Latest Issue: April 2024 – Spring Festivals Guide

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April 2024

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The

Dancing Lady

—a.k.a. Jennifer Jones—is a musician, booking agent, shaman, fashion designer, teacher, philosopher, and dancer with moves festival goers have never seen, and way more than her fans even know about.

Jennifer Jones is the person beneath a flurry of vibrantly colored fabric with sparkling umbrellas, seen bopping around with twirls and high kicks at festivals, parades, and concerts throughout New Orleans. Although she cuts a rug most anywhere, she is not the attention-seeking party animal her antics suggest. Her persistent smile and boundless energy belies the sharp mind of an eminently accomplished woman. Her passion for dance is deeply rooted in her love for her family, her city, and a spiritual calling to heal the world the best way she knows how—through dance.

DANCING THROUGH LIFE

FOR

“My

joy is

By Robert Witkowski

seeing average people who want to dance with me,” says Jennifer Jones, known to many as “The Dancing Lady.”

WE ARE FAMILY

Jennifer’s father, Joe Jones, was a New Orleans musician best known for his 1960 hit song “You Talk Too Much.”

“He worked with all the greats: Fats Domino, Little Richard, Ernie K-Doe, Aaron Neville, and managed the Dixie Cups,” Jones says. “Mom was the ‘Queen of Everything,’ as B.B. King would attest. They all stayed at our house in the Seventh Ward because [African Americans] couldn’t stay at hotels. Our living room was the front row,” she recalls. “I was always dancing.”

Creativity permeated the Jones family. Jones remembers her grandmother and mother being dancers, and she learned from them. Her mother was also a skilled clothing designer.

“Mardi Gras Indians would tour with the Dixie Cups, and my mom did embellishments on the outfits.” Jones credits her extravagant costumes on her mother’s influence, working on looms, arts, and crafts. “She encouraged creativity, but we were not to miss school.”

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL

Although recruited to study at Clark University in Massachusetts by Dance Theatre of Harlem Founder Arthur Mitchell, her mother feared for Jones’ safety during Boston’s desegregation busing

Jimmy J’s Specials

Monte Cristo French Toast

shaved ham, American cheese, bacon & home fries

Cochon Panini

slow-roasted pulled pork, Provolone, bell peppers, bacon jam, fried egg on a pressed panini

Shrimp and Grits shrimp sautéed in a cream of garlic sauce over grits & served with white toast

Crab Cake Benedict

2 poached eggs, 2 sautéed crab cakes, hollandaise on a toasted English muffin

Shrimp Po Boy

Pork Chop Benedict

Tomatoes Benedict

Steak Burrito

steak, home fries, eggs, Cheddar cheese, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, Chipotle Southwest sauce wrapped in a spinach tortilla

Dirty South Bowl

shrimp, andouille sausage, garlic cream sauce over breakfast potatoes topped with Parmesan cheese

Surf and Turf Burrito

Shrimp, steak, onions, bell peppers, eggs, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, Southwest Sauce & avocado crème

Cochon

Eggs Ranchero

2 fried eggs, Cheddar cheese, crispy tortilla, black beans, red & green salsa, avocado crème

Cajun Cuban

Slow-roasted pork, onions, bell peppers, pickles, served on Ciabatta

Hangover Po Boy

Fried eggs, bacon, hot sausage,American cheese

Bananas Foster French Toast

Served with bacon or sausage, sprinkled with powdered sugar

Bacon

crisis. Instead, Jones followed her father west to Los Angeles where he worked to protect the rights of R&B performers.

Jones studied theater at Los Angeles Valley College under Richard Pryor-collaborator and Shreveport-native Paul Mooney. As as a side hustle, she assisted her father by drawing up contracts, working as a paralegal, and as a de facto booking agent on his behalf. But Jones resisted being groomed to take over his business and followed her calling to be a teacher returning to New Orleans.

Jones taught at McDonogh 15, a creative arts school in the French Quarter. Her education and experience led her to become chairperson for student acting. While Jones seems like the Pied Piper at festivals, leading audiences in huge dance parties, her effect on young children is more mesmerizing.

“Toddlers are my age group,” Jones smiles, although she admits mentoring jazz royalty of all ages, including Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, and brought many of the Rebirth and TCB Brass Band members “up from scratch.”

Eventually she quit, feeling the school’s environment to be “a sweatshop.”

DEATH BECOMES HER

Jones was closest with her sister Sharon. Although Sharon was seven years older, the two were “like twins," so when Sharon was diagnosed with cancer, the pair embraced the Buddhist philosophy, converting together. Her

Greeting visitors dressed as Marie Laveau

Jones' signature high kick at JS Clark High School

Jones' mother and sister Sharon

630 Carondelet Street, New Orleans,

Daily happy hour with half off gulf oysters & wine by the glass, multi-coastal bivalves, courtyard dinning

600 Carondelet St, New Orleans, Louisiana

Daily happy hour, weekly Jazz brunch, monthly pasta-making & wine tasting classes.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY JENNIFER JONES; SEQUEL RECORDS; COURTESY JENNIFER JONES (3)

remembers. “I go to as many as I can now in her honor.”

Her mother passed away five years later. Jones chanted over her body for more than two hours. Suddenly, her mother took a final post-mortem breath and smiled, looking “very pleased.” It solidified Jones’ faith in Buddhism’s spirituality.

Her father’s death had a special impact on Jones. He passed away from complications related to heart surgery on November 27, 2005—the same day as Sharon. Jones saw it more than a coincidence.

“He told me to go home and heal the people,” she confides. Jones returned home and embraced the collective creativity of her family, honoring her sister’s love of live music, her mother’s clothing designs, her father’s music, and her own personal love of dance. “The Dancing Lady” emerged.

DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME

“It became a spiritual calling in 2007 when Alvin Batiste died,” says Jones. “It was the first jazz funeral I ever danced in.” She became a staple at culture bearer funerals in her community. “At Fats Domino’s funeral 10 years later, experiencing death with all the families felt like I was fulfilling my dad’s legacy by becoming part of the music industry but in a different way.”

By following her calling, Jones repeatedly found herself front and center at high-profile funerals, despite impossibly tight security without ever being invited, including rapper Nipsey Hussle's 25-mile funeral procession in Los Angeles. In 2018, the late Marvin Gaye came to Jones in a dream, sending her to

Aretha Franklin’s funeral in Detroit, knowing she “can’t let anything stop me.” Although she did not gain entrance to the service, Jones remained standing at the church for nine hours. Unexpectedly, Aretha Franklin’s casket came out a side door where Jones was waiting, and she walked alongside Franklin’s hearse all the way to the cemetery. At the following Jazz Fest, Jones met writer David Ritz, biographer of both Gaye and Franklin. It further solidified her belief in the interconnectedness central to all Buddhist teachings.

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

Festival goers can not miss Jennifer Jones in her multi-colored, multi-layered clothing and dancing at many of the city’s spring festivals, especially French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest.

“I used to have outfits with 10 times more layers head-to-toe, but it would get so hot,” Jones admits. “I simplified the design, so I can mix and match other clothes. And it’s not as much to wash.”

“I’m a teacher at heart,” she states. Teaching students privately and continuing her father’s mission helping musicians navigate the music industry provides Jones an income with the flexibility to randomly cavort at festivlas with a Buddhist complacency of having “enough to get by.”

“Music energizes me,” she says. Whether she purchases her own tickets, or has them gifted to her, there she will be—likely with a second line of patrons following her every dance move. Contemplating who she would like to dance with, she just smiles and says, “Everybody.”

Jones leads a second line at SatchmoFest

Busking in New Orleans Jones with Wynton Marsalis

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY JENNIFER JONES; (2); ROBERT WITKOWSKI

LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE | 2024 SPRING FESTIVALS

MARCH

THROUGH APRIL 9 | NATCHEZ SPRING PILGRIMAGE

Various Locations, natchezpilgrimage.com

Head on over to Natchez, Mississippi to check out the fabulous mansions and blooming gardens for their Natchez Spring Pilgrimage. Book a tour to explore historic houses from the 1800s and learn about the role they played throughout America’s history.

MARCH 26 | PARADIGM GARDENS CONCERT SERIES

1121 S. Rampart St., paradigmgardensnola.com

Enjoy live music, food, and music at this concert series. This isn’t just any concert series; it’s a concert series inside a garden. Ticket prices are all inclusive. Make sure to taste some of the fresh cocktails by Cathead Vodka and Roulaison Rum.

MARCH

30 | FRERET STREET FESTIVAL

4405 Freret St., freretstreetfestival.org

Get yourself to funky Freret Street for this year’s edition of the Freret Street Festival. Enjoy local craft beer, festival food, 200 vendors, and 20 musical acts, including Honey Island Swamp Band and Margie Perez, across three stages.

APRIL

APRIL 3-7 | CYCLE ZYDECO

Various Locations, cyclezydeco.org

Have you ever heard of a “festival on wheels?” Join Cycle Zydeco for bike tours around South Louisiana. Bike along the routes to go on swamp and brewery tours, eat Cajun cuisine, and listen to live music.

APRIL 4-7 | THE OVERLOOK FILM FESTIVAL

Prytania Theatres At Canal Place, overlookfilmfest.com

There’s no better place to celebrate some of the best horror movies than in the haunted city of New Orleans at the Prytania Theatre Downtown. There will be a selection of horror, thriller, and sci-fi films.

APRIL

4-8 | NEW ORLEANS GIANT PUPPET FEST

Various Locations, neworleansgiantpuppetfest.wordpress.com

In Louisiana, there is a festival for everything, including giant puppets. This five-day celebration will feature puppet masters from all over performing many different kid-friendly and adult-only acts. Be sure to check out the puppet parade.

APRIL 5-6 | HOGS FOR THE CAUSE

6801 Franklin Ave., hogsforthecause.org

Enjoy live music and tasty food while also raising money for those battling Pediatric Brain Cancer. Aimed to lessen the financial burdens families combat, this fundraising event is a way to show your support for families country-wide.

APRIL 6 | SPRING FIESTA IN THE VIEUX CARRÉ

Various Locations, springfiestanola.com

Celebrated since 1938, the Spring Fiesta Festival is a chance to learn more about New Orleans’ unique and rich history. This event will feature a parade, carriage ride, and a promenade through the French Quarter, as well as a gala at the Omni Royal Orleans.

APRIL 6 | TOP OF THE TECHE

Leonville Boat Launch, Leonville, tourduteche.com

Race through the waters from Leonville to Arnaudville in Top of the Tech’s 7.7-mile waterbound race on kayaks, canoes, and pirogues. Compete for a chance to win a trophy to show off your racing skills.

APRIL

6-7 | SPRING GARDEN SHOW

New Orleans City Park, neworleanscitypark.org

Located in City Park’s 10-acre Botanical Garden, the annual Spring Garden Show will feature live music, arts, crafts, sales booths, and even cooking demonstrations. There will be over 50 vendors with all kinds of plants and gardening tools.

APRIL 7 |

ABITA SPRINGS BUSKER FESTIVAL

Abita Springs Trailhead Museum, trailheadmuseum.org/busker-festival

Listen to New Orleans musicians perform at the Abita Springs Busker Festival. This year’s lineup includes the Loyola University Jazz Student Jazz Band, Nola Rhythm Method, Bad Pennies Pleasure Makers, Jackson and the Janks, Tuba Skinny, and more.

APRIL 11-13 | LOUISIANA

RAILROAD DAYS FESTIVAL

DeQuincy Railroad Museum, DeQuincy, larailroaddaysfestival.com

In Louisiana, there is a festival for everything. This free family-friendly festival celebrates a key element of DeQuincy throughout history—the railroad. There will be carnival rides, live music, a parade, and individual vendors selling clothes, toys, and foods.

APRIL 11-14 | FRENCH

QUARTER FESTIVAL

French Quarter, Various Locations, frenchquarterfest.org

From the Riverfront to Jackson Square, the French Quarter Festival captivates attendees with live music, art, and delicious cuisine from top restaurants in New Orleans. The festival showcases the unique culture that surrounds New Orleans.

APRIL 11-14 |

NOLA SPEEDTOUR

NOLA Motorsports Park, Avondale, svra.com/events/2024-nola-speedtour

Cheer on racers and watch their cars fly by at the annual NOLA SpeedTour racing event at NOLA Motorsports Park’s 2.75-mile race track. A variety of different vintage race cars will be there, along with exotic cars on display.

APRIL 12 | AKS BEAD

AND JEWELRY SHOW

Pontchartrain Center, Kenner, aksshow.com

This dazzling jewelry event has all the beads, charms, and more you are looking for. Gather some chains, your desired gem of choice, and make your very own piece of jewelry. Get some tips and tricks of jewelry-making and take some classes to learn more.

APRIL 12-14 |

OLD SCHOOLHOUSE ANTIQUE FAIR & YARD SALE

123 S. Church St., Washington, oldschoolhouseantiquemall.com

Shop all things antique at the Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall’s semi-annual fair and yard sale. More than 200 vendors will be there with lots of cool antiques and vintage items. There will be 50s-themed diner food, including burgers, sandwiches, and plate-lunches.

APRIL 12-14 | PONCHATOULA

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Ponchatoula Memorial Park, Ponchatoula, lastrawberryfestival.com

Who doesn’t love a juicy, mouthwatering strawberry? The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is filled with all things strawberry. Chow down on a delicious strawberry shortcake while listening to live music and watching the parade stroll by.

APRIL 13 | LAMB WESTON’S NORTH LOUISIANA

SWEET POTATO FESTIVAL

Main St., Oak Grove, facebook.com/louisianasweetpotatofestival

Decorate a sweet potato, try homemade sweet potato pies, and tune in to the live entertainment at the Lamb Weston’s North Louisiana Sweet Potato Festival. This event, all about sweet potatoes, is a great family-friendly option for the sweet potato lovers.

Cycle Zydeco

French Quarter Festival

Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival

APRIL 13-14 |

NEW ORLEANS PSYCHIC FAIR

3838 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, yourspiritualgifts. shop

Dive into the mystical world of psychic readings and positive energies. This enchanting experience allows you to deepen your spirituality through healing. There will be a selection of hand-made jewelry and items to buy and take with you on your journey.

APRIL 19-20 |

GRAND ISLE MIGRATORY BIRD

CELEBRATION

Various Locations, grandisleevents.org/bird-celebration

Go on a guided bird tour to check out the hundreds of migratory birds that make their way to Grand Isle after flying over the Gulf of Mexico. Learn all about the exotic birds and their migration habits during spring and fall.

APRIL 20 |

ANNUAL CRAWFISH COOK-OFF

Fritchie Park, Slidell, visitthenorthshore.com

Nothing sounds better than all-you-can-eat crawfish and live entertainment on a warm spring day. Teams compete to take home the title of “Best Crawfish in St. Tammany Parish” at this fundraising event. All proceeds go to the Hospice House.

APRIL 20 | CROATIAN

FEST

220 Croatian Way, Belle Chasse, croatianamericansociety.com

It’s time to celebrate Croatian culture. There will be delicious local seafood, but also lots of Croatian foods for you to try, including spit roasted lamb, sardines, desserts, and a bunch of beer and wine. Enjoy a bite while watching cultural dances and cooking demonstrations.

APRIL 20 |

SCOTTISH TARTAN FESTIVAL

182 Gleason St., Minden, scottishtartanfestival.com

Learn more about Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and Celtic culture through song, dance, martial arts, and games at the Scottish Tartan Festival. Put on your best kilt and head on out to this annual, history-filled celebration.

APRIL 20 | TULANE

UNIVERSITY’S CRAWFEST

Tulane’s Newcomb Quad, crawfest.tulane.edu

It’s everyone in New Orleans’ favorite time of year for one tasty reason—the delicious crawfish boils. Enjoy live music, sno-balls on a warm day, and quite literally tons of crawfish at Tulane’s student-run Crawfest.

APRIL 20-21 | SPRING GARDEN AND

PET SHOW

Destrehan Plantation, destrehanplantation.org

Learn about trees, plants, wildlife, insects, and pet care at the second annual Spring Garden and Pet Show at the Destrehan Plantation. In addition to kids activities, there will be live entertainment, food, adoptable rescue pets, and more.

APRIL 20-21 | ST. TAMMANY COLLECTORS CON

Castine Center, Mandeville, sttammanycollectorscon.com

For all of the gaming and comic connoisseurs, the St. Tammany Collectors Con has over 150 tables and booths filled with toys, video games, comics, and more. Wear your best costume and enter into the costume contest for a chance to win prizes.

APRIL 24 | SWING IN THE OAKS: CITY PARK

42 Dreyfous Dr., lpomusic.com

There is nothing that compares with enjoying the atmosphere at City Park while listening to melodic tunes from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Grab some lawn chairs and blankets for a relaxing evening during this free concert at the park.

