Issuu

September 2026

WhereYat.com

D I NI N G • M USIC • E NTE R TAINME NT • N IGHT L IFE

LSU AN Preview September 2026 CU LTU RA L A R T S S EASO N • DE C ADE N CE • T UL E// FOOT BAL L1

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

Get ready to go

BACK to SCHOOL with your • Free ABC Mouse for early learners • Free one-on-one online tutoring with Homework Louisiana • Free test prep with Mometrix • Check out assigned reading books • And more all with your Library card LSU Preview // September 2026 Learn more by scanning QR or visit: nolalibrary.co/student-success

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

LSU Preview // September 2026

INSIDE

POUR MORE, POUR MORE, PAY PAY LESS LESS

Thursday, Saturday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Sunday, Monday Monday

50% off 50% off an an appetizer appetizer

Beer Tower Beer Tower

SEPTEMBER 2026 LSU PREVIEW

or or

Beer Bucket Beer Bucket

FEATURES 08 LSU PREVIEW

A WIN A WIN CALLS CALLS FOR FOR HAPPY HOUR HAPPY HOUR

10 LSU SCHEDULE 12 WHAT LANE KIFFIN MEANS FOR LSU 14 TULANE PREVIEW

Sporting the Sporting the winning winning team’s team’s jersey? Celebrate jersey? Celebrate at at LeBooze LeBooze and and enjoy our enjoy our daily daily Happy Hour Happy Hour pricing pricing after after the the final whistle. final whistle.

16 TULANE SCHEDULE 18 QUEER CULTURE BEARERS 20 SOUTHERN DECADENCE PREVIEW 22 LATIN BANDS IN NOLA 44 CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE ISLEÑOS 46 POET LAUREATE GINA FERRERA

300 BOURBON STREET

ENTERTAINMENT 24 LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR 28 LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE

Cleaning Services for:

30 CULTURAL SEASON ROUNDUP 47 MOVIE REVIEWS

BEVYS + BITES

• Residential

36 FOOD NEWS

• Commercial

38 BEYOND THE TACO 40 DINING GUIDE

• Airbnb’s

43 BAR GUIDE

• Schools

LAGNIAPPE

• Churches

• Post-construction

Bilingual, free estimates! Follow us!

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

48 PO-BOY VIEWS 49 TALES FROM THE QUARTER 50 WHERE Y'BEEN

14 38

Photos from top: courtesy of LSU Athletic Department, Wikimedia Commons, NOBA, La Cocinita, Parker Walters

with aa purchase with purchase of of aa

INSIDE

12 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig Creative Director: Christopher Grim Executive Editor: Burke Bischoff Assistant Editor: Donald Rickert Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker

LETTER

from the PUBLISHER

Photo: courtesy of LSU Athletic Department

eaux, Tigers. LSU nabbed star head coach Lane Kiffen from Ole Miss, and they now look to him to lead the Bayou Bengals to the College Football Playoffs. Carrie SagenSeverino shares what Lane Kiffen means to LSU football. Speaking of new coaches, Tulane hired internally to replace Jon Sumrall with Coach Will Hall. Andrew Alexander profiles Tulane football as they enter an exciting new season with bowl game aspirations. Labor Day in the Crescent City means Southern Decadence. Kallie Bourgeois profiles this year’s best events that include brunches, parties, the parade, and more. In addition, Michelle Nicholson profiles three queer New Orleans entertainment icons: Katey Red, Big Freedia, and Bianco Del Rio. New Orleans is one of the greatest cities for music in the world. Ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month, Celeste Turner highlights the area’s top Latin bands and where to find them. Finally, don’t miss this issue’s Cultural Arts Preview. Dean Shapiro does a fantastic job spotlighting the great local arts institutions ahead of their new seasons. Enjoy. —Josh Danzig, Publisher

Escape Above the French Quarter Relax poolside above the French Quarter with sweeping city views, handcrafted cocktails, coastal-inspired bites, and the elevated atmosphere of La Riviera. Book a day pass or cabana with the QR below and experience New Orleans from above.

