March 16-22 2026
Volume 47 Number 11
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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
Mic drop
Toledano Street Comedy Fest returns with Beth Stelling, All Fantasy Everything
LAST YEAR, UPTOWN COMEDY CLUB AND COFFEE SHOP SPORTS DRINK
swung big for its first Toledano Street Comedy Festival. Organizers booked 70 comedians, both touring acts and locals, across four days at four venues along a stretch of Magazine Street. Sean Patton, Shane Torres and Dulcé Sloan delivered headlining sets, and the All Fantasy Everything podcast recorded two live episodes — and drew in out-of-towners for the festival, Sports Drink founder Andrew Stephens says. It was a success, and the team learned some important lessons, Stephens says. The comedy fest returns for its second year Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22.
All Fantasy Everything is back, this time doing three live episodes, and co-hosts Ian Karmel, Sean Jordan and David Gborie also will perform stand-up. Torres, Tom Thakkar and Jamel Johnson return for this year’s edition, and there will be sets by Beth Stelling, Matt Braunger, Laura Peek, Zak Toscani and Langston Kerman as well as showcases featuring a number of local comics.
“It feels like something that the community has really responded to,” Stephens says. “It seemed like the biggest manifestation of what we’ve been trying to do, which is have fun and inclusive events with our neighbors and built for the community.”
This year’s festival will have a smaller footprint with shows at Sports Drink and the larger F-45 gym next door. Managing four locations last year took a lot of coordination, Stephens says, and organizers felt it spread the audience too thin.
Toledano Street in front of Sports Drink and F-45, near Magazine Street, will be closed for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival, and there will be food vendors, including Hi-Tide Pizza and Rougarou Shuckers and Crawfish.
The orange cooler-lined Sports Drink stage hosts a kickoff show on Thursday, when several local comedians will roll through short sets. Friday at Sports Drink will include stand-up by Jordan, Karmel, Gborie, Johnson and Thakkar and a showcase of other national comics, including Toscani, Kerman, Torres and Braunger.
Comics Michael Jennings and Cyrus Cooper also will host a live episode of “Film_Pod,” where the duo talk about
by Jake Clapp
the films on The New York Times’ 100 best movies of the 21st century list.
Toscani and Kerman also perform on Saturday, and there’s another showcase of eight national comics, this one including Drew Morgan and Mandal, who is a frequent opener for Josh Johnson and John Mulaney. And Karmel and Stephens will sit in on Tank Top Talks — Braunger’s conversation podcast where everyone is, you guessed it, wearing tank tops.
Laura Peek, Torres, Thakkar and Jamal Johnson play the 50-ish seat room on Sunday, and things end with a closeout show.
The F-45 gym space holds around 200 people, Stephens says, and will host some of the festival’s longer sets and podcast recordings.
All Fantasy Everything, in which comedians fantasy draft anything from one-hit wonders, action movie stars and sequels to the recent “Things that Go Bad,” will record episodes with Mandal joining Karmel, Jordan and Gborie on Friday, and Toscani and Torres sitting in on Saturday.
Gborie and Kerman also dig into Black conspiracy theories on their My Momma Told Me podcast, and they bring on Johnson and Mandal for a live episode on Saturday. The day also includes shows by Braunger and Thakkar. Sunday at F-45 is headlined by Beth Stelling. She has released a couple of comedy specials, appeared on Netflix’s
“The Standups” and written for Judd Apatow’s HBO show “Crashing.”
Many of the comedians have played Sports Drink in the last few years, and a network of great touring comics has been building up for the small club, Stephens says. It helps that a lot of the festival’s comedians also know one another, with All Fantasy Everything being a common link in the web. The podcast co-hosts have occasionally talked about Stephens and Sports Drink, and the crew is turning their New Orleans trip into a bachelor party for Gborie.
“All Fantasy Everything is sort of like the anchor show,” Stephens says. “We’ve got probably over 100, 150 people or so coming in from out of town for the festival, and I think a lot of it is wanting to see that podcast.
“We really shouldn’t have this many big comedians all coming on one weekend, but I think because they’re friends with one another, they all love New Orleans, they’re kind of treating this like a comedy vacation,” he adds. “It’s an extremely communal atmosphere.”
New Orleans comics also are on the daytime shows, and Thursday’s kickoff and Sunday’s closing event at Sports Drink will be a rolling open mic, Stephens says, with locals doing 3-5 minute sets, interspersed with appearances by visiting comedians. It was important, Stephens says, to get buy-in from the neighborhood along Toledano Street. He has gotten to know a lot of people in the area while running the coffee shop, and it was encouraging to see them receptive to a second edition of the festival.
“Last year felt like it went off without a hitch, so we’re excited to do it with them again this year,” Stephens says.
Weekend passes for the Toledano Street Comedy Fest are $132.87, including fees, and single-day tickets are $70.85. Find tickets and more at sportsdrink.org.
Robert Plant’s Saving Grace Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant formed the roots music band Saving Grace in 2019, pulling together musicians who shared his love for folk, blues and gospel music, like vocalist Suzi Dian. The group recorded a self-titled album of songs by Blind Willie Johnson, Martha Scanlan, Memphis Minnie and others, which was released last year. Robert Plant, Dian and Saving Grace are now on tour and play New Orleans on Sunday, March 22, at the Saenger Theatre. Rockabilly great Rosie Flores opens at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $60.39 via saengernola.com.
Wanda Sykes
Comedian Wanda Sykes currently stars in the seventh and final season of “The Upshaws,” about a working-class Black family figuring out how to make ends meet. Sykes co-created and produces the show, but she’s also been busy with other projects. She received three Emmy nominations in 2023, two for her Netflix comedy special “I Am an Entertainer” and one for her work on “Crank Yankers.” She performs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Saenger Theatre. Tickets $54.90$148.84 via saengernola.com.
Robert Lester Folsom
Singer-songwriter Robert Lester Folsom was initially active in the late ’60s and ’70s around his native Georgia and in 1976 released his studio album “Music and Dreams.” The psychedelia-tinged folk-rock record caught some local attention, but it didn’t go far and Folsom never recorded a follow-up. In 2010, though, Anthology Recordings came across the album and reissued it — leading a resurgence and new appreciation for Folsom’s music. In recent years, Folsom has released several albums of original music, including some songs that have gone viral on social media, and he is now touring for the first time ever. Folsom plays at 9 p.m.
PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD / THE TIMES- PICAYUNE
Comedian David Gborie returns to the Toledano Street Comedy Festival.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY DAVID GBORIE
OPENING GAMBIT
Remember to hydrate and stretch folks because it’s gonna be a busy spring
THUMBS
UP/ THUMBS DOWN
Woodlands Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust on the West Bank working to preserve forested wetlands, recently earned national accreditation, a major milestone demonstrating the organization’s stability and longevity. The process through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission put Woodlands Conservancy through a third-party review of its policies, practices and objectives. The organization is now part of a network of more than 450 similar accredited land trusts in the U.S.
Despite backlash, New Orleans Mayor Moreno urges council to pass trash fee increase
Big Chief Donald Harrison Sr., the late founder of the Guardians of the Flame, will have the intersection of N. Johnson and Independence streets renamed in his honor. The New Orleans City Council recently voted to rename the intersection to recognize Harrison’s legacy as a culture bearer and support for youth education and literacy.
NEW ORLEANS MAYOR HELENA MORENO MARCH 11 ACKNOWLEDGED that her push to have the city council raise the city’s sanitation fee isn’t a move that’s gaining her popularity but argued it’s a necessary step to shore up finances and the trash collection system.
“I hate doing that. Politically, it’s horrible,” she said, adding “I can’t even go on social media right now because people hate it so much.”
Moreno didn’t take a stance on which option she would prefer, seeming OK with leaving that politically difficult decision up to the council. Though she said she believed the council will maintain curbside recycling.
Currently, the city’s sanitation services cost $24 million more than it brings in from the fee.
2
THE NUMBER OF HOURS THOUSANDS OF PASSENGERS HAD TO WAIT TO GET THROUGH TSA SECURITY LINES AT LOUIS ARMSTRONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT THE WEEKEND OF MARCH 7-8.
Security lines stretched through a few floors of the building, even into the parking garage, amid a “sickout” during a partial government shutdown that left many federal workers without pay. However, conditions have improved, though passengers are still encouraged to check with their airlines for other travel-related delays.
The Louisiana Public Service Commission has refused a request to look further into the details of Meta’s plans to build a data center in Northeast Louisiana, which affordable energy advocates worry could raise prices for Entergy customers even if Meta walks away, the Louisiana Illuminator reported. At issue is the way Meta and its investors have structured financing for the project. Entergy is building a new power plant for the data center, and critics are concerned locals will foot that bill, even if the project goes nowhere.
But the $24 a month residents have been paying since 2011 for trash pickup and curbside customer isn’t covering the cost of services, and given the dire straits of the city’s finances, Moreno said, it’s needed.
Moreno’s comments came during a wide-ranging breakfast address to the Bureau of Governmental Research that touched on a number of topics, including infrastructure problems, reforms to city permitting and other issues.
The city reduced trash pickup to once a week following Hurricane Ida in 2021 — a change that became permanent. Whether the city increases trash pickup to twice a week and keeps curbside recycling will determine how much the sanitation fee might be raised.
“The norm ... is that you match the fee to the services,” she said. “We have not done that. We need to move in that direction.”
Police retirement system
At the breakfast, Moreno also outlined her plan to work with state lawmakers to make changes to the Municipal Police Employee Retirement System. If successful, they could save the city $41 million.
First, they’re working to change a state law that fines local governments if they lose more than 50 officers in a year.
“The legislation passed says that they view you as then trying to defund the police department or dissolve the police department,” Moreno said.
Now that Jazz Fest single-day tickets are on sale, how many days are you going?
New Orleans has not tried to defund the police, but during the pandemic, there were some years where the city lost more than 50 63%
New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER / THE TIMES- PICAYUNE
officers. As a result, the city has racked up more than $38 million in fines. The fees are so high that for some smaller governments, they’re more than their annual budget.
Paying the fines, Moreno said, would be a waste of money.
“I might as well light that $38 million and put it in a bucket and light it on fire,” she said. “I’m fighting tooth and nail not to pay this penalty.”
The administration is also challenging the retirement’s system stance that retention bonuses count toward officers’ pensions in hopes of avoiding paying $3 million on top on the recent $12 million in payments it gave officers for staying on the force.
Moreno said with “very aggressive moves” like these, she believes the city can get out of its financial crisis in 2027, which would be far sooner than the four years Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack predicted.
“The legislative auditor, is shocked that we are moving this quickly,” she said.
Safety and Permits
Moreno also said she’d announce her new Department of Safety
and Permits director on Monday, March 16. Verite News reported last month that her original pick abruptly backed out of the position.
She said her administration was working on improving processes in the famously slow-moving department, including who can sign which documents, and upgrading technology. She said she’s talked with other mayors about the potential use of AI for permitting.
“We are so behind on technology in the city of New Orleans. I’m telling you, we’re like ‘80s or ‘90s,” Moreno said. “We’re like on Windows 93 or something at this point.”
Infrastructure
The mayor told breakfast attendees that she’s been hearing the same refrain when it comes to recent water main breaks that have flooded neighborhoods, including homes and cars, in the city this year: “We have old pipes, and we don’t have any money.”
Sewerage & Water Board is working on procuring an “acoustic analysis” to look at pipes and determine problem areas by listening to where there’s extra hissing.
The next step is to get cost estimates for lining the pipes to make them stronger. Moreno said it will be expensive — lining one of the pipes could cost more than $40 million — but that she can ask state and federal lawmakers for help once she has a specific number.
Moreno is also working with Louisiana’s congressional members to get the feds to further extend the deadline for spending about half a billion in federal infrastructure dollars from this July until 2028.
Congress members are supportive, but FEMA officials keep saying they haven’t gotten the request, Moreno said.
“We are stuck in this black hole of FEMA right now with our extension request,” she said.
Public safety Moreno once again stressed the importance of the city continuing to support nonprofits on the ground aimed at preventing violence and the need for constant outreach to recruit police officers.
The city is also trying out using drones to improve police response times, sending drones out to areas where an incident is reported to 911 to begin recording.
A pilot program will start in the French Quarter and then New Orleans East, Moreno said.
Jefferson Parish also uses drones to respond to 911 calls.
Moreno said she doesn’t see the drones as increased surveillance
A water main near the corner of S. Carrollton Avenue and Panola Street broke on March 9.
PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD / THE TIMES- PICAYUNE
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MARCH 24TH -MARCH29TH
in the city since they only record once they get to the scene.
Airport
Moreno said that Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport leadership recently submitted a 20-year master plan for the airport to the Federal Aviation Commission, which includes 60 gates, three terminals, three parking garages and new roads to meet increased demand.
“We’re just on the cusp of becoming a major airport here,” she said.
Moreno said originally airport leaders were going to wait for the plan to be approved before putting out a news release. But she decided to meet with other parish presidents in the region to garner support for the plan. Having everyone in the same room ending up making news in and of itself.
Moreno said the city needs to aim big, including when it comes to trying to attract investors, and tell its success stories.
“We have to stop counting ourselves out,” she said. — Kaylee Poche
New Orleans Habitat for
Humanity blows past deadline to return $1 million
THE NEW ORLEANS AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HAS YET TO RETURN $1 MILLION IN TAXPAYER FUNDING owed to the city of New Orleans after the organization allegedly failed to live up to a contract to provide emergency help to scores of homeowners facing potential foreclosures or evictions.
The decision to not pay back the city comes as the group prepares for a March 11 meeting with city officials to discuss its alleged failures.
As first reported by Gambit, Mayor Helena Moreno’s administration Feb. 20 canceled its $2 million contract with Habitat after the group allegedly failed to do any of the work it promised to do, which “has resulted in an unacceptable delay for the City to provide financial assistance and loan forgiveness to citizens of New Orleans with delinquent mortgage and escrow payments,” according to a letter from Chief Administrative Officer Joe Giarrusso.
Giarrusso gave Habitat until March 7 to return the $1 million already paid to the group under the contract. A city source familiar with the situation confirmed to Gambit that the group did not meet that deadline.
A spokesperson refused to provide comment on the issue to Gambit.
In December Habitat came under fire from residents and city officials after Gambit first reported that it had sold dozens of rental units – including a number occupied by elderly culture bearers in Musician’s Village – to a Metairie landlord at well below market value prices. Habitat sold the properties knowing the landlord would significantly raise rents on tenants, the bulk of which are low-income and/or living on fixed incomes.
Habitat has claimed that insurance and maintenance costs associated with the rentals – most of which were built following Hurricane Katrina – have become too burdensome for the group.
According to the nonprofit’s website, Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to “create pathways to stability, equity, and thriving communities that endure for generations.” — John Stanton
Travelers go down the escalators to TSA security at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner.
PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THE TIMES- PICAYUNE
JOHN STANTON
New Orleanians deserve answers from Habitat for Humanity after string of questionable decisions
FOR DECADES, NEW ORLEANS AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY has been a positive force in our community. They’ve assisted hundreds of people in our region in buying their own homes, helped rehome musicians after Hurricane Katrina and been a model for what a successful nonprofit should look like.
That’s what makes its string of questionable decisions and lack of transparency over the last year so deeply troubling.
In December, Gambit’s Kaylee Poche broke the story that Habitat had not only sold dozens of New Orleans rental units to for-profit Metairie landlord Sam Madi — including a number of Musicians’ Village homes — it had done so knowing Madi would raise rents. Madi did so significantly, in some cases tripling rents on elderly culture bearers like blues legend Little Freddie King. Habitat sold the units at preposterously low prices that Madi would likely not have gotten on the open market for similar properties. To make matters worse, they never offered the same sweetheart deals to the renters living in the units — or to the Housing Authority of New Orleans.
Facing strong public outrage, Habitat essentially threw up its hands and said insurance and upkeep costs had become too much and that the looming evictions weren’t its problem. While technically true, that certainly doesn’t live up to the group’s mission of creating “pathways to stability, equity, and thriving communities that endure for generations.”
At the same time, the New Orleans City Council began looking into a 2025 contract with the group. According to multiple City Hall sources, Habitat had raised the alarm that scores of New Orleanian households were facing foreclosures because of back escrow and mortgage payments, and that emergency help was needed to save them — help that Habitat would pass along.
So last April, the city inked a $2 million deal with Habitat and provided them with the first million last year.
But according to New Orleans Chief Administrative Officer Joe Giarrusso, the group didn’t make good on its
promise. In fact, Giarrusso says there’s no evidence the group spent a single dollar on helping families avoid foreclosures and that it’s unclear what, if anything, the money was spent on. Giarrusso last month canceled the contract and demanded the group repay the $1 million. So far, Habitat hasn’t done that either, and now they’re in negotiations that hopefully will result in residents finally getting help.
As billions in federal and philanthropic dollars poured into the city after Katrina, untold numbers of nonprofits set up shop in New Orleans. Too often, many of these groups either turned out to be scams or proved unable to actually make good on their promises.
While many residents are now leery of the Nonprofit Industrial Complex as a result, Habitat for Humanity has stood out as a success. Its work on Musicians’ Village – and the fact that it adjusted its approach to accommodate musicians who were only ever paid in cash, didn’t have back accounts or otherwise might not qualify for housing – stands as a testament to that.
That makes the organization’s recent decisions so upsetting for many New Orleanians, including many who’ve donated their time and resources to Habitat. It’s also raised concerns about what is happening inside the organization.
It’s unclear if this situation is part of a broader culture shift, financial issues, missteps or even if the group made sound but difficult decisions — in large part because of a lack of openness and transparency from them.
There’s a lot of smoke coming from the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity headquarters these days. Hopefully the group can make things right before someone with subpoena power looks to see if there’s fire.
Marguerite Oestreicher, executive director of the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER / THE TIMES- PICAYUNE
@GambitBlake | askblake@gambitweekly.com
Hey Blake,
A news story recently mentioned renovations for City Park’s Tad Gormley and Pan American stadiums. What can you tell me about the history of both?
Dear reader,
TAD GORMLEY STADIUM, ORIGINALLY KNOWN AS CITY PARK Stadium, opened in October 1937. Built with federal funds during the Works Progress Administration, the stadium was billed in The New Orleans States as “modern in every respect,” with a seating capacity of nearly 29,000.
Brother Martin cheerleaders pose before the team takes on St. Augustine in a varsity football game
Boulevard and Interstate 610.
Although the stadium became best known as a home for high school football in New Orleans, the first athletic event it hosted was a college football game between Loyola University and DePaul University. That followed dedication ceremonies on Oct. 24, 1937 featuring Gov. Richard Leche, Lt. Gov. Earl Long, New Orleans Mayor Robert Maestri and others. The stadium was renamed in 1965 to honor City Park’s longtime athletic director Francis Thomas “Tad” Gormley. Just two weeks after Gormley died on Dec. 5, 1965, the City Park board voted unanimously to rename the stadium in his honor. It famously hosted the Beatles’ 1964 concert and hosted the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in 1992.
Opened in 1973, Pan American Stadium is located in City Park on Zachary Taylor Drive near Wisner
According to a May 1973 TimesPicayune article, the 5,000-seat stadium was designed to help alleviate scheduling demands of the Tad Gormley Stadium prep football schedule, which at the time hosted some 75 or so games. Constructing a new home for soccer in City Park also was a factor.
“Soccer is the fastest growing sport in New Orleans and we’re happy to say that the sport has this fine stadium in which to play,” said Mayor Moon Landrieu in a Times-Picayune article on the stadium’s dedication.
Opening ceremonies for Pan-American Stadium on May 6, 1973, were followed by a soccer match between the New Orleans All-Stars and an all-star soccer team from Houston.
With state funding and $2 million from the Samuel Barton Stewart III Memorial Foundation, both stadiums will see renovations in coming years. Gormley will get new turf and Pan-American will have its locker rooms upgraded.
THIS WEEK, AS NEW ORLEANS’ FAITHFUL – PARTICULARLY SICILIAN AND ITALIANAMERICANS – CELEBRATE THE FEAST DAY OF ST. JOSEPH (March 19), we take a look at the history of five Catholic churches and institutions named for him.
The oldest is St. Joseph Catholic Church on Tulane Avenue. The church parish was established in 1844, with parishioners worshipping at a different church across from the former Charity Hospital building. In 1892, the current St. Joseph church was dedicated. Seating up to 2,000, it is known to have the longest aisle in town, making it a popular choice for weddings.
Dedicated in 1927, St. Joseph Church and Shrine in Gretna is the oldest Catholic church on the West Bank. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of three churches bearing St. Joseph’s name on the West Bank. St. Joseph the Worker Church in Marrero was founded in 1923 as a mission of St. Joseph’s in Gretna. It became its own parish in 1955. The St. Joseph Mission Church in Algiers was created in 1980 to minister to members of the Vietnamese community. It became its own parish in 2014.
Across Lake Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish, St. Joseph Abbey is a Benedictine community of monks who have lived and worked on 1,100 acres there since 1889. Their ministry includes operating St. Joseph Seminary College.
EXPLORE
GRAPHIC DESIGN BOOK ARTS F ILMMAKING GAME DESIGN MOTION CREATIVE WRITING
S PO RT SC OMMUNICATIO N THEATRE COSTUME DESIGN
SONGR WRITING PHOTO BROADCAST JOURNALISM
BLAKE VIEW
at Tad Gormley Stadium
PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
Events
2026 PREVIEW
iN NEW ORLEANS, the rites of spring include some of our most popular festivals, like the Jazz & Heritage Festival and French Quarter Festival.
But There’s plenty of new events this year, from new music festivals to the Hondo Rodeo in Caesars Superdome. Gambit’s spring events preview includes all sorts of events to mark on your calendar.
Besides Jazz Fest and French Quarter Fest, big music events include Hogs for the Cause, Bayou Boogaloo and the new Electric Spring, an electronic music event at Music Box Village. And the Hondo Rodeo features three nights of country and rock stars. The New Orleans Opera Association launches the New Orleans Opera Festival in March.
Film festivals range from the French Film Festival to the Overlook Film Festival’s horror showcase.
Literary events include the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival, Saints and Sinners and the New Orleans Poetry Festival. Touring theater productions include the musicals “The Book of Mormon” and “Six,” both coming to Saenger Theatre.
The concert calendar is full, especially around Jazz Fest time with late night shows and all-star jams. There are shows by Robert Plant, Wilco, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Fantasia, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Goose and more. There’s a concert calendar preview on page 23.
The Toledano Street Comedy Festival is this week and kicks off a spring calendar full of touring comics, including Wanda Sykes, Nate Bargatze, Marlon Wayans, Doug Benson and more. See page 27 for upcoming shows and venues. Special this year are events celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday. For instance, Sail 250 will bring tall masted ships to New Orleans for several days of events in late May.
The following pages have a variety of events with dates, ticket information and more. Check Gambit and bestofneworleans.com throughout spring for more events and details.
March
THRU MARCH 22
‘All Shook Up’
In the musical set in 1955, Elvis shakes up a small town, and the show includes tunes like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Burning Love.” At Rivertown Theaters. Find tickets and information at rivertowntheaters.com.
THRU MARCH 22
Big Easy Fair
The traveling carnival features amusement rides, midway games, food vendors and more. Attractions include a merry-go-round and kiddie rides up to the Astro Wheel and fast spinning rides for adults. At 5700 Read Blvd. Find information at kisselentertainmnet.com.
THRU MARCH 29
‘Guys & Dolls’
In the classic musical, Nathan Detroit’s foating gambling operation crosses paths with Sarah Brown and
her mission to save souls. It features the songs “Luck Be a Lady,” “A Bushel and a Peck” and more. At Le Petit Theatre. Find tickets and information at lepetittheatre.com.
THRU MARCH 29
‘Small Craft Warnings’
In Tennessee Williams’ 1972 drama, a beachside bar in Southern California is full of lost souls, including a doctor who’s lost his license, bored neighbors and travelers who have stumbled in. Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans presents the show at Loyola University of New Orleans’ Lower Depths Theatre. Find tickets at twtheatrenola.com.
THRU MAY 6
Wednesday at the Square
The Wednesday at the Square free concert series features Kermit Rufns and the Barbecue Swingers, Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet, Jelly Joseph with Nigel Hall, Brass-AHolics, Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen and more. The
The touring Broadway production of ‘Six’ comes to Saenger Theatre in April.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS
events are 5-8 p.m. Wednesdays through May 6 in Lafayette Square. There are food vendors and an art market in the park. Visit ylcwats.com for information.
MARCH 19-22
Art in Bloom
At the annual fower and foral design exhibition at the New Orleans Museum of Art, designers create large-scale arrangements inspired by and placed next to art pieces in the museum. This year’s theme is Marsh Madness, and events include a luncheon, fashion show and more. Visit noma.org for details.
MARCH 19-22
Beaucoup Hoodoo Fest
The festival highlights African and Diasporic spiritualism and traditions, and there are panel discussions, workshops and keynote addresses. The focus this year is New Orleans’ own Mother Catherine Seals, a nationally known spiritual leader and healer in the early 1900s. Events are at the New Orleans African American Museum. Find information at beaucouphoodoofest.com.
MARCH 19-24
French Film Festival
The festival highlights French language flms from North America to Europe and Senegal. From France, there are recent feature flms as well as classics like Jean Cocteau’s 1946 version of “Beauty and
SPRING 2026 Events PREVIEW
the Beast.” Louisiana flms include the recent documentary “Built on Zydeco.”
The festival also has parties and events. Presented by the New Orleans Film Society at The Prytania and other venues. Visit neworleasflmsociety.org for information.
MARCH 19-APRIL 3
‘A Streetcar Named Desire’
Hanna Hall and Jaclyn Bethany direct Tennessee Williams’ classic drama about Blanche Dubois coming to New Orleans to stay with her sister Stella and her husband Stanley Kowalski. The Irene Collective presents the show at Big Couch. Find information at streetcarnola.net.
MARCH 20
‘Swan Lake’
The touring World Ballet Company show combines classical dance and Broadway style ballet with modern, theatrical staging. The classic “Swan Lake,” with a score by Tchaikovsky, is presented with a troupe of 50 dancers at Orpheum Theater. Find tickets via orpheumnola.com.
MARCH 20-21
‘The Thorn’
The touring show dramatizes Jesus’ plight and includes references to other biblical stories in a theatrical show combining music, dance, aerial acts, visual efects and more. At Saenger Theatre. Find tickets via saengernola.com.
MARCH 20-22
‘Homecoming’ and ‘Un Autre Soir’ Marigny Opera Ballet presents the premieres of works by former Jofrey Ballet dancer Shane Urton and recent Tulane University graduate Amalia Najera. Both are set to music by Sweet Crude, which performs live during the run at Marigny Opera House. Find information at marignyoperahouse.org.
MARCH 20-29
Danny Barker Guitar and Banjo Festival
The festival celebrates New Orleans musician and preservationist Danny Barker with three days of music (March 27-29) at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. The lineup includes the Dirty Dozen, Kermit Rufns, Yusa, Chris Thomas King, Charmaine Neville, John Boutte, Dixie Cups, Leroy Jones, Herlin Riley, Don Vappie and Creole Jazz and more. The festival’s golf tournament fundraiser is March 20 at the Joseph M. Bartholomew Municipal Golf Course, and there are concerts and events throughout the week at various venues. Visit dannybarkerfestival.com for information.
MARCH 21
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s modern dance company presents a program including Bob Fosse’s “Sweet Gwen Suite” and “Percussion IV,” a contemporary ballet work from Spain’s Nacho Duato, Aszure Barton’s “A Duo,” and an Afro-Cuban-inspired work by Matthew Rushing. The New Orleans Ballet Association presents the show at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Find tickets via nobadance.com.
MARCH 21
No Ring Cirus
There’s a heavy streak of the macabre in the sideshow and circus arts shows of this variety show, formerly based in New Orleans but now in New York. At House of Blues. Find information at houseofblues.com.
MARCH 22
Irish Italian Parade
The Louisiana Irish-Italian Association parade features foats, marching groups and more on Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie. Visit lairish-italian.org for information.
MARCH 24-29
‘The Great Gatsby’
Director Marc Bruni’s new musical is an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel of greed, longing and unforeseen circumstances in a rich New York enclave in the Roaring Twenties. The touring show has choreography by Dominique Kelley and a new jazz and pop-infuenced score. At Saenger Theatre. Find tickets at saengernola.com.
MARCH 24-29
New Orleans Opera Festival
One of the highlights of the New Orleans Opera Association’s festival is a performance by South African-born, Berlin-based soprano Golda Schultz in a program titled “Dark Matters.” Schultz is
on a U.S. tour that culminates at Lincoln Center. Also in the festival is “Dialogues des Carmelites,” performed at the Old Ursuline Convent Museum. Visit neworleansoperafestival.org for a full schedule of events, tickets and information.
MARCH 25-29
Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival
The festival marks its 40th year with more than 80 authors, tribute readings, performances of Tennessee Williams’ work and more. Writers include Robert Owen Butler, Maurice Carlos Rufn, Ladee Hubbard, Skye Jackson and more. During the festival, there are productions of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Small Craft Warning” and other works, as well as a drag show with Debbie with a D. There also are parties and more. Visit tennesseewilliams.net for a full schedule and information.
MARCH 26-29
Louisiana Crawfish Festival
The music lineup includes Category 6, NOLA Rouge Band, Petty Betty, Nonc Nu & Da Wild Matous and more. There also are amusement rides, a pageant, plenty of boiled craw fsh and other seafood dishes and more. At the Frederick Sigur Center in Chalmette. Visit louisianacraw fshfestival. com for information.
MARCH 26-29
Disney on Ice: ‘Mickey’s Search Party’
Mickey Mouse and a host of characters from popular Disney flms, including “Frozen,” “Coco,” “Moana” and “Aladdin,” search for Tinkerbell in the ice skating and musical spectacle. At UNO Lakefront Arena. Find tickets at arena.uno.edu.
MARCH 26-APRIL 5
‘Bastard Nation’
Siblings discover long hidden secrets in their mother’s will in Anita Vatshell’s new drama exploring family dynamics, generational diferences, adoption and more. At New Marigny Theatre. Find tickets via newmarignytheatre.com.
MARCH 26-JUNE 11
Thursdays at Twilight
The concert series at the Pavilion of Two Sisters in the Botanical Gardens kicks of with the New Orleans Mystics on March 26. The series also includes The Creole String Beans, The P fster Sisters, The Boogiemen and more. Visit neworleanscitypark.org for a full schedule and information.
MARCH 27-28
‘Pill’
New Orleans Ballet Theatre presents an evening highlighting new works. Donald Jones Jr.’s “A Suite Named Desire” explores desire in a high-energy piece inspired by jazz rhythms. Oliver Halkowich’s “Sporting House & Naked Dance” is a dream ballet with the nine Greek muses set in Storyville. “Pill” is by company founders Gregory and Marjorie Schramel about the social revolutions and freedoms begun in 1960 with the introduction of the birth
Hubbard Street Dance performs works by Bob Fosse at Mahalia Jackson Theater on March 21.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY MICHELLE REID
control pill. At Civic Theatre. Find tickets via neworleansballettheatre.com
MARCH 27-28
Electric Spring
The electronic music festival features Boufant Boufant, Kilobauud, Dr. Romance, Legatron Prime, Funke and more. There also are visual artists, a market and pop-ups at the Music Box Village. Visit electricspringfestival.com for information.
MARCH 27-29
Saints and Sinners
The festival features many LGBTQ speakers and authors participating in panel discussions, readings, workshops and more. The festival also has poetry and short fction contests. Visit sasfest.org for schedule and information.
MARCH 27-29
New Orleans Home & Garden Show
The expo features hundreds of vendors for kitchens, baths, home decor, roofs, generators, gardens, pools and more, plus there are ask-the-expert booths and more. At Caesars Superdome. Visit neworleanshomeshows.com for information.
MARCH 28
‘A Man With a Vision’
The gospel musical tells the story of a Louisiana preacher who faces obstacles while building a congregation. At McDonogh 35 High School. Find information via @amanwithavision_musical on Instagram.
MARCH 28
Big Bass Fishing Rodeo
The annual City Park event is highlighted by the bank fshing competition, but there also is competition for kayakers and non-motorized boats on Bayou St. John, a kids’ competition and more. The free “Fishtival” features games, activities, wildlife exhibits and DJs. Competitors are expected to have a current fshing license. For information, go to neworleanscitypark.org.
MARCH 28
St. Joseph’s Day Parade
Tuxedo-clad members of the Italian-
American St. Joseph Society parade through the Warehouse District and French Quarter dispensing fowers and decorated lucky beans. Visit italianamericansociety.org for details.
MARCH 28
Vaudeville Revival
LadyBEAST produces and performs in the narrative-driven show featuring circus arts, aerial acts, burlesque and more. Performers include Kitten & Lou, Aria Delanoche, Ayaa, Gigi Marx, Simone Del Mar, Sweet Tooth Simone, Anya Sapozhnirova, Chris McDaniels, Angie Z and Rebecca Ostrof. At The Joy Theater. Find tickets at thejoytheater.com.
MARCH 28
Better New Orleans Block Party
The block party includes live music, a craft market and fea market, information booths from 30 community organizations and more. Presented by the Committee for a Better New Orleans on the 1200-1400 blocks of St. Roch Avenue. Visit cbno.org for information.
MARCH 28-29
Congo Square Rhythms Festival
The free festival in Armstrong Park features live music, African dance, three tribes in a Black Masking Indian battle, a market, food vendors and more. The music lineup includes the Zigaboo Modeliste Funk Revue, Kyle Roussel’s Church of New Orleans, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, New Breed Brass Band, Cha Wa, Tonya Boyd-Cannon, Preservation Brass and more. Dance groups include Kumbuka Dance Ensemble, N’Kafu n Culu, N’Fungola Sibo and more. Visit jazzandheritagefest.org for information.
MARCH 29
Egg Scramble
The Easter egg hunt flls City Park’s Carousel Garden, Storyland Amusement Park and the Botanical Gardens. There’s also a petting zoo, live music, face painting and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Find tickets and information at neworleanscitypark.org.
SPRING 2026 Events PREVIEW
The Big Easy Fair brings amusement rides and carnival games to New Orleans East though March March 22.
April
APRIL 1
April Fools’ Day parade
The Krewe du Fool parade features small foats, costumed marchers and more. The parade starts in Marigny. Visit krewedufool.com for information.
APRIL 2
‘Swan Lake’
A company featuring dancers from around the world presents the classic ballet with choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov and the classic score by Tchaikovsky. At Jeferson Performing Arts Center. Find tickets at jefersonpac.com.
APRIL 2
Bard at the Batture
Crescent City Stage presents a program with six actors presenting some of Shake-
speare’s most popular and inspired monologues. Young lovers to troubled leaders faced with crises share their passions, rage and newfound wisdom. The performance is outdoors at The Batture. Find information at crescentcitystage.com.
APRIL 4
Crescent City Classic
The 10K run follows a course from near the Caesars Superdome to the French Quarter and ends in City Park, where there’s a postrace festival. Festivities include a costume contest, music, food and drink vendors and more. There’s also a two-day health and ftness expo before the race. Visit ccc10k. com to register and for information.
APRIL 4
Nola Bunarchy
The Marigny pub crawl features costumed marchers in everything from cute to horrifying bunny costumes. The event raises funds for animal rescue organizations. Visit noomoon.net for tickets and information.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KISSEL ENTERTAINMENT
APRIL 5
French Quarter Easter Parade
Formerly known as the Chris Owens Easter Parade, the procession features foats circling around the heart of the French Quarter and there’s an Easter hat contest. Visit frenchquartereasterparade.com for information.
APRIL 9-12
Overlook Film Fest
The horror flm festival presents an array of feature and short flms from across the globe, covering niches from classic horror to slasher ficks, body horror, psychological thrillers, horror comedies and more. The schedule includes “Obsession,” “Leviticus,” “Hokum” and “Faces of Death,” which was flmed in New Orleans. There also is a horror parade and immersive events. Find information at overlook flmfest.com.
APRIL 9-13
New Orleans Giant Puppet Festival
The festival brings a variety of puppet styles and shows from the Mudlark Puppeteers, Toybox Theater, String and Shadows, Jawbone Puppet Theater, Quintron and Miss Pussycat, OH, WOW, MEOW, Abandoned Ships, Naughty Little No Good and more. Venues include the Mudlark Public Theater, New Marigny Theatre, Marigny Opera House, Clouet Gardens, AllWays Lounge and Theater, CANOA and more. Some shows are for all-ages and some are for mature audiences. Visit neworleansgiantpuppetfest.com for schedule and information.
APRIL 10-11
Hogs for the Cause
The annual barbecue and music festival raises funds to fght pediatric cancer. The music lineup includes Charles Wesley Godwin, Stephen Wilson Jr., The Castellows, Bufalo Trafc Jam, Jason Scott & the High Heat and more. There are 90 teams roasting hogs and serving other barbecue dishes. Outdoors on the grounds of the UNO Lakefront Arena. Find information at hogsfest.org.
APRIL 10-12
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
Ponchatoula hosts its annual festival with
live music, a parade, amusement rides, games like egg tosses and sack races, food vendors and more. The festival grounds are in downtown Ponchatoula’s Memorial Park. Visit lastrawberryfestival.com for information.
APRIL 10-12
Frühlingsfest
Deutsches Haus celebrates spring with a traditional Maypole dance, dachshund races, a craft market, live music, German beer and food and more. At Deutsches Haus’ home along Bayou St. John. Visit deutscheshaus.org for details.
APRIL 10-12
Hondo Rodeo Fest
The competition features bull riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, breakaway roping, barrel racing and more in the Caesars Superdome. The Street Fest has live music, a market, food vendors and brand displays. Music headliners include Jason Aldean, Cody Johnson, Creed, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Old Dominion and Bailey Zimmerman. Visit thehondorodeofest.com for information and tickets.
APRIL 11
St. Bernard Irish-ItalianIslenos Community parade
The parade features foats, marching groups and more, and riders toss plenty of vegetables along the route on Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette. Find information on facebook.com.
APRIL 11
Spring Garden Show
The New Orleans Botanical Garden hosts its spring garden show and plant sale with more than 50 vendors. There also are educational programs, cooking demonstrations, live music and more. Visit neworleanscitypark.org for details.
APRIL 12
Abita Springs Buskers Festival
There’s music and entertainment, food vendors and more at the festival at the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum, and the weekly farmers’ market happens at the same time. Visit trailheadmuseum.org for information.
TAKEOUT and DELIVERY
SPRING 2026 Events PREVIEW
APRIL 12
Boulet Brothers Dragula Horror drag duo Dracmorda and Swanthula are known for hosting a TV horror/ glamour drag competition. They bring their live show to House of Blues. Find tickets at houseofblues.com.
APRIL 14-19
‘Six’
The popular rock musical features the wives of Henry VIII as pop icons competing in a singing contest and telling their stories. The touring Broadway production comes to Saenger Theatre. Find tickets via saengernola.com.
APRIL 16-19
French Quarter Festival
The festival features hundreds of bands on more than 20 stages spread from the Governor Nicholls Street Wharf to Spanish Plaza and around the French Quarter. Headliners include Irma Thomas, Big Freedia, Dawn Richard, Cyril Neville, PJ Morton, Kermit Rufns, Lost Bayou Ramblers, Sweet Crude and more. There’s
The French Quarter Easter Parade is April 5.
everything from funk and jazz to Cajun, zydeco, hip-hop, rock and DJs. There also are food vendors near large stages. Visit frenchquarterfest.org for information.
APRIL 16-19
New Orleans Poetry Festival
The festival includes dozens of poets in readings, roundtable discussions, workshops and more at venues across the city. There are numerous sessions on poetry in translation, as well as events exploring experimental work in digital spaces, poetry and incarceration, and more. A Small Press Book Fair with more than 60 vendors is at the New Orleans Healing Center. Visit nolapoetry.com for information.
APRIL 16-MAY 3
‘Last Night at the Rue Bayou’
The immersive musical show brings audiences into a juke joint threatened with closure by a corrupt local politician, and Ilean Durand fghts to save her business and legacy of her late husband. At Storyville Music Hall. Find information at ruebayoumusical.com.
PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD / THE TIMES - PICAYUNE
FOURTHANNUAL
Spring Garden &Pet Show
APRIL 17-26
‘Jagged Little Pill — The Musical’
The musical show inspired by the themes in Alanis Morissette’s landmark album tells the story of the Healys, a suburban family who look perfect on the outside but confront their own truths and the world around them as they try to ft in to their community. Jeferson Performing Arts Society presents the show at Jeferson Performing Arts Center. Find tickets via jpas.org.
APRIL 20
David Sedaris
Humorist, writer and former NPR contributor David Sedaris reads from his essays and fction. His latest work includes a collection of essays, “The Land and It’s People,” due out in May, and a children’s book, “The Selfsh Sister.” At Orpheum Theater. Find tickets via orpheumnola.net.
APRIL
20-26
Zurich Classic
The PGA Tour event features professional golfers, a Pro-Am event and more at TPC Louisiana on the West Bank. Visit zurichgolfclassic.com for information.
APRIL 23-26 & 30-MAY 3
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Festival headliners include The Eagles, Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Jon Batiste, Kings of Leon, Lorde, David Byrne, Tyler Childers and many more. The Cultural Pavilion highlights the music and art of Jamaica. There also are food and craft vendors, an interview stage and more. At the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Visit nojazzfest.com for tickets and information.
APRIL 29
Chazfest
APRIL 30-MAY 17
‘God of Carnage’ Le Petit Theatre presents Yasmina Reza’s comedy drama about two couples of parents trying to sort out a playground dispute between their children and fnding out it’s not so easy to get along. At Le Petit Theatre. Find tickets at lepetittheatre.com.
May
MAY 1-2
‘The Oldest Profession’
Kaytlin Bailey is a stand-up comedian, former sex worker, a sex worker rights advocate and host of the podcast “The Oldest Profession.” In this show, she talks about her experiences and the history of sex work, from the hard truths to cultural myths. At The Actor’s Apothecary. Find tickets at theactorsapothacary.com.
MAY 7-17
‘Personal Space”
In the science fction musical, Johnny Doodle-Dandy’s apartment is hit by a meteor and he wanders the streets of London where he encounters a pop star, a corrupt politician, a cult leader and more as he tries to fgure out what to do next. Queer New Theatre presents the show at New Marigny Theatre. Find tickets on eventbrite.com.
MAY 7-24
‘Primary Trust’
In Eboni Booth’s 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, a longtime bookstore employee’s life is turned upside down when he loses his job and ventures out of his quiet, familiar world to try new things. Crescent City Stage presents the show at the Contemporary Arts Center. Visit crescentcitystage.com for information.
The festival originally started to celebrate local musician Chaz Leary features the Washboard Chaz Trio, Happy Talk Band, Helen Gillet, Louis Michot and Leyla McCalla, Rory Danger and the Danger Dangers, TBC Brass Band, Rough Seven and more. There are two music stages, food and more at the Broadside. Find tickets at broadsidenola.com
MAY 8-24
‘Irma Meets Etta’
Anthony Bean Community Theater presents the musical show celebrating Irma Thomas and Etta James. At the Dew Drop Inn. Find information at anthonybeantheater.com.
MAY 9
ThriftCon
The touring event features more than 100 vendors of vintage clothes and collectibles including toys, art, posters, home goods and more. At Caesars Superdome. Find information at thriftcon.co.
MAY 9-10
‘Cinderella’
New Orleans Ballet Theatre presents the classic story with choreography by company co-founder Gregory Schramel. At Orpheum Theater. Find tickets at neworleansballettheatre.com.
MAY 12-17
‘The Book of Mormon’ Young Mormon missionaries Elder Price and Elder Cunningham arrive in
Big Freedia performs at Jazz Fest.
PHOTO BY MADDIE SPINNER / GAMBIT
Crescent City Classic 10K is April 4.
a Ugandan village and meet the local people, but before they can make any converts they face a local warlord and other obstacles. The touring musical from the creators of “South Park” comes to Saenger Theatre. Find tickets via saengernola.com
MAY 15-17
The Bayou Boogaloo
In an altered and smaller scale, the festival features music, art and food on the grounds of Pitot House along Bayou St. John and at the Broadside. Visit thebayouboogaloo.com for information.
MAY 15-30
‘Medea’
In Euripides’ tragedy, Medea is ruthless in seeking vengeance against her unfaithful husband, Jason, and King Creon. The NOLA Project presents the drama using Alistair Elliot’s modern translation. Outdoors at Greenway Station. Find tickets and information at nolaproject.com.
MAY 15-31
‘Cinderella’
Rivertown Theaters presents Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical version of the fairy tale, originally written for TV and adapted for the stage. At Rivertown in Kenner. Find tickets via rivertowntheaters.com.
MAY 16
Keith Lee’s Familee Day
The festival features music by Kirk Franklin, Mannie Fresh, Tobe Nwicwe, Andra Day, La Reezy, HaSizzle and more. There’s also a food village and games. At the grounds of the UNO Lakefront Arena. Find information at famileeday.com.
MAY 22-24
New Orleans Greek Festival
There’s Greek music and dancing, traditional dishes, a market and more at the Hellenic Cultural Center along Bayou
St. John. The market includes an array of pastries and baked goods, as well as imported cheeses and more. There also are tours of the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Visit gfno.com for details.
MAY 22-24
WasabiCon
The anime, cosplay and gaming convention has an artists’ alley, vendors, fan groups, autograph sessions, a costume contest and more. At the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Find more information at wasabicon.com.
MAY 22-JUNE 7
‘King Lear’
The Shakespeare Festival at Tulane opens its season with Shakespeare’s classic tragedy “King Lear.” The aging king tries to divide his kingdom among his daughters, but an attempt to reward his favored daughter goes awry. At Tulane’s Lupin Theatre. Find tickets at neworleansshakespeare.org.
MAY 27
The Fools Ensemble
Actors improvise a Shakespeare-like play. At Lupin Theatre. Find tickets at neworleansshakespeare.org.
MAY 28-JUNE 1
Sail 250
The United States’ 250th anniversary is being celebrated with a large fotilla of tall ships from across the globe visiting fve American ports. New Orleans is the frst stop. Festivities include tours of some ships, freworks and more. Find information at sail250neworleans.com.
MAY 29
Bingo Loco
The touring event is a bingo game elevated with TV gameshow tricks, including dance-ofs, lip-syncing, prizes and more. At the Joy Theater. Visit thejoytheater.com for tickets.
The
PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD / THE TIMES - PICAYUNE
NEW ORLEANS
THE SPRING CONCERT PREVIEW is full of touring bands and special slates of shows at festival time. Check bestofneworleans.com and weekly Gambit listings for more shows this spring.
M arc h
MARCH 16
Robert Lester Folsom, Siberia
MARCH 17
Wednesday, Tipitina’s
MARCH 17
King Parrot, Southport Hall
MARCH 20
Continental Drifters, Broadside
MARCH 21
Rakim, Tipitina’s
MARCH 21
Dylan LeBlanc, Chickie Wah Wah
MARCH 22
Mana, Smoothie King Center
MARCH 22
Robert Plant with Saving Grace and Suzi Dian, Saenger Theatre
MARCH 22
Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes, Chickie Wah Wah
MARCH 22
Raynes, Southport Hall
MARCH 25
Jimmie Dale Gilmore & Butch Hancock, Chickie Wah Wah
MARCH 26
The Lumineers, Smoothie King Center
MARCH 26
The Wood Brothers, Tipitina’s
ConcertCALENDAR
APRIL 4
Barns Courtney, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 6-7
MARCH 26
Ben Kweller, Gasa Gasa
MARCH 28
NOLA Funk Fest lineup reveal with Irma Thomas, Ivan Neville, Lost Bayou Ramblers and more, Tipitina’s
MARCH 28
Journey, Smoothie King Center
MARCH 29
Watchhouse, Joy Theater
MARCH 29
Obituary, Castrator, Intoxicated, Tipitina’s
MARCH 29
Peaches, Republic NOLA
MARCH 31
Santana, Smoothie King Center
l
APRIL 1
Model/Actiz, Gasa Gasa
APRIL 2
Moon Walker, No Dice
APRIL 2
Saturdays at Your Place, Gasa Gasa
APRIL 3
New Edition, Boys II Men, Toni Braxton, Smoothie King Center
APRIL 3
Racoma, Chickie Wah Wah
ZZ Top, Saenger Theatre
APRIL 7
Mariah the Scientist, The Fillmore
APRIL 7
Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 7
The Growlers, House of Blues
APRIL 8
Quarters, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 8
Saxsquatch, Republic NOLA
APRIL 10
Ole 60, The Fillmore
APRIL 11
Mei Semones, Tipitina’s
APRIL 11
Merce Lemon, Gasa Gasa
APRIL 11
Leonid and Friends, Orpheum Theater
APRIL 13
Glixen, Trauma Ray, Gasa Gasa
APRIL 14
Pump Action, The Retrograde, Gasa Gasa
APRIL 15
The Thing, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 16
Drivin N Cryin, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 17
Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton, UNO Lakefront Arena
APRIL 17
Justin Hayward, Orpheum Theater
APRIL 18
August Burns Red, The Amity Affliction, The Fillmore
APRIL 18
Crowbar, Eyehategod, Tipitina’s
APRIL 18
Jared Benjamin, Gasa Gasa
APRIL 18
Jazzmeia Horn, Jazz & Blues Market
APRIL 19
Toadies, Tipitina’s
APRIL 19
Devin the Dude, The Howlin’ Wolf
APRIL 19
Lacuna Coil, House of Blues
APRIL 20
Howard Jones, House of Blues
APRIL 21
Flying Mojito Brothers, Toulouse Theatre
APRIL 21
Dizgo, The Howlin’ Wolf
APRIL 21-22
Goose, Saenger Theatre
APRIL 22
Lukas Nelson, Joy Theater
APRIL 22
The Band of Heathens, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 22
North Mississippi Allstars, Tipitina’s
APRIL 23
Mt. Joy, Champions Square
APRIL 23
Greensky Bluegrass, Tipitina’s
APRIL 23
People Museum, Music Box Village
APRIL 23
Donald Harrison Jr.’s Hornucopia, Jazz & Blues Market
APRIL 23
Kevn Kinney, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 23
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Saenger Theatre
APRIL 23
Mr. Joy, Champions Square
APRIL 23
Givers, Toulouse Theatre
APRIL 23
Butcher Brown
Big Band with Nigel Hall, Cafe Istanbul
APRIL 23-24
STS9, Joy Theater
APRIL 24
Charley Crocket, Saenger Theatre
APRIL 24
Nicholas Payton and Butcher Brown
ConcertCALENDAR NEW ORLEANS
with Karl Denson, Jazz & Blues Market
APRIL 24
Lost Bayou Ramblers, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 24
King Tuff, Gasa Gasa
APRIL 24
Meters, Dumpstaphunk, The Fillmore
APRIL 24
Cimafunk, La Tribu, Broadside
APRIL 24
Parlor Greens, Tipitina’s
APRIL 24
Badbadnotgood, Civic Theatre
APRIL 24
Break Science, Toulouse Theatre
APRIL 24
The Dip, Tipitina’s
APRIL 24
Parlor Greens, Tipitina’s
APRIL 24
Shakedown Citi, The Howlin’ Wolf
APRIL 24-25
Axial Tilt with Stu Allen, Rob Eaton, Mitch Stein, Lisa MacKey, Dino English, Skip Vangeles and more, Cafe Istanbul
APRIL 25
Shorty Turns 40, Saenger Theatre
APRIL 25
Galactic, Tipitina’s
APRIL 25
Mac McAnally, House of Blues
APRIL 25
Durand Jones, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 25
Better Than Ezra, The Fillmore
APRIL 25
Voodoo Dead: Steve Kimock, George Porter, Jackie Green, Ivan Neville, Republic NOLA
APRIL 26
The Greyboy Allstars, Tipitina’s
APRIL 26
Tab Benoit, Tipitina’s
APRIL 26
Subatomic Sounds Systems and Screechy Dan with Norwood Fisher, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 26
Take Me to the River Allstars with Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville and more, Joy Theater
APRIL 26
Adam Deitch’s Birthday with Oteil Burbridge, Ivan Neville, Marcus Machado and more, Broadside
APRIL 26
Zachary Richard, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 26
The Heavy Heavy, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 26
Mountain Gras Unit, Republic NOLA
APRIL 27
Silversun Pickups, Joy Theater
APRIL 27
Shorty Fest, Tipitina’s
APRIL 27
Melt, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 27
Benny & The Late Bloomers, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 27
Shorty Fest with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Cimafunk and more, Tipitina’s
APRIL 28
Zildjian Jam with Adam Deitch,
Nikki Glaspie, Terrence Houston and more, Tipitina’s
APRIL 28
Dogs in a Pile, Toulouse Theatre
APRIL 28
Goldford, Civic Theatre
APRIL 28-29
Grahame Lesh & Friends, Joy Theater
APRIL 28-29
Cake, Saenger Theatre
APRIL 29
Parlor Greens, Tipitina’s
APRIL 29
Andrew Duhon, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 29
Money Chicha, Broadside
APRIL 29
Purity Ring, House of Blues
APRIL 29
The Radiators, Civic Theatre
APRIL 29
Sgt. Splendor with Eric McFadden, Kate Vargas, Charlie Wooten and Simon Lott, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 30
Cory Henry, MonoNeon & Friends, Toulouse Theatre
APRIL 30
Daniel Donato’s
Cosmic NOLA, Civic Theatre
APRIL 30
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, The Fillmore
APRIL 30
Magoo, Chickie Wah Wah
APRIL 30
Polyrhythmics, Chickie Wah Wah
Fantasia will perform April 17 at UNO Lakefront Arena.
APRIL 30
Sue Foley, Jazz & Blues Market
APRIL 30
Motet, The Howlin’ Wolf
APRIL 30
Lettuce, Joy Theater
APRIL 30
Son Rompe Pera, Tipitina’s
APRIL 30
Warren Haynes, Orpheum Theater
APRIL 30
Dead Feat with Anders Osborne, Kenny Gradney, Jackie Greene and more, Republic NOLA
APRIL 30
Coma Cinema, Trace Mountains, Gasa Gasa
APRIL 30
Wil Blades and Friends, Cafe Istanbul
APRIL 30-MAY 1
Wilco, Saenger Theatre
M a y
MAY 1
Govt Mule, Orpheum Theater
MAY 1
Scott Sharrard, Jazz & Blues Market
MAY 1
Robert Cray Band, House of Blues
MAY 1
Samantha Fish, Tab Benoit, The Fillmore
MAY 1
The Heavyweights with Oteil Burbridge, Joy Theater
MAY 1
Ravi Coltrane, Chickie Wah Wah
MAY 1
The Iceman Special, Tipitina’s
MAY 1
Galactic, Tipitina’s
MAY 1-2
Melvin Seals and JGB and guests, Cafe Istanbul
MAY 2
Neal Francis, Tipitina’s
MAY 2
Hairy Apes BMX, Broadside
MAY 2
Anders Osborne’s Birthday Bash, Civic Theatre
MAY 2
Pimps of Joytime, Cafe Istanbul
MAY 2
Karina Rykman, Toulouse Theatre
MAY 2
Kenny Garrett, Jazz & Blues Market
MAY 2
Tank and the Bangas, Big Freedia and Dawn Richard, Joy Theater
MAY 2
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, The Fillmore
MAY 2
Gramatik, House of Blues
MAY 2
Durand Jones and Friends, Chickie Wah Wah
MAY 2
Marcus King Band, Orpheum Theater
MAY 3
Sqwerv, Chickie Wah Wah
MAY 3
Ari Lennox, The Fillmore
MAY 3
FiyaPowa!
With members of Galactic and Dumpstaphunk, Tipitina’s
MAY 3
Garaj Mahal, Cafe Istanbul
ConcertCALENDAR NEW ORLEANS
MAY 3
Fareed Haque Trio with Herlin Riley and Mark Brooks, Cafe Istanbul
MAY 5
Death Angel, House of Blues
MAY 5
The Convalescence, Southport Hall
MAY 6, Floetry, Saenger Theatre
MAY 7
Alison Kraus & Union Station, Saenger Theatre
MAY 7
Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Stephanie Mills, Smoothie King Center
MAY 7
Cheerleader Roadkill, Gasa Gasa
MAY 8
Sepultura, Exodus, Biohazard, Civic Theatre
MAY 10
Nonpoint, House of Blues
MAY 10
Delicate Steve, Chickie Wah Wah
MAY 11-12
Ethel Cain, Orpheum Theater
MAY 12
Drew & Ellie, Joy Theater
MAY 12
Sons of Legion, House of Blues
MAY 12
Portrayal of Guilt, Siberia
MAY 13
The Black Angels, House of Blues
MAY 14
Arts Fishing Club, No Dice
MAY 14
Mac DeMarco, Civic Theatre
MAY 14
Whitney, Chickie Wah Wah
MAY 15
Bill, Siberia
MAY 16
Corrosion of Conformity, Tipitina’s
Mexico’s Son Rompe Pera performs at Tipitina’s on April 30.
PROVIDED PHOTO
MAY 17
The Pharcyde, Tipitina’s
MAY 17
Sun Kil Moon, Chickie Wah Wah
MAY 20
Yot Club, Gasa Gasa
MAY 22
Juvenile, The Fillmore
MAY 23
Kandace Springs, Jazz & Blues Market
MAY 23
Master Boot Record, Siberia
MAY 27
Paul Gilbert, House of Blues
MAY 29 12 Stones, Southport Hall
MAY 31
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Orpheum Theater
SPRING comedy
Touring comedians coming to New Orleans
March
MARCH 19
Wanda Sykes Saenger Theatre
MARCH 19
Toledano Street Comedy Festival Sports Drink
MARCH 20
Rocky Dale Davis The Howlin’ Wolf
MARCH 20
We Them Ones with Mike Epps, Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and more Smoothie King Center
MARCH 21
Brian Simpson The Howlin’ Wolf
MARCH 25
Karen Morgan Southport Hall
MARCH 27
Jeremiah Watkins The Howlin’ Wolf
MARCH 27
Nate Bargatze Smoothie King Center
MARCH 27
Brad Kofman The Howlin’ Wolf
MARCH 27-28
Maddy Smith Sports Drink
MARCH 28
Right Side of Comedy with Jesse Payton and Kenny Webster Cork
April
APRIL 2
Cliff Cash Toulouse Theatre
APRIL 3
La Trez Anderson The Howlin’ Wolf
APRIL 3-4
Ian Lara Sports Drink
APRIL 4
Carter Anderson The Howlin’ Wolf
APRIL 10
Kerwin Claiborne The Howlin’ Wolf
APRIL 10-11
Jake Cornell Sports Drink
APRIL 11
D’Lai The Howlin’ Wolf
APRIL 17
Marlon Wayans The Fillmore
APRIL 17-18
Irene Tu Sports Drink
APRIL 18
Moe Mitch The Howlin’ Wolf
APRIL 19
Bored Teachers Tour Orpheum Theater
APRIL 24-25
Emil Wakim Sports Drink
APRIL 26-27
Ali Macofsky Sports Drink
APRIL 28-29
Sahib Singh Sports Drink
May
MAY 1-2
Alec Flynn Sports Drink
MAY 3
Sam Tallent Sports Drink
MAY 8
Killers of Kill Tony Saenger Theatre
MAY 8-9
Aparna Nancherla Sports Drink
MAY 15-16
Doug Benson Sports Drink
MAY 17
Andrea Forcum The Howlin’ Wolf
MAY 18
Modi Orpheum Theater
MAY 22
Lane Lonion Sports Drink
MAY 22
Robert Kelly The Howlin’ Wolf
MAY 29-30
Benny Feldman Sports Drink
MAY 30
Jeff Dye Southport Hall
Wanda Sykes performs March 19 at Saenger Theatre.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY NAVIER GRIMES
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2026 THE
BUBBLES & BUBBLY is the New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter’s annual family-friendly fundraising event. With bubbles, fun, music, and food for children and adults alike, BUBBLES & BUBBLY OFFERS A MEMORABLE EVENING FOR ALL WHILE RAISING CRITICAL FUNDING FOR THE MISSION OF NOWCS.
EAT + DRINK
Cuban combination
CAFE CONMIGO, WHICH RECENTLY OPENED IN UPTOWN, takes its name from a phrase roughly translated as “have coffee with me.” It’s fitting that the cafe is a bright and welcoming space, but it’s also an homage to chef Fredo Noguiera’s mother.
When Noguiera’s mother, Maria Lull, had a stroke about four years ago, something shifted.
“It really shook us all up,” says Noguiera, a 45-year-old first generation Cuban American. “We’re a big family.”
Besides being left with partial paralysis, his mom slowly stopped cooking.
“In the many months we were going back and forth to the hospital, trying to help our dad, I remember throwing away the last batch of black beans she made. I realized she wasn’t cooking again,” Noguiera says.
As sometimes happens, the elders started dropping by — an aunt, an uncle, and a cousin. “We got caught in this massive wave. I realized that I’m the only one left out of my entire mom’s side of the family who knows how do it.
I’m the keeper of the flame.”
With the January opening of Cafe Conmigo in a tiny, renovated cottage on Jena Street just off of Freret, co-owners Noguiera and his friend Ryan Iriarte, also of Cuban heritage, are realizing a dream. The friends have known each other since the ’90s, and co-own High Hat Cafe, which is a stone’s throw from their new place. While Iriarte handles the restaurant’s day-to-day operations, Noguiera still works full time for CureCo, managing the kitchen at Val’s, a few blocks down Freret Street, and Cane and Table on a stretch of Decatur Street in the Lower French Quarter.
The idea of the cafe started years back with a nudge from Noguiera’s friend and mentor, chef Adolfo Garcia, with whom he consulted when he was working in Chicago and wanting to come home. The model is built on the vibrant cafes in Miami’s Little Havana.
“There’s nothing left in Cuba,” Noguiera says. “There’s no ropa
vieja. There’s no beef. Nothing on the shelves there. Is this whole culture just going to go away?” He was last in Cuba in 2016, calling the visit “another kind of mind death.”
New Orleans has a small Cuban population, and they’ve already found Cafe Conmigo.
“They’ve been coming in droves, sniffing me out,” Noguiera says.
“Sometimes they give me a hard time because we don’t serve Cafe Bustelo, but they can have that at their house. Let me do my thing.” The cafe uses a proprietary Cuban roast from local roaster French Truck Coffee that’s rich, dark and full bodied.
The two friends and their team renovated the tiny shotgun, adding bright white tile, a front counter for ordering and nine seats along with a ledge for sipping coffee. Outside, there is plenty of seating. “I think we’ll start to vibe at night once a little more time goes by,” says the chef.
Bread for the pressed Cuban sandwich, the frita Cubana burger and the medianoche, a Cuban served on sweetened brioche, is made to specifications by Drew Pope, bakery manager of the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group. All of the sandwich meats and accoutrements are prepared in-house, as are the layered sweet and savory pastelitos, a flaky, Cuban-style puff pastry filled with guava, cheese or spiced ground beef. Iriarte created the cafe’s bar menu, a fun mix of classics like a frozen Floridita, a traditional daiquiri made Miami-style. “No simple syrup, just mint, soda and a dip into a bucket of sugar and limes, and (we) shake the crap out of it,” Noguiera says. There also are classic mojitos as well as a mojito made with Cuban-style Materva yerba mate soda, an antioxidant-packed drink now produced in Miami with a flavor sometimes compared to cream soda.
For a few years leading up to the cafe’s opening, Noguiera played around with special Cuban dinners at Cane and Table, including a fancy tasting menu.
He also has roasted whole pigs with all the traditional trimmings, a family favorite usually made under the purview of his mother’s brother.
With the opening of Cafe Conmigo, a bridge to the past extends into the future, as Noguiera and Iriarte show New Orleans a different way to bring food and family together.
Acamaya in the morning
ACAMAYA HAS BECOME A DESTINATION RESTAURANT FOR LOCALS AND TOURISTS LOOKING FOR THE MODERN MEXICAN cuisine served by chef Ana Castro and her sister Lydia Castro. To check out their next restaurant, it’s a short trip just down the street.
The sisters are developing a new casual Mexican breakfast spot called Casimiro at 800 Louisa St., one block from Acamaya. The address is the former home of the original location of Alma, the Honduran restaurant which closed its Bywater location last year. It’s second space in Mid-City (at 301 N. Carrollton Ave.) remains open.
Renovations are now underway, and Casimiro is slated to open this spring. The Castro sisters named Casimiro after a childhood nickname of their father. The menu is based on what they miss from neighborhood spots during their upbringing.
“It’s what you’d expect to actually have for breakfast in Mexico City,” Ana Castro says. “It’s that place around the corner from your house. We want it to be part of the neighborhood.”
Some dishes Castro has zeroed in on include chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, breakfast tacos and a breakfast burrito. The bar will have micheladas on the drinks list, and on weekends there will be tamale specials.
Casimiro will make tortillas in house and will source key ingredients of the same quality as Acamaya. Castro hinted that breakfast could be the opening phase for a bigger concept here.
“This project has room to grow, we’ll start with breakfast and see where it goes,” the chef says.
Cafe Conmigo opens of Freret Street by Beth D’Addono |
Chef Fredo Noguiera serves Cuban specialties at Cafe Conmigo.
PHOTO BY MADDIE SPINNER / GAMBIT
Ana Castro, left, and her sister, Lydia Castro
PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER / THE TIMES- PICAYUNE
The chef first earned a following in New Orleans at Coquette. Later, she and Coquette chef Mike Stoltzfus opened Lengua Madre, a modern Mexican tasting menu restaurant. When that closed, she and her sister opened their own restaurant in the Bywater in 2024.
Acamaya immediately struck a chord with its vibrant flavors, deep dive into Mexican tradition and high-quality local sourcing. Its casually elegant design evokes modern Mexico City style.
The restaurant was reviewed by the New York Times last summer, and in the fall was one of 11 New Orleans restaurants to get Bib Gourmand recognition in the new regional Michelin Guide, indicating great food with good value.
Castro is one of this year’s semifinalists for the James Beard Foundation award for Best Chef: South.
— Ian McNulty / The Times-Picayune
Flying the Coop
MARLON “CHICKEN” CHUKUMERIJE, OWNER OF THE POPULAR GRETNA SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT CHICKEN’S KITCHEN, was on the verge of making a move across the river to downtown New Orleans when he abruptly reversed course.
Just hours before he planned to sign the lease at a small strip mall at 1029 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., a man Chukumerije had worked with on another potential real estate deal reached out to him. He had a friend with a large restaurant space that he was trying to get rid of — a spot just two miles away from the original Chicken’s Kitchen location.
Chukumerije toured the spot at 921 Peters Road in Harvey on Feb. 24 and announced less than a week later that he bought the property and would be closing both the original Gretna location and his second Gretna spot, The Coop, at 1030 Derbigny St.
The two restaurants will be consolidated at the new location in Harvey, Chukumerije says.
“I never wanted to leave the West Bank,” Chukumerije says. “It was a lack of opportunity in real estate that took me to New Orleans. I liked the idea of being on the West Bank and making people come to us.”
The new location and its extra space bring new possibilities for the restaurant. At the Harvey spot, Chukumerije says he will offer breakfast, lunch and evening bar food.
“I am a mixture of overwhelmed and speechless with all the possibilities we have there,” Chukumerije says. “For me, it’s like the world is my oyster right now.”
In a video announcing the move, Chukumerije says the space will have seating for 100 people, more than 30 parking spots, a bar area and two kitchens. He also teased the potential for barbecue and seafood specials as well as Sunday brunch service.
“The biggest thing it gave me was ownership. Over the last six years, I’ve spent a lot of money just renting,” Chukumerije says.
Chicken’s Kitchen plans to have its last day in Gretna on April 10 and reopen in Harvey on May 1. The team also plans to serve chicken at French Quarter Fest on April 16-19.
— Marco Cartolano / The Times-Picayune
Tournament time
NEW ORLEANS CHEF NINI NGUYEN IS HOPING TO SPIN AND COOK HER WAY TO VICTORY on her third trip to Food Network’s “Tournament of Champions” kitchen.
“I keep going back because not only do I want to win, I think the competition is really fun,” Nguyen says. “It’s like fun to be able to. I say ‘fun’ very loosely because it’s sometimes stressful.”
Nguyen, now 39, appeared on Season 5 of the series hosted by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, but she exited in the first round. She returned last year for Season 6 and made it all the way to the quarterfinals.
“Tournament of Champions” is a single-elimination, bracketed
tournament, with placement based on previous competition series appearances and wins. There are 32 chefs from across the nation competing for a $150,000 prize and a “Tournament of Champions” belt.
Bracket placement aside, every chef has a chance of being stumped as there’s another layer of challenge in the contest. It’s called the “randomizer.” Fieri spins five wheels to determine what protein, produce, equipment, style and wildcard ingredient must be used by the chefs in their dishes. The combinations can end up being helpful or horrendous.
“The randomizer, it’s stumped me before,” Nguyen says, “but it’s fun in regards to where it levels off the playing field. No matter who you’re going against, it’s not necessarily the most skilled — it’s the quickest thinker.”
Season 7 brings an added surprise.
“Top-seeded chefs in every division will be food world icons, four of the most powerful opponents to ever compete on the series, but their identities will remain a secret until the moment they enter the arena,” a series synopsis states. “Every battle will be head-tohead; every spin of the randomizer will keep competitors on their toes and viewers on the edge of their seats, and every dish is make-or-break.”
The show airs at 7 p.m. Sundays and streams the following day on HBO Max and Discovery+. — Judy Bergeron / The Times-Picayune
Marlon “Chicken” Chukumerije
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY / THE TIMES- PICAYUNE
Michelle Huynh
Chef by Will Coviello
THOUGH SHE HAD WORKED IN PLENTY OF RESTAURANTS, MICHELLE HUYNH figured out how to make Japanese cheesecakes at home. She launched EM’s Bakery to sell cheesecakes and breads to restaurants in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and she does occasional pop-ups, including a monthly spot at Miel Brewery and Taproom. The next one is Sunday, March 22. For more information, see @emsbakery.br on Instagram.
How did you get interested in making Japanese cheesecake?
MICHELLE HUYNH: I have always been interested in food. I lived in New Orleans for half a year, when I worked at Kin. I was a server. That inspired me to get into food. Then I moved back to Baton Rouge and worked at Umami sushi restaurant. I was a server but they made me a sushi chef. I was not scared to try new things. Then I started going online and watching food videos. There would be trends, like for Japanese cheesecake. I was like, I can’t get it here, so I might as well make it at home. At first it was a failure, but I kept trying for a whole year and it worked out. I finally made a really good one. Japanese cheesecake is a cross between New York style cheesecake and angel food cake. It’s a fluffier version of a cheesecake. It’s still creamy, but it has a cake texture as well. That’s why people like it. It’s not as dense or as heavy. The flavor is not too sweet. You could eat it for breakfast. It’s made with meringue, and it has to rise. It’s very delicate to work. It’s like a souffle. It’s super temperature sensitive, so you bake it at a higher temperature and then lower it. You have to get the timing right. My friends saw that I was making it and they were like, “I would totally buy that from you.” By then, I was also making things like the Hokkaido milk bread — sausage bread and stuff like that. I use a Hokkaido milk bread recipe with sausage, tomato, scallions and I braid it. That’s something you can get at an Asian bakery in a big city. That was the first thing I posted online and my friends saw. They wanted that before they wanted the cheesecake.
Then I talked to my uncle, who’s like my mentor. He was like, “You should open a little business.”
I was tired of the restaurant lifestyle — working doubles, working early, working late at night and not having a life. I also wanted to be my own boss, but I ended up working more anyways. It took me a while to figure out the work-life balance, but I’ve figured it out.
How did you start your business?
H: I made an Instagram to sell my baked goods and it really popped off. A lot of people were really interested in the Japanese cheesecake and Hokkaido milk bread. People would message me if they wanted to buy bread or cake. Then they’d come pick it up. Then I did a pop-up after six months. I didn’t really understand what that meant. My friend offered to let me sell my baked goods at his restaurant on his day off. It was at Kin. It worked out really well. I sold out. Then I got calls and messages from other restaurants asking me to come to their place and pop-up. Then I thought I should expand a little bit more. So I went and talked to the owner of a boba tea shop that I go to all the time. I was like, “Can you sell my Japanese cheesecakes?” He agreed, and he still sells them to this day. Since 2018. For every other restaurant or shop I sell to, they have reached out to me. That’s when I knew my business was
doing well. It’s been a blessing for me.
Yakuza House was the first New Orleans restaurant I sold my cakes to. Then RockN-Sake, and they have three locations, so I provide cakes for all three.
I started with one flavor. The classic hint of lemon. I think I knew I needed to do more flavors, so I started doing ube, pandan and matcha. Then I thought I needed to do something crazier. So I made a coffee cake with coffee whipped cream. I started incorporating more stuff, like whipped cream. I started using toppings. I have a miso flavor now with whipped cream. I do Fruity Pebbles and I do other special cake flavors sometimes. I offer chiffon cakes now. That’s something I do on the side. People can order a chiffon cake. It’s different than the cheesecake. Decorating is different. I use buttercream instead of whipped cream. It’s nicer to use, but harder to make, and it’s awesome to decorate with. I wanted to get better at decorating and making other things. It’s me and my boyfriend. Now he does most of the breads. He’s been a restaurant manager. The curry buns are his things. We also want to incorporate more cooked items into the pop-ups. Not just baked items. We may start that at Japan Fest this year.
What will you bring to Miel?
H: I always bring Japanese cheesecake, but I don’t decide what flavor until the week before. And I always bring a bread item. Lately I have been making a Japanese curry chicken bun. It’s curry wrapped up in bread. For my bread, I always use the Japanese milk bread recipe. For pop-ups, I also make mochi bars. Hawaiian butter mochi bars. That’s a rice cake made with rice flour, butter and eggs. I make it into a brownie shaped dessert. It’s chewy because of the rice flour, but it’s gluten free. A lot of people ask for gluten-free items.
Michelle Huynh and Evan Foster run EM’s Bakery.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MICHELLE HUYNH
Out to Eat is an index of Gambit contract advertisers. Unless noted, addresses are for New Orleans and all accept credit cards. Updates: Email willc@gambitweekly.com or call (504) 483-3106.
Angelo Brocato’s — 214 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 486-1465; angelobrocatoicecream.
com — This Mid-City sweet shop serves its own gelato in flavors like praline, salted caramel and tiramisu, as well as Italian ices in flavors like lemon, strawberry and mango. There also are cannolis, biscotti, fig cookies, tiramisu, macaroons and coffee drinks. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. $ Annunciation — 1016 Annunciation St., (504) 568-0245; annunciationrestaurant.
com — Gulf Drum Yvonne is served with brown butter sauce with mushrooms and artichoke hearts. There also are oysters, seafood pasta dishes, steaks, lamb chops and more. Reservations recommended. Dinner Thu.-Mon. $$$
Bamboula’s — 514 Frenchmen St.; bamboulasmusic.com — The live music venue’s kitchen offers a menu of traditional and creative Creole dishes, such as Creole crawfish crepes with goat cheese and chardonnay sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. $$
The Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar — 118 Harbor View Court, Slidell, (985) 315-7001; 7900 Lakeshore Drive, (504) 284-2898; thebluecrabnola.com — Basin barbecue shrimp are served with rosemary garlic butter sauce over cheese grits with a cheese biscuit. The menu includes po-poys, fried seafood platters, raw and char-grilled oysters, boiled seafood in season, and more. Outdoor seating available. No reservations. Lakeview: Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Slidell: Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun. $$
Broussard’s — 819 Conti St., (504) 581-3866; broussards.com — The menu of contemporary Creole dishes includes bronzed redfish with jumbo lump crabmeat, lemon beurre blanc and vegetables. Brunch includes Benedicts, avocado toast, chicken and waffles, turtle soup and more. Reservations recommended. Outdoor seating available in the courtyard. Dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$
Cafe Normandie — Higgins Hotel, 480 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504) 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining — The menu combines classic French dishes and Louisiana items like crab beignets with herb aioli. Sandwiches include po-boys, a muffuletta on flatbread and a burger. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sat., dinner Fri.Mon. $$
The Commissary — 634 Orange St., (504) 274-1850; thecommissarynola.com — Dickie Brennan’s Commissary supplies his other restaurant kitchens and also has a dine-in menu and prepared foods to go. A smoked turkey sandwich is served with bacon, tomato jam, herbed cream cheese, arugula and herb vinaigrette on honey oat bread. The menu includes dips, salads, sandwiches, boudin balls, fried oysters and more. No reservations. Outdoor seating available. Lunch Tue.-Sat. $$
Curio — 301 Royal St., (504) 717-4198; curionola.com — The creative Creole menu includes blackened Gulf shrimp served with chicken and andouille jambalaya. There also are crab cakes, shrimp and grits, crawfish etouffee, po-boys and more.
$ — average dinner entrée under $10
$$ $11-$20
$$$ — $20-up
Outdoor seating available on balcony. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. $$
Dahla — 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 766-6602; dahlarestaurant.com — The menu includes popular Thai dishes like pad thai, drunken noodles, curries and fried rice. Crispy skinned duck basil is prepared with vegetables and Thai basil. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. $$
Desire Oyster Bar — Royal Sonesta New Orleans, 300 Bourbon St., (504) 586-0300; sonesta.com/desireoysterbar — A menu full of Gulf seafood includes oysters served raw on the half-shell or char-broiled with with Parmesan, garlic and herbs. The menu also includes po-boys, po-boys, gumbo, blackened fish, fried seafood platters and more. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$
Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House — 144 Bourbon St., (504) 522-0111; bourbonhouse. com — There’s a seafood raw bar with raw and char-broiled oysters, fish dip, crab fingers, shrimp and more. Redfish on the Half-shell is cooked skin-on and served with crab-boiled potatoes, frisee and lemon buerre blanc. The bar offers a wide selection of bourbon and whiskies. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. $$$
Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse — 716 Iberville St., (504) 522-2467; dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com — The menu includes a variety of steaks, plus seared Gulf fish, lobster pasta, barbecue shrimp and more. A 6-ounce filet mignon is served with fried oysters, creamed spinach, potatoes and bearnaise. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.Sat. $$$
El Pavo Real — 4401 S. Broad Ave., (504) 266-2022; elpavorealnola.com — The menu includes tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, ceviche. tamales and more. Pescado Vera Cruz features sauteed Gulf fish topped with tomatoes, olives, onion and capers, served with rice and string beans. Outdoor seating available. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Tue.-Sat. $$
Juan’s Flying Burrito — 515 Baronne St., (504) 529-5825; 2018 Magazine St., (504) 569-0000; 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 486-9950; 8140 Oak St., (504) 897-4800; juansflyingburrito.com — The Flying Burrito includes steak, shrimp, chicken, cheddar jack cheese, black beans, rice, guacamole and salsa. The menu also includes tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, nachos, salads, rice and bean bowls with various toppings and more. Outdoor seating available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. $$
Katie’s Restaurant — 3701 Iberville St., (504) 488-6582; katiesinmidcity.com — The Cajun Cuban with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. The eclectic menu also includes char-grilled oysters, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, fried seafood platters, pasta, salads and more. Delivery available. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner daily. $$
Kilroy’s Bar — Higgins Hotel, 480 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504) 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining — The all-day bar menu includes sandwiches, soups, salads, flatbreads and a couple entrees. A muffuletta
flatbread is topped with salami, mortadella, capicola, mozzarella and olive salad. No reservations. Lunch Fri.-Mon., dinner daily. $$
Legacy Kitchen’s Craft Tavern — 700 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 613-2350; legacykitchen.com — The menu includes oysters, flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, salads and sharable plates like NOLA Tot Debris. A slow-cooked pulled pork barbecue sandwich is served with coleslaw on a brioche bun. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$
Legacy Kitchen Steak & Chop — 91 Westbank Expressway, Gretna, (504) 513-2606; legacykitchen.com — The selection of steak and chops includes filet mignon, bone-in rib-eye, top sirloin and double pork chops and a la carte toppings include bernaise, blue cheese and sauteed crabmeat. There also are burgers, salads, pasta, seafood entrees, char-broiled oysters and more. Reservations accepted. Outdoor seating available. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. $$ Mikimoto — 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881; mikimotosushi.com — The menu of Japanese cuisine includes sushi, signature rolls, tempura items, udon noodle dishes, teriyaki, salads and more.The South Carrollton roll includes tuna tataki, avocado, snow crab, green onion and wasabi roe. Reservations accepted. Delivery available. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. $$ Mosca’s — 4137 Highway 90 West, Westwego, (504) 436-8950; moscasrestaurant.com — This family-style eatery serves Italian dishes and specialties including shrimp Mosca, baked oysters Mosca and spaghetti Bordelaise and chicken cacciatore. Chicken a la grands is sauteed with garlic, rosemary, Italian herbs and white wine. Reservations accepted. Dinner Wed.-Sat. Cash only. $$$ Mother’s Restaurant — 401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656; mothersrestaurant.net — This counter-service spot serves po-boys dressed with sliced cabbage like the Famous Ferdi filled with ham, roast beef and debris. Creole favorites include jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, red beans and rice and more. Breakfast is available all day. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$
Neyow’s Creole Cafe — 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474; neyows.com — The menu includes red beans and rice with fried chicken or pork chops, as well as shrimp Creole, seafood platters, po-boys, char-grilled and raw oysters, salads and more. Side items include carrot souffle, mac and cheese, cornbread dressing, sweet potato tots and more. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$
Nice Guys Bar & Grill — 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-2404; niceguysbarandgrillnola. com — Char-grilled oysters are topped with cheese and garlic butter, and other options include oysters Rockefeller and loaded oysters. The creative menu also includes seafood bread, a Cajun-lobster potato, wings, quesadillas, burgers, salads, sandwiches, seafood pasta, loaded fries and more. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. $$$ Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro 720 Orleans Ave., (504) 523-1930; orleansgrapevine.com — The wine bar offers
cheese boards and appetizers to nosh with wines. The menu includes Creole pasta with shrimp and andouille in tomato cream sauce. Reservations accepted for large parties. Outdoor seating available. Dinner Thu.-Sun. $$ Parish Grill — 4650 W. Esplanade Ave., Suite 100, Metairie, (504) 345-2878; parishgrill. com — The menu includes a variety of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza and salads. For an appetizer, sauteed andouille is served with fig preserves, blue cheese and toast points. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. $$
Peacock Room — Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, 501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073; peacockroomnola.com — At brunch, braised short rib grillades are served over grits with mushrooms, a poached egg and shaved truffle. The dinner menu has oysters, salads, pasta, shrimp and grits, a burger, cheese plates and more. Reservations accepted. Dinner Wed.-Mon., brunch Sun. $$ Rosie’s on the Roof — Higgins Hotel, 480 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504) 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining — The rooftop bar has a menu of sandwiches, burgers and small plates. Crab beignets are made with Gulf crabmeat and mascarpone and served with herb aioli. No reservations. Dinner Mon.-Sat. $$
Tableau — 616 St. Peter St., (504) 934-3463; tableaufrenchquarter.com — The menu features traditional and creative Creole dishes. Pasta bouillabaisse features squid ink mafaldine, littleneck clams, Gulf shrimp, squid, seafood broth, rouille and herbed breadcrumbs. Outdoor seating available on the balcony. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Thu.-Sun. $$$ Tacklebox — 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651; legacykitchen.com — The menu includes raw and char-broiled oysters, seafood platters, po-boys, fried chicken, crab and corn bisque and more. Redfish St. Charles is served with garlic-herb butter, asparagus, mushrooms and crawfish cornbread. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$
Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 1212 S. Clearview Parkway, Elmwood, (504) 733-3803; 2125 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 510-4282; 4024 Canal St., (504) 302-1133; 4218 Magazine St., (504) 894-8554; 70488 Highway 21, Covington, (985) 234-9420; theospizza.com — A Marilynn Pota Supreme pie is topped with mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, mushrooms, bell peppers and onions. There also are salads, sandwiches, wings, breadsticks and more. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily. $
The Vintage — 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144; thevintagenola.com — There’s a full coffee drinks menu and baked goods and beignets, as well as a full bar. The menu has flatbreads, cheese boards, small plates and a pressed veggie sandwich with avocado, onions, arugula, red pepper and pepper jack cheese. No reservations. Delivery and outdoor seating available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$
Monday, March 16, at Siberia. Tickets are $31.17 via dice.fm.
We Them Ones comedy tour
Comedian and actor Mike Epps, who appeared in “Next Friday” and “The Hangover,” hosts this comedy showcase. The lineup features several veterans of “Wild ’n Out,” including Karlous Miller, D.C. Young Fly and Chico Bean. There’s also actor, comic and writer TK Kirkland, Ty Roberts and Just Nesh. At 8 p.m. Friday, March 20, at the Smoothie King Center. Tickets $89.65 and up via ticketmaster.com.
Fete Francaise
The Ecole Bilingue de la NouvelleOrleans’s annual street festival is a celebration of Louisiana French heritage with food, music and art. This year’s event is Saturday, March 21, and includes performances by Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, Leyla McCalla, The Rumble, Nat & Kat Cajun String Band and The Tangiers Combo. There also will be student performances, food for sale by Rosedale, St. James Cheese Company and Cafe Degas, a kids’ zone and more. Admission is free and the fest runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the school’s Uptown campus on Gen. Pershing Street. Find more info at fetefrancaise.com.
‘Tell the World the Truth’
In the ’70s and ’80s, Gerald Tillman was an active pianist, saxophonist and vocalist around New Orleans, playing with the Neville Brothers and his own band, Satisfaction. Tillman had also earned the nickname Professor Shorthair. His life ended too soon in 1986, but both Ivan and Cyril Neville have talked about his musical impact. Now there is a tribute to Tillman, called “Tell the World the Truth,” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Tipitina’s. The concert includes Cyril Neville and The Uptown All-Stars, Ivan Neville and friends, a reunion of Satisfaction, River Eckert and Andre Bohren. The show also is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Brainstormers. Tickets are $34.41 via tipitinas.com.
Continental Drifters
The Continental Drifters’ lineup changed many times since the indie rock band’s founding in Los Angeles in the early 1990s, before it relocated to New Orleans. Original members Susan Cowsill, Russ Broussard, Vicki Peterson, Robert Mache and Peter Holsapple reunite to perform songs from across the
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
band’s catalog. At 8 p.m. Friday, March 20 at the Broadside. Tickets $27.47 via broadsidenola.com.
Victor Goines Quartet
New Orleans-born saxophonist and clarinetist Victor Goines has had a prolific career as a composer, but he may be best known as a longtime member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis’ Septet. He performs with his Quartet at 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 20, at Snug Tickets $46.95 at snugjazz.com.
Rocky Dale Davis
Alabama-born comedian Rocky Dale Davis likes to joke about his rural upbringing, and some of his videos have gone viral on social media. performs at 8 p.m. Friday, March 20, at The H via laughlife.standuptix.com.
Bayou Bluegrass Festival
The Bayou Bluegrass Festival, now in its second year, is back at the Deutsches Haus Saturday, March 21, with performances by Grammy-winner Bronwyn Keith-Hynes with Jason Carter, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms, Gina Forsyth and The Copper Roosters and more. There also will be food vendors, kids’ activities and more. The fest is 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and tickets are $40 via deltahayride.com. A portion of proceeds benefit Special Olympics Louisiana.
Art in Bloom
The annual expo at the New Orleans Museum of Art typically focuses on flowers, but this year’s theme is “Marsh Madness” and highlights the swamps and wetlands. Floral designers choose artwork in the museum to inspire their creations, which are displayed next to the original in gallery spaces. The expo also includes a luncheon fashion show and lecture. Displays are on view March 19-22. Visit noma.org for details.
‘Two Elizas’ Actor and teacher Jenny Mercein reprises her solo show about her own ancestor, Eliza Mercein Barry, and a 1847 Supreme Court case named for her. In Barry v. Mercein, she won the right for women to retain custody of children. The show blends history and a personal narrative exploring women’s rights, motherhood and loss. At 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22, at Hermann-Grima House.
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EVENTS TAKING PLA C E IN T H E NEW O R LEANS A R EA, VISIT CALENDAR.GAMBITWEEKLY.COM
To learn more about adding your event to the music calendar, please email listingsedit@gambitweekly.com
MONDAY 16
30/90 Dapper Dandies, 6 pm; Half Shell Boogie, 9 pm
ALLWAYS LOUNGE Betsy Propane & The Accessories, 7 pm
APPLE BARREL Mark Appleford, 6 pm; Decaturadio, 10:30 pm
BACCHANAL Byron Asher, 6 pm
BAMBOULA’S The New Orleans Rug Cutters, 12 pm; Jon Roniger Band & The Good for Nothin’ Band, 4:30 pm; Ted Hefko & The Thousandaires, 9 pm
BJ’S LOUNGE — Red Beans & Blues with Washboard Chaz & Jonathan Freilich, 9 pm
BUFFA’S — David Doucet, 8 pm
CAFÉ NEGRIL Keep It Rolling Brass Band, 6 pm; Mother Ruckus, 9:30 pm
COLUMNS HOTEL Stanton Moore Trio, 6:30 pm
DBA — Secret Six Jazz Band, 6 pm; Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet, 9:30 pm
DIXON CONCERT HALL — DecodaMusic for Winds & Piano, 7:45 pm
DOS JEFES John Fohl, 8:30 pm
GASA GASA — Yellow Days, 9 pm
LOWPOINT — Robin Rapuzzi Solo Mandolin, Italian Serenade, 6 pm
THE MAISON — Aurora Nealand, 5 pm; Gene’s Music Machine, 8:30 pm
MAPLE LEAF BAR — George Porter Jr. Trio, 7 pm; 10 pm
MAYFIELD’S 208 — Kermit Rufns ft. Irvin Mayfeld: Red Bean Mondays, 6 pm
NO DICE A Sense of Purpose / Exitwounds, 9 pm
NOLA BREWING & PIZZA CO — Bluegrass Pickin' Party, 7 pm
OKAY BAR — Grady Drugg + Creekbed Carter + Bruisey Peets, 8 pm
POORBOYS — Gumbolaya, 9 pm
SATURN BAR — BC Coogan, 8:30 pm
SIBERIA Robert Lester Folsom + Rambler Kane, 9 pm
SNUG HARBOR Charmaine Neville Band, 7:30 pm; 9:30 pm
SPOTTED CAT — Jenavieve & The Winding Boys, 2 pm; Dominick Grillo & The Frenchmen Street All-Stars, 6 pm
TUESDAY 17
30/90 St. Julien X, 6 pm; Neicy B & Kompani, 9 pm
APPLE BARREL Bubbles Brown, 6 pm; Jackson’s Flying Circus ft. Mike Doussan & Chris Roberts, 10:30 pm
BACCHANAL Tangiers Combo, 6 pm
BAMBOULA’S — F K-rrera Music Group, 12 pm; Giselle Anguizola Quartet, 4:30 pm; Caitie B. & The Hand Me Downs, 9 pm
BJ'S LOUNGE BYWATER Bruisey's Bottoms Up Open Mic, 9 pm
BUFFA’S — Alex McMurray, 7 pm
CAFÉ NEGRIL The-Super-MostFantastic-Blues-N-Such-Jam, 7 pm
DOS JEFES — Tom Hook, 8:30 pm
HOLY DIVER Old Star + Bellringer + Touch Girl Apple Blossom + Good Flying Birds, 10 pm
HOUSE OF BLUES — Brian Sella + Emperor X, 8 pm
IRENE’S Monty Banks, 6 pm
THE MAISON — Jacky Blaire & The Hot Biscuits, 5 pm; Paradise Jazz Band, 8 pm
MAPLE LEAF BAR Very Good Tuesdays, 8 pm
MARKEY’S BAR — St. Patrick’s Day with Crescent & Clover, 3 pm
MAYFIELD’S 208 Irvin Mayfeld ft. Cyril Neville & Kermit Rufns, 6 pm
MRB DJ Mr. Bubble, 7 pm
NO DICE — The Pallbearers, Joecephus & The George Jonestown Massacre, Ayakashi Krewe, 8 pm
THE RABBIT HOLE Rebirth Brass Band, 10 pm
SALON SALON — Silver Lining Serenaders, 7 pm
SEAWORTHY — Sam Friend Band, 7 pm
SATURN BAR Blood Sports, Wesley Wolfe, The Convenience, Pope, 9 pm
SNUG HARBOR Phillip Manuel Tribute to Nat King Cole Tribute, 7:30 & 9:30 pm
SPOTTED CAT Chris Christy Band, 2 pm; Sweetie Pies of New Orleans, 6 pm; Smoking Time Jazz Band, 9:30 pm
ST. ROCH TAVERN Hairaoke: Haircuts & Karaoke, 8 pm
TIPITINA’S Wednesday Bleeds Tour 2026 + Gouge Away, 8 pm
WEDNESDAY 18
30/90 — Josh Benitez, 6 pm; Decaturadio, 9 pm
APPLE BARREL — Felipe Kerra, 6 pm; Joey Houck, 10:30 pm
BACCHANAL — Christien Bold, 6 pm
BAMBOULA’S — Jacky Blaire & The Hot Biscuits, 12 pm; Swingin’ With John Saavedra, 4:30 pm; Laura Doyle Quartet, 9 pm
BLUE NILE — Kota Dosa, 9 pm
BRATZ Y’ALL Chris Vincent & Stud Ford, 5 pm
BROADSIDE — Dem Roots, 8 pm
BUFFA’S Joe Krown, 7 pm
CAFÉ NEGRIL — The Silver Lining Serenaders, 6:30 pm; Jam-ilton, 9 pm
DBA The Next Level Band, 9:30 pm
DOS JEFES — Kris Tokarski, 8:30 pm
GASA GASA Tobacco Road + Phin + Anna Laura Quinn, 9 pm
HOLY DIVER — Hans Condor + The Nancies, 9 pm
HOTEL PETER & PAUL — Sariyah
Idan Album Release with Monica Rose Kelly, 7 pm
JAZZ PLAYHOUSE Funkin’ It Up with Big Sam, 7:30 pm
The Convenience plays with Blood Sports, Pope and Wesley Wolffe at Saturn Bar Tuesday, Mar. 17 at 9 p.m.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY PHILLIP THOMPSON
6:00-8:00 PM
Chasers 3:00-5:00 PM
Cain 5:30-7:30 PM
NDAY,A PR IL 12 TH NORTHSTAGE RiversideRevival Band 9:00-10:00 AM
11:00-12:45 PM
Idea Band 1:30-3:30 PM Rouge Krewe 4:00-6:00 PM SOUTH STAGE TheDrunk Uncles 10:45-12:15 PM
Falgoust Band 1:00-3:00 PM Swampland Revival 3:30-5:30PM
LAFAYETTE SQUARE — WATS:
Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen + Electric Ramble, 5 pm
LONGUE VUE HOUSE & GARDENS
Twilight Concert Series: Nat & Kat Cajun String Banfd, 5:30 pm
THE MAISON — Gene’s Music Machine, 6 pm
MAPLE LEAF BAR — Happy Organ Hour, 7 pm
MARIGNY BRASSERIE — Legacy Jazz Band, 7 pm
MAYFIELD’S 208 BOURBON — Irvin
Mayfeld ft. Kermit Rufns, 6 pm
MRB — Lynn Drury, 7 pm
NO DICE AL The Wizard w/ Noa and the Hand Grenades, Bangermgmt, and Life of Riley, 9 pm
SANTOS BAR — Chambre Noir with Paco, 10 pm
SATURN BAR — Basher and Shakespeare and the Blues, 9 pm
SIBERIA — Exit Strategy with Lower Class and Wishful Thinking, 9 pm
SNUG HARBOR — Lawrence Sieberth & Brad Walker, 5 pm; Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra, 7:30 & 9:30 pm
SPOTTED CAT — Chris Christy Band, 2 pm; Marty Peters & The Party Meters, 9:30 pm
TIPITINA’S Tell The World The Truth: Professor Shorthair Tribute, 7:30 pm
VAUGHAN’S Robin Rapuzzi’s Glo Worm Trio, 8:30 pm
THURSDAY 19
30/90 — Kristabelle y Los Koombeans, 6 pm; Xcitement, 9 pm
ALLWAYS LOUNGE — Van Ella Bordella, 7 pm
APPLE BARREL — Bubbles Brown, 6 pm; Johnny B, 10:30 pm
BACCHANAL — Raphael Bas, 6 pm
BAMBOULA’S JJ & The A-Ok’s, 12 pm; Cristina Kaminis & The Mix, 4:30 pm; Wolfe John’s Band, 9 pm
BANKS ST. BAR — Bimbo-Oke, Karaoke!, 8 pm
BJ’S LOUNGE — Colmen Akin’s Swing Septet, 9 pm
BLUE NILE — Irvin Mayfeld’s Music Church, 9 pm
BRATZ Y’ALL — Tifany Pollack & Brandon Brunious, 5 pm
BUFFA’S — Tom McDermott & Aurora Nealand, 7 pm
CAFE NEGRIL — Armani Smith & Soul Ties, 10 pm
CARROLLTON STATION Taylon Flod and The Wild Echoes & Friends, 8 pm
CHICKIE WAH WAH — Jon Cleary, 8 pm
DBA — Palmetto Bug Stompers, 6 pm
DOS JEFES — The Mark Coleman Band, 8:30 pm
DOUBLE DEALER — John Saavedra, 9 pm
GASA GASA — Blind Texas Marlin, 10 pm
JAZZ PLAYHOUSE Brass-AHolics, 7:30 pm
LE BON TEMPS ROULE Kat Deal, 11 pm
THE MAISON Naomie April Trio, 4:30 pm; SingleMaltPlease, 8:30 pm
MAPLE LEAF BAR Booker & Beyond with Kyle Roussel, 6 pm; Johnny Vidacovich Trio, 8 pm
MARQUETTE THEATER AT LOYOLA
UNIVERSITY — Little Shop of Horrors, 7:30 pm
MRB — Micah McKee & Friends, 7 pm
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & BLUES
MARKET — Walter Trout Band, 7:30 pm
PEACOCK ROOM, HOTEL FONTENOT
— Da Lovebirds with Robin Barnes and Pat Casey , 7 pm
ROCK 'N' BOWL — Geno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie, 8 pm
SALON SALON — Victoria Doutón, 7 pm
SANTOS BAR — Tainted Love 80’s Night with DJ Shane Love, 10 pm
SATURN BAR — Uptight Fever: Dj Double Plus & Friends, 9 pm
SIBERIA — Trophy Wife with Shmoo and Kelly Duplex, 9 pm
SNUG HARBOR — Bon Bon Vivant, 7:30 pm; 9:30 pm
VAUGHAN’S — Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet, 10:30 pm
FRIDAY 20
30/90 — Bob Gagnon, 2 pm; Uncut, 5 pm; Kyle Sharamitaro, 8 pm; Zena Moses & Rue Fiya, 11 pm
APPLE BARREL Bubbles Brown, 6 pm; Michael Darby & The Rockers, 10:30 pm
BACCHANAL David Sigler, 1 pm; Willie Green, 7 pm
BAMBOULA’S The New Orleans Rug Cutters, 11 am; Felipe Antonio Quintet, 2:15 pm; Les Getrex & Creole Cooking, 6:30 pm; Bettis & The 3rd Degree Brass Band, 10 pm
BJ’S LOUNGE BrasiNola, 9 pm
BLUE NILE — The Caesar Brothers’ FunkBox, 7:30 pm; Kermit Rufns & The BBQ Swingers, 10 pm; DJ FTK (upstairs), 10 pm
BRATZ Y’ALL — Dick Deluxe & Shani Shavit, 5 pm
BROADSIDE Continental Drifters, 8 pm
BUFFA’S Tyler Bond, 8 pm
CAFE NEGRIL — Blackdog, 2 pm; Jamey St. Pierre & The Honeycreepers, 6 pm; Higher Heights Reggae, 10 pm
CARROLLTON STATION — Third Fridays with Sweet Magnolia + Dizzy! + Lizette, 9 pm
CHICKIE WAH WAH — Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves, 8 pm
DBA — Michael Watson & The Alchemy, 6 pm; Jason Neville Funky Soul Allstar Band, 10 pm
DOS JEFES The Joe Krown Trio, 9 pm
DOUBLE DEALER The Satin Strings, 9:30 pm
THE DRAGON’S DEN — $5 Zydeco Fridays, 7 pm
FOUNDATION ROOM NEW ORLEANS — Mia Borders Acoustic Trio, 7 pm
GASA GASA — DJ Say Trell, 7 pm; Close Enough: 90s Night, 9 pm
HOLY DIVER Underneath the Underground IX Presents: Nixed, Badzy, Grosero, Laughing Torso, 9 pm
HOUSE OF BLUES Mia Borders, 7 pm; DJ Derrick Smoker, 10 pm
LE BON TEMPS ROULÉ Shawan Rice, 11 pm
THE MAISON — Nola Sweethearts, 3 pm; Shotgun Jazz Band, 5 pm; Street Lyfe, 8 pm; DJ GQ, 11 pm
MAPLE LEAF BAR — Surco, 8 pm; Phoush, 11 pm
MARQUETTE THEATER AT LOYOLA
UNIVERSITY — Little Shop of Horrors, 7:30 pm
MRB — Danger, Barnes, and Wilson, 7 pm
NO DICE Where My Girls At Present: Girls Just Wanna Have, 10 pm
NOLA BREWING & PIZZA CO — Alex McMurray Band, 7 pm
OKAY BAR — Jonathan Henley + Jacobs Ladder + Miss Morning, 8 pm
RABBIT HOLE Sorry for Party Rocking (2010 - 2015 Pop & EDM Bangers), 10 pm
REPUBLIC NOLA Electric Feels, 9:30 pm
ROCK 'N' BOWL Nashville South, 8:30 pm
ROUSSEL HALL, LOYOLA
UNIVERSITY Loyola Presents: Asher Armstrong Guest Piano Masterclass & Recital, 7:30 pm
SATURN BAR — SLAAP Cabaret, 9 pm
SIBERIA Queen of the Damned: Corpse Dust + Dark Elevator + We Dreamt of Being Ghosts Among the Stars, 8 pm
SNUG HARBOR — Victor Goines Quartet, 7:30 pm; 9:30 pm
SPOTTED CAT Paradise Jazz Band, 2 pm; New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, 6 pm; Vegas Cola, 10 pm
TIGERMEN DEN Tuba Skinny, 7:30 pm
TOULOUSE THEATRE — Axeman’s Ball ft. Naughty Professor, 8 pm
TWELVE MILE LIMIT — Goth Night with DJ Eve Hill, 9 pm
SATURDAY 21
30/90 Anne Elise & The Swamp Circus, 2 pm; Sleazeball Orchestra, 5 pm; Hotline, 8 pm; Street Lyfe, 11 pm
APPLE BARREL The Smoky Greenwell Blues Band, 10:30 pm
BACCHANAL — Miles Berry, 1 pm; Bayou Manouche, 7 pm
BAMBOULA’S — Aaron Levinson & Friends, 11 am; James McClaskey & The Rhythm Band, 2:15 pm; Johnny Mastro Blues, 6:30 pm; Paggy Prine & Southern Soul, 10 pm
BJ’S LOUNGE Kumasi, 9 pm
BLUE NILE — Lyndsey Smith, 7 pm; Afrobeat NOLA, 10 pm
BMC Abe Thompson & Drs. of Funk, 3 pm; Deej the Floor King, 6 pm; T Marie & Bayou Juju, 9 pm
BRATZ Y’ALL Giselle Anguizola & Kala Chandra, 5 pm
BROADSIDE — Zydeco Festival, 5 pm
BUFFA’S — Dayna Kurtz, 8 pm
CAFE NEGRIL The Rumpshakers, 2 pm; Bon Bon Vivant, 6 pm; Zena Moses & The Rue Fiya Allstars, 10 pm
CARROLLTON STATION Bluegrass Jam!, 8 pm
CHICKIE WAH WAH — Dylan LeBlanc, 9 pm
DBA — Dana Abbott, 6 pm; Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, 10 pm
DEUTSCHES HAUS — New Orleans Bayou Bluegrass Festival, 11 am
DOS JEFES Yoshitaka “Z2” Trio, 9 pm
THE FILLMORE Somebody Loves Me, 8 pm
GASA GASA Pedro the Juice, 7 pm; Kaytranada Club with Legatron Prime, 10 pm
HOLY DIVER Underneath the Underground IX Presents: Bullshit Detector, The King’s Cannon, Mugger, Cosh Boyz, 9 pm
HOUSE OF BLUES — Shawan Rice, 7 pm; The No Ring Circus, 9 pm
HOWLIN’ WOLF — Half Dollar Rodeo + The Basch Jernigan Band + The Old Barstools, 7 pm
JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — Nayo Jones Experience, 7:30 pm; 9 pm
LE BON TEMPS ROULÉ — Reverend Rob B. Mortimer, 11 pm
THE MAISON — Nola Axe Men, 1 pm; Smoking Time Jazz Club, 4 pm; Big Easy Brass Walker, 8 pm; DJ Dot Dunnie, 11 pm
MAPLE LEAF BAR — The Grease Mix
Tape Live with Terence Higgins, 8 pm; Steve Kelly, 11 pm
MRB Sinkin’ City, 7 pm
NEW MARIGNY THEATRE — Piu Mosso Baroque- Harpsichord Concertos & Comic Cantatas, 5:30 pm
NO DICE — HR of Bad Brains w/ Donny’s Demeanor, 8 pm
NOLA BREWING — Louis Michot & Swamp Magic, 7 pm
PUBLIC BELT AT HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE Phil Melancon, 8 pm
ROCK 'N' BOWL — Neutral Snap, 8:30 pm
SANTOS BAR — Renegades Dance Party, 10 pm
SATURN BAR — The Helots, The Holiday Playgirls, & Kiki Cavazos, 9 pm
SIBERIA — Spice World: Avery Island BCE + Nail Club + Rubber Chicken, + EDEN, 9 pm
SNUG HARBOR Alejandro Canales & Geovane Paiva Santos, 4:30 pm; Amina Figerova Sextet, 7:30 & 9:30 pm
TIPITINA’S — RAKIM, 10 pm
TWELVE MILE LIMIT Catch the Wif, 9 pm
SUNDAY 22
30/90 Jef Chaz Blues Band, 3 pm; Scotty Yost & The Most, 6 pm; SingleMaltPlease, 9 pm
ALLWAYS LOUNGE — Sunday Swing with Garden of Joy, 8 pm
BACCHANAL Christen Spencer, 1 pm; Noah Young, 7 pm
BAMBOULA’S Them Jaywalkers, 11 am; Laura Doyle Quartet, 2:15 pm;
Midnight Brawlers, 5:30 pm; Kat Kiley, 9 pm
MUSIC
BAR REDUX — Take Of Your Folkin Clothes with Rommy Vargas, 9 pm
BJ’S LOUNGE — Louis Michot, Leyla McCalla & Corey Ledet, 6 pm; James McClaskey & the Rhythm Band, 9 pm
BLUE NILE — Gumbo Funk, 7 pm; Street Legends Brass Band, 9:30 pm
BMC Sierra & The Green Notes, 3 pm; Better Late Than Jake, 6 pm; JAM Brass Band, 9 pm
BRATZ Y’ALL Don Cook & Dick Deluxe, 4 pm
CAFÉ NEGRIL — Sugar & The Daddies, 12 pm; Uncut, 5 pm; The Next Level Band, 9 pm
CHICKIE WAH WAH — Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes, 8 pm
DBA Paradise Jazz Band, 6 pm; The Jump Hounds, 9:30 pm
DOS JEFES — Raphael Bas, 8 pm
THE DOG HOUSE — Craig Cortello, The “Canine Crooner”, 4 pm
THE FILLMORE Miguel, 8 pm
GASA GASA — Al Olender, 8 pm
HOLY DIVER — Cape of Bats! + Funeral Dancer + Antagonizer + Upside Down Skull Face, 10 pm
HOWLIN’ WOLF — Hot 8 Brass Band, 10:30 pm
MAPLE LEAF BAR Sweet Re Leaf ft. Tony Hall, Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr. & The Runnin Pardners + More!, 12 pm
NEW MARIGNY THEATRE
Piu Mosso Baroque- Harpsichord Concertos & Comic Cantatas, 3 pm
NO DICE The Placeholders + Code Black + Boot, 8 pm
SAENGER THEATRE — Robert Plant + Saving Grace + Suzi Dian, 8 pm
SATURN BAR Leah Song of Rising Appalachia, 9 pm
SIBERIA — The People’s Note Sound Bath Live Droning, 8 pm
SMOOTHIE KING CENTER MANÁ, 8 pm
TIPITINA’S — Larkin Poe + Ghalia Volt, 8 pm
Dining Issue Spring
DATE: MARCH 30 RESERVE SPACE BY: MARCH 20
FESTIVAL ISSUES
FRENCH QUARTER FEST
ISSUE DATE:
APRIL 13 [RESERVE SPACE BY APRIL 3]
JAZZ FEST ISSUE DATES:
APRIL 20 [RESERVE SPACE BY APRIL 10]
APRIL 27 [RESERVE SPACE BY APRIL 17]
REACH LOCALS
3 FEST ISSUES
Film fete
by Will Coviello
THE NEW ORLEANS FILM SOCIETY’S FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL is a francophone affair, with French language films from Europe, Africa and North America, including the Louisiana French of the documentary “Built on Zydeco.” The festival brings films and events to The Prytania and other venues on March 19-24.
Now in its 29th year, the French Film Festival includes 13 feature-length films and a slate of short films. The mix of French films ranges from notable recent releases to a classic film by avant garde writer and filmmaker Jean Cocteau. The opening night film is “Colours of Time,” a 2025 comedy drama from director Cedric Klapisch. In the story, a large group of strangers meet in Paris, all of them descendants of a woman named Adele Meunier. It turns out she owned a farmhouse in Normandy that none of them knew about, and they dispatch a group to see what’s been left behind.
and the Beast.” His 1946 surreal film recounts the romantic story about a young woman who charms a beast who has put a curse on her father.
Director Francois Ozon also turns to a classic for his just released version of Albert Camus’ “The Stranger.” Shot in black and white, it conjures the existential dread of the 1942 novel as a French man kills an Arabic man in Algeria and goes on trial.
Exploring the remnants becomes a way for the film to leap back in time and tell Adele’s story. The quirky and slightly awkward Adele makes a reverse journey, traveling to Paris to find her mother. There she delves into the swirl of Parisian life during the Belle Epoque period, as technology is changing the world. The art scene is full of controversy and change as the Impressionists take over and her mother lives in scandalous social conditions. The two stories unfold in parallel in a film that celebrates Paris and French cultural riches.
Also looking back at 19th century art is Polish director Michal Kwiecinski’s “Chopin, Chopin!” The film dramatizes the young Polish composer’s brilliant career, when he moved to Paris and became a darling of its salons, all while struggling to survive both financially and physically.
There’s a free screening of Michel Hazanavicius’ animated feature “The Most Precious of Cargoes.” In it, an infant is thrown from a train bound for Auschwitz. A Polish peasant couple rescues the baby and fights over whether to raise the child themselves, a big risk in a community steeped in prejudice.
For a classic piece of French cinema, the fest draws from Cocteau. The festival screens his version of “Beauty
“Dahomey” is a recent documentary from Senegal. Director Mati Diop examines the plundering of the West African kingdom of Dahomey and the long overdue return of its artifacts. That history is examined through some of the few pieces repatriated to Benin.
From Acadiana, there’s “Built on Zydeco” from Milton Arceneaux and Dustin Cravins. The documentary was shot in and around Opelousas, and it looks at zydeco as a staple of the culture and a business and cultural export. It features musicians Terrance Simien, Keith Frank of Soileau Zydeco Band, and Buckwheat Zydeco’s son Reginald “Buckwheat Jr.” Dural carrying on the family legacy with the Ils Sont Partis band. It follows them on stage and at home to get a full picture of how the music is passed on in both families and the community. The festival also has several parties and events, many of which are free for festival pass holders or members of sponsoring groups like Alliance Francaise de la Nouvelle Orleans. There’s also a new French film conference which will host panel discussions on Cocteau, Louisiana-born composer Edmond Dede and more.
For a full schedule and tickets, visit neworleansfilmsociety.org.
‘Colours of time’ PHOTO PROVIDED BY NEW ORLEANS FILM SOCIETY
PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE
REVERSE ENGINEERING
By Frank A. Longo
85 Mild Dutch cheeses
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Addis Ababa native, in old parlance
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String of prayer beads
Cheerfully indifferent
Player hitting to a spiker
Layer with the iris
Fun activities, for short
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35 Noted coach Parseghian
36 Small barrel 38 Cholera-causing bacterium
39 Reaches an impasse
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Hazy
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Syndromes, e.g. 50 Berlin article 52 Officiate at a Catholic church 53 Greenish, tartish brew
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Doctrine
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73 Golf average
74 Become bored by 76 U. URL suffix
78 Gain again, as trust 79 Civil rights leader Parks
80 Like some Native American poles
86 Spouses’ split 87 Bristol beer
88 Org. for D.C. United 89 Exhaust the supply of 91 Many a hip-hop dancer
92 Swiss river
93 Musical run with two sharps
94 Resounded
95 Followed closely
96 Arranged on a dish, as a meal
97 Relief sounds
98 Wiccans, e.g.
99 Spain’s peninsula
100 Seller at a street fair 101 British intelligence magazine until 2020 107 Advantage 108 Arab leader 110 Cheer words
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