Gumbo (January 2016)

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January 2016

Your Mardi Gras Survival Guide!

PAGE 11

LET THE

PG24

KEITH HEAT SWEAT at CYPRESS BAYOU Turns up the

LaCarreta: Fresh, Fun & Festive Downtown Chili Cook-Off

Roll

G

2016

Contents

JANUARY 2016

ON THE COVER

PUBLISHER

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Brian Rushing publisher@rushing-media.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Shell Armstrong editor@rushing-media.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Don’t miss a thing this mardi gras season.

It’s carnival time!

Gavin Stevens gavin@rushing-media.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Mariella Brochard Todd Rowan SALES MANAGER

Deanne Ratliff deanne@rushing-media.com

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Events

6

8 10 10

CHILI COOKOFF Aims to boost Christmas spirit

22

Music

6-BOUT BOXING CARD SHOW Hosted by Cypress Bayou COMIC CON Fans gear up for this year’s show EVENT LISTINGS Check out this month’s events

Mardi gras

12 18

Michelle Ortego CHILDREN’S PARADES Let them eat cake catch beads

PARADE INFO January’s parades PARADE CALENDAR Your comprehensive list

24 26

KEITH SWEAT heats up Cypress Bayou

31 32

MOTOWN Bringing soul to the Saenger

34 34

BOOK REVIEW ‘Lies My Teacher Told Me’

KID’S PAGE Fun games for the younger crowd

Gumbo Guru

HOT TIX & CONCERTS Local performers highlighted

ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID Four friends make a pact INTO THE WOODS Vandebilt puts on the play

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CONTRIBUTORS

Jean-Paul Arguello Brandi Armstrong John DeSantis Melissa Duet Casey Gisclair Karl Gommel James Loiselle Mary Downer

VIDEO GAME REVIEW Shovel Knight

Arts

28 30

michelle@rushing-media.com

LA CARRETA Fresh, Fun, Festive

6160 W. Park Ave., Houma, LA 70364 985.868.7515 • Fax 985.873.9009 GUMBOGUIDE.COM

The Gumbo Entertainment Guide is a free publication. The entire content of this publication is copyrighted by Rushing Media, with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. The Gumbo Entertainment Guide is published monthly by Rushing Media.

Events

CHILI COOK-OFF AIMS TO BOOST HOUMA’S FUTURE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT At

just about every barbecue in the state of Louisiana, there’s that one ambitious chef who claims to whip up the best bowl of chili known to man.

A local event will seek to end that debate once and for all – while also raising money to liven up Houma’s Christmas spirit in the future.

The fourth annual Courthouse Chili Cook-off will take place on Jan. 23 in Houma at the Downtown Courthouse Square. The event is open to the public, and will roll from noon-4 p.m. Proceeds from the event will go toward buying new Christmas decorations for the Court Square so that the holiday spirit can live in Houma for generations to come.

Throughout the day, a champion will also be crowned, deciding the long-standing local debate regarding who has that magical recipe for the world’s most perfect chili.

“It’s a great event,” event organizer Anne Picou said. “People can help with getting the decorations in one of two ways. They can either pay the $125 entry fee and have a cooking team, or they can pay the $6 admission, attend the event and come and taste the 20 team’s chili and enjoy the day.”

The deadline to enter a team is Jan. 15.

6 JanuaRY 2016

For chefs, the day will be a long one.

The grounds open at 6 a.m. for setup, and participants are allowed to cook beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The event is competitive, yes, but it’s all for fun at the end of the day. Playful banter is often commonplace among the cooking stations, as the chefs vie for chili supremacy.

The cook-off features several titles, including honors for traditional chili and non-traditional chili. But the event also crowns a people’s choice champion, as well as awards for the best decorated tent and overall team spirit.

The gates open to the public at noon – just 30 minutes after the 11:30 a.m. deadline chefs have to finalize their dishes for completion.

Judging begins at 12:30 p.m., and rest assured there will be plenty enough chili for everyone to get a full belly before it’s done.

“It’s a great day,” Picou said. “The people who come out say that they enjoy it.”

If chili’s not your thing, but you want to just spend some time outside in the sun with friendly company, the event also is one to consider, because local band Soulful Sound will be on the stage throughout the day, adding some musical flare to the festivities.

Food, fun, music and money being raised to provide the city with Christmas spirit during future holiday seasons.

Picou said that’s a recipe that can’t be beat.

“It’s an event for everyone,” she said.

“There’s face painting for the kids, obviously food for whoever wants to eat, and the music is nice, as well. We want people to come out and enjoy the environment in Downtown Houma.”

Picou said those wanting more information about registration should contact her at apicou@tpcg.org. Registration forms are also online at www.tpcg.org/files/auditoriums/2016_Chili_Cook-Off_App.pdf.

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Events

CYPRESS BAYOU SET TO HOST 6-BOUT CARD SHOW

L

afayette-based boxing promoter Chad Broussard is on a roll. After several-straight action-packed shows, his next will take place in St. Mary Parish.

Broussard’s company Boxncar Promotions announced that it will hold a six-bout show on Jan. 30 at Cypress Bayou Casino in Charenton – the first card of 2016 for Boxncar, which promotes events throughout Louisiana.

Broussard said this card will be a hit – much like the shows he promoted in 2015, almost all of which were crowd-pleasing thrillers.

“We had some really good shows in 2015, but I’m not satisfied yet,” Broussard said. “I think this one here has a chance to be the best one yet. There will be a lot of heavy-hitting and action-packed fights on this show, and I think everyone needs to come out and enjoy what’s going to be an epic night of fights.”

8 JanuaRY 2016

A battle between heavyweights will headline the show. In the card’s main event, veteran Danny Batchelder (3111-1, 15 KOs) will take on upstart New Orleans brawler Terrance Dumas (7-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout that Broussard thinks will be worth the price of admission.

Batchelder is heading toward the end of his career, but can still pack a punch.

At 39, the grizzled vet has been in the ring with a who’s who of fighters, including Alexander Dimitrenko, James Toney, Lamon Brewster and Lance Whitaker.

For Dumas, the pedigree isn’t the same. He’s undefeated, yes. But he’s only beaten one opponent with a winning record. His seven opponents have a combined 15 wins, which isn’t even half of the 31 victories Batchelder owns since making his debut in 1996.

“This is going to be a really, really good fight,” Broussard said. “Dumas is going to be taking a step up in class after collecting some wins against some cans. Danny Batchelder is the toughest son of a gun I’ve ever been around.

He’s going to make Dumas work, and won’t be afraid to throw some punches around in that ring.”

But while Batchelder and Dumas will be the fight that’s most talked about in the press, Broussard thinks there are other fights on the card that could steal the show.

He said the six-round scrap between Marcus Beckford (3-1-3, 1 KO) and Jonathan Steele (6-0, 5 KOs) will be an epic battle that might be the best fight of the entire card.

Steele is a 24-year-old Dallas native who has dominated all of his opposition throughout his young career.

Beckford, an East Meadow, New York native, has done much of the same. He’s gotten three draws in opponent’s hometowns – fights Broussard said Beckford likely deserved to win.

But since that time, he’s knocked out Josh Joseph, who was 5-0 and scored a unanimous decision over Edward Williams, who was 10-0-1.

“Marcus Beckford is better than his record would lead you to believe,” Broussard said. “Jonathan Steele is impressive. I saw him with my own eyes. The kid can fight. But he’s going to need to be able to fight, because Marcus Beckford will be coming to Louisiana to win the fight.”

On the undercard, Broussard said a heavyweight rematch between Ronald Baca (5-2-1, 2 KOs) and Jonathon Guidry (3-0-1, 1 KO) will be a hit.

The two sluggers battled to a draw on May 10, 2014 – a fight Broussard said was one of the best bouts of the night on a card he promoted in Opelousas.

Guidry, a Houma native, is worth seeing, according to Broussard.