Contributing Writers: Andrew Alexander, Arielle Gonzales, Matt Hanson, Emily Hingle, Tina Howell, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Michelle Nicholson, Kim Ranjbar, Carrie Sagen-Severino, Dean Shapiro, Sabrina Stone, Celeste Turner

Cover: Original photo courtesy of LSU Athletic Department. Director of Sales: Jim Sylve Photographers and Designers: Burke Bischoff, Gustavo Escanelle, Emily Hingle, Kim Ranjbar, Christopher Grim Interns: Brogan Burns, Geordon Collins, Kallie Bourgeois, Margeaux Pierson, Miles Evans, Ness Newsom, Vivian Bravo

SCAN TO RESERVE

Where Y’at Magazine 5500 Prytania St., #133 New Orleans, LA 70115 (504) 891-0144 info@whereyat.com WhereYat.com

OMNIHOTELS.COM/HOTELS/NEW-ORLEANS-ROYAL-ORLEANS

LSU Preview // September 2026

All Aboard the Lane Train // ANDREW ALEXANDER

Will LSU Football Coach Lane Kiffin Meet Enormous Expectations in Year One? Choo-choo. All aboard the Lane Train. Next stop: One of the most anticipated LSU football seasons of the century.

For all his past faults, flaws, and immature moments, Kiffin made one of the boldest—and most controversial—choices of his career last fall by leaving the program he transformed from mediocre to magnificent to take the leap to the biggest stage of college football.

Players to Watch Known as the “Portal King” for his ability to lure top talent out of the transfer portal to his programs, Kiffin has amassed a treasure trove of new talent at LSU. Kiffin and his staff added 43 new portal players to enhance a roster that features plenty of returning impact players. With so many new faces donning purple and gold this season, here are a few to keep an eye on this fall:

Offense

Sam Leavitt (QB) – One of the most talented dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, Leavitt was the top ranked player in the transfer portal after last season. Two years ago, Leavitt led Arizona State to the College Football Playoff, accounting for over 3,300 combined passing and rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. A foot injury limited Leavitt to just seven games last year, but when healthy, he’s one of the most elite quarterbacks in the nation. Leavitt’s health is one of the biggest X-factors for this team. Trey’Dez Green (TE) – With a 6-foot-7 frame, Green is a physical freak and one of the biggest mismatch weapons in college football. During his breakout sophomore year, Green compiled one of the best tight end seasons in program history with 33 receptions, 433 yards, and seven touchdowns—a single-season LSU record for tight ends.

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

Jordan Seaton (LT) – This monstrous—both literally and figuratively—former Colorado lineman was the third ranked overall player in the transfer portal. The former Freshman All-American (2024) started 22 games for the Buffaloes and only allowed one sack, five pressures, and zero quarterback hits in nine games last season. Seaton is a key cog for LSU’s newly revamped offensive line.

Defense Whit Weeks (LB) – The emotional leader and anchor of defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s defense and one of the top linebackers in the country. In three seasons, Weeks has amassed 205 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. Weeks’ sideline-to-sideline speed and elite instincts make him invaluable to LSU’s defense. Plus, he’s dating Lane Kiffin’s daughter. Princewill Umanmielen (EDGE) – A disruptive edge rusher who should reinvigorate LSU’s pass rush. After following Kiffin from Ole Miss last season, Umanmielen was the sixth-ranked overall player in the transfer portal, ranking third in the SEC in sacks (nine) and eighth tackles for loss (13) last season. His explosiveness off the edge makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. DJ Pickett (CB) – Projected to be the next great product of “DBU,” Pickett is a long, physical corner with elite ball skills. The Freshman All-American led LSU in interceptions (three) on a defense that ranked first in the SEC with 17 picks last season. Pickett’s lockdown defensive skills allow him to flourish in man-to-man coverage.

Prediction

Expectations could not be higher for Kiffin’s first season in Baton Rouge, with many fans salivating at the thought of a College Football Playoff appearance. The Tigers’ overhauled roster must gel quickly to weather one of the toughest schedules in the country, and it’s imperative Sam Leavitt stays healthy. LSU’s schedule is front- and back-loaded with three formidable games each month. Can LSU survive September (Clemson, at Ole Miss, and Texas A&M), thrive in October, and contend in November (Alabama, Texas, at Tennessee)? With a daunting schedule and questions surrounding the health of Leavitt, the Tigers’ margin for error is razor thin this season. A 9-3 team from the SEC will eventually make the College Football Playoff—maybe LSU is the trailblazer for such an achievement. Kiffin will likely have a successful tenure at LSU, but does he have enough magic to satisfy the Tigers’ rabid fan base in year one?

LSU: 9-3

All photos: Courtesy of LSU Athletic Department

he conductor of this high-powered, purple-and-gold Cajun locomotive is new head football coach Lane Kiffin, viewed simultaneously as a snake and a savior, depending on which Southeastern Conference football team you root for each Saturday. In Baton Rouge, he’s viewed as the latter, an offensive genius hitting his head coaching prime and with a proven track record of success over the last decade. Kiffin won 10 or more games twice and two conference championships at Florida Atlantic. The Owls have not won more than five games since he departed following the 2019 season. He followed that up by taking Ole Miss to unimaginable heights, including four 10+ win seasons in six years, culminating in an 11-1 regular season in 2025 and berth in the College Football Playoff. He then accepted the job at LSU, was not allowed to coach the Rebels in the playoffs, and became the most reviled man in Mississippi. Many scorned fans across the SEC have warned LSU supporters not to get too invested in Kiffin, that he will eventually break their hearts, and that he is always eyeing the greener pastures of another university’s football program. Yet, those fans did not root for the Tigers, one of the destination jobs in college football. “Expectations make you uncomfortable,” Kiffin said at SEC Media Days this summer. “They make you not be able to just go through motions in any aspect of your program.” LSU is a place rich with college football success over the past quarter-century. It’s where Nick Saban resurrected the program during the first George W. Bush presidential term, Les Miles’ wacky ways bore chaotic success, and Ed Orgeron orchestrated one of the greatest college football season in the history of the sport.

LSU Preview // September 2026

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY 2026 SEASON SCHEDULE AWAY

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12

SATURDAY, SEPT. 19

VS. CLEMSON

VS. LOUISIANA TECH

@ OLE MISS

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26

SATURDAY, OCT. 3

SATURDAY, OCT. 10

VS. TEXAS A&M

VS. MCNEESE

@ KENTUCKY

6:30 PM, ABC/ESPN College Gameday

TBA

6:30 PM, SEC Network+

6:45 PM, SEC Network

TBA

SATURDAY, OCT. 17

SATURDAY, OCT. 24

SATURDAY, NOV. 7

VS. MISSISSIPPI STATE

@ AUBURN

VS. ALABAMA

SATURDAY, NOV. 14

SATURDAY, NOV. 21

SATURDAY, NOV. 28

VS. TEXAS

@ TENNESSEE

@ ARKANSAS

TBA

11:00 AM, ABC/ESPN

TBA

WE’RE ROLLIN’ WITH THE

TIGERS All season long, we’ll be serving all your favorite Drago’s dishes outside Tiger Stadium and at our Perkins Rowe location. 10

6:30 PM, ABC

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

TBA

LOGOS: LSU / SEC / PROVIDED

HOME

LSU Preview // September 2026

What Lane Kiﬃn Means for LSU Football // CARRIE SAGEN-SEVERINO

n Baton Rouge, coaches are measured not only by championships but by the confidence they inspire in a fan base that expects to compete on college football’s biggest stage every season. That is what makes the arrival of Lane Kiffin so fascinating. LSU did not hire the safest candidate. It hired one of college football’s most recognizable personalities, an offensive innovator whose career has been defined by adaptation, reinvention, and a willingness to challenge convention. Whether he ultimately delivers

championships remains to be seen. What is already clear, however, is that Lane Kiffin represents something larger than a coaching change. He represents LSU’s vision for what the future of college football demands. Hunt Palmer, host of The Hunt Palmer Show on 104.5/104.9 ESPN Baton Rouge, believes LSU’s decision was rooted in Kiffin’s ability to maximize a program’s potential. “Kiffin elevated Ole Miss to heights the program had not seen since the 1960s,” Palmer said. “LSU saw how much success he had at a place that hasn’t had sustained success in 60 years and determined he could do even more at a place that has won three national titles in 25 years.” For Palmer, LSU’s interest in Kiffin was never simply about personality or headlines. It was about results. LSU expects to compete for championships, and the administration viewed Kiffin as the coach most capable of leading the program back to the top of the sport. The timing is significant. College football is changing rapidly. The transfer portal has reshaped roster construction. NIL opportunities have transformed recruiting. Conference realignment has altered the landscape. Programs that fail to adapt risk being left behind. Kiffin embraced that reality early. “He embraced the new rules with the transfer portal and NIL and put together more talented rosters than Ole Miss has ever had,” Palmer said. According to Palmer, Kiffin understood that Ole Miss could not consistently recruit at the same level as traditional powers such as LSU, Alabama, and Georgia. Rather than fight that reality, he adjusted his strategy. “He decided to sink more resources into one-year players from the transfer portal and produced eight draft picks in the 2025 draft, the most in school history,” Palmer said.

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

That willingness to evolve may be one of the most important reasons LSU pursued him. The Tigers were not hiring for the college football world of yesterday. They were hiring for the reality of today. Yet football strategy alone does not explain why this hire resonates with so many fans. Part of the excitement surrounding Kiffin is that he arrives at a moment when LSU believes it should be competing for championships every year. The Tigers are not rebuilding. They are reloading. For many fans, the hire signals an aggressive commitment to keeping LSU among college football’s elite programs. Kiffin’s track record suggests a coach willing to adapt, take calculated risks, and embrace the realities of modern college football rather than resist them. In an era defined by rapid change, LSU chose a coach who has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to evolve with the game. That may ultimately be what Lane Kiffin's arrival means most to LSU football—not simply a new head coach, but a declaration that standing still is no longer an option. LSU has never been interested in merely being relevant. The Tigers expect championships, but they also expect something more difficult to define. They expect confidence. They expect innovation. They expect a coach who understands that Saturday nights in Death Valley are unlike anything else in sports. LSU football occupies a unique place within Louisiana culture. It transcends wins and losses. It brings together generations of families who plan weekends around kickoff times and pass down season tickets as treasured heirlooms. In many parts of the country, football is entertainment. In Louisiana, it often feels closer to inheritance. Children grow up hearing stories of

Billy Cannon, national championship teams, and unforgettable nights in Tiger Stadium. Families gather around televisions on fall Saturdays. Tailgates become reunions. Memories are built around purple and gold. The coach who inherits LSU football inherits those expectations as well. Kiffin appears uniquely equipped to handle that spotlight. He understands modern athletes, embraces innovation, and has demonstrated an ability to adapt as the sport continues to evolve. Palmer believes LSU fans will immediately notice Kiffin’s impact on the offensive side of the ball. “LSU’s offense broke under Brian Kelly the last two seasons,” Palmer said. “In back-to-back years, LSU was the worst rushing team in the SEC. Kiffin will fix the oﬀense instantly. He’s done it everywhere he’s coached, from Alabama to Florida Atlantic to Ole Miss.” That statement carries weight because offensive success has followed Kiffin throughout his career. If LSU can combine Kiffin’s offensive expertise with the defensive tradition that helped build the program’s championship pedigree, the Tigers could quickly find themselves competing among the nation’s elite once again. Ultimately, Kiffin will be judged by championships, recruiting classes, and SEC standings. That much is certain. But at LSU, football has always meant something more. It is family. It is tradition. It is identity. Inheriting the Tigers means inheriting generations of expectation, pride, and passion. Whether Lane Kiffin becomes the next great LSU coach remains to be seen. What is already clear is this: He is not simply leading a football team. He is becoming part of one of the most enduring stories in all of college sports.

All photos: courtesy of LSU Athletic Department

At LSU, football has never simply been about football. Instead, it is identity, tradition, and theater.

ALL THE TIME!

��

• $14 DOMESTIC BUCKETS • $18 IMPORT BUCKETS • $28 HIGH NOON BUCKETS

KICK OFF GAME DAY WITH US! BRUNCH, BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS & LIVE NOLA BRASS

126 S. Roadway St. NOLA 504-510-2175 504-329-1403 @jbsfueldock

JUST STEPS FROM THE CAESARS SUPERDOME HOME GAME SUNDAYS • 9AM–12PM • COMMONS CLUB @VIRGINHOTELSNOLA

@VIRGINHOTELSNOLA

LSU Preview // September 2026

Hall Ball Can New Coach Will Hall Sustain Tulane’s Recent Success? // ANDREW ALEXANDER

5 MI

from

Tulan e Loyola &

The Best Breakfast in the Neighborhood Eggs Benedicts • Omelettes • Pancakes • Waffles All Day Breakfast & Lunch • Open Daily 8am-2pm www.panolastreetcafe.com • 7801 Panola St, NOLA

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

his career, but he struggled to recapture that magic during a mediocre three-and-a-half year tenure at Southern Mississippi. Coincidentally, Tulane hosts the Golden Eagles on September 26. A strong foundation has been laid by Hall’s predecessors, and with several coaches and players returning, he should be able to sustain Tulane’s recent success as he steps into one of the premier Group of Six jobs in college football.

By the Numbers Heading into Hall’s inaugural season as head coach of the Green Wave, here are some noteworthy numbers, stats, and facts: 163 – Tulane returns several key defenders from last season, including safety Jack Tchienchou and linebacker Chris Rodgers. The defense’s top two tacklers combined for 163 tackles in 2025. Tchienchou was also the MVP of last year’s American Conference Championship Game. 14 – Will Hall won only 14 games as the head coach of Southern Mississippi. Hall’s overall record in Hattiesburg was 14-30, and he was fired in his fourth season after a 1-6 start. He was a combined 56-20 during his six years with West Alabama and West Georgia, taking the latter to the NCAA Division II Semifinals twice in three years. 3 – Tulane lost only three conference games in the last four seasons. That’s less than half the number of conference losses (seven) the Green Wave sustained in 2021, the program’s last losing season. 4 – The Green Wave have played in the American Conference Championship game four straight seasons, winning two titles. Tulane’s Yulman Stadium has hosted the game three of the four seasons, and the Green Wave have faced a different opponent in each of the title games.

All photos: Courtesy of Parker Walters

he Tulane football team achieved unparalleled success the past four years, reaching the American Conference Championship Game four straight seasons, winning the conference title twice, beating Southern California in the Cotton Bowl, and earning the program’s first College Football Playoff berth last season. Former coach Willie Fritz built Tulane into a Group of Six power, Jon Sumrall pushed the program to even greater heights in two successful seasons, and now it is Will Hall’s turn at the helm of the Green Wave. Hall served as Tulane’s pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach last season before being promoted following the departure of Sumrall to Florida. This is Hall’s second stint Uptown, previously serving as offensive coordinator from 2019 – 2020 under Fritz, and his fourth head coaching job. Hall achieved success as the head coach at two Division II programs (West Alabama and West Georgia) earlier in

LEBANON’S CAFE

MIDDLE EAST CUISINE √ A HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE Great Selection Of Vegetarian Dