Latest Issue: September 2023–25th Anniversary

Happy birthday to us. Enjoy this 25th Anniversary issue of Where Y’at Magazine. Please join us at Generations Hall on September 1st as we celebrate with a party that features burlesque, a Hemline fashion show, music, and no cover charge.

Emily Hingle spends time speaking with yours truly about some of Where Y’at ’s trials and tribulations, while Greg Roques examines the media timeline of the past 25 years with relation to print, digital, and more. Speaking of burlesque, don’t miss our chat with cover artist Trixie Minx. And Cynthea Corfah examines the various styles of burlesque that can be found around town.

This issue also previews the upcoming LSU and Tulane football seasons. Andrew Alexander shares his thoughts as to whether LSU can compete for the National Title as well as whether Tulane can stay in the Top 25.

September 2023 YEARS

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig

Creative Director: Robert Witkowski

Executive Editor: Reine Dugas

Copy Editor: Donald Rickert

Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker

Contributing Writers: Kathy Bradshaw, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Burke Bischoff, Julie Mitchell, Greg Roques, Sabrina Stone, Kimmie Tubre, Emily Hingle, Camille Barnett, Celeste Turner, Rowan Roudebush, Dean Shapiro, Jeff Boudreaux

Cover: Trixie Minx by Romney Caruso

Director of Sales: Jim Sylve

Photographers and Designers: Gus Escanelle, Kim Ranjbar, Emily Hingle, Kathy Bradshaw, Morgan Spizale, Abigail Schmidt, Robert Witkowski

Interns: Abigail Schmidt, Morgan Spizale, Janie Bickerton, Kaitlin Lowe, Trinity Brown, Ashley Damron

Subscribe: Receive 1 year (14 issues) for $30 and get a FREE Where Y’at phone credit card holder. Subscribe today at WhereYat.com.

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BOUNDLESS BURLESQUE

By Cynthea Corfah

Burlesque shows are like snowflakes. No two burlesque performances are the same.

Since the art of burlesque first originated in the 1800s, it has been playful, witty, and seductive. The word burlesque comes from the Italian word burlesco, meaning a dramatic or musical act intended to cause laughter. American burlesque became well known for its added elements of strip tease and eroticism.

Today in New Orleans, burlesque is more unique than ever before. Locals can experience burlesque at various venues in a wide variety of styles. Ways to experience the art of burlesque include brunches, classic burlesque events, scary “gorelesque” pieces, variety shows, and “Burlesque Bingo,” just to name a few.

“There's different styles of burlesque,” burlesque performer and producer Lefty Lucy says. “Classic is the real showgirl stuff—the shiny, stunning costumes with a self-possessed bump ‘n’ grind. Neoburlesque defines the rest of what we do broadly, but within that there's nerdlesque (pop culture related), boylesque (burlesque with boys), gorelesque (spooky stripping), etc. Then, there's the gimmicks, which is really just a

experiences in New Orleans

diminutive word to describe special skills. There's really sexy burlesque, really funny burlesque, and burlesque that will make you cry.” With all of the different burlesque shows happening in New Orleans, it can be challenging to know which show is right for you. Here’s a breakdown of some of the different types of burlesque performances you can see around town.

CLASSIC BURLESQUE

Sit back, relax, and let your senses be stimulated with classic-style burlesque. Classic burlesque performers typically dress in glamorous, form-fitting outfits and are adorned with accessories like long gloves, larger-than-life feather headpieces, fishnet stockings, and sparkling jewelry. The artists could perform to jazzy music being played by a live band or a smooth and sensual song on the performer’s set list. Traditional burlesque dancers will remove one item of clothing at a time, eventually revealing decorative undergarments or another outfit. Where to watch: The Allways Lounge and Cabaret, Royal Sonesta Hotel, The Saint Hotel

A look at different types of burlesque

PREPARE TO MAKE A LEGEND MICHELADA MIX OFF

Grand prize will be a weekend getaway for 2 at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, MS.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SEMI-FINALISTS

NEO-BURLESQUE

There is room for everyone in neo-burlesque, an expansive and inclusive subgenre of burlesque. Neo-burlesque, also known as new burlesque, is a contemporary form of burlesque where there are no rules. Neo-burlesque performers balance the art of strip tease with modern influences such as dancing to today’s hit songs, integrating pop culture into their costumes and highlighting current events during their performances. Most of the burlesque shows around New Orleans today fall under this category. Where to watch: The Joy Theater, The Allways Lounge and Cabaret, Dream House Lounge, House of Blues, Toulouse Theater, Hotel Saint Vincent, The Howlin’ Wolf

NERDLESQUE

Self-identified geeks, nerds, and dorks, welcome to your safe space. Nerdlesque is a subgenre of burlesque that celebrates pop culture, fan fiction, cosplay, and interactive theater. Nerdlesque performers let their imaginations go wild and wear adventurous costumes that pay homage to characters from anime series, video games, fantasy books, and hit TV shows. Think characters like Mario from Super Mario, Neytiri from Avatar, and the doctor from Doctor Who Where to watch: The Allways Lounge and Cabaret

GORELESQUE

Do you love horror films, haunted houses, or spooky books? This might be the burlesque genre for you. Gorlesque performances typically involve performance art featuring fake blood, gory scenes, and horror elements. These types of shows may include performers wearing gothic clothing or costumes of characters from scary movies. You never know what you might see at a gorlesque show. Some local performances include acts of the performer pretending to stab another performer with a fake bloody knife. Prepare to be scared and a little bit seduced. Where to watch: The Allways Lounge and Cabaret

BURLESQUE BRUNCH

Food and burlesque? What more could you ask for to start your day? At burlesque brunches, customers can enjoy a tasty meal while burlesque performers walk around the room, interact with the audience members, and perform to live or recorded music. Burlesque brunches are similar to drag brunches but with a little striptease and (sometimes) less lip syncing, splits, and flips. Where to watch: Commons Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans

BOYLESQUE

Burlesque isn’t just for women. Men can take the stage at burlesque performances too. Boylesque is burlesque featuring male performers. It can look different for each performance. Some boylesque performers like to dress feminine and in traditional burlesque attire, while other performers put a spin on it and blend masculine and feminine style. Some boylesque performers may wear tassels, elbow-length gloves, makeup and eyelashes, while others may wear a suit, tie, and a top hat. Where to watch: The Allways Lounge and Cabaret, Oz New Orleans

COMICAL BURLESQUE

Laughter is a huge part of the burlesque experience. While most burlesque shows have a little humor, others really prioritize comedy. Comical burlesque shows are fun environments for audience members to laugh, and be entertained by the performers while also getting to see some striptease. For these types of experiences, audience members should expect to get involved with the performance and let loose.

“My show, Burlesque Bingo, is a really pleasant entry point for a new burlesque audience,” Lefty Lucy says. “My background is in theater and comedy. There's a game show energy which helps break the tension a lot of folks have from existing in the world within a human body. Plus, I only remove one item per round, so if you're happy just seeing something small come off, you can leave after one round, and if you want to see the tassels twirl, you can stay and play until the end.” Where to watch: The Allways Lounge and Cabaret, Jinx Bar and Grill

game day kickoff

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THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST OF THE BIG EASY 2023!

Tease THE ART OF THE

Trixie Minx Goes Mainstream PUB TRIVIA ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS!

Minx explains the classes, “In the workshops, we hold your hand and guide you from wherever you’re starting to the final performance. The open division classes are drop-in, every other Monday. Then there are party classes, where people can bring a group. Classes and workshops are open to everyone—every gender, age, and experience level is welcome. Burlesque is the art of the tease—going down to pasties and a thong or just taking off a glove. Everyone can interpret burlesque however

says, “One of the things we wanted was

She would love for more people to experience burlesque. Minx says, “When you remove garments and perform for a crowd, cheering and supporting you showcasing who you really are, it’s this give and get. You give yourself to the audience, and they give energy to you. It creates a health positivity celebrating the human form—bodies are good.” For Minx, “New Orleans’ burlesque is different because we have a unique magic here, and everyone works together. There’s a lot more camaraderie than elsewhere and we have such a rich burlesque history. Plus, it’s too hot— you have to take your clothes off

LSU: Can Brian Kelly & LSU Build Off Last Year’s Success?

By Andrew Alexander

THE NEXT STEP

Brian Kelly kicked down the doors of the Southeastern Conference in his first year at LSU, leading the Tigers to a 10-4 season, with a win over Alabama and a berth in the SEC Championship.

Last season, the Tigers suffered some heartbreaking losses (Florida State) and some embarrassing defeats (Tennessee and Texas A&M), but in one season, Kelly has seemingly reversed the trajectory of this program, re-instilling a winning mindset and culture.

Kelly rebuilt the team’s roster with an infusion of talented transfers and freshmen last year, and now the question on every Tiger fan’s mind is: What can Kelly do for an encore in year two?

OFFENSE: SEASONED VETS

For the first time since Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow departed, the Tigers have a trusted incumbent signal caller under center in senior Jayden Daniels. The former Arizona State transfer was electric in his first season in Baton Rouge, throwing for over 2,900 yards and 17 touchdowns to just three interceptions, while also leading the team in rushing (885 yards, 11 touchdowns). Redshirt sophomore Garrett Nussmeier is waiting in the wings as Daniels’ presumed backup.

While Daniels showed the ability to take over games last season, extending plays with his impressive rushing skills, the hope would be for the running back corps to shoulder more of the load this season. The Tigers have several veteran backs returning, including graduate student Josh Williams (532 yards in 2022), senior Noah Cain (10 touchdowns), the ultimate-upside guys in John Emery and Armoni Goodwin, and Notre Dame transfer Logan Diggs.

LSU also boasts a veteran group of wide receivers, with the talented junior Malik Nabers leading the charge. Nabers led the Tigers with over 1,000 receiving yards last year. He’s joined by fellow upperclassmen Brian Thomas Jr. (five touchdowns in ‘22) and Kyren Lacy, and Alabama redshirt-freshman transfer Aaron Anderson. Sophomore Mason Taylor returns at tight end (you may remember him as the freshman who caught the game-winning two-point conversion against Alabama).

Anchored by rising sophomore tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr., LSU’s offensive line will be a fearsome unit this season. The Tigers return a lot of experience to protect Daniels and open plenty of holes for the stable of running backs.

DEFENSE: THE MAASON & HAROLD SHOW

LSU’s defense was all right, but it was not championship caliber last season, which can happen when the unit’s best player gets injured in the first quarter of the season opener. However, talented third-year defensive tackle Maason Smith is back this season, ready to spearhead a defensive front seven with last year’s breakout defensive star, linebacker Harold Perkins Jr.

As a freshman, Perkins led the defense in sacks (7.5), tackles for loss (13), and quarterback hurries (14). In addition to returning defensive linemen Mekhi Wingo, Jacobian Guillory, and Sai’vion Jones, Smith, and Perkins will be joined by a bevy of impact transfers, including linebacker Omar Speights (Oregon State), defensive linemen Ovie Oghoufo (Texas), Bradyn Swinson (Oregon), Paris Shand (Arizona,) and Jordan Jefferson (not the former Tiger QB, West Virginia).

The Tigers once again hit the transfer portal to bolster the secondary. Former highly-touted cornerback recruit Denver Harris (Texas A&M), Zy Alexander (Southeastern), JK Johnson (Ohio State) and Duce Chestnut (Syracuse) join returners Laterrance Welch, Major Burns, Greg Brooks Jr., and Sage Ryan in LSU’s new-look defensive backfield.

The LSU defense may not all be SEC veterans, but there is a lot of experience and talent for Kelly to field one of the conference’s top units.

PREDICTION

The only problem with exceeding expectations in your first year as a coach is the bar gets raised even higher for your second season. Yet Kelly welcomes the expectations and even promotes them within his locker room. His first year proved he could quickly change the culture of the program, setting a strong foundation for future success. Year two of the Kelly era will test the Tigers early, with LSU opening against Florida State in Orlando in a potential Top-10 matchup. Four of LSU’s first six games are away from Death Valley, and they have a date in Tuscaloosa with Alabama in early November. There’s a world where the Tigers have a better regular season record, yet don’t win the SEC West again.

The past year, a pair of second-year LSU coaches have led their teams to national championships in women’s basketball and baseball. Can Kelly continue that successful sophomore season streak?

LSU: 11-2, New Year’s Six bowl win.

TITLE DEFENSE Tulane’s Quest to Repeat as AAC Champions!

By Andrew Alexander

Last season will be remembered as an alltimer for Tulane Football. In his seventh season at the helm of the program, coach Willie Fritz led the Green Wave to a 12-2 record, an American Athletic Conference championship, and a thrilling 46-45 victory over Southern California in the Cotton Bowl. It was truly a dream season for Tulane, and last season could be the start of a successful trend for Fritz’s squad.

The departure of conference heavyweights Cincinnati, Houston, and Central Florida to the Big 12 this season leaves the Green Wave in prime position to defend their conference title, and perhaps return to a New Year’s Six Bowl.

OFFENSE

For the fourth year in a row, the Green Wave have a new offensive coordinator, with tight ends coach Slade Nagle being promoted to the role. The good news for Nagle is that he has veteran quarterback Michael Pratt under center.

Last season, Michael Pratt reached the level of production many expected in his 2021 sophomore campaign. Pratt improved in nearly every major statistical category from his sophomore year, passing for over 3,000 yards, 27 touchdowns, completing 63.6% of his passes, with only five interceptions. He also finished as Tulane’s second leading rusher, with 478 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Pratt was surrounded by several nowdeparted playmakers, but most of his offensive line returns, anchored by center Sincere Haynesworth, guard Prince Pines, and LSU-transfer tackle Cameron Wire.

Jha’Quan Jackson and Lawrence Keys III are the most productive returning receivers, with a combined 850 yards, 63 catches and five touchdowns last season. They’ll be joined by transfers Yulkeith Brown (Texas A&M) and Dontae Fleming (Louisiana).

Shaadie Clayton-Johnson and Iverson Celestine will be called upon to fill the massive hole left by star running back Tyjae Spears.

DEFENSE

Tulane’s defense has a new man in charge, with the hiring of former Troy defensive coordinator Shiel Wood. Under Wood, the Trojans’ defense ranked eighth in the FBS in scoring defense and turnovers (forcing 27) and in the top 25 in yards allowed, rushing defense, and passing efficiency defense.

Wood inherits a defense that lost its top five tacklers from last season but still has some solid pieces sprinkled throughout the unit. Cornerback Jarius Monroe returns after leading the secondary with three interceptions and eight pass break ups. Tulane loaded up on defensive backs in the transfer portal— the most notable being Louisiana safety, Kam Pedescleaux.

In the front seven, edge rusher Darius Hodges had a team leading five sacks last season to go along with eight tackles for loss. Keith Cooper and Angelo Anderson will be counted on to bring pressure from the opposite side. Patrick Jenkins and Adonis Friloux will anchor the interior of the defensive line. After losing a lot of production in the linebacker group, Jesus Machado, Corey Platt, and Louisiana Tech-transfer Tyler Grubbs look to fill the void this year.