Since the draw, the local fighter has collected two-straight wins.

“These dudes are going to put on a show,” Broussard said. “They are going to stand in the middle of the ring and level one another. This is a fight that I can’t wait to see.”

For tickets, Broussard said folks should visit www.boxncar.com or call 337-298-7658.

“You don’t want to miss these,” Broussard said. “We were on a roll in 2015, and we will be starting out 2016 with a bang.”

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gumboguide.com

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Events

FANS GEAR UP FOR COMIC-CON 2016 D

ressed as zombies, favorite superheroes, movie characters and – likely – more than a few in “Star Wars” garb as well as good old-fashioned street clothes, thousands of people including folks from the Bayou Region will descend on the Morial Convention Center in January for Wizard World’s annual Comic-Con extravaganza.

The multi-faceted celebration of pop culture opens at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, and shuts down Sunday, Jan. 10, at 4 p.m. In past years the area has been well represented among attendees, and this year’s line-up of celebrities and exhibits is expected to attract more.

In addition to comic books, posters and memorabilia – including curious and obscure items for sale – celebrities from the cinema, television and comic book worlds will be on hand for meet-and-greets, panel discussions and autographs.

“We’re very pleased with the growth

of the event in its sixth year,” said organizer Jerry Milani. “Feedback from fans has been excellent, and we’re excited to see so many on the show floor and the many well-attended panels.”

This year’s celebrity list includes Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Hayley Atwell, Frank Grillo, Anthony Mackie and directors Anthony and Joe Russo from “Captain America,” Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, and Jenna Coleman of “Doctor Who” WWE Hall of Fame member Ric Flair and Edward James Olmos, who starred in “Battlestar Gallactica: Stand and Deliver.”

Fans of the top-rated television show “Walking Dead” will get a special treat.

Cast members Norman Reedus, Chandler Riggs, Jon Bernthal, Steven Yeun, Emily Kinney, Michael Cudlitz and Scott Wilson will be there as well.

Admission prices for adults range from $40 - $60. Visit www.wizardworld. com/neworleans for more info.

WIZARD WORLD COMIC CON

2ND ANNUAL NOLA HOME SHOW

COURTHOUSE CHILI COOK-OFF

JAN. 8-10

JAN. 15-17

SATURDAY, JAN. 23, NOON

Louisiana’s largest pop culture convention continues its growth, featuring popular stars of film and television. This year’s special guests include Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Matt Smith, Norman Reedus, Jenna Coleman, Karen Gillan, Ben McKenzie and Erin Richards, Chandler Riggs, Steven Yeun and many more.

This three-day event will present a multitude of projects and products, including home improvement, lawn and garden, home décor, beautification and more. Highlights include: The Cooking Channel’s “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” stars, Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell; DIY Network’s “Bath Crashers” and “BATHtastic” host Matt Muenster; cooking demonstrations by some of New Orleans most talented chefs, as well as renowned Executive Chef Michael Sichel of Galatoire’s.

The Main Street program will hold their annual chili cook-off to benefit Downtown Houma beautification from noon – 4 P.M. The Cook-off is open to the public and admission is $6. Entertainment provided by “Soulful Sound.”

WHERE: ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER, 900 CONVENTION CENTER BLVD., NEW ORLEANS CONTACT: WWW.WIZARDWORLD.COM/HOME-NEWORLEANS.HTML

SOUTHERN LOUISIANA BOAT, SPORT, AND RV SHOW

WWE RAW MONDAY, JAN. 11

CONTACT: ANNE PICOU AT 985-873-6408

3RD ANNUAL KING CAKE FESTIVAL

SUNDAY, JAN. 31, 8 A.M. – RACE REGISTRATION; 11 A.M. FESTIVAL OPENS

7TH ANNUAL ROCK THE RUNWAY FASHION & TALENT SHOW SATURDAY, JAN. 16

WHERE: CHAMPIONS SQUARE, NEW ORLEANS

This show benefits the Lydia Cancer Association.

CONTACT: WWW.KINGCAKEFESTIVAL.ORG OR OCHSNER

WHERE: RECREATION CENTER, 505 HAIFLEIGH ST.,

PHILANTHROPY AT 504-842-7113

CONVENTION CENTER BLVD., NEW ORLEANS

WHERE: HOUMA-TERREBONNE CIVIC CENTER, 346 CIVIC CENTER BLVD., HOUMA

WHERE: SMOOTHIE KING CENTER, NEW ORLEANS

FRANKLIN

CONTACT: HOUMA AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS

CONTACT: HTTP://WWW.WWE.COM/SHOWS/WWE-LIVE-

CONTACT: (337) 578-1618

BUREAU AT (985) 868-2732

TOUR/WWERAW-NEWORLEANS-JANURARY

People can see boats, RVs, jet skis, and a vast array of the latest and greatest products that you can touch and feel in an easy-to-shop and compare location.

WHERE: COURTHOUSE SQUARE, DOWNTOWN HOUMA

The King Cake Festival is a celebration to benefit Ochsner for Children. This festival allows attendees to stroll around Champions Square and sample king cake from the city’s greatest bakers.

The event also features the Gladiator Games, Fitness Challenge and Family Fun Run.

WHERE: ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER, 900

WWE Raw returns to New Orleans! The flagship program of the WWE franchise, the raw action unfolds every Monday night before a live audience, airing on the USA television network.

Scheduled superstars include John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Sheamus, Alberto del Rio, Kevin Owens and the Wyatt Family.

FRIDAY, JAN. 9

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CONTACT: WWW.NOLAHOMESHOW.COM

Have an event scheduled for next month you’d like listed? Upcoming events in Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes are printed FREE. Send your information – who, what, when, where, cost and a daytime phone number – to EDITOR@RUSHING-MEDIA.COM.

10 JanuaRY 2016

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Mardi Gras 2016

KREWE OF DES PETITE KREWE OF HERCULES SUNDAY, JAN. 24, 1 P.M.

FRIDAY, JAN. 29, 6 P.M.

GOLDEN MEADOW

HOUMA WESTSIDE

he Krewe of Hercules – Houma’s only

Tsuper krewe – has the distinction of

staging the parade that kicks off Terrebonne Parish’s Carnival season. It is celebrating its 32nd anniversary under the theme “Hercules Explores Fantastic Voyages.”

The krewe was formed by local real estate executive S.P. LaRussa and 15 others, including “Mr. Mardi Gras,” Blaine Kern Sr., who refers to the Krewe of Hercules as “Bacchus on the Bayou.”

Hercules is the largest all-male parade in the Tri-parish area.

This year the krewe presents 32 super floats carrying 780 revelers bombing crowds with millions of throws.

H.L. Bourgeois, South Terrebonne, Ellender Memorial, St. Martinville, Plaquemine, White Castle and Southern Lab high schools and Evergreen and Houma Jr. High bands will join the fun.

The 2016 Royal Court is: King Hercules XXXII Larry Eschete Dukes: Otis Allen, Jerry Kelly, Jean Paul Hebert, Chris Levron, Farrel “Kaboom” Duplantis, Marcial Marcum, Shane Theriot, Chelsea Hebert, Tony Gautreaux and Lennard Okkerse Goddesses: Madelyn Pitre, Ivy Williams, Karley Creppel, Elizabeth Burch, Elise

12 JanuaRY 2016

Duplantis, Kristen Boudreaux, Elizabeth Fontenot, Madi LeBlanc, Brienne Hebert, Darrien Songy and Monique Dardar Pages: Robert Quinn III, Evan Loupe, Reis Eschete, Hayden Stevenson, Abigail Scheer and Drake Scheer Sports guru Mike Detillier is the Grand Marshal 2016.

S.P. LaRussa is the Krewe of Hercules’ parade captain, while Michael Paul LaRussa acts as the captain of the Royal Court. Mark Pitre is this year’s ball captain.

