Gambit: May 17, 2022

May 17-23 2022 Volume 43 Number 20

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HAPPY NATIONAL

MAY 17 — MAY 24, 2022 VOLUME 43 || NUMBER 20

CONTENTS

NEWS

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Opening Gambit ...............................6 Commentary.....................................9 Clancy DuBos..................................10 Blake Pontchartrain......................11

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5

Float Parade

Bayou Boogaloo returns to Bayou St. John on May 20-22 MID-CITY BAYOU BOOGALOO HAS ALWAYS DRAWN MUSIC LOVERS to its

three stages along Bayou St. John.

It also has attracted fans to float in the bayou in boats and rafts. That is complicated, because officially the city discourages swimming in Bayou St. John (primarily because of objects on the bottom). Nonetheless, Boogaloo fans have arrived in canoes, improvised barges, giant inflatables and more.

This year, Bayou Boogaloo is taking to the water. One of the music festival’s three stages will float on the bayou — anchored to shore — and primarily will feature brass bands.

There are a few changes from pre-pandemic editions of the festival, but the Boogaloo is back with three music stages from the evening of Friday, May 20, through Sunday, May 22. There also is a kids stage, a large art market, food and drink vendors and more.

The music lineup features a mix of New Orleans bands and some visiting acts. Many of the performers were scheduled to play the canceled 2020 event and have held over for this festival.

Ani DiFranco headlines the festival at 8 p.m. Saturday, and she is due to start a summer tour in June.

DiFranco had just finished writing a suite of songs when the pandemic shutdowns began. She was able to record them in Durham, North Carolina, backed by musicians from bands located there, including alt-country outfit Hiss Golden Messenger and The Mountain Goats. “Revolutionary Love” was released last year, and is a mix of folk, soul and jazz-pop.

Also hailing from North Carolina’s Triangle area, The Squirrel Nut Zippers hit it big during the swing craze, when the band was based in Chapel Hill. Over time, most of the members have moved to New Orleans and reconstituted the band, led by guitarist Jimbo Mathus. The Squirrel Nut Zippers perform at 6:45 p.m. Friday.

The Soul Rebels perform at 8 p.m. Friday on the main stage at Orleans Avenue. Most of the brass band performances will be on the floating Pacifico Bayou Stage, near the Lafitte Avenue end of the bayou. That includes Young Fellaz Brass Band on Friday, and the Big Six Brass Band, Kings of Brass and others on Saturday. On Sunday, the lineup features Young

|

by Will Coviello

Pinstripe, Chosen Ones, Orleans and Lagniappe brass bands.

Brooklyn’s Red Baraat has often traveled to New Orleans during the spring music festival season.

Its bhangra funk sound is a fusion of the bhangra music of founder Sunny Jain’s heritage in India’s Punjabi region with jazz and the funk and hip-hop influences of New York. The band performs at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Dragon Smoke, featuring keyboardist Ivan Neville, guitarist Eric Lindell and members of Galactic, performs on Friday night. Also on opening night, there’s Chapel Hart, a country band featuring the harmonizing of sisters Danica and Devynn Hart and their cousin Trea Swindle. Inferno Burlesque performs on the Pacifico floating stage on Friday.

Saturday features Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles and the New Soul Finders, led by guitarist Marc Stone and vocalist Marilyn Barbarin. Houston’s Los Skarnales fuses ska and punk with Mexican-American music from Texas and northern Mexico.

On Sunday, Lafayette slide guitar and bluesman Sonny Landreth headlines. There also are sets by vocalist Maggie Koerner, Michot’s Melody Makers, the Colin Lake Band and Balkan-inspired outfit Blato Zlato. There’s also a tribute to folk and roots music stalwart Spencer Bohren by The Whippersnappers, led by his son, pianist Andre Bohren.

The festival’s kids stage will feature the School of Rock band, Brazilian martial arts and dance group Capoeira New Orleans, Poose the Puppet, a pirate improv show from Goat in the Road Productions and more.

The festival has roughly 20 food vendors, including the Southerns and Da GM’s Smoke & Soul BBQ food trucks. Clesi’s Restaurant and Catering will offer boiled crawfish. There also are Bub’s Burgers,

Bright Eyes

AFTER A NINE-YEAR HIATUS, CONOR OBERST’S INDIE ROCK BAND BRIGHT EYES reunited in 2020 and

released a new album, “Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was.” Since then, it’s released recordings of old songs and companion new work. Hurray for the Riff Raff, which recently released “Life on Earth,” an album of spirited folk and alt-pop, opens at 8 p.m. Monday, May 23, at Orpheum Theater.

FILE PHOTO

Empanola and Ajun Cajun. New to the festival are Dat Dog, Jamaican Jerk House, Soule Cafe and Keyala’s Pralines. Many vendors will have vegan or vegetarian items.

The art market has 60 artists and crafts people offering ceramics, glasswork, jewelry, puzzles, paintings, home décor, items for pets, gifts and more.

Tickets to the festival are $15 on Friday night, and $30 for single-day admission on Saturday or Sunday. Advance tickets are available online, and ticketholders can enter any of the festival’s three gates. To buy tickets at the gate, there is a box office on Orleans Avenue on the French Quarter side of the bayou. VIP ticketholders will get electronic wristbands to use at drink vendors inside the grounds.

Bars will accept credit cards, but no cash. Most food and craft vendors will accept cash or credit cards.

Bayou Boogaloo has posted online its rules for water access, intended both for safety and to improve clean-up after the fest.

Some floating vehicles may be launched prior to the festival and many vessels will require a deposit, refundable when the boat or raft is removed following the event.

Motorized boats are not allowed.

State laws regarding water safety apply. Visit the website for a full list of rules and guidelines. Visit thebayouboogaloo.com for details and tickets.

PROVIDED PHOTO BY AUTUMN DEWILDE

Conor Oberst leads Bright Eyes at the Orpheum Theater on May 23.

Video Age

NEW ORLEANS INDIE ROCK BAND VIDEO AGE FILLED THEIR 2020 ALBUM “PLEASURE LINE” with vibrant synth-

pop and optimistic reflections on love. It was a natural outpouring of songwriters Ross Farbe’s and Ray Micarelli’s lives at the time they were making the album — both were on the cusp of getting married. Video Age plays with Los Guiros and She Would at 10 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at One Eyed Jacks. Tickets are $12 at oneeyedjacks.net.

Angelo Moore and the Brand New Step

FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, ANGELO MOORE HAS BEEN FORCING DISPARATE MUSICAL GENRES do to his high

energy, psychedelic will, mashing up ska, funk, soul, hip-hop and electronica. As the front man for Fishbone, Moore launched a thousand punk ska ships in 1985 with the release of their self-titled EP, and he hasn’t slowed down much in the decades since, cranking out dozens of releases with Fishbone, as a solo artist and with the Brand New Step. On his post-Covid return to New Orleans, Moore PAGE 33

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OPENING GAMBIT NEW ORLEANS NEWS + VIEWS

Welcome to first summer everyone. Make sure you’re stocked up on water bottles and talcum powder.

#

T H U M B S U P/ THUMBS DOWN

358.14

The Cantrell Administration

has launched a guaranteed income pilot program for New Orleans teenagers and young adults. The program, funded by a $500,000 grant from Mayors for Guaranteed Income, will give $350 a month for 10 months to 125 city residents aged 16 to 24. Payments are given on a Mastercard debit card. New Orleans is one of more than 60 cities taking part in similar pilot programs meant to study the effects of guaranteed income policies.

The Louisiana House of Representatives revived a Flori-

da-style “Don’t Say Gay” bill despite it being voted down in the House Education committee. HB 837 would prohibit K-12 teachers from discussing their own sexual orientation or gender identity as well as any discussion of sex or gender in class for some grades. The measure previously was rejected 7-4 in committee, but in a rare move, House lawmakers voted to hold a “Committee of the Whole” hearing on the bill.

The Environmental Protection Agency will not fund the reloca-

tion of Gordon Plaza residents, despite officials saying in January they would work with the city to find solutions for people living on a former landfill. Gilbert Montano, the city’s chief administrative officer, broke the news last week to the City Council. It’s the latest obstacle in an already too-long fight for Gordon Plaza residents.

THE COUNT

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

People gather outside the Louisiana Supreme Court on Monday, May 9, 2022 for a vigil on the evening before the court heard arguments in Reginald Reddick’s split jury appeal.

State Supreme Court hears case that could overturn split-jury convictions THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT MAY 10 HEARD ORAL ARGUMENTS

in a case that could determine the fate of hundreds of prisoners throughout the state who are locked up on non-unanimous jury verdicts, which were legal in the state until 2019 and ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court the following year.

Lawyers for Reginald Reddick, who was convicted by a splitjury in 1997 for a murder in Plaquemines Parish and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, say that his verdict was based on an unconstitutional and historically racist law, and that he, along with more than 1,000 other people in his position, are entitled to new trials.

“I think that we have up to 1,500 people who don’t have a constitutional verdict one way or another,” Jamila Johnson, a lawyer with the Promise of Justice Initiative, which is representing Reddick, told the justices during Tuesday’s arguments. “Their innocence or guilt has not been established.”

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has opposed Reddick and other prisoners’ petitions for new trials based on their split-jury convictions, arguing that splitjury verdicts weren’t fundamentally unfair. Attorney’s with his

office claim that being forced to retry hundreds of cases would be too burdensome for prosecutors across the state.

“Given the states limited resources, to tie them up and allow defendants to relitigate endlessly their claims, when you have defendants languishing in prison waiting for trial in the first place, just wasn’t a good use of resources,” said Shae McPhee, of the Attorney General’s Office.

Justice Piper Griffin — the court’s only female justice, and only Black justice — questioned that reasoning.

“You’re suggesting that the state’s interest in finality is more important than an individual’s constitutional rights?”Griffin asked.

McPhee responded that the court needed to consider that at the time Reddick was convicted, split-jury verdicts were legal.

“At the time, Mr. Reddick, he was given a trial and his due process that was due under the constitution at the time,” McPhee said. “And to allow him to continually relitigate the same issue eats up the resources of the state.”

But Johnson said that split-jury verdicts — which were codified in state law at the dawn of the Jim Crow era — should never have been considered constitutional

THE PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN REPORTED NEW CASES OF COVID-19 IN NEW ORLEANS BETWEEN APRIL 20, THE DAY BEFORE FRENCH QUARTER FEST BEGAN, AND MAY 11, ACCORDING TO TRACKING DATA COLLECTED

BY THE NEW YORK TIMES. City officials reported 43 new cases of the virus on April 20, and by May 11 that number had shot to 197. During that period, FQF reported more than 825,000 people attended their festival, while Jazz Fest said 475,000 attended its two-week event. A number of afterfest shows were canceled during the second week of Jazz Fest due to Covid infections, and Willie Nelson missed the festival because of Covid.

C’EST W H AT

?

What was the best part of Jazz Fest 2022?

44.7%

JUST BEING ON THE FAIR GROUNDS WITH FRIENDS AGAIN

18.4%

THE FOOD — I ATE MY WAY THROUGH THE FESTIVAL

29%

ALL THE LOUISIANA ACTS

7.9%

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in the first place, and were the product of a racist backlash following Reconstruction that sought to silence the voices of Black jurors and convict more Black defendants.

“Louisianians didn’t get the same rights under the sixth amendment that they did in the rest of the country,” Johnson said. “Why were Louisinans deprived of their constitutional rights? The reason was because of a Jim Crow law.”

— NICK CRISTAL / THE LENS

Despite privacy concerns, Louisiana House committee advances bill to allow cell phones in abortion clinics

THE LOUISIANA HOUSE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE easily advanced

on Wednesday a bill that would allow patients to bring their cell phones into abortion clinics — a measure that would open the doors to allow anti-abortion groups to spam pregnant people’s phones while they’re in the clinic waiting room.

The committee passed the bill

by Rep. Beth Mizell, a Franklinton Republican, by an 11-2 vote. However, if the Supreme Court does end up

overturning Roe v. Wade and the right to legal abortion in the United States, abortion would immediately become illegal in Louisiana, with a narrow exception only if the pregnant person’s life is in danger. With the state’s three remaining abortion clinics closed, the bill would no longer be applicable.

Mizell said it was important for patients to have access to a cell phone, as opposed to a landline in a clinic, because some people might prefer to text while at the clinic.

But reproductive rights advocates said this would create significant privacy and safety concerns both for patients and the people working at the clinics, opening them up to be targeted by anti-abortion extremists, who sometimes pose as patients in order to enter a clinic.

“People could be facing issues of domestic violence, where their location and why they’re there could put them in danger if other patients just take pictures or disclose somebody’s identity,” said reproductive rights attorney Ellie Schilling. “[This] has happened in clinics in Louisiana — just people sort of just teasing around and recognizing somebody

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— but that puts people at risk.”

Abortion clinic staff and patients already face hostility from antiabortion protesters outside the clinic, especially in Louisiana, where abortion rights are particularly polarizing.

And because of cell phone location tracking services, the threat isn’t just when a person’s at a clinic.

Through a practice known as geofencing, anti-abortion groups can send targeted ads to people who have gone within a certain range of an abortion clinic.

“These ads show up as display ads on a variety of websites the person might be browsing on their phone,” a website advertising this type of service reads. “These type of ads can be effective as women sit in the abortion center waiting room, because many are not fully convinced abortion is the right choice.”

Schilling also referenced a Washington Post article published May 4 which talks about how commercial data brokers sell information collected from the phones of people who have gone to abortion clinics.

That can include where a person visiting a clinic went before and after.

“It’s not just a matter of the

potential for harassment or safety issues while people are at the clinic,” she said. “It’s also after they leave.”

It wasn’t lost on the Health and Welfare committee that only two of its 18 members are women, Rep. Laurie Schlegel, a Metairie Republican, and Rep. Pat Moore, a Monroe Democrat. Only Schlegel was present for the vote, and she and the other members of the committee joked about her being the “resident woman.”

Rep. Larry Bagley, a Stonewall Republican, said, “As a predominately male group, it’s hard for us to understand what a woman goes through for an abortion.”

Bagley preceded to imagine a hypothetical in which his daughters would want to call him if they ever were to get an abortion. “They’re in their 40s, and they’ll get in my lap now if they’re upset,” he said.

Schlegel voted for the bill allowing patients to bring cell phones into abortion clinics, along with ten of her male colleagues. The Senate advanced the bill 34-3 last month.

It now heads to the House floor, where it is likely to pass.

— KAYLEE POCHE

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Let’s act now to save our culture and people before the next Covid wave hits

here comes the summer

skirt time

ON MAY 11, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED COVID-19 CASES IN NEW ORLEANS STOOD AT 197 — an

increase of more than 350% from three weeks prior (April 20), when the city prepped for the start of French Quarter Fest the next day. By the second week of Jazz Fest, it became increasingly clear New Orleans was seeing a new outbreak. Shows were canceled at d.b.a., Zony Mash, Tipitina’s and other venues, Willie Nelson bowed out of his Jazz Fest appearance, and positive Covid tests sidelined hospitality employees across the city.

The latest spike in cases stands in contrast to what New Orleans experienced right after Mardi Gras, the NCAA Final Four, both the Uptown and Downtown Super Sundays and Easter Weekend.

Thankfully, hospitalizations have not, as of yet, seen a similar increase. But the current wave should set off alarm bells at City Hall and in Baton Rouge.

New Orleans may have had some luck earlier this year, with Mardi Gras and other events hitting between new variants and surges. But it can’t be entirely chalked up to the fates: clearly something changed, and the fact that musicians, bartenders and servers once again bear the brunt of Covid’s health and economic impacts should spur urgent action.

If New Orleans is going to survive this pandemic, the mayor and the City Council need to take proactive steps now to protect locals and visitors.

One idea city and state officials should consider is helping indoor music venues, bars and restaurants update ventilation systems.

Infectious disease experts agree that spaces where large numbers of unmasked people congregate need effective ventilation and air circulation to prevent or slow Covid outbreaks. Such systems are, unfortunately, too expensive for most small businesses. The city and state could, however, help reduce those costs substantially through grants or no-interest loans via a federally funded pilot program. The return on investment from a public health perspective would be significant.

PHOTO BY CHRIS GR ANGER / T H E T I M E S - P I C AY U N E

Another massive wave of Covid-19 infections seems all but certain at this point.

In the meantime, the city should find ways to encourage more outdoor concerts and events during festival season. Carnival and the weekend before Mardi Gras this year saw a modest increase in live shows, but most of the action occurred outside, the safest place people can gather. The same goes for the NCAA Final Four and other events prior to French Quarter Fest. New Orleans got through those events without a Covid spike.

In recent weeks, however, the city has seen hundreds of indoor concerts, parties and events, exposing patrons and staff to a greater risk of contracting Covid.

One resource City Hall has in abundance is abandoned lots and other outdoor spaces, many of them in neighborhoods in or near indoor music venues. With a modicum of work, these spaces could be made available to venues and promoters for use during festival seasons and holidays as optional outdoor spaces to hold shows. That would allow local businesses, hospitality workers and performers to make money and partiers to enjoy themselves in safer spaces than enclosed music halls and barrooms.

Covid appears here to stay, and we ultimately have no control over what variants are to come. But the mayor and current council have only a few years before they’re gone. We can think of no better legacy for them to leave than putting New Orleans on a path to better navigate the ravages of Covid — and whatever comes next.

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marks the beginning of the Crazy Season at the state Capitol. Tempers flare as time compresses to get important business done.

Lawmakers grow weary of having to deal with wackadoodle bills that grab public attention. But occasionally, amid the madness, something good happens.

Leges entered the second half of this year’s session in early May, and the Crazy Season soon followed.

On May 12, as “right-to-lifers” across the country eagerly anticipated the demise of Roe v. Wade, leading figures in Louisiana’s anti-abortion and evangelical Christian communities lined up against an anti-abortion bill. And by an overwhelming vote, they killed it.

If you thought there was no bridge too far for opponents of abortion rights, consider HB 813

by Republican state Rep. Danny McCormick, who typically marches lockstep with abortion opponents.

McCormick styled his bill as a “pro-life” measure, but it did much more than outlaw pregnancy terminations.

It held that life begins at fertilization (not implantation in the uterus) and called for jailing pregnant people who obtain abortions. The wording also would have outlawed some contraceptives, such as IUDs. Not content to propose the nation’s most retrograde anti-abortion law, McCormick included language in his bill providing that any Louisiana judge “who purports to enjoin, stay, overrule, or void any provision of this Section shall be subject to impeachment or removal.”

When HB 813 cleared the House Criminal Justice Committee by a 7-2 vote (with all seven “yes” votes coming from Republican men), it drew national attention and painted Louisiana as America’s wackadoodle capital.

You know things are off the rails when anti-abortion forces muster the troops to decry an anti-abortion bill. By a vote of 65-26 (with many lawmakers who support abortion rights voting against), anti-abortion lawmakers gutted McCormick’s

PHOTO BY HIL ARY SCHEINUK / T H E A D V O C AT E

Rep. Danny McCormick, R-Oil City, listens as Rep. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, offers an amendment to his bill. measure on the House floor, prompting the Oil City Republican to return his bill to the calendar, effectively killing it for the session.

A vote like that could only happen in the Crazy Season — but defeating McCormick’s bill was the right thing to do.

Elsewhere at the Capitol that same day, a Senate committee sidelined a House resolution that aimed to overturn Gov. John Bel Edwards’ decision to require all students at least 16 years old to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or submit a written exemption to attend school.

Edwards added the Covid vaccine to the list of Louisiana’s required school shots last year, although parents and students would be able to opt out like with other required vaccines. His decision irked anti-vax lawmakers, but at the time all they could do was complain. This year, they moved to overrule JBE via a concurrent resolution, which has the effect of law but is not subject to gubernatorial veto.

House Concurrent Resolution 3, by House Health & Welfare Committee Chair Larry Bagley, passed the House last month by a lopsided vote of 69-33, only to die by a 4-3 vote in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on May 12.

It may have been just a lucid interval, but May 12 showed that even during the Crazy Season good things can happen. Hope springs eternal.

CELEBR ATING OUR 48TH YE AR!

@GambitBlake | askblake@gambitweekly.com

Hey Blake,

With Clearview Mall in Metairie currently being redeveloped, what can you tell me about its history? What were some of the first stores there?

Dear reader,

OWNED BY THE RICHARDS FAMILY AND DEVELOPED BY ROBERT WALMSLEY,

Clearview Shopping Center opened at Veterans Memorial Boulevard and Clearview Parkway in 1969. It was the second major mall in Metairie following Lakeside Shopping Center, which opened in November 1960.

A Sears Roebuck store was the centerpiece of the 32-acre Clearview development. The architectural firm for the Sears Clearview store was Curtis and Davis. Led by Nathaniel “Buster” Curtis Jr. and Arthur Q. Davis, the firm also designed the Superdome, Rivergate and many other high-profile buildings.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Clearview was held in November 1966. Before long, other anchor tenants were announced, including a Maison Blanche department store, K&B drug store and A&G Cafeteria (the seventh outlet of the popular local cafeteria chain).

After three years of construction, Sears and Maison Blanche opened in August 1969. Jefferson Parish President Thomas Donelon presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with Walmsley, Richards family representative James Richards and representatives of Sears and Maison Blanche.

The rest of the shopping center opened in November 1969. Among

PHOTO BY MA X BECHERER / T H E T I M E S - P I C AY U N E

Shoppers at Clearview Mall in Metairie in December 2019 the original stores in the mall were Schumacher, Ponseti’s, Baker’s and Gryder’s shoe stores, Evelyn’s Talls and Stouts, Zales and Hausmann’s jewelers and a Walden Book Store (as the Waldenbooks chain was branded at the time). There was also Merle Norman Cosmetics, the Clearview Pet Shop, Russell Stover Candies and Swiss Colony.

Clearview underwent renovations in 1995, as merchants changed and shopping habits evolved.

The Maison Blanche chain was bought by Dillard’s, which closed its Clearview location in 2001. It was replaced by a Target store, following a $60 million redevelopment which also included an AMC movie theater.

After the Sears chain declared bankruptcy in 2019, the Richards family purchased the former Sears property at Clearview and unveiled plans to redevelop the entire shopping center into Clearview City Center. Construction is now underway on the $100 million project. It will feature a 270-unit apartment complex, a hotel, Ochsner clinic, more food and retail locations and space for festivals and events.

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BL AKEVIE W THIS MONTH MARKS THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY of the dedication and opening of New Orleans City Hall. Designed to succeed Gallier Hall, which had been the headquarters of city government since 1853, City Hall was dedicated on May 6, 1957.

It was marked by a full day of celebrations, including a Parade of Progress featuring 2,000 participants and 10 floats. That was followed by a noon dedication ceremony. “This new building is a symbol of our new New Orleans,” said Mayor deLesseps “Chep” Morrison. “For this building is only part of an overall program to develop the heart of our city.”

Built at a cost of $8 million, City Hall was one of four buildings that made up what city officials called the Civic Center, covering seven city blocks. The other buildings were Civil District Court, the state Supreme Court building, the main branch of the New Orleans Public Library and a state office building. The Civic Center concept was the brainchild of Brooke Duncan Sr., the former city planning director for whom nearby Duncan Plaza is named.

In recent years, several mayors have proposed moving city government out of City Hall as the building aged. Mayor LaToya Cantrell drew fire from many neighborhood organizations last year for proposing a new City Hall in the Municipal Auditorium next to Congo Square. The City Council nixed that idea by imposing tighter zoning restrictions on all of Armstrong Park.

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LONG WAY

TO GO With hurricane season looming, the bayou parishes are still struggling to recover from Ida STORY AND PHOTOS

BY SARAH RAVITS

Nine months after Hurricane Ida made landfall, devastation is still widespread across Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes and Grand Isle.

MAY 10 WAS AN EMOTIONAL DAY FOR LENA AND PAUL DION. For about seven months, the great-grandparents and lifelong residents of Dulac had lived in a cramped FEMA trailer after Hurricane Ida wiped out their home in the blink of an eye last August. It was hard going for the couple, but finally the day had come when they’d receive keys to a sturdy, twobedroom house, built by a group of young Mennonite volunteers.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony included a blessing from their local priest, and afterward, family members, volunteers and relief workers surrounded the couple as they enjoyed some cake under the shade of a nearby car port.

One of the Dions’ great-grandchildren, a toddler, played in the dirt.

Getting the keys to the home, adorned only with a welcome mat reading “GiGi and PopPop’s house” signified a new beginning after months of uncertainty following one of the biggest storms to ever hit the United States.

“What I’m most excited about is just … having a home,” Lena said through tears. “I kept telling Paul there’s no way we can start over again. We are 71 years old. We couldn’t start over on our own.”

The couple faces financial burdens all too common throughout the region. There aren’t many employers in the area and there

have been even fewer since the storm blew through. Lena works at the laundromat, and Paul has been disabled and unable to work for over two decades.

The home is the product of a charitable endeavor and partnership between the Bayou Community Foundation (BCF), the Holy Family Catholic Church and the Mennonite Disaster Service.

Its construction demonstrated, as one guest observed, “the power of philanthropy.” (The Greater New Orleans Foundation and money set aside from a governor’s relief fund also funded the project.)

Later that afternoon, the same collaborators would provide another family in need with keys to a new home, a stone’s throw away.

So far, these organizations have combined efforts to construct four brand new homes.

Plans for six more homes are underway in the coming months, and BCF says repairs to 40 more will be completed by the time the Mennonites leave at the end of the month.

But all it takes is one look from the vantage point of Lena’s favorite part of the elevated house — the wraparound porch — to reveal a grim truth: The region is deeply scarred by the storm, and not nearly enough has been done to prepare for the looming 2022 hurricane season.

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ADVOCATES FOR REBUILDING these communities, including BCF Executive Director Jennifer Armand, worry this particular region is being forgotten.

In her work across the region helping struggling families and businesses receive support, she says the more urban areas, like the city of Houma, are experiencing a faster pace of recovery.

The smaller communities scattered around the bayou in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, as well as Grand Isle, are “still very much impacted,” by the storm.

“The damage is extensive, and we still have a lot of people who are hurting, and they don’t know where to go or who to turn to,” Armand says.

Indeed, a majority of the area’s modest homes are still covered in blue tarps, and thousands of people are living in campers, if not crammed in with family members or friends in houses of varying stability.

In the town of Dulac alone, Armand says there are more than 100 families on the waiting list to receive housing assistance.

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Many residents are living in trailers and campers while waiting to rebuild.

Ida, but in some places, the storm looks like it could have hit yesterday. It’s impossible to drive more than a few hundred feet without seeing piles of debris or a storm-battered building with its roof blown off.

And now, as the region muddles through recovery, it’s not just that people can’t afford supplies and contractors necessary to rebuild their communities. It’s that the demand for both is also far too high to accommodate the community’s needs, especially as people race to fortify their homes before the next storm season.

Charity groups are working dutifully, but the 40 homes the Mennonites and these nonprofit groups are repairing are a drop in the bucket compared to the need.

“Housing is the number one concern, and that remains number one,” Armand says.

“We’re not still seeing many people living in tents and cars and in really unsafe conditions like we saw in the weeks after the storm, but the need for housing is staggering,” she adds. “I get calls every day from people who need help. We have a long way to go.”

AN UNRELENTING STORM

WHEN IDA MADE LANDFALL over nearby Port Fourchon, it brought winds of more than 100 miles per hour. Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a mandatory evacuation of the area when it became clear how fast the storm was moving.

When it hit, Ida was unrelenting, causing widespread devastation.

Shortly afterward, state Rep. Tanner Magee of Houma said that more than 13,000 homes were destroyed by the hurricane.

He called it “the worst possible scenario” for residents of the

15

‘AT A STANDSTILL’ CHRISTINE VERDIN, A BOURG RESIDENT and a council member for the Point-au-Chien Indian tribe, says her tribe, which is scattered throughout the unincorporated community of Pointe-auxChenes, is also still reeling from the storm.

“Most (of the tribal) people are still in trailers,” she says.

It took nearly three months for some of them to even get electricity back, but they persisted onto recovery by driving themselves or carpooling from nearby towns to check on their homes in the early days following the storm.

At the tribal community center, they would pick up essential supplies, like cleaning products, food and water brought in by volunteers. Groups of do-gooders also helped many of them

A ribbon cutting ceremony for a new home built by Mennonite volunteers remove debris and gut some of the homes.

Some members of the tribe are still displaced or have left the region altogether, though Verdin proudly says that most of them have returned, even if their houses are still destroyed. One man in the tribe, for example, is living in a nearby church that has some extra room. Another member bought a shed from a big-box store and stuck it on her property as a makeshift house.

They’re also still receiving some aid from organizations including mutual aid groups, the St. Bernard Project, volunteer architects and contractors, and the Bayou Relief Hurricane Ida Fund, which was set up by the Bayou Community Foundation specifically to provide storm relief to the Indigenous communities.

And while there is ongoing volunteer work, the process has been overwhelming for members of the tribe, because contractors are spread thin and many aren’t able to build storm-resilient houses themselves.

“We’re [shrimp] trawlers, not carpenters,” Verdin dryly says.

Verdin has been waiting on a new roof since the storm, though she says the damage to her Bourg home wasn’t bad in comparison to other devastation in her community. “Most people are determined to rebuild,” she says.

“But we’re at a standstill.”

She doesn’t think most of the roughly 800-member tribe, spread across the bayou area, will be back in their homes until at least the end of the summer —

just in time for the next hurricane season to kick into gear.

Of course, it could be longer than that.

Georgia Naquin, a crisis counselor with the Louisiana Spirit Team, has worked in the region in the aftermath of multiple catastrophic events now. She says the issues she deals with are repetitive.

“A real concern for a lot of the senior folks is that they don’t have the (manpower) or the strength to rebuild,” Naquin says.

“And many of them don’t have enough funding to recover.”

But as a native of the region herself, she understands why they stay. “This is their home, where they were born, where they work,” she says. “This is their everything.”

MOUNTING MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS WHILE THERE ARE OBVIOUS CONCERNS regarding the physical threats of unstable housing in a struggling area bracing itself for the next hurricane season, health care workers are also navigating a continuing mental health crisis.

Increased anxiety and trauma are rampant in the region, says Renee Ring, a licensed clinical social worker with Terrebonne Behavioral Health Center, a division of the South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority (SCLHSA). And the insecurity and the frustration with the slow recovery process is taking an additional toll.

“Some people are living in

places, like, the least moldy part of their house,” Ring says. “It’s not really a stable environment, and there’s a lot of anxiety and post-traumatic stress. There’s no housing stock, so if someone’s house is ruined, it’s not like they can rent one down the road.

We’re seeing a lot of folks who are living with multiple family members in one house, like 10 or 12 people sharing a bedroom.”

Living in such close quarters takes a toll on mental health and relationship dynamics, so crisis workers are particularly focused on teaching people living in cramped conditions ways to better communicate with each other, as tensions can become high.

Substance abuse also is a problem. Ring says health care workers have been working to distribute lifesaving supplies like Narcan. And they’ve been teaching tutorials on how to administer the antidote as opioid addiction has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and the storm.

SCLHSA executive director Lisa Schilling, Ring and their staff already had their hands full before Ida, because they were dealing with pandemic-related mental health issues.

A few months after the storm hit, FEMA gave additional funding to the state health department so it could deploy the Spirit team, a group of 10 crisis counselors who work with Ring and go door-to-door to reach people in more remote areas.

Some of their work involves teaching coping skills at local

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > M AY 1 7 - 2 3 > 2 02 2

area, many of whom are elderly, members of dwindling Indigenous tribes, living in poverty or a combination of all of the above.

“A lot of hurricanes deteriorate, at least somewhat, when they come ashore,” says New Orleans-based climate scientist Alex Kolker of the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. “Ida just stayed strong for eight to 24 hours after it came ashore. That was what was really damaging.”

Though the storm had some unique qualities, climate experts like Kolker have been sounding the alarm that this type of disaster is becoming more common and is especially detrimental to vulnerable coastal communities like the ones in the lowlying parishes. “[Louisiana] had two of our most powerful storms in recorded history strike the coast in successive years,” he says, in reference to both Ida and Laura, which struck Lake Charles and southwest Louisiana in 2020. “In this era of global warming, that possibility of recurrence increases.”

And as the region braces for the next storm season, experts and residents agree that stable housing remains a major issue and a priority. But they also are worried about the long-term impacts on the communities.

Kolker says he is concerned “about the structure of the communities and how well they can be rebuilt.”

“How many schools are going to be reopened?” he says. “In my years going down there, I see more businesses closed than open. These were areas that were already losing population long before Ida.”

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community centers and often, as counselor Naquin puts it, serving as “a shoulder to cry on.”

But they also want to empower them with skills to navigate the ongoing stressors. Naquin, for example, works in music therapy.

Another one of her colleagues helps people relieve stress by making art. “We all have our specialty,” she says.

“We really try to reach out to those pockets and those little crevices where people feel forgotten,” says Charles LeFort, another crisis counselor.

But even though they are doing everything they can, health care workers say the frustrations of rebuilding are more compounded by the anxiety of the looming hurricane season.

Schilling says she received an uptick in calls from people seeking comfort after a particularly heavy rain last month. It stirred up trauma from previous storms and put fresh anxieties on the horizon.

“Adults and children alike are anxious,” she says.

Naquin, the music therapist, says she first started working on disaster relief after Katrina and has worked around the state to help people with various disaster-related trauma.

Over the past few years, she has noticed people of the region are more accepting of help, if not actively seeking it.

“There used to be some resistance,” she says. But “we’ve just been beaten so many times.

We’ve seen so much within the last decade. People realize we do need each other.”

COUNTING BLESSINGS

IN THE MEANTIME, the community celebrates its small victories as they happen, and people like Lena Dion say they are always counting their blessings.

When the Dions and one of their daughters evacuated to Texas ahead of the storm, the hotel they were at doubled

Paul and Lena Dion at the entrance of their new home in Dulac its rates after three days to further capitalize from the influx of evacuees.

They couldn’t afford the surging rates of hotel rooms so their son, who lives in Illinois, came down to bring them back to his house.

After three weeks up north, they grew homesick and desperate to return and try to salvage what they could, despite being well-aware of the struggles ahead.

After all, it wasn’t even the first time they’d survived a catastrophe. One of their previous homes was destroyed by Hurricane Isaac; another one by a tornado.

“We’re very fortunate that there are good people out there who want to help,” Lena says.

During a blessing of their new home, Friar Antonio Speedy of Dulac’s Holy Family Catholic Church began to address the small crowd gathered in support of the Dions.

In thanking the Mennonite volunteers, who were visiting from Pennsylvania, he told them he’d been in south Louisiana for 12 years after growing up in Australia and studying in Italy.

“Louisiana is different than a lot of places,” he says. “You can say ‘God bless you’ to anyone down here, rich and poor alike, and they will all receive it and say, ‘God bless you’ back. Because we all know down here that we can lose everything we have in an instant.”

Then, he walked up the steps to sprinkle the house with holy water.

Do you or a family member Following these steps will help determine if you still qualify: currently have health coverage Marketplace plans are: Make sure your address is up to date through Medicaid or the Make sure your state has your current mailing address, phone • Affordable. 4 out of 5 enrollees can find plans that cost less than $10 Children’s Health Insurance number, email, or other contact infor-mation. This way, they’ll a month.

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If you or a family member no longer qualify for Medicaid Health Insurance Marketplace®, Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 to get details or CHIP, you may be able to buy a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace®. about Marketplace coverage. TTY users can call 1-855-889-4325. and get help paying for it.

Get more information

Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,263,570 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement,

by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

For FREE assistance contact a certified navigator at 1.800.435.2432

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BY D R . A LI S H A R E E D

M

ay is National Mental Health Awareness Month and one of the best ways to take care of your mental health is with self-care. When most people think of self-care, spa days, exercise, and beauty routines are all popular options, however self-care is much more than that. Self-care is health care. As a pharmacist for almost two decades, I have seen firsthand how self-care can impact a community. Self-care is essential. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity — yet there are so many misconceptions about what self-care truly is.

care impacts health in the community. She is a widow mom who

MYTH #1:

believes that self-care is non-nego-

Self-care is selfish.

tiable and is determined to break

The World Health Organization defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.” Yet somewhere along the line, taking care of oneself became synonymous with being selfish.

The truth is that in order to be in the best position possible to help someone else, you need to be at your best. Even the flight attendant says, “If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.”

Self-care is doing whatever you need to do make yourself feel like you again. That means making yourself a priority, whether it is scheduling a physical, getting a vaccine, going to a yoga class, getting a new haircut or finding a therapist. This may include taking advantage of community-wide screenings and health fairs PAGE 20

the generational curse that “strong women don’t take breaks.” Self-care has become such a buzzword, but the truth is that self-care is whatever you need it to be.

Dr. Reed is the creator of the lifestyle brand FLY with Alisha Reed. She also moderates a widow support group and hosts The Fly Widow Podcast. For more self-care resources, visit dralishareed.com.

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Self Care PAGE 19

MYTH #2:

Self-care is time-consuming.

Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. The difference lies in how we choose to spend them. We have to make time for the things that we want to do. The question then becomes: Do you want to take care of yourself?

One of the easiest ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine is to schedule it. Pull up the calendar in your phone or take out your planner. Now, schedule a 15-minute meeting with yourself. Treat that meeting just like you would if it were with a very important client. When someone tries to book that timeslot, you are unavailable. Would you cancel this very important meeting? This is your self-care appointment. The 15 minutes are yours to do whatever it is you feel you need to do for yourself. You can meditate for 15 minutes, talk to a friend, eat a snack, read a book, write a journal entry or take a walk.

Did you know that you can also make time for selfcare at work? Self-care at work is as simple as taking a break and not skipping lunch. Set a timer to take a break to stand, move or breathe. For parents, finding time can be even more difficult. Teach your children about self-care by creating a routine with them such as reading or quiet time. Reclaim your time.

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MYTH #3:

Self-care is expensive.

One of the most common reasons people give for not practicing self-care on a more consistent basis is the cost. While booking a monthly spa day or lavish vacation are expensive ways to treat yourself, they’re not the only options. There are so many things to do around our that city that won’t blow your budget.

For example, thanks to the Helis Foundation, Art for All provides free admission to local museums on designated days for Louisiana residents. Flexible Spending Accounts may also cover message therapy, and it’s worth visiting a local hotel spa on certain days to take advantage of the local’s discount. Attend a free community fitness class or outdoor concert. Book your staycation midweek to take advantage of discounts. Try a new restaurant during Restaurant Week or COOLinary. Check out the Arts District on White Linen Night. Purchase a museum membership to take advantage of discounts for exclusive events. Volunteer with one of your favorite organizations or nonprofits. Or join a walking group or sports team.

The pandemic has taught us all the importance of staying healthy and safe. We have worked so hard as a city to get where we are today. Our first responders, health care professionals and essential employees deserve self-care, and so do you. Take the time to do something for yourself today and every day.

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Self Care

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Many roads to wellness.

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GOODS & SERVICES

Pro Fitness Trainers PFTRAINERS.COM

Pro Fitness Trainers is a New Orleans-based personal training service founded by retired football player Eric Capers in 1999. An athlete for most of his life, when the time came to leave the field Eric decided to use his knowledge of sports training and performance to become a certified personal trainer. The Pro Fitness Trainers team is fully staffed with handpicked professional personal trainers who focus on getting their clients the best results in the healthiest, most fun way possible.

Pro Fitness’ trainers can meet clients at the gym or in the privacy of their homes and provide fully customized plans for optimal health and wellness.

In addition to personal training and couples’ training, they offer fitness boot camp classes, speed and agility training for youths and adults, practitioner assisted physical therapy, personal training certification training and customized sports-specific training.

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X-Trainers’ Success Model: Privacy, Motivation and Accountability = Faster, Longer Lasting Results. 100% PRIVATE - At X-Trainers the Entire Facility is designated for Personal Training clients only. They do not take walk-ins. Therefore, your time with your trainer is private with zero interruptions. MOTIVATION is vital.

Reaching your goal is not JUST about moving, you must be mentally engaged. Connecting with what resonates for you is what we do best. ACCOUNTABILITY is key! X-Trainers track your progress so that you know where you are on your path to success. The entire facility was designed for YOU. X-Trainers do more than just put you through the motions. They TEACH you how to maintain a healthy lifestyle on your own. Visit x-trainers.com for pricing. Join today. 504-482-2348

Saintly Skin offers a variety of services to cater to all your beauty needs. Providing the best in IPL Hair Removal, Cellulite Reduction, PDO Threading, Microdermabrasion, Filler, Xeomin, Botox, Acne Solutions, Spa Facials, Liquid Facelifts and so much more. Their certified and trained skin care experts are ready to help you turn back the hands of time. Become a member and enjoy discounts on services and products each month. Check out the amazing line of medical grade skin care by Obagi Medical. If you’ve been wondering about which service is right for, give Saintly Skin a call today and set up your Free Consultation at 504-475-5510.

Calhoun Trading Co. is an alternative wellness store specializing in ethically and responsibly sourced botanicals, hemp products, and nicotine cessation products.

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Spyre

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Their vitamin replenishment therapies offer a rapid wellness solution for all, including treatments for hangovers, migraines, weight loss, anemia, after-surgery care, and more. Enjoy your IV therapy experience with friends in the French Quarter open lounge, relax in their private lounge or they can come to you. Learn more at ivloungenola.com

Pure Barre

Spyre is a destination for holistic healing and inner wellness driven to put better health conveniently within reach. Located at 1772 Prytania Street in the heart of New Orleans’ Lower Garden District, Spyre debuts a thoughtful renovation of the historic Norwegian Seamen’s Church building and grounds. Reimagined by Spyre founders and owners Diana Fisher, Deborah Peters and Kendall Winingder, the sisters envision the space as a welcoming center for holistic wellbeing featuring world-class amenities and services for the mind and body, including a collaborative group of more than a dozen leading health practitioners. This novel concept makes total-person wellness more accessible, providing a centralized location for one to visit a practitioner, work out at the gym, swim laps, grab a healthy lunch and attend a group exercise class and community lecture within a matter of a day. The name Spyre spotlights the historic steeple that remains as a testament to the building’s outreach heritage and our commitment to serve as a modern beacon of healing within the community. Learn more at Spyrecenter.com

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Proudly serving Uptown and Old Metairie and announcing the integration of their Mandeville location coming soon to make all three available to members. Pure Barre classes are designed to strengthen and tone your entire body using small, isometric movements while leveraging resistance tubes and light weights. Pure Barre’s teachers provide modifications during this high-energy workout for all physiques in a new sub-micron air filtered studio. They also offer a variety of brand name athleisure wear in the boutiques 7 days a week. Uptown is currently accepting applications for General Manager and instructors. @purebarre_nola.

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Kingston Creole

FORK + CENTER

Afrodisiac blends Jamaican and Creole cuisines AFRODISIAC’S FUSION OF JAMAICAN AND CREOLE CUISINES has its roots in

the bustling Jamaican capital city of Kingston, where Shaka Garel’s family comes from. It has equally strong influences from Lafayette, Louisiana, where his wife, chef Caron “Kay” Garel, was born and raised.