PREDICTION

Tulane may not reach the mountaintop heights from last season, but the path to a second straight AAC crown is attainable facing a depleted conference slate. The toughest games on the schedule (Ole Miss and UTSA) are at home, the Green Wave have the best quarterback in the conference, and the program is dripping with confidence after last season’s success. The question remains, how will Fritz’s team respond after transforming from conference underdog to favorite?

Tulane: 10-3, Birmingham Bowl.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 SOUTH ALABAMA

7 PM, ESPN U

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 OLE MISS

2:30 PM, ESPN 2

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 @ SOUTHERN MISS 3 PM, ESPN+

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 NICHOLLS STATE

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30

TULANE 2023 SEASON SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 BYE WEEK

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 TULSA

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 @ UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS

6 PM, ESPN

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 NORTH TEXAS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 @ FLORIDA ATLANTIC TBD

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 @ UTSA

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 @ RICE

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 @ EAST CAROLINA

is a

DECADENCE DRAG

Magic & Mystery of Big Easy Drag Shows

By Rowan Roudebush

The five-day event fills French Quarter venues with costumes and partying with performers and patrons ready to watch the gender binary dissolve into a spectacle of music, comedy, dance, and debauchery.

The New Orleans’ drag community amazes visitors and locals year-round, but the first week of September is unlike any other time in New Orleans’ cabarets. The abundance of gigs gives performers more creative freedom and makes room for new queens. Jahireen, better known as Qween Quan in their burlesque and drag performances, first got their start as a drag queen during Southern Decadence in 2019.

“I'm a Decadence queen. My first show ever was a Decadence show. I feel like that has rolled over into what I do, and how I got into being a burlesque performer because I've carried this sensuality and sexuality with me.

I convey that in my numbers and my overall character as a performer,” Jahireen said. “Treating Decadence as a second pride or a true pride is really everybody's goal. Pride Month is cool, but it's more a family and company thing. At Decadence, we get to be really wild and expressive.”

Zalia Beville, the owner of the Allways Lounge and Cabaret, said everything from live jazz burlesque shows to the Jockstrap Lube Wrestling tournaments, produced by Jahireen, happens during Southern Decadence. Jahireen said this variety is what makes New Orleans drag and burlesque special.

“In other places it needs to be a specific flavor of drag or a specific style of burlesque. Whereas here, there's so many opportunities because we just turn every building into a showroom,” Jahireen said. “We have so much to

offer and so many different styles of performing: sideshows, singing by performance, spoken word—all those things. Everybody can find something to resonate with, and see themselves in our craft.”

In June, Jahireen received a proclamation from the New Orleans City Council for their work as a performer and queer advocate. Jahireen makes sure all bodies are welcome, and their goal is always making people feel seen. “I did a performance recently and there was somebody who came up to me after the show and said, ‘Your second number made me cry because I just really, really felt seen and felt comfortable with what you were doing.’ That's the goal. We want audience members to see themselves in what we do and then see themselves on stage,” Jahireen explained.

These beautiful performances build on a tradition as old and fundamental to New Orleans as jazz. In the early 20th century, a new distinct Black American music first hit ears in the cabarets, dance halls, and brothels of New Orleans’ old red light district, Storyville, where Louis Armstrong grew up.

After 7 p.m. in New Orleans, history comes alive. Queens take the stage in front of live jazz bands, and tell stories with bodies, songs, and props no one can anticipate. Aside from the striking cast of performers home to New Orleans, there is a tangible energy in these lounges that makes the performances so special. As Grammy-nominated musician and sixth-generation Ninth Ward native Stephen Gladney puts it, “You can’t get better than the source.”

“There's many jazz classics that go along with burlesque performances, because they were one in the same,” Gladney stated. “You have those people still here, and you have that culture still going.”

Gladney regularly performs and hosts the Cookout burlesque show every second Sunday. He said performing and improvising alongside burlesque dancers has pushed a different side of his creative expression.

“The beautiful moments happen when dancers are responding to a shimmer of something here, or they're honing into just the groove of the guitar. But it's a shared energetic moment, it's an exchange, and it's very creative,” explained Gladney. “It definitely challenges me to allow myself to be seen, which goes into the queerness aspect and how perfect a platform burlesque is to portray queerness. ”

The community of New Orleans drag and burlesque performers is as strong and deep as its history. Laveau Contraire, an acclaimed drag queen of New Orleans, describes them as sister communities. “There's always opportunities for performers to work together and help each other grow, and that's just on the stage, but then off the stage there's mutual aid. People share resources in ways that you would never expect. Someone had their bag stolen out of one of the bars that we work at, and everybody pitched in to help them pay their bills for the next month, so that they could get back on their feet,” stated Contraire.

Today's performances honor the words of Louis Armstrong’s 1947 Farewell to Storyville, “All you old-time queens from New Orleans, who lived in Storyville. You sang the blues, try to amuse, here's how they pay the bill. The law step-in and call it sin to have a little fun.”

That's Decadence.

Every September, thousands of queer people from across the country flock to New Orleans to celebrate Southern Decadence. It's a time of joy, community, and sexual freedom— and one of the busiest weeks for the New Orleans drag queens and burlesque dancers.

Laveau Contraire

Qween Quan

CULTURAL SEASON New Orleans is in Full Swing

By Dean Shapiro

OPERA

NEW ORLEANS OPERA ASSOCIATION

Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St., (504) 899-1945, neworleansopera.org

The Marriage of Figaro Composer - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

September 29, 7:30 p.m. and October 1, 2:30 p.m.

Blue Composer - Jeanine Tesori

November 10, 7:30 p.m. and November 12, 2:30 p.m.

Soprano Lisette Oropesa in Concert

Conductor – Joseph Colaneri

December 1, 7:30 p.m.

Lucia di Lammermoor

Composer – Gaetano Donizetti

March 22, 7:30 p.m. and March 24, 2:30 p.m.

*All operas are performed at the Mahalia Jackson Theater in Louis Armstrong Park and are accompanied by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. English translations are projected above the stage.

OPERACRÉOLE

(504) 356-3078, operacreole.com

La Fête Créole

September 15-17, 7:00 pm, Marigny Opera House

Le Code Noir

October 15, 4:00 pm, Congo Square

Chevalier and Charlotte a Masked Ball

January 12, 7:00 pm, Marigny Opera House

CLASSICAL MUSIC

As metropolitan New Orleans' new cultural season begins, aficionados of opera, classical music, dance, and live theatre will once again have a multitude of performances to choose from between September 2023 to July 2024.

LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Orpheum Theater, 2533 Columbus St #202, (504)-523-6350, lpomusic.com.

Selected highlights of the upcoming season at the Orpheum:

Beethoven's 5th Symphony

September 14

Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances

October 19

Jurassic Park in Concert

November 18, 2:00 & 7:30 p.m.

Holiday Spectacular

December 2

Classical Christmas: Handel's Messiah

December 14

Rhapsody in Blue

January 13

Birth of a Culture (celebrating Mardi Gras Indians)

January 25

Gustav Holst’s The Planets

March 7

Richard Strauss’ Thus Spake Zarathustra

April 18

*All Orpheum concerts are at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

**Several “Family Concerts” are held at Loyola University’s Roussel Hall and other LPO concerts are performed in Jefferson and St. Tammany parishes. For more information consult the LPO website.

NEW ORLEANS FRIENDS OF MUSIC Dixon Hall, Tulane University, (504)-895-0690, friendsofmusic.org

Danny Driver, Piano

October 2

Modigliani Quartet

November 13

Imani Winds

December 11

Merz Trio

January 23

Le Consort

February 26

Jerusalem Quartet

April 8

*Concerts at 7:30 p.m.

SYMPHONY CHORUS OF NEW ORLEANS (504)525-2111, symphonychorus.org

Miss Tango by Martin Palmeri

October 15

Handel’s Messiah

December 3

Winter Missa Gaia

March 10

Haydn Te Deum, Toward the Unknown Region, Puccini Messa di Gloria

May 9

*For more detailed information go to the website.

CRESCENT CITY CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL (646) 241-0303, crescentcitychambermusicfestival.com

Free Public Concert No. 2

Friday, October 13, 7:30 p.m.

Dixon Concert Hall, Tulane University Newcomb Circle

Free Public Concert No. 3

Sunday, October 15, 5 p.m.

Felicity Church

1220 Felicity St.

Free Public Concert No. 4

Monday, October 16, 7:30 p.m.

St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church

1545 State Street (at St. Charles Ave.)

Free Public Concert No. 5

Wednesday, October 18, 6 p.m.

Urban South Brewery

1645 Tchoupitoulas St.

Free Public Concert No. 6

Friday, October 20, 7:30 p.m.

UNO Performing Arts Center

University of New Orleans Lakefront

Free Public Concert No. 7

Sunday, October 22, 4 p.m.

Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church 3900 St. Charles Ave.

*Most of the concerts are preceded by a 30-minute talk and Q&A session.

MUSICAL ARTS SOCIETY OF NEW ORLEANS

(504)-899-4826, masno.org

October 4

Margaret Place, 6 p.m.

4th Annual Bachtoberfest featuring the

Electric Yat Quartet, pianist André Bohren, and trumpeter Vance Woolf

November 5

Ritz-Carlton, 5 p.m.

Annual Gala NOCTURNE XX featuring pianist

Jonathan Biss

December 2

Le Petit Salon, 6 p.m.

Featuring opera singer Antonio Domino, Jr. (location TBA)

January 11

Orpheum Theater

Elia Cecino (Gold Medalist of the 2022 New Orleans International Piano Competition) performs Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Thomas Wilkins

July 13-20

Loyola University

29th New Orleans International Piano Competition, Piano Institute & Keyboard Festival

DANCE

NEW ORLEANS BALLET ASSOCIATION

935 Gravier St., (504)-522-0996, nobadance. com

Complexions Contemporary Ballet

October 21

Compañía Nacional de Danza

January 20

Les Ballets De Monte Carlo – Swan Lake

March 2

Parsons Dance with the Allen Toussaint Orchestra

April 20

*All performances start at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

MARIGNY OPERA BALLET

Marigny Opera House, 725 St. Ferdinand Street, (504-948-9998), marignyoperahouse.org

Marigny Opera Ballet features nearly all local dancers, choreographers and musicians and specializes in premiering or restaging original work. For information on the 2023-24 season visit the website listed above.

MELANGE DANCE COMPANY

melangedanceofnola.com

Founded in 2014 by Founding Artistic Director, Monica Ordonez and Executive Director, Alexa Erck Lambert, Melange Dance Company “takes pride in presenting unique productions that are rich, diverse and thought provoking.” For more information on their 2023-24 season visit the website listed above.

NEW ORLEANS BALLET THEATRE 920 Terpsichore St., (504)-826-0646 neworleansballettheatre.com

Founded by Gregory Schramel and Marjorie Hardwick Schramel in 2002, NOBT focuses on local talent and presents several performances a year, including a Christmas show and a dance classic from the standard classical ballet canon.

LIVE THEATER SAENGER THEATRE, BROADWAY IN NEW ORLEANS 1111 Canal St., 1-800-218-SHOW (7469), saengernola.com/shows

A Wonderful World October 1-8

MJ, the Musical

November 1-12

Wicked

November 29 - December 17

My Fair Lady

January 9-14

Les Miserables

January 30 - February 4

Ain’t Too Proud

February 27 - March 3

Annie April 5-7

Mrs. Doubtfire

May 14-19

Clue (a New Comedy)

June 18-23

*Show times vary. Call or check the website for information.

LE PETIT THEATRE

616 St. Peter Street, (504)-522-2081, lepetittheatre.com

Let the Right One In

October 5-22

Who's Afraid 0f Virginia Woolf?

January 11-28

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

March 7-31

Born With Teeth

April 25 - May 12

The Importance of Being Earnest

June 6-23

*Performance times vary. Call or check the website for information.

JEFFERSON PERFORMING

ARTS SOCIETY

Jefferson Performing Arts Center (JPAC), 6600 Airline Drive, Metairie Westwego Cultural Center (WCC), 177 Sala Avenue, Westwego (504)-885-2000, jpas.org

The View UpStairs

September 8-17 (JPAC)

Steel Magnolias

September 21 to October 1 (WCC)

Young Frankenstein

October 27 to November 5 (JPAC)

Looped

November 9-19 (WCC)

The Nutcracker Ballet

December 16 & 17 (JPAC)

The Mountaintop (a Martin Luther King Jr. tribute)

January 25 to February 4 (WCC)

Jesus Christ Superstar

March 15-24 (JPAC)

Noises Off

April 12-21 (JPAC)

The Ballet Goes to Broadway

May 18 & 19 (JPAC)

*Show times vary. Call or visit the website for details

RIVERTOWN THEATRES FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

325 Minor Street, Kenner, (504)-461-9475, rivertowntheaters.com

Singin’ in the Rain

September 8-24

Assassins

October 20 - November 5

A Christmas Story

December 1-17

The Big Easy Boys

January 12-28

The Prom

March 8-24

Sister Act

May 3-19

Mean Girls – High School Version

July 11-21

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS THEATRE COMPANY

Marigny Opera House, 725 St. Ferdinand Street (504) 264-2580, twtheatrenola.com,

Spring Storm

September 8-23

Loyola University

Kingdom of Earth

March 8-24

Loyola University

Streetcar Named Desire

July 12 through mid-August (venue TBA)

The Great American Trailer Park Musical

June 15-30

CUTTING EDGE THEATER

757 Robert Blvd., Slidell (985) 649-3727 cuttingedgetheater.com

Love is a Battlefield

September 8-23

The Color Purple

January 5-27

The Prom

February 23

What’s Love Got to Do with It

August 11-12

Back to Barbara

October 6-14

OTHER PERFORMING ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

There are other performing arts organizations in New Orleans (including those from the universities) whose full schedules were not finalized in time to be included in this listing. Here, listed alphabetically, is a handy list of some of those organizations, along with their websites, on which their schedules might now be posted.