In addition to a special float bearing the actual alligator that hung over the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, parade-goers should watch for a number of specialty beads bearing this year’s Hercules crest on a medallion.

The parade begins at Southland Mall,

KING HERCULES XXXII LARRY ESCHETE

rolls down West Park Avenue to Hollywood Road, takes a right then a left to West Main Street where it proceeds to Barrow Street, takes a right and disbands at Town Hall.

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Mardi Gras 2016 Tammy Malbrough is ball captain.

The group was formed in 1994 by Tana Marcel and Nancy Carlos. The members choose their queen in a unique way. A king cake is cut and a number is placed on each slice. Members pull a number and receive their corresponding piece of cake. The member finding a silver crown in their piece of cake is the queen. The member finding a mask in their piece is the runner-up.

Aquarius donates to the Food Bank, Toys for Tots and St. Vincent De Paul Pharmacy.

The parade begins at Southland Mall, rolls down West Park Avenue to Hollywood Road, takes a right and then a left to West Main Street where it proceeds to Barrow Street, takes a right and then throws the last bead at Town Hall.

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KING HUNTER SOULDIER

KREWE OF BAYOU PETIT CAILLOU

Oaklawn Junior High, Grand Caillou Middle and Morgan City High schools’ marching bands and the FCDC Drum Corps will join the fun.

This year’s special throws include glow-in-the-dark krewe cups, rings, glow sticks, wands and bracelets, as well as doubloons.

When the krewe first started they had 147 members. Today they are 547 members strong.

SATURDAY, JAN. 30, NOON CHAUVIN

he Krewe of Bayou Petit Caillou is

Trolling for its 30th year.

This year’s theme is “Krewe of Bayou Petit Caillou Goes Harley Davidson.”

The parade includes 12 throwing floats.

The 150 revelers will throw cups, beads, stuffed animals, footballs and so much more.

The 2016 Royal Court is: King Hunter Soudelier Queen Heidi Foret Captain Noah Billiot Co-Captain Kayleigh Lirette Pages: Averie Blanchard, Presley LeCompte, Mattie Lirette, Elijah Foret, Payton Ledet and Maize Pierron Dukes: Jayden Gautreaux, Hunter Champagne, Reed DeRoche, Dawson Collins, Blake Pellegrin, Beau Dubois, Caleb LeBoeuf, Dawson LeBeouf, Dlyan Ghere and Jayce Landry Maids: Lauren Cadiere, Keianna Naquin, Angelle’ Chavin, Logan Lirette, Shaylee Percle, Addison Rousse, Victoria Matise, Ella LeBeouf, Harley Martin, Alissia Verdin and Morgan Chauvin Tableau Captain Becky Foret Parade Captain Alvin Luke The co-ed krewe began in 1985 to bring entertainment to the bayou.

14 JanuaRY 2016

QUEEN HEIDI FORET

The parade begins at the Chauvin pool, travels north to St. Joseph Church and disbands at Sarah Bridge.

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KREWE OF HYACINTHIANS

KREWE OF AQUARIUS SATURDAY, JAN. 30, 6:30 P.M. HOUMA WESTSIDE

he all-female Krewe of Aquarius is celebrating its 22nd anniversary with the theme “Tropical Vacations.”

Each year the theme is chosen by the parade captain, and each float group designs their own costumes, which need board approval.

Along with the 22 decorated floats, the

T

SUNDAY, JAN. 31, NOON QUEEN AQUARIUS XXII LESLIE LIRETTE

The 2016 Royal Court is: Queen Aquarius XXII Leslie Lirette Maids: Jessica Guidry, Loretta Verrett, Carolyn Rivera and Holly Foret Pages: Taylen Lirette, Landon Filce, Dre Luke and Mallory Luke The parade captain is Cheryl LeBlanc;

HOUMA

he Krewe of Hyacinthians 396 mem-

Tbers are parading for their 65th year

with the jovial theme “Hyacinthians Travel the World.”

Each of Hyacinthians’ 17 throwing floats – each of which holds 22 to 26 riders – has a title, which is selected by

Mardi Gras 2016

KING TIM EMERSON

Maids: Michele Dantin, Andrea Rogers, Shawn Heck, Julie Braud, Julie Rhodes, Mathy Mella, Kelly Weaver and Mary Guidry Dukes: Kerry Chauvin, Brandon Gawlik, Chris Erny, Tommy Hebert, Harold Cancienne, Tris Dantin, Chuck Rogers and Mike Heck Pages: Anna Raye Trahan, Riley-Grace Bonvillain, Connor Chauvin and Grayden Rau Lynn Myers is parade captain and Vickie Rhodes is ball captain.

The Krewe of Hyacinthians’ tableau and ball is held at 7 p.m. the night before their parade.

The parade begins at Southland Mall, rolls down West Park Avenue to Hollywood Road, takes a right then a left to West Main Street where it proceeds to Barrow Street, takes a right and disbands at Town Hall.

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QUEEN NICOLE EMERSON

the float captain and ties into the theme of the parade. Floats this year represent a different country.

Parade-goers will want to keep an eye out for the krewe’s signature item: a top hat bearing Hyacinthians’ logo. The embellished hats will be handed from floats. Also watch for Fascinators, small hats on headbands. Both the top hats and fascinators, introduced for the first time last year, are a Carnival collector’s item.

Riders also design their costumes to represent the theme.

Joining the parade are Vandebilt Catholic, Terrebonne and H.L. Bourgeois high schools and Evergreen Jr. High marching bands.

The 2016 Royal Court is: Queen Hyacinth LXV Nicole Emerson King Tim Emerson

16 JanuaRY 2016

KREWE OF TITANS SUNDAY, JAN. 31, NOON

HOUMA, FOLLOWING HYACINTHIANS

his is the eighth year the Krewe of

TTitans parade follows the Krewe of

Hyacinthians.

Its 450 members toss a variety of throws such as cups, koozies and the new Krewe of Titans medallion beads from its 19 floats to excited crowds. This

year’s theme is “Titans Go on a Scavenge Hunt.”

Established in 2008, Krewe of Titans is a family-oriented organization and is meeting the needs of the community by providing a riding experience for couples and families.

The 2016 grand marshals are CASA-Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children.

CASA originated in 1976 with Superior Court Judge David Sokup of Seattle, Washington. To ensure he was getting all the facts to determine was what best for the long-term welfare of each child appearing before the court, Sokup obtained funding to recruit and train community volunteers to step into courtrooms on behalf of the children.

On the heels of a successful pilot program in Seattle, CASA went national.

Today, more than 900 CASA programs support America’s children.

CASA of Terrebonne operates on Goode Street in Houma.

Special participants in the 2016 Titans’ parade include Party Palooza Princesses and Super Heroes, Bayou District Boy Scouts, Selucrey Sophistocats, Louisiana Ghostbusters, Southpaw Band, Regional Military Museum, The Order of Esther Pageant Queen, Prime Elite Dance Co., Phi Mu Alpha, Bo’s Electric Carts, Show Stoppers Dance, Camp 8 Riders, Crash Test Dummy, The Risen Band, Performance Sports of Houma, South Louisiana Jeep Association, WWL-TV Parade Tracker, Cajun Dolls Dance, TARC and Gumbo 97.7.

The Krewe of Titans board is: President Taisha Robichaux Vice President Drena Lebouef Treasurer Frieda Smith Secretary and Jayme Duplantis Board members are Mandy Loupe, Debbie Cenac, Emma Ordoyne, Danielle Landry, Gerard Zeringue Jr., Priscilla Duplantis and Aaron Hutchinson.

Shannon Lagendyk is Titans’ parade captain.

The Titans’ parade begins at Southland Mall, rolls down West Park Avenue to Hollywood Road, takes a right then a left to West Main Street where it proceeds to Barrow Street, takes a right and disbands at Town Hall.

