambit: April 19, 2022

April 19-25 2022 Volume 43 Number 16

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ANNOUNCEMENTS GLADEWAVES Attic Sale Sat April 23, 8-

2pm - Broadmoor Community Church 2021 S. Dupre St NOLA. Admission: $5 or 5 cans of food for our food pantries; Furniture, Small Appliances, Costume Jewelry, Golf Clubs, Kitchenware, Formalware, Costumes, Gently worn clothing, books, shoes (attn: Muses riders) and so much more!

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BEYOND

JANUARY 19 — JANUARY 25, 2022 VOLUME 43 || NUMBER 16

CONTENTS

THE BAR!

FRENCH QUARTER FEST 12 Must see up-and-comer and classic acts at this year’s fest!....................................... 17 New spots in the French Quarter and beyond to eat after a day of dancing in the streets................. 33 A rundown on the new bars and clubs to hit up after festival hours ................................ 34

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Opening Gambit ...............................8 Commentary...................................12 Clancy DuBos..................................13 Blake Pontchartrain.....................15

FEATURES PHOTO BY L ANES LENSE / PROVIDED BY LOU HILL

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French Quarter Fest

Everybody’s favorite free festival celebrating New Orleans’ and south Louisiana music and culture is back for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started!

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EDITORIAL

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Arts & Entertainment ....................7 Eat + Drink...................................... 37 Music Listings................................ 47 Film ...................................................50 Puzzles..............................................51

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Vaccine mandate

‘Varla Jean Merman’s Little Prick...’ comes to New Orleans WHEN VARLA JEAN MERMAN SAYS SHE’S GOT A “LITTLE PRICK” in her

new Covid-themed show, she’s joking.

It’s actually huge.

Varla has a giant syringe outfit, and the needle is a towering extension of her headpiece.

And of course, she’s celebrating.

Or rather, it’s Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration.” Varla retooled it as “Vaccination,” and it’s all about the promise of getting back to normal life.

“We still need face masks, we still need Clorox too,” Varla sings.

“It’s time to vaccinate, so you know it’s safe. Vac — ci — na — tion. You will appreciate the tiny, tiny prick — never said that before — it’s time to come together, what’s your pleasure … ” Varla is bringing the show to New Orleans this week, with performances April 22-23 at Cafe Istanbul.

The show is a collection of satirical songs and big costumes, with most numbers about life during the pandemic or trying to get back to normal life following the arrival of Covid vaccines. Gerald Goode accompanies Varla on piano.

Varla salutes the out-of-work ethic of the pandemic shutdowns in “9 to 10,” a reworking of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” She treads on the smooth vocals of Sade in “Cruel Ventilator,” an homage to the Karens who didn’t want to abide by pandemic safety precautions and resisted getting the jab over conspiracy-driven fears that vaccines would change their DNA. “Old Damned Liver” is a much more straightforward adaptation of “Ol’ Man River,” perfect for Varla’s baritone and pandemic drinking.

The show has gone through some changes since it premiered in Provincetown, the vacation hub on the tip of Cape Cod, last year. The beginning of the show is different than the original, when the arrival of vaccines had spurred great enthusiasm about ending the pandemic.

“I opened the show with Prince’s ‘Let’s Go Crazy,’ because it was like, ‘Let’s go crazy.’ Let’s go wild and make out and touch each other. It was so silly.” Varla says.

“I had this great outfit. I was wheeled in on a dolly like Hannibal Lecter. It was like this pantsuit with

|

by Will Coviello

a white top and it looked like a straightjacket, but I opened my arms up and it was like dolman Diana Ross sleeves. I would sing ‘Let’s go crazy,’ but it made national news. There was an outbreak in Provincetown where people realized that even if you are vaccinated you can get sick. In a matter of days, I had to re-write the entire show. At first it was about getting back into life, and it always had this aspect of ‘Oh god, what could happen?’ Well, it happened.”

The show has still continued to evolve.

Varla shed a song about wearing masks as mask requirements have loosened and people wear them less often — or not at all in Florida, where Varla lives part-time.

But some of the early songs have remained.

“There’s ‘How did you catch covid?’ ” Varla says. “I endearingly call it the ‘whore song.’ It’s the best song in the show. When everybody was first catching Covid — and now we can sort of laugh at it — the only people catching it were whores. At first, everyone I knew who had it, I was like ‘Uh-huh, yeah.’ People were getting it if you had really close contact.”

The show also has some more cute moments. New Orleans audiences will be introduced to Jasper, a mini goldendoodle.

Jeffery Roberson, who performs as Varla Jean Merman, got married shortly before the pandemic. Roberson and his husband adopted the puppy a year and half ago, and the mimi goldendoodle does a ballet act in the show.

Varla’s last appearance in New Orleans was to host the Bourbon Street Awards and perform at the Krewe of Armeinius ball

‘RISE for Mother Earth’

ON EARTH DAY, MELANGE DANCE COMPANY PREMIERES its full-length

piece “RISE for Mother Earth,” which chronicles Sharon Lavigne and RISE St. James’ resistance to Formosa Plastics’ construction of a chemical plant in the parish.

Violinist Denise Frazier of Les Cenelles also performs as the story unfolds in vignettes. The performance is outdoors at the amphitheater in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

Attendees can bring chairs and blankets. Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday, April 22, Sunday April 24 and Tuesday, April 26. Tickets $20-$30 via boldtypetickets.com.

PHOTO BY TOMAS H ORIHUEL A JR

H.E.R.

AFTER SEVERAL HIGHLY ACCLAIMED EP RELEASES AND FOUR GRAMMY AWARDS and numerous additional

PHOTO PROVIDED BY VA R L A J E A N M E R M A N

during Carnival. This is her first theater production here since the pandemic began, and she worked with Jacques Lamarre and frequent collaborator Ricky Graham contributed to songs in “Little Prick.”

Graham also is working with Varla on a new show, “Varla is Ready to Blow,” which will premiere in Provincetown this summer. Varla will include two songs from that show in “Little Prick.”

But Varla isn’t retiring the Covid show just yet.

“It’s really worked well because every time we start to move on, we have these huge setbacks,” Varla says. “If it comes back, I can do it for another year.”

“Varla Jean Merman’s Little Prick…” is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23, at Café Istanbul. Tickets $30-$40 on brownpapertickets.com.

nominations, vocalist H.E.R. finally released her debut studio album last year. “Back of My Mind” went on to be nominated for album of the year at the recent Grammys, but H.E.R. picked up her fifth Grammy for the song “Fight For You.” H.E.R. is now on tour with up-and-coming singer Marzz and will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 24, at Champions Square. Tickets start at $35.50 at champions-square.com.

Nikki Glaser

STANDUP COMEDIAN NIKKI GLASER HAS HAD HER OWN COMEDY SPECIALS,

roasted Rob Lowe on Comedy Central, appeared on MTV shows and hosted HBO Max’s reality TV dating show “FBOY Island.” Her new reality TV show “Welcome Home Nikki Glaser?” premieres on E! on May 1. Glaser performs standup at The Fillmore at 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 21. Find tickets at livenation.com.

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Remember folks, festing is a marathon, not a sprint. Be sure to hydrate and do your jazz dad stretches.

#

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L.B.LandryHighSchoolandMildred OsborneCharterSchool won first

place in their categories at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation’s Class Got Brass competition this month. Middle and high school students formed brass band ensembles and competed in front of judges. L.B. Landry High School topped the advanced category, earning $10,000.

George Washington Carver High and Abramson Sci Academy took second and third. Mildred Osborne Charter won first in the beginners category, winning $5,000, with GEO Next Generation high School and Langston Hughes Academy taking second and third.

Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge last week

acquired a tract of land called Little Pine Island, adding 2,500 acres of tidal marshes and hardwood forests to the refuge.

Bayou Sauvage, at the tip of New Orleans East, now includes nearly 30,000 acres and is the country’s second largest refuge adjacent to a densely populated area.

State Rep. Larry Bagley, the

House’s Health and Welfare Committee chair, called the COVID-19 vaccine “experimental,” adding his grandchildren wouldn’t get the vaccine, during a committee hearing last week.

Bagley, R-Stonewall, introduced legislation to repeal a Louisiana Department of Health rule requiring students get the Covid vaccine — or submit an opt-out form — beginning in the fall.

Bagley, who is not a physician, falsely said, “This is not a vaccine. This is a shot.”

THE COUNT

THE NUMBER OF FREE TICKETS PREVIOUSLY OFFERED TO JAZZ FEST BOARD PRESIDENTS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO VIP BADGES, DISCOUNTED POSTERS, ADDITIONAL HALF-PRICE TICKETS AND MORE. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation Inc. in 2019 amended its policy, capping perks at a $9,000 value for these volunteer positions. The Times-Picayune reported last week two past board presidents filed suit against the foundation, arguing the decision to revoke the perks, which had been promised to them for life, would cause “irreparable harm” to their festival experience. The judge granted a preliminary injunction and ordered the foundation to restore their benefits for this year.

P H O T O B Y M E L I N D A D E S L AT T E / T H E A P

Abortion rights supporters protest at the Louisiana Capitol in 2019.

Louisiana spends more than $1 million each year funding crisis pregnancy centers LOUISIANA SPENDS MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY FUNDING ANTI-ABORTION CENTERS that spread

propaganda and misinformation about abortion and birth control, according to a new report.

The report by Lift Louisiana, an advocacy group for women and children, found that since 2011, $11.3 million in federal funds meant to help poor people in the state have instead gone to 19 crisis pregnancy centers. These centers often pose as abortion clinics or legitimate medical clinics by popping up near them, when in reality they don’t provide medical services and give out false information.

“Investing in a network of fake clinics that are providing no medical services and especially oftentimes providing false or misleading medical information to people is just unconscionable,” said Michelle Erenberg, executive director of Lift Louisiana.

Crisis pregnancy centers far outnumber abortion clinics in the state. Louisiana has at least 35 crisis pregnancy centers but only three abortion clinics — Women’s Health Care Center in New Orleans, Delta Clinic of

Baton Rouge and Hope Medical Group for Women in Shreveport.

The money the state is giving to these centers is part of the approximately $163 million Louisiana gets from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF is supposed to help low-income people by funding things like early childhood education, child protective services, housing the unhoused and services for people with addiction — areas where the need far outweighs the resources.

“TANF dollars are really supposed to be giving direct assistance to help struggling families with children pay for essential needs, like rent and food and child care,” Erenberg said.

“These are not the services that these crisis pregnancy centers are providing.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) gives the money to two groups, Caring to Love Ministries and Family Values Resource Institute, which then dole it out to various crisis pregnancy centers across the state.

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OPENING GAMBIT

Since the ‘90s, state governments have gotten to decide how to spend TANF funds, and many have opted to put that money toward government programs rather than direct cash assistance to families. The money is supposed to go toward “providing assistance to needy families, promoting job preparation and work, preventing and reducing out-of-wedlock pregnancies or encouraging marriage and two-parent families.”

But as Lift points out in its report, giving misinformation about contraception is “counterproductive to TANF’s purpose of preventing and reducing out-of-wedlock pregnancies.” For example, the TANFfunded website knowforsure.me, which appears to be a legitimate health website, says Plan B is “possibly carcinogenic to humans” and cites the World Health Organization (WHO), even though the WHO has published articles debunking this false claim.

Caring to Love and Family Values don’t reimburse crisis pregnancy centers at the same rates either.

Because of the way Family Values reimburses centers, a center could theoretically get $1,200 from the state for providing one pregnancy test in a month.

And although according to DCFS, services TANF funds shouldn’t have more than 10% of its funds go toward administrative funds, both Caring to Love and Family Values are spending way more on operating costs and overhead.

Caring to Love received about $730,000 through DCFS between July 2017 and June 2018, and 38% of that money went toward operating costs and overhead, including $143,271 for salaries and benefits and $34,176 for public relations and media expenses.

Despite the general lack of oversight of the program through which the state gives money to crisis pregnancy centers and proof that the federal money is going to help people, at least one lawmaker is looking to expand it.

Rep. Rick Edmonds, a Baton Rouge Republican, has a bill that would expand the program and

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potentially funnel additional state and federal funds to it, though the details of that expansion are still unclear. The bill is expected to be heard in the House Health and Welfare committee this week.

Rep. Aimee Adatto Freeman, a New Orleans Democrat, is working with Lift on a resolution to have DCFS look into the program more closely to determine whether it is accomplishing its intended goals.

Reproductive rights attorney Ellie Schilling said although many Louisiana legislators are anti-abortion, she hopes there will be bipartisan support for oversight of the program and an evaluation of its effectiveness.

“What there should be bipartisan support for is government accountability and oversight to make sure the taxpayer money is being spent in a way that is effective in terms of achieving the goals of this program and how much government money is being spent on that,” she said. “So I would hope that there will be bipartisan support for that.” — KAYLEE POCHE

City releases new information on ‘smart cities’ project after council subpoena NEW ORLEANS MAYOR LATOYA CANTRELL’S ADMINISTRATION

released new details about its contentious “smart cities” project on Monday, shortly after City Council President Helena Moreno sent a subpoena to a top administration official demanding he turn over a wide range of relevant documents and appear at an April 27 council meeting to answer questions under oath.

The information appears in a four-page letter from Director of the Mayor’s Office of Utilities Jonathan Rhodes, who was the subject of the subpoena. While it does not appear to provide the level of detail the council was seeking, it lays out the four broad goals of an initial one-year agreement the administration plans to sign with Smart+Connected NOLA, the prospective contractor: PAGE 11

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Installing new WiFi equipment at 10 recreation centers, at a cost of $3 million in upfront investment and $300,000/year for ongoing maintenance Free demonstrations of “smart cities” devices and their benefits Beginning the process of facilitating free or low-cost internet service for certain “target neighborhoods” through an existing federal subsidy program Planning out a fiber network for city government Moreno issued the subpoena because she and other council members have struggled to get the Cantrell administration to share basic information about the sprawling, multi-million dollar public-private partnership to create new city-directed and city-owned internet offerings and install thousands of “smart cities” devices throughout the city.

Along with any city communications or draft agreements with Smart+Connected NOLA or its member firms, the subpoena also seeks copies of city communications with George Burciaga and Reyahd Kazmi of Chicago consulting group, Ignite Cities, and communications with Kazmi’s wife, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia.

Ignite Cities is not officially part of Smart+Connected NOLA — a consortium of companies led by wireless giant Qualcomm and JLC Infrastructure, an investment firm co-founded by NBA superstar Earvin “Magic” Johnson — which was selected as the winning bidder for the city contract over four other firms last year.

But the consultancy firm was at the center of contract-rigging allegations from rival bidder Cox Communications.

The allegations concerned Ignite Cities’ involvement in helping the city draft the public bid solicitation for the “smart cities” project last year, a potential conflict because the firm had previously announced it was partnered with JLC and Qualcomm.

Those allegations were dismissed by the city, which said that Ignite Cities had no financial interest in the deal. Cox said it would not appeal that decision, according to Rhodes’ letter.

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Council President Helena Moreno issued a rare subpoena over the Cantrell’s Smart City effort.

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shop @gaetanasnola But recent reporting from Illinois revealed that Kazmi, managing director for the consulting firm, is also a registered lobbyist for another company that stands to gain from the contract, IKE Smart City, which makes “smart kiosks” and is identified in the Smart+Connected bid as a partner in the project. The report,

by WCIA-TV, also revealed that Valencia was in communication with city of New Orleans officials and Ignite Cities about projects the consulting firm was working on.

Ignite Cities’ involvement “raises the question as to whether the city partnered with a consulting group to rig the contract to go to certain investors,” Moreno said in an interview this week.

Despite concerns about the public bid process, and the scant information the administration has provided about its plans, Cantrell had been leaning on the council to support the project and the multiyear contract she wanted to sign. All multiyear agreements require City Council approval.

But Monday, amid growing skepticism on the council, the administration told The Lens that the city was jumpstarting the project with a one-year agreement, which does not require council approval, as the city continues to negotiate a long-term deal and garner support from the public and council. — MICHAEL ISAAC STEIN / THE LENS

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Upcoming ballot propositions in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish EARLY VOTING BEGAN SATURDAY AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH APRIL 23 in New

Orleans and Jefferson Parish for some important tax propositions on the April 30 ballot. Following are our observations and recommendations.

In New Orleans, we support the proposed 5-mill property tax for enhanced early childhood education programs. If approved by voters, the tax would generate about $21 million a year and would significantly increase access to vital early childhood programs across the city — from roughly 150 seats now to more than 1,000 next year. Equally important, the revenue generated by the millage would leverage another $21 million in state matching funds.

New Orleans is the first parish in the state — and one of the first cities in the nation — to develop an education and childcare program for infants and toddlers ages 0-3, which experts say is the most important time to begin developing children’s ability to learn.

The city’s fledgling program has proved to be a success and is now a state and national model. New Orleans still has a dire shortage of early education seats available to underprivileged kids. Meeting this need should be a priority for all New Orleanians.

Although technically a new property tax, approval of the “YES for NOLA Kids” proposition would actually bring the city’s total millage rate back to what it was just three years ago. (Several older millages have expired since then.)

The City Council has approved a five-year agreement with the nonprofit Agenda for Children and the Orleans Parish School Board to administer, qualify and register kids in the program, and the agreement has extensive accountability provisions to make sure the money is spent as promised. We urge our New Orleans readers to vote “Yes” on the early childhood education proposition.

In Jefferson, we support renewal of the school board’s

PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / T H E T I M E S - P I C AY U N E

A new millage to fund early education in New Orleans is on the ballot April 30. Early voting begins April 16. quarter-penny sales tax for another 10 years, and we are neutral on Sheriff Joe Lopinto’s request for a 7-mill property tax for public safety.

The school board’s sales tax renewal will generate $57 million a year for public education. That revenue is critical to raising teacher salaries, expanding technology and enhancing school facilities. It will not increase taxes; it merely renews an existing sales tax of 0.25% — a minuscule levy that provides badly needed revenue for public education.

Sheriff Lopinto makes a good case for paying deputies and correctional officers more, and he promises to use most of the revenues from the 10-year property tax increase for that purpose.

He says the money will also be used to maintain his department’s crime lab, update equipment and pay for body cameras. Those are critical needs, but we would be more comfortable if the millage were legally dedicated to those priorities rather than to the department’s general fund. Our neutrality does not reflect a mistrust of Lopinto but rather our own and many others’ belief that new property taxes should be dedicated as specifically as possible so that voters know exactly how their taxes will be spent.

We urge all our readers in New Orleans and Jefferson to vote — either early or on Election Day, April 30.

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For Cantrell, the council is a pain in the … head FIRST-TERM MAYORS get hon-

eymoons. Second-term mayors get headaches. Barely three months into her second term, Mayor LaToya Cantrell has already had political migraines aplenty, most of them courtesy of a City Council determined to assert its independence and establish its mettle as a co-equal branch of government.

Cantrell’s latest irritants flared up last week, when a pair of council committees took turns clipping her political and administrative wings.

The budget committee on the morning of April 14 grilled Cantrell’s top aides for not setting aside $30 million in federal stimulus funds to build an electric substation to power the city’s drainage system. That afternoon, the governmental affairs committee advanced a proposed City Charter amendment that would authorize the council to reject key mayoral appointments.

That one-two combination followed months of increasing tensions between Heronner and the council.

After Cantrell won reelection last October — but before she took her second oath of office in January — council members quashed her plan to put a new City Hall in Armstrong Park. The mayor’s proposal faced widespread citizen opposition, which emboldened the outgoing council to kill it, by a 7-0 vote, in early December.

Since their January inaugurations, at-large Council Members Helena Moreno and JP Morrell along with District A Council Member Joe Giarrusso III have led the council’s drive for independence and oversight.

Last month, Morrell — who’s a first-term council member but a former veteran state lawmaker — proposed his own package of legislative bills. Morrell’s move followed Cantrell’s decision not to offer a package of her own. Morrell also proposed the charter amendment to give the council authority to reject top mayoral appointees.

Earlier this month, the council adopted Giarrusso’s ordinance to “temporarily de-appropriate” $12 million budgeted to four “underperforming” city departments.

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Three months into her second term, Mayor LaToya Cantrell is increasingly coming into conflict with City Council.

That drew sharp criticism from Cantrell, who said, “Now is not the time to create dysfunction.”

Giarrusso and other council members said it was necessary to get the administration’s attention after numerous requests for information about unfinished road work and other long-stalled projects went unanswered.

And so it has gone, culminating (thus far) in the council’s demand that the administration set aside $30 million to begin building the S&WB power plant and its move to gain authority to vet, and possibly reject, top mayoral appointees.

Everyone wants to see the power plant built. The mayor’s team says the city hasn’t yet received the next tranche of federal stimulus funds, and the first batch is already dedicated. Cantrell’s top aides suggest financing the first $15 million installment, which is due May 1. Council members said they would rather carve out other projects — for now — to avoid delaying the power station’s October 2023 completion date. We’ll see soon enough who wins that showdown.

Meanwhile, Cantrell adamantly opposes letting the council reject her appointees, but that dispute appears headed for a decision by voters in November.

Until then, and doubtless for three years thereafter, Heronner will likely endure more councilinduced headaches. The fact that all term-limited mayors feel her pain won’t make it any easier to bear.

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Hey Blake,

With Jon Batiste’s huge success at the recent Grammy Awards, who was the first New Orleans artist to win a Grammy? Does Batiste hold the record for the most wins by a New Orleans musician?

Dear reader,

THE FIRST GRAMMY AWARD WIN FOR A NEW ORLEANS MUSICIAN came

during the very first Grammy Awards ceremony in 1959. New Orleans native Louis Prima and his then-wife Keely Smith won the Grammy for Best Performance by a Vocal Group or Chorus for their 1958 hit “That Old Black Magic.”

Smith was also nominated for Best Performance by a Female Vocalist, but lost to Ella Fitzgerald.

As Times-Picayune music writer Keith Spera pointed out in a recent article, Batiste’s Grammy success is so special because he’s the first artist with such close ties to New Orleans to win a Grammy for Album of the Year. He’s also the first from the area to win any of the top four categories — best record, album, song and new artist. He was nominated in 11 categories this year and took home five trophies, including Album of the Year for “We Are.” Louis Armstrong’s “Hello, Dolly!” did win Song of the Year in 1965, but that Grammy technically went to songwriter Jerry Herman.

In terms of the number of overall Grammy wins, Dr. John holds the title of most wins by a New Orleanian, earning six throughout the history of the Grammy Awards.

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When it comes to other New Orleans with multiple wins and nominations, Academy Awardnominated trumpeter/composer Terence Blanchard has had five Grammy wins and 16 nominations over his career. Pianist/singer Harry Connick Jr. has scored three wins and 16 nominations. Aaron Neville has had four Grammy wins and 13 nominations.

Trumpeter Al Hirt earned eight nominations and won one Grammy Award, for 1964’s “Java,” composed by Allen Toussaint.

Toussaint had six nominations throughout his career, but never won a Grammy. Neither did Fats Domino nor his producer/collaborator Dave Bartholomew.

However, five hits by that iconic duo have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, along with songs by New Orleans artists such as Mahalia Jackson, Irma Thomas, Professor Longhair and the Meters.

BL AKEVIE W WHEN THE FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL KICKS OFF THIS WEEK , much of the action will take place in Jackson Square, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Originally known as the Place d’Armes and established in the city plan of 1721, the large open area was where military drills took place, citizens gathered and even where public executions were held.

In 1851, the area was renamed Jackson Square to honor Battle of New Orleans hero General Andrew Jackson. An equestrian statue was commissioned to honor Jackson, also the nation’s seventh president.

It was created by sculptor Clark Mills in 1856. There are identical statues in Washington, D.C. (across from the White House), Jacksonville and Nashville.

Since the 1920s, the square has been a gathering place for musicians and artists, many of whom display their works for sale.

The 2.5-acre space was named a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. In 1970, Mayor Moon Landrieu’s administration banned motor vehicles from the streets surrounding the square, creating a pedestrian mall.

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FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL FEATURES 270 BANDS ON 20 STAGES and more

BY JAKE CLAPP, WILL COVIELLO, KHAYLA GASTON, KAYLEE POCHE & SARAH RAVITS

FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL DOES NOT HAVE A SUPPLY CHAIN PROBLEM.

When the festival kicks into high gear Saturday and Sunday there will be bands on 20 stages spread throughout the French Quarter and along the riverfront, food booths galore and plenty of cold beer. In fact, there may even be too much to choose from — and it’s time to enjoy the excess.

The festival lineup includes 270 bands on festival stages from Thursday, April 21, through Sunday, April 24. Performers include Irma Thomas, Tank and the Bangas, Rickie Lee Jones, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, the Lost Bayou Ramblers, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, Walter Wolfman Washington and many more. Music begins at 11 a.m. and goes as late as 8 p.m. on some of the larger stages, particularly the Chevron Stage in the Jax Brewery parking lot.

The festival is a celebration of Louisiana music, and a wide variety of genres are represented.

Most large stages feature a variety of styles, but some stages have dedicated offerings. From Friday to Sunday, the Louisiana Fish Fry Stage at the New Orleans Jazz Museum has a lineup almost exclusively of brass bands. The French Market Traditional Jazz Stage delivers just what it says, and on Saturday and Sunday, there’s plenty of traditional jazz on the smaller stages on Bourbon Street.

On some days, stages take on a particular bent, such as the Acadiana sounds on the Chevron Stage on Sunday — with Cameron Dupuy and the Cajun Troubadours, the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, the Waylon Thibodeaux Band, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, and Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters. Big Chief Juan Pardo & the Golden Comanches also have a set on the stage that day. On Saturday and Sunday,

there’s a singer-songwriter stage on Royal Street, which also has youth and student bands performing on the Ernie’s Schoolhouse Stage.

The French Quarter Festival After Dark series features night concerts at local venues, but tickets are required for a couple of the shows. The George Porter Jr. Trio performs a free show at the Double Dealer at 9 p.m. Thursday, April 21. Cha Wa performs at the Ace Hotel at 9 p.m. Friday, April 22. Cyril Neville performs at the Hotel Saint Vincent at 9 p.m. Saturday, April 23. Visit frenchquarterfest.org/special-events for tickets.

There are educational activities for kids at the Chevron Children’s STEM Carnival at the Natchez Wharf on Saturday and Sunday. Free dance lessons are offered at the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage and during the Chevron Cajun-Zydeco showcase.

The festival has no vaccination requirements for entry, but it is setting up a Community Health Hub that will provide free masks, COVID testing, antigen rapid testing and vaccinations. The hub is at Oscar Dunn Park, overlooking Jackson Square from the levee, and there also is a spot at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. The festival has a nursing station that provides privacy to mothers, and there’s a KultureCity SAVE Activation space for people with sensory needs.

More than 60 restaurants and food vendors will set up booths at Jackson Square, the Jax Brewery parking lot, the Kohlmeyer Lawn and other Riverfront spots, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

On the following pages, Gambit previews some of the bands performing at the festival, including up-and-coming acts and bands with new albums out. For a stage-by-stage schedule and map, see the pull-out in this week’s Gambit, and festival information also is available at frenchquarterfest.org.

DA TRUTH BRASS BAND 5:45 P.M. FRIDAY, APRIL 22 Louisiana Fish Fry Stage at New Orleans Jazz Museum

DA TRUTH BRASS BAND looks a lot different in 2022 than it did in 2004. Of its current members, only two were a part of the group of teenagers who formed the band fresh out of high school: bandleader Travis Carter and Craig Dixon, both sousaphone players.

Carter describes the current group — five trombones, three trumpets, two tubas, snare, bass drums and a cowbell — as the “fourth generation” of Da Truth, which plays traditional brass, funk, rock and reggae. Some of the band’s original members now play in other bands, like Corey Payton of The Soul Rebels and Larry Brown of Hot 8 Brass Band. Carter himself also plays with Hot 8 and Stooges.

“Each time when there’s a new regeneration of [the band] ... the energy gets better,” Carter says.

Da Truth has put out mixtapes over the years, but the band is close to releasing its debut album, “Truth Be Told.”

Carter says they’re pushing to release it around Jazz Fest. Back in March, they released their single “Hips and Ass,” which Carter says is his favorite song to play now.

“We put everything into [the album], like all our hardships, how we had to switch members and how people PAGE 19

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Valerie Sassyfras 11:10 a.m. Friday / Jack Daniel’s Stage PAGE 17

turned their backs on us,” he says. “We’re just putting everything into that album to let people know, ‘Sorry for the wait … but here it is.’”

Da Truth is pulling out all the stops for its first time at French Quarter Fest, including special guest appearances from a Mardi Gras Indian and a grand marshal. Carter plans on reading the crowd to determine their festival set, just like he does when he plays second lines or weddings and birthdays.

“Me as the tuba player, I’m pretty much the DJ of the band ... I just go there, and I read the crowd and I see what’s going on,” Carter says. “I just go off of feeling.” — KAYLEE POCHE

BIG CHIEF MONK BOUDREAUX AND THE GOLDEN EAGLES 12:50 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 23 Abita Beer Stage

BIG CHIEF JOSEPH “MONK” BOUDREAUX of the Golden Eagles

Mardi Gras Indians returned to his normal Fat Tuesday ritual in March, emerging from his home near Freret Street in bright orange feathers to lead the tribe. Now he’s returning to his stomping grounds at local spring festivals, including French Quarter Festival this week.

At 80 years old, the Big Chief has been in the broader spotlight this year.

Boudreaux donned a more conventional suit, albeit bright peach colored, at the red carpet for the Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on April 3. He was nominated for Best Regional Roots Album for his 2021 release “Bloodstains & Teardrops.” Though there were several nominees from Louisiana, the award went to Hawaiian musician Kalani Pe’a, his third.

On “Bloodstains & Teardrops,” Boudreaux took a step away from Indian songs and focused on blues and reggae beats. Boudreaux recorded some of the album seven years ago in Jamaica, where he was exploring Bob Marley’s legacy.

Early during the pandemic, he went back to the studio in Louisiana and finished the album with the help of Tab Benoit and contributions from other members of the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars, which always has bridged musical genres common in south Louisiana. Jamaican musicians Jason “Welsh Bass” Welsh and Wayne “Unga Barunga” Thompson perform on the album as well.

Boudreaux addresses a range of issues, from the tragedy of street violence in the title track to dealing with false friends.

There also are more playful songs, like “Mr. Okra Man,” and raucous tunes like “Choo Choo,” with its chugging beat.

Boudreaux also is being celebrated at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, which opened the show “Lightning and Thunder: Big Chief Monk Boudreaux” on March 22. The show features PAGE 20

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Water Seed 6:40 p.m. Thursday / Chevron Stage

PAGE 19

photos by Erika Goldring taken over the years and detailing his suits, Mardi Gras Indian traditions and Boudreaux’s role leading the Golden Eagles. Multiple generations of his family mask or have masked in the tribe.

— WILL COVIELLO

GUMBEAUX JUICE 3:30 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 23 Jack Daniel’s Stage

ON SATURDAY, FRENCH QUARTER FEST PRESENTS four New Orleans

rappers the city should know right now. Gumbeaux Juice is a hip-hop showcase — a first for the festival — and will put Kenneth Brother, Kr3wcial, Lil Iceberg and $leazy EZ front-and-center on the Jack Daniel’s Stage. Each artist will perform for 15 minutes.

Kenneth Brother grew up on the West Bank — he played football for Edna Karr High School when it won a state championship in 2012 — and has been releasing music since around 2014. He’s been busy, with a number of albums, EPs and singles under his belt, including the latest “EOD (End of Discussion)” released in January.

Lil Iceberg grew up in Uptown, and in an interview with OffBeat cited New Orleans rapper BMG

Pound as an early influence. In December, Lil Iceberg opened for Curren$y at the House of Blues and Fredo Bang at the Saenger Theatre. He recently released the single “I Love My Hoe” featuring Hellabandz Elz. Kr3wcial also grew up on the West Bank in a musical family — his brother, Kevin Gullage, recently appeared on “American Idol.”

The rapper began releasing music around 2012, and his most recent EP is “Less Than Three,” a reflective release about the emotions associated with love and lust. At FQF, he’ll be joined onstage by Shaggadelic on keyboards and Blaize Lazaigne on guitar.

Also from the West Bank, $leazy EZ began writing, producing and releasing her own music to SoundCloud in 2012. More recently, $leazy released an eponymous EP in 2019 and several singles over the last two years, including last month’s “Stuck Inside.” Producer Chad Roby will join $leazy on stage, and she plans to perform new music during her set.

All four performers have worked with glbl wrmng, a collective of New Orleans-based rappers, producers and music industry professionals, and appeared on last year’s “glbl wrmng Vol. 1.” — JAKE CLAPP PAGE 23

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Big 6 Brass Band 5:45 p.m. Saturday / Louisiana Fish Fry Stage

PAGE 20

SAXKIXAVE 3:30 P.M. SUNDAY, APRIL 24 Jack Daniel’s Stage

BACK IN 2019, New Orleans emcee Alfred Banks opened a few tour dates for his friends Tank and the Bangas. It was a good time, and once they were back home, Tavia Osbey — who manages both Banks and Tank and the Bangas — tossed out an idea: The rapper should hit up Albert Allenback, the Bangas’ sax player, and see what could happen in the studio.

Allenback had been producing his own instrumentals, and his off-the-wall, progressive vibe matched perfectly with Banks’ swagger and clever flow.

“That became one of the best decisions I made because we clicked instantly,” Banks told Gambit in 2020. “The music started to flow.”

SaxKixAve debuted in early 2020, and the duo released their first EP, “I Don’t Wear Suits,” in April that year — a joyful, fun release that brought some relief during the chaotic early days of the pandemic. A couple of singles have followed, including last summer’s “Kaleidoscope,” featuring rapper Pell. At the same time, Banks also has released new material in the past two years, Allenback has been working on Tank and the Bangas’ new record “Red Balloon” (due out May 13),

and both have been working with the glbl wrmng collective.

French Quarter Fest will be SaxKixAve’s first festival performance as a duo, and they’re bringing out the king of bounce HaSizzle and New Orleans’ prince of pop LeTrainiump. SaxKixAve also will debut a new song, “Humble Brag.” — JAKE CLAPP

WATER SEED 6:40 P.M. THURSDAY, APRIL 21 Chevron Stage

RHYTHM AND BLUES GROUP Water Seed will debut tracks from its forthcoming “Safe Space” album at its set at the French Quarter Festival.

Bandleader, drummer and vocalist Lou Hill describes the group’s sound as “future funk,” but the newer songs showcase its jazzier side. The artists incorporate elements of high-energy hiphop, rock and pop music. There are five core members of the band, but the group will be joined by at least four or five others for its closing slot on the Chevron Stage on Thursday.

Prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns, Hill says Water Seed toured about 200 days a year.

Instead of losing momentum in 2020, though, the group kept practicing and explored different types of media to keep in

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touch with fans. They started a weekly podcast called “We Good Though” during which they played music and also had frank, often humorous discussions about a variety of timely topics, ranging from dating during the pandemic to scary movies to mental health. The band also recorded two new songs and produced and filmed accompanying music videos every month, which they streamed online.

During “Safe Space” recording sessions this past spring in the Marigny, the group invited fans to the studio. Hill says it was like an intimate concert setting. Now, the group is ready to play for larger live audiences and will hit the road for tours in the Midwest and the West Coast later this spring.

“I’m looking forward to being in a sea of people,” Hill says. “I hope we can really party and have a good time — and have it feel somewhat normal again. We’re in a position where we’ve been set free. We’ve been waiting two and a half years to share this, and we finally get to.” — SARAH RAVITS

BIG 6 BRASS BAND 5:45 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 23 Louisiana Fish Fry Stage

THE BIG 6 BRASS BAND, established in 2017, may be relatively new on PAGE 24

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the scene, but the experience of their members isn’t. The ensemble is made up of current and former members of the Rebirth, Stooges, Hot 8, TBC and Da Truth brass bands.

The band, which originally was a six piece from Treme, now consists of 12 members. The founding mission of the Big 6 Brass Band was to come together and establish their own legacy.

Members say it was clear they had something special in the early days. Following weekly face-offs at second lines, Big 6 trombonist Lamar Heard Sr. says, “Once we had the opportunity to play together a little bit more often, we knew that people liked the vibe that we bought with our own group. So, we were like let’s take the chance, and we haven’t looked back since.”

The founding members drew on lessons learned in Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul marching band.

“Our band director, Mr. Lee, his objective when it came to the sound of the Ocean was ‘pawyow, hit them in the face real quick,’” Heard says. “It’s the same effect but when we decide that we want to play something, we want you to be able to recognize that song within the next five seconds.”

At French Quarter Festival, the Big 6 Brass Band will mix it up with their takes on hip-hop and rhythm and blues hits to songs of their 2019 and upcoming album.

“We’re giving them a preview of our new album,” Heard says.

“They’re going to expect a hell of a party. They gonna say these dudes wild and get to see a lot of joy from these guys.”

— KHAYLA A. GASTON

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even cost the local Brazilian samba group Amigos do Samba a gig.

When the Foo Fighters dropped out of Lollapalooza in Sao Paulo, the festival turned to Brazilian rapper Marcelo D2.

“He’s like the Snoop Dogg of Brazil,” says Amigos do Samba co-founder Ezra Spiro-Cohen.

That meant Amigos do Samba couldn’t open for Marcelo D2 at a then-canceled show at Republic NOLA in late March.

But as the festival season reopens, Amigos are getting back in

the groove, and one more suited to their style than a nightclub.

Amigos do Samba play music in the roda de samba style, which is more group party than musical style.

“This style of samba is played in the street and in bars, public squares and backyards where you sit around a table and it’s very interactive,” Spiro-Cohen says.

“Everyone sings and claps along.

It’s about the style (of samba) but also about the vibe and the community.”

Amigos do Samba started as a group of friends gathering to play music. They come up with a name when they were first invited to play an event, a party called Brazilian Bash with Brazilian food and music at Second Line Brewing in 2017.

The roda do samba style is built around a few stringed instruments, particularly the small-guitar-like cavaco, and numerous percussion instruments, including drums and tambourines. There’s a wealth of samba songs to draw upon, and Amigos play traditional samba and songs by the legendary Rio de Janeiro band of the 1970s, Fundo de Quintal, as well as the traditional folk style of pagode. They also have a few original tunes.

Spiro-Cohen lived in Brazil for five years before he returned to the U.S. to continue doctoral work. Most of the rest of the band are Brazilian natives who live in New Orleans. The regular lineup includes Victoria Douton, Filipe Leite, Fernando Lima, Scott Myers, Tedo Oliviera and Leo Oliveira.

The group had a regular show at the Broadside before the pandemic and expects to re-institute that gig. It also has brought Brazilian Carnival flavor to Mardi Gras. In February, it joined the Brazilian mermaid-themed Carnival group Bloco Sereia in the Krewe of Muses parade. It also has paraded with the Krewe of Red Beans’ Brazilian-styled offshoot Feijao and Green Beans.

For the most recent parade, it created its version of a Brazilian “trio-electricos,” which is a double-decker bus outfitted with massive speakers. During Brazilian Carnival, pop bands perform on top as the buses circle city streets.

At Feijao, the Amigos had stringed instruments, a flutist and a singer in the back of a pick-up truck, while the percussionists marched behind them. It was perfect to keep the beat while marching with the crowd.

— WILL COVIELLO PAGE 29

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FRENCH QUARTER Festival 2022

FERMIN CEBALLOS + MERENGUE4FOUR 3:10 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 23 Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage

FERMIN CEBALLOS WAS BORN IN A SMALL TOWN in San Cristobal,

Dominican Republic, and grew up studying music and learning the folk traditions of his home country, including merengue. A guitarist, accordionist, pianist and singer, Ceballos went on to study music at the University of Santo Domingo and teach music and culture in the national school system.

In spring 2012, Ceballos and his wife moved to New Orleans, and the Afro-Dominican musician began to explore the local music community. He has since played with a number of musicians and taught lessons on Latin and Caribbean music through local organizations.

Ceballos also leads the band Merengue4Four, performing Afro-Caribbean styles such as merengue, bachata and vallenato, a Latin genre from the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

Last summer, Ceballos released his debut album, “Bochinche.” The record showcases the music styles Ceballos has played throughout his life, while adding distinctly south Louisiana touches throughout, for instance the song “Zydeco Star,” a collaboration with Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. — JAKE CLAPP

JUNO DUNES 6:15 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 23 House of Blues Voodoo Garden Stage

JUNO DUNES’ MUSIC could soundtrack a drive through the Southwest, a solo twirl through

the desert or a stroll through SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom — all equally well.

“We kind of teeter between this kind of Southern indie rock and more like a beachy pop sound,” says singer Conner Reever.

“There’s a lot of dreamy pedal steel, some slide guitar and some boy harmonies, some drums and some bass. It’s easy listening, but a pop-forward sound.”

It’s a vibe Reever embodies well, but it’s not the same one he had when he started showing his friends the project in 2018. At that time, he was drawing inspiration from 1950s and ’60s songwriting and the big bands of the time.

Reever plays with a rotating cast of friends, and joining him at French Quarter Fest will be guitarist Alex “Eggroll” Roeling,” bassist Andrew Pancamo, who also plays with Motel Radio, and Bobby Junior on pedal steel guitar.

His friend Duz Mancini has a set right before.

“He’ll be sitting in with us, and so it’ll just kind of be like a block of friends kind of popping in and just make it a family affair there for a couple hours on that stage,” Reever says.

The group will be playing some of the songs they’ve released over the last few years, including “Club Teams” which Reever wrote about grappling with work-life balance and a relationship that forced him to rethink his priorities. But Juno Dunes also will test out new songs from the album they’ve been working on. Reever says they’ll release new singles from the album this summer, followed by the full album next year.

“Just bringing some of that energy and some of the new ideas we have and trying to put it into a fresh show for the lovely folks of the French Quarter,” he says.

— KAYLEE POCHE

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMIGOS DO SAMBA

Amigos Do Samba 11 a.m. Saturday / Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage

EVER MORE NEST 4 P.M. SUNDAY, APRIL 24 Jones Walker Songwriter Stage

SINGER-SONGWRITER AND GUITARIST KELCY WILBURN says playing

with her band Ever More Nest is like “arriving home after years of wandering.”

The sound is a blend of Southern roots music and confessional ’90s angst. Wilburn cites Aimee Mann, Lucinda Williams and Tom Petty as prominent influences.

“I think audiences can expect songs that will surprise them and that will make them feel good,” says Wilburn, who formerly performed solo gigs as Kelcy Mae. “They can expect textured rock arrangements and layered harmonies.”

She says at shows, audiences are “usually engaged ... whether they’re sitting transfixed on the lyrics, tapping their foot, or dancing to one of our barroom waltzes.”

A recent gig at the Carnaval Lounge, where Ever More Nest has a residency on Sunday evenings,

had a crowd singing along to a twangier, more energized version of Radiohead’s “Creep.”

Wilburn is the lead songwriter and a poetic storyteller, and her bandmates, Lucy Cordts (banjo and mandolin), Dave DeCotiis (guitar), Rebecca Crenshaw (violin), Chris Nicotera (bass guitar) and Rose Cangelosi (drums) help bring her chronicles to life.

“My songwriting has evolved from finding-your-way folk-pop to a more grounded, but lyrically driven style of Americana with more of a country influence,” she says.

This spring, the group is working on a new album, “Out Here Now” which is partially funded through a Kickstarter campaign. Wilburn says she hopes to release it in August. — SARAH RAVITS

VALERIE SASSYFRAS 11:10 A.M. FRIDAY, APRIL 22 Jack Daniel’s Stage

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FRENCH QUARTER Festival 2022

takes on more serious topics in “Ain’t My Job,” about Hurricane Katrina, and “Jump,” about police brutality, but the bouncy vibes undercut the more serious sentiments.

“Voulez Vous” is her take on Patti LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade,” which is obviously a hard song to top.

Sassyfras is ready for a big show at French Quarter Festival. She’s bringing her Sasshay Dancers and the inflatable T-Rex and Mr. Pickle.

— WILL COVIELLO PHOTO BY MICHAEL TUCKER

Juno Dunes 6:15 p.m. Saturday / House of Blues Voodoo Garden Stage

video of her performing her song “Girls Night Out” at a local children’s festival to playing the tune on “America’s Got Talent.”

During the pandemic, Sassyfras hasn’t let Covid get in her way. In September 2020, she released a video for “Corona Groove,” an irreverent song with a catchy electronic dance groove. Against an animated backdrop, Sassyfras dances with tiny viruses, and works in staples of her shows, such as a dancing pickle.

Sassyfras hasn’t stopped performing over the last two years, playing some gigs on Oak Street, plus her “Yardi Parties” and private gigs. And she also worked on her latest album, “Electric Rain,” which hit online platforms April 15. It’s her first album since 2019’s “Crazy Train.”

On “Electric Rain,” Sassyfras focuses on her accordion, though she also supplies keyboards and mandolin — and gets occasional input from a guest drummer. The album often follows a zydeco beat, including a reworking of one of her earliest songs, “Zydeco Fix.” That lively beat also drives “Zydeco Girl” and the polka/zydeco groove of “Mean Sassy Queen.” She also revisits “Alligator Dance,” a song full of handclaps, electronic sounds and silly lyrics.

“Van Down by the River” is not a reference to Chris Farley and “Saturday Night Live,” but a reminiscence about the days when she and her partner busked in the French Quarter and lived out of the van while shuttling back and forth between here and Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

She’s also not afraid to stretch her wings on the album, and on the more electronic sounding “Derriere,” she works up a rap in an homage to Big Freedia. She

AND THEN CAME HUMANS 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY, APRIL 23 Voodoo Garden Stage

RYAN SCOTT LONG AND MIKE SOPKO

are the percussionist and guitarist behind And Then Came Humans.

Their sound is best described as mesmerizing and, as Sopko says, “trippy.”

The two have known each other for a decade and have long collaborated on projects and made music together. The duo’s musical partnership first started in 2012.

Sopko’s band “Glimpse Trio” was on tour when their drummer had to drop out and Long was asked to step in.

The band’s name stems from the theory put forth by psychedelic “philosopher” Terrance McKenna (and a fair number of people during Grateful Dead shows) that humans evolved from apes as a result of psilocybin mushroom consumption.

And Then Came Humans’ live performances are heavy on improvisation, which grows out of the band’s spins on songs from Doja Cat and Harry Styles to classic hiphop, jazz melodies and rock.

Indeed, the psychedelic isn’t ever far from the duo, even when talking to them. Sopko says he and Long have more than a hundred songs in their repertoire, which makes playing really fun and there’s a lot of improvising that happens. “That’s actually how we get ‘in between’ the transitions and the tunes. It’s kind of psychedelic,” Sopko says.

They even have their own motto: Be imperfect and accept that unpredictability is OK. “Perfection is the enemy of the good,” Long says. “You want to make people feel really good during the show so at the end of the night, [they] go home with stories [and] having something good to talk about.”

— KHAYLA A. GASTON PAGE 33

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AFTE THE

FEST

NEW RESTAURANTS IN AND AROUND THE FRENCH QUARTER FREE MUSIC IS THE MAIN DRAW

to French Quarter Festival, but there’s also plenty of great food from more than 60 restaurants and vendors and booths spread at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, Jackson Square and along the riverfront. But after festival hours, there are restaurants that have opened in the last year in the French Quarter and beyond. Here are some of the variety of new dining spots downtown.

P H O T O B Y I A N M C N U LT Y / T H E T I M E S - P I C AY U N E

Patrons dine on the back patio at Bijou.

tartare, Gruyere gougeres and fried artichokes, but there’s also a burger and a hanger steak with fries. (1014 N. Rampart St., 504603-0557; bijouneworleans.com)

BESAME

BREAKAWAY’S R&B.

Chef Nanyo Dominguez has worked with chef Aaron Sanchez and at the Peruvian restaurant Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco. At his restaurant tucked just off Canal Street, he’s drawing on Latin and Caribbean cuisines. There are empanadas, guacamole, crawfish queso, seafood paella, a selection of ceviches and more. The drink menu ranges from margaritas to a paloma, white sangria and a mezcal negroni.

(110 S. Rampart St., 504-3080880; besame-nola.com)

French Quarter Fest-goers can still find chef Paul Artigues’ food, but at a new location and different concept. The former chef-owner of Green Goddess recently opened Breakaway’s R&B in Marigny. There are a couple of holdover dishes from the former vegetarian-friendly restaurant, but the new spot is grounded in New Orleans home-style cooking — with some creative dishes interspersed. Red beans and rice are available in vegan and non-vegan versions with either chaurice sausage, shrimp or tofu. There also are sandwiches, gumbo and more, and the bar serves a short list of snowball cocktails. The kitchen is open late.

(2529 Dauphine St., 504-571-5179; breakawaysrb.com)

BIJOU After spending years cooking under chef Susan Spicer, Eason Barksdale and partners opened Bijou Restaurant and Bar on the edge of the French Quarter. It’s more of a tavern with fine food than fine dining, and on Fridays and Saturdays the bar stays open late after the kitchen closes at 11 p.m. The menu is largely filled with sharable plates, such as tuna

LE CHAT NOIR The former home to the cabaret space Le Chat Noir is open under that name again, but now it’s a fine dining restaurant, with ties to

the Bearcat Café brunch spots.

The oyster selection comes from Gulf Coast waters and as well as choices from Prince Edward Island and other cold-water areas.

Chef Seth Temple’s appetizers include chicken liver terrine, pork belly with rosemary mustard and date puree, and anchovies with focaccia. Large plates range from mussels Marseille and crab fat agnolotti to a grilled rib-eye for two.

(715 St. Charles Ave., 504-3810045; lechatnoirnola.com)

ORIGINAL SLAP BURGERS AT MARIE’S BAR & KITCHEN Chad Barlow took over the kitchen space at this Marigny bar to serve his slap burgers. Patties are smashed on the grill and cooked with crisped edges. Customers can order multiple patties, and the short menu also includes fries and tots, and there are Oreo beignets for dessert.

(2483 Burgundy St., 504-2675869; @originalslapburger on Instagram)

THAIHEY NOLA Relocated from Baton Rouge, ThaiHey offers a range of regional

Thai dishes in a cozy spot on upper Decatur Street and there is outdoor seating. Chef-owner Orawin Yimchalam Greene’s menu includes a fried shrimp roll, larb duck salad, crab fried rice and fried soft-shell crab with black pepper sauce. From northern Thailand, there’s spicy oxtail soup and chicken drumsticks with yellow curry noodle soup. There also are vegan options such as spicy eggplant with jasmine rice and pumpkin curry with Thai basil.

(308 Decatur St., 504-354-8646; thaiheythaifood.com)

WAKIN’ BAKIN’ For the fest goers who go hard till the sun comes up! The sunny spot at the corner of Dumaine and Dauphine streets has been home to several breakfast spots over the years. At the end of 2021, Conrad Chura opened the third location of his breakfast and lunch spot Wakin’ Bakin’ there.

The menu includes breakfast sandwiches, omelets, shrimp etouffee and grits with poached eggs, biscuits and sausage gravy and an OG Bowl with eggs, bacon and cheddar cheese over grits.

(900 Dumaine St., 504-233-3877; wakinbakin.com)

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FRENCH QUARTER Festival 2022

AFTER THE FEST: NE W BARS AND CLUB S

NIGHTLIFE IS HUMMING AGAIN in New Orleans. That means there’s plenty of live music, and bars aren’t closing early. Since the shutdowns began, a few new spots opened their doors. Here are some of the new nightspots in the French Quarter and beyond.

ONE EYED JACKS PRESENTS One Eyed Jacks shuttered its club space on Toulouse Street during the pandemic, but it kept going as One Eyed Jacks Presents, moving shows and booking new ones at other venues. Some of those shows opened at the venue that succeeded it on Toulouse Street, Toulouse Theatre. Then, in the final weeks of Carnival, One Eyed Jacks Presents found a new home, in the Decatur Street space formerly home to B.B. King’s Blues Club. There, it’s been presenting touring bands and local performers and revived its Fast Times ’80s dance night and other DJ nights.

This week, the club presents The Soul Rebels with IFE, an electronic music project from producer and percussionist Otura Mun. The show is on Friday, April 22. Where Y’acht performs on Saturday, April 23, and Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns are on Sunday, April 24.

One Eyed Jacks Presents also continues to book shows at other venues around town, such as Gasa Gasa.

(1204 Decatur St., oneeyedjacks.net)

TOULOUSE THEATRE Ben Jaffe is the longtime artistic director of Preservation Hall. But he and wife Jeanette Jaffe and Clayton and Boo Randle partnered to open Toulouse Theatre. They renovated the space formerly home to One Eyed Jacks, and the central horseshoe-shaped bar is gone.

But the theater has been hosting live music shows and other events.

It’s dark this week, but has several shows scheduled at the end of the month during Jazz Fest. Heartless Bastards perform on April 27.

Some late-night jams include John Medeski with Kirk Joseph, Will Bernard and Terrence Higgins on April 29, and Maurice Mobetta Brown with Anderson .Paak, MonoNeon and others on May 1.

(615 Toulouse St., 504-571-9771; toulousetheatre.com)

P H O T O B Y I A N M C N U LT Y / T H E T I M E S - P I C AY U N E

Pluck Wine Bar opened during the pandemic.

ANNA’S Mimi’s in the Marigny closed for the shutdowns and never reopened.

It was replaced by Anna’s, named for bar director Anna Giordano. It operates the same as Mimi’s, with bars upstairs and downstairs, and there’s a kitchen offering creative small plates, with a limited menu offered past midnight daily.

(2601 Royal St., annasnola.com)

PLUCK This wine bar opened a year ago just off St. Charles Avenue in the Warehouse District. It has a menu of small plates and dishes by Heathcliffe Hailey, who previously ran the kitchen at the now-shuttered Mimi’s in the Marigny. There are bubbles, reds, whites, orange and pink wines by the glass, as well as a long list of bottles. It has a spare but stylish design inside, and there’s a small patio space. Pluck is open until midnight Thursday through Saturday.

(722 Girod St.; pluckwines.com)

THE WILL AND THE WAY The restaurant group LeBlanc + Smith closed Longshore Tavern during the pandemic, and then remodeled the space and opened The Will and the Way. There’s seating in the sleek indoor lounge as well as on the back patio. The menu offers a handful of small plates, plus a burger, a chicken dish and desserts. The cocktail menu combines classic and creative drinks, as well as a limited selection of beer and wine.

(719 Toulouse St.; thewillandtheway.com)

The Bayer Feed a Bee Pollinator Habitat in Audubon Zoo’s Asia between the orangutan and elephant exhibits showcases native pollinator-friendly flowers.

By Amanda McElfresh amcelfresh@theadvocate.com This article is brought to you by Audubon Nature Institute

Springtime blooms mean that pollinators such as bees and other insects are more visible, but this isn’t the only time of the year when they are present in South Louisiana. Because pollinator species are so varied, some can be seen in the region year-round. And, it’s not just bees. Butterflies, beetles, birds, bats, and some other small mammals also serve as pollinators in various capacities and play an important role in the global environment.

In fact, pollinators are responsible for providing one out of every three bites of food, including favorites like chocolate and coffee. They also help 90% of the planet’s flowering plants—including crops—reproduce.

But unfortunately, many pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss from urban development, pollution, chemical misuse and climate change.

This means pollinators are losing the food and nesting sites that are critical for their survival. In turn, these population declines can have a significant impact on the world’s food supply and overall ecosystem.

The good news is that there are several ways that individuals can support pollinators and reduce harmful impacts on them. Some tips from Audubon Nature Institute include: •Set up bee condos, bat houses, bird feeders and bird baths in your yard.

•Plant native flowering species that are grown without pesticides.

•Avoid using chemical pesticides.

•Purchase organic produce grown without pesticides, shade-grown coffee and locally-produced organic honey.

•If you live in an apartment, plant native pollinator-friendly flowers in window boxes, put out window-mounted bird feeders and baths and purchase local, organically produced foods as much as possible.

The “Criaturas de la Noche” bat house in Audubon Zoo’s Jaguar Jungle features some nocturnal species, like bats and small mammals, you might be surprised to learn are also pollinators.

In addition, Audubon Nature Institute is proud to launch this year’s Party for the Planet presented by Entergy. This series of events and activities about making a positive impact on nature and wildlife will focus on healthy habitats with a special emphasis on the SAFE Monarch and SAFE North American Songbird programs.

•Since outdoor domestic cats are a large contributor to the decline in North American songbird populations, keep pet cats indoors and use humane trap/neuter/release programs to help manage feral cat populations.

•Instead of killing bees or destroying hives, contact a local beekeeper to safely relocate them.

•Don’t manicure your lawn too much— heavy cover, plants other than turf grass, mud puddles, and rotting wood all help various insect pollinators find nutrition and safe places for nest, resting, and more.

You can find even more inspiration and see wild pollinators in action at the Butterfly Circle and Bayer Feed A Bee Pollinator Habitat at Audubon Zoo or by exploring the Gumbel Fountain Bed and Usdin Gardens in Audubon Park. In addition, bees, butterflies and bugs are plentiful along the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center’s trails, including a dedicated pollinator path that also serves as a stop for migratory birds.

A wild honey bee collects pollen from a zinnia in the Zoo’s Bayer Feed a Bee Pollinator Habitat.

The festivities begin on Saturday, April 23, at Audubon Louisiana Nature Center with Party for the Planet presented by Entergy: Spring Into Action in honor of Earth Day. There is no admission fee, and visitors can receive pollinator seeds to extend the positive impact into their own yards and gardens.

The 33rd Annual Zoo-To-Do For Kids presented by Children’s Hospital New Orleans on Friday, April 29, and the 44th Annual Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do on Friday, May 6, will also celebrate Audubon’s conservation efforts for pollinators with family-friendly activities and educational sessions.

At Audubon Nature Institute, supporting pollinators is an important part of the overall mission, and its museums and parks are home to dozens of pollinator species, both wild and in human care. The bats in the Zoo’s “Criaturas de la Noche” nocturnal house, the birds in the Zoo’s aviary and the Aquarium’s Parakeet Pointe and the wild bees, beetles, flies, wasps, and butterflies in various gardens all play an important role in the larger ecosystem. As part of this ongoing commitment, Audubon Zoo is currently renovating its former Tropical Bird House, which will reopen with more than 20 species of birds, and the upcoming renovations to Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium will bring back the fan favorite butterfly and insect exhibits.

The community’s support of this spring’s Zoo-To-Do events will allow Audubon to continue its wildlife conservation efforts for hundreds of critical species, including pollinators. For more information, visit https://action.audubonnatureinstitute.org/.

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Toungue tied

FORK + CENTER

Mexican flavors drive the tasting menu at Lengua Madre FOR CHEF ANA CASTRO, nostalgia is one of the ingredients in the dishes she creates at Lengua Madre, the restaurant she owns with chef-restaurateur Michael Stoltzfus at 1245 Constance St. in the Lower Garden District. It brings her back to her childhood and her grandmother’s kitchen in Mexico City, where a bevy of aunts buzzed around the kitchen with a young Castro always underfoot.

Her grandmother was one of 17, so a family feast took days of preparation, she says. “We made very traditional dishes, sometimes we’d be picking through 180 pounds of salted cod or chopping seaweed, but always with boxes of pastry on the table and coffee brewing.

There was always chatter and gossip. Of all the cousins, I was most drawn to be with the adult women in the kitchen.”

“My aunt Patricia called me a ‘tapascuana,’ which means an annoying flying palmetto bug,” she says. “She said to me, ‘I can’t seem to get rid of you, so you can stay.

But don’t say anything — and don’t repeat anything you hear.’”

While Castro doesn’t try to recreate flavors or dishes from childhood, she riffs off those memories to create something of her own. Lengua Madre means mother tongue, a learned language for Castro that appears on her plates.

“Memories are fragile, like a bubble, and they can burst,” she says. “I try to have my grandmother represented in everything that I do, but not exactly. She’s always with me.”

At 33, Castro has her own kitchen and a groovy lounge-meets-dining space awash in pink neon. A variety of terracotta pendants add a warm glow over the bar, a lovely touch from Alex and Cindy Williams of Potsalot Pottery. There’s an open kitchen, light maple tables, checkerboard linoleum and seating for 36. Service is expert and warm, and there’s a team approach to introducing dishes on the changing five course menu that unfolds as a

|

by Beth D’Addono

surprise over the course of the meal.

One recent evening, the five-course, $70 menu started with a warm shot of shrimp broth, a flavor-packed slurp built on slowly steeped shells and heads, presented on a bed of dried black beans, rice and corn — three ingredients that inform many of the restaurants’ dishes. The broth was bright with lime and had a hint of heat on the back end.

Next, a tlacoyo — a canoe-shaped base of houseground masa, fatter than a tortilla — was layered with creamy spiced ayocote black beans, crema and a tangle of daikon ribbons in shallot vinaigrette. Long grain Louisiana rice was paired with poblano peppers, cilantro, mustard greens, nibs of shrimp and bonito flakes.

A white mole studded with puffed amaranth, an ancient grain that predates European colonization, was topped with fried cauliflower. There also was crispy roasted pork belly pibil, burnished with local citrus and served with x’nipec spicy sauce, a Yucatan specialty made with habanero peppers, purple onion, citrus and salt, with warm house tortillas on the side. Local strawberries were steamed in rose, vermouth and chamomile broth and folded into a nicuatole, a custard popular in Oaxaca.

With advance notice, Castro can accommodate diners with allergies or preferences — swapping out ingredients like pork or shellfish, adapting a recipe to be vegan or vegetarian.

Although the refined five-course menu is the restaurant’s signature offering, a trial run kicked off on April 11 for the more casual Cantina, a regular Monday event with a la carte walk-in service for counter and outdoor seating. With dishes priced from $8, Castro sees the Cantina as

Juneteenth dinner

COLLABORATION HAS BEEN A KEY PART OF SERIGNE MBAYE’S JOURNEY IN NEW ORLEANS. Now, this rising

P H OTO BY C H E RY L G E R B E R

Chef Ana Castro at Lengua Madre. a meeting place for her fellow hospitality workers on their off night.

“I want to reach out to the industry, to bartenders and line cooks, so they can come in and see what we are doing,” she says. “It’s a way to find each other on a Monday.”

Castro’s food is gorgeous and complex, rife with ingredients and combinations that speak to her passion for her Mexican roots, love of travel and obsession with Japanese cuisine. Building on a foundation that includes experience in New York and working in the Michelin-starred Restaurant Relæ, in Copenhagen, Castro came to New Orleans a few years ago to regroup and be near her sister.

Here, she found community and the kind of connections she’d been missing in her life. She also found a job as sous chef at Thalia, now her Lengua Madre.

“The idea of this tasting menu is to relax and let me take care of you,” she says. “This is our house, me and my team. We’re in charge; just let it happen.”

?

WHAT

Lengua Madre

WHERE

1245 Constance St., (504) 655-1338; lenguamadrenola.com

WHEN

Dinner Wed.-Mon.

HOW

Email dining@gambitweekly.com

Dine-in

CHECK IT OUT

Tasting menus infused with Mexican flavors

star chef has assembled a crew of collaborators for a celebration of Juneteenth that doubles as a road trip and an exploration of African-American culinary roots.

Called Afro Freedom / Afro Feast, it will take place on a farm in Petal, Mississippi, near Hattiesburg, with a communal meal centered around outdoor open-fire cooking.

“I want to practice how our ancestors used to eat when they celebrated Juneteenth, to demonstrate those techniques,” Mbaye says. “It wasn’t a style, it was a means of survival, and this is an homage to our ancestors.”

Juneteenth, marking June 19, 1865 when formerly enslaved people got word of their emancipation, inspired Mbaye to hold a series of dinners last year. One of the guests was Ben Burkett, a leader in the Black farming community. He invited Mbaye to do an event on his farm in Petal.

P H OTO BY I A N M C N U LT Y / T H E T I M E S - P I C AY U N E

Mbaye is best known for Dakar NOLA, the pop-up and communal dinner series blending Senegalese and Creole cuisine. He also cooks at the Uptown restaurant Mosquito Supper Club. He’s one of six finalists for this year’s James Beard award for Emerging Chef, a national honor.

For Afro Freedom / Afro Feast he’ll be joined by the chefs Charly Pierre of the Haitian restaurant Fritai; Martha Wiggins of Cafe Reconcile; Indigo Martin of Indigo Soul Cuisine; and baker Sim J Harris, of House of Brown Sugar.

The menu will be based on each chef’s interpretation of PAGE 39

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FORK & CENTER important heritage foods, including barbecue, smothered beans and greens, and jollof rice, a West African dish akin to jambalaya, and red velvet cake.

Cocktails will be fielded by Turning Tables, the New Orleans-based nonprofit working to increase equity for people of color in the bar and spirits business.

Tickets are $150. Bus transportation will be available for the event. Proceeds benefit the Indian Springs Farmers Association, a cooperative for Black farmers in Mississippi. Get tickets via exploretock.com. — IAN McNULTY / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Seafood connection

THE CLATTER OF HATCHETS ON SHELLS

fell silent as the boxy metal fishing boat drifted in a slow circle on Adams Bay, near the fishing port of Empire, Louisiana.

The just-harvested oysters that the crew had been sorting remained the center of attention, and the subject of talk between the oyster boat captain and his visitors.

A small skiff had pulled up alongside, and up to the oyster boat climbed Dana Honn, chef at Carmo, and Lindsay Allday and Jeff Spoo, “oyster sommelier” and shucker, respectively, at Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar. Mike Bianchini and his crew of two fellow Plaquemines Parish natives welcomed the visit and the chance to meet the restaurant people who serve the product they work hard to obtain. They talked about what they do — about salinity, seasonality and place — right where it all happens. They all ate oysters out of hand, tossing the shells back over the side.

“People normally don’t see this part of it; they don’t see anything about it at the restaurant,” he says.

The waterborne visit was part of a New Orleans-based program called Chefs on Boats. It’s a growing effort to connect restaurant professionals with the people who harvest their seafood, with the aim of building better understanding and stronger allies as Louisiana’s coast grapples with historic change.

The project represents an evolution of Chef’s Brigade, a nonprofit effort that formed in 2020 as the pandemic was closing restaurants and imperiling hospitality businesses. The group paid otherwise idled restaurants to cook for first responders, health care workers and others as the pandemic fight raged. By the time it concluded, the program supplied 3.7 million meals.

Along the way, Chef’s Brigade co-founder Troy Gilbert built a network across the restaurant industry.

“We had 90 restaurants in the program and it blew my mind to discover the disconnect they had from the seafood industry,” Gilbert says.

Chefs on Boats is aimed at restaurant people across the board, from line cooks to managers and bartenders.

“These people can be the ambassadors for our seafood,” Gilbert says. “When they put a plate of delicious oysters down in front of someone from out of town, they have that chance to tell them where it came from, what’s at stake on our coast.”

Chefs on Boats showcases the work of fishermen and the challenges facing Louisiana’s coast from land loss and climate change.

Richie Blink is a boat captain who grew up in a fishing family in Empire. At 35, he’s already seen remarkable changes to the coast from the times when he first set out on boats here as a kid.

He started his business Delta Discovery Tours to share the story of the coast. His clientele includes students, scientists, journalists and tourists out for something different from the conventional swamp tour.

For his Chefs on Boats outings, Blink takes visitors to the estuaries on each side of the Mississippi River, which offer a stark contrast.

He shows areas that were once dense marsh and now have changed to nearly open water.

On the other side of the river, he shows areas where soil-laden waters continue to build new land, flowing through small gaps in the river levee across a swiftly growing marshland.

“We’ve got to get people understanding the changes that are happening and about the ways to take advantage of new opportunities, because there will be those, too,” says Honn.

The outings are limited to the half dozen or so people. That means they can visit and spend one-onone time with the fishermen. Since starting last year, it’s made over a dozen trips, carrying about 60 restaurant professionals.

“These waters, the seafood industry, the fishing families, it’s part of Louisiana culture that makes us who we are,” Blink says.

“It looks like it’s going away but there’s still that can-do spirit, and I think that will get us through these challenges.”

For more information about Chefs on Boats, see chefsonboats.org. — IAN McNULTY / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

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Michelle Gueydon

OF THE

WEEK

Wine expert

by Will Coviello WHILETRAVELINGEXTENSIVELYIN CAREERSINPOLITICSANDASSETMANAGEMENT, Michelle Gueydon developed

a love of wine and food. She has experience working in vineyards and studying wine-making, as well as certified wine education. She has also served as Virginia’s wine ambassador, director of wine for John Besh’s restaurant group, and currently works with South to South wine importers. In May, she’ll teach a course at the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute for service industry professionals as well as wine enthusiasts, covering a wide range of wine knowledge and tasting experiences. For information on Gueydon, see facebook.com/covinomichelle.

For information about the wine class, go to nochi.org/nwp.

How did you develop your wine knowledge?

MICHELLE GUEYDON: I am not someone who grew up with wine at my table at all. I didn’t know wine came from grapes. But I went to college in (New York’s) Finger Lakes region — Hobart and William Smith Colleges. In my free time, I used to leaf pull at Dr. (Konstantin) Frank vineyards. And I took some classes.

I have been in the wine industry for about 16 years, but I was first in politics and scheduling and events management. I joke that my first job was in politics and that’s why I drink for a living now. I worked for a wine collector and I started taking (Wine Spirit Education Trust) WSET (classes) thinking I might be involved in the wine industry in the future. The CMS (Court of Master Sommeliers) is a little more service based. WSET is a little more technical. You can go into wine making, wine writing. At that point, I was just interested in learning more. There are reasons we take certifications. It’s great to have that certification, but sometimes people get lost in that. You have a piece of paper and a pen and you’re studying for a test, but wine and food are an evolving culture.

Over the course of my career, I have participated in many aspects of the wine and food world. I was a harvest intern in Sonoma — walking the fields, picking the grapes.

That helped me immensely — getting dirty, understanding it at the ground level.

What do you notice about wine and wine service when you go into a restaurant?

G: I Iike to see things that are unique to that restaurant. I cringe when I see a bunch of restaurants in an area that all have the same wine list. I look for adventure. I like to see a wine bar or a restaurant with a signature.

With the service aspect, a lot of wine makers and oenologists call themselves custodians of the land. We need to be custodians of wine in service.

We need to know how to articulate other palates. If you try some new stuff, how do you interpret why you liked that new wine — because you ventured from a cabernet and tried a tannat?

I am working for a South African wine importer right now, and it opened my eyes to what’s going on there. I have learned so much from my conversations with wine makers. Most interesting is the diversity of varieties in South Africa. At the beginning, I thought chenin blanc and pinotage was what they had to offer. Now they’ve come a long way. The soils are so old — the soils there are older than in Bordeaux. They’re going back to older techniques.

They’re using bush vines, which are smaller yield, so there’s more concentration of flavor.

The other thing I like to see when I walk into a restaurant is that it’s not about saying, “What’s your favorite wine? I’ll take that.”

I always say you always respond with a question: “What are you in the mood for, what do you like to drink?” We’re not dictating palates, it’s about understanding palates.

What are you including in the class at NOCHI?

G: The syllabus is an amalgamation. The goal is that participants will gain a higher level of knowledge related to varieties, regions and understanding labels, winemaking decisions and processes and food pairings. But they will walk away and know how to apply their

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MICHELLE GUEYDON

knowledge with confidence and adventure in future wine experiences, whether you are in hospitality as a career or an enthusiast who wants to better understand wine.

The history (of wine) is really important. That’s where this whole “natural” — I use the term very loosely because it is not defined — but the movement, a lot of winemakers are going back to the ways things were done.

(We’ll cover) the fingerprints of the major grape varietals. That was a cabernet because it has these qualities on fruits, herbal qualities, secondary characteristics.

Evaluating and tasting wines is the best way to do that. The major wine regions, touching on the ones connected to history (that) are coming back into our world, like Croatia, Serbia and Lebanon.

I do a wine pairing workshop.

It breaks down pairing the components of food with different types of wine. We’re going to do a pop-up and study the way (students) interact with people.

Being more diplomatic and taking the knowledge we’ve learned and convey it to other people and have fun with it instead of rote memorization. You don’t have to be a certified sommelier to be great at service and deliver service that is uniquely ours.

NOCHI is fostering a continuing culture of learning and education.

Louisiana has a great community of food and beverage. Most of that surrounds cocktails, but wine has come a long way.

Treana

Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon

The Treana Cabernet represents all that makes Paso Robles a world class wine region. This rich dark wine is robust in flavor and structure. Aromas of fresh ground coffee, leather and dark fruit awaken your senses. Sweet vanilla, spicy black pepper and layered smoke coat your palate before a touch of youthful acidity and medium tannin leave a smooth silky finish that lingers.

DISTRIBUTED BY

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WINE

3 COURSE INTERVIEW

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O U T T O E AT C O M P L E T E L I S T I N G S A T W W W. B E S T O F N E W O R L E A N S . C O M Out 2 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.

7th Ward

Nonno’s Cajun Cuisine and Pastries — 2025 N. Claiborne Ave., (504) 354-1364; nonnoscajuncuisineandpastries.com — The menu includes home-style Cajun and Creole dishes with some vegan options. Shrimp is sauteed with onion and bell pepper, topped with cheese and served with two eggs and toast. Reservations accepted. Delivery available.

Breakfast and lunch daily. $$

CBD

Juan’s Flying Burrito — 515 Baronne St., (504) 529-5825; juansflyingburrito.com — See Uptown section for restaurant description. Outdoor dining available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. $$

CARROLLTON

Mid City Pizza — 6307 S. Miro St., (504) 509-6224; midcitypizza.com — See Mid-City section for restaurant description. Takeout and delivery available. Lunch Thu.-Sun., dinner Thu.-Mon. $$ Mikimoto — 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881; mikimotosushi.com — The South Carrollton roll includes tuna tataki, avocado and snow crab.

Takeout and delivery available. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. $$ Nice Guys Bar & Grill — 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-2404; niceguysbarandgrillnola.com — Char-grilled oysters are topped with cheese, and a lobster tail or fried catfish fillet are optional additions. The menu also includes wings, quesadillas, burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood pasta and more. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. $$$

CITYWIDE

Breaux Mart — Citywide; breauxmart. com — The deli counter’s changing specials include dishes such as baked catfish and red beans and rice. Lunch and dinner daily. $

FRENCH QUARTER

Desire Oyster Bar — Royal Sonesta New Orleans, 300 Bourbon St., (504) 586-0300; sonesta.com/desireoysterbar — The menu features Gulf seafood in traditional and contemporary Creole dishes, po-boys and more. Char-grilled oysters are topped with Parmesan, herbs and butter. Reservations recommended.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$

HARAHAN/JEFFERSON/ RIVER RIDGE

The Rivershack Tavern — 3449 River Road, (504) 834-4938; therivershacktavern.com — This bar and music spot offers a menu of burgers, sandwiches and changing lunch specials. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily. $ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 1212 S. Clearview Parkway, Elmwood, (504)

$ — average dinner entrée under $10 $$ — $11-$20 $$$ — $20-up

733-3803; theospizza.com — There is a wide variety of specialty pies and toppings to build your own pizza.

The menu also includes salads and sandwiches. Takeout and delivery available. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. $

LAKEVIEW

The Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar — 7900 Lakeshore Drive, (504) 284-2898; thebluecrabnola.com — The menu includes sandwiches, fried seafood platters, boiled seafood and more. Basin barbecue shrimp and grits features eight jumbo shrimp over creamy cheese grits and a cheese biscuit. Outdoor seating available. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. $$ Lakeview Brew Coffee Cafe — 5606 Canal Blvd., (504) 483-7001; lakeviewbrew.com — This casual cafe offers coffee, pastries, desserts, sandwiches and salads. Tuna salad or chicken salad avocado melts are topped with Monterey Jack and Parmesan.

Takeout and delivery available.

Breakfast and lunch daily. $

METAIRIE

Andrea’s Restaurant — 3100 N. 19th St., Metairie, (504) 834-8583; andreasrestaurant.com — Chef Andrea Apuzzo’s speckled trout royale is topped with crabmeat and lemon-cream sauce. Capelli D’Andrea combines house-made angel hair pasta and smoked salmon in cream sauce. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun. $$$ Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop — 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 8352022; gumbostop.com — The Seafood Platter comes with fried catfish, shrimp, oysters and crab balls and is accompanied by fries and choice of side. There are several types of gumbo on the menu. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. $$ Kosher Cajun New York Deli & Grocery — 3519 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 888-2010; koshercajun.com — This New York-style deli specializes in sandwiches, including corned beef and pastrami that come from the Bronx. Takeout available. Lunch Sun.Thu., dinner Mon.-Thu. $ Martin Wine Cellar — 714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, (504) 896-7350; martinwine.com — See Uptown section for restaurant description. No reservations. Lunch daily. $$ Nephew’s Ristorante — 4445 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, (504) 5339998; nephewsristorante.com — Chef Frank Catalanotto is the namesake “nephew” who ran the kitchen at his late uncle Tony Angello’s restaurant.

The Creole-Italian menu features dishes like veal, eggplant or chicken parmigiana, and Mama’s Eggplant with red gravy and Romano cheese.

Reservations required. Dinner Tue.Sat. $$ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 2125 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 510-4282; theospizza.com PAGE 44

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— See Harahan/Jefferson section for restaurant description. $ Short Stop Po-Boys — 119 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie, (504) 885-4572; shortstoppoboysno. com — The menu includes more than 30 po-boys along with other Louisiana staples. Fried Louisiana oysters and Gulf shrimp are served on a Leidenheimer loaf with lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. $

MID-CITY/TREME Angelo Brocato’s — 214 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 486-1465; angelobrocatoicecream.com — This sweet shop serves its own gelato, spumoni, Italian ice, cannolis, fig cookies and other treats. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. $ Frey Smoked Meat Co. — 4141 Bienville St., Suite 110, (504) 488-7427; freysmokedmeat.com — The barbecue restaurant serves pulled pork, St. Louis ribs, brisket, sausages and more. Pork belly poppers are fried cubes of pork belly tossed in pepper jelly glaze. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. $$ Juan’s Flying Burrito — 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 486-9950; juansflyingburrito.com — See Uptown section for restaurant description.

Outdoor dining available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. $$ Katie’s Restaurant — 3701 Iberville St., (504) 488-6582; katiesinmidcity.com — Favorites include the Cajun Cuban with roasted pork, grilled ham, cheese and pickles pressed on buttered bread. The Boudreaux pizza is topped with cochon de lait, spinach, red onions, roasted garlic and scallions.

Takeout, curbside pickup and delivery available. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. $$ Mid City Pizza — 4400 Banks St., (504) 483-8609; midcitypizza.com — The neighborhood pizza joint serves New York-style pies, plus calzones, sandwiches and salads. Signature shrimp remoulade pizza includes spinach, red onion, garlic, basil and green onion on an garlic-olive oil brushed curst.

Takeout and delivery available. Lunch Thu.-Sun., dinner Thu.-Mon. $$ Neyow’s Creole Cafe — 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474; neyows.com — The menu includes New Orleans favorites such as red beans with fried chicken or pork chops, as well as grilled or fried seafood plates, po-boys, raw or chargrilled oysters, pasta, salads and more.

Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 4024 Canal St., (504) 302-1133; theospizza. com — See Harahan/Jefferson section for restaurant description. $

UPTOWN Joey K’s — 3001 Magazine St., (504) 891-0997; joeyksrestaurant.com — The menu includes fried seafood platters, salads, sandwiches and red beans and rice. Sauteed trout Tchoupitoulas is topped with shrimp and crabmeat and served with vegetables and potatoes.

Delivery available. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$ Juan’s Flying Burrito — 2018 Magazine St., (504) 569-0000; 5538 Magazine St., (504) 897-4800; juansflyingburrito.com — The Flying Burrito includes grilled steak, shrimp, chicken, cheddar-jack cheese, black beans, yellow rice, salsa la fonda, guacamole and sour cream. The menu also has tacos, quesadillas, nachos and more.

Outdoor seating available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. $$ Martin Wine Cellar — 3827 Baronne St., (504) 894-7444; martinwine.com — The deli at the wine and spirit shop serves sandwiches, salads and more.

The Sena salad includes pulled roasted chicken, golden raisins, blue cheese, pecans and field greens tossed with Tobasco pepperjelly vinaigrette. No reservations. Lunch daily. $$ Red Gravy — 4206 Magazine St., (504) 561-8844; redgravycafe.com — Thin cannoli pancakes are filled with cannoli cream and topped with chocolate.

The menu includes brunch items, pasta dishes, sandwiches, baked goods and more. Takeout available. $$ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 4218 Magazine St., (504) 894-8554; theospizza.com — See Harahan/ Jefferson section for restaurant description. $ Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco — 5015 Magazine St., (504) 267-7612; titoscevichepisco.com — The Peruvian menu includes a version of the traditional dish lomo saltado, featuring beef tenderloin tips sauteed with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, soy sauce and pisco, and served with fried potatoes and rice. Dine-in, outdoor seating and delivery available. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT

NORTHSHORE

Annunciation — 1016 Annunciation St., (504) 568-0245; annunciationrestaurant.com — The menu highlights Gulf seafood in Creole, Cajun and Southern dishes. Fried oysters and skewered bacon are served with meuniere sauce and toasted French bread.

Reservations required. Dinner Thu.Sun. $$$ The Mill — 1051 Annunciation St., (504) 582-9544; themillnola.com — Short ribs are braised with red wine and served with risotto. Reservations accepted.

Dinner Thu.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun. $$

The Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar — 118 Harbor View Court, Slidell, (985) 315-7001; thebluecrabnola.com — See Lakeview section for restaurant description. No reservations. Lunch Fri.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Sun. $$ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 70488 Highway 21, Covington, (985) 2349420; theospizza.com — See Harahan/ Jefferson section for restaurant description. $

Mosca’s — 4137 Highway 90 West, Westwego, (504) 436-8950; moscasrestaurant.com — This family-style eatery serves shrimp Mosca, chicken a la grande and baked oysters Mosca, made with breadcrumbs and Italian seasonings. Curbside pickup available.

Dinner Wed.-Sat. Cash only. $$$

WEST BANK

45

FESTIVAL TIME!

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F O R C O M P L E T E M U S I C L I S T I N G S A N D M O R E E V E N T S TA K I N G P L AC E I N T H E N E W O R L E A N S A R E A , V I S I T C A L E N D A R . G A M B I T W E E K LY. C O M To learn more about adding your event to the music calendar, please email listingsedit@gambitweekly.com

TUESDAY 19 BAYOU BAR AT THE PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL — Peter Harris Quartet, 7 pm CARNAVAL LOUNGE — Wojtek Industries, 9 pm DOS JEFES — Tom Hook, Wendell Brunious, 8:30 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Richard “Piano” Scott, 12:30 pm; Fritzel’s All Star Band, 8 pm GASA GASA — DUMMY, Lawn, Primpce, 9 pm KITCHEN TABLE CAFÉ — Kitchen Table Cafe Trio, 7 pm SATURN BAR — Benefit for Louisiana Tornado Relief, 6 pm ZONY MASH BEER PROJECT — Rebirth Brass Band, 7 pm

WEDNESDAY 20 BAYOU BAR AT THE PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL — Peter Harris Trio, 7 pm BLUE NILE — New Breed Brass Band, 9 pm CAFE NEGRIL — Colin Davis and Night People, 10:30 pm D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS — Tin Men, 6 pm; Walter "Wolfman" Washington & the Roadmasters, 9 pm DOS JEFES — Joe Krown, 8:30 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Richard "Piano" Scott, 12:30 pm; Bourbon Street All Star Trio, 7 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 9 pm GASA GASA — Pom Pom Squad, Chloe Lilac, 9 pm HOTEL MONTELEONE — James Martin Band, 8 pm LAFAYETTE SQUARE PARK — Flow Tribe and N.O.B.A.B.E., 5 pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS — Electric Yat String Quartet , 5 pm MADAME VIC'S — Dr. Redwine's Grape Stompers, 8 pm MRB BAR & KITCHEN — Lynn Drury, 7 pm PALM COURT JAZZ CAFE — New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra, 7:30 pm SANTOS — Russell Welch Swamp Moves Trio , 8 pm; Quarx w/Sunday Circus and Two-Tone Marigold, 9 pm SIDNEY'S SALOON — Slow Crush w/ Cathedral Bells and TBA, 8 pm THE SANDBAR — Ashlin Parker, 7 pm

THURSDAY 21 BAYOU BAR AT THE PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL — Peter Harris Quartet, 8 pm BLUE NILE — Where Y'at Brass Band, 9 pm BUFFA'S — Tom McDermott and Aurora Nealand, 7 & 9 pm CARNAVAL LOUNGE — T Marie and Bayou Juju live recording show, 6 pm

CARROLLTON STATION — Loose Cattle with Evermore Nest, 7 pm D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS — John Boutté, 7 pm; Mainline, 10 pm DOS JEFES — Mark Coleman Trio, 8:30 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Doyle Cooper Trio, 2:30 pm; John Saavadra Trio, 6 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 9 pm GASA GASA — The Bloomie, The Jinks, 9 pm JOY THEATER — Jordan Davis, 7 pm KITCHEN TABLE CAFÉ — Dr. Mark St. Cyr Traditional Jazz Band, 7 pm LE BON TEMPS ROULE — Soul Rebels, 10 pm MADAME VIC'S — Walter "Wolfman" Washington, 8 pm MARIGNY OPERA HOUSE — Debussy & Jeff Pagano Sonatas, 6:30 pm ORPHEUM THEATER — Heroes, Dreamers, & Trailblazers: James Baldwin, 7:30 pm PALM COURT JAZZ CAFE — Duke Heitger and Tim Laughlin with the Crescent City Joymakers, 7:30 pm POUR HOUSE SALOON — Ron & Tina's Acoustic Jam, 7 pm ROCK 'N' BOWL — Rusty Metoyer & the Zydeco Krush, 8 pm SANTOS — Damned to Earth with Wizard Dick and Spitfire, 9 pm SNUG HARBOR JAZZ BISTRO — Sélène Saint-Aimé, 8 & 10 pm

FRIDAY 22 BAYOU BAR AT THE PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL — Peter Harris Trio, 8 pm BLUE NILE — John Saavadra Trio, 6 pm; The Caesar Brothers, 7 pm; To Be Continued Brass Band, 11 pm BLUE NILE BALCONY ROOM — Brass Flavor, 10 pm BUFFA'S — Dave Jordan Almost Acoustic Trio, 7 & 9 pm CARNAVAL LOUNGE — Sexy Dex and the Fresh/Whisper Party!/LeTrainiump/Aleck Woogmaster, 9 pm D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS — Aurora Nealand and the Royal Roses, 5 pm; Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, 10 pm DERBES MANSION — T Marie and Bayou Juju Dance Party + Dance Lesson , 7 pm DOS JEFES — Tom Fitzpatrick's Sax and the City, 9 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Sam Friend Trio, 2:30 pm; Lee Floyd and Thunderbolt Trio, 6 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 9 pm GASA GASA — Jolie and the Drifters, Zach Smallman, Brass Tyrannosaurus, 9 pm KERRY IRISH PUB — Patrick Cooper and Jorge Santamaria, 8 pm KRAZY KORNER — DayWalkers feat.

Waylon Thibodeaux, 1 pm MADAME VIC'S — T Marie and Bayou Juju, 8 pm

MANDEVILLE TRAILHEAD — The Mystics, 6:30 pm MUSIC BOX VILLAGE — Emily Mikesell House Band, 3 pm NEUTRAL GROUND COFFEE HOUSE — Johnny T, 7:30 pm; Nina Hungerland, 9 pm ONE EYED JACKS — Soul Rebels with ÌFÉ, 9 pm PALM COURT JAZZ CAFE — Kevin Louis & Topsy Chapman with Palm Court Jazz Band, 7:30 pm POUR HOUSE SALOON — Tiffany Pollack & Co., 8 pm REPUBLIC NOLA — The Heavy Bass Pajama Slam, 11 pm ROCK 'N' BOWL — The Good Dudes, 8:30 pm SANTOS — Goatwhore w/Brat and Herakleion, 8 pm SATURN BAR — New Orleans Swinging Gs, 10 pm SMOOTHIE KING CENTER — No Limit Reunion Tour, 7 pm SNUG HARBOR JAZZ BISTRO — Evan Christopher's Clarinet Road, 8 & 10 pm THE HIDEAWAY DEN & ARCADE — Jesse Brooks and the Living Past, 8 pm THREE KEYS (ACE HOTEL) — Cha Wa, 8:30 pm TIPITINA'S — New Orleans Suspects, 9 pm ZONY MASH BEER PROJECT — Kumasi Afrobeat Orchestra, 7 pm

SATURDAY 23 BAYOU BAR AT THE PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL — Jordan Anderson, 8 pm BLUE NILE — Washboard Rodeo, 6 pm; Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, 11 pm BLUE NILE BALCONY ROOM — The Marigny Street Brass Band, 10 pm BROTHERS THREE LOUNGE — Cast Iron Cactus, 9 pm BUFFA'S — Pfister Sisters, 7 & 9 pm CARNAVAL LOUNGE — Steele Creek with Andrew Jobin, 6 pm; Shark Attack with Afrodiziac's Jazz, 9 pm D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS — Hot Club Wood Floor Quartet, 3 pm; Tuba Skinny, 6 pm; Soul Rebels, 10 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Lee Floyd and Thunderbolt Trio, 6 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 9 pm GASA GASA — Will and The Foxhounds, 9 pm KITCHEN TABLE CAFÉ — Bad Penny Pleasuremakers, 7 pm KRAZY KORNER — DayWalkers feat.

Waylon Thibodeaux, 1 pm MADAME VIC'S — Dayna Kurtz with Robert Mache & Helen Gillet, 8 pm MUSIC BOX VILLAGE — People Museum, 10 am NEUTRAL GROUND COFFEE HOUSE — Daniel Thompson, 7:30 pm ONE EYED JACKS — Where Yacht, 9 pm PALM COURT JAZZ CAFE — Will Smith with Palm Court Jazz Band, 7:30 pm POUR HOUSE SALOON — Johnny J & the Hitmen, 9 pm

ROCK 'N' BOWL — Image, 8:30 pm SATURN BAR — Pony Hunt, Mango, Willy Gantrim, 10 pm THE BOMBAY CLUB — Anais St. John, 8 pm THE HIDEAWAY DEN & ARCADE — OX with Gristnam and Blackwater Canal, 8 pm ZONY MASH BEER PROJECT — ZYDEFEST! ft. Rockin' Dopsie Jr., Arsene Delay, Bonerama and more!, 8 pm

SUNDAY 24 BLUE NILE — The Baked Potatoes, 7 pm; Street Legends Brass Band, 10 pm BUFFA'S — Some Like It Hot, 11 am & 1 pm; Hot Stuff with Becky Allen, Chris Wecklien, Harry Mayronne, 4 pm; Steve Pistorius and His Porch Pals, 7 pm & 9 pm CARNAVAL LOUNGE — Rambull Rompers Sunday Spotlight, 9 pm CHAMPIONS SQUARE — H.E.R. Back of My Mind Tour, 7:30 pm D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS — T Palmetto Bug Stompers, 5 pm; Treme Brass Band, 9 pm DOS JEFES — Antwayne Peters, 8 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Marla Dixon Trio, 6 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 8 pm GASA GASA — Man on Man, Bruisey Peets, 9 pm MADAME VIC'S — Banjo Thunder, 7 pm MUSIC BOX VILLAGE — The Swamp Donkeys and Fowl Mouth 11-1, 11 am NEW ORLEANS — Fest By Night, 12 am PALM COURT JAZZ CAFE — Mark Braud and Sunday Night Swingsters, 7:30 pm PEACOCK ROOM, HOTEL FONTENOT — Jelani Bauman , 11 am; Rachel Murray , 7 pm POUR HOUSE SALOON — Lance Villafarra, 4 pm REPUBLIC NOLA — Tay Money, 7 pm ROYAL FRENCHMEN HOTEL & BAR — Grayson Brockamp and the New Orleans Wildlife Band, 7 pm SIDNEY'S SALOON — DarkLounge Ministries, 6 pm THE MAX — Bobby Cure and the Poppa Stoppas, 5 pm TIPITINA'S — George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners, 8 pm

MONDAY 25 BUFFA'S — Leslie Cooper and Harry Mayronne, Doyle Cooper, JD Haenni, 7 pm D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS — The Iguanas, 6 pm; Panorama Jazz Band, 9 pm DOS JEFES — John Fohl, 8:30 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Twisty River Band, 8 pm SATURN BAR — BC Coogan Piano Night, 8 pm

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PAGE 7

_thesmoothcat & the 9th Life

_THESMOOTHCAT IS AN APT MONIKER FOR NEW ORLEANS RAPPER

Joshua Henderson. He delivers clever rhymes with effortless flow and relaxed vibes, and his band, the 9th Life’s soul- and jazz-influenced backing makes it all the easier to just sink in. _thesmoothcat & the 9th Life release their new full-length album, “Foundation,” with a show at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at Humidity Skate Shop. Admission is free with registration at eventbrite. com. Find more on Instagram, @_thesmoothcatandthe9thlife.

No Limits Reunion Tour

MASTER P BRINGS NO LIMIT RECORDS BACK HOME WITH A REUNION TOUR STOP at the Smoothie King

Center at 7 p.m. Friday, April 22.

Along with Master P, the concert will feature No Limit veterans — and New Orleans hip-hop icons — Mystikal, Mia X, Silkk the Shocker, Fiend, Choppa and Mr. Serv-On along with Juvenile (who was on Cash Money Records). The Ying Yang Twins also are on the bill as special guests. Tickets start at $79 at smoothiekingcenter.com.

Big Chief Brian & Nouveau Bounce

BIG CHIEF BRIAN HARRISON NELSON OF THE GUARDIANS OF THE FLAME

blends together New Orleans bounce, African drum traditions, Black Masking Indian music and contemporary jazz for a style called Nouveau Bounce — a name inspired by his uncle Donald Harrison Jr.’s album “Nouveau Swing.” On Saturday, April 23, Nelson will present a new stage show featuring Nouveau Bounce music, dancers, African drumming and a DJ. The show also will feature artist Queen Cherice Harrison-Nelson and Know NOLA Tour’s Malik Bartholomew presenting on Mardi Gras Indian culture and its impact on New Orleans music at-large. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 at broadsidenola.com.

‘Chocolate Babies’

IN DIRECTOR STEPHEN WINTER’S 1996 COMEDY/FANTASY, a group of gen-

derqueer activists of color battle conservative politicians and seek to expose corruption in New York in the era of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Winter participates

in a Q&A after the screening.

Patois New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival presents the screening and proceeds benefit Transcending Women and Real Name Campaign New Orleans. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at the Broad Theater.

Find tickets and information at patoisfilmfest.org.

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DANCING GROUNDS AND THE CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER PRESENT the eighth annual dance-

based festival for local youth with the 2022 theme Through Our Eyes. Highlights include a Teen Night dinner and dance party featuring Big Freedia on Friday, April 22. On Saturday, Family Day includes dance, yoga, fitness sessions, art workshops and performances. Events are at the CAC, and admission to most of them is free. Visit cacno.org or Eventbrite.com for details.

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RAVITS

what we’ve to the Fair Grounds all been waiting Heritage Festival. to celebrate, eat, dance and mingle for: a triumphant It’s been a long return for the New Orleans Jazz Orleanians kept three years without & an in-person the spirit alive, 2021, thanks Jazz Fest, but whether it was in the meantime through “festing their homes. to WWOZ 90.7 FM, or by showcasing in place” in 2020 New festing can beAs anyone who lives here the vibrant posters and will incorporated into everythingconfirm, it’s not just two of past festivals in weekends a we do, including year – home decor.

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American Brass Quintet

out a space in chamber music for brass instruments. The quintet performs a program mixing modern compositions and pieces based on Gregorian chants and music from Elizabethan and Jacobean England. Friends of Music presents the show at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 25, at Tulane University’s Dixon Hall. Find tickets via freindsofmusic.org.

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SEATTLE’S EARLY GRUNGE OUTFIT ALICE IN CHAINS’S SOUND was

marked by Layne Staley’s vocals and the haunting guitar of Jerry Cantrell, who was the band’s primary songwriter and also vocalist on many tracks. (Staley died in 1998). Cantrell has put out a few solo albums, including “Brighten” last year. Cantrell performs at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at The Fillmore. Tickets $45-$75 on livenation.com.

•

Since hanging them 1982, Joe Lorio of Algiers up in a room Point has been PHOTO BY in his home. collecting Jazz SUSAN POAG / THE TIMES

-PICAYUNE LEFT: The stairway to the third with Jazz Fest floor of the posters. home of David

PHOTO BY

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New Orleans TikTok’s self-dec DIY couple, lared gay uncles, release new book this month

By KAYLEE

Scrolling through

inside

BU NN Y D E C O R P. 4 // L O C A L IN F LU EN

C E R S P. 8 // M U S I C ACC EN TS

P. 1 0 // F E S T I VA

L A R T P. 14

POCHE

TikTok

during the early “The restaurant demic, many months of the panthat I worked the most was users found at Sylvain in the source of comfort an unlikely Quarter French amid the chaos: and they faux FaceTime in their decor,” took such pride Ciolino and calls from Beau would quiz us Armato says. “They Matt “Hey sweetie, Amato. pieces in the on the different art it’s your gay restaurant, and they’d say in their videos, uncles,” all of that.”

I loved showing you before “I was like, ‘What herb garden, how to make a floating can I do that involves entertaining giving advice plants you probably on what and decor all of this stuff, won’t kill or sharing cocktail but I don’t have and have customers?” to Turns out your recipes to try. he adds, “and blog turned this into so far away after gay uncles weren’t In 2016, they that.” all. Both Ciolino and Armato Armato and work through started getting paid are Ciolino and they met from New Orleans, finishing touches putting the their jobs to their blog and quit and started on a mural. create content as Loyola University dating PHOTO BY freelance full and AUGUSTA SAGNELLI students. over the last time. The following year they two years, they’veAnd majorly renovating been they’d ditched the pink shotgun been living a late 1800s shotgun home belongings and in, sold their Orleans has in Algiers Point. “New hit the road always been camper they’d in a 1969 our story and a part of west to Texas, renovated, traveling Ciolino says. continues to be so,” California, UtahArizona, New Mexico, In their new and Colorado about three book “Housewarming,” which months. Then, for spent two years they comes out they tell their in Covington story and shareApril 19, moving back before they’ve learned to It was a lot New Orleans. about home what DIY projects and entertainingdesign, when they of moving around, and count the years. over and Amato have them up, Ciolino Though they’ve ent homes over lived in eight differthan half a million amassed more “We had to findthe last nine years.

TikTok followers during the pandemic, ways through skills and design Ciolino Amato have and DIY projectsour been creating and make those to professionally spaces feel like content Ciolino says. what life wouldfor years. Navigating “That’s really home,” spurred ‘Housewarmin look like post-gradwhat uation, they started their g’ to become a book in the “Probably This” blog first In 2020, they place.” posting about in 2014 and began food and entertaining. home together.bought their first With Ciolino’s The Algiers Point house was bigger background baking and cooking in than they and needed and Amato’s experience in a lot of work wanted ing the demolition — includwas a natural the service industry, it of a structurally fit. unsound shed brick fireplaces,— but ultimately, the high ceilings and

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Hours of Operation:

Tues - Sat Noon to 2am Sunday Noon to Midnight Monday 3pm until 2am

Filipino Food Festival

THE SOUTHERN FOOD AND BEVERAGE MUSEUM AND THE CONSULATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

host an event featuring Filipino pop-up vendors from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at the museum. There’s also a cash bar.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Reserve tickets on southernfood.org.

Burlesque Brunch

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Wed Nights 9pm and Saturday at 8pm

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FILM

Session musicians

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ‘ TA K E M E T O T H E RIVER NEW ORLEANS’

by Will Coviello

DIRECTOR MARTIN SHORE’S APPROACH TO DOCUMENTARY

in “Take Me to the River New Orleans” is to film recording sessions that his team orchestrated, and it features many good combinations of local musicians and serendipitous moments. It also hits a few self-indulgent notes, but there’s no question about the talents of the musicians involved.

The film opens with a session that straddles the divide. The session was designed for Irma Thomas and Ledisi to record Thomas’ “Wish Someone Would Care.” Thomas is all business, and Ledisi, despite her vocal talents, looks like she’s on the set of a reality TV show, unsure what cue to follow.

Throughout the session, there’s too much mugging for the camera, but there’s no question about their talents or those of the singers and musicians assembled, including George Porter Jr. Much more rewarding is the session featuring multiple generations of the Neville family. The session included Aaron, Cyril and Charles, and there’s an air of surprise and satisfaction with the arrival of Art Neville, who had previously suffered a stroke at that point but was still willing to sit down at the keyboard. Also on hand were Ian Neville and Ivan Neville, who figures in many scenes in the film. It’s one of the last times all of Neville Brothers were recorded and filmed together. Charles Neville died

in 2018, and Art Neville died in 2019.

The Meters get well deserved attention, and the film unearthed excellent archival footage of the band performing in its early years. The brief history of the band provides a good framework for understanding its influence, both on recordings for Allen Toussaint and on their own.

Donald Harrison Jr. and his nephew, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, could have talked about or demonstrated a range of musical topics, particularly their own stylistic innovations, but the segment is about musical influences and mentors. It features young musicians mentored by Harrison, and Orlando Gilbert joins them for a traditional jazz tune.

A drum summit featuring Shannon Powell, Herlin Riley, Stanton Moore and others doesn’t seem to land anything. The matching of folk rocker Ani DiFranco, the Lost Bayou Ramblers’ Louis Michot and young drummers from the Roots of Music doesn’t result in much harmony.

Some of the framing is clumsy. The film is narrated by John Goodman, who is perfect for the job, but at times the script and the grand camera pans over the river and landscape seem

like fodder for a tourism campaign. Shore also appears on screen more than would seem necessary for a documentary celebrating New Orleans musicians. He followed the same basic approach in 2014’s “Take Me to the River Memphis,” which was well received.

At times, the film works in cultural context. It shows Mardi Gras Indian culture before introducing Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr., Big Queen Laurita Dollis and Big Chief Romeo Bougere and Big Chief Jermaine Bossier, who joined forces in the 79ers Gang.

The film does give a lot of weight to New Orleans hip-hop. Mannie Fresh talks about his start as a DJ and the early days of Cash Money records. There also are appearances by Big Freedia, Cheeky Blakk and Dee-1. There’s also great footage of 5th Ward Weebie rapping and talking about New Orleans music.

(Weebie died in 2020). But the final session includes Snoop Dogg, and it’s an unnecessary diversion.

The film’s greatest strengths are the vast number of local musicians included and archival footage used. It works best when they speak for themselves.

“Take Me to the River New Orleans” opens April 22 at The Broad Theater.

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By Frank A. Longo 32 “Uh-huh” 34 Pioneer Boone, informally 35 Orthodox Jewish movement 37 Rapper — Rida 40 Technique for viewing a slow process quickly 43 Cattle farm 45 Prefix with nourished 46 In a daze 47 First first lady of the U.S. 51 Gets close to 55 Sesame seed paste 56 Pucksters’ org. with the Calder Cup 57 Newspaper think piece

60 Born as 61 Toon sheet 62 Hedy of “Ecstasy” 66 Rome’s — Fountain 67 Dollar bill 68 Advance inquiry into a crime, e.g.

72 Israeli city close to Ben Gurion Airport 73 Big name in life insurance 74 Decrease 75 Doc for the neck up 76 D-H linkup 77 FDR or HST 78 Former “Idol” judge 79 Bob of play-by-play 82 Wolfed down

84 Launching of people into orbit 88 Insurance payment 92 “The Simpsons” s hopkeeper 93 Was overlong 94 Dual-focus course about bodily structures 100 Some kitchen appliances, for short 101 From a northwest Italian port 102 Certain South African 103 Arena level 105 “Hallelujah Chorus” composer 106 Rough- — wood 107 City vehicle 108 Gas brand 112 Water, in Acapulco 113 What love is, per a Four Aces #1 tune, with “a” 118 Crate piece 119 Capital of South Korea 120 Actress Best 121 Really mad 122 The “T” of 66-Down 123 Day divisions 124 Bargain 125 Restaurant notice that’s applicable to this puzzle’s seven longest answers?

24 Spicy cuisine 25 — Reader (magazine) 31 Carrier based in New Delhi 33 Hawke of film 34 Salvador of surreal art 35 Spicy 36 From — Z 37 Sig Nu, e.g.

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11 Recital venue 12 Not Rep. or Dem. 13 Mimi’s “me” 14 Celebrates with a tune 15 Animal with a backbone 16 Relative of a shout-out 17 Anew 18 Tempestuous

ANSWERS FOR LAST ISSUE’S PUZZLE: P 4

PUZZLES

ACROSS 1 Not suitable 6 “Sorry to intrude ...”

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