Artivism Dance Theatre: artivismdancetheatre.com

Ashe Cultural Arts Center: ashecac.org

THE NOLA PROJECT

One Collins Diboll Circle, (504) 302-9117, nolaproject.com

The Seagull or How to Eat It

October 12-30

Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Craiglisted

December 1-17

Loyola's Marquette Theater

White, a Comedy

March 1-31

Lapis Center for the Arts

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

May 10-28

Besthoff Sculpture Garden

30 BY NINETY THEATRE

880 Lafayette St., Mandeville (844) 843-3090 , 30byninety.com

13 the Musical

September 8-17

The Rocky Horror Show

October 14-29

A Very Merry Christmas Spectacular

December 1-10

Nunsense

January 20-February 4

A Few Good Men

March 9-24

The Importance of Being Earnest

April 20-May 5

Birdfoot (chamber music) Festival: birdfootfestival.org

Contemporary Arts Center: cacno.org

Louis Moreau Institute: louismoreauinstitute.org

Loyola University Arts Series: cmm.loyno. edu or loyola-presents/all-list

Lyrica Baroque: lyricabaroque.com

Musaica (chamber ensemble): musaica.org

New Orleans Chamber Orchestra: nolachamberorchestra.org

New Orleans Chamber Players: neworleanschamberplayers.org

New Orleans Civic Symphony: neworleanscivicsymphony.org

New Orleans Volunteer Orchestra: novorchestra.com

University of New Orleans Musical Excursions: new.uno.edu/sota-performances/ music

University of New Orleans Theatre: new. uno.edu/sota-performances/theater

Versipel New Music: versipel.org

NOTE: Most of these arts organizations also have a presence on Facebook and/or other social media and information can be obtained from these sites as well.

• Hours: 2pm - 6pm • Live Entertainment

POOL PASSES INCLUDE:

• Complimentary Wifi

Towel Service

• Discounted Valet Parking Rate of $15

SONESTA SUNDAY’S TICKETS: $35 per person (one time admission fee)*

MOURNING CUSTOMS COME ALIVE ALIVE

Discover the Creole Death and Mourning Tour at the Gallier House

By Celeste Turner

Whether you are from out of town or a local playing tourist for a day, a guided tour of the “Creole Death and Mourning Tour” at the Gallier House may “spook” your imagination as it paints a vivid picture of death and mourning in New Orleans during the 1800s.

For those of you who love to learn about the 19th century history, architecture, and culture of the Creole people, the “Creole Death and Mourning Tour” exhibit opens on September 20 and runs through November 13 at the Gallier House. Daytime tours are available every day except Tuesday and special “after dark” tours including wine in the courtyard are offered on Saturday evenings only in the month of October. “The ‘Creole Death and Mourning Tour’ is something new and refreshing,” said Danielle Glenn, a docent at the Gallier House who led this same tour last year. “The after-dark tours serve complimentary wine and you get access to the property after dark. It’s really different with the candlelight providing a glimpse of the house in the darkness and all the outside noise melts away. You can really enjoy the spookiness of it.”

Located at 1132 Royal Street, the Gallier House, a historic museum and home of the prominent architect James Gallier, Jr, is completely transformed for the “Creole Death and Mourning Tour.” This exhibit highlights 19th-century mourning customs in New Orleans practiced by Catholic Creoles such as Mrs. Gallier and how death affected their family members living in the house, both free and enslaved. Death was pervasive during this time period with the dawn of the Civil War, and the rampage of such diseases like yellow fever and cholera.

“The ‘Creole Death and Mourning Tour’ is very popular,” said Glenn, "It is a favorite that satisfies those who want a historical perspective with a touch of macabre.”

According to Glenn, the Gallier House was built in 1860 and the family experienced death predominantly throughout the years of 1866-1868. Prosperous families, such as the Galliers, held their funeral services in their home with the family member’s body laid out in a coffin displayed in the front parlor. During the “Creole Death and Mourning Tour,” the docent guides you through the house and discusses the mourning customs that were expected and exercised, including draping the front door, the coffin, the mirrors, and the portraits of the deceased in black crepe.

“The ‘Creole Death and Mourning Tour’ is a seasonal exhibition with a real coffin set in the front parlor,” said Katie Burlison, curator for the Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses. “It was a solemn time, and death was everywhere during that time period around the Civil War. Mrs. Gallier lost her sister, her mother, and her husband all within a year’s span, so this could be any one of their funerals.”

Also, Burlison noted that the attitude of mourning in a 19thcentury household was one of respect in a sincere effort to remember the departed relatives and friends. “The reason why the funeral was held in the home during this time was because people were afraid of disease, and they could control who was there. The black and purple wreath was hung on the door to show that a household was in mourning. And similar to our announcements today, death notices were posted in public places including taverns and coffee shops.”

Death and Mourning Tour” discusses extensively the impact of the death of a family member, beginning with a funeral service in the front parlor where candles are lit and draperies are closed. The tour continues through the house, while the docent points out meticulous collectibles and symbols of reverence for the deceased. “As you leave the parlor,” said Peter Dandridge, curatorial associate of the Gallier House. “You can see how death has affected their daily routine. For example, the piano is closed because music was not appropriate during this time. The doll seen on the chair in one of the children’s rooms is dressed like a widow. You can imagine that it was normal for these children to lose older relatives, and the little girls to be playing with these dolls dressed in mourning.”

Another distinctive mourning custom was the black armband worn by family members and discovered in different places throughout the house.

Dandridge explained, “The black band is a visual indicator telling you that someone has died. If you look at the stationary of Mrs. Gallier, for example, the width of the black border gives you an idea of when the person died. These are visual cues that people don’t notice.”

Historically the grieving widow was required to wear black during the 18-month mourning period, while the men had only six months. “The death of a husband was the longest mourning period,” said Dandridge who is also a guide for the tour.

“We walk through the house and the slave quarters to talk about the different allowances for the Gallier family and the enslaved persons.”

Brimming with history and tradition, the “Creole and Death Mourning Tour” lasts about one hour and is available six days per week, Wednesdays through Mondays, at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. The cost of the tour for non-members is $17 for an adult and $14 for seniors, students, and the military. Museum members and children under 8 years old are free for daytime tours.

JUST $3 TO RIDE ALL DAY!

SILVER ANNIVERSARY PLAYBOOK

Josh Danzig’s 25 Years publishing Where Y'at

By Emily Hingle

Under the leadership of founding publisher Josh Danzig, Where Y’at Magazine withstood tribulations for 25 years. “We're a unicorn, as I like to call it—a print publication that’s active, relevant, and still prospering."

"In many other cities around the country, print is not surviving at all. I think we’ve done a really good job of finding our niche, and what we cover is unique," Danzig says. "There’s a need for it in the city.”

Josh Danzig was captivated by New Orleans culture, and he chose to fully explore the city by pursuing an American Studies degree at Tulane University, although he didn’t think that this would be the basis for his career after graduation. However, the business of promotion of New Orleans culture would eventually find him. “I studied things including New Orleans history, literature, architecture, and music because I really loved the culture here. For a career, I was planning on getting into sports marketing because I interned with the Saints and the World Cup. When I graduated Tulane in 1995, I moved back to Atlanta to get a job with the Olympics. While I was working that job, I went to work with this free college monthly publication called University Reporter that was owned by Shane Finkelstein—now the producer of Top Taco, Food Fight, and more—because my brother was working there, and he asked me to sell advertising.

I went on to break all their sales records at the time. After the Olympics, I was getting a little tired of Atlanta, missed New Orleans, and had a girlfriend back here. I got a call from one of my contacts from the Saints who said they were building a baseball stadium for the Zephyrs, if I wanted to move back. So I came back, did that, bounced around, worked for this guy named Steve Rehage who was going to be starting a new festival called Voodoo Fest. He invited me to move to New York with him to be his marketing guy, but it didn’t quite work out. So then I was like, ‘I’m going to start a publication. It’s not going to be a music magazine—it’s going to be young and hip. It’s not going to be a college paper like I worked for in Atlanta. It’s going to be for young professionals.’”

Where Y’at Magazine published its first issue in October of 1998. Things were going well for the fledgling entertainment magazine, but trouble lay ahead just months into its life as Josh wanted to “make a splash” for Where Y’at’s first Mardi Gras issue in 1999. He recounted, “I had a good friend who was renting an apartment in the French Quarter in the Pontalba Buildings. You could climb out the window and up to the roof and see the Cathedral. I said for Mardi Gras, why don’t we get two models and cover them in beads and put them on the roof with the Cathedral in the background. We did it, and our graphic designer at the time Jennifer Hill pointed out that in one of the best photos that you could see part of one of the women’s nipples. She suggested photoshopping a bead

in there so you can’t see it. I said, ‘No, go ahead and leave it.’ The issue came out, and we were ready for the proverbial shit to hit the fan.”

Consequences came swiftly, but not entirely due to the scandalous photo. Where Y’at was cited for trademark infringement for other content in the magazine. Others in the community told him that the photo was indeed offensive, and the fallout from the photo made Josh rethink how to create an eye-catching, but not outrageous cover in order to strike a balance between getting readers and keeping advertisers.

“Everybody in my circle loved it. It was raunchy, but in a Mardi Gras way. I learned quickly that New Orleans is a very paradoxical city in that when most average Americans think of Mardi Gras, they think of people flashing and going crazy, but New Orleans is very conservative, Catholic, and straight-forward. There are covers and stories that I could have done in Atlanta that I couldn’t do here without getting a lot of criticism. And now having done this for 25 years, I try to continue to push the envelope but not as much as we did then.”

Josh took a chance on a potentially provocative cover feature for the September 2005 issue which was distributed three days before Hurricane Katrina barreled into the city. Though the magazine was already proving controversial as evacuation orders were being sent, the storm ensured that few would ever see that issue. “There was an article about gentlemen’s clubs, and on the cover we had a dancer going around a pole. The day the issue came out, I got a call from someone who said you need to get your magazines out of here because this is filth. Three days later, I saw one of our outdoor distribution boxes floating down Canal Street on CNN.” Despite floods, shut downs, and controversy, Where Y’at has earnestly promoted New Orleans culture for 25 years. Josh remains optimistic that the project he began a quarter of a century ago will endure for many more years in some form. “All we can do is prepare for the future as far as being ready to evolve into a digital-only outlet. That being said, I do think there’s a little bit of pushback against digital and social media. I think people are burnt-out from being on their phone and people might go back to something they can hold in their hands just to be able to turn off all the noise.”

Lafreniere Park

By Greg Roques

OF PRINT OF PRINT

THE INTERNET

Even for those who grew up in the ‘90s, it is impossible to fathom life before the internet. Historically speaking, the societal transformation it ignited between then and today is but a grain of sand in the hourglass of human history.

While the World Wide Web became available to the public on April 30, 1993, a majority of Americans were not using the internet, let alone owned a home computer—by the end of the millennia. Twenty years later, nearly 92% of Americans not only use the internet, but carry it in their pockets and on their wrists and in their glasses.

Compare that with the Gutenberg printing press. The first American magazines were not published until 1741, almost 300 years after its introduction in 1448. Even more shocking, national literacy rates would not equal the percentage of current internet adoption until the early 20th century, nearly a half-millennia after the Gutenberg debuted.

If the Gutenberg marks the start of mass media, then the internet may very well come to represent its finish line. Where Y’at arrived at the tipping point, one year before the web metamorphosed what a magazine was and what it had to offer.

PUBLISHING: 1998 - 2008

Putting out an issue each month is no easy task. It is a marathon and a sprint careening towards a finish line at the end of a cliff. The tools for production, fortunately, were endless and effortless. The various pieces that make up an issue: articles, ads, photography, stock images, fact checking, and layout could be all managed from behind a keyboard.

This was not always the case. Broadband high-speed internet was not ubiquitous among the general public (i.e., the freelancers and small business owners at the heart of Where Y’at) until the mid-aughts.

“In 1998, we relied on landlines, fax machines to send ad proofs to clients, and phone books,” remembers Josh Danzig, founder, owner, and editor-in-chief of Where Y’at. “Our first issues were printouts that we brought to the printer for them to scan directly and then make into plates. I have memories of our first art director, Jenny Hill, and me pulling all-nighters at the Kinko’s on St. Charles and Julia printing out pages to bring to the printer in Harahan.” All this added running around percolated down to the writers and photographers as well.

PRESENTATION: 2008 - 2014

In September of 2014, Where Y’at relaunched what quickly became New Orleans’ most awarded news website—whereyat.com. Now more than just a required web presence cataloging past issues, the new whereyat.com was its own digital magazine featuring breaking news around New Orleans.

The timing was no coincidence. In 2014, print ad revenue had fallen more than 66% nationally from its peak in 2005 to its lowest point in more than 60 years. By this time, more than half of Americans owned smartphones, making print subscriptions nothing more than a carbon footprint. But the internet didn’t just change where people consumed news, it also changed how they consumed it.

Now a quarter century out from the penultimate year of the past millennia, it is a time so vivid in the minds of many millennials that it feels like yesterday. Some things haven't changed much: a sitting U.S. President (Bill Clinton) was impeached, Apple began its conquest as the leader of cutting-edge tech with the unveiling of the iMac, and Marvel first dipped its toes into the cinematic universe with Blade (1998).

Other aspects of the past 25 years were simply unimaginable: the idea of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil (September 11, 2001), Hurricane Katrina breaking New Orleans’ levees and becoming the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history (August 29, 2005), and COVID-19, a global pandemic, putting the brakes on the engine of the world (January 2020) would be considered almost as unlikely in ’98 as the Saints winning the Super Bowl (February 7, 2010).

Two of these disasters, Hurricane Katrina and COVID-19, nearly shuttered the publication, now a staple of New Orleans culture.

However, it was an innovation unveiled in the early ‘90s that would have a far greater impact on Where Y’at’s trajectory—and media as we knew it—in the years following its debut.

Social media as we know it was still a few years away—a writer had to rely on their publication’s paid media directory for contacts. Just over half of Americans owned cell (not smart) phones during this time, and only 36% in ‘98, and those that did had very restrictive monthly minutes, so it would often be a game of phone tag for days with a subject’s answering machine before scheduling an interview.

Even fewer still owned digital cameras. A basic point-and-shoot camera in 1998 cost around $1,200 and had a maximum pixel count of roughly 1 MB (less than 10x what most cell phones offer today). This meant lengthy and costly development times. Compare that to today, where smartphone photography is so advanced that iPhones have even been used to completely shoot Hollywood movies.

Looking back today, the herculean effort it took to put out a magazine in the ‘90s seems, well, practically medieval. Even then, many considered it an insurmountable Everest of effort. “When we started, the workers at the printer had an office pool going to see how long Where Y’at would stay in business,” Danzig recalls.

2003 5-Year Anniversary 10-Year Anniversary

In The Shallows, a 2011 study of the internet's impact on our brains, author Nicholas Carr discusses how online readers showcase activity across all areas of the brain. By contrast, print readers primarily experience activity in the memory and language regions. On the surface, the web surfer may appear to have the upper hand; however, all this additional brain activity comes at a cost. The uninterrupted focus of print reading—free of videos, hyperlinks, and other interactive distractions—produces greater comprehension, memory, and learning

In less than a decade, the internet had dramatically rewired our neural-synapses and, in the process, how we ingested information. News media became keen to this. While most had already invested heavily in multimedia resources to up their online game, many whose past media du jour was print began adjusting their paper format’s editorial and layout to accommodate their audience’s new reading habits: headlines became punchier, graphics and visuals more prolific, and sentences shorter, spiced with SEO word-bait.

Where Y’at’s monthly publication, likewise, navigated onward into these new waters. Over the coming months, the printed magazine got a makeover with more visuals, as well as its now signature glossy cover. Editorial, likewise, prioritized long-form exclusives for print, while breaking news arrived first on the web.

The internet, as McHulan predicted, not only did not leave its predecessors in peace, but in changing how we learn altogether, also proved his most famous adage—the medium is the message.

Where Y’at published its first issue in September 1998, exactly 25 years ago, with the goal of educating readers about the best of New Orleans culture in dining, nightlife, music, and the arts.

First-ever issue of Where Y'at

Where Y’at debuts at the dawn of the internet PIXELS PIXELS

PERSPECTIVE: 2014 - PRESENT

It is suggested above that Where Y’at launched at a media tipping point. Some may argue this assessment is belated as most national media outlets had an online presence circa 1995, and online entertainment mainstays including Pitchfork (‘96) and Salon (‘95) had already been gaining traction for a few years. The year society began to reconsider the value of media, however, it tectonically shifted forever during the summer of 1999—the summer of Napster

Napster was a P2P file sharing service that allowed users to download music from other members’ computers. This was the first software that made, essentially, all of the world’s music available in one place through the internet. The best part? It was free.

In his memoir, The Nineties: A Book, Chuck Klosterman argues Napster caused a mental transformation in consumers. “ Once [they] experienced free music, they came to view music as something that was supposed to be free.” Napster would be shut down after two years by a copyright ruling, but infinite alternatives—now offering video and every other form of digital media—would spawn in its place. Ten years and billions in record-label losses later, supply acquiesced to demand with the launch of Spotify

Now, you don’t need to leave your couch to access all the entertainment in the world for low-or-no cost. Thanks to COVID, even summer blockbusters now debut on streaming-on-demand for the cost of a single Saturday-night ticket, a week or two into a theatrical run.

15-Year Anniversary

THE NEXT 25 YEARS

Because of today’s digital megacosm of armchair experts , AI, and algorithmic-info echo chambers, a highly-informed, wellresourced local media presence is more important than ever. “Part of educating readers about culture is giving voice to those who create that culture,” says Emily Hingle, a Where Y’at writer and author of Band Room: New Orleans. “You need someone on the ground who indulges in their world to fully tell their stories. Many of these web-based applications also make it hard for local artists, musicians in particular, to make a living the way they could twenty years ago. Educating the public about their struggles helps keep our culture alive.”

Traditional media also remains more trusted among readers. In The Shallows, Carr references studies suggesting that due to the perceived permanence of the printed word, readers consider it more reliable than web-only media.

“People don’t want to know where to go to lunch—they want

What does this have to do with journalism? The objective of journalism, as defined by the American Press Institute, is “to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions.” For an entertainment journalist, this includes helping readers decide where to best spend their recreational time and currency.

Further disrupting the balance of traditional media in the mid-aught’s was another scrappy startup called The Facebook. Audiences could now easily access the suggestions of like-minded “friends” rather than rely on hoity-toity critics. Users were also given a real-time, direct connection to artists, businesses, and celebrities—in essence gifting everyone press-access.

By 2014, the Pew Research Center estimates that not only did nearly three-quarters of Americans use one or more social media accounts, more than half also owned smartphones— broadcasting everything, everywhere all at once.

With the stakes so low in 2023, what is an entertainment writer’s opinion worth anymore? Even Rolling Stone, the country’s most iconic music magazine, ditched its ratings system this past May on the grounds that an engaged fan can “make up [their] own damn mind.”

Where Y’at has flourished symbiotically in step with the new century’s web 2.0 revolution. But will these competing digital disruptors eventually render its coverage obsolete?

201820-Year Anniversary

to know where you [locals] go to lunch”, says Robert Witkowski, Creative Director for Where Y’at “I believe this is why localized, urban lifestyle publications have largely remained unscathed as ad dollars migrated away from print over these past decades. We’ve been hearing about the death of print since the turn of the century, yet just this year we released our largest and most profitable issue in 25 years.”

From Katrina to COVID, both New Orleans and Where Y’at have shown their amazing resilience despite the most cataclysmic of odds. And as each continues to grow and evolve in a rapidly changing, digitally intertwined world, its staff and writers will continue to deliver its mission—to bring you the best of New Orleans entertainment, music, and film reviews, and the best places to eat and party.

MUSIC CALENDAR

MONDAY, AUGUST 21

21st Amendment Todd Yannacone

30/90 Dapper Dandies, Natural Bone Killers

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Bamboula’s The Rug Cutters, Ed Willis

BJ's Lounge Red Beans Blues Band

Buffa's Doyle Cooper Trio

BMC Tom Andes Band, Piano Man 'G'

Bourbon Orleans Tiffany

Halls

Buffa's Doyle Cooper Trio

Café Negril Lyndsey

Smith

DMACS Danny Alexander

Dos Jefes John Fohl

Fritzel's Lee Floyd & Thunderbolt Trio, Richard Scott

Hi Ho Lounge Bluegrass

Pickin' Party

House of Blues Clutch

Houston's Hansen's

Garden District Band

Maison Rug Cutters,

MRB Ben Buchbinder

Polo Club Lounge John Royen

For up-to-date listings visit WhereYat.com

Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24

3rd Block Depot Dr. Sick & The Late Greats

21st Amendment Jerry Duggar

30/90 The Budz, Hotline

Ace Hotel Amy Johnson

Apple Barrel Johnny Mastro & Fast Boogie

TONY BLACK AT BOOMERS

Comedian Tony Black, who has shared the stage with Freez Luv and Charlie Murphy, is bringing his stand-up routine to Boomtown Casino in Harvey. August 25, 7 p.m., boomtownneworleans.com

Bamboula’s Cristina Kaminis, Wolfe John’s Blues

Spotted Cat Cottonmouth Kings, Vegas Cola

Band

Tipitina's Free Fridays

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

21st Amendment Jerry Duggar

30/90 Zena Moses & Rue Fiya, Street Lyfe

Ace Hotel Brass-A-Holics

Apple Barrel Smoky Greenwell Band

Atchafalaya Jon Roniger Trio

Bamboula’s Swinging Gypsies, Paggy Prine

Blue Nile Amigos Do Samba, George Brown

Band

BJ's Lounge Adam Richard

Blue Nile George Brown Band, Amigos Do

Samba

BMC Bettis + 3rd Degree, Tajh & the Funky Soles

Bourbon Orleans Blues Masters

Bourbon Street Honky Tonk John George

Brieux Carre Brewing Company Swingin’

Doors

Cafe Negril Jason Neville, Sierra Green

Carousel Lounge Lena Prima

Commons Club Sarah Quintann

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

DMAC's R & R Smoking Foundation

Jazz Club

The Rabbit Hole

Rebirth

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30

Bamboula’s Walker and 3 Finger Slingers, 504 Goodies, Roule & the

Queen

Blue Nile New Breed Brass Band

Cafe Negril Colin Davis, Night People

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

House of Blues

Hughes

Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Glenn

New Orleans Jazz Museum Colliding Currents

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31

Bamboula’s Sigrid and Zig Zags, Cristina

Kaminis, Wolfe John’s Blues

Blue Nile Where Y'at Brass Band

Cafe Negril Sierra Green

Chandelier Bar Branden Lewis

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

House of Blues Troy Turner

Smoothie King Center Christian Nodal

The Jazz Playhouse Brass-A-Holics

Preservation Hall Preservation Brass

Royal Frenchmen Jazz Vipers

Spotted Cat Dominick Grillo

St. Roch Tavern Slow Motion Cowboys

Tropical Isle Original Dave Ferrato

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22

21st Amendment Dominick Grillo

30/90 Tajh & The Funky Soles, Neicy B & Kompani

Bamboula’s Joe Gelini Band, Andy J Forest Blues

Bar Marilou Geovane Santos

Bayou Bar Peter Harris & The O.G.'s

Bourbon Orleans Ingrid Lucia

Buffa's Alex McMurray

Cafe Negril John Lisi and Delta Funk Band

Dos Jefes Tangiers Combo

Fritzel's Colin Myers Band, Fritzel's All Star Band

Gasa Gasa The Thing with Santa Barbara

Streisand

Houston's Hansen's Garden District Band

Joy Theater JPEGMafia & Danny Brown

Maison The Villains

New Orleans Jazz Museum Arrowhead Jazz Band

Orpheum Theater Brent Faiyaz

Polo Club Lounge David Boeddinghaus

Preservation Hall Preservation All-Stars

Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band

Royal Frenchmen Trumpet Mafia

Smoothie King Center Lil Durk

Spotted Cat Little Big Horns, Smoking Time Jazz

Tropical Isle Original Dave Ferrato

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23

21st Amendment Dr. Sick

30/90 Ariee, Half Shell Boogie

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Bamboula’s John Saavedra, Roule & The Queen

Bayou Bar Firm Roots

Blue Nile New Breed Brass Band

BMC Jeff Chaz Blues Band

Bombay Club Harry Mayronne & Nanci Zee

Bourbon Orleans Serabee

Buffa's Charlie Wooton

Café Degas Double Whisky

Cafe Negril Colin Davis and Night People

Champions Square 3 Doors Down

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

DMACS Chris Zonada

Dos Jefes Z2

Fritzel's Fritzel's All-Star Band

Hard Rock Cafe Terry McDermott, Matt Bartels

House of Blues Sariyah Idan

Houston's Hansen's Garden District Band

Jazz Playhouse Funkin' It Up with Big Sam

Joy Theater Weyes Blood

New Orleans Jazz Museum Original Royal Players

Picnic Provisions & Whiskey Mikayla Braun

Polo Club Lounge David Boeddinghaus

Pour House at Jefferson Huey C

Preservation Hall Preservation All-Stars

Royal Frenchmen Gene Black

Santos Sir Richard Bishop

Spotted Cat Shotgun Jazz Band, Marty Peters

Smoothie King Center LL Cool J

St. Paul's UCC Church Mark Coleman

The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam

Bar Marilou Reverberant Sounds

Bayou Bar Cryptic

BJ's Lounge Julie Odell

Blue Nile Where Y'at Brass Band

BMC Dapper Dandies, The Duane Bartels Band

Bourbon Orleans Barry T. & The Legend

Bourbon Street Honky Tonk John George

Buffa's Tom McDermott, Tim Laughlin

Bullet's Sports Bar No Boss Jazz Band

Cafe Negril Sierra Green

Carousel Lounge Lena Prima & Her Band

Carrollton Station Funk Griot

City Park The Pfister Sisters

Civic Theatre Please Don't Destroy

Chandelier Bar Branden Lewis Trio

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

DMACS Paggy Prine, The PizzaMan

Dos Jefes Mark Coleman Trio

Fritzel's John Saavedra

Gasa Gasa Tropa Magic

Houston's Hansen's Garden District Band

Jazz Playhouse Brass-A-Holics

Le Bon Temps Roule Soul Rebels

MRB Clint Johnson

Peacock Room Da Lovebirds

Polo Club Lounge John Royen

Rock 'n' Bowl Rusty Metoyer

Spotted Cat Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp

Jazz Band Vaughan's Corey Henry

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

21st Amendment Dr. Sick & The Late Greats

30/90 Jason Neville Funky Soul Band, Burris

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Bamboula’s Les GetrexBettis + 3rd Degree

Bayou Bar Oh Yeah!

BJ's Lounge Greazy Alice, JJ Adams

Blue Nile Kermit Ruffins, Trumpet Slim

BMC Delta Funk, Street Lyfe

Bourbon Orleans KatieCat

Buffa's Washboard Chaz

Bullet's Sports Bar Sporty’s Brass Band

Cafe Negril Higher Heights

Carousel Lounge Nayo Jones Experience

Carrollton Station Hello Darling

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

DMACS Vick LeCar

Dos Jefes The Joe Krown Trio

Fritzel's Fritzel's All Star Band

Hard Rock Cafe Gregg Hill

House of Blues Hollow Bodies, Or Shovaly

Houston's Hansen's Garden District Band

Le Bon Temps Roule The Crooked Vines

Maison Shotgun Jazz Band

May Baily's Place Ellis Dyson

NOLA Brewing Loose Cattle

NOPSI Matt Lemmler

Oak Wine Bar Jon Roniger

Polo Club Lounge John Royen, Robin Barnes

Pour House at Jefferson Tiffany Pollack & Co.

Preservation Hall Mark Braud

Rock N’ Bowl Bag of Donuts

Royal Frenchmen Stephen Walker

Saenger Theatre Frankie Valli

Southport Hall Nashville South

Dos Jefes Z2

Fountain Lounge Leslie Martin

Fritzel's Lee Floyd, Fritzel's All Star Band

Gasa Gasa Them Ol' Ghosts, Vermillion Whiskey

House of Blues Ivardensphere, Led Zeppelin 2

Houston's Hansen's Garden District Band

Kermit's Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge

Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield

Maison S City of Trees Brass Band

May Baily's Place Ben Redwine

Mid-City Lanes Rock 'n' Bowl The Rouge Krewe

Miss River The Co & Co Travelin' Show

Monkey Hill Bar Luther Kent & Trick Bag

NOLA Brewing Dr Lo Faber with Jake Eckert

Oak Wine Bar Buddha Bellies

Polo Club Lounge John Royen, Bean & The Boys

Pour House at Jefferson Aden Paul

Preservation Hall Preservation All-Stars

Santos Bar Lonesome Wilde

Silk Road KatieCat & Cain Jazz Duo

Spotted Cat Shake 'Em Up, Dominick Grillo

Sweet Lorraine's Rick David

Tropical Isle Bayou Club Fiddler & The Crossroads

The Jazz Playhouse Nayo Jones

Zony Mash Or Shovaly Plus

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

Bamboula’s Eric Morel, Big Easy Brawlers, Ed Wills Blues 4 Sale

BK Historic House and Gardens Paul Sanchez

Blue Nile Street Legends Brass Band, The Baked Potatoes

Cafe Negril Vegas Cola

Gasa Gasa Planet of the Little Green Men, Juleser

House of Blues The Anchor

Howlin' Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

Le Bon Temps Roule Russell Batiste

Rock N’ Bowl Paul Varisco

Santos Jocephus, the George Jonestown

Massacre

MONDAY, AUGUST 28

21st Amendment Ellis Dyson

30/90 Margie Perez, Piano Man G

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Bamboula’s Jon Roniger Band, Ed Wills

BJ’s Smokehouse Brown Red Beans Blues Band

BMC Dapper Dandies, Xcitement

Bourbon Orleans Kid Merv

Buffa's Doyle Cooper Trio

House of Blues Coco Jones

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29

21st Amendment Dave Hammer

30/90 Funk Griot, Higher Heights

Bamboula’s Doyle Cooper, Joe Gelini, Andy J

Forest

Buffa's Alex McMurray

Cafe Negril John Lisi and Delta Funk Band

Gasa Gasa Cold Turkeys, The Roland Guerin

Band

Polo Club David Boeddinghaus

Preservation Hall The Preservation All-Stars

Spotted Cat The Little Big Horns, Smoking Time

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

100 Men Hall Booker Fest, Joe Krown Trio

Cafe Negril Higher Heights

Chelsea's Live George Porter Jr.

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Fillmore The Bald Brothers Tour

House of Blues Jet Lounge

Le Bon Temps Roule Smush

New Orleans Jazz Museum Ashley Orlando

Rock N’ Bowl Contraflow

Smoothie King Suicideboys, Ghostemane

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Gasa Gasa Quinn Pilgrim, Derek W Dooms

House of Blues Max & Iggor Cavalera

Le Bon Temps Roule Or Shovaly Plus

Rock N’ Bowl Few Blue

The Jazz Playhouse Nayo Jones

The Joy Theater Yung Bleu

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Cafe Negril Vegas Cola

Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District Band

Howlin' Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

Josephine Estelle Or Shovaly Plus

Polo Club David Boeddinghaus

Sun Outdoors Thomas Cain

Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Bamboula’s Walker and 3 Finger Slingers, The Melataun’s, Ed Wills

COHEED & CAMBRIA AT THE FILLMORE

The progressive rock band will be performing live with special guests Deafhaven. Six of Coheed and Cambria’s albums have reached the Billboard Top 10 chart.

September 10, 6:30 p.m., $34.50 and $59.50, livenation.com

MUSIC CALENDAR

Hi Ho Lounge Tucker Baker

Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District Band

Orpheum Theater Bad Omens

Polo Club John Royen

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Bamboula’s The Villains, Joe Gellini, Andy J Forest

Bar Marilou Geovane Santos

Cafe Negril John Lisi and Delta Funk Band

Gasa Gasa Being Dead with Shmoo

Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District Band

Polo Club David Boeddinghaus

Southport Hall Cynic

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Bamboula’s Walker and 3 Finger Slingers,John

Saavedra, Roule & the Queen

Café Degas Double Whisky

Cafe Negril Colin Davis, Night People

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

House of Blues Devon Allman, Donavon

Frankenreiter, Mishka

Hansen's Garden District Band

Le Bon Temps Roule Bird Dog Jubilee

New Orleans Jazz Museum Jazz Vipers

Polo Club Lounge David Boeddinghaus

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

3rd Block Depot Dr. Sick and the Late Greats

Reverberant Sounds, Tangier’s

John Rankin Sierra Green

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Shared Walls

Hansen’s Garden District Band

Loyola University Electric Yat Quartet

Peacock Room Da Lovebirds

John Royen

Corey Henry

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Higher Heights

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

House of Blues The Mixed Nuts

Hansen's Garden District Band

Le Bon Temps Roule Hash Cabbage

New Orleans Jazz Museum Gerald French

Matt Lemmler

Oak Wine Bar Daphne Parker Powell

Polo Club Lounge John Royen, Robin Barnes

Bongzilla with Kadabra

Charm Taylor

Emmy Award-winning comedian and star of Chappelle's Show, Dave Chappelle is bringing his live show to New Orleans. September

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Sierra Green

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Hotel Storyville Sam Price, Billy Iuso

House of Blues Blake Owens, OZZ

Hansen's Garden District Band

Rick David & The Funky 5

Le Bon Temps Roule Dr. Lo Faber

Mid-City Lanes Rock N’ Bowl 90 Degrees West

Oak Wine Bar Jon Roniger

Polo Club Lounge John Royen, Bean & The Boys

The Jazz Playhouse The Nayo Jones Experience

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Vegas Cola

Fillmore Coheed and Cambria

Houston's Hansen's Garden District Band

Howlin' Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

Josephine Estelle Or Shovaly Plus

Polo Club Lounge David Boeddinghaus

St. Pat's Irish Coffeehouse The Celtic Music Session

Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Bamboula’s Jon Roniger, The Melataun’s, Ed Wills

Columns Hotel Stanton Moore Trio

DMACS Danny Alexander

Hi Ho Lounge Tucker Baker

Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District Band

Polo Club John Royen

Silk Road No Quarter Shanty Krewe

Tipitina's Yo La Tengo

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Bamboula’s Tiffany Pollock, Giselle Anguizola, Andy J Forest

Bar Marilou Sasha Masakowski

Cafe Negril John Lisi

Gasa Gasa Portrayal of Guilt

Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District Band

Jazz Museum Arrowhead Jazz Band

Polo Club David Boeddinghaus

Southport Hall Lakeview

Tipitina’s Yo La Tengo

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Bamboula’s Walker and 3 Finger Slingers,John

Saavedra, Roule & the Queen

Café Degas Double Whisky

Cafe Negril Colin Davis, Night People

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Gasa Gasa Cut Worms

Houston's Hansen's Garden District Band

St. Paul's UCC Church Bruce Sunpie Barnes

The Joy Theater Jessie Murph

Toulouse Theatre TAUK Moore

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Bar Marilou Reverberant Sounds

City Park New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings

Cafe Negril Sierra Green

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Gasa Gasa Knifeplay with Pope and Shining Fields

Houston's Hansen's Garden District Band

House of Blues Magic City Hippies w/ Kainalu

Orpheum Theater LPO

Peacock Room Da Lovebirds

Polo Club Lounge John Royen

Tipitina's Heartless Bastards

Vaughan's Corey Henry

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Cafe Negril Higher Heights

Davenport Lounge Jeremy

Davenport

House of Blues Strangelove

Houston's Hansen's Garden District Band

NOPSI Matt Lemmler

Oak Wine Bar Tom Leggett

Orpheum Theater Jason Isbell

Polo Club Robin Barnes

Tipitina's Moon Taxi

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Cafe Negril Sierra Green

Davenport Lounge Jeremy

Davenport Felix BAM! BAM!

Gasa Gasa Alice Phoebe Lou

Houston's Hansen's Garden District Band

Le Bon Temps Roule Fooshee’s Forecast

Rock N' Bowl Mojeaux

Oak Wine Bar Renée Gros

Polo Club John Royen

Santos Mortalusl, Pale Shelter

Smoothie King Center Odesza

The Broadside Bombino

The Jazz Playhouse Nayo Jones

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Cafe Negril Vegas Cola

Gasa Gasa FSpoon Benders

Houston’s Hansen’s Garden District Band

Howlin' Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

Joesphone Estelle Or Shovaly Plus

Polo Club Lounge David Boeddinghaus

Tipitina's Fais Do-Do, Bruce Daigrepont

Treme Hideaway Big 6 Brass Band

LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE

SHRIMP & PETRO FEST

August 31-September 4 | shrimpandpetroleum.org

The Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is on the way to its annual five-day celebration. The event will have music, food, carnival, arts and crafts, and more. Vendors will include everything from art to food to boutiques for you to shop. There will also be multiple honors and events within the festival, such as the blessing of the fleet, a street parade, an artist guild show, the 100 Black Men 5K Run/Walk, mass in the park, a children’s parade, a car show, and the viewing of the Diving & Rov Historical Preservation Museum. Entrance to the festival is free.

SOUTHERN DECADENCE

August 31-September 4 | southerndecadence.net

25TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

September 1 | whereyat.com/where-yat-magazine-25th-anniversary-party

Join Where Y’at Magazine in celebrating its 25th anniversary with a festive party at Generations Hall, which is located at 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. Attendees will be able to enjoy light bites, drink specials, cake, a photo booth, and more. The event will also feature burlesque by Trixie Minx Productions and a fashion show by Hemline. The party will run from 8 to 10 p.m. and there will be no cover charge.

TATTOO FESTIVAL

September 8-10 | worldtattooevents.com

New Orleans welcomes the world’s largest tattoo convention tour for the fifth year to stop by this September. Only the best and most experienced local, national and international tattoo artists can work with customers. Vendors will be there to supply tattoo artists with any tools they may need in addition to the many other booths selling other items. This will include jewelry, clothing, and artwork. Tickets are $20 for a one-day pass and $40 for a three-day pass. Children under 12 are free.

Southern Decadence is a Labor Day weekend festival for freedom and fun, with this year's theme being “Wicked, Wild, and Wet.” This annual festival celebrates gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender participants and is one of New Orleans’ biggest events alongside Mardi Gras, Essence Fest, and the French Quarter Festival. The colors are black, royal blue, and kelly green, so get ready for a weekend of nonstop dancing from sun-up to sundown. The parties mainly take place in the French Quarter, including The Bourbon Pub and Parade, but the real dancing will be in the nearby bars, and a huge parade will top everything off on Sunday. Weekend VIP passes are currently $75 but will be $100 later.

OLDIES BUT GOODIES FEST

September 9-10 | westbatonrouge.net/oldies-goodies-fest/250

The Oldies But Goodies Fest will be a two-day family-friendly fun festival with a BBQ cook-off to match this year. The BCA State Championship BBQ event will be on Saturday and offers for teams to apply to three different categories in hopes of placing to get $1,500 prize money, awards, trophies, and certificates. Cash prizes up to 8th place in each category. Sunday will include an antique car show, hula hoop and jitterbug contests and live performances from That 70s Band and the Justin Cornett Band. To enter the BBQ contest, each team must pay $150. Admission to the fest is free, but do not forget cash for the food and beverage vendors.

Joe’s Ready When You Are!

LPO OPENING NIGHT

September 14 | lpomusic.com

Back with new music, director Matthew Kraemer and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will again take the stage with an official show. The opening performance will start with a trio of works and then lead into a world commission by internationally renowned composer Stacy Garrop. There will be an intermission followed by German repertoire, including Hindemith's “Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber” and an honorary piece of Beethoven's beloved “Symphony No. 5” to end the night. Tickets will be available on August 1 for $10.

LA WINE AND FOOD FEST

September 14-17 | louisianafoodandwine festival.com

Coming up next is a long weekend of the best southern eats and wine one can dream of. The Louisiana Food + Wine Festival will be hosted by Visit Lake Charles and promote all the culinary jewels that we love so much in Louisiana. The festival will have your taste buds traveling through the growing food and beverage industry with all-inclusive tasting events, culinary educational moments, and jazz brunch. These dishes will range from barbeque to seafood, and some proceeds will be donated to charity partners. So buy tickets now anywhere from $25 to $225.

MAHALIA JACKSON

September 16 | mahaliajacksontheater.com/events/spider-man-intothe-spider-verse

It may not be what you think it is because it's definitely better. The criticallyacclaimed, animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse has made its way to a live replay in the famous Mahalia Jackson Theatre. However, this showing will include a live orchestra, band, and turntables with a Dj scratcher playing music from the Academy Award-winning movie. Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $25 to $105.

H E AT

factory’s original Tulane Avenue site. Crystal Hot Sauce is unique in that whole Cayenne peppers, with the skins and seeds included, are used to give the sauce a rich flavor that is very complimentary to many New Orleans dishes. That flavor has been popular enough that Crystal Hot Sauce can be found in at least 30 countries, with more than 4.5 million gallons of it being made annually.

OTHER HISTORIC BRANDS IN LOUISIANA’S HISTORY

A Brief History of Louisiana Hot Sauces

By Burke Bischoff

Louisianians love their spices, and what better way to spice up any meal than with a few squirts of some local hot sauce?

A Creole, Cajun, or soul-food restaurant in Louisiana wouldn’t be complete without bottles of Tabasco, Crystal Hot Sauce, or other local hot sauces sitting on the tables for anyone looking to add that extra something to their meals.

Given the name, hot sauces use chili peppers (the specific peppers vary depending on the recipes) to add an extra amount of “heat” to a dish. Louisianians are accustomed to spicy dishes, so an extra helping of hot sauce adds interesting flavors and new dimensions to an already great tasting plate. Many different hot sauces have been made in Louisiana for a very long time, from historic brands that have survived the test of time to newer ones continuing to light folks’ mouths on fire.

CLASSIC & DELICIOUS TABASCO

One cannot talk about hot sauce without mentioning Tabasco, which is owned and made by the McIlhenny Company. This pungently-tasty and satisfyingly-

hot pepper sauce holds the distinction of being the United States of America’s oldest brand of hot sauce. According to Tabasco’s website, it all started with a man by the name of Edmund McIlhenny, who wanted to create a pepper sauce to give the food of the Reconstruction South some more flavor and excitement.

When McIlhenny got his hands on capsicum frutescens pepper seeds from either Central America or Mexico, he took those seeds and was able to grow his first commercial pepper crop in 1868 on Avery Island, which is a salt dome in Iberia Parish and is actually on the National Register of Historic Places. According to Tabasco’s website, McIlhenny sent out 658 small, cologne-type bottles of the sauce to different grocers around the Gulf Coast. He secured a patent for his sauce in 1870 and the company has since been providing the world McIlhenny’s original hot sauce for over 150 years in over 195 countries and territories.

While the McIlhenny Company has

been creating new varieties of pepper sauces since the early ‘90s (the first one made in 1993 and the latest one in 2017), that original Tabasco sauce, from the ingredients and recipe to the process from which it’s made, has remained virtually unchanged. So anyone who buys a bottle of that original brand really will be tasting a part of both Louisiana and U.S. history.

NOLA’S

FAVORITE CRYSTAL

Another historic sauce that is near and dear to the hearts of many a New Orleanian is Crystal Hot Sauce. This sauce, which is characterized by its mild heat and full flavor, found its start in 1923 by a man named Alvin Baumer.

According to Crystal Hot Sauce’s website, Baumer came to New Orleans after the Civil War and purchased a sno-ball syrup company called Mill’s Fruit Products, which was located on Tchoupitoulas Street. After he purchased the company, Baumer just happened upon a hot sauce recipe, which was labeled Crystal Pure, in a drawer inside of Mill’s. When he tried making it for himself, and it turned out to be successful, he renamed the company Baumer Foods, Inc. and moved to Tulane Avenue in Mid-City to manufacture more of it.

The company, which is still family owned and operated, remained in that location for 75 years until Hurricane Katrina destroyed the facility in 2005. Baumer Foods has since moved to Reserve, Louisiana, although a replica of the company’s sign can still be seen at the

While Tabasco and Crystal may be two of the most popular hot sauces that Louisianians enjoy on a regular basis, there have been other brands that have kept the state’s association with pepper sauce alive and well. One was Trappey’s Hot Sauce, which found its start in 1898 by a former McIlhenny employee named B. F. Trappey, according to Fiery Food and Barbecue Central’s “A Brief History of U.S. Commercial Hot Sauces.” That sauce remained locally-owned for almost 100 years until it was purchased by New Jersey-based B&G Foods in 1997.

Another is The Original Louisiana Brand Hot Sauce, which was started in 1928 by local-company Bruce Foods in New Iberia, Louisiana and uses aged peppers with salt and vinegar. According to The Advocate, that brand ended up getting sold to Georgia-based company Summit Hill Foods in 2015, although the sauce is still manufactured in New Iberia.

HEAT UP YOUR LIFE WITH LOCAL SAUCES

These brands, along with Tabasco and Crystal, have all helped to keep hot sauce visible and popular within Louisiana. Their success has paved the way for newer brands to appear and/or be manufactured within the state including Slap Ya MaMa Hot Sauce, Cajun Chef Hot Sauce, D.a.T. SaUcE, Tiger Sauce, Southern Art Handcrafted Hot Sauce, and many, many more.

So when someone is craving some tasty heat to go with whatever meal they’ve got, there’s no doubt that a bottle of one of Louisiana’s amazing hot sauces will be front and center in their mind.

$20 AND UNDER

Cool Deals at the Hot Bar

It's always busy around the hot bar at these local grocery stores.

While makin' groceries and preparing your own meals is undoubtedly the most affordable way to go, sometimes you need a break. The drudgery of cooking every single day for every single meal can wear a person down. Going out to eat or getting a pizza delivered is always an option, but when was the last time you hit up the hot bar? Sneeze guards and Styrofoam boxes may not be the sexiest way to dine, but the food is good, plentiful, and perfect for anyone seeking a break from the mealtime grind while simultaneously trying to stay under budget.

Marc and Darlene Robért opened their first Robért Fresh Market in Metairie on the corner of Transcontinental and W. Esplanade almost 30 years ago. Their vision was a neighborhood market offering fresh local produce, quality prepared foods, and gourmet products, and they succeeded. Today, Robért Fresh Market has six locations, five in the Greater New Orleans area, and, in 2018, they opened their first store in Baton Rouge. Though each store has their own, in-house chef, there's quite a bit of ado around the hot bar feasts to be had at their S. Claiborne Avenue location. A cook who could easily have his own successful digs, the chef at this particular Robért's hot bar works hard on the daily to present New Orleans-style spreads—we're talking fried chicken, crawfish cornbread, mac 'n' cheese, collard greens, and crisp-fried catfish filets. Like many grocery stores, you can fill up your box by the pound, and at Robért's (as it is fondly referred to) it's only $9.99. Just try to make it home without opening the box.

Everywhere across the country, people tend to appreciate establishments with longevity, but in New Orleans one might believe that to be doubly so. Case in point, Uptown grocery store Langenstein's just celebrated their centennial last year. Located on Arabella Street, the neighborhood market originally opened (just down the street) back in 1922, and now they have three more locations in the GNO. Today, you'll find a hot bar in the back serving up specials with everything from red beans and rice, and fried chicken to spaghetti and meatballs, or BBQ. At Langenstein's, the hot bar features prepared foodstuffs for $8.99 per pound, except on Fridays when the price goes to $9.99, which makes sense. After all, who wants to cook dinner on a Friday?

Launched on Metairie Road by

Sinesio Canseco in 2005, Canseco's is a relatively new local market on the scene, one that now features five locations: Metairie Road in “Ole Metry,” Esplanade Avenue in Bayou St. John, Fillmore Avenue in Gentilly, in Arabi on St. Claude, and the most recent opening on the corner of South Carrollton Avenue and Oak Street near the Riverbend. All locations feature a hot bar and specials vary from store to store. For example, just recently the Metairie and Fillmore markets had a steak night with rice, veggies, and cooked-to-order steak for $14.99. Mostly, the hot bar has goodies such as fried and baked chicken, jambalaya pasta, mac 'n' cheese, fresh steamed veggies, and more. Hot plates range from $10.99 for chicken to $13.99 for seafood, both served with two sides. There may only be one, but we'd be happy to see more. When Big Easy Fresh Market opened right before the pandemic began in early 2020, it was the biggest thing to hit New Orleans since hand-made tortillas. Offering a packed produce section, one created to shame all others, this unique grocery store has a large selection of Latino and Middle Eastern fare and one hell of a hot bar. From the usual rotisserie chicken and fried catfish, to glorious tamales, tostadas, beautiful beef stews, Spanish rice, braised oxtail, and yucca, you'll be blown away, especially when you go overboard and fill a box for two (one that lasted through three meals) for only $18.99. Generally though, the hot bar is $9.50 per pound. Located on the corner of Canal and Broad Street, you'll want to get your lunch early as the line grows long before you can say stuffed bell peppers.

Finally there's the jewel of the Westbank, Hong Kong Market

Unless you count the Peking ducks dangling behind the plexiglass as a “hot bar,” this popular grocery store on Behrman Highway technically doesn't count, but you can bet your last yuan on a delicious, hot, freshly made meal wrapped and ready to go in their deli section. Just get there before 11 a.m., or nearly everything will be gone—we're talking fresh bao with assorted stuffings, vermicelli bowls (replete with lots of fish sauce), seaweed or bamboo-wrapped zongzi, and much, much more, all at prices to make your pocket smile. If you show up late and they look wiped out, just walk up to the counter and order a banh mi. At $5 (or less) each, they're easily the best deal for a Vietnamese poboy in town.

By Kim Ranjbar

Robért Fresh Market

Big Easy Fresh Market Canseco's

Hong Kong Market

RESTAURANT GUIDE

504-805-5596, boomtownneworleans.com

AMERICAN

Boulevard American Bistro serves incredible American and wood-fired grilled dishes in Metairie, Elmwood, and Covington from their scratch kitchen while providing great service. Enjoy tasty appetizers including deviled eggs and amazing entrees such as the Hawaiian ribeye. Multiple Locations, boulevardbistro.com

Boutique de Vampyre’s Apothecary caters to both mortals and the vampires that live among us. The restaurant uses fresh ingredients from its own garden and offers daily tarot card readings. Their whole food and drink menu is “to die for.” 725 St. Peter St., 504-766-8179, vampireapothecary.com

Crescent City Steaks, Louisiana’s oldest familyowned steakhouse, has been serving some of New Orleans’ finest steaks and seafood for four generations. The restaurant’s steaks, which are sizzled in butter, are delicious. Their additional seafood menu featuring lobster tail is also amazing. 1001 N. Broad St., 504-821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com

Daisy Dukes has six locations across the New Orleans area. They are known for their delicious Cajun, Southern, and breakfast dishes served until late night. Don’t forget one of their awardwinning Cajun Bloody Marys. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

Flamingo A-Go-Go is the place to “flamingle,” no matter the occasion. They have the largest courtyard in the Warehouse District. The bottomless option can’t be beat. Try Flamingo’s flatbreads and entrees, including the jerk tacos. 869 Magazine St., 504577-2202, flamingonola.com

Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant, one of Old Gretna’s best neighborhood hangout spots, has a mix of American bar food and traditional New Orleans dishes.They’ve been voted the best bar in the West Bank multiple times—so try their rum punch and whiskey sour. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 504-368-1114, gattusos.net

Houmas House & Gardens has three restaurants ranging from casual sit-down spots to fine white tablecloth dining. While Dixie Café offers breakfast, lunch, and buffets, the Carriage House and Latil’s Landing are more upscale at part of the South’s oldest and most beautiful estates. 401336 LA-942, Darrow, 225-473-9380, houmashouse.com

Legacy Kitchen Steak + Chop is perfect for anyone looking for a steakhouse on the Westbank. While the whole menu is mouthwatering, the restaurant’s signature steaks include filets, ribeyes, and a massive tomahawk steak. 91 Westbank Expy #51, Gretna, 504-513-2606, legacykitchen.com

Luke combines elements of Franco-German brasseries with New Orleans flavors. Check out the restaurant’s famous raw bar, which offers Gulf oysters, jumbo shrimp, Maine lobster, and more. If you’re not in a steak mood, go for their burger bar or fried seafood platter. 333 St Charles Ave., 504378-2840, lukeneworleans.com

New Orleans Vampire Cafe offers a menu with creative American dishes including seared duck breast, blackened alligator, and lamb stew. Order the Dracula burger, a blood bag cocktail, and the Blood Orange Creme Brûlée for a truly spooky dinner. 801 Royal St., 504-581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com

Nola Steak, located in Boomtown Casino & Hotel, is perfect for anyone who wants a good steak after playing the slots. The restaurant serves a variety of meat cuts and entrees such as blackened redfish. Try out their Sunday brunch with great food and mimosa specials. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey,

Spudly’s Super Spuds is a must visit for anyone who loves creatively-made baked potatoes. At Spudly’s, a baked potato is a meal. They’ve had 40 years of experience to perfect their many different potato dishes, burgers, and sandwiches. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, 504-4553250, spudlys.com

The Steakhouse at Harrah’s is where New Orleans flavors and steakhouse classics meet in an elegant dining experience. The restaurant offers flame-grilled filet mignon and ribeye, decadent seafood, and an award-winning wine menu. 8 Canal St., 504-533-6111, caesars.com

Voodoo Chicken and Daiquiris has three locations all across the French Quarter. Enjoy the restaurant’s signature deep-fried chicken, Natchitoches pies, po-boys, gumbo, and giant refreshing fresh fruit daiquiris at their walk up bar. Multiple Locations, voodoochickenanddaiquirisnola.com

ASIAN

Asia brings together both classic Vietnamese and Chinese dishes in the Harvey’s Boomtown Casino & Hotel. Try their flavorful pho, sweet and sour chicken, crab rangoons, shaking beef, tofu vegetables, and more—all at a good price. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, 504-3667711, boomtownneworleans.com

Mikimoto in Mid-City has some of the freshest and most inventive sushi in town. Their signature rolls such as the lobster tempura and Mikimoto special, are always a hit, but their chicken udon and Mai Thais are just as great of a choice. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

TD Seafood & Pho House serves deliciously authentic Vietnamese cuisine and spicy boiled seafood. This casual eatery on the Westbank features varieties of pho and an inhouse speciality—crawfish boiled with garlic butter or Khong sauce.

1028 Manhattan Blvd, (504) 302-1727, tdseafoodphohouse.com

BARS WITH GREAT

FOOD

Alto Rooftop Bar provides immaculate service and views of New Orleans from atop of the Ace Hotel. Take a dip in the pool or cool off with craft cocktails in the sun. Small bites include chicken wings, a caprese panini, and andouille en croûte. 600 Carondelet St., 504-9001180, acehotel.com

grub makes it a fan favorite. 4801 Magazine St., 504-897-3448, lbtrnola.com

Peacock Room is an elegant cocktail bar perfect for a romantic date night. Located in the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, it offers tasty bites such as blue cheese stuffed dates and prosciutto. Check out their live music and nightly specials. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-324-3073, peacockroomnola.com

Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar is the place to be during St. Patrick’s Day or any other day. This popular sports bar has more than 20 television screens and hundreds of beer selections in addition to their delicious seafood options including crawfish galore. 2604 Magazine St., 504-897-5413, traceysnola.com

The Jimani is the place to be during any big sporting event as it’s been one of New Orlean’s favorite sports bars for 40 years. The French Quarter bar, open seven days a week, serves beer and Jell-O shots plus burgers, po-boys, pizza, and Chicagostyle hot dogs. 141 Chartres St., 504-5240493, thejimani.com

TD Seafood & Pho House

Bar Marilou is a beautiful French-style bar on the side of the Maison de la Luz hotel. Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere while indulging in delicate appetizers and creative cocktails such as the Oaxacan with the devil. 544 Carondelet St., 504814-7711, barmarilou.com

Buffa's Bar & Restaurant is a classic New Orleansstyle bar that offers a mix of Cajun/Creole dishes and American classics that’s been perfecting their cocktails and cuisine since 1939. Check out their schedule as they host live music performances every Wednesday through Monday. 1001 Esplanade Ave., 504-949-0038, buffasbar.com

JB’s Fuel Dock is the perfect place to eat pizza and take in the views overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. There are many salads and Neapolitan pizzas to choose from such as the garlic and red pepper or the three cheese Italian. 126 S. Roadway St., 504510-2260, jbsfueldock.com

Le Bon Temps Roule is one of the best neighborhood bars Uptown. The variety of delicious burgers and sandwiches, plus the signature Bloody Marys can’t be beat. The live music and late-night

The Marsh Room Patio Bar and Grill is one of Metairie’s newest and funkiest spots for live music and entertainment, sports, and good food. Menu items include steaks, sandwiches, quesadillas, marsh fries, and Southwest chicken eggrolls. 4740 Rye St., Metairie, 504-571-5733, facebook.com/ marshroom

The Garage is a great place to have a good time in the French Quarter located just steps off of Bourbon street. The night club hosts live music events, sells CBD and massive “fish bowls,” in addition to their menu of tasty New Orleans dishes. 810 Conti St., thegaragemusicclub.com

Stumpy's Hatchet House is a place where you can gather with friends and enjoy hatchet throwing for any occasion. When you’re done tossing, you can try some snacks and bites including nachos, pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, and more. 1200 Poydras St., 504577-2937, stumpyshh.com/neworleansla

CAFÉ

Cafe Amelie is perfect for your next date night with their comfortable, yet elegant, environment, as well as beautifully prepared meals, wines, and craft cocktails. Offering a unique twist on Louisiana classics, their shrimp and grits, muffalettas, and gumbo, are all stellar options. Their courtyard is also a lovely spot to enjoy their daily brunch. 900 Royal

Street, 504-412-8065, cafeamelie.com

Carmo is a New Orleans-based tropical restaurant committed to feeding great food to vegans and omnivores alike. The exquisite combination of flavors makes healthy eating easy. Start off with the pão de quejo and then try one of the restaurant’s salads such as the Burmese tea leaf. 527 Julia St., 504875-4132, cafecarmo.com

Jimmy J’s Café is a funky French Quarter café beloved by tourists and locals alike. With its one-of-a-kind breakfast dishes such as the beignet sticks and Cochon eggs Benedict, to their house Bloody Mary’s, you’ll no doubt enjoy an outstanding brunch. Multiple Locations, 504-3099360, jimmyjscafe.com

The Vintage is a cozy café where customers can relax and indulge in beignets, bubbles, and bites. They have flatbreads, pressed sandwiches, and many other small dishes such as alligator poppers, yet the beignets are the particular favorite. 3121 Magazine St., 504-324-7144, thevintagenola.com

Willa Jean is a great place to go to in the Warehouse District for coffee, baked goods, and biscuits. Some of Willa Jean’s food items include BBQ shrimp toast, biscuits with jam, gravy, or fried chicken with Tabasco honey. 611 O’Keefe Ave., 504-509-7334, willajean.com

FRENCH

Café Degas, located in the Faubourg St. John, is one of New Orleans’ most romantic restaurants. The cafe specializes in incredibly made French dishes— also offering weekend brunch in their charming atmosphere. With steak frites and beautiful wine, there’s something for everyone. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635, cafedegas.com

King Brasserie + Bar is an elegant restaurant located in the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot with an extensive wine menu and unique small plates, as well as dinner options. Be sure to try the grilled octopus with bacon, sweet potato, and vadouvan. 521 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-324-3000, kingbrasserieandbar.com

ITALIAN

A Tavola Restaurant & Wine Bar is a lively spot in Metairie featuring modern Italian cuisine. They have a vast wine list, delectable cheese and meats, and Neapolitan-style pizzas. Catch their weekly specials and happy hour, which offers discounted drinks and small plates.

3413 Veterans Blvd., 504-577-2235, atavo.la

Domenica is a great place to go to in New Orleans for traditional Italian cuisine. Pick from customizable charcuterie boards and wines at this elegant spot. Their amazing Neapolitan-style pizzas come with different toppings such as clams, prosciutto, smoked pork, and meatballs. 123 Baronne St., 504-6486020, domenicarestaurant.com

Italian Pie has been whipping up delectable American Italian food since 1992. The Uptown restaurant makes some of your favorite Italian dishes, including gourmet calzones, salads, oven-baked sandwiches, and pasta plates such as lasagnas and ravioli. Multiple Locations, italianpie.com

Josephine Estelle mixes Italian recipes with southern flavors and is open for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. The restaurant is helmed by James Beard Award-nominated chefs Michael Hudman and Andy Ticer and features beautifully selected wines and cocktails. 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com

Mosca’s Restaurant is one of the best-known Italian restaurants in Greater New Orleans and has been serving rustic Italian fare since 1946. All of the restaurant's entrees are served family-style from traditional spaghetti and meatballs to their Oysters Mosca. 4137 US-90 W., Westwego, 504-4368950, moscasrestaurant.com

LEBANON’S CAFE

MIDDLE EAST CUISINE √ A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE

PIZZA Domenica is a fun and stylish pizzeria including a full bar with locations Uptown, Mid-City, and in Lakeview. The restaurant’s Margherita, lamb agrodolce, white, and tutto de carne pizzas are perfect for sharing with friends. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com

Venezia has been one of New Orleans’ go-to Italian restaurants since 1957. You’ll be impressed by any of their traditional Italian dishes or craft a customized pizza with a large variety of toppings including anchovies, veal, crawfish, feta, crabmeat, and more. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991, venezianeworleans.com

LATIN

Alma Cafe is an award-winning Honduran restaurant in the Bywater. Alma serves breakfast all day, offering great dishes such as Pollo Chuco and avocado toast. While craft cocktails are available, you can never go wrong with Alma's mimosas or Bloody Marys. 800 Louisa St, New Orleans, eatalmanola.com

Empanola is the place to be for delicious and authentic South American empanadas. Head to either Magazine Street or Freret Street and experience the restaurant’s beef Argentina, spinach and artichoke, or chicken Peruvian empanada. Multiple Locations, empanolaempanadas.com

Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco, located on Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue, brings the unique cuisine of Peru to the Big Easy. Expand your palate by trying a selection of ceviche dishes with delicious seafood such as Gulf shrimp and Gulf fish. Multiple Locations, titoscevichepisco.com

MEXICAN

El Gato Negro is a local, yet authentic, Mexican kitchen featuring fare from founder Juan Contreras’ family recipe book, including fajitas, burritos and tacos galore, and their extensive selection of signature drinks including their famous margaritas. Multiple Locations, 504-525-9752, elgatonegro.com

Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria has three locations around New Orleans. Walk up to the counter to grab a margarita and customize your own tacos, burritos, nachos, salads, quesadillas, and more with extra beans, rice, and salsas to enjoy. Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com

Café Degas

Juan’s Flying Burrito has been serving its Creole-influenced Mexican food to New Orleanians for over 25 years. While their extensive menu includes plenty of mouth-watering options, their burritos, such as the gutter punk and the al pastor, are massive and delicious. Multiple locations, juansflyingburrito.com

Mr. Tequila’s menu includes authentic Mexican dishes along with Tex-Mex classics. Enjoy tasty plates such as loco rice, the chimichanga plate, and the house speciality carne asada. Wash it all down with

one of their jumbo margaritas. 5018 Freret St., 504-766-9660, mrtequilanola.com

Mucho Mas offers delicious and creative Mexican food Uptown. Treat yourself to meals from their weekend brunch, weekday lunch specials, and dinner. Try a hearty dish including BBQ birria tacos or shrimp empanadas and enjoy a cocktail such as a classic margarita or Mexican martini. 8201 Oak St, muchomasnola.com

Tacos Del Cartel has some of the best tacos that can be found in all of Metairie. The casual atmosphere and killer craft cocktail menu make it a perfect spot for a casual meal, happy hour, or weekend brunch. Try the brisket tacos or tofu tostada. 2901 David Dr., Metairie, 504-3815063, tacosdelcartel.com

MIDDLE EASTERN

Gita Pita offers delicious Middle Eastern fare on both Canal and Baronne Streets. The restaurant’s pita wraps and bowls are filled to the brim with different selections such as shawarma, gyro, and falafel. Indulge in a side of Greek fries as well. Multiple Locations, facebook.com/GitaPitaCanal

Lebanon’s Café is one of the most popular Middle Eastern restaurants in New Orleans. Choose from a long list of authentic Lebanese appetizers, dips, and massive entreés including kabobs, falafel, shawarma, and rosemary lamb chops. This casual joint offers BYOB with no corkage fee. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200, lebanonscafe.com

Shaya is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant specializing in modern Israeli cuisine. Choose from delicious small plates and creative hummus dishes or go for larger options such as their steak or arayes 4213 Magazine St., 504-891-4213, shayarestaurant.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE

Annunciation is a great restaurant to visit for special occasions as it's housed in a magnificent turn of the century warehouse. Expect contemporary Cajun and Creole dishes including shrimp etouffee, fried oysters, and soft shell crab monica. 1016 Annunciation St., 504-5680245, annunciationrestaurant.com

Apolline serves modern Louisiana cuisine in a cozy double shotgun cottage. Delicious dishes include the crawfish bisque, panéed veal medallions, jambalaya dumplings, and seared diver scallops. Their brunch served Tuesday-Sunday includes their housemade boudin. 4729 Magazine St., 504-894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com

Café Normandie in the Higgins Hotel serves both French and New Orleans cuisine through elevated dining experience. Mouth-watering entrees include the Cajun paella, oyster and pork belly tacos, steak frites, and the confit duck cassoulet. 1000 Magazine St., 504-528-1941, higginshotelnola.com

Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop has been serving incredible Louisiana cuisine in its unassuming location since 2012. Boudin balls, fried shrimp po-boys, and their award-winning gumbo in several tasty variations, as well as many other NOLA favorites are on the menu. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 504-835-2022, gumbostop.com

Commons Club New Orleans, in the Virgin Hotel, provides customers with contemporary American dishes with southern sensibility such as crawfish hushpuppies or the roasted Gulf shrimp. Their high end cocktails and weekend brunch specials just can’t be beat. 550 Baronne St., virginhotels.com

Crescent City Brewhouse is a charming microbrewery with great New Orleans food, oysters, live music, and even a courtyard. Try one of the restaurant’s house beers, wines, or “brewtails,” all of which incorporate the brewhouse’s original beers. 527 Decatur St., 504-522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

Great Selection Of Vegetarian Dishes

APPETIZERS

Hummus √ Falafel √

Bathenjan Dip (Roasted Eggplant w/ Garlic) √

Vegetarian Grape Leaves

Lunch & Dinner Daily (Closed on Tuesdays)

DINNERS

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

√ Hummus w/ Lamb Meat √ Rosemary Lamb Chops

1500 S. CARROLLTON √ UPTOWN TELEPHONE: 862-6200 / 862-0768

RESTAURANT GUIDE

Evangeline offers a beautiful French Quarter courtyard, craft beer, and delicious Louisiana cuisine using the best fresh ingredients. The menu features perfected Cajun dishes including alligator creole, southern-fried okra, and grilled redfish with crawfish pesto pasta.

329 Decatur St., 504-373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com

House of Blues New Orleans is the perfect place to enjoy yourself with everything from live music, gospel brunch, and tasty dishes. Dishes to enjoy include the fried chicken, baby back ribs, blackened salmon, and a range of tasty burgers. 225 Decatur St., 504-310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans Lakeview Harbor is a terrific Lakeview

restaurant that has been family-owned and operated for over 30 years. The expansive menu has steaks, seafood, po-boys, salads, the best burgers, and all kinds of appetizers. Check out their food truck too. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us

Lil’ Dizzy’s Cafe is a Tremé staple that serves up authentic Creole and classic Southern dishes such as seafood platters and catfish. Their rich, hearty gumbo and crawfish bisque are the best while their delicious po-boys will satisfy any appetite. 1500 Esplanade Ave., 504-766-8687, lildizzyscafe.net

Mandina’s Restaurant has been familyowned and bringing great food to New Orleans since 1932. The menu is Creole Italian and has amazing dishes such as turtle soup au sherry, veal parmesan and spaghetti, and fried seafood plates. 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com

Meril is a chic Chef Emeril Lagasse establishment offering a globally-inspired menu of small plates and shareable dishes as well as a full bar with craft cocktails. The wood-fired oysters, charcuterie board, and crispy Brussels sprouts are standout options. 424 Girod St., 504-526-3745, emerilsrestaurants.com

Mother’s Restaurant has been a popular hangout for New Orleanians since 1938 with their classic dishes and all day breakfast. Beloved local dishes such as red beans and rice, seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee, debris and jambalaya are all offered. 401 Poydras St., 504-5239656, mothersrestaurant.net

Nice Guys Bar & Grill offers its own twist of classic New Orleans food. The bar’s oyster dishes are fan favorites and include chargrilled,

Rockefeller, loaded, and ooh la la. Other great dishes include crawfish jalapeno bombs. 7910 Earhart Blvd., 504-302-2404, niceguysbarandgrillnola.com

New Orleans Creole Cookery serves amazing and traditional Creole cuisine not too far from Jackson Square. Sit outside in the restaurant’s beautiful courtyard and enjoy the pecan crusted redfish or the Chicken Pontalba. 510 Toulouse St. 504-524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Neyow’s Creole Café is a popular Mid-City spot that serves up classic New Orleans dishes with a modern twist in an unforgettable atmosphere. Their fried catfish, shrimp and grits, and stuffed bell peppers are all delicious options. 3332 Bienville St., 504-827-5474, neyows.com

Neyow’s XL is a fine dining establishment located right next to Neyow’s Creole Café. In addition to authentic Creole dishes, the restaurant is known for its high quality steaks. Splurge on one of Neyow’s XL hurricanes or check out their excellent brunch. 3336 Bienville St., 504-503-1081, xl.neyows.com

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro is a charming French Quarter wine bar that offers a selection of delicious small plates. The charcuterie board, cheese plate, and truffle fries are all popular appetizers, and their Creole Surf and Turf is cooked to perfection. 720 Orleans Ave., 504523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com

Parkway Bakery & Tavern first opened its doors in 1911 and it has been a NOLA staple ever since. People from all over the country come to the shop for its extensive list of famous po-boy sandwiches from fried seafood to hot sausage. 538 Hagan Ave., 504-482-3047, parkwaypoorboys.com

Short Stop Poboys has been serving Metairie since 1966 and offers over 30 different kinds of po-boys from soft shell crab to their four meat special. Their debris-style roast beef is excellent, tender, and juicy every time. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie 504-8854572, shortstoppoboysno.com

SEAFOOD

Briquette has delectable modern and coastal meals such as snapper Pontchartrain, lamb shank, and Louisiana Redfish on the half shell. Located in the Warehouse District, Briquette features a unique open kitchen and full wine list. 701 S. Peters St., 504-302-7496, briquette-nola. com

Legacy Kitchen's Tacklebox is one of three restaurants that are under the ownership of Legacy Kitchen. Tacklebox has an oyster bar, and a mix of Southern and seafood dishes including shrimp and grits and catfish pecan. Their seafood towers and Southern comfort food options can’t be beat. 817 Common St., 504-827-1651, legacykitchen.com

Middendorf’s Restaurant is a Louisiana seafood institution and has been serving up their famous thin-fried catfish for over 80 years. Located on the shores of lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, the views are as impressive as the seafood options such as the crawfish cakes. Multiple Locations, middendorfsrestaurant.com

Seaworthy celebrates all things seafood and puts an emphasis on using locally-sourced fish and game as well as sustainably harvested oysters. Dishes including lobster cocktail, scallop crudo, fish and chips, red snapper ceviche, and charbroiled oysters are available. 630 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071, seaworthynola.com

VIETNAMESE

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

Buffa’s

1001 Esplanade Av. 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 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

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

The Garage 810 Conti St.

The Marsh Room Patio Bar & Grill 4740 Rye St. 504-571-5733

The Metropolitan 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. 504-568-1702

The Rabbit Hole 1228 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. 504-354-9709

The Vintage 3121 Magazine St. 504-324-7144

Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar 2604 Magazine St. 504-897-5413

Treme Hideaway 1234 Claiborne Ave. 504-301-4441

Tropical Isle Multiple Locations 504-523-1927

MICHELADA MIX-OFF FINALS

Located on top of the Ace Hotel, Alto is a chill spot to hang out with your friends. You can cool down with some of the bar’s signature cocktails like Calypso and Turkish Royale.

Babylon is a great place to watch football and listen to live music in Metairie. The bar also provides a homey atmosphere with reasonable prices on all of their drinks.

Bar Marilou has a sophisticated French-style atmosphere in a very beautiful location alongside the Maison de la Luz hotel. The bar offers plenty of wine, beer, and craft cocktails.

If you’re in the mood for country, Boot Scootin’ Rodeo is your place. This country bar plays good old music and serves cold beer and cocktails. Mechanical bull included.

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.

Located inside Boomtown Casino & Hotel in Harvey, Club 38 is the perfect VIP experience. Available through Boomtown’s mychoice® loyalty program, guests can enjoy complimentary food and drinks after signing up.

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 provides some of the best Cajun food that can be found in the French Quarter. Enjoy local craft beers and other drinks the restaurant offers like the strawberry blonde or the rum punch.

The Fillmore is a beautiful, state-of-the-art 22,000 square-foot entertainment space above Harrah’s Casino. While there for a night of live music, make sure to grab a cocktail in BG’s Lounge.

A cozy, upscale dive bar offering light bites, specialty cocktails, and friendly service in a chill, inclusive environment. In the heart of the French Quarter, stop in day or night for a sip while touring historic New Orleans.

The House of Blues offers one of the best nightlife experiences in all of NOLA. Choose from a long list of beers, wines, and more and jam out to one of the venue’s many live music events.

Lots A Luck Tavern is one of the best places in New Orleans to play bar games. Watch the next big football game while enjoying cold beer or some of the bar’s other refreshments.

Cold beer and other specialty drinks including frozen Irish coffee, cherry limeade, and frozen sangria await at Martine’s Lounge. Pop-ups are sometimes on-site to offer food.

Open from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., Pal’s Lounge is one of New Orleans’ perfect late-night spots. Some of Pal’s most popular, and affordable, drinks include the gingerita, the watermelon mojito, and the bacon Bloody Mary.