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KREWE OF VERSAILLES SUNDAY, JAN. 31, NOON CUT OFF

co-ed organization with 180 mem-

A bers, the Krewe of Versailles is

parading for its 42nd year on 13 individually-owned floats.

This year the krewe’s theme is “It’s a Party.” The Krewe selects the theme.

The krewe’s riders will shower the crowds with Versailles’ Fleur de Lis beads, cups, stuffed animals and special throws.

Two marching bands – South Lafourche High and the Larose Cut Off Middle High schools – are expected to also join in the procession.

The krewe was formed in 1974 and is known as the most elegant Carnival group in South Lafourche.

Each year the floats are decorated to fit the theme of the parade. Krewe members gather weeks before the parade to decorate the floats for the annual decorating contest. The winner is announced the night of the ball and the winning float receives a large ribbon to display on the float on parade day.

The parade begins at La. Highway 24 along La. Highway 1 in Larose and ends at Cut Off Elementary School.

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Krewe of Aphrodite, 6:30 p.m., Houma Westside Krewe of Athena, 7 p.m., Golden Meadow Krewe of Adonis, 7 p.m., Morgan City

Friday, Feb. 5

Krewe of Hyacinthians, noon, Houma Westside Krewe of Titans, noon, Houma Westside Krewe of Versailles, noon, Larose Krewe of Ambrosia, 2 p.m., Thibodaux Krewe of Shaka, 12:30 p.m., Thibodaux

Sunday, Jan. 31

Krewe of Petit Caillou, noon, Chauvin Le Krewe des T-Cajuns, noon, Larose Krewe of Aquarius, 6:30 p.m., Houma Westside

Saturday, Jan. 30

Krewe of Hercules, 6 p.m., Houma Westside

Friday, Jan. 29

Krewe of Des Petite, 1 p.m., Golden Meadow

parade schedule Jan. 24

Krewe of Houmas, 11 a.m., Houma Westside Krewe of Kajuns, 11 a.m., Houma Westside Krewe of Bon Terre, 4 p.m., Montegut Krewe of Gheens, 11 a.m., Gheens Krewe of Neptune, noon, Golden Meadow Krewe of Ghana, 1 p.m., Thibodaux Krewe of Choupic, 1 p.m., Chackbay Franklin Mardi Gras, 1 p.m., Franklin Krewe of Hephaestus, 2 p.m., Morgan City

Tuesday, Feb. 9

Krewe of Cleopatra, 6:30 p.m., Houma Westside Krewe of Amani, 2 p.m., Patterson

Monday, Feb. 8

Krewe of Terreanians, 12:30 p.m., Houma Westside Krewe of Montegut, 2 p.m., Montegut Krewe of Atlantis, noon, Golden Meadow Krewe of Cleophas, 12:30 p.m., Thibodaux Krewe of Chronos, 1:30 p.m., Thibodaux Krewe of Nereids, 6 p.m., Golden Meadow Krewe of Galatea, 2 p.m., Morgan City

Sunday, Feb. 7

Krewe of Mardi Gras, 6:30 p.m. Westside Krewe of Apollo, noon, Lockport Krewe of Dubon Temps, 6:30 p.m., Larose Krewe of Dionysus, 2 p.m., Berwick Cypremort Point, 1 p.m., Cypremort Point Baldwin Mardi Gras, 11 a.m., Baldwin

Saturday, Feb. 6

P

Saturday, Jan. 30 Krewe of Paws, 10 a.m., Slidell Krewe of Titans, 6:30 p.m., Slidell The Mystic Knights of Adonis, 11:45 a.m., Westbank Knights of Nemesis, 1 p.m., Chalmete Krewe of Pontchartrain, 1 p.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Choctaw, follows Pontchartrain, Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Freret, follows Choctaw, Uptown New Orleans Knights of Sparta, 6 p.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Pygmalion, 6:15 p.m., Uptown New Orleans 驶tit Rex, 5 p.m., Marigny Krewe of Chewbacchus, 6 p.m., Marigny Krewe of Caesar, 6 p.m., Metairie Krewe of Olympia, 6 p.m., Covington

Friday, Jan. 29 Krewe of Cork, 3 p.m., French Quarter Krewe of Oshun, 6 p.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Cleopatra, 8:30 p.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Excalibur, 7 p.m., Metairie Krewe of Athena, 7:30 p.m., Metairie Krewe of Eve, 7 p.m., Mandeville

Sunday, Jan. 24 Kerwe of Little Rascals, noon, Metairie Krewe of Perseus, 1 p.m., Slidell

Monday, Jan. 23 Krewe of Bilge, noon, Slidell Krewe of Mona Lisa and MoonPie, 6 p.m., Slidell Krewe du Vieux, 6:30 p.m., French Quarter Krewe Delusion, follows du Vieux, French Quarter

Sunday, Jan. 17 Krewe of Slidellians, 1 p.m., Slidell

Sunday, Jan. 10 Krewe of Claude, 1 p.m., Slidell Krewe of Posiedon, follows Claude, Slidell

c h e d u le

Wednesday, Jan. 6 Krewe of Joan of Arc, 6 p.m., French Quarter Phunny Phorty Phellows, 7 p.m., French Quarter

a r a d e S

Tuesday, Feb. 9 Krewe of Zulu, 8 a.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Rex, 10 a.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Elks Orleans, follows Rex; Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Crescent City, follows Elks, Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Grela, 10 a.m., Westbank Krewe of Argus, 10 a.m., Metairie Krewe of Elks Jefferson, follows Argus, Metairie Krewe of Jefferson, follows Elks Jefferson, Metairie Krewe of Lyra, 10 a.m., Covington

Monday, Feb. 8 Krewe of Proteus, 5:15 p.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Orpheus, 6 p.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Pandora, 7 p.m., Uptown New Orleans

Sunday, Feb. 7 Krewe of Okeanos, 11 a.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Mid-City, 11:45 a.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Thoth, noon, Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Bacchus, 5:15 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 6 Krewe of NOMTOC, 10:45 a.m., Westbank Krewe of Iris, 11 a.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Tucks, noon, Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Tchefuncte, 1 p.m., Madisonville Krewe of Endymion, 4:15 p.m., Mid-City Krewe of Isis, 6:30 p.m., Metairie

Friday, Feb. 5 Krewe of Bosom Buddies, 11:30 a.m., French Quarter Krewe of Hermes, 6 p.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe d始Etet, 6:30 p.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Morpheus, 7 p.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Selene, 6:30 p.m., Slidell Krewe of Centurions, 7 p.m. Metairie

Thursday, Feb. 4 Knights of Babylon, 5:45 p.m., Uptown New Orleans Knights of Chaos, 6:15 p.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Muses, 6:30 p.m., Uptown New Orleans

Sunday, Jan. 31 Krewe of Carrollton, noon, Uptown New Orleans Krewe of King Arthur and Merlin, follows Carrollton, Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Alla, follows King Arthur, Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Femme Fatals, follows Alla, Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Dionysus, 1 p.m., Slidell Krewe of Barkus, 2 p.m., French Quarter Corps de Napoleon, 5:30 p.m., Metairie Wednesday, Feb. 3 Krewe of Druids, 6:30 p.m., Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Nyx, 7 p.m., Uptown New Orleans

Mardi Gras 2016

KREWE OF AMBROSIA

captain; Tracey Westerman is the ball captain.

The Krewe of Ambrosia Carnival Club first paraded in 1986. The krewe rents floats from Cantrell Floats LLC. Its community events include the Thibodaux Relay for Life event sponsored by the American Cancer Society and an annual poker run, which benefits various nonprofit groups.

Past recipients of Ambrosia’s fundraisers have benefitted Thibodaux Main Street Inc., CASA of Lafourche and CASA of Terrebonne.

The parade begins on Audubon Drive, proceeds to Menard Street where it takes a left, goes to Canal Boulevard, takes a right, turns left on 2nd Street, left again on Jackson Street, rolls down to the railroad tracks at Pecan Street, makes a U-turn onto Canal Boulevard, takes a right on East 7th Street, a left on Bayou Lane, a right on Menard Street, and wraps up back where it began on Audubon Drive.

SUNDAY, JAN. 31, 2 P.M. THIBODAUX

hibodaux’s co-ed, family-friendly

TKrewe of Ambrosia features 17 dou-

ble-decker throwing floats in its 31st parade. The 2016 theme, which was voted on by krewe members, is “Ambrosia On Top of the World.”

The 350 members will pitch lighted Ambrosia medallion necklaces, footballs, lighted Ambrosia swords and Frisbees, mega-coloring books, jumbo gum and Pixy Sticks, stuffed animals and much more.

The floats depict various parties and the costumes, selected by each float lieutenant, are designed to reflect the theme.

Thibodaux, Ellender Memorial, Mandeville, St. James, Lutcher and Peabody high schools’ marching bands are also marching.

The 2016 Royal Court is: King Tyler Usea Queen Dawn Usea Maids: Harlee Smith, Abigail Gautreaux, Madeline Bourgeois, Tori Berger, Cara Glorioso, Mallory Jennings, Ashlyn Folse and Sheridan Duet Dukes: Garret Smith, Reed Callais, Alex Hymel, Glen Raffray, Carl Waguespack, Austin Bourgeois, Aaron Waguespack and Glen Haydel Blake Hebert is Ambrosia’s parade

20 JanuaRY 2016

QUEEN RITA MOSLEY

KREWE OF SHAKA

SUNDAY, JAN. 31, 1:30 P.M. THIBODAUX

he Krewe of Shaka celebrates its 21st

Tyear traveling the streets of Thi-

bodaux.

The parade’s theme this year is “Wild Wild West.”

Twenty members on 15 ornamented floats of different community organizations deliver traditional throws and Shaka cups.

Four high school bands provide music along the route.

Formed Jan. 18, 1995, the Krewe of Shaka aims to represent community togetherness and leadership.

Identities of the 2016 royal court, including king, queen, Mr. and Ms. Shaka and the duke and duchess, are kept confidential until the krewe’s ball. The theme for this year’s ball is “Black and White Masquerade.”

Shaka’s parade co-captains are Denise Jones-Adams and Philip Joseph The 2015 King and Queen were: King Miquel Miles Queen Rita Mosley Mr. and Ms. Shaka: Javiss and

Tamekia Brown Shaka Sweetheart: Xylynn Garnett Duke and Dutchess: Shawn Ganer and Johnell Bergeron Maids: Ranesha Cassie, Kayla Nisby and Alaina Miles Last year’s grand marshal was Missy Dapremont-Oubre.

The parade starts at Martin Luther King Park and Iris Street, goes to School Street, proceeds to Canal Boulevard, turns right on St. Charles Street, goes to Fifth Street, turns left and travels to Jackson Street, turns left again and proceeds to Canal Boulevard, does a point turn to come up Canal Boulevard to West Seventh Street, turns right to Narrow Street, turns right to Back Street, and makes a left turn to proceed by to Martin Luther King Park, where the parade route ends.

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Mardi Gras 2016

queen and we had just gotten back from a pageant and were going to a football party. She was still in her formal gown and everything when we told her. It was very sweet.”

Conway’s grandmother Judy Chauvin said the family is saving his announcement as a New Year’s surprise.

Children may bring their handmade, non-motorized floats to the parade site to register at 11 a.m. and festivities begin at noon.

KREWE OF APHRODITE MINI PARADE Jan. 16 12 p.m.

ROUSES SUPERMARKET, 5818 W. MAIN ST., HOUMA 985-790-0232

LE KREWE DES T-CAJUN CHILDREN’S PARADE Jan. 30 12 p.m.

LAROSE 985-438-2285

KREWE OF BAYOU PETIT

M

ardi Gras is quite possibly the most anticipated time of year in south Louisiana. Even the annual visit from Santa Claus can’t quite top the dizzying arraying of oversized floats careening down streets from Chauvin to Thibodaux. Considered a celebration of all the best parts of the southern region – the culture, the food, the music – finding the perfect spot to grab some throws and pass a good time along the parade route just can’t be beat.

However, bringing your little ones to the festivities may give some parents pause as images of a less-than-family-friendly event come to mind. The raucous atmosphere is just a small portion of the pageantry, though.

Many of the local parades are incredibly welcoming to any and everyone, regardless of age. In fact, there are even a few designed specifically with children ages 12 and under in mind.

In January, three pint-sized parades kick off Carnival in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes to offer kids a chance to get in on the celebration. Krewe of

22 JanuaRY 2016

Aphrodite, the all-female group from Houma, invites children Jan. 16 to Rouses Supermarket on West Main Street to show off their best arts and craft skills in a mini-parade of wagons and the like around the grocery store’s parking lot.

“The kids put on the parade,” organizer and 17-year Krewe of Aphrodite member Tiffany Bankston said. “They throw whatever trinkets they choose to bring. Food, candy, beads – that sort of thing. They also give first-, second- and third-place for trophy, costume and group. They’re encouraged to dress up and get into the spirit.”

Each year, Bankston said the krewe selects two children with special needs from the area to reign over the parade and this year Joleigh Martin and Luke Conway are set to reign over the parade in a special dune buggy fit for royalty.

Martin and Conway were nominated and voted on by members of Aphrodite.

“She’s very excited,” Joleigh’s mother Trish Martin said of her daughter’s involvement. “We told her back in November. She’s already a pageant

Jan. 30 12 p.m.

CHAUVIN SWIMMING POOL ALONG HIGHWAY 56 TO MARTY J’S TRUCK STOP 985-860-9598

KREWE OF BOOKWORMS Feb. 3 10 a.m.

NEAR THE THIBODAUX BRANCH LIBRARY, 705 W. 5TH ST., THIBODAUX 985-446-1163

MONTEGUT CHILDREN’S PARADE Feb. 7 2 p.m.

BEGINS AND ENDS AT 107 RECREATION DRIVE 985-594-6862

Across parish lines, Le Krewe Des T-Cajun rolls along Bayou Lafourche Jan. 30 for its 18th year. The children’s parade, always two weekends prior to Fat Tuesday, puts participates in large floats for a trip around town following a portion of the parade route many of the adult krewes also follow during the season. According to organizer Wade

Dufrene, any child wishing to serve on the court may toss their name into the running with selections pulled from a hat during the krewe’s tableau on Jan. 16 at the Larose Civic Center.

In Chauvin, little ones and their family members gather at noon for Krewe of Bayou Petit on the same day. Children are encouraged to wear motorcycle attire and floats, which line up at Chauvin Swimming Pool and meander to Marty J’s Truck Stop, will be decorated according to the theme “Krewe of Bayou Petit Goes Harley Davidson.” The parade allows children to participate alongside their parents as a means of getting them involved early in the special holiday and one organizer Becky Foret said fosters a life-long excitement.

“It’s actually the kids and the adults,” Foret explained. “The adults ride in the parade and the kids are involved in the tableau. Just to see their faces and see how much they enjoy the stuff that we do is great.”

In the days leading up to Feb. 9, two more parades are set to get children excited for the holiday. The Montegut Children’s Parade rolls Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. with a host of floats and bands similar to larger-scale parades, while in Thibodaux, the Lafourche Parish Library hosts Krewe of Bookworms, a literacy-themed parade that brings together the entire community for one final hooray before Fat Tuesday.

Registration for Krewe of Bookworms begins at 9:15 a.m. and rolls at 10 a.m.

Feb. 3. This children’s parade allows participants to hang out with some of the most important figures in the community and features a few holiday additions for some extra flair.

“We have a high school drumline, the Thibodaux Police Department and the Mardi Gras Indians,” Library Director Laura Sanders said. “The mayor toasts the king and queen who are from the Head Start program. Lafourche Arc comes out and they are part of our crowd. It’s always a fun, fun time for the children.”

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Music

SWEAT BRINGS THE HEAT TO ST. MARY PARISH THOSE INTERESTED ARE ASKED TO SHOP AT TICKETMASTER OR ON WWW.CYPRESSBAYOU.COM.

W

hen legendary musician Keith Sweat got his start in 1975, he was just a teenager – a New York boy with big dreams on his mind and endless musical talent at his disposal.

Flash forward 40 years to the present and Sweat is a made man in the industry – a musical legend who is still going strong by sticking to his roots in music.

Always a romanticist and forever known for his sweet rhythm and musical soul, Sweat is coming to Cypress Bayou Casino on Jan. 16 – one stop of many on his current tour around the country.

Sweat, now 54, said age is just a number, adding that he feels as good as ever when performing on the stage.

“I feel better than ever. When you get on that stage and start to perform, it all feels the way that it always has,” he said. “The industry has changed, but what people want hasn’t. They

24 JanuaRY 2016

want to feel good through music, and feel emotions and passions, and that’s something we’ve always taken pride in giving.”

Most don’t realize just how long Sweat has been around the big stages.

Born in Harlem as the son of a hairdresser and a factory worker, Sweat started his career as the lead singer in a band called Jamilah – a group that toured the Northeast and quickly generated quite a following.

Jamilah performed for about a decade, after which Sweat decided it was time that he took a chance and tried his hand as a solo artist. He performed solo in the mid-1980s at New York City nightclubs, becoming one of the city’s go-to guys for R&B and soul.

“It was a long journey,” Sweat said with a laugh. “We’ve done been on about every sized stage that you can ever be on. Those early days make you

appreciate it, because I was able to meet so many great people and learn so many great things along the way.”

Sweat recorded for a label for the first time in 1986 when his song “My Mind is Made Up” was released by Stadium Records.

His big break came a year later when Vincent Davis found Sweat and offered him a lucrative deal with Vintertainment Records. Under that group, Sweat hit the charts for the first time, releasing his first single “Make it Last Forever,” which took the musical world by storm and sold 3.2 million copies.

Sweat reached No. 1 on the charts just a little later with “I Want Her,” the song many say ascended him to superstardom in 1988.

“I think people liked the style because it was from the heart,” he said. “There’s a real passion there. I’m a romantic, and I put my heart into my words. Peo-

ple respect that.”

After a six-year run producing New Jack Swing music, Sweat reinvented a tad and became more focused on a “hiphop/soul” kick.

In 1994, he heated the charts with “Twisted” and “Nobody” – two chart-busting singles that were part of “Get Up On It,” which was Sweat’s fourth full album.

Sweat’s ability to ride the charts stayed home through about 2000 when the musician decided to slow down a bit and broaden his horizons.

Today, Sweat focuses more on live performances and giving back to the fans – the people he said have made his dreams come true.

The musician also hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, titled the “Keith Sweat Hotel.”

Once a romantic, always a romantic, Sweat said he loves the radio work, which blends soul jams with inspirational words and other encouragement.

At the local show, Sweat said he hopes to do the same – give a good time to the fans, while charming the ladies. He can’t wait to visit Louisiana, calling it a state he’s always been fond of throughout his career.

“We’re going to have a blast. I can’t wait,” he said. “There are good people out there, and we want to give them a night they can remember.”

Tickets begin at $40, and seats are available.

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Music

Concert listings are provided FREE monthly to Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne venues. Send your monthly calendar – the band name and date they’re appearing – address and contact phone number to EDITOR@RUSHING-MEDIA.COM.

HOT TIX

BRIAN REGAN – Jan. 10, Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans, 7 p.m. ($39.50-$44.50)

TICKETMASTER:

BLUE MAN GROUP – Jan. 14, River Center Theater, Baton Rouge, 7:30 p.m. ($40-$67.50)

(868) 448-7849 or www.ticketmaster.com TICKETWEB:

(866) 468-7630 or www.ticketweb.com LIVE NATION:

(800) 745-3000 or www.livenation.com (Ticket prices include handling fees.)

ALLSTATE SUGARBOWL – Jan. 1, Superdome, New Orleans, ($150-$260)

NETWORKS PRESENTS DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST – Jan. 1-3, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, multiple times, ($50-$125)

GREGG ALLMAN – Jan. 2, River Center Theater, Baton Rouge, 7 p.m. ($42.50-$89.50)

PUBLIC ICE SKATING – Jan. 2-3, River Center Arena, Baton Rouge, 9:30 a.m. ($12)

THE MUSIC OF LED ZEPPELIN – Jan. 15, River Center Theater, Baton Rouge, 7:30 p.m. ($45-$67) NOLA HOLIDAY GOSPEL CONCERT – Jan. 16, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, 8 p.m. ($39-$69)

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL (TOURING) – Jan. 19-24, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, 7:30, 2, & 8 p.m., ($50-$150)

PATTON OSWALT – Jan. 23, Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans, 8 p.m. ($38-$43)

LADIES’ CHOICE FEATURING AVANT, DRU HILL AND JAGGED EDGE – Jan. 23, Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, 8 p.m. ($49.50-$59.50)

BAYOU BLUES FEST – Jan. 9, Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, 8 p.m. ($45-$75)

ANNIE – Jan. 24, River Center Theater, Baton

LIL WAYNE: THE DEDICATION TOUR –

Rouge, 3 p.m. ($40-$65)

LEWIS BLACK – Jan. 9, River Center Theater,

STAR TREK: THE ULTIMATE VOYAGE –

Jan. 29, Cajundome, Lafayette, 7:30 p.m. ($29.50-$74)

Baton Rouge, 8 p.m. ($25-$58.50)

26 JanuaRY 2016

Jan. 27, Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans, 8 p.m. ($35-$60)

BARRY MANILOW – Jan. 29, Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, 7:30 p.m. ($17.75-$147.75)

TOOL – Jan. 31, Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, 7:15 p.m. ($57.50-$77.50)

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Arts

ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID

Wanna Go? ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID WHEN: Jan. 15-16 & 22-24, 7:30 p.m.; 2 p.m. matinee Sunday WHERE: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center Theatre, 314 St. Mary Street, Thibodaux COST: $20 for adults, $15 for students with ID INFO: thibodauxplayhouse.com, 985-446-1896

28 JanuaRY 2016

It

was just a silly promise made on the night of senior prom: be part of each other’s weddings ... no matter what. A group of four Southern ladies find out just exactly what that promise holds as they make the trip down the aisle all too frequently in Thibodaux Playhouse’s latest production, “Always a Bridesmaid,” set to debut this month.

The brainchild of Jones, Hope and Wooten, the same people behind “Dixie Swim Club,” brought to local audiences in early 2015, the comedy is a look back at how that promise has played out through the eyes of bride Kari-AmesBissette (played by Renee LeBlanc). As she addresses her reception guests, she recalls the marital adventures of her mother and her three best friends, ladies she now considers her godmothers, the ones that have taught her what to do (or not to do) when it comes to getting hitched.

“You know, they were drinking Boone’s Farm one night and decide we’re going to be in each other’s weddings,” the play’s director Leslie Waalk explained. “One of them is a serial

bride. She’s been married several times.

There’s one who is like the tree-hugger, hippie type. She’s on the fence. She can’t seem to find somebody. Then there’s the happily married one whose daughter, in the last scene, gets married.”

Described as stories within a story, audiences are dropped into the bridal suite of Laurelton Oaks, a plantation that serves as the backdrop for each lady’s big day. There we meet Monette Gentry (Andrea Stentz), a Blanche Devereaux-esque character [of TV’s “Golden Girls” fame] who’s “a little bit trashy and a little bit flashy” and preparing to wed husband number three.

Then there’s Deedra Wingate (newcomer Wendy LeBouef), a strong-willed judge whose recent discovery of her cheating husband fuels her “nobody’s fool” attitude. Also in the mix is Charlie Collins (Jessica Vicknair), the landscaping commitment-phobe that would prefer to stay as far away from the altar as possible.

“She’s not all love and rainbows,” Vicknair said, despite Charlie’s free-spirited lifestyle. “She’s very straightforward and will tell it like it

is. She’s afraid to commit because she’s been with a lot of wrong guys. I think she just doesn’t want to get married.

She wants to just do her own thing.”

Rounding out the pack is hopeless romantic Libby Ruth Ames (Katie DeHart Waguespack), the only one who has managed to make a marriage last and makes it her mission to keep hope alive for the other three.

Attempting to wrangle in this brash and hilarious group of women is the muumuu-loving, sarcastic Sedalia Ellicott (Anna Blanchard), the fussy owner and event planner at Laurelton Oaks that’s been a witness at every single ceremony.

“She thinks it’s a little weird. Just the tradition,” Blanchard said. “She’s like, ‘Um, OK. I’m not used to this but if y’all insist on doing it this way, I can accommodate you. You’re paying me, so sure.”

And getting all these characters to gel together, despite the stark contrast in personalities, hasn’t been difficult for the cast. They admit the roles aren’t too much of a deviation from their real personalities and Stentz even pulls inspiration from her own 25-year friendship with four junior high school friends to make this look at marriage and friendship both deeply authentic and funny.

“I feel like I’m channeling the women in my family,” Blanchard said. “The old, grumpy woman. I’m going, ‘I’m going to be like this. I’m almost like this now.’ It’s a little bit of a stretch but not much.”

From runaway brides to one mishap that lands a bridesmaid in a hospital gown on the day of the ceremony, it’s easy to question why the women keep coming back time and time again to make another walk down the aisle. But like any true friendship, they are there for each other through thick and thin.

“They each bring out something different in each other,” Vicknair explained. “They’re all different personalities and they each use it for support through hard times. It’s a lot of fun.”

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Arts

INTO THE WOODS

Wanna Go?

WHEN: Jan. 14 - 17, 7 p.m.; 2 p.m. kids show Saturday and 2 p.m. matinee Sunday WHERE: Vandebilt Catholic High School Kolb Center, 209 S. Hollywood Road, Houma

COST: $12 for adults, $8 for students INFO: 985-876-2551, tledet@htdiocese.org

At

the heart of any good story is the ability to tell it well and The VC Theatre at Vandebilt Catholic High School is preparing to tell its most complex tale to date with “Into the Woods,” arguably one of the most popular musicals to receive the golden touch from legendary composer Stephen Sondheim.

The production, which debuted in 1986 at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre and earned a Broadway run, two Tony Awards, a U.S. tour, and film adaptation in the following years, centers around the Baker (played by Mitchell Peoples) and his Wife (Madelyn Rodrigue) who long for a child but cannot have one because of a longstanding family curse.

After a visit from the Witch (Christina Samanie) who initiated the curse, the Baker and his Wife set out on a journey into the woods to recover the four items – a cow, a slipper, golden hair and a cape – that will ultimately lift the ban.

Although the cast draws some influence from the spellbinding performances of Meryl Streep and company in the darker 2014 film, director Tami RocheLedet said the VC Theatre production will lean heavily on the original version crafted by Sondheim and playwright James Lapine.

“The Broadway version is so much more humorous and when you are requiring your audiences to sit here for

30 JanuaRY 2016

a long period of time, I think the humor is a good thing,” she explained.

What transpires is an exhilarating adventure, bringing together some of the most recognizable fairytale characters like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood as the Baker searches far and wide for the pieces that will put his life into perfect harmony.

“A surprise singer” according to RocheLedet, Peoples is excited to be tackling the lead role, the first theatre work the football player has ever done.

Outside of spontaneous singing in the locker room, this will be the first time

he sings in front of an audience.

“It’s been amazing,” Peoples said.

“Since this is my first time, I really didn’t know what to do, like what was up stage and what was down stage. Mrs. Ledet and [musical director] Mrs. [Sarah] Todd have both helped me a lot and I’m having a great time.”

The Witch (Christina Samanie) pops up throughout the production to toss a few obstacles in the way of the couple, a role that allows Samanie, a senior with collegiate theatre dreams, to channel a personality that is a far cry from her own.

“At first, I come off really, really evil by not letting the Baker’s Wife have a child,” she explained. “Then I come back again and I become young, kind of free spirited and very out there. A mixture of Meryl Streep’s character from the movie and a little twist, too.”

Sondheim’s genius reveals itself in the music, which is very much at the forefront of this particular production.

It’s within the songs that audiences discover this play is much more than just a mash-up of sweet childhood tales, but instead a much more realistic, sometimes not-so-pretty look at life and its obstacles.

Although RocheLedet said the cast may be a bit too young to fully grasp the themes they are portraying, it won’t be lost on the adults in the audience and gives her the opportunity to introduce the more complex themes, like evaluating moral decisions, to the students. “[The cast] thinks they get it but until they’re a mother, until they’re a wife, until they’re a husband, they don’t get it,” she explained. “...For the parents and the adults that come to this, these situations are really going to hit them.

There’s a line where Little Red Riding Hood says, ‘The path isn’t there anymore. We’ve strayed from the path’ and the Baker says, ‘Well, the path has strayed from you.’ The first time we did that, the kids all went, ‘Ooooo,’ because they realize how deep it is. The play, if audiences look for it, is full of stuff like that. It’s full of these amazing life lessons.

Performances of “Into the Woods” are Jan. 14-17 in the high school’s new gym, The Kolb Center. The Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. is a kid-friendly, condensed version of the show that only features the first act. Tickets may be purchased at the Vandebilt Catholic front office or in the lobby of the Kolb Center one hour prior to the start of each show.

•

Arts

‘MOTOWN’ BRINGING SOUL TO THE SAENGER

Gaye and the Temptations. The show includes 40 classic hits – songs such as “My Girl,” “What’s Going On,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

“A lot of my older family members grew up with Motown music,” Nathaniel says, “so they have told me how important it is that I do my best. Trying to go out and play these iconic characters is a great honor …”

The Motown sound coming out of Detroit continues to influence music to this day.

The pre-teens – the youngest actors in the touring production – have benefitted from the experience of the rest of the cast. Nathaniel credits the others as being role models, while Leon notes that he has “inherited lots of aunts and uncles.”

But it was a one-on-one talk with Gordy that stuck with Leon. “He told me stories about himself as a child, as well as about Stevie and Michael,” the young thespian said. “Michael was very shy, but focused and a hard worker. And I didn’t know that Stevie Wonder could play the drums and loved Baby Ruth bars as a kid.”

Acting like Gordy, singing like Stevie and dancing like Michael on the big stage has been a challenging task for Leon and Nathaniel. “They both require you to take care of your body,” Nathaniel notes.

“In the beginning, it was more challenging to sing; being able to hit those Michael notes. Having done this almost two years, my voice has gotten stronger,” Leon says. “Now I don’t run out of breath while singing and dancing.”

•

N

athaniel Cullors and Leon Outlaw Jr. grew up listening to Motown music. It’s fitting, given that the two share stage-time playing a young Berry Gordy, Stevie Wonder and the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson in “Motown: The Musical.”

“Motown” runs Jan. 19-24 at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and the Saenger Box Office.

The record-breaking touring Broadway show is based on Motown founder/producer/songwriter Berry Gordy Jr.’s autobiography, “To Be Loved: The Music, the Magic, the Memories of Motown.” Released in 1994, the book tells the real story behind the beat that took the world by storm.

Lauded for the great Motown sound, the musical is packed with songs by Jackson, Wonder, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Marvin

“My parents always say, ‘When we were growing up, we had good music,’” Leon says. “‘We had songs everybody could sing. What’s a Whip and Nae Nae?’” Offstage, the future stars listen to an eclectic blend: The Weeknd, Fetty Wap, Bruno Mars and Tori Kelly. But there’s also an affinity for Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye, proof that Motown’s roots run deep.

“I’ve always listened to Motown music. I just had no idea it was Motown music,” Leon says, recalling his mother singing. “It wasn’t until I joined the show that I realized she was singing Motown music.”

The “heartfelt soulful music” is what has impressed Nathaniel.

Wanna Go? MOTOWN THE MUSICAL WHEN: Jan. 19-24 WHERE: Saenger Theater, 111 Canal St., New Orleans COST: $30-$125 INFO: saengernola.com or Ticketmaster

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Kid’s Page Dots & Boxes

Throw me something!

Players take turns by drawing lines to connect two dots (Up & down and side by side. Never diagonal). A player that completes the fourth side of a square (a box) initials that box and must play again. When all boxes have been completed, the game ends and the player who has more initialed boxes wins.

Tic Tac Toe That’s what they call it ...

32 JanuaRY 2016

ENGLISH:

mask

SPANISH:

máscara

ITALIAN:

maschera

FRENCH:

masque

GERMAN:

Maske

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Arts GREAT READING JOHN R. (BOB) CORNES, COMPUTER SERVICES LIBRARIAN, TERREBONNE PARISH LIBRARY

FOR THE GAMERS CASEY GISCLAIR

LIES MY TEACHER TOLD ME SHOVEL KNIGHT AN OLD-SCHOOL LOOK WITH NEW-SCHOOL FUN EVERYTHING YOUR AMERICAN HISTORY TEXTBOOK GOT WRONG

By James W. Loewen

I’m In

a fairly recent issue of a local magazine, there appeared a column; in it the term “good history” was mentioned. This phrase came to mind while reading “Lies My Teacher Told Me” by James W. Loewen.

Loewen surveys 12 popular high school history textbooks. His scrutiny of these texts reveals a white washing of American history through omissions, misinformation and factual errors, leaving students with a sanitized interpretation of Americas past. Loewen however, “innervates” the aforementioned scoured versions of history with scholarship, replacing the omissions with facts, correcting the misinformation and ipso facto, produces “good history”; or at the very least a different perspective of American history.

One must keep in mind that “good history” is a relative term, i.e., a history of the United States written by Native Americans undeniably would be much different than one scribed by European colonists.

Any history naïf that ventures to read this volume, armed only with the lessons gleaned from a high school history textbook, will find a veritable bounty of secluded (secluded from most textbooks) information to ponder, like: President Woodrow Wilson was an outspoken white supremacist – his wife even more so.

Columbus was an explorer, but was also instrumental in the genocide of the Arawak Indians. Native Americans had cleared the land, planted fields of corn, not the Pilgrims; they did not start from scratch. Patrick Henry famously said, “Give me liberty or give me death,” but, ironically, was a slaveholder.

This is a book well worth reading, and should be an essential read for all, but know it is provocative. James W. Loewen takes our most sacrosanct America historical legends and events, and unflinchingly examines all of their facets in order to hopefully arrive at the truth, or perhaps a “good history.”

“The historian must have no country,” President John Quincey Adams.

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a graphics geek. I love for my modern-day video game titles to look visually appealing.

So with that being said, I admittedly didn’t have high expectations for Shovel Knight – the game a friend of mine brought to my attention and suggested I dedicate to this column.

The friend said it was a solid title – one I’d enjoy playing and give two thumbs up. As I watched him maneuver through the game, I disagreed, thinking that any title that looked just slightly better than Super Nintendo in the year 2015 was boring and outdated.

I was wrong.

Shovel Knight is really, really cool.

It’s crafty, well-designed and just plain fun.

The game is clever and was masterfully designed, which overcomes what it lacks in graphics. An actual adventure game that’s a bit of a blend between Super Mario Brothers and Mega Man, the title possesses neat levels and memorable, charming characters.

The premise of the game is to reunite the Shovel Knight and the Shield Knight, who were torn apart by a sorcerer hell bent on taking over the kingdom and placing it firmly under her rule.

Yes, the antagonist is a “she” – a woman known as the Enchantress. She is assisted along the way by a slew of villainous knights, among others.

The game then becomes a mad-dash adventure with your goal to unite the two protagonists. Standing in the way are a slew of mapped out levels (like Mario) and dozens of bad guys within each.

It’s a game that traps you and your time. It seems so simple, but it’s just challenging and fun enough. I lost two hours in one sitting without blinking an eye.

It’s not pretty like other titles that get popped into my PlayStation, but Shovel Knight is a cool little game that can be enjoyed by anyone of any age.

Good call, my friend.

I was wrong about this one.

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Gumbo guru

given this is Houma, the ceiling fans were in high gear.

To kick off the meal, we ordered a basket of wheat chips – I’ve never seen them on the menu – which arrived with the regular corn chips and salsa. The wheat version, described by one guest as “meatier,” pack a surprising punch.

I’ll definitely order them again.

We ordered from the lunch menu – served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. My guests enjoyed the Avocado Salad ($9.25) and the Monterrey Shrimp ($11.25).

LA CARRETA: FRESH, FUN, FESTIVE

S

aul Rubio’s restaurant talents come naturally. His mother ran her own place, Restaurante Tina’s, in Queretaro, Mexico, beginning in the late Sixties.

The restaurant was connected to the family home, so customers naturally became a “part of the family,” Rubio would later say.

Shortly after earning a business degree from the Universidad Cauhtemoc, Rubio left Mexico for America. He found work washing dishes, waiting tables and in construction – setting

aside money in hope of opening his own restaurant one day.

With Rubio’s savings and a loan from a former boss, he opened the first La Carreta Restaurant in 1998 in Hammond.

Today, he has expanded La Carreta’s to Amite, Denham Springs, LaPlace, Mandeville, Pontchatoula, Covington, Baton Rouge (two sites) and – most recently – Houma.

And Houma is all the better for it.

Step inside La Carreta on St. Charles Street and you are

immediately struck by how much space is inside. The parking lot leaves the impression that the building is either much larger than it appears from the street, or that the owners are tremendously optimistic.

Turns out, it’s the first one.

Beyond the double doors, guests immediately encounter the hosts. On this particular pre-holiday weekday, the place is bustling. We are seated in a booth, and the waitress is quick to take our drink order. Throughout our stay, I noticed most guests were seated fairly quickly. That’s not to say the meal was rushed, but La Carreta’s staff deserves extra kudos for being on their game.

Our meal never stalled; we weren’t left waiting, which is important for business folks on a schedule.

The large dining room is a regal affair with black and deep red walls and wood floors, tables and chairs and a mix of booths along the walls. A half wall cordons off a portion of the dining area from a second dining area – where the bar, with a series of machines keeping the blends of margaritas mixing, is situated.

Out the side door, guests can enjoy patio dining. Despite the locale to St. Charles Street, the environment is very comfortable with a combination of candles and hanging lights. Of course,

LA CARRETA

MEXICAN CUISINE

1327 St. Charles St., Houma HOURS: Monday thru Thursday, 11

a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

INFO: 985-876-0830 or carretar-

estaurant.com/houma/

The salad is a sure bet. Light and refreshing, it comes loaded with grilled shrimp over a bed of romaine lettuce, spinach, cucumbers and tomatoes. The cilantro lime vinaigrette compliments the dish perfectly. The Monterrey is a combo of fresh, hand-cut veggies, rice and queso. The perfectly seasoned vegetables were the real star. The shrimp, grilled to perfection, was delicious dipped in the creamy queso.

I enjoyed the El Mariachi ($8.95), which includes a chicken flauta, beef burrito and a taco. With a splash of salsa, all three were tasty. The flauta was my favorite, with moist, almost sweet flavored I predict La Carreta will have a long shelf life in Houma. The service, robust flavors and non-rushed atmosphere are ideal for lunch or dinner.

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