APRIL 24-28 | FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE

Downtown Lafayette, festivalinternational.org

Celebrate cultures from all around the world at Lafayette’s own international festival. Taste international cuisines from local vendors, shop around the market for unique arts and crafts, and listen to live music from many different international artists.

APRIL 25-MAY 5 | NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots, nojazzfest.com

There is no festival in New Orleans quite like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Feast on delicious Crawfish Monica while sipping on fresh homemade lemonades. This year’s lineup features the Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Jon Batiste, and many more icons.

Humus √ Falafel √

Bathenjan Dip (Roasted Eggplant w/ Garlic) √

Vegetarian Grape Leaves

Shish Kabob (Chicken, Lamb or Beef) √ Lula Kabob (Lamb)

√ Humus w/ Lamb Meat √

Rosemary Lamb Chops

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Croatian Fest

LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE |

APRIL 26-28 |

ITALIAN FESTIVAL

Highway 51, Tickfaw, theitalianfestivalorg.com

For some of the best Italian cuisine, carnival rides, royalty, and just all things Italian, head to Tickfaw’s annual Italian Festival. Catch the parade strolling by while enjoying the most delicious spaghetti and live music.

APRIL

26-28 | PLAQUEMINES PARISH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

333 F Edward Hebert Blvd., Belle Chasse, plaqueminesparishfestival.com

Kicking off the weekend with a 5K run, Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival is a family-fun event to enjoy fresh boiled seafood, listen to talented local musicians, and go on carnival rides. Check out the seafood royalty while you’re there.

APRIL

27 | DENHAM SPRINGS SPRING FESTIVAL

N. Range Ave., Denham Springs, denhamspringsantiquedistrict.net

The Denham Springs Spring Festival has hundreds of vendors, art exhibits, food stands with delicious New Orleans food and fun rides. Attendees can tour the Old City Hall exhibits and explore antiques and collectables from centuries ago.

APRIL 27-28 | KITE

FEST LOUISIANE

3383 Rosedale Rd., Port Allen, westbatonrouge.net

After grabbing some food from the booths, kick back and watch the skies as hundreds of colorful kites fill the air at the Kite Fest Louisiane. This free event offers a kitemaking workshop for those interested and performances by indoor kite flyers.

APRIL 29-MAY 1

| NOLA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

The Broadside, facebook.com/nolacrawfishfestival

2024 SPRING FESTIVALS GUIDE EDITION

MAY 9-11 | BOGGY BAYOU FESTIVAL

4473 Heritage Rd., Ville Platte, facebook.com/boggybayoupineprairie

Taste some delicious Cajun favorite foods, including gumbo and jambalaya while listening to local bands perform at the Boggy Bayou Festival. A pageant will take place where young ladies compete to be crowned the queen of the fest.

MAY 11 | BREWS, BOILS, & BUBBLES

Lakeshore Drive at Franklin Avenue, brewsboilsbubbles.com

From the organizers of the National Fried Chicken Festival, this brand new fest, taking place behind the UNO Lakefront Arena, celebrates crawfish, beer, and champagne. General admission is $30 and there will be two VIP experiences available as well.

MAY 17-19 | HANGOUT FEST

Make sure to go hungry and indulge in the tasty, juicy crawfish at the NOLA Crawfish Festival. This weekend-long festival has a crawfish eating contest, live music, and a crawfish cookoff for those who want to show off their boiling skills.

APRIL 30-MAY 1 | DAZE

BETWEEN NEW ORLEANS

Faubourg Brewery, dazebetweennola.com

Grab a beer and grub on some traditional Louisiana cuisine while listening to talented musicians including Gov’t Mule and Galactic. If you enjoy jazz, folk, or funk, this is the perfect event for you to get your groove on at the Faubourg Brewery.

MAY

MAY 3-5 | BREAUX BRIDGE CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

1290 Rees St., Breaux Bridge, bbcrawfest.com

Head on over to the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival to munch on all things crawfish. This event has crawfish prepared in ways you may never knew could be possible. There will be a parade, carnival games, and even a crawfish eating contest.

MAY

4 | MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU STAR WARS FEST

Houma Courthouse Square, facebook.com/m4houma

Head down to Downtown Houma for an out of this world celebration at the fourth annual Star Wars festival. This free festival will support the Terrebonne High School Band Boosters and will feature music by The Caniacs, as well as Nonc Nu and Da Wild Matous

MAY 4-5

|

CINCO DE MAYO FEST

Fat City Park, Metairie, cincodemayofest.com

There is no better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than heading on over to the annual Cinco de Mayo Fest. Sip on a delicious margarita, grab a gourmet taco, and jam out to the live music with special DJs. Enter into the taco-eating contest for some extra fun.

Hangout Fest

Beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, hangoutmusicfest.com

What is better than enjoying a sunny weekend on the beach and listening to some of the top artists in the world? This year’s lineup includes Zach Bryan, Lana Del Rey, Cage the Elephant, and so many more incredible musicians.

MAY 17-19 | MID-CITY BAYOU BOOGALOO

Bayou St. John, thebayouboogaloo.com

A festival on both land and water, the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is a weekend filled with music, food, arts, and fun. Grab your kayak or canoe to float along Bayou St. John while enjoying music by Nik West, George Porter Jr., and more.

MAY 18 | ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL French Market, frenchmarket.org

Celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month and learn more about Asian and Pacific Islanders in New Orleans through music, exquisite cultural cuisine, and unique arts and crafts. Check out the most beautifully crafted traditional attire worn by the dancers and performers.

MAY 18 | LA VETERANS FESTIVAL

Slidell Heritage Park, Slidell, laveteransfestival.com

Head on out to the LA Veterans Festival to pay your respects and tributes to veterans all across Louisiana. There will be live music, food, and drinks. This event is hosted by the East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity, and all proceeds will go to their program.

MAY 24-26 | NEW ORLEANS GREEK FESTIVAL

1200 Allen Toussaint Blvd., gfno.com

Gather around the grounds of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral during Memorial Day weekend and have a great time at this year’s Greek Fest. Enjoy traditional Greek cuisine, performers by the Hellenic Dancers, and more.

JUNE

JUNE 1-30 | A TASTE OF COVINGTON

Historic Downtown Covington, atasteofcovington.com

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or love trying new foods, Covington’s month-long culinary, fine wine, and music adventure has a little bit for everyone. Every Saturday in June, there will be special dinners and events that include wine tastings.

JUNE 5-9 | NEW ORLEANS WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCE

Multiple Locations, nowfe.com

This might just be a wine-lover’s dream come true. With some of the best chefs and winemakers from across the globe, the five-day New Orleans Wine and Food Experience is an explosion of delicious foods and lavish wines.

JUNE 8-9 | CREOLE TOMATO FESTIVAL

French Market, frenchmarket.org/creoletomatofest

What is better than a juicy Creole tomato on a hot summer’s day? Celebrate Creole tomatoes at the 38th annual Creole Tomato Festival. Sponsored by Rouses Market, there will be food booths, live music, merchandise, and, of course, delicious tomatoes.

LA Veterans Festival

Charbroiled Oysters

Live Croatian Music

Saturday, April 20

220 Croatian Way (Avenue G), Belle Chasse

1 1AM-10PM

SWEET HISTORY

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

By Jeff Boudreaux

Located in the heart of Tangipahoa Parish, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is an annual, lively celebration of an everyday fruit that has become synonymous with the region—the delightful strawberry.

The festival’s roots begin in the flourishing farmland community surrounding Ponchatoula, whose rich soil and environment have generated the perfect conditions for strawberry cultivation. The timeline of the festival dates back several decades, celebrating the community’s spirit, agricultural pride, and, of course, the sweet appeal of those luscious strawberries. Before you plan your trip, take a moment to learn a little about the history of Louisiana’s largest free festival, taking place this year from April 12-14.

The first thing to understand is that the title of “Strawberry Capital of the World” did not come easily to the good people of Ponchatoula. In fact, they had to wrestle it away from their neighbors in Hammond, who previously advertised themselves as the “Strawberry Capital of Louisiana” (nice foresight for Ponchatoula—go big or go home). Thanks to a little sleuthing by Councilman Charles H. Gideon, he discovered that Ponchatoula’s 194 freight cars of exported strawberries far outweighed Hammond’s meager (by comparison) 17. Thus, the city of Ponchatoula was finally on track to be given the recognition that it deserved as an agricultural beacon of the South.

In 1971, the Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce, along with an area nonprofit organization, the Jaycees, envisioned a festival that would not only celebrate the town’s abundant harvest, but also unite the community. This would result in the first-ever Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, established in 1972. Commencing with a modest, 11-booth set up on North 6th Street, it would mark the beginning of a yearly tradition that would soon grow exponentially. This inaugural festival, which drew an estimated 15,000 visitors over its initial two-day event, laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the state’s secondlargest free gathering (after Mardi Gras), one that continuously draws well over 300,000 people during its three-day festival weekend. Not too shabby for an event that is always booked on the same weekend as the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans.

As the festival has continued to grow, so has its many offerings. Although it began as a rather simple event where local farmers could sell off their strawberry harvest, it has evolved into a multifaceted celebration featuring live music, a parade, carnival rides, a beauty pageant, and that fabulous array of strawberry-themed delicacies. Of course, there’s tons of savory fare that will satisfy the hunger of festival-goers, including étouffée, jambalaya, and those ever-addictive Natchitoches meat pies. Adults can also enjoy their pick of refreshments from strawberry beer to strawberry daiquiris. You won’t want to miss the strawberry wine (eat your heart out, Tommy James).

Beyond the food and entertainment aspect, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival functions

Bravo Band Balatura Opuzen

Klapa Valovi Klapa BA

Ivan Heller Damir Radov

Riley Birds Duo CAS Kolo Dancers

Komenka Ethnic Dance Ensemble

as a showcase for the region’s cultural heritage. Local artisans have been given a prime platform to exhibit their talented handiwork, creating an eclectic arts and crafts marketplace within the festival grounds. The variety of art, music, and traditional Louisiana cuisine on display goes a long way in attracting the fest’s diverse crowd each year. The festival has likewise become a tribute to the very community that organizes and participates within it. Volunteers and local businesses work together to ensure the festival’s continued success, reinforcing the civic-minded pride that ties the citizens of Ponchatoula together.

Over the decades, the festival has naturally had to adapt to a change in the times, while remaining true to its dynamic heritage. Agricultural advancements have streamlined strawberry cultivation, whereas external influences, such as adverse weather patterns, have presented its fair share of challenges. And just like any other event, two years are missing from the festival’s history due to the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted our world from 2020-2021. Yet, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival has weathered each of these changes, emerging each spring as a picturesque celebration of this amazing city’s resilience and durability.

Most impressively, the festival has gained recognition well beyond Ponchatoula’s city limits. The unique charm and cultural significance of this “Strawberry Capital” continues to attract attendees from Louisiana’s neighboring states and beyond. This broad appeal provides a reciprocal boost to the local economy, while also establishing the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival as a can’t miss event on the region’s festival calendar. Above all, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival celebrates the spirit of a community deeply rooted in pride for their culture and their crop. Each year, as the aroma of fresh strawberries fills the air and the sounds of joy echo throughout the festival grounds, Ponchatoula defends its crown as the ultimate purveyors of all things strawberry.

So if you happen to get excited whenever you see strawberries on sale in the grocery store, then the abundance of fresh flats for sale on the Ponchatoula roadside will likely blow your mind. Perhaps strawberry lends its flavor to some of your favorite concoctions, such as a juicy New Orleans sno-ball or that sometimes-derided third option of the half-gallon of Neapolitan ice cream that occupies your freezer. Well, in the strawberry mecca that is Ponchatoula in April, you don’t have to choose between chocolate-covered or deep-fried strawberries. Have both, plus some of the best strawberry shortcake you’ve ever tasted. Heck, you can even go the extra mile by taking part in a strawberry-eating contest. Just be sure to treat yourself to a bottle of Amato’s world-famous Sweet Strawberry wine. See you at the festival.

Few American cities offer an in-depth look at the lives of southerners like Natchez. Since 1932, homeowners have opened their doors to the public for tours of their magnificent homes. We invite you to wander through manicured gardens, tour historic properties, and experience the stories of our city's great history and charm.

With over 36 homes on tour and special culinary and musical events, Spring Pilgrimage in Natchez is something you don't want to miss!

(601)492-3000

NOLA BUNARCHY | Sat., March 30, 6 p.m.

Head to the Marigny and watch all the “bunnies” hopping around for this bunny bar crawl. The rabbits are heading to Marie’s Bar, The Friendly Bar, Artisan Cafe, and St. Roch Tavern. This event supports the Louisiana SPCA.

HISTORIC FRENCH QUARTER EASTER PARADE | Sun., March 31, 9:45 a.m.

This is the oldest Easter parade in the city. Gather at Tableau to follow a procession to mass at St. Louis Cathedral. After the mass, the ladies of the parade will promenade in Jackson Square.

EMBARKING ON A MAGICAL JOURNEY

French Quarter's Spring Fiesta

By Arielle Gonzales

The Spring Fiesta in the Vieux Carré is an annual festival in New Orleans that celebrates the history, culture, and architectural wonders of the city, taking place this year through April 6.

Established in 1947, the Spring Fiesta in the Vieux Carré, organized by the New Orleans Spring Fiesta Association (NOSFA), aims to preserve and promote the architectural heritage of the French Quarter. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved event that showcases the history, culture, and culinary traditions of the entire Vieux Carré. By educating the public about the unique heritage of this neighborhood, the festival fosters a sense of pride and appreciation for its historic values.

The festival’s main highlight is a grand promenade ceremony in Jackson Square, featuring live music and a presentation of the Spring Fiesta Royal Court. Visitors can explore the French Quarter and take part in the promenade, all while admiring the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Jackson Square, located in the heart of the French Quarter, is a historic park that serves as a gathering place for both locals and tourists. During the promenade, festival-goers can stroll through the square and appreciate the beautiful centuries-old buildings that surround them.

The Spring Fiesta, apart from the promenade, also includes a carriage parade that goes through the French Quarter. This parade is a beloved tradition and features colorful and intricately decorated carriages that move along the streets while traditional New Orleans jazz music plays in the background. It is a beautiful sight to behold and an experience that engages all the senses. The parade, which will kick off from 826 St. Ann St., will roll on April 6.

During the horse-drawn carriage parade, the beautifully dressed Queen and King, along

with their attendants and lovely ladies and gentlemen in stylish spring attire, give flowers to onlookers as the parade makes its way to the cotillion gala for “A Night in Old New Orleans.” Elegant spring attire is required and spring floral hats are encouraged. Members and non-members have the option to rent a mule-drawn carriage to ride in the parade, with membership tickets priced at $250 and non-membership tickets priced at $400.

The Les Beaux Chapeaux walking brigade is not only a new addition to the Spring Fiesta parade, but it also adds an extra touch of elegance and charm to the event. With a loading time of 1:30 p.m. and a commencement at 2 p.m., spectators can look forward to seeing NOSFA members dressed to the nines as they make their way through the historic French Quarter. This lively group will engage with the crowd by waving, blowing bubbles, and even giving out flowers to onlookers along the parade route. Families attending the parade can expect to see little ones donning adorable spring bonnets, stylish ensembles, and baby prams decorated with spring posies and ribbons. Tickets to take part in Les Beaux Chapeaux range from $25 to $50.

The Spring Fiesta Cotillion Gala, also taking place on April 6, is a long-standing tradition that dates back to 1938. This grand event introduces young women in a royal court setting, creating a magical evening for attendees. The gala, which takes place at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, allows the Queen and King to lead their court and subjects at a grand ball setting, showcasing the 88th Spring Fiesta Court presentation. The Queen, Maids, Demoiselles, Promenade Girls, Gallants, and Jewel Bearers are carefully selected based on their dedicated volunteer service to the organization and the community. The King, Captain, and Royal Guards are also chosen for their unwavering commitment to the organization. This enchanting evening includes a cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing to the tunes of Jimmy Maxwell’s Orchestra. Adult tickets for this prestigious event are priced at $150, while child tickets are available for $50, ensuring that attendees of all ages can partake in the festivities.

If you plan on attending the Spring Fiesta in the Vieux Carré, it’s essential to plan ahead and check the festival’s official website at springfiestanola.com. Once you arrive, take a moment to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the Vieux Carré. This historic neighborhood is a blend of French, Spanish, and American architectural styles, which makes it a unique and fascinating place to explore. As you wander the streets, make sure to take note of the intricate ironwork, colorful shutters, and beautiful balconies that adorn many of the buildings, such as the New Orleans Spring Fiesta Townhouse located at 826 St. Ann St. While exploring the rich history of the Vieux Carré and its wonders, really take the time to walk around and learn about one of the most famous and most distinctive neighborhoods in all of New Orleans.

From the promenade in Jackson Square and the carriage parade to the beautiful gala, there’s something for everyone at this magical event. So mark your calendars and get ready to embark on a journey through the Vieux Carré during the Spring Fiesta. It’s an unforgettable experience that captures the true spirit of New Orleans. Don’t miss out.

Spring Fiesta Townhouse Courtyard

Advice from the experts on what to wear and

not

S tyle FESTING IN

wear to local festivals this season

By Cynthea Corfah

If you have lived in New Orleans long enough, you know there is a science to festival outfits. You want to be cool and comfortable, while also looking stylish and festive.

Festival outfits can make or break your experience. They affect your confidence, determine your comfortability, and express your personality.

The Big Easy is home to some of the most popular festivals in the nation. Events including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the French Quarter Festival, Hogs for the Cause, and the Freret Street Festival take over the streets and encourage the community to let loose and, as the Cajuns say, laissez le bon temps rouler

As the city prepares for months of festivals, so should you. Local celebrity stylist Derra Howard and vintage fashion curator Sierra McKay shared style tips and a list of dos and don’ts with Where Y’at to help us all look and feel our best this festival season.

DRESS COMFORTABLY

Don’t compromise comfort for fashion. Find a way to have a blend of both. Festival days can grow long, hot, and tiresome. When picking an outfit, consider how it will feel hours after the moment you put it on.

Sierra McKay: “My best advice for balancing comfort and style is picking a statement piece for your outfit. The statement piece will set the tone for your outfit. Who said you can’t be stylish and comfortable at the same time?”

EXPRESS YOUR PERSONALITY WITH YOUR OUTFIT

At local festivals, you’ll be surrounded by hundreds to thousands of people. Stand out from the crowd by wearing an outfit that is a reflection of you. Incorporate your favorite colors, patterns, wardrobe pieces, and accessories into your outfit. When you feel good, you look good. When you look good, you’re bound to have a good time.

Derra Howard: “Fashion should always be fun for you. Anything you put on should make you feel fabulous.”

“Fashion should always be fun for you. Anything you put on should make you feel fabulous.”

— Derra Howard

Dress to Fest

HOWARD’S DOS & DON’TS

DO:

1. CHOOSE BREATHABLE CLOTHING :

Choose comfortable and breathable clothing to endure long hours of standing and dancing for the festival.

2. STATEMENT SUNNIES ARE A MUST:

A good pair of sunglasses are essential for any outfit. Make a statement if you wear them all day at the festival.

3. PICK COMFORT AND STYLISH FOOTWEAR:

Choose practical and comfortable footwear for walking and standing. Something like comfortable sneakers, boots, or sandals.

4. EXPRESS YOUR STYLE:

Style with vibrant colors, accessories, hats, face paint, and sunglasses.

5. BRING A BACKPACK OR CROSSBODY PURSE:

A backpack can carry essentials like sunscreen, poncho, umbrella, water, jacket, snacks, and things you might buy. A crossbody purse can carry your wallet and phone—just enough for the festival.

DON’T:

1. WEAR ANYTHING UNCOMFORTABLE:

Avoid wearing uncomfortable or restrictive outfits that may hinder your movement during the festival.

2. WEAR HEAVY OR BULKY ITEMS:

Festivals can be crowded and wearing bulky items can be burdensome in crowded spaces.

3. WEAR NEW KICKS:

Stay away from new kicks/sandals or easily damaged shoes for the festival. Go for well-worn and reliable shoes.

4. OVERDO ACCESSORIES:

Choose a few statement pieces rather than excessive jewelry.

5. BE A BAG LADY:

Avoid bringing multiple bags. Having impractical bags can be cumbersome in tight crowds. Bring one bag.

MCKAY’S DOS & DON’TS DO:

1. HANDBAGS:

Bum bags, fanny packs, and crossbody bags.

2. CLOTHING:

Something lightweight and flowy, a kimono, oversized shirt, or light sweater.

3. ACCESSORIES:

Cold jewelry, hats, sunglasses, glitter.

4. SHOES:

Comfortable flats.

5. SEATING:

Bring a folding chair and/or blanket if you want to find a spot to sit and relax.

DON’T:

1. HEAVY HANDBAGS.

2. TIGHT OR DARK CLOTHING.

3. HEELS OR NEW SNEAKERS.

4. HEAVY WEIGHT OR EXPENSIVE ACCESSORIES.

5. HEAVY SEATING MATERIAL: It still needs to be transported.

KEEP FESTIVAL-FRIENDLY PIECES IN YOUR WARDROBE

When you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. Before festival season, think about which items in your closet are comfortable, practical, stylish, and can be mixed and matched. Don’t be afraid to rewear clothing from previous festival outfits. Style your clothes in new ways, add different accessories, and breathe new life into your 2024 festival looks.

DH: “Always have color, crossbody purses, sunglasses, hats, sandals, visors, and sneakers. In this city, you can’t go wrong with vibrant colors, floral looks, and hats.”

SM: “Some items that should be included in your wardrobe this festival season are crop tops, flared pants and jeans, flowy dresses, rompers, jumpers, and shorts. Accessories such as hats, headbands, bold jewelry, and sunglasses. For shoes, I would suggest comfortable flats or sneakers, but don’t forget to have your rainboots and old sneakers nearby in case of a last minute weather change.”

BRING YOUR ESSENTIALS

There’s nothing worse than going to a festival unprepared. As most Louisianians know, the weather can be as unpredictable as the pothole plagued roads in New Orleans. One minute you’re basking in the beating sun, the next you can be drenched by torrential downpour. Make sure to check the festival’s website to learn about their bag rules and regulations. Once you know how much you can bring, pack all of your necessities.

Pro tip: bring a rag or towel for sweat, baby wipes for the portable restrooms, and a hat to cover your face from harsh sunshine or rain.

DH: “In my festival bag, I have a poncho, jacket, sneakers, umbrella, and sunscreen.”

SM: “My festival bag is packed with sunscreen, chapstick/gloss, battery pack, hand sanitizer, camera, raincoat or umbrella, and cash, just in case it’s needed.”

BIKING THE BIG EASY

By Brooke Adams

A Local’s Guide to Exploring NOLA's Vibrant Biking Trails

As the cold weather of late winter ends, many New Orleans locals are eager to embrace the brief but beautiful spring of the Big Easy. One delightful way to experience the city’s beauty is by hopping on a bike.

However, safety concerns often dampen the desire to explore on two wheels. Fear not, we’ve compiled a list of the safest and most picturesque biking trails that weave through the heart of New Orleans, ensuring a delightful and worry-free ride. Each of the trails listed either begin or end in New Orleans, are clearly separated from traffic, and are paved (or mostly paved) for the entirety of the ride.

WISNER TRAIL: WHERE CITY PARK MEETS BAYOU BLISS

Nestled between two New Orleans favorites—City Park and Bayou St. John—the Wisner Trail is a two-lane concrete path that promises both tranquility and adventure. Begin your journey on Allen Toussaint Boulevard, winding your way south to Moss Street. The trail offers scenic views of the bayou. Its grassy banks are inviting to picnickers, and you can often find water enthusiasts in their canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. For a seamless start, park at City Park and connect to the trail through the park’s pathways.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL (LOUISIANA): LEVEES AND LEGENDS

Embark on a journey along the mighty Mississippi with the Mississippi River Trail. This system of paved trails on the levees offers a well-loved segment extending from Audubon Park to the Bonnet Carré Spillway. Locals of all ages and physical abilities can enjoy this well paved and scenic trail. This family friendly route also gives locals a peek at the homes that were grandfathered in on the other side of the levee. Known by other names like the Levee Bike Path, this trail is part of a grand vision to create a biking and walking route along the entire length of the Mississippi River. Enjoy the ride, the river views, and the historical significance of this iconic trail.

ST. ANTHONY AVENUE TRAIL: A GRASSY MEDIAN ADVENTURE

In the heart of the Gentilly neighborhood, the St. Anthony Avenue Trail rides in a grassy median, providing a window into the famous Gentilly charm. Stretching from Mirabeau Avenue to Leon C. Simon Drive, this straight-shot trail not only serves as a commuter path to schools but also invites residents to step outside for some physical activity. Keep an eye out for street intersections, approach them with caution, and revel in the delightful simplicity of this neighborhood gem. On-street parking is available on St. Anthony Avenue—just be sure to follow posted parking rules.

PONTCHARTRAIN LAKEFRONT TRAIL: LAKESIDE BLISS

For a gorgeous ride along the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain, look no further than the Pontchartrain Lakefront Trail. Spanning 12.3 miles from Grand Lake Estates to Bucktown Harbor Marina, this multi-use trail boasts easy accessibility, with bridges over canals and underpasses beneath Causeway Boulevard. Not only does it offer recreational opportunities, but it also serves as an alternative transportation link for the surrounding communities. Take in the stunning views of the lake, watch out for wildlife sightings, and enjoy a trail accessible for all.

17TH STREET CANAL TRAIL: A LOCAL CONNECTION

Situated along the 17th Street Canal, which forms the boundary between New Orleans and Metairie, this walking and biking path offers a 2.8-mile journey for locals. Running south from Metairie-Hammond Highway to N. I-10 Service Road E., this trail provides a picturesque route along the canal’s levees. Many locals prefer to enjoy an unhurried, NOLA-paced stroll, taking in glimpses of the water and the proximity to the Pontchartrain Lakefront Trail. Convenient parking is available at the Bucktown Marina picnic area, making it easy for locals to stretch their legs and enjoy the outdoors.

LAFITTE

GREENWAY: A HISTORICAL CONNECTION

Trace the history of New Orleans through the Lafitte Greenway, a 2.6-mile linear park connecting the French Quarter to Mid-City. Originally a canal and later a rail line, this pathway now offers a pleasant neighborhood connection. Begin at Louis Armstrong Park, with its jazz-inspired surroundings, and journey northwest to end near City Park. With parking available at both ends, this trail provides a delightful mix of history, recreation, and a touch of local culture.

CRESCENT PARK TRAIL: RIVERSIDE SERENITY

Completing the biking tour is the Crescent Park Trail, a 1.4-mile linear park on the banks of the Mississippi River. Born out of post-Katrina revitalization, this park offers a smooth asphalt trail amid beautifully landscaped grounds. With convenient parking lots at Chartres Street and Mazant Street, residents can now safely access the river and revel in the scenic beauty of the French Quarter and Bywater neighborhoods.

LOCAL GEMS: FOR A BREEZY BIKE RIDE

As you plan your biking adventures in New Orleans, don’t forget to explore local gems like Audubon Park and City Park. Audubon Park, nestled along St. Charles Avenue, offers a picturesque oasis, perfect for a family-friendly bike ride. Meanwhile, City Park’s four-mile stretch promises a plethora of activities, from wildflower sightings to routes leading to Gentilly, Lakeview, Mid-City, or Lakeshore Drive.

Get ready to pedal through the vibrant streets of New Orleans, exploring these charming trails that showcase the city’s natural beauty, history, and community spirit. So grab your helmet, pump up those tires, and embark on a biking adventure that perfectly captures the essence of New Orleans. Happy cycling.

Bayou St. John

Lafitte Greenway

PASSING THE TORCH

NOLA’s Next-Gen Torch Singers

By Robert Witkowski

A new generation of badass female vocalists have emerged in the Crescent City, wooing new audiences with classic jazz ballads.

IN THE BEGINNINGS

With Great Depression-era standards made famous by female jazz icons including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughn, this new generation of women who defy genres are performing jazz standards with powerfully unique vocal stylings, launching them into professional musical careers.

They have residencies with a devout following in New Orleans, and even internationally, by emoting passion, longing, and fun into torch songs for new audiences.

All three singers have music in their genes. Nayo Jones’ father is a New Orleans jazz musician, raising his family in Arizona. Her professional career began as a corporate bank auditor. Unfulfilled, she knew “God has something else for me.”

Her dad posed the obvious question, “Was I a singer or a banker who sings?”

Moving to New Orleans knowing no one, it took over five years before she settled into her new career. Seeing Kermit Ruffins perform

at Bullets one night, she asked to sing with him. Her rendition of “Summertime” wowed Ruffins, and her trajectory was set. Jones still frequently performs with him, including at Satchmo Fest. “Summertime” has a special resonance for her, as “it was the first jazz standard I learned with my dad.”

“‘Summertime’ is my favorite song to sing,” says New Orleans native Robin Barnes, who shares Jones’ passion for the 1934 George Gershwin

FROM

GUSTAVO ESCANELLE; ROBERT WITKOWSKI; GUSTAVO ESCANELLE

Three millennial female vocalists (left to right), Nayo Jones, Meschiya Lake, and Robin Barnes, each began singing with humble musical beginnings and have cultivated loyal followings, becoming successful successors in the torch song tradition.

Barnes, too, faced an uphill battle. “I felt adversity as a Black woman, and living in the Lower Ninth Ward, in an industry dominated by men—telling me to change my looks and sound—you just need to pivot when the door shuts,” Barnes says.

Jones agrees, asking, “How can you dream this life if you don’t have one?”

Acknowledging 21st century struggles are different for her, Jones insists personal positivity is always needed, saying, “When you’re living the dream, go bigger.”

Although all three performers split time seasonally, as well as performing internationally to loyal followings, they all have long-established residencies in New Orleans. Nayo Jones performs Friday nights at the Carousel Lounge and Saturdays in the Jazz Playhouse. Robin Barnes has weekly shows at the Peacock Room and Spotted Cat. Meshiya Lake appears regularly with a trio at Chickie Wah Wah and at Spotted Cat

While inspired by jazz greats including Ella Fitzgerald, Bessie Smith, and Diana Ross, there are current-day legends with whom each dream to share a stage.

“I would love to sing with Phillip Manuel,”

Sharing a country sensibility in her stylings, Lake opts to duet with Willie Nelson, noting the country star’s jazz covers. Jones pines to perform with Irma Thomas.

But there are songs they all try to avoid

“Anything vulgar,” Nayo Jones says.

“Any modern pop,” Meschiya Lake laughs. Robin Barnes shares many mother’s sensibilities, “I never want to sing the

Able to lure fans with voices that are practically ethereal, the singers smile when admitting with which musical mythical creatures—sirens, mermaids, or nymphs—

“Oh, a siren,” Jones quickly says. “I love seeing my audience as if they’re in a trance.”

“I’d say I’m a muse,” Barnes laughs. “But my husband might say I’m a siren, since we met in a band and now we’re together ‘til death do us part.”

Lake responds, “Why can’t I be all

With these three female vocalists, the song of these sirens is a luring torch that

Meschiya Lake Robin Barnes Nayo Jones

FROM LEFT: ROBERT WITKOWSKI; GUSTAVO ESCANELLE; ROBERT WITKOWSKI

MUSIC CALENDAR

MONDAY, MARCH 25

21st Amendment James Beaumont

AllWays Lounge Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show

Cabaret

Bacchanal Byron Asher, David Sigler

Bamboulas Rug Cutters, Jon Roniger, Ed Wills & Blues 4 $ale

Banks Street Bar Micah McKee

BJ’s Lounge Dayna Kurtz & Friends

Buffa’s Doyle Cooper

Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers

Capulet Washboard Chaz

Carrollton Station Meryl Zimmerman

Columns Hotel Stanton Moore

Dos Jefes John Fohl

Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District Band

MRB Ben Buchbinder

Mahogany Jazz Hall Original Tuxedo Jazz Band

Maple Leaf Bar George Porter Jr. Trio with Chris Adkins

Polo Club Lounge Stefan Moll

Royal Frenchmen Jazz Vipers

Saturn Bar BC Coogan

Southport Hall My Life, Thrill Kill Kult

Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo

The Maison Mike Clement Organ, Paradise Swing Band

Three Muses Leslie Martin

Tropical Isle Original Dave Ferrato, Dave James, Cass Faulconer & Charles

TUESDAY, MARCH 26

21st Amendment Dave Hammer

Bacchanal Pete Olynciw

Bamboulas The Villains, Giselle Anguizola Quartet, Caite B. & The Hand Me Downs

Bayou Bar Peter Harris, David Torkanowsky, Ricardo Pascal

Bourbon O Dr. Zach, Ingrid Lucia

Southport Hall Front Line Assembly

Spotted Cat Marty Peters, Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band

Three Muses Silver Lining Serenaders

Toulouse Theatre bar italia

Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato, Dave James, Mike Lemmler, Becca Dowty

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Bacchanal Raphael Bas

Bamboula’s Miss Sigrid & Zig Zags, Cristina Kaminis, Wolfe Johns

Bayou Bar Double Bird, Peter Harris, Jason Marsalis, Victor Campbell, Ashlin

Parker

Blue Nile Where Ya At Brass Band

Bourbon OKimchisoop

Buffa’s Tom McDermott, Aurora Nealand

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

Capulet Daphne Parker Powell

Dos Jefes Tom Hook

Hi Ho Lounge Sweet Olive String Band

Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District Band

New Orleans Jazz Museum Irene’s Monty

Banks, Arrowhead Jazz Band, Pinettes Brass Band

Polo Club Lounge Stefan Moll

Royal Frenchmen Hotel & Bar Trumpet Mafia

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Maison Doyle Cooper Jazz Band

The Maison Gene’s Music Machine

Three Muses Excellos

Tipitina’s Kurt Vile, The Violators, Weak Signal

Treme Hideaway Juvenile

Tropical Isle Original Dave Ferrato, Dave James, Cass Faulconer, Charles Brewer

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

21st Amendment Dr. Sick & The Late Greats

Bamboula’s J.J. & The A- OKs, Boardwalker & 3 Finger Swingers, The Queen & Friendz

Bayou Bar Firm Roots, Peter Harris, Derek Douget, Dwight Fitch, Jr., New Orleans

Groovemaster

Bourbon OGary Brown, Serabee

Buffa’s Bar Jelly Biscuit

Cafe Negril Colin Davis, Night People

Café Degas Double Whisky

Capulet Steve Masakowski

Carousel Lounge James Martin

Civic Theatre Circle Jerks, Descendents, Adolescents

DMACS Chris Zonada

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Dos Jefes Joe Krown

Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District Band

Irene’s Monty Banks

Capulet Coyote Anderson

Carousel Lounge Lena

Prima, Leslie Martin

DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza

Man’s Fam Jam

Davenport Lounge Jeremy

Davenport

Dos Jefes Miss Anna Q

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub John

Saavedra

Hard Rock Cafe Adam

Pearce

Palm Court Kevin Louis, Yolanda Robinson

Polo Club Lounge David Boeddinghaus, Stefan

Moll

Preservation Hall Preservation All-Stars, Mark

Braud

Press Room Dr. Michael Torregano

Rabbit Hole Hot Property

Royal Frenchmen Big Easy Brawlers, Stephen Walker N’em

Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District Band

Irene’s Monty Banks

Le Bon Temps Roule The Soul Rebels

MRB Clint Johnson

Mahogany Jazz Hall Jamil Sharif, New Orleans

Catahoulas

Marigny Brasserie Slick Skillet Serenaders

Marigny Opera House Cyrus Nabipoor

May Baily’s Place Sam Price & Friends

Peacock Room Robin Barnes & Pat Casey

Polo Club Lounge John Royen

Preservation Hall Preservation All-Stars, Wendell

Brunious

Press Room Les Getrex

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band

The Bourbon Square Jazz Bar Roi Anthony

The Howlin Wolf Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Faaun Fables, Anareta

The Maison New Orleans Rug Cutters, Street Lyfe

Three Muses Tom McDermott Washboard Chaz

Toulouse Theatre Haley Heynderick

Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry & Treme Funktet

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Bacchanal David Sigler, Gerald Watkins, Willie

Green

Bamboula’s Stephen Brashear & Co, Felipe

Antonio, Les Getrex, Bettis & the 3rd Degree Brass

Band

BOB DYLAN AT SAENGER THEATRE

Bob Dylan, one of music’s greatest songwriters, will be bringing his “Rough and Rowdy Ways” Tour to NOLA. His more than 50-year career has produced iconic songs including “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’.”

Monday, April 1, 8 p.m., $59.50-$689.50, saengernola.com

Sidney’s Saloon Rik Slave’s DarkLounge Ministries

Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band

The Bourbon Square Jazz Bar Roi Anthony

The Broadside Eric Johanson, Ghalia Volt

The Howlin Wolf Wasted and Chesticle, Coffinwolf Ultra, FITH, Dorks

The Maison Shotgun Jazz Band, Swingin, John Saavedra

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Apple Barrel Smoky Greenwell Blues Band

Bacchanal Juan Tigre, Pete Olynciw

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

Bacchanal Noah Young, Tangiers

Bamboula’s Youse, Midnight Brawlers, Ed Willis

Blues 4 $ale

Bombay Club Silver Lining Serenaders

Bourbon O Kenny Brown

Cafe Negril VEGAS COLA

D.B.A. Palmetto Bug Stompers

Favela Chic Kenny Claiborne

Fillmore Church on Sundaze

GrandPre’s Rampart Street All Stars

Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District Band

Josephine Estelle Or Shovaly Plus

Mahogany Jazz Hall Original Tuxedo Jazz Band

Palm Court Mark Braud, Sunday Night Swingsters

Polo Club Lounge David Boeddinghaus

Preservation Hall Leroy Jones

Royal Frenchmen Chris Christy’s Quintet

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

The Jazz Playhouse Chucky C

The Maison Jenavieve Cooke, Winding Boys

Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain

MONDAY, APRIL 1

Banks Street Bar Micah McKee

Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers

DMACS Danny Alexander

Saenger Theatre Bob Dylan

Saturn Bar BC Coogan

Silk Road No Quarter Shanty Krewe

Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo, Frenchmen Street All-Stars

TUESDAY, APRIL 2

Bar Marilou Or Shovaly Plus

DMACS Steady Company

Hi Ho Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band

New Orleans Jazz Museum Arrowhead Jazz Band

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Howlin Wolf Matt Axton, Dick Deluxe

The Rabbit Hole Kelly Green, Rebirth

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3

Cafe Negril Colin Davis, Night People

Bayou Bar Jordan Anderson

Lafayette Square RAM de Haiti, Trumpet Mafia

MRB Lynn Drury

Mahogany Jazz Hall Tom Fischer

New Orleans Jazz Museum Quiana Lynell

Palm Court Lars Edegran

Polo Club Lounge Stefan Moll

Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler

Royal Frenchmen Gene Black, Miles Berry

Snug Harbor Delfeayo Marsalis

Bayou Bar Oh Yeah!, Peter Harris, Wes

“Warmdaddy” Anderson, Ed Perkins, Victor Atkins, Peter Varnado

Blue Nile Kermit Ruffins, BBQ Swingers

Bourbon OEllen Smith, April Spain

Buffa’s Adam Rogers

Cafe Negril Higher Heights, Jamey St Pierre, The Villains

Carousel Lounge Nayo Jones Experience

DMACS Atom Cat

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub John Saavedra, Sam Friend

Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District Band

Irene’s Monty Banks

Kerry Irish Pub Patrick Cooper

Le Bon Temps Roule Margie Perez

Mahogany Jazz Hall Leroy Jones, Paul Longstreth

Marigny Brasserie Caitie B., Hand Me Downs

Mr. Ed’s Southern Creole Kitchen Mark Boros

NOPSI Matt Lemmler

Bamboula’s The Jaywalkers, Boardwalker & the 3 Finger Swingers, Johnny Mastro, Paggy Prine & Southern Soul

Blue Nile George Brown, Kumasi, Marigny Street

Brass Band

Bourbon O Blues Masters, Brian Wingard

Brass Hall New Orleans HASIZZLE & FRIENDS

Cafe Negril J John Lisi Delta Funk, Sierra Green

Carousel Lounge Lena Prima, TLP Band

DMACS Dewdrops

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Dos Jefes Sunpie & The Louisiana Sunspots

Favela Chic Kenny Claiborne, New Orleans Rug

Cutters

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub John Saavedra Band, Steve

DeTro

Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District Band

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge Kermit Ruffins, BBQ Swingers

Le Bon Temps Roule Or Shovaly Plus, Shabram

Mahogany Jazz Hall Gerald French Trio

Marigny Brasserie Caitie B., Hand Me Downs

May Baily’s Place Kid Merv

Mr. Ed’s Southern Creole Kitchen Mark Boros

Palm Court Will Smith

Polo Club Lounge John Royen, Stefan Moll

Preservation Hall Preservation All-Stars, Shannon

Powell

Silk Road KatieCat, Cain Jazz

Spotted Cat Panorama Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf Wasted, Chesticle with Coffinwolf Ultra, FITH, and Dorks

The Maison City of Trees Brass Band, Jelly Roll Stompers, Nola Axe Men, Smoking Time Jazz Club

Three Muses Jon Atkinson

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Tipitina’s Perpetual Groove

DMACS Marshal’s Tinpot Jubilation, Sam Price Lafayette Square TBC Brass Band, Jelly Joseph, Jamal Batiste

Longue Vue House Or Shovaly Plus

Marigny Brasserie Secret Bandwagon

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Tina & Ron

New Orleans Jazz Museum Alexey Marti

Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler

Siberia Rosali, Hal Lambert, Mitchell Mobley

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf Matt Axton, Dick Deluxe

Tipitina’s Brass-A-Holics, Brasshearts Brass Band

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown, Johnny Mastro, Blue Midnight

BK House & Gardens The Rumble

Blue Nile T-Roy

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam

Hotel St. Vincent Or Shovaly Plus

House of Blues Disco Biscuits

Le Bon Temps Roule The Soul Rebels

Marigny Brasserie Slick Skillet Serenaders

Orpheum Theater Montgomery, Dvorak, Mendelssohn

Palm Court Gregg Stafford, Crescent City

Joymakers

Santos Bar Hangmen, Oxys

Siberia Sheer Mag

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band

Tigermen Den Helen Gillet

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown

Blue Nile DJ Eye V, C’est Funk

Brass Hall Sporty’s Brass Band

Cafe Negril Jamey St Pierre, The Villains

DMACS Loco Motives

Deutsches Haus Damenchor, Saengerchor

Le Bon Temps Roule Four Way Stop, Colin Davis

Mahalia Jackson Theater Ledisi

Marigny Brasserie Delta Revues

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl After Party

NOPSI Hotel Matt Lemmler

New Orleans Jazz Museum Tim Laughlin, Amina Scott

Palm Court Kevin Louis, Yolanda Robinson

Republic NOLA Level Up

Saturn Bar La Tran-K

Siberia Hotline TNT, Symbiote

Spotted Cat Big Fun Brass Band, Paradise Jazz Band

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain

Tipitina’s Naughty Professor, Erica Falls

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Blue Nile RAM

Palm Court Lars Edegran

Public Service

Restaurant Matt Lemmler

Southport Hall Maoli

Spotted Cat Chris Christy

Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

Tipitina’s Loyola’s Uptown Threauxdown

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

100 Men Hall Curtis Salgado

Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown, Johnny Mastro, Blue

Midnight

Blue Nile DJ T-Roy

Broadside Panorama Jazz Band, Istanbul Connection

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

Chickie Wah Wah Loose Cattle, Duquette

Johnston

DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam

Le Bon Temps Roule The Soul Rebels

Cafe Negril Jason Neville, John Lisi, Sierra Green

DMACS Groove Collective, Pocket Chocolate

Le Bon Temps Roule Todd Albright

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts Zach Williams

Maple Leaf Pollo Asado

Marigny Brasserie Delta Revues

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Lost in the Sixties

MRB The Silver Lining Serenaders

Palm Court Will Smith

Santos Bar Pansy Division, Dog Park Dissidents

Siberia Tear Dungeons

Spotted Cat Twerk Thomson, Big Jon Atkinson

The Howlin Wolf Dusty the Kid, Crybabies

Tipitina’s Rebirth

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Bacchanal Noah Young, Tangiers

Cafe Negril VEGAS COLA

DMACS Busted on Bourbon

Hotel Peter and Paul Jude Brothers, Cassie

Watson Francillon

Marigny Brasserie Secret Bandwagon

Palm Court Mark Braud, Sunday Night Swingsters

The Howlin Wolf Dusty the Kid, Crybabies

The Rabbit Hole Helen Gillet, World of Echo

Tipitina’s Bruce Daigrepont

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain

MONDAY, APRIL 8

Banks Street Bar Micah McKee

Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers

DMACS Danny Alexander

Hi Ho Lounge Tucker Baker

Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo, Frenchmen Street All-Stars

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

Broadside Leyla McCalla

DMACS Jesse Bumann

Hi Ho Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band

New Orleans Jazz Museum Arrowhead Jazz Band

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Javier Olondo, Asheson

New Orleans Jazz Museum Arrowhead Jazz Band

Santos Bar Conan, Psychic Trash

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Rabbit Hole Kelly Green, Rebirth

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

Broadside Helen Gillet

Cafe Negril Colin

Davis, Night People

DMACS Peter Greco

Lafayette Square

Erica Falls

Marigny Opera

House Sam Shahin

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Tina & Ron

Marigny Brasserie Slick Skillet Serenaders

New Orleans Jazz Museum Piano Hour

presented by the New Orleans Jazz National

Historical Park

Palm Court Duke Heitger

Santos Hotel Burgundy, Zita

Smoothie King Center Parker McCollum

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown

Blue Nile DJ Eye V, C’est Funk

Brass Hall Sporty’s Brass Band

Cafe Negril Jamey St Pierre and THC, The Villains, Higher Heights

DMACS Dale Dolese Band

House Of Blues Nola Rocks

Le Bon Temps Roule Mars & Other Planets, Heavy Weather

Maple Leaf South Austin Moonlighters

Marigny Brasserie Delta Revues

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Velcro Pygmies

NOPSI Matt Lemmler’s “New Orleans in Stride”

Old Point Gregg Hill

Palm Court Kevin Louis, Yolanda Robinson

Santos Blood & Earlm, Dremm, Brethren Hogg

Siberia Kamaiya

Smoothie King Center Keyshia Cole, Trey Songz

Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain

The Rabbit Hole Kamaiya

Tipitina’s Le Petite Fete

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

ALLWays Lounge Ficheraz

Bacchanal Trey Boudreaux

Bamboula’s Johnny Mastro Blues

Blue Nile Corey Henry, Gitkin, Carol C

Cafe Negril Jason Neville, John Lisi Delta Funk, Sierra Green

DMACS Lisbon Girls

Fillmore The Rock Orchestra

Le Bon Temps Roule Ted Hefko and The Thousandaires, Captain Buckles

Marigny Brasserie Delta Revues

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Nashville South

Palm Court Will Smith, Louis Ford, Tom Sancton, Palm Court Jazz Band

Orpheum Theater Kountry Wayne

LEDISI AT MAHALIA JACKSON THEATER

Local artist and actress Ledisi will be performing in her home city with Raheem DeVaughn for her “The Good Life” Tour. The R&B and jazz singer won a Grammy Award for her hit song “Anything For You.”

Friday, April 5, 8 p.m., $45-$299, mahaliajacksontheater.com

A spirited sanctuary in the heart of New Orleans

You're invited.

544 Carondelet St barmarilou.com

@barmarilou

MUSIC CALENDAR

PARKER McCOLLUM AT SMOOTHIE KING CENTER

Americana singer-songwriter Parker McCollum will be in NOLA with Corey Kent and Catie Offerman for the “Burn it Down” tour. His albums Gold Chain Cowboy and Never Enough have both charted on the Billboard 200.

Thursday, April 11, 7:30 p.m., $26-$95, smoothiekingcenter.com

Saenger Theatre Brothers Osborne, Zach Top

Smoothie King Center Big Easy Blues Festival

Spotted Cat Shake’em Up Jazz Band

The Howlin Wolf Killer Whale

Tipitina’s Chapel Hart

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

Bacchanal Noah Young, Tangiers

Cafe Negril VEGAS COLA

Cafe Istanbul DJ Monty, kLL sMTH, Wake an Blake, Pretty Na$ty, Roots

DMACS And Then Came Humans

Fillmore Asking Alexandria

House of Blues Beach Fossils

Marigny Brasserie Secret Bandwagon

For up-to-date listings visit WhereYat.com

Palm Court Mark Braud, Sunday Night Swingsters

MONDAY, APRIL 15

Banks Street Bar Micah McKee

Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers

Hi Ho Lounge Tucker Baker

House of Blues City Morgue, Yameii & Deko

Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo, Frenchmen Street All-Stars

TUESDAY, APRIL 16

Crescent City Farmers Market Scott Perro

DMACS Steady Company

Deutsches Haus Kulturabend

Fillmore Jesse McCartney

Hi Ho Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band

New Orleans Jazz Museum

Arrowhead Jazz Band

Spotted Cat Music Club Chris

Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Rabbit Hole DJ Kelly Green, Rebirth

Toulouse Theatre Mo Lowda, Bright Light Social Hour

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

Cafe Negril Night People, Piano Man ‘G’

Church at Hotel Peter & Paul Dominic Minix

DMACS Domenic Fusca, Sam Price

Lafayette Square glbl wrmng, Grace Gibson

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Tina & Ron

New Orleans Jazz Museum Jimmy Bean Ballero

Palm Court Lars Edegran, Palm Court Jazz Band

Public Service Restaurant Matt Lemmler

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

21st Amendment Bar Bon Bon Vivant

Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown

BK House & Gardens James Andrews

Blue Nile DJ T-Roy

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam

The Crybabies, Hunter

Hicks Country Band, No

Limit Brass Band

Blue Nile The Soul

Fillmore Nothing More, Wage War Veil of Maya, Sleep Theory

Le Bon Temps Roule The Soul Rebels

Marigny Brasserie Slick Skillet Serenaders

Orpheum Theater Also sprach Zarathustra

Palm Court Duke Heitger, Crescent City Joymakers

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band

Tipitina’s Hayes & The Heathens

Virgin Hotels Or Shovaly Plus

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

100 Men Hall Honey Island Swamp Band, HollyRock, Soul Stu

Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown

Blue Nile DJ Eye V, C’est Funk

Brass Hall Sporty’s Brass Band

Cafe Negril Jamey St Pierre, The Villains

Carrollton Station Sweet Magnolia

DMACS Bandog

Deutsches Haus Damenchor, Saengerchor

Fillmore Adam Ant, English Beat

Le Bon Temps Roule Jimbo Mathus, Tri-Fi

NOPSI Matt Lemmler

Palm Court Kevin Louis, Yolanda Robinson

Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band, VEGAS COLA

Tipitina’s Black Joe Lewis, Honeybears

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Victory Church Beyond the Grave

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

Abita Springs Opry Bad Penny Pleasuremakers,

Rebels

Broadside Where

Y’acht Presents High Seas: A Doobie Brothers

Celebration

Cafe Negril John Lisi Delta Funk, Sierra Green

Hi Ho Lounge Hustle, Soul Sister

Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge TBC

Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, Mike Jones

Le Bon Temps Roule Jimbo Mathus, Lee Yankie

Marigny Brasserie Delta Revues

Mid-City Lanes Rock ‘n’ Bowl Rockin’

Dopsie Jr.

Palm Court Will Smith, Louis Ford, Tom

Sancton, Palm Court Jazz Band

Santos Bar Gumm, Liberty & Justice

Spotted Cat Twerk Thomson, Big Jon Atkinson

The Rabbit Hole Grillin’ & Chillin’, P.Y.M.P

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio

Tipitina’s Jaime Woods

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

Bacchanal Noah Young, Tangiers

Cafe Negril VEGAS COLA

Civic Theatre Swans

Marigny Brasserie Secret Bandwagon

Palm Court Mark Braud, Sunday Night

Swingsters

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain

MONDAY, APRIL 22

Banks Street Bar Micah McKee

Cafe Negril Jelly Roll Stompers

Hi Ho Lounge Tucker Baker

Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo, Frenchmen Street

All-Stars

LOCAL MUSICIANS, submit your music to Crescent City Sounds.

Submissions open through April 16.

Selected artists will be paid and maintain the copyright to their work. Get started at crescentcitysounds.org.

2024: AN OUTDOOR SPACE ODYSSEY

Porch & Outdoor Revitalizations

By Frances Deese

When you find yourself lost amongst the city, you’ll find that a New Orleans porch cannot be strictly defined.

As New Orleans’ residents contribute to such a vibrant culture of a place they call home, the beauty of the city’s porches, courtyards, and outdoor spaces are their ability to authentically “just be.”

Unlike the home renovation and redecoration TV shows and social media trends of today, these spaces provide evidence that dwellers and guests can find serenity from a chaotic world in any design style or budget.

With the weather past its own winter bitterness, more and more time will be spent in outdoor spaces and sitting out on the porch. Yet with new seasons afoot, you may feel called to add some vibrancy into your space. In a place that can experience such extreme and dangerous weather, it can seem daunting to make home on a porch out of fear that it will be destroyed. If these cautions arise, use the opportunity to get inventive, as homes can serve as a foundation for resilience. Whether for a small porch/ patio or larger homes and their expansive spaces, many local businesses can suit the needs of adding more life into such spaces for further enjoyment and help you take advantage of less is more, untraditional, and “by the basics” ideas.

Speaking from experience, part of a design project requires a furniture revamp, so it can be intimidating knowing where to begin. Backyard Living Patio

Furniture offers numerous design styles that can withstand the mercurial weather elements of the city. If budget allows, they even offer design meetings. Unique elements include powder coated aluminum, recycled poly furniture pieces, and hammocks.

UNIQUE TIP

AROUND THE TOWN BUSINESSES FOR AT HOME MIXOLOGY

When thinking of revitalizing an outdoor space, the physical design elements don’t have to just be furniture and decor. With the beauty of New Orleans spring, revamp your home bartending (even for the sober and sober curious folk) with local delights so you can enjoy fresh sips in your updated space. Big Easy Bucha has expanded operations in the past several years for fermented and healthily satisfying beverages. While they have an array of kombuchas, they also have developed creative health shots and a line of tepache, a beverage mostly hailing from Mexico, with pineapple as the main ingredient.

Many nurseries today are seeking to break the stereotypical molds of how planting should look and empowering people to know they can pick it up, no matter their prior skill sets. A local resource exemplifying this is Crazy Plant Bae. They offer a range of services including custom curated plants and pots, plant repotting, and private events and workshops. Additionally, they offer community engagement and also function as a Black Women’s Collective in their in-house space, which supports local women business owners through retail space and further empowerment.

Filling your outdoor space with plants is a wonderful way to bring in vibrancy and added design elements without detracting from staple or centerpieces. New findings are also showing the mental and physical health benefits of gardening and planting as a healthy outlet hobby.

Urban Roots Garden Center is a local gem that features an assortment of plants, pottery items for gardening, and an assortment of necessary items for developing green spaces with tools, seeds, and specialty tips to find success amongst the dirt.

A low (or any) budget idea for adding varying texture and eyecatching appeal is to source various

Crazy Plant Bae

rocks, stones, and pebbles as a way to fill a blank space. Rock N Soil provides in town inspiration with their range of natural stones and aggregates. If any neighbor friends may also want to clear up their outdoor spaces, each home could make purchases and swap some of their said purchases upon delivery for even more of a unique element.

An establishment on Royal Street, Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights allows for current residents to brainstorm on outdoor lighting ideas that create an effect of transportation to time periods of the past. For an interesting read, their website origin story details more, such as how their work helped to “revolutionize the production of gas lamps” with a honed approach to metalwork and the other artistic elements involved in it. The functionality of the pieces is only one component, for the aura and statement looks they create is an unparalleled draw in.

With a name like Banana Manor Rug Factory Outlet, it’s nearly impossible to not want to venture and see what collections they may house. For early and novice interior decorators, as many of us are, rugs can be intimidating and come across as distracting from other focal points. Yet when shopping smartly, a rug can help bring in an entire creative design vision for porches and outdoor spaces.

Not all may have the space for it, but a unique and inspirational local business to visit is French Fountains, a division of the French Casting Company. Their old world approach to housing a collection of vintage and rare pieces can also serve as a resource for bringing the grounding natural element of water intentionally into your space. For any residents who have older fountains on their property, their expertise can also be of guidance for proper upkeep or other resources. Allow their approach to serve as a reminder of the meditative qualities of water for days when the outside world needs to be quieted.

Out in Slidell, the Outdoor Home Store has created a space for aspects such as grilling and outdoor kitchens to come to life. In a city full of so many restaurants and at home chefs, as well as devoted food lovers, this can serve as a focal point of a design project to build other elements around. From their collection, find grilling options to suit any cooking level, as well as fun items like pizza ovens or even outdoor kitchen storage.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BEVOLO GAS & ELECTRIC LIGHTS; URBAN ROOTS; BANANA MANOR; URBAN ROOTS

Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights

Urban Roots plants

Banana Manor outdoor furniture

Urban Roots flowers

The main room, framed by a wraparound balcony accented by various knickknacks accrued over the years, once upon a time held a boxing ring and currently is the beloved home base for the Splice poetry reading series, one of the city’s many vibrant places for bookish malcontents of all stripes to gather, to hear, and to be heard.

For the past few years, the monthly Splice reading series, assisted by the generous sponsorship of Poets and Writers magazine, has been hosting pairs of poets living locally and/ or from all over the country to come down and share their work. From Everette Maddox to Lee Meitzen Grue, just to name merely a couple legendary lyricists, New Orleans contains a rich poetic tradition amid everything else it’s known for. Every month, the Splice reading series does its part (amid a thriving community) to showcase new poets who help to keep that loquacious river flowing.

There’s a cooperative, supportive, eclectic scene percolating on those Saturday nights with the Saturn poets. The main host is the affable and snazzily dressed Henry Goldkamp, who originally hails from St. Louis and has studied the relationship between poetry and clowning. In another life, he performed the work of John Berryman, the great tragic confessional poet of The Dream Songs, while dressed up like him with a massive beard, horn rimmed glasses, and sozzled growl. Last Fourth of July, he created an outdoor art installation featuring different smells and textures associated with specific letters.

He’ll pass the mic to Rodrigo Toscano, a widely published poet and longtime labor activist and multilingual world traveler whose work has recently been featured in The Best American Poetry. He also introduces the night’s readers, many of whom he’s known and read with for years, such as Rodger Kamenetz, a poet and scholar who formerly taught at LSU. As in his books The Charm and the Dread and The Cut Point, Toscano’s poetics often take the form of radical satires on the market-crazed landscape of our time, using surreal wit and finely honed parody to hold the fake flimsiness of corporatized language up to the light.

WORDS

Splice Poetry Series at the Saturn Bar

By Matt Hanson

Even if it has admittedly gussied up a bit from the early days when the “bar” was several bottles of liquor sitting on wooden planks, the Saturn Bar on St. Claude is still a charmingly dilapidated spot, which makes it the ideal place for poetry.

Then, Sean F. Munro might take the floor, who teaches English at Delgado and runs Splice’s table for the NOLA Poetry Fest. Monro has been known to whimsically incorporate multimedia presentations into his readings, improvising while different prerecorded texts flash on the screen behind him from various locations around the city. He recently went up to NYC to read new work live on YouTube while simultaneously receiving text messages from the audience. One reading of his may or may not have involved live booty shaking.

The number of talented writers who have come through the Splice series has been consistently impressive and inspiring. Some poems are overtly political such as Laura Jaramillo’s, are more outwardly directed like Robert Fitterman, or parsing the mutilated text of history as Edgar Garcia does in his recent reading. Others, such as Amish Trivedi’s meditations on memory, are more introspective. They could be slightly more esoteric in nature, such as one recent reading by Bill Lavender that wrestled with the work of St. Augustine.

Not long ago, there was a hilarious reading by Holly Melgard who cataloged her internal debates over whether to have kids. Her poems at times sounded more like stand-up comedy than traditional poetics, a fun and innovative move very much to their credit. The audience really appreciated it, which is important. Poetry read aloud is, after all, a form of performance, which means that an involved audience really adds to the experience with a steady backbeat of laughter, claps, or snapping fingers.

Unfortunately, the idea of poetry all too often gets a bad rap. It gets callously disparaged as mere pretentious twaddle or too obscure, or even casually dismissed as something that “anyone can write.” True, perhaps. But isn’t that the whole point? Going to a reading never fails to get new words and images to start swirling in one’s head. There’s an

unpretentious, democratic, amiable vibe to these events, voices speaking under warm light with twinkling tinsel dangling in the corners. It’s what poetry needs if its lyrical vistas are going to counter the perpetual flash, boom, bang of our media-saturated daily life.

Quietly sitting and listening is something of a lost art, as is standing and reading out loud in public, for that matter. Month after month, Splice helps to prove that both are very much worthwhile. As Goldkamp put it at the end of one reading, “Recently I bought some prisms to hang from the windows for my children. Since we’re all houses here, you are the neighborhood making it happen, and I thank you for that. I think of these poems as prisms dropped in front of the windows of our eyes tonight. And it’s not so permanent— it’s a performance—but we’ll remember it.”

Photo by José Andrés Ramírez.

LA FOOD FESTS

Indulging in a Bounty of Food Festivals Statewide

By Kimmie Tubré

Did you know Louisiana stands out as one of the most festival-centric states in the USA? While New Orleans hosts some of the most renowned and lucrative festivals, the state boasts many unique and popular annual events. With approximately 400 festivals taking place each year, these festivities span all seasons from fall to summer, but spring emerges as the quintessential “festival season.”

The spring season, marked by mild weather and the onset of crawfish season, provides an ideal backdrop for indulging in the festive spirit, especially when that spirit comes with an appetite. Known for our food culture, one of the best ways to experience the unique foods of Louisiana is to visit one of the many food-related festivals. While the Big Easy has many amazing food festivals each year, it is not the only city in this state with food fests that represent its culture. Here are a few food festivals happening this spring that you must experience.

SCOTT BOUDIN FESTIVAL (April 5-7), Scott, La.

Head just west of Lafayette in the region of Louisiana where boudin reigns supreme. Named the “Boudin Capital of the World,” this 10-year-old festival is filled with Cajun culture, Louisiana hospitality, and, of course, boudin.

JEAN LAFITTE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL (April 12-14), Jean Lafitte, La.

While only 30 minutes away, Jean Lafitte offers a much different scene and culture than the Big Easy. The 200-year-old fishing village hosts an annual seafood festival where guests can enjoy the delicious Louisiana dishes of the Cajun town. Festival goers can also engulf themselves in the culture by enjoying live music, swamp tours, kayak rentals, carnival rides, an art walk, and more.

PONCHATOULA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL (April 12-14), Ponchatoula, La.

Less than an hour from New Orleans is a deliciously sweet festival that has become one of the more popular festivals in the state. Starting in 1972, with only 11 booths and a $500 budget, this festival has grown tremendously. Today the festival hosts more than 300,000 patrons eager to taste every strawberry variation available.

ANNUAL ÉTOUFFÉE FESTIVAL (April 26-28), Arnaudville, La.

If you’ve ever been to St. Landry Parish, then you know that they are serious about their étouffée. This 34-year-old festival and cook-off showcases a diverse array of étouffées, including crawfish, seafood, vegetable, and wild game.

PLAQUEMINES PARISH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL (April 26-28), Belle Chasse, La.

Located just 20 minutes from downtown New Orleans is Plaquemines Parish, a parish known for fishing and filled with some of the best fishermen in the state. This festival is the perfect place to taste delicious seafood dishes while celebrating the rich heritage of the region.

GONZALES JAMBALAYA FESTIVAL (May 24-26), Gonzales, La.

Did you know that Gonzales is the jambalaya capital of the world? Their impressive skills of cooking the tastiest jambalaya led the city to hosting their first festival in the late ‘60s, which grew to crowds reaching more than 50,000 by 1971. Today, the fest is filled with contests, pageants, music, and more.

SOUL FOOD FESTIVAL (June 14-15), Franklin, La.

Hosted by The 100 Black Men of St. Mary Parish, this festival may be at the end of the spring festival season, but it still brings all the festival favorites. Guests can enjoy soul food, music, health, and heritage, as well as a 5K race. Fairly new to the festival scene, this four-year fest will give you a soulful time and a full belly.

LOUISIANA LOVES ITS CRAWFISH

It’s a fact that Louisianians love their crawfish. If you fit that description, then you may want to check out these three mud-bug filled festivals.

Make sure to chack out the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (May 3-5). This festival celebrates the delicious Cajun delicacy while also including live music, traditional Cajun and Creole cuisine, and a crawfish cook-off.

Speaking of cook-offs, the Mud Bug Boil Off (May 11) in Thibodaux, La. is certainly a tasty show worth seeing.

MORE THAN FOOD:

OTHER UNIQUE FESTIVALS OUTSIDE OF NEW ORLEANS

CROATIAN FEST (April 20): Held in Belle Chasse, this festival recognizes and celebrates the Croatian American community that developed in southeastern Louisiana. The fest showcases lots of authentic Croatian food, as well as charbroiled oysters, and also hosts traditional music performances.

FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE (April 26-30): Held in Lafayette, this festival is a celebration of the diverse cultures that contribute to Louisiana’s unique heritage. It features a mix of international and local music, food, and art.

LOUISIANA PIRATE FESTIVAL (May 2-12): Held in Lake Charles, this festival celebrates the region’s pirate history with a fun and unique twist. It includes a pirate parade, live entertainment, food, and various family-friendly activities.

RAYNE FROG FESTIVAL (May 9-11): Held in Rayne, LA, this festival is all about the frog, from slimy frog races to frog jumping contests. This festival is over 50-years-old and also has a parade, block party, delicious food, and a plethora of events throughout the festival days.

AIRPORT RESTAURANT GUIDE

AIRPORT FAVORITES

City Greens

Concourse B

Near Gate B8

Founded in 2012, City Greens delivers gourmet soups, salads, wraps, and pressed juice - perfect for the travelers who want to eat healthy on the go

Emeril’s Table

Concourse B

Near Gate B10

Emeril's Table is where to go to dine in style at MSY with mouthwatering appetizers, satisfying main plates, and an extensive wine list.

Mondo

Outside Concourse B

Mondo, created by James Beard Award Winner Chef Susan Spicer, gives travelers an exclusive and authentic NOLA experience with worldly flavors that speak to the city's renowned culinary culture.

The Munch Factory

Concourse C

Near Gate C6

The Munch Factory is a casual New Orleans eatery with its own take on Creole flavors with items like bayou nachos mango chicken salad, and a 'Voodoo Burger'.

Folse Market

Concourse C

Near Gate C10

Folse Market is a New Orleans market place created with famed Chef John Folse which features stations for seafood, charcuterie, po-boys, co ee and wine.

Leah’s Kitchen

Outside Concourse C

With the help of grandson Edgar, Leah's Kitchen pays homage to the late "Queen of Creole Cuisine", Leah Chase. Passengers can enjoy Southern staples like fried chicken, gumbo, red beans and rice, and barbecue shrimp.

MoPho

Concourse B

Near Gate B6

MoPho is a destination for Southeast Asian-inspired cuisine utilizing the Louisiana pantry. From acclaimed chef Michael Gulotta, MoPho has a variety of delicious pho options, chicken wings, and fresh, creative cocktails.

Vino Volo

Outside Concourse A

Wine bar o ering lunch, dinner & small plates with custom-paired wines.

$20 & UNDER

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Life in New Orleans is like a never-ending festival. We start each New Year with Carnival and Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s tumble right into Hogs for the Cause, the Tennessee Williams Fest, and the Congo Square Rhythms Fest. All that (and so much more) lead us to where we are now, on the verge of another jam-packed spring celebration with the French Quarter Festival and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the oh so massive justification for jubilation that spans two extended weekends.

For visitors, festivals are a fantastic way to groove and grub in one convenient location, sampling some of the best music and food our city has to offer. But those of us who live in New Orleans can take our sweet time, visiting live music venues—who also sport some spectacular eats—one by one.

By Kim Ranjbar

Food and music in New Orleans are inexorably intertwined.

original 1940s hand-painted advertisements. Musicians performing at the Rivershack include local guitarist Clay Diamond, Ted Hefko and Brandon Brunious, and Refried Confusion Brass Band, but affordable foodstuffs always steal the show. Try a shrimp remoulade salad with fresh romaine and crisp fried green tomatoes, an alligator sausage po-boy, or a “Trudy Ages” corned beef sandwich with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and 1000 Island dressing.

First, hop on a green streetcar and ride until it nearly reaches the end-of-the-line on Carrollton. Step off at the Willow Street exit and amble a block towards the river to Carrollton Station. This self-ascribed, neighborhood “juke joint” lies catty-corner from the streetcar barn, where all green streetcars go to sleep. For nearly half a century, Carrollton Station has been slinging dive-bar drinks, hosting live music, and has generally featured the usual bar fare including burgers, wings, and fries, but now there’s something a little bit different there.

Trey Rintala, former sous chef at the now defunct Meauxbar, has been serving cosmically unique eats under the guise of Bertie’s Intergalatic Diner, a mobile kitchen installation that’s popped up at Zony Mash, Twelve Mile Limit, and has had a semi-permanent home at Carrollton Station five days a week. Bertie’s brilliance glimmers in dishes of crisp, handmade pizza rolls with caramelized onion and Gruyere (take that, Totino’s), a croque “ma’dang” with brisket and Havarti, and pork belly and apple “pigs in a blanket” that’s wrapped in puff pastry and served with fermented honey mustard. Pair any of Rintala’s dishes, which are served hot in a paper boat, with music from Sweet Magnolia Brass Band or Jolie and the Drifters. You’ll feel just like you’re festin’, minus the port-o-potties and lack of air conditioning.

Just down the river a-ways in Jefferson Parish, “there’s a funky little shack, with a tin roof-rusted.” All B-52-ing aside, the Rivershack Tavern is so much more than a road-side attraction. It’s a neighborhood restaurant, bar, and live music venue created from a century-old building (that has always been a grocery or a bar) with

For a little more “shmance,” take your pants (and the rest of your bespoke suit) back down the line to the Pontchartrain Hotel. While a bougie bed at this historic hotel will set you back a thick slice of bread, you can still enjoy great food and phenomenal music for a shockingly modest price at the Bayou Bar. Wrapped in dark wood and painted panels depicting the flora and fauna so abundant in the swamps of Louisiana, it’s hard not to feel a little spoiled. When Jordan Anderson is playing piano (or Peter Harris is behind the bass) and the server brings out the bar’s 1&1 Burger with melted white cheddar and smoky hickory sauce, or a wild mushroom grilled cheese sandwich with manchego and truffle oil, you’ll feel like a million bucks for less than $20.

Way across town on the edge of the French Quarter lies the almost-endangered Buffa’s Bar & Lounge. For 85 years, this bar has hunkered on the corner of Esplanade Avenue and Burgundy Street. Over time, it has become famous for its friendly staff, vivacious live music, and comfort food. Get to tappin’ your toes with musicians including Alex McMurray and Susan Cowsill, Tom McDermott and Aurora Nealand, or the Washboard Chazz Blues Trio, but make sure to fill your belly first with a patty melt on rye, a huge platter of red beans and rice, or a spicy, half-pound “Dark Side” burger doused in Buffa’s original Chuck sauce and topped with sliced, melty American cheese.

Not far from Buffa’s, there’s Frenchmen Street, an exuberant musical corridor featuring many of the city’s hottest clubs from Blue Nile to the Spotted Cat. One such musical mainstay is Three Muses. Owned and operated by local musician Miss Sophie Lee, the popular Marigny venue hosts musicians every night of the week, including performers such as Big Jon Atkinson, synth drummer Simon Lott, Becky Lynn Blanca, and the Bad Penny Pleasure Makers. Grab a drink at the bar, pull up a chair, and let the music wash over you while munching on their crispy Korean Fried Chicken sandwich with spicy jalapeño and creamy cabbage slaw. Maybe also opt for Ms. Moon’s bulgogi rice bowl, loaded with thinly-sliced marinated beef, kimchi, spinach, and ssamjang.

Bertie’s Intergalatic Diner

Three Muses

Bayou Bar

Rivershack Tavern

RESTAURANT GUIDE

AMERICAN

Bearcat Café offers a delicious, vegan friendly brunch experience. Some of their featured menu items are the vegan biscuits with mushroom gravy and the crab scramble, made with Louisiana blue crab and fluffy scrambled eggs. Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com

Brewery Saint X is more than your typical brewery. It’s the perfect place for date nights or sports game viewing. Grab a plate of their smoked spare pork ribs made with a pineapple teriyaki glaze. 734 Loyola Ave., (504) 788-0093, brewerysaintx.com

Crescent City Steaks, one of the oldest familyowned businesses in the city, is known for various cuts of steaks. Enjoy broiled lobster tail and salmon, potatoes au gratin, surf and turf, and more savory delights. 1001 N. Broad St., (504) 8213271, crescentcitysteaks.com

Daisy Dukes offers a good breakfast at any time, and some locations are open for 24 hours. If you crave something else, Daisy Dukes also has a really delicious Daisy burger, which has all the fixings. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

Devil Moon BBQ hosts the best BBQ in NOLA. Order the party platter, which can feed four to six people and features all the smoked meats they have available plus delicious sides, pickles, and bread. 1188 Girod St., (504) 788-0093, devilmoonbbq.com

Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar has been operating in Historic Old Gretna for over 20 years. They offer classics including red beans and rice, chicken and sausage gumbo, and a roast beef poboy. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, (504) 368-1114, gattusos.net

Jimmy J’s Café boasts a one-of-a-kind breakfast. The Bananas Foster French Toast is a must-have. If that’s a bit too sweet for you, try their shrimp and grits. Don’t forget to grab a Bloody Mary. 115 Chartres St., (504) 309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com

New Orleans Vampire Café is a fang-tastic spot that has “blood bags” that can be filled with blackberry vampire mojito, vampire sangria, and more. Attend their brunch and enjoy “stake” and eggs or doberge cake. 801 Royal St., (504) 5810801, nolavampirecafe.com

NOLA Steak is located in Boomtown Casino and is the perfect place to eat after winning big. Try their crawfish cornbread with crawfish cream or the pecan smoked chicken wings for a flavor explosion. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (885) 805-5596, boomtownneworleans.com

Spudly’s Super Spuds have been serving huge stuffed potatoes for 40 years. Order the “Nab-aCrab” potato topped with crab meat and cheese sauce. Consider trying the creamy spinach and artichoke spud. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, (504) 455-3250, spudlys.com

The Carriage House Restaurant, located at the Houmas House Estate and Gardens, offers casual dining with elegant surroundings. Start with crab and mango cakes or curried pumpkin, crawfish, and corn bisque. 40136 LA-92, Darrow, (225) 473-9380, houmashouse.com

Larder Gourmet Market + Eatery serves breakfast and comfort dishes including French toast casserole, grilled redfish étouffée, and fried chicken biscuit. A standout are the Bananas Foster pancakes. 3005 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 766-6157, lardereatery.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Steak and Chop offers delicious prime cuts of beef. Share the Cajun crawfish queso or the smoked salmon dip. Order their ultimate wedge salad with a smokey bacon ranch dressing. 91 Westbank Expy., Gretna, (504) 513-2606, legacykitchen.com

Luke offers fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico daily and emphasizes local ingredients. Start off with the shareable escargot and bone marrow, following with the renowned ragout of braised lamb shoulder. 333 St. Charles Ave., (504) 3782840, lukeneworleans.com

Luzianne Café is a historic breakfast and lunch spot that has been roasting coffee for over 130 years. Try their boudin Benedict made with two poached eggs, boudin, green tomato chow chow, and hollandaise. 481 Girod St., (504) 2651972, luziannecafe.com

Wonderland + Sea is a quick service restaurant that provides high quality fish, chicken, and vegetarian options. Uniquely, the proteins can either be made into a sandwich or plate with spicy or mild sauce. 4842 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 766-6520, eatatwonderland.com

ASIAN

Asia, in Boomtown Casino, offers Asian classics alongside bets. Order their scrumptious sesame chicken or shaking beef dishes. Asia also offers the Asia sampler—four appetizers on one plate. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, (504) 364-8812, boomtownneworleans.com

Mikimoto Restaurant has been serving deliciously fresh sushi for over 20 years. The Who Dat popper is a perfect way to begin your meal. Order the baked yellowtail tuna neck. You will not be disappointed. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

TD Seafood and Phở House offers filling and authentic Vietnamese food. Try their Bún bò Huế, which is like a spicy braised beef phở. They also have a lobster tail phở that is packed with flavor. 1028 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, (504) 3021727, tdseafoodphohouse.com

Thai’d Up offers delicious modern Thai street food right by the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots. Many types of Thai noodles, soups, curries, grilled meats, fried rice, and stir-fry are available for customers to enjoy. 1839 Gentilly Blvd., (504) 354-8202, thaidupla.com

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD

Bamboula’s boasts live music, good cocktails, and comforting bar food. They have a long beer list to choose from. Enjoy a Caribbean bacon burger topped with crispy bacon, grilled pineapple, and mango salsa. 516 Frenchmen St., (504) 3468300, bamboulasmusic.com

Bar Marilou has a great cocktail list and food menu to experience. The La Luz Espresso is a must-try cocktail made with reposado tequila, espresso, and mole bitters. Eat, drink, and thank us later. 544 Carondelet St., (504) 814-7711, barmarilou.com

The Garage offers live musical performances with a cold beer or cocktail. Warm your soul with their gumbo or spicy beef yakamein. Order their signature New Orleans fishbowl cocktail, the Big Easy Blue. 810 Conti St., (504) 603-6343, facebook.com/thegaragemusicclub

The Jimani has a late-night kitchen that serves classic bar food. Order Jimmy J’s nachos—made with chorizo, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, chili, black olives, and cheese. Try the peanut butter bacon burger. 141 Chartres St., (504) 5240493, thejimani.com

CAFÉ

Café Amelie is a romantic brunch and dinner spot that serves contemporary Louisiana cuisine. Sit in the restaurant’s beautiful courtyard and enjoy gumbo, a cheese board, catfish, or a butter based pork shoulder. 900 Royal St., (504) 412-8065, cafeamelie.com

Carmo offers tropical cuisine from Southeast Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean. Try their popular and delightful vegan Rico dish with fried tostones, melted cheese, avocado, and Rico sauce. 527 Julia St., (504) 875-4132, cafecarmo.com

The Vintage offers beignets in various flavors, with multiple small bites to choose from. Their dry rub chicken wings and crawfish queso come highly recommended. Finish your meal with the apple brie flatbread. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 608-1008, thevintagenola.com

Willa Jean offers ever-changing seasonal menus, keeping guests coming back for more. Try their cornbread with whipped butter and cane syrup or the beet cured salmon Benedict on challah bread with whipped hollandaise. 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 509-7334, willajean.com

CARIBBEAN

Palm & Pine hosts perfected brunch and dinner menus. The Wagyu steak and eggs are paired with duck fat fried potatoes. Order the chilaquiles verdes—made with Oaxacan cheese, fried eggs, and pickled tomatillos. 308 N. Rampart St., (504) 814-6200, palmandpinenola.com

FRENCH

The Country Club offers an elegant interior and delicious dishes including the grilled Norwegian salmon and the truffle mac-ncheese. Come for the entertaining drag brunch, which takes place every weekend. 634 Louisa St., (504) 945-0742, thecountryclubneworleans.com

The Rendon offers cold and refreshing beers with delicious bar noshes, including burgers, chips and dip, and po-boys. The Steak Night special, on Wednesdays, offers ribeyes and filets for $18 and half price wine bottles. 4501 Eve St., (504) 2187106, therendon504.com

Vampire Apothecary Restaurant and Bar sustainably uses homegrown ingredients. Try their tuna crudo with blood orange oil and wasabi aioli. The spicy oyster shooter contains vodka, Bloody Mary mix, and an oyster. 725 St. Peter St., (504) 766-8179, vampireapothecary.com

Voodoo Chicken and Daiquiris is the spot for late night bites. Their menu features select daiquiris and fresh fried chicken. Try the Voodoo Wrap, made with fried chicken, red beans and rice, and cheddar cheese. Multiple Locations, voodoochickenanddaiquirisnola.com

Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant hosts a jazz brunch every Sunday and serves stand-out dishes such as the shrimp and jalapeño omelet. If you miss brunch, their regular menu features boudin balls and Redfish del Buffa. 1001 Esplanade Ave., (504) 949-0038, buffasbar.com

JB’s Fuel Dock began as a boatyard and convenience store and is now an authentic pizzeria. Try their delicious jalapeño popper pizza or the buffalo chicken pizza, and end your meal with the beignet bites. 126 S. Roadway St., (504) 5102260, jbsfueldock.com

Le Bon Temps Roule has been serving great food and amazing music since 1979. The huge burgers and the Texas steak melt are fan favorites. Let the bar serenade your ears and taste buds. 4801 Magazine St., (504) 897-3448, lbtrnola.com

Peacock Room at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot features a vibrant lounge inspired by peacocks. Try the rock candy braised short ribs for dinner with miso whipped sweet potato and charred scallion. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073, peacockroomnola.com

Stumpy’s Hatchet House, a thrilling ax-throwing venue, welcomes groups to reserve some fun, with prices varying by time, and to dig into some food. Enjoy tasty snacks while throwing axes with friends and family. 1200 Poydras St., (504) 577-2937, stumpyshh.com/neworleansla

King Brasserie and Bar offers a fusion of Louisiana and Mediterranean seafood with French and Amalfi Coast flavors. Indulge in a seafood tower featuring oysters, tuna, shrimp, scallop crudo, and caviar. 521 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3000, kingbrasserieandbar.com

Restaurant August is a classy chandelier-lit restaurant. Try the spiny lobster paired with Hakurei turnips, saffron, and chervil or the esteemed gnocchi “black and blue,” made with black truffles and jumbo lump crab. 301 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 299-9777, restaurantaugust.com

ITALIAN

Alto Rooftop Bar, located inside Ace Hotel, has a rooftop pool and delicious small snacks to compliment your stay. Try their meat and cheese board to pair their seasonal cocktails and beautiful ambiance. 600 Carondelet St., (504) 9001180, acehotel.com/new-orleans

Domenica embodies Italian tradition with a selection of cured meats and cheese, including the popular short rib arancini with black truffle and fontina. Enjoy a barrel-aged Negroni or Lambrusco spritz. 123 Baronne St., (504)-648-6020, domenicarestaurant.com

Josephine Estelle combines Italian and Southern flavors for a unique dining experience. Try the

Jimmy J's

parmesan brulée with homemade sourdough or the bucatini with squash, chanterelles, pepitas, and kale for dinner. 600 Carondelet St., (504) 9303070, josephineestelle.com

Mosca’s Restaurant is a Creole Italian establishment located in Westwego that has been operated by the same family since 1946. Try their famous Shrimp Mosca made with Italian seasoning. 4137 US Highway 90 W., Westwego, (504) 436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com

Pizza Domenica, with custommade ovens shipped from Italy, has a commitment to delicious Italian cuisine. Try the funghi e salsiccia pizze—made with mushrooms, black truffle salami, smoked mozzarella, roasted garlic, and an egg. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com

The Original Italian Pie serves gourmet pizza and other Italian specialties. Try the seafood ravioli, stuffed with cheese and shrimp and topped with seafood cream sauce. Save some room for the Hangover Buster pizza. Multiple Locations, italianpie.com

U Pizza offers plenty of mouthwatering options. Order the Streetcar Pizza with Cajun cream sauce, mozzarella, Louisiana crawfish, shrimp, jalapeños, onion, and corn. For the vegans, order the Garden District Pizza. 1513 St. Charles Ave., (504) 381-4232, upizzanola.com

Apolline Restaurant serves New Orleans cuisine in a renovated double shotgun cottage. Order the Eggs Apolline: andouille sausage, Louisiana crawfish, and poached eggs served on a biscuit with hollandaise sauce. 4729 Magazine St., (504) 894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com

Café Normandie, known for its French cuisine, complements the WWII Museum. Try their French dipped po-boy and Cajun flatbread. Brunch offers smoked salmon pappardelle with fried capers, dill,

and choupique caviar. 1000 Magazine St., (504) 528-1941, higginshotelnola.com

Venezia serves classic Italian cuisine pumped full of history and love. Order the cannelloni made with ground veal, spinach, and baked with red and white sauce. Try the shrimp diavolo, a twist on shrimp marinara. 134 N Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-7991, venezianeworleans.com

LATIN

Alma Café uniquely specializes in NOLA/Honduran fusion. Enjoy a delicious Latin-fusion brunch menu and many traditional Latin dishes for dinner, such as carne asada, camarones a la diabla, and enchiladas Hondureñas 800 Louisa St., (504) 381-5877, eatalmanola.com

Tapas e Vino offers a Spanish escape with tapas and wine. It immerses you in jazz, delectable bites, and outstanding wine. Try the divine tableside manchego flambé or duck fat fries topped with manchego. 516 Frenchmen St., (504) 3468300, tapasevino.com

MIDDLE EASTERN

Lebanon’s Café, serving the Carrollton community for over 20 years, is known as one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in the city. Must haves include the whipped feta and the beetroot hummus. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 8626200, lebanonscafe.com

Shaya serves Israeli cuisine suitable for all dietary restrictions. Try their baba ganoush. For large plates, get the Kvaroy salmon, paired with a caramelized harissa, couscous “risotto,” and saffron lemon butter. 4213 Magazine St., (504) 8914213, shayarestaurant.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE

Annunciation Restaurant offers contemporary Creole and Cajun cuisine and fine dining. You must try their chef’s choice ravioli and escargot with their 8th Ward local rum cocktail. It’s perfect for date night. 1016 Annunciation St., (504) 568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com

Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop serves quality comfort food. Appetizer specials include BBQ shrimp quesadilla and Bayou scampi. Don’t miss the stuffed gumbo topped with fried catfish for a satisfying meal. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 835-2022, gumbostop.com

Crescent City Brewhouse has homemade brews and mouth-watering dishes. Start off with the wild strawberry lager. Order their seafood cheesecake, with crawfish, shrimp, crab, green onion vinaigrette, and fried onions. 527 Decatur St., (504) 5220571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

Desire Oyster Bar provides an authentic Louisiana experience. Sit at the raw oyster bar and order their Gulf oysters, as well as their prizewinning seafood gumbo. End the evening with bourbon pecan pie. 300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2281, sonesta.com

Evangeline specializes in Louisiana cuisine and locally sourced ingredients, including Louisiana blue crab and local Gulf shrimp. Try the tasty crab cakes or an Evangeline original—the buttery Acadia crawfish and grits. 329 Decatur St., (504) 3734852, evangelineneworleans.com

House of Blues New Orleans rocks when it comes to their concerts and food. Try the BBQ nachos or loaded fries. For animal lovers, consider trying the 100% vegan “Everything Legendary” burger. 225 Decatur St., (504) 310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans

Kingfish serves outstanding New Orleans-style cuisine. Order the Louisiana crawfish bread for brunch. Try the signature Kingfish ‘N’ Grits—made with fried catfish, seafood cream sauce, and havarti and fontina grits. 337 Chartres St., (504) 5985005, kingfishneworleans.com

Lakeview Harbor is home to Lakeview’s Original Burger. Try their amazing root beer glazed pork belly burnt ends, served with onions and pickles on the side, or their highly recommended shrimp remoulade. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us

Alma Café

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Lil’ Dizzy’s Café is a pillar in the Tremé community and is a popular Creole restaurant well-known by locals. Try their gumbo, and don’t forget the mac and cheese or potato salad on the side. 1500 Esplanade Ave., (504) 766-8687, lildizzyscafe.net

Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is home to delectable pralines, beignets, and history. Ms. Loretta was the first Black woman to own and operate a praline company in New Orleans. Stop by and try their praline beignets. Multiple Locations, lorettaspralines.com

Mandina’s Restaurant is a family-owned Creole Italian restaurant. When you dine at this historic establishment, order the crab fingers in wine sauce. Their massive classic meatballs and spaghetti dish will satisfy you. 3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com

Meril features a beautiful open kitchen bar area and contemporary American cuisine. The fried turkey necks and hand-rolled gnudi with mushrooms and thyme and pineapple upside-down cornbread are must-haves. 424 Girod St., (504) 526-3745, emerilsrestaurants.com/meril

Mother’s Restaurant boasts a rich history with an equally esteemed menu. They have great seafood delights. Grab a Seafood Platter Extra Extra, including crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, shrimp, oysters, and catfish. 401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net

New Orleans Creole Cookery offers daring New Orleans-style food, including the acclaimed gator bites. Try the Taste of New Orleans: jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, shrimp Creole, and red beans

and rice. 510 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Neyow’s Creole Café offers some of the best chargrilled oysters in the city. Their seafood is fresh, and their service is warm and inviting. On Fridays, they offer BBQ shrimp with potatoes and vegetables. 3332 Bienville St., (504) 8275474, neworleans.neyows.com

Neyow’s XL is a fine dining experience with steaks and chops that are USDA prime certified. They offer cuts from filet mignon to ribeye. Enjoy their crab dip, paired with Mornay cheese and focaccia crouton. 3336 Bienville St., (504) 5031081, xl.neyows.com

Nice Guys NOLA is a fun Creole restaurant that serves bites with DJ beats. Their brunch menu features their signature SLG dish (shrimp, lobster, and grits). The hot sausage croissant sandwich is also delicious. 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 3022404, niceguysnola.com

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro boasts an extensive wine list, so pair a delicious bottle of wine with a cheese or charcuterie board. Order their pan-seared scallops on pecan rice and a hibiscus gastrique 720 Orleans Ave., (504) 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com

Parkway Bakery and Tavern boasts classic and unique po-boys. If you are with friends, order their Bayou Beast—three feet of French bread loaded with BBQ beef, fried shrimp, alligator sausage, and pepper jack cheese. 538 Hagan Ave., (504) 482-3047, parkwaypoorboys.com

Please-U-Restaurant serves all-day breakfast,

NOW OPEN

All your brunch favorites with a worldly New Orleans influence.

1901 SOPHIE B WRIGHT PL NEW ORLEANS, LA

delicious hot plates, and Greek specialties with gyro and feta. Stop by and order the Gulf shrimp omelet. If you are craving lunch instead, order their hot roast beef plate. 1751 St. Charles Ave., (504) 525-9131, pleaseunola. com

Short Stop Poboys is a poboy wonderland. Their signature roast beef po-boy comes fully dressed with dipping gravy, served hot or cold. Also try their soft crab and hot sausage patties po-boys. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com

SEAFOOD

Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop

Bon Temps Boulet’s Seafood offers delicious boiled seafood, po-boys, and so much more. Pounds of crawfish, shrimp, blue crab, and Dungeness crab are available. Add classics including potatoes, corn, and sausages. 4701 Airline Dr., Metairie, (504) 885-5003, bontempsboulets.com

Briquette offers a display showcasing fish such as branzino and Louisiana redfish cooked over briquettes. Order from a diverse wine list and enjoy dishes including their caramelized sea scallops with fried goat cheese grits. 701 S. Peters St., (504) 302-7496, briquette-nola.com

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant hosts famed seafood. They originated the beloved charbroiled oyster dish, featuring oysters on the half shell

chargrilled with a blend of garlic, butter, cheese, and herbs on top. Multiple Locations, dragosrestaurant. com

Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox is home to the $3 lunch beer special and an acclaimed happy hour. Try their loaded pimento cheese with bacon and onion jam or the mouth-watering smoked salmon dip and crab cake sliders. 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651, legacykitchen.com

Middendorf’s Restaurant, home of the original thin fried catfish, specializes in amazing seafood platters. When you are ready to go visit, start with the crawfish poppers and barbecued oysters with red BBQ sauce. Multiple Locations, middendorfsrestaurant.com

Seaworthy highlights Gulf oysters and sustainable seafood. Happy hour offers half off oysters and $6 house wines. Dinner features a seafood tower with lobster, crab fingers, oysters, and grilled shrimp. 630 Carondelet St., (504) 930-3071, seaworthynola.com

The Galley Seafood Restaurant is a great place to get delicious boiled seafood while in Metairie. Enjoy a large variety of seafood options like soft shell crab, blackened fish, and different types of seafood po-boys. 2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie, (504) 832-0955

FOOD NEWS

By Kim Ranjbar

Cornering the market ... Since Kevin Pedeaux, owner of CR Coffee Shops, took over the management of St. Roch Market, he’s been doing things his way. Revamping the market’s image with a more personable, community-oriented vibe, the market re-launched with Slow Nuncio’s meatballs and by the Fete au Fete folks. Just recently, they added Taceaux , the fabulous food truck by Alex and Maribeth del Castillo (fried avocados) and is the Fete au Fete folks, Karen Carlsen and Micah Martello, shuckin’ and servin’ so much more than juicy Gulf oysters. Think crabmeat au

... Celebrity, award-winning chef Nina Compton and her partner Larry Miller have remade Bywater American Bistro to better fit their beloved nickname. Creating a more casual (yet still sophisticated) vibe in both an aesthetic and epicurean way, the restaurant has . Along with a more “rustic” atmosphere, guests can enjoy new dishes including creamy burrata with marinated tomatoes and sopressata, paddlefish caviar-topped arancini, and Wagyu beef lasagna with fontina fonduta 2900 Chartres St., bywateramericanbistro.com

Do you hear ABBA? ... NOCHI graduate and prevailer extraordinaire Martha Gilreath has bricked and mortared her king cake pop-up into Nolita Bakery. The brilliant bakester, who was cheffing at the Chicory House in the Garden District, has taken over the Mahew Bakery space in Bayou St. John and made it her own. In addition to (seasonal) king cakes, bialys, cookies, and baguettes, why not lunch on a smoked tasso and provolone croissant? Take our money. 3201 Orleans Ave., nolita.com

Seems fishy ... Chef Aom Srisuk and her husband/partner Frankie Weinberg, proud purveyors of the popular uptown spot Pomelo, have just launched a downtown iteration of their Thai food dining destination. Located around the corner from the NOPSI hotel on Gravier Street, Good Catch, as the new digs are so aptly named, serves Thai seafood dishes a-go-go, from clay pot glass noodles with Gulf shrimp to fried sea bass with a spicy bird chili sauce, as well as seared scallops in a coconut-creamy green curry. 828 Gravier St., @goodcatchnola

Oi-pa! Vassiliki Ellwood Yiagazis’ pandemic-born pop-up, often found at Pal’s Lounge and Coffee Science, has taken up residence in the Mid-City space that formerly housed butcher/ restaurant Piece of Meat (gone but not forgotten). Smoke & Honey’s menu offers Greek and Israeli “comfort food,” including herbed rice-stuffed grape leaves (dolmades), lamb and chicken gyros loaded with fresh tomatoes and red onion, and a crispy phyllo mashup of boureka and spanikopita topped with sesame seeds. 3301 Bienville St., @smokesmokehoneyhoney

Drinking point ... Though the tiny neighborhood across the river already has a couple of bars, now it’s got one more, but this one is just a little bit different. The first of its kind on either side of the river, Rice Vice is solely a saké bar, with over a dozen sakés on tap. Nashville-based Proper Sake Co. Founder Byron Stithem teamed up with Bryson Aust (Barracuda, Nighthawk Napoletana partner) to offer this 20-seat, Japanese-themed saké haven to people in Algiers

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Bar Guide

Alto (Ace Hotel)

600 Carondelet St. 504-900-1180

Babylon Sports Bar

2917 Harvard Ave., Suite A

504-324-9961

Bar Marilou

544 Carondelet St. 504-814-7711

Boot Scootin’ Rodeo

522 Bourbon St. 504-552-2510

Bourbon “O” Bar

730 Bourbon St. 504-523-2222

Buffa’s

1001 Esplanade Ave. 504-949-0038

Club 38

4132 Peters Rd. 504-366-7711

Crescent City Brewhouse

527 Decatur St. 504-522-0571

Evangeline 329 Decatur St.  504-373-4852

Fillmore New Orleans

6 Canal St.

504-881-1555

High Grace NOLA

733 St. Peter St. 504-218-5649

House of Blues

225 Decatur St. 504-310-4999

Lots a Luck Tavern 203 Homedale St. 504-483-0978

Martine’s Lounge 2347 Metairie Rd. 504-831-8637

Pal’s Lounge 949 N. Rendon St. 504-488-7257

Rosie’s on the Roof

1000 Magazine St. 504-528-1941

Saddle Bar 715 Bienville St. 504-313-1113

Sazerac House 101 Magazine St. 504-910-0100

Stumpy’s Hatchet House 1200 Poydras St., Suite C 504-577-2937.

The Garage 810 Conti St.

The Jimani 141 Chartres St. 504-524-0493

The Metropolitan 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.

504-568-1702

The Vintage 3121 Magazine St. 504-324-7144

Tropical Isle Multiple Locations

504-523-1927

Atop the Ace Hotel, Alto is a chic pool bar with excellent views and cocktails. Stop by for a dip in the pool or for an elevated happy hour with pizzas, paninis, and beer buckets.

Babylon Sports Bar is a homy neighborhood dive bar with endless drinks and entertainment including live music, karaoke night, happy hour, big sports game viewing, and more.

Located inside an old library, Bar Marilou is a French bar bursting with character. Funky furniture and creative cocktails such as the Bungalow Mystery and Little Birds transport you to another world.

Boot Scootin’ Rodeo brings honky-tonk fun to the French Quarter. Square dance on one of the largest oak dancefloors on Bourbon Street and order a 27-oz. mug of spiked sweet tea.

The Bourbon “O” Bar is the perfect French Quarter spot, right on Bourbon Street, offering great live music options every night as well as an excellent menu of fresh cocktails.

Since 1939, Buffa’s has served authentic New Orleans fare, spirits, and live music. Feast on Buffa’s award-winning bratwurst jambalaya. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, with local music Wednesday through Monday.

Club 38 provides VIP treatment upon entry as part of their “Owners Club” to guests and elite members. Gamblers can relax with complimentary food and wine with the bar while in Boomtown Casino.

Enjoy live jazz performances, signature craft brews, and traditional Louisiana bites in the only microbrewery in the French Quarter. Crescent City Brewhouse offers courtyard and balcony dining.

Evangeline specializes in Cajun cuisine including fried alligator. They have craft beers by local breweries and fantastic cocktails, and their outdoor courtyard is the perfect place to sit back and relax.

The Fillmore is a 22,000 square foot space above Harrah’s Casino. The area hosts artists from all over the world, full-service productions, customizable menus, and creative cocktail packages.

High Grace NOLA is an upscale dive bar located in the heart of the French Quarter. The bar is open 24/7 and stocked with beers, wines, and seltzers. You can even enjoy beer/cocktail towers.

The House of Blues is a great hangout spot that hosts a variety of live music. The bar is rock and blues-themed and serves up delicious Southern dishes such as jambalaya and po-boys.

Lots a Luck is a laid-back neighborhood dive bar with bar games galore. They also often have special offers and events such as crawfish boils and trivia nights.

Fiendly service, fun vibes, and, of course, great drinks—there’s always something going on from trivia night to holiday celebrations. Enjoy a Bloody Mary, Irish coffee, and more out on their patio.

Pal’s Lounge is a Mid-City dive bar that has been taken care of by the neighborhood since 2002. Pal’s is perfect for late nights as they stay open until 3 a.m. serving drinks and bites from food trucks.

Located atop the Higgins Hotel, Rosie’s on the Roof offers a full service bar, small bites, and an unmatched view of the city. Elegance meets comfort in this WWII Americana-themed rooftop lounge.

Saddle Bar is a country bar that has two stories, premium whiskies, a dance floor, and much more. Instead of a mechanical bull, guests can take a ride on Ride Randy, the biggest "cock" in NOLA.

The Sazerac House is the quintessential place to experience one of New Orleans’ most famous cocktails—the Sazerac. This museum offers tours that educate guests about the cocktail’s history.

Stumpy’s is not your average bar. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends, family, or to go out for a date and enjoy taking part in a unique activity—hatchet throwing.

Located just steps off Bourbon Street, the Garage has live music, food, a funky atmosphere, and a dance floor. Play a game of shuffleboard or pool or show off your best dance moves.

The Jimani is a great late-night spot for food, drinks, and hanging out during a big sports event. In addition to many different beers, the kitchen is open till 4 a.m.

The Metro is the spot for premier nightlife in New Orleans. This two-story nightclub offers great DJ performances, multiple bars, and convenient VIP service. Escape the stress of reality and dance the night away.

Indulge in the best of New Orleans’ bubbles and bites at The Vintage with a menu of gourmet beignets, bar bites, coffee, wine, and signature cocktails, Try a mix of sips with a Bitter Good Morning, a boozy cold brew, or Espresso Yourself.

Tropical Isle is a bar chain beloved by locals and tourists alike. They have a fun atmosphere and great music, but their drinks are incredible too. Try a famous Hand Grenade or a Shark Attack.

ACTION!

We are currently the fourth largest filming destination in the country, and our record is 27 major projects shooting at once. We’ve had some ups and downs with catastrophes including named storms and temporarily losing our tax credit incentive legislation, but, most recently, our film community (and the thousands of jobs it protects) faced a new challenge with the back-toback strikes from both the writers (WGA) and actors (SAG-AFTRA) unions.

Going into the details of the strikes would be a lot, but the bullet points are that actors and writers were fighting for:

• better wages

• higher residuals from straight-to-streaming platforms

• to protect their intellectual property and faces against AI duplication

• among other things

These strikes lasted roughly seven months and brought work to a grinding halt in that time.

Our crews, for whom this is a lifestyle and not a job, suddenly and without warning found themselves adjusting from working 75+ hour weeks with steady paychecks to scrambling to wrangle gig economy work. Gina Granger Guirreri, a production office coordinator, found herself, like many others, driving for DoorDash and Uber Eats, making resin art, and becoming creative in trading Zumba lessons for her kid’s daycare. Mike Nami, a rigging grip, started a handyman company, Nami Does It. Our extremely skilled and unionized workers suddenly were becoming trivia hosts, babysitters, bartenders, and bartering their skills. Workers who had very lucrative careers where they were the breadwinners for entire families were suddenly having to ask their families for handouts.

Many individuals who work in film have also established their own LLCs, such as Stephen Noell, a prop master who has a props business called Noell, LLC. Film is such a unique and fastpaced industry (often needing multiple options to appear in minutes) that many have started their own businesses to keep their gear in stock locally. This benefits them during the year with extra revenue and quicker sourcing but became a double whammy for many because they lost their job, as well as their business income, yet still had to pay for expensive warehouses.

In this industry, during this time, everyone wanted their story heard. They wanted the public to know what they had gone through this past year. Most importantly, they wanted to be assured they would have future work. Many of them didn’t have a single prospect lined up and were panicking, with veterans stating they hadn’t seen it this bad in their 30 year careers.

Although this seems bleak on top of an already dark year, there’s light at the end of the tunnel, according to Simonette Berry, business agent for IATSE Local 478, one of the largest unions in the area representing film crews. She says the reasons for the slow trickle “back-in” to work for projects are numerous. For starters, all of the projects want to come back at once, so they’re having to negotiate harder for the actors they need, with all projects vying for the same talent and all of them on a limited budget after hemorrhaging funds during the strike. Additionally, it was April and May when shows stopped shooting unexpectedly and without

The City's Film Industry in the Aftermath of the WGA/SAG-Aftra Strikes

By Rebecca Fox

New Orleans has always been popular as a location choice for movies and TV because it’s hard to replicate our magic on a soundstage. Our film business has been exponentially expanding over the last 20 years.

a plan, so matching our dreary winter exteriors to spring trees and flowers from earlier shot footage is proving difficult. Shooting during Mardi Gras can also provide additional challenges.

Berry says we have many shows shooting now or planning to film in the next couple of weeks and months, including reshoots for Carry On, Faces of Death, and new seasons for Mayfair Witches, Leverage Redemption, and The Corps/Pink Marine, among others, with many huge features currently “shopping” to take their projects here. According to a separate source, Spinal Tap 2 will also be making its way to the Big Easy soon, a project that’s been in the works for quite some time.

Berry wants to remind studios that we have trained crews that live in New Orleans, over 15 deep and counting, and all of those people are ready to go back to work. IATSE 478 has 1,900 members, and there are additional members in IATSE 161 (Production Office), 798 (Hair and Makeup), 600 (Camera), and the Teamsters (Drivers) unions all ready to go back as well. This doesn’t even count non-union covered crafts like production assistants or background actors, for example. The impact is felt not only in lost wages but also in terms of how our local businesses are supported, with film projects spending astronomical amounts on meals and supplies locally (over 1 billion has been spent in the state).

If you’d like to help, there are a few things you can do. For starters, look for the Louisiana Entertainment logo at the end of your favorite projects and make sure to visit theaters or stream these shows legally. If you’d like to donate, you can donate to the Entertainment Community Fund, which was instrumental in helping support crew members during the strikes. You can also share FilmLouisiana.com on your social media to get the word out that we have five-year tax incentives renewed through 2031 (and the five years are still good even if the project starts filming in 2030), as well as to see figures of just how much film impacts our community. If you need something sewed, wired, built, baked, or constructed, please consider going to a group or page such as Behind the Scenes LLC on Facebook to find film brothers and sisters who are still out of work and looking to use their exceptional talents to earn income. The bottom line of the script is, we cannot wait to go back to set and get the ball “rolling.”

"Mayfair Witches" back in business

SAG-AFTRA picket line FROM

FILM REVIEWS One Life

Director James Hawes’ moving new film One Life tells the story of Sir Nicholas Winton, a British stockbroker who helped hundreds of Jewish children escape Prague when the Nazis were about to take over in the months leading up to World War II.

Winton (played by Anthony Hopkins as an old man and Johnny Flynn as a young one) is a stockbroker who goes to Prague to volunteer for humanitarian aid. While there, he notices the plight of the many Jewish refugees in the city, specifically the children. Winton is initially told there is no way to get the children out of Prague en masse, but he soon sets his mind to it, enlisting the aid of his mother (Helena Bonham Carter) to drum up support back home.

To One Life’s great credit, the film manages to make bureaucratic struggles seem compelling. While there is a sense of danger to what Winton is doing and the children are facing, much of the PG-rated

The American Society of Magical Negroes

The American Society of Magical Negroes is a satire on the role some Black characters in movies are portrayed. A “Magical Negro” is a supporting Black character in a film who selflessly helps a white main character realize his or her goals. Michael Clarke Duncan was a

By David Vicari & Fritz Esker

film’s conflict stems from Winton’s dogged efforts to overcome mountains of paperwork and government officials who are initially reluctant to be bothered.

The 86-year-old Hopkins proves he still has formidable acting chops, and he is matched by Flynn as his younger self. The finale of the movie is no secret to anyone who googles Winton’s story, but it is still likely to provoke tears in many audience members.

There hasn’t been a strong marketing push surrounding One Life, but it’s a movie that is well worth seeing.

– Fritz Esker

(David Alan Grier), who introduces the young man into a secret society of Black people who, through positive persuasion and some actual magical powers, help white people feel more comfortable in the world.

Aren’s first major assignment is to help the white and depressed Jason (Drew Tarver), who works for an online social network called Meetbox. Aren gets a job there and falls for co-worker Lizzie (An-Li Bogan, who is the spitting image of Phoebe Cates). Complications ensue when Jason wants Lizzie romantically, and if Aren doesn’t give her up, the Magical Society could become extinct.

“Magical Negro” in The Green Mile (1999) and Will Smith was one in The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000), just to name a few. It’s a trope that shows Black people as a caricature, not a character.

Here in The American Society of Magical Negroes, Justice Smith (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves) plays a young African American man named Aren, who is a starving artist. After a disastrous art show, Aren meets mysterious bartender Roger

The movie is written, produced, and directed by Kobi Libii in his directorial debut, which he developed at the Sundance Screenwriters and Directors Lab. Magical Negroes has a very funny premise, and there are some inventive moments and chuckles here and there, and Smith’s lead performance is very good, but Libii never seems to go for the throat with this satire.

Now the movie is pleasant as a romantic comedy, and there is a twist on that at the very end. But it is not as edgy or harsh as satirical comedies dealing with race relations used to be, such as Putney Swope (1969) –David Vicari

By Debbie Lindsey

You might think that my thoughts and musings of mortality are due to my age. There is some truth to that, but, for the moment, let me tell you I have always found death to be unacceptable. Yes, that’s right. It is not merely frightening, but, rather, something I have never felt acceptance towards. As a child, I would envision Heaven as this place with pretty clouds and tons of ice cream (food always got my attention). However, it was simply “not here.” I had no interest in that “hereafter” place (even with the ice cream). I was quite happy with “here.” Heaven appeared to be unfamiliar and, frankly, seemed boring—even sad. I just knew I would be up there missing my family, my dog, and everything.

of-mind—a positive attitude to embrace. However, when I hit 60 a while back, I came to see my life and my lofty goal of 120 much like I do vacations.

“Do not go gentle into that good night.”

–Dylan Thomas

Let’s say my wonderful vacation is eight days long. Now on day four at the half-way mark, I know that the next four days are gonna be fabulous. Yet, there is a slight feeling of “darn, the vacation is half over, and I don’t want it to end. ” Silly, yes, but once ya think it, it kinda stays with you. Well 60 was a fine age to turn, and I had already convinced myself that I had 60 more, but that Negative Nellie that resides inside me just had to start looking at the clock and the ticking got just a wee bit louder.

As I grew older, I came to really question (rebel against) all the religious teachings and doctrines the Catholic Church gave me. Now, I am not picking on the Church in particular. I simply have issues with the whole Heaven and Hell thing. And, as said already, even when I gave credence to Heaven as a destination, I just wasn’t on board. Oh, I have no interest in Hell either and fancy myself a decent enough person to be able to detour that place altogether, but the whole notion of “He’s with his maker now / She’s gone home / They are in a better place now” just bugs me. Why can’t I just stay here?

There are times I envy most peoples’ trust that there is something really cool waiting for them after their funeral. And while I cannot understand how they get comfort from this belief, I know that they do. I respect that. Am I an atheist? More than not, but I don’t pretend to know what really is “out there.” I suspect I will not know until my untimely demise. I generally say that I am most inclined to believe in ghosts and am very open to the whole reincarnation thing. And I also certainly feel that there is power around us—some good, some downright evil. Perhaps these conflicting forces of goodness and malevolence are actually Heaven and Hell, God and the Devil. And these elements are here on Earth, and, frankly, I don’t need to die to visit more of either. So what is so compelling for me to want to go gently into the night?

“Why so friggin’ maudlin? What’s gotcha so obsessed with mortality?” you may ask. Well, first off, I set myself up for obsession with the ticking clock of time. I decided the age of 120 would be my goal long ago. That gave me tons of time to put my departure on the shelf. I guess I said it as a defiant joke initially, but, after a while, it kinda sunk in as fact. Longevity was/is my state-

Okay, forget my biological inner clock. Forget my age, please. I know I am not alone in feeling like Death is lurking: cancer everywhere, freak accidents, and guns. I have been to too many funerals for young people murdered by guns. You know that saying “felt like someone walked over my grave?” Well, lately, it feels like there is a second line stomping across my grave. It’s hard not to have someone’s death hit home. “Too close to home,” we often say.

I swear I am developing PTSD towards my phone. When it rings, I find I tense up with the anticipation of bad news—not always a life and death conversation— sometimes just one more bit of stress strewed over the phone lines. But I must remind myself, and others, that the bill collector or even a friend calling in need of some companionship, even if you are not feeling very social at that moment, is a blessing compared to, “Hello, this is the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office.” That Saturday call last summer was one of my saddest days ever, and goodness knows my friend who died that day would gladly accept the fears of life’s transience just to be alive. And there you have it—life is nothing if not for the lessons learned.

I am not a very good student, and the aforementioned lesson will not be a perfect salve for my fears and disdain for the inevitable. Yet, allowing myself to be paralyzed with angst and wasting the years ahead is the ultimate vandalization of life. Time for me to slap some sense into myself; as Loretta says to Ronny (Moonstruck), “Snap out of it.” So here’s to everyone: Regardless of your beliefs, or lack of, in the hereafter, please cherish every day here. When the heebie-jeebies start to get to you, then get out of yourself and visit a friend or volunteer some help to those without the luxury to self-pity themselves like I know I do all too often. Find that little bit of Heaven on Earth. Live it up.

Once upon a time, there was a little prince who lived on a planet hardly any bigger than he was and who needed a friend.” The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery is called a wise and enchanting fable. If the book doesn’t inspire you, then I believe that there is no hope for you.

The book starts with a pilot that has crash-landed in the desert with little or no help available and out of seemingly nowhere comes a small visitor (picture David Bowie at 11 years of age). The boy is called a “little prince,” but as he is the only inhabitant of his planet (which is no bigger than a house), he has no competition. Little Prince is only what he is called by the pilot and the book, and that’s good enough for me (and should be for you).

The boy has traveled far and wide and has had experiences on other small planets with a series of archetypical adult figures that, when taken objectively, resemble many adults (grown-ups) around you now. The little guy asks the pilot to draw him a particular picture and the adventures, lessons, and wisdom begins. It is a classic example of “from the mouths of babes.”

In other words, it’s life in its simplest form. When life is seen in its simplest form, happiness is within reach but also is heartbreak. Life is usually seen in its simplest form when someone has nothing left to lose.

My veterinarian, 10 years ago, found a newborn kitten on a rainy Moss Street

PO-BOY VIEWS

By Phil LaMancusa

Requiem or Universality

roadway, nursed it to life, and we got the pleasure of sharing our lives with it. Debbie named him Opie because he looked like Ron Howard. His colors were what are called butterscotch. He grew with an appetite and a gentle lovingness that was unsurpassed. Before his illness, he weighed about 20 pounds.

“It’s only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. All grown-ups were once children… but only few of them remember it.”

—Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

The Little Prince teaches us that if we look with our hearts, loving a person, place, or thing makes it ours. Although there may be many persons, places, and things seemingly alike to others, that cannot take away that that is not the one that we love.

“We” in loving the ones we love, make that “one” special and ours alone. One rose out of a thousand, if it is our rose is, in its uniqueness, the only rose we truly can love with all of our being. All roses are beautiful, but “our” rose will outshine them all. So, too, it is with a star that we choose, a piece of music, work of art,

lover, and/or a cat.

When we experience this sensibility, we become like children who love with all their hearts and all that they love, without reason, regret, or condition, becomes significant and personal.

Opie was diagnosed with an incurable cancer, and instead of subjecting him to the discomfort of debilitating procedures and medicines, we had chosen to bring him home and spoil him and love on him until it was time for him to, as they say, cross that Rainbow Bridge. His tumor had grown too large for him to function normally, having grown to a 26inch stomach circumference, and he was fading. We took him back to the clinic to begin his next life’s journey; his time here is at an end, and the quality of life we promised for him had become no longer an option.

We feel that it is only fitting for our vet who brought him into this world to be the person that takes him out. I would say

that we are heartbroken, but heartbroken is too mild a term for how we feel. Once again, the Bureau of Happy Endings is not answering our calls or wishes.

You know the drill. Every day there is an inhumanity against loved ones, yours or someone else’s. You put your faith in a higher being to guide and assist you and to offer succor and support. As it turns out, this higher being has plans of its own, and you may say that this higher being is “moving in mysterious ways.” I beg to differ. I don’t think the mother f*cker cares a whit.

I’ve had friends, lovers, family, and critters that I’ve loved cross that frickin’ “Rainbow Bridge” without knowledge or consent for this “Mysterious Way,” and I call foul. I believe in the teaching that all religions that tell us to treat others as we would be treated. I take exception to the teachings that have the caveat that it means “everyone, except those that are not like us.”

Opie rallied, and we took him in praying for a reprieve that did not come. I watched the light fade from his bright eyes and heard Dr. Nicole Larroque tell me that his heart had stopped.

Doc told us that the first shot took Opie’s spirit out of his body and that the second shot (once his body had relaxed) took his body away from him. That means, to me, that Opie’s spirit is still out there and will find itself back to us.

Call me what you will, but if you should one day spy a little butterscotch asking for directions, please send him home. He’s my good friend, and I miss him so very, very much.

BROOKE LAIZER

AMY RUSSO LBJ

WHERE Y'BEEN

FOOD FIGHT

OUT & ABOUT WITH

IRISH CHANNEL PARADE

CHEF JAS OPENING AT ACE HOTEL

WIENER DOG RACES AT THE FAIR GROUNDS