A business that started with a purple food truck in 2017 has become hugely popular, thanks to the chef’s solid repertoire of recipes grounded in Louisiana seafood, Jamaican jerk spice and layers of bold flavors.

Kay Garel hadn’t always intended to be a chef. Instead, she came to New Orleans to study electrical engineering, a path the couple’s son is pursuing now at UNO. Shaka Garel, who was born in Park Slope, Brooklyn, followed a ziggedzagged path to New Orleans, landing him in an artist and musician co-op in 1988. The pair met at Club Caribbean, the reggae club on Bayou Road, and before long, they were cooking together.

Kay Garel’s mother taught her to cook traditional Louisiana dishes, from smothered chicken to red beans and rice and creamy white beans. In New Orleans, she felt the city’s ties to the Caribbean strongly, and eight years ago, with Shaka by her side, she took the first steps to build a business around her love of cooking.

Hurricane Zeta literally crushed their business when their truck was hit by a fallen tree. But with help from the community, Afrodisiac wasn’t down for long. In March, the Garels took over the Gentilly restaurant space that formerly housed JuJu Bag Café and the original location of Stuph’d.

The menu is informed by the Garels’ time on the road, and they’ve expanded it now that they have more room. Caribbean fries are revelatory, swapping out potatoes for batons of fried green bananas, served with three dipping sauces filled with spice and garlic: jerk barbecue sauce, garlic aioli and jerk mustard. The fries also can be

|

by Beth D’Addono

topped with rich etouffee and melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.

Their housemade jerk seasoning has layers of spices and herbs built on Scotch bonnet heat, garlic, onion, sugar, thyme, nutmeg and cumin. It also infuses a new take on New Orleans barbecue shrimp, with Gulf shrimp drenched in jerk butter sauce and served with Leidenheimer French bread for mopping up every drop. That same jerk infuses a grilled boneless chicken thigh served on a bun, dressed with Caribbean slaw and barbecue sauce. It’s one of the best chicken sandwiches in town.

An entree of jerk chicken features meat smoked in the traditional manner, over pimento wood, and finished on the grill. It is served with rice and peas, slaw and a choice of two sides, such as corn maque choux and cucumber, avocado and pineapple salad. A vegan jerk “chicken” is made with a house blend of textured protein, soy, gluten and tapioca. A jerk burger is a hand-formed patty of local grass-fed beef seasoned with jerk marinade, smoked and finished on the grill.

There’s also Jamaican-style fried fish with tangy hot escovitch sauce, available in a sandwich or on a platter with rice and peas, slaw and two sides. Curry shrimp stew includes smoked sausage and potatoes, and rasta pasta is penne smothered with onions and peppers in a coconut and butternut squash rundown sauce (used in a popular Jamaican stew) with either vegan jerk chicken or regular bird on top.

Email dining@gambitweekly.com

Tan Dinh reopens

EVERY FEW MINUTES A BELL RANG IN THE KITCHEN AT TAN DINH, signaling

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER

Shaka Garel (left) and Caron ‘Kay’ Garel opened Afrodisiac.

For dessert, there are sweet potato and pecan tarts made by Kay’s mother.

The Gentilly restaurant is the latest addition to the little dining strip along the 5300 block of Franklin Avenue shared by the Original Fiorella’s Cafe and NOLA Crawfish King. An inviting Creole Cottage opens to a compact dining area, awash in Caribbean colors of yellow, orange, purple and pink. A smiling Bob Marley overlooks the dining room along with an eye-catching mural by Lionel Milton of an African beauty encircled by a bounty of Louisiana food.

The back bar, overseen by Turning Tables alumna Ari Nicholas, offers potent tropical cocktails, including a rum punch bright with fresh juices and citrus. In back, there is a large oasis dotted with umbrella-shaded tables, palms and fragrant ginger.

It’s available for dining, drinking and parties. The Garels plan to add live music and spoken word events.

“We knew this place was a good fit for us,” Shaka Garel says. “Once we survive Jazz Fest, we’ll be able to catch up and take some next steps.”

?

WHAT

Afrodisiac

WHERE

5363 Franklin Ave., (504) 302-2090; facebook.com/afrodisiacnola

WHEN

Lunch Wed.-Sun., dinner Wed.-Sat.

HOW

Dine-in, takeout and outdoor seating available

CHECK IT OUT

A blend of Jamaican and Creole cuisines in Gentilly

another order was ready.

The response is something like Pavlovian, whether diners are awaiting classic pho or the beef short ribs, one of the distinctive house specialties that helps set Tan Dinh apart in the ever-growing realm of local Vietnamese restaurants.

Tan Dinh had been closed for more than two months, re-opening finally in late April. A combination of factors were in play, starting with health issues that restaurant founder and matriarch Maria Vu was experiencing (she’s back in the kitchen here again). With the restaurant temporarily shut down, her son Quoc Trieu, the

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

Quoc Trieu runs Tan Dinh. front of the house face of Tan Dinh, made changes to streamline the service style and operational end of the restaurant.

During that hiatus, he gave assurances that Tan Dinh would be back.

But after the tumult of the past two-plus years I have learned to take nothing for granted, especially when it concerns a small, family-run restaurant. These are precisely the type that are the most valuable in our food culture and also the most susceptible to changes that can roil industries, individuals and families.

The changes installed here are not drastic, certainly not compared to the radical pivots restaurants had to make in the recent past.

Essentially, table service has been replaced by a hybrid blend of counter service, where you simply PAGE 28

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E AT + D R I N K

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FORK & CENTER PAGE 27

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order at the register and pay, and online ordering, which you can do from your phone at the table or from anywhere in advance for takeout orders.

For the family here the changes are a big deal, however, because they have run Tan Dinh in a certain way for decades. And some customers have experienced the restaurant in the same way for just as long.

The spark for the change speaks to deep-running issues restaurants everywhere now face.

The restaurant is short on staff, and bringing on new employees means teaching an operation that is intuitive to the family members but filled with their own quirks and nuances. The counter service style helps Quoc and the staff he does have do more.

There are specials like salt and pepper frog legs, marinated duck and the clay pot catfish.

Chicken wings with garlic butter is a preparation that now seems like a forerunner to the garlicky buttery Viet-Cajun style crawfish now all the rage at so many seafood spots.

Short ribs with kimchi is a Korean dish that has long had a place on this Vietnamese menu and feels right at home with its unvarnished appeal of beef close to the bone, the pickled crunch of cabbage in accompanying radishes and carrots and such, and the mellow, sour, funk that builds from it all.

And of course, there is pho, its richness showing on its oil-dappled surface, the fragrance reaching up through the fresh basil and sprouts torn over that, the restoration and reassurance of comfort food that has been here in just this way for so long.

Thinking about Tan Dinh coming back, after at least considering the idea that maybe it wouldn’t, I was startled to realize I’ve been eating at Tan Dinh for almost 20 years now, through countless changes and with so many different people along the way.

Our restaurants are still navigating their own ways through these times. One meal gave me a fresh dose of gratitude that they’re making it happen. — IAN McNULTY / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Casa Borrega closes

ANOTHER RESTAURANT AND LOCAL MUSIC VENUE HAS CLOSED. Casa

Borrega, the Mexican restaurant, bar and music spot at 1719 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., poured its last margaritas on May 6 and has

permanently closed, proprietor Hugo Montero says.

He said the decision to close the Central City restaurant was the result of a number of factors, but declined to elaborate.

“I’m just very proud to be part of this community, we were very blessed with all the years we’ve had,” Montero says. “I just want to thank the community and all our friends and customers.”

Montero, an artist from Mexico City, developed Casa Borrega with Linda Stone, who was the founder of the Green Project, the environmental salvage and recycling program for building materials.

Built in an old townhouse, Casa Borrega served traditional, regional Mexican cooking in an evocative setting with a mosaic of art and recycled, repurposed objects. The large patio had plants and string lights, while the bar and inside dining room resembled an art installation in its own right, filled with details and emblems of Mexican art and culture.

Casa Borrega regularly hosted Latin and Afro Caribbean bands for live performances and held frequent events and public celebrations, including around Mexican holidays.

Casa Borrega debuted in 2013 along Central City’s historic but long-neglected commercial corridor. Cafe Reconcile, the nonprofit restaurant and a youth development program, has been a presence here for two decades. Many restaurants proved short-lived, however. The most heralded at the time, Primitivo from chef Adolfo Garcia, lasted two years. The address is now a location of the Cafe Roma pizzeria. The Southern Food & Beverage Museum has been home to two former restaurants, Purloo and Toups South.

Roux Carre, an outdoor food court with a small business incubator mission, closed at the end of 2018.

Dryades Public Market, part of a major redevelopment of Myrtle Banks Elementary School, opened as an ambitious multi-concept food hub and grocery, originally called Jack & Jake’s. But, after many changes, it closed in 2019.

Some newer additions to Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard include the music club the Rabbit Hole and the lounge and event space BUKTU. Blocks off Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, there’s Central City BBQ, the urban farm and event space Paradigm Gardens and the lounge/event space Treehouse. — IAN McNULTY / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Scott Pierce

OF THE

WEEK

Chef

by Will Coviello SCOTT PIERCE STARTED HIS KING KATSU POP-UP DURING THE PANDEMIC. He

has operated a few pop-ups since moving to New Orleans six years ago, and he decided to focus on Japanese and Asian dishes. His interest in Asian cuisines developed from a love of spicy Sichuan cooking and Filipino food growing up in New Jersey, and he learned about Hawaiian and Japanese food while cooking in Portland, Oregon.

For information about King Katsu, visit facebook.com/kingkatsu99. His next pop-up is June 13 at Bar Redux.

How did you decide to focus on katsu?

SCOTT PIERCE: Six years ago, I started a pop-up called Another Pop-up at Bud Rip’s in Bywater.

I was doing Hawaiian stuff, I was doing Japanese food. I was new to the game and didn’t know what direction I was going. Then I put katsu on the menu, because it’s something that’s very quick. Over time, I realized my best-selling thing was katsu, so I decided to go in that direction. I had two clients and friends that would come to every one, and they’d say, “You’re the katsu king.” I tried to figure out a spin on that and came up with King Katsu. I had a friend in Pittsburgh draw up a logo for me.

Katsu was driving the business, so that’s what I decided to focus on. Tonkatsu is always pork. I have done chicken katsu in the past.

There is something called menchi katsu, which is ground beef or pork — it’s like a burger but breaded and fried with seasonings.

I have done tofu katsu. I am kicking around the idea of katsu croquettes, which would be mashed potato patties stuffed with cheese.

You can katsu anything. It’s a breading method.

Why did you start a pop-up?

P: I have worked in restaurants for over 20 years. I have done it all: I waited tables and bartended and dishwashed. I worked in fine dining. I worked in the front of the house for a long time and got burned out on that, so I pursued back of the house.

I have been here for 6 years now. I have bopped around a little bit here. When I first came down, I worked at the counter at Pizza Delicious.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SCOT T PIERCE

No one’s been able to get me fully into the kitchen here. I wanted to do my pop-ups and do it the way I wanted. I want to be able to charge what I want to charge. I think everybody from all walks of life should have good affordable food. My overhead is low, so I can keep my prices at a certain point.

I don’t want to do more than four or five menu items. It allows me to budget. It also helps with speed. I have been to pop-ups in the city where I am waiting 20-30 minutes, and I understand that they’re busy, but this is a pop-up. People want to take their food and go. I want to keep tickets to 9 to 15 minutes when I am busy.

I want to start a pantry — bottling and selling my katsu sauce and my kimchi mayo. I am kicking around the idea of making meat pies ahead of time and freezing them. I want to sell my kimchi and other stuff like that.

What do you like to put on the menu of King Katsu?

P: The katsu is always going to be on the menu. I normally have a couple of staples and some specials. I used to have a Spam sandwich that I have taken off, but I am trying to bring it back. There’s just so many things I want to put on the menu that I haven’t done in a while, like five spice sticky ribs. I created a monster with the meat pies. I put them on as a special months ago and people went bonkers over them. I don’t

think I’ll ever be able to take them off. It’s boneless, skinless chicken thighs that I ground myself. It’s Japanese curry (in a meat pie).

I like to have something that is stewed or prepared so I can throw it over rice, and it’s not going to be compromised by being held (hot). Seasonally, it’s getting hot, so I may put some salads on. I do a Hawaiian dish called lomi lomi salmon, which is quick cured salmon with tomatoes and sweet Vidalia onions. You cure it for a day and mix it up with black vinegar and some sesame oil and green onions and keep it cold. You can serve it by itself or over rice.

Pork humba is a Filipino dish. It’s a variant of adobo, which is their national dish. There’s no right or wrong way to make it. They use pork belly. I love pork belly, but I find that a lot of people don’t eat it, because it’s really fatty and rich.

I wanted something leaner, so I use pork shoulder and break it down. I skim a lot of the fat off.

Humba has interesting ingredients. There is no ginger in it, which is a staple of adobo and lots of Filipino dishes. You have your black pepper, bay leaf, garlic and ginger — that’s their staples. Humba has got pineapple in it. There’s salted black beans and it has this this molasses taste on the back end. It’s a big beautiful melody. I hate when food is just one or two notes. I want to be able to pick out flavors.

There should be things that come together and don’t work against each other.

Rocca delle Macie

Chianti Classico Riserva Famiglia Zingarelli

Vibrant and assertive, with flavors reminiscent of lush, ripe plums and earthy notes. From one of the district’s most prestigious producers.

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29 G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > M AY 1 7 - 2 3 > 2 02 2

WINE

3 COURSE INTERVIEW

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

Out 2 Eat is an index of Gambit contract advertisers. Unless noted, addresses are for New Orleans and all accept credit cards. Updates: Email willc@gambitweekly.com or call (504) 483-3106.

7th Ward

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

Breakfast and lunch daily. $$

CBD

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

CARROLLTON

Mid City Pizza — 6307 S. Miro St., (504) 509-6224; midcitypizza.com — See Mid-City section for restaurant description. Takeout and delivery available. Lunch Thu.-Sun., dinner Thu.-Mon. $$ Mikimoto — 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881; mikimotosushi.com — The South Carrollton roll includes tuna tataki, avocado and snow crab. There’s a large menu of sushi, sashimi, rolls, noodle dishes, teriyaki and more. Takeout and delivery available. Lunch Sun.-Fri., dinner daily. $$ Nice Guys Bar & Grill — 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-2404; niceguysbarandgrillnola.com — Char-grilled oysters are topped with cheese, and a lobster tail or fried catfish fillet are optional additions. The menu also includes wings, quesadillas, burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood pasta and more. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. $$$

CITYWIDE

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

FRENCH QUARTER

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

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$

HARAHAN/JEFFERSON/ RIVER RIDGE

The Rivershack Tavern — 3449 River Road, (504) 834-4938; therivershacktavern.com — This bar and music spot

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

offers a menu of burgers, sandwiches and changing lunch specials.

Delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily. $ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 1212 S. Clearview Parkway, Elmwood, (504) 733-3803; theospizza.com — There is a wide variety of specialty pies and toppings to build your own pizza. The menu also includes salads and sandwiches. Takeout and delivery available. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. $

LAKEVIEW

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

METAIRIE

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

The Creole-Italian menu features dishes like veal, eggplant or chicken parmigiana, and Mama’s Eggplant

with red gravy and Romano cheese.

Reservations required. Dinner Tue.-Sat. $$ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 2125 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 510-4282; theospizza.com — See Harahan/Jefferson section for restaurant description. $ Short Stop Po-Boys — 119 Transcontinental Drive, Metairie, (504) 8854572; shortstoppoboysno.com — The menu includes more than 30 po-boys along with other Louisiana staples.

Fried Louisiana oysters and Gulf shrimp are served on a Leidenheimer loaf with lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. $

MID-CITY/TREME

Angelo Brocato’s — 214 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 486-1465; angelobrocatoicecream.com — This sweet shop serves its own gelato, spumoni, Italian ice, cannolis, biscotti, fig cookies, tiramisu, macaroons and other treats. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. $ Frey Smoked Meat Co. — 4141 Bienville St., Suite 110, (504) 4887427; freysmokedmeat.com — The barbecue restaurant serves pulled pork, St. Louis ribs, brisket, sausages and more. Pork belly poppers are fried cubes of pork belly tossed in pepper jelly glaze. No reservations.

Lunch and dinner daily. $$ Juan’s Flying Burrito — 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 486-9950; juansflyingburrito.com — See Uptown section for restaurant description. Outdoor dining available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. $$ Katie’s Restaurant — 3701 Iberville St., (504) 488-6582; katiesinmidcity. com — Favorites include the Cajun Cuban with roasted pork, grilled ham, cheese and pickles pressed on buttered bread. The Boudreaux pizza is topped with cochon de lait, spinach, red onions, roasted garlic and scallions. Takeout, curbside pickup and delivery available. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. $$ Mid City Pizza — 4400 Banks St., (504) 483-8609; midcitypizza.com — The neighborhood pizza joint serves New York-style pies, plus calzones, sandwiches and salads. Signature shrimp remoulade pizza includes spinach, red onion, garlic, basil and green onion on an garlic-olive oil brushed curst. Takeout and delivery available. Lunch Thu.-Sun., dinner Thu.-Mon. $$ Neyow’s Creole Cafe — 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474; neyows. com — The menu includes New Orleans favorites such as red beans with fried chicken or pork chops, as well as grilled or fried seafood plates, po-boys, raw or char-grilled oysters, pasta, salads and more.

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

NORTHSHORE

The Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar — 118 Harbor View Court,

Slidell, (985) 315-7001; thebluecrabnola.com — See Lakeview section for restaurant description. No reservations. Lunch Fri.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Sun. $$ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 70488 Highway 21, Covington, (985) 234-9420; theospizza.com — See Harahan/Jefferson section for restaurant description. $

UPTOWN

Joey K’s — 3001 Magazine St., (504) 891-0997; joeyksrestaurant.com — The menu includes fried seafood platters, salads, sandwiches and red beans and rice. Sauteed trout Tchoupitoulas is topped with shrimp and crabmeat and served with vegetables and potatoes. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner Mon.Sat., brunch Sun. $$ Juan’s Flying Burrito — 2018 Magazine St., (504) 569-0000; 5538 Magazine St., (504) 897-4800; juansflyingburrito.com — The Flying Burrito includes grilled steak, shrimp, chicken, cheddar-jack cheese, black beans, yellow rice, salsa la fonda, guacamole and sour cream. The menu also has tacos, quesadillas, nachos and more. Outdoor seating available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. $$ Martin Wine Cellar — 3827 Baronne St., (504) 894-7444; martinwine. com — The deli at the wine and spirit shop serves sandwiches, salads and more. The Sena salad includes pulled roasted chicken, golden raisins, blue cheese, pecans and field greens tossed with Tobasco pepperjelly vinaigrette. No reservations.

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

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT

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

WEST BANK

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

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

TUESDAY 17 BAYOU BAR AT THE PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL — Peter Harris Quartet, 7 pm DEUTSCHES HAUS — New Orleans Chamber Players, 7 pm DOS JEFES — Tom Hook, Wendell Brunious, 8:30 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Richard "Piano" Scott, 12:30 pm; Fritzel’s All Star Band, 8 pm GASA GASA — Primitive Man with Mortiferum, Jarhead Fertilizer, Body Void, Elizabeth Color Wheel, 8 pm KITCHEN TABLE CAFÉ — Kitchen Table Cafe Trio, 7 pm SOUTHPORT HALL LIVE MUSIC & PARTY HALL — Rivers of Nihil / Fallujah, 6 pm ZONY MASH BEER PROJECT — Rebirth Brass Band, 8 pm

WEDNESDAY 18 BAYOU BAR AT THE PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL — Peter Harris Trio, 7 pm BLUE NILE — New Breed Brass Band, 9 pm BOURREE — Valerie Sassyfras, 5 pm CAFE NEGRIL — Colin Davis and Night People, 10:30 pm DOS JEFES — Javier Gutierrez, 8:30 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Richard “Piano” Scott, 12:30 pm; Bourbon Street All Star Trio, 7 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 9 pm HIGGINS HOTEL NEW ORLEANS — Reid Poole Trio Jazz, 5:30 pm HOTEL MONTELEONE — James Martin Band, 8 pm LAFAYETTE SQUARE PARK — Big Sam's Funky Nation and Erica Falls, 5 pm MARDI GRAS WORLD — Rex Orange County, 6:30 pm NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM — Night of Ideas, 7:30 pm ONE EYED JACKS — Nick Shoulders, 9 pm PEACOCK ROOM, HOTEL FONTENOT — Rachel Murray, 7 pm ROCK 'N' BOWL — Long Island University Jazz Orchestra, 8 pm SANTOS — Russell Welch Swamp Moves Trio , 8 pm SMOOTHIE KING CENTER — New Kids on the Block, Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley, En Vogue, 7:30 pm THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — Funkin' It Up with Big Sam, 8:30 pm

THURSDAY 19 BAYOU BAR AT THE PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL — Peter Harris Quartet, 8 pm BLUE NILE — Where Y'at Brass Band, 9 pm BOURBON SQUARE JAZZ BAR — Alicia Renee "Blue Eyes", 7:30 pm BUFFA'S — Tom McDermott and Aurora Nealand, 7 & 9 pm CAFE NEGRIL — Sierra Green and the Soul Machine, 10 pm CARNAVAL LOUNGE — Duane Bartels, Shark Attack!!, Dreux Gerard, 8 pm

DOS JEFES — Mark Coleman Band, 8:30 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Richard "Piano" Scott, 12:30 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 2:30 pm; John Saavadra Trio, 6 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 9 pm GASA GASA — Kr3wcial with Ghazi Gamali, Saint Amethyst, 9 pm JOY THEATER — Still Woozy + Wallice, 8 pm KITCHEN TABLE CAFÉ — Dr. Mark St. Cyr Traditional Jazz Band, 7 pm MADAME VIC'S — Walter "Wolfman" Washington, 8 pm MIDNIGHT REVIVAL — The Tanglers, 8 pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART — Alexey Marti Quartet, 6 pm PEACOCK ROOM, HOTEL FONTENOT — Da Lovebirds with Robin Barnes and Pat Casey , 8 pm POUR HOUSE SALOON — Ron & Tina's Acoustic Jam, 7 pm ROCK 'N' BOWL — Horace Trahan & Ossun Express, 8 pm SNUG HARBOR JAZZ BISTRO — Deanna Witkowski Trio, 8 & 10 pm THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — Brass-AHolics, 7:30 pm

FRIDAY 20 BAYOU BAR AT THE PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL — Peter Harris Trio, 8 pm BLUE NILE — The Caesar Brothers, 7 pm; Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, 11 pm BLUE NILE BALCONY ROOM — Brass Flavor, 9 pm BUFFA'S — Nanci Zee Band, 7 & 9 pm CARROLLTON STATION — Shawn Williams - Album Release Show, 8:30 pm CHAMPIONS SQUARE — Smashing Pumpkins, 8 pm DOS JEFES — Tom Fitzpatrick & Turning Point, 9 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Richard “Piano” Scott, 12:30 pm; Sam Friend Trio, 2:30 pm; Lee Floyd and Thunderbolt Trio, 6 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 9 pm GASA GASA — The Fruit Machines with HiGH, Berlin Taxi, 9 pm MADAME VIC'S — New Orleans Rug Cutters, 8 pm MIDNIGHT REVIVAL — Cardboard Cowboy, 9 pm MUSIC BOX VILLAGE — Cam Smith House Band, 3 pm NEUTRAL GROUND COFFEE HOUSE — Damn Hippies!!!!, 7:30 pm; Richard Bienvenu, 9 pm ROCK 'N' BOWL — Groovy 7, 8:30 pm SANTOS — The Confused w/Sansho and Santa Barbara Streisand, 9 pm SNUG HARBOR JAZZ BISTRO — Phillip Manuel with Michael Pellera Trio, 8 & 10 pm THE HIDEAWAY DEN & ARCADE — All the Clouds are Taken with Konstricted and Wizard Dick, 8 pm THREE KEYS (ACE HOTEL) — Gladney feat. The Savior of Archaic Pop, 9 pm

PHOTO BY MICHAEL DEMOCKER / T H E T I M E S - P I C AY U N E

SATURDAY 21 ABITA SPRINGS TOWN HALL — Abita Springs Opry, 7 pm BLUE NILE BALCONY ROOM — The Marigny Street Brass Band, 10 pm BUFFA'S — Gregg Hill, 7 & 9 pm CARNAVAL LOUNGE — Vivan, 6 pm; A Sunday Fire, Livernois, Bunny Danger, Kirakitsune, 9 pm D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS — Angelo Moore & The Brand New Step, Morning 40 Federation, 10 pm DEW DROP SOCIAL & BENEVOLENT HALL — Doucet Frère, Lâcher Prise Trio, 6:30 pm DOS JEFES — Sunpie & The Louisiana Sunspots, 9 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Richard “Piano” Scott, 12:30 pm; Joe Kennedy Trio, 2:30 pm; Lee Floyd and Thunderbolt Trio, 6 p; Fritzel's All Star Band, 9 pm GASA GASA — Little Freddie King, 9 pm KITCHEN TABLE CAFÉ — Bad Penny Pleasuremakers, 7 pm MADAME VIC'S — St. Claude Strutters, 8 pm MIDNIGHT REVIVAL — Layla Musselwhite, 9 pm NEUTRAL GROUND COFFEE HOUSE — Daniel Thompson, 7:30 pm; Mike True and da Phantom Band, 9 pm POUR HOUSE SALOON — Rebel Cowboys, 8 pm; Rotten Cores, 9 pm REPUBLIC NOLA — Donny. Santi, Orion, Tabrune, 10:30 pm ROCK 'N' BOWL — Sugar Shaker, 8:30 pm SANTOS — Clownvis Presley, Devil's Farmhouse, 9 pm SNUG HARBOR JAZZ BISTRO — Herlin Riley Quartet, 8 & 10 pm THE BOMBAY CLUB — Anais St. John, 8 pm THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — The Nayo Jones Experience, 7:30 pm TIPITINA'S — The Wailers, 9 pm

Angelo Moore and the Brand New Step play d.b.a. Saturday, May 21 with Morning Forty Federation

SUNDAY 22 BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE — Dr. Michael White, 6 pm BLUE NILE — The Baked Potatoes, 7 pm; Street Legends Brass Band, 10 pm BUFFA'S — Some Like It Hot, 11 am & 1 pm; Steve Pistorius and His Porch Pals, 7 & 9 pm DOS JEFES — Peter Nu, 8 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Hunter Burgamy Trio, 12:30 pm; Joe Kennedy Trio, 2:30 pm; Marla Dixon Trio, 6 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 8 pm GASA GASA — Tiny Dinosaur, Shark Attack, Pastel Panties, 9 am PEACOCK ROOM, HOTEL FONTENOT — Ruth Marie and Mark Monistere , 7 pm; Jelani Bauman , 11 am POUR HOUSE SALOON — Mike Indest & Friends, 4 pm SANTOS — Cam Cole, Ghalia Volt, 8 pm SIDNEY'S SALOON — DarkLounge Ministries, 6 pm; Drunken Prayer w/ Highway Robbery and The Great Twenty-Eights, 9 pm SNUG HARBOR JAZZ BISTRO — Andre Bohren, 8 & 10 pm THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — Shannon Powell, 7:30 pm TIPITINA'S — Fais Do Do With Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band, 5:15 pm

MONDAY 23 BUFFA'S — Leslie Cooper & Harry Mayronne with Doyle Cooper and JD Haenni, 7 pm DOS JEFES — John Fohl, 8:30 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Twisty River Band, 8 pm HOUSE OF BLUES — Alexisonfire, 5 pm ORPHEUM THEATER — Bright Eyes, 7 pm

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MUSIC

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MUSIC

After decades of wrongful imprisonment, MC Mac Phipps is bringing his A game By Kayla A. Ghaston

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

WHEN MUSICIANS TOOK THE STAGE at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival this year, many were quick to tell the crowd it was the first time they’d played any largescale event since the beginning of the pandemic.

But for rapper McKinley “Mac” Phipps, the wait had been a bit longer than that.

When Mia X brought him out on stage, it was the first time Phipps had performed in his hometown in 22 years. He’d spent that time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit — finally receiving clemency from Gov. John Bel Edwards in 2021 and getting released that June. Just short of a year later, his longtime friend and former No Limit label mate was introducing him to the packed crowd at the Congo Square Stage to a hero’s welcome home.

Phipps swears he’s “typically not that emotional,” but that receiving such a warm welcome from his city at Jazz Fest was an indescribable feeling, especially since he got to share the stage with his son McKinley “Taquan” Green, a 21-year-old rapper who goes by “Bandana Kin.” “I’m not going to front, it kind of got to me,” he says.

“Every musician wants to be accepted in his own town,” he said.

“You know we all want to be shown love by our peers and the people that we see everyday. And to have my son be a part of that moment and for it to be my first performance back in the city, was just something I can’t describe. It was amazing.”

Performing with his son was a particularly poignant since he started his prison sentence just

Mac Phipps, performing at Jazz Fest. Phipps was wrongfully incarcerated for 21 years, until the summer of 2021. months before his son was born. It was also his son’s first time performing at Jazz Fest.

“I grew up in New Orleans, Uptown in a two-parent household.

He didn’t get a chance to experience that. He grew up in Baton Rouge with a single mom and a dad in prison,” he says. “Even though we always stayed connected, it still can’t take away the fact that for 21 years I was not physically in his life. To just know that my son forgives me enough to be a part of those moments is humbling and I’m thankful to God for them.”

Phipps says he wants to become an advocate for the wrongfully incarcerated. He says he met people in prison who were wrongfully convicted or serving “way too much time for the crimes that they have committed.”

Improving the criminal legal system, he says, starts with changing the minds of the public.

“We have a tendency to prejudge and we’ll be quick to see things in the worst manner when it’s somebody that’s not of our own,” he says. “I think that if we as a global community and even as a local community, if we start wanting for others what we want for ourselves ... I think the criminal justice system will change and everything will change.”

Phipps is also working on a new project with a more mature sound, “Son of the City.” He’s slated to release it during Memorial Day weekend. He says the new music will make people both smile and cry.

PAGE 5

and the gang will be joined by the graying godfathers of New Orleans degenerate Gen X party rock, Morning Forty Federation.

Saturday May 21, at d.b.a. Show starts at 10 p.m., tickets are $25.

Gogol Bordello

UKRAINIAN-BORN MUSICIAN EUGENE HUTZ PUT TOGETHER GOGOL BORDELLO in New York to play a

raucous fusion of Romani music and punk rock, while working with musicians from around the globe. The band recently added its song “Teroborona (Civil Defense)” to “Artdopomoga Ukraine,” an album of songs from the county’s indie scene (including music from recent Jazz Fest guest DakhaBrakha) to benefit Ukraine. Amigo the Devil opens at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at House of Blues. Find tickets at livenation.com.

Black Love Festival

THE MUSIC AND ART EVENT FEATURES PERFORMANCES by Christian

Scott aTunde Adjuah, Big Six Brass Band, Charm Taylor, DJ Kelly Green, Davion Farris and Gladney. There also are art installations and workshops, yoga, food and drink vendors.

The free event is presented by the Black School at the New Orleans African American Museum from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 21. Visit blacklovefesto.org for information.

Register on eventbrite.com.

The Mixtape Tour 2022

IT’S UNLIKELY THAT WHEN MAURICE STARR DECIDED TO CREATE A WHITE BOY VERSION of New Edition way

back in 1984, he figured they’d outlast the undisputed kings of ’80s boy bands they were designed to emulate. And yet almost 40 years, later NKOTB is still at it, sending stadiums full of mawmaws and other devoted fans into hysterics. This year’s tour features a who’s who of genuinely talented hip-hop, R&B and pop musicians in Rick Astley, En Vogue and Salt-N-Pepa. So get ready to have your rick rolled and to oh, ah, push it … real good at the Smoothie King Center. Show’s at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18.

Tickets will set ya back $166 to $24, from ticketmaster.com.

Kr3wcial

NEW ORLEANS’ KR3WCIAL HAS HAD A BUSY 2022. The rapper released

his exceptional EP, “Less Than

Three,” in February and then hit the road with Pell. They were back in time for French Quarter Festival, where Kr3wcial took part in the fest’s first hip-hop showcase, and Jazz Fest, when he joined Pell and several of their glbl wrmng cohorts on stage for their banger anthem “504.” Now, Kr3wcial gets the hometown headlining slot to perform “Less Than Three” live at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 19, at Gasa Gasa. He’s joined by $leazy EZ, BLÜ, Pell, Kalipop and The Adoni. Tickets are $12 at ticketweb.com.

Summer DINING ISSUE

Smashing Pumpkins

ON THE CUSP OF 30TH ANNIVERSARIES FOR “SIAMESE DREAM” AND “MELLON COLLIE AND THE INFINITE SADNESS,” two of the

best rock albums of the ’90s, the Smashing Pumpkins are going strong. Billy Corgan and Co. — including founding members James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin — released the Smashing Pumpkins’ 11th album, “Cyr,” in 2020, so expect a wide-ranging set of new material and hits when they play Champions Square on Friday, May 20. British power pop band Bones UK open. Tickets start at $35 at champions-square.com.

All Them Witches

NASHVILLE STONER ROCK JUGGERNAUTS ALL THEM WITCHES bring

their sludgy, groove-filled new album “Nothing as the Ideal” to the Toulouse Theatre on Friday, May 20. The Swell Fellas open at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 at toulousetheatre.com.

REACH MORE HUNGRY LOCALS IN GAMBIT!

‘Mean Girls’

AFTER MOVING FROM AFRICA TO SUBURBAN ILLINOIS, CADY HERON

tries to navigate the social cliques of her new school in the musical adaptation of Tina Fey’s teen comedy. The touring Broadway production is at Saenger Theatre Tuesday, May 17, through Sunday, May 22.

Showtimes vary. Find tickets on ticketmaster.com.

Wednesday at the Square

BIG SAM’S FUNKY NATION AND ERICA FALLS perform at the weekly

free concert series in Lafayette Square. There is an art market and food and drink vendors from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 18. Admission is free. Visit ylcwats.com for information.

ISSUE DATE

MAY 24

CALL NOW! Contact Ad Director Sandy Stein 504.483.3150 or sstein@gambitweekly.com

33 G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > M AY 1 7 - 2 3 > 2 02 2

A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > M AY 1 7 - 2 3 > 2 02 2

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S TA G E

SUMMER GUIDE

Discover the best museums, restaurants, bars bars, hotels hotels, music and events ev of the season.

REACH MOR E

LOCALS IN GAMBIT!

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MAY

20

MAY

31

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Seaworthy

by Will Coviello

YOUNG JIM HAWKINS HAS A SIMPLE QUESTION in the NOLA

Project’s version of “Treasure Island,” which is running through May 27 in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Why do pirates spend so much time hiding and searching for treasure instead of just spending it?

Apparently, he has a lot to learn about pirates.

There’s a couple of schooners full of rugged and greedy sailors ready to show him the ropes in the comedic adventure. Written by company members A.J. Allegra, James Bartelle and Alex Martinez Wallace, and directed by Allegra, it’s one of the most boisterous of the NOLA Project’s family-friendly adaptations of a classic tale performed in the garden. It’s based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 classic, and it’s full of rambunctious action, physical comedy, sea shanties, salty taunts, pirate schtick and a few surprises.

Liam Gillen plays the young Hawkins, who shoulders the dreary tasks at the inn run by his mother Ruth Hawkins in their hometown of Bristol, England. She wants a “five fish review” she explains to Jim, signaling a stream of jokes relating to more contemporary matters aimed over young viewers’ heads. Wayland D. Cooper’s No-Good-Nathan has more important things on his mind, and he ends up gifting the Hawkins a treasure map.

The promise of hidden treasure draws the mother and son to the docks. There they meet Long John Silver, a ship’s cook with a bad leg.

Jim lies about his age, and Ruth disguises herself as a man, and they set sail for Jamaica with their hidden map.

Act 1 rolls at a great clip, and there’s plenty of action. The pirates of the Hispaniola barely reach the Caribbean before they encounter a crew of women pirates, led by Wendy Miklovic’s Margaret Pew. A battle royale between the pirates is delightful mayhem.

There’s humor in Ruth Hawkins’ attempt to parent her son on the high seas, as sailors pass around rum and she has to bite her tongue rather than correct his behavior among pirates. The bond between mother and son is brought into focus in Act 2, as Jim is conflicted

PHOTO BY JOHN B. BARROIS

about whether to follow the pirates he idolizes or to stand by his mother’s side.

The production has a host of great performances, including Monica Harris’ Ruth Hawkins, who is fearsome and fearsomely maternal.

As Long John Silver, Reid Williams effortlessly adopts the bent diction of sailor speak and smoothly projects an unflappable opportunist.

The work allows all the pirates to shine with distinct personalities.

Christina Hathaway is hilarious as the vulgar and creepy Mercy McFoul. Bill Mader delivers an array of outrageous pantomimes as Fat Phillip. Elyse McDaniel’s Gentle Mary is an animal lover who swoons at the sight of dolphins and rages at whalers. Ursula, played by understudy Claire Frederiksen on opening night, is too ditzy to remember port from starboard. And Keith Claverie steals moments of the show with offbeat asides and clarifying some matters for the audience.

The action takes place on a wooden deck in the sculpture garden, surrounded by the rising tiers of the amphitheater’s grass embankment. A sail and the top deck of the Hispaniola are compact and effective in setting the scene.

Act 2 gets loose, grounding the emotional core of Jim and Ruth’s story, adding more sword fights and musical surprises, and there’s one convenient twist that stretches the story in a new direction. But the enterprise stays on course as all the over-the-top elements cascade in the same direction. The one thing pirates can be trusted with is to provide an entertaining story, and the NOLA Project landed a bountiful “Treasure.”

“Treasure Island” runs through May 27. For tickets, visit nolaproject.com or noma.org.

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PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE PUTTING ON A GOOD FACE

By Frank A. Longo

32 Like bedroom communities 35 Partners of 84-Down 36 Metal sleeve in an engine’s piston 40 Slide down a slope 41 Cuts of pork 42 Disney who drew 43 Toot one’s own horn 46 Gaius’ garb 50 Rand of objectivism 51 “Viva — Vegas” 52 Base coat on a wall, maybe 54 Is a little too fond of 57 Rest on top of 59 Writer Nin 60 Prefix with conscious

61 Dock 62 Honey liquor 64 Cpl., e.g.

65 Big grant-giving group 72 Totally 73 Granny 74 Dog food brand 75 Places with lots of IVs 76 Mental picture 78 Dictators 81 Row of PC-screen buttons 85 Cabaret where the cancan originated 87 Kilmer of “Tombstone” 88 Kitchen utensil brand 89 “Little” actress Rae 90 Decorative tattoo dye

91 Very little 93 Garden pest 95 Mem. of the family 97 Annotation in the text of Christian scripture 100 Server overseer, informally 103 Convention speeches 105 “... flaw — feature?”

106 Mixed with cognac, e.g.

108 Flip (out) 109 Clip out 113 Something cast at sunset 116 What you have passed when you figure out this puzzle’s theme?

118 Hydroxyl compound 119 Cooling, as champagne 120 French gal pals 121 To be, to Livy 122 Really resist 123 Former quarterback Rodney 124 French governing body 125 Letters after pis DOWN 1 Not definite 2 “Rolie Polie —” (kids’ book) 3 Sour 4 Refrain from drinking 5 Patted lightly 6 Fanning of “Teen Spirit” 7 Baseball’s Gehrig 8 Wields influence 9 Occupy 10 TV’s Linden 11 Lupino or Tarbell 12 Actress Thompson of “Creed” 13 Brand of fake 69-Down 14 — a one (zero) 15 Go through the motions 16 1/16 pound 17 Aroma 18 “— Johnny!”

24 Small cities 26 Ankara native 29 Convent sister 32 Span. women 33 Steel support for concrete

34 Grill 36 Dressed (in) 37 “Around-the-world” toy 38 Dryer fluff 39 Actor McGregor 40 Fuel additive brand 44 Strong ill will 45 Dutch artist Jan 47 Certain Arab 48 State Farm alternative 49 Fiery crime 51 Spa sponge 52 Actress Valerie of “Lenny” 53 Storm-finding systems 55 Cartoon cry 56 Act starter 57 Qatar export 58 Letter #22 61 Take selfish advantage of 63 “It’s —!” (“You’re on!”)

65 “Darkman” director Sam 66 Actor Edward James — 67 Santa — 68 — nous 69 Liposuction target 70 Mantra words 71 “For shame!”

77 In a harshly bright way 79 Pass quickly on foot 80 “To repeat ...”

81 Unveiling cry 82 — -chic 83 Pivot point 84 Fishing sticks 86 Devils’ org.

87 Dirt Devils, e.g., in brief 91 Nissan car models 92 Reason for extra innings 93 Get — on reality 94 Ceiling coat 96 Terminates 98 Arrow shooter 99 Short-horned grasshopper 100 Differently — (other-skilled) 101 Pilotless craft 102 Lead-in to “the cloth” or “the hour” 103 Cartoonist Bil 104 Comic and actor Murphy 107 Breakfast chain, in brief 109 “I — bad moon rising” 110 Meeting period, slangily 111 — buco (veal dish) 112 Map nos.

114 Tenth mo.

115 Very little 117 Cousins, e.g.

ANSWERS FOR LAST ISSUE’S PUZZLE: P 2

PUZZLES

ACROSS 1 Very little bit 5 Large Indian city 10 Discover by chance 15 Elegant 19 Liposuction target 20 Take out — (borrow cash) 21 Journalist — Rogers St. Johns 22 Actor Cronyn 23 Initial impression 25 Printer cartridge contents 27 Still in the future 28 Harsh review 30 Admit defeat 31 Wonder

35 G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E WO R L E A N S . C O M > M AY 1 7 - 2 3 > 2 0 2 2

NEAR THE FAIRGROUNDS

NOLA

friday may 20 THE SOUL REBELS CHAPEL HART

DRAGON SMOKE SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS

young fellas brass band

boukou groove

saturday may 21

ANI DIFRANCO

BIG CHIEF Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles

inferno burlesque

RED BARAAT

Juno Dunes New Soul Finders ft. Marc Stone Noisewater BIG FUN BRASS BAND Los Skarnales joshua starkman & friends shake em up jazz band The Fortifiers sunshine brass band kings of brass big six brass band notel motel Fermín Ceballos & Merengue 4-Four

sunday may 22 Maggie Koerner

Sonny Landreth

Michot’s Melody Makers

A Tribute to Spencer Bohren fT. the Whippersnappers Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble Blato Zlato lisa amos Papa Mali Shantytown Underground Colin Lake Band chosen ones brass band Young Pinstripe Brass Band Orleans Brass Band SWAN RIVER YOGA followed by Sound Bath with Michelle Baker