Located atop of the Higgins Hotel, Rosie’s surrounds guests with World War II-era Americana. Cold beer and delicious small plates like fries loaded with brisket and bacon cheese curds are available.

Stumpy’s Hatchet House gives patrons the perfect opportunity to test their hatchet-throwing skills. Light snacks and refreshing drinks from Stumpy’s fully-stocked bar are available for a quick pick-me-up.

Enjoy all sorts of entertainment like live music and open mic nights at The Garage. In addition to a fully stocked bar, the venue offers tasty NOLA favorites such as gumbo and spicy beef yaka mein.

The Marsh Room is one of the best establishments to hang out at in Metairie. While sipping on your favorite drink, grab some bites such as cheese curds, steak, and the bar’s “Marsh burger.”

The Metropolitan is one of New Orleans’ premiere nightclubs. While partying with your friends, make sure to visit the multiple different bars located all around the large, two-story club.

The Rabbit Hole is a truly eclectic club that always provides a great night of fun. Enjoy the venue’s outdoor and indoor stages for live music, as well as The Rabbit Hole’s downstairs bar.

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 sips with a Bitter Good Morning, a boozy cold brew, or Espresso Yourself.

Beer lovers will be happy when they see Tracey’s six draught taps and over 100 bottles of different brands to choose from. The bar also serves delicious oysters, poboys, and more.

Treme Hideaway is one of New Orleans’ best kept secrets. Tucked away in the historic Treme neighborhood, locals can flock to this night club for R&B music, DJ sounds, and hot food.

Tropical Isle is a Bourbon Street staple that is beloved by both tourists and locals. The bar is best known for being the birthplace of the “hand grenade,” aka New Orleans’ most powerful drink.

9/26 @ Blue Crab Lakeview

FILM REVIEWS

By David Vicari & Fritz Esker

The Last Voyage of the Demeter Jules

There is an interesting concept behind the horror film The Last Voyage of the Demeter, in that it is loosely based on “The Captain’s Log,” the seventh chapter in Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. So, it’s a real shame that the movie ends up being just a collection of tired horror movie clichés.

The merchant ship Demeter is traveling from Transylvania to London. Captian Elliot (Liam Cunningham), however, doesn’t know that the ship is carrying a deadly cargo. Packed in a crate in the cargo hold is the vampire Count Dracula.

The main character here is Clemens (Corey Hawkins), a doctor who joins the crew of the Demeter when he saves the captain’s grandson, Toby (Woody Norman), from a falling crate. No sooner has the voyage started that Clemens and crew notice strange things like a shadowy figure moving around the deck at night. Clemens then finds a young woman, Anna (Aisling Franciosi), in the cargo area who is presumed to be a stowaway. Then crew members start getting killed, as if they were attacked by a vicious animal.

The movie opens well, and the

midsection of this full two-hour horror show is pretty sluggish. Scene after scene of characters searching through the darkened bowels of the ship, and there are also fake out jump scares, but none of them worked at all.

The Dracula here is not at all inspired by Bela Lugosi from the classic 1931 movie, but rather the grotesque monster made famous by Max Schreck in 1922’s silent classic Nosferatu. In Demeter, Dracula is played by Spanish actor Javier Botet, who is often cast as monsters, like in the REC films, Mama (2013) and Slender Man (2018). To me, and maybe I am wrong, but Demeter’s vampire often seems like a digital effect, especially when he is performing some sort of action like jumping, growling or flying. Maybe Botet performed the motion capture for the character, but it looks like subpar digital work. Because it looked unconvincing, the creature never felt like much of a threat.

The Last Voyage of the Demeter has good performances, and the production design is impeccable, but the script, by Bragi Schut Jr. and Zak Olkewicz, lacks urgency and the direction by André Øvredal (Trollhunter, The Autopsy of Jane Doe, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark) is

The elderly small-town widower Milton (Ben Kingsley) has an alien spaceship crash in his backyard in the low-key comedy Jules

Milton is the type of old man who goes to city council meetings regularly to hash out the same complaints. He has one adult daughter

simply looks at Milton with an impassive stare. This leads Milton to use him as a sounding board. Two other old women from the town (Jane Curtin and Harriet Sansom Harris) discover what Milton is hiding and also end up baring their souls to Jules as well.

he speaks to, but who's worried about his ability to care for himself. He also has an estranged son out of town and no real friends to speak of.

The spaceship crashes, and Milton nurses the injured alien back to health. The alien (eventually named Jules) is clearly neither stupid nor oblivious, but it does not talk and

It's hard to categorize Jules. There are laughs, but the film is a bit too sad to be categorized solely as comedy. Thematically, its main concern is the loneliness and vulnerability of the elderly, not exactly the lightest of topics. That subject matter is handled compassionately and the story's conclusion is pretty moving. Director Marc Turtletaub and writer Gavin Steckler's film manages to create a real relationship between the alien and the three human leads (who all turn in good performances) even though the alien does not speak. If you're looking for something a little different from normal summer fare, get out of the excruciating August New Orleans heat and check out Jules —Fritz Esker

IAF: NOLA ‘23 IAF: NOLA ‘23

October 5th - 8th, 2023

October 5th - 8th, 2023

Steel Steel Pulse Pulse

Jr with, Jr with, an Naville, n Naville, ssell Batiste ssell Batiste

and more to be announced... and more to be announced...

A GLOBAL CELEBRATION OF A GLOBAL CELEBRATION OF MUSIC, CULTURE AND PEOPLE. MUSIC, CULTURE AND PEOPLE.

Venues: Mandeville Wharf Crescent Park & Civic Center

For more information visit us online at www.iafnola.com @IAFNOLA | #IAFNOLA23

Stephen Stephen Marley Marley

PO-BOY VIEWS

By Phil LaMancusa

Long ago and not very far away, a guy with a dream and not much money thought it would be cool and necessary to publish a music and entertainment rag for the edification of any of the interested populous in the City that Care Forgot.

Twenty-five years of Where Y’at. Lots of water under the bridge and once upon a time twenty five years ago, 125 years in cat years, 175 in dog years, and 200 in automobile years (my ’97 Lincoln and I should know). A hard birth occurred, followed by a rough adolescence, a steamy youth, and finally we’re in the prime of life, hittin’ our stride, ready for the next twentyfive. Perhaps we’ll eventually mature. I hope not.

Man, can you imagine having the same job for twenty-five years? Do you even know where you were twenty-five years ago? Gas was $1.15 a gallon, average rent a little over $600.00, Walmart was a whisper on the street, David Bowie, Prince, and Freddy Mercury were alive and well, and Bill Clinton was being impeached for the attention he received in the office closet.

Twenty-five years ago, Google was founded, the FDA approved Viagra and you may have been paying attention to the current music back then, but I wasn’t. It was a cold winter and a hot summer (what else is new), and hurricane Georges pimpslapped the coast in September clocking winds of 155. It was the perfect year to launch a new entertainment magazine (eh, Josh?), but the US GDP was up that year, so what the heck?

I started tugging the editors’ coat-tails early on, being egged on by a former wife who decided that I knew how to “tell a story.” At first, I got not a nod, a wink, nor a nudge and was about to throw in the towel, when I received an answer to yet another plea from me asking to be recognized, saying that the magazine “liked my stuff but just didn’t have the room for me, yet.” And then they did. I became a real writer then. I was vindicated, elated, inflated, upgraded, and creatively created. I called myself “Po Boy Views” (and it stuck). The pay wasn’t great, but being paid at all made me a legitimate and “real” writer. Hell, I would have paid them.

My first article, if I recall, was about a trip to one of the French Quarter’s chocolate shops, and my love of the product consumed surreptitiously like a criminal in a darkened alley. Looking back on that article (yes, I’ve saved them all), I’ve come to believe that I have come a long way as a real writer and after three hundred something pieces, you would hope that I have. I must be doing okay because Where Y’at has kept me, and even sends me assignments. For that I am and will remain eternally grateful. They even still invite me to the Christmas party.

Come to think of it, Josh has been with

me, and Where Y’at has been my only constant (except, of course Debbie) all these years. I’ve been through cars, jobs, living places, critters, loved ones, computers, storms, floods, and the mugging I experienced on Dumaine Street. Throughout life’s ups and downs and downs and ups and all those things that altar and illuminate my life, Where Y’at still calls and reminds me that another deadline is looming, another writer’s picks and/or meeting, that extra Jazz Fest article is due, and would you mind doing a piece on the thus and such?

Of course, I’m twenty-five years older now, and it gives me great comfort to say that so is Josh Danzig, my once and future head honcho. We’ve weathered our separate storms together, and we’re here to celebrate the silver anniversary of that tie that binds us. Sure, it’s a little corny, but, hey, when you look back over this amount of time in terms of teeth cleanings, child raising, gasoline fill ups, holidays spent, showers, and baths and, holy sh!t, it’s a BFD.

Naturally speaking, our city has gone through twenty-five years of growing pains as well. You would think after three hundred and something years that New Orleans would have settled into some kind of adulthood, but no. Twenty-five years ago, Marc Morial was re-elected to a second term as mayor of New Orleans. He was a mere forty years old and a Democrat (in fact all our mayors have been Democrats since 1872). Look how far we’ve come (or haven’t) since then.

And then look how far Where Y’at has come. The difference being that our city was built and fashioned on the rough and tumble greed and avarice, brutality and wantonness, slander, and spalling slather played by a second line marching band to the raucous tunes of “Nearer My God To Thee,” “Down By The Riverside,” “Little Liza Jane,” and “Hey Pocky Way,” and for twentyfive years, Where Y’at has stood by this city and pointed out the good, positive, and celebratory aspects that keep our populous sane and sanguine.

Conversely, Where Y’at was fashioned and has built on optimism, fair play, team spirit, frozen daiquiris and pizza, a noble and worthy foundation. I am amazed by each issue. After twenty-five years, each issue is stand alone and new. I am amazed each month that collectively we writers, contributors, editors, and interns have put together another issue that is informative, entertaining and exciting. And I am completely amazed that, after twenty-five years, I am still in the pages every month, writing pretty much whatever comes out of my brain and onto the keyboard, sharing another thousand words about life, the universe and everything. What a long, strange trip it’s been. Thank you Josh and everyone for having me.

TALES FROM THE QUARTER

By Debbie Lindsey

Thank You for Letting Me Be Myself—Whatever the Heck That Is

Well, I ain’t no Cormac McCarthy, but I am a writer.

And I even have an editor whose hair should be on fire for the above poor grammar. Fortunately, she seems to understand my humor or just figures I am “grandfathered in” due to, “Well, Debbie’s been here for so long, and we just can’t think of a nice way to let her go.” I will take it—whatever allows me to have a space in this magazine is fine with me. I am grateful. We both are grateful. Husband, then Boyfriend, and I started submitting columns to Where Y’at Magazine about 23 years ago. Perhaps desperate for writers back then, they accepted us and have been allowing us a column every issue since.

Several years back during Mardi Gras, Josh, the editor-in-chief and head dude, ran into us in the Quarters and introduced us to his friend as “my oldest writers,” to which I gave him the "and what did you just say, young man” glance. Bless his heart, he stammered and rushed the words “I mean they have been writing for us longer than anyone else.” We told his friend Josh was right twice. We are that old and we have been with Where Y’at since the early days.

Josh and his team of editors have allowed us so much freedom of expression. Our columns are on side-by-side pages. I say we are Lil and

Dash gone terribly trashy. However, I like to think that Ms. Hellman and Mr. Hammett might have enjoyed our musings. Certainly our political persuasions would have found company with theirs, which brings me to a heartfelt thank-youmoment to Where Y’at. I have been allowed to write about issues concerning my endorsement of left-leaning politics and ideologies, not to mention my personal irreverent and controversial adventures such as my abortion. Most importantly this magazine has given both of us the monthly 900-plus word space to write about most anything of our choosing. I have written about roaches, rats, and other mascots of New Orleans. My readers have endured sentimental journeys to my hometown, and joined in on family reunions and cremations. Readers have provided a shoulder to lean on and an ear to vent to in regards to the many tales of being indentured by and tethered to our pets. Unruly cats, mischievous dogs, and the ongoing plight of homeless critters are constantly written about. I have written about the Urine Wars that my beloved little monsters have waged against my floors and anything remotely resembling a rug. Husband AKA ‘Then Boyfriend’ AKA Phil has covered every topic from best bars to drink PBR in, to heartbreaking essays about our city. We both have pontificated about our environment,

human rights, and animal rights. I have written endless columns promoting Jazz Fest. I have stood upon my soap box and preached the need to shop and support local businesses and shouted out their names and locations. And I shamelessly self-promoted our own former cookbook shop (over and over).

When not throwing endlessly odd topics, random thoughts, and make-believe characters into my (our) columns, we both anthropomorphize trees, cars (our 1997 Lincoln currently), and our mannequin (Ruby the Hauntingly Beautiful Mannequin). Yet, despite our whimsy, we are actually trusted with cover stories. Well, I co-wrote a couple with Phil; however, he tackles such assignments with ease. I, on the other hand, can barely get my mere half page monthly column written. Let’s just say I would never qualify for a daily newspaper column, and there is no book deal in my future. Sitting still long enough to write one paragraph is a feat, an accomplishment, a poke-in-the-eye to my ADHD. During the last four paragraphs I made a phone call, sent three texts, washed dishes, fixed a pot of coffee, and ate lunch. But could I write an email or text equaling 1,000 words in one sitting. And I could stand on a stage and “Mrs. Maisel” it effortlessly. But give me a deadline and a commitment to write a

column, and I am ready to get up and change the cat litter. So I pass the feature articles and cover stories to Phil.

Am I thrilled to have my monthly column?

Heck yeah. Do I daydream of being discovered one day? When feeling delusional, heck yeah. My writing began when I was a kid. Then it kinda took a back seat to climbing into the backseat with my high school sweetie. Being a grownup later only gave way to more “sweeties” (whatever were their names?), partying, and far more consumption of libations than one should ever drink in an entire lifetime. However, I survived such foolishness, and later the urge to write came back, and I even learned how to type. My typing instructor, a friend, tricked me into learning on her keyboard which was attached to the feared and dreaded computer. I thank her for this.

I would submit essays to every highbrow literary magazine or periodical I could find. Alas, no takers. I persevered changing venues to local small presses which accepted me. And finally I ended up in Harper’s—well kinda. I wrote for a very small obscure coffee shop type magazine and I would slip copies inside every issue of Harper’s (and The New Yorker) at various news/magazine stands. So yeah, I was in Harper’s. And then along came Where Y’at Magazine with a space for me (and Phil), our names on the masthead, a paycheck, and, my favorite, press passes to attend the Tennessee Williams Literary Conference. We got to run with the big dogs. Swear, I’d bathe and sleep with my plastic-coated press pass tethered to me by a lanyard. Screw Harper’s, I’m a Where Y’at writer with a drawer full of press passes to prove it. Thank you Josh, fabulous staff, cohorts, and of course my readers. Bless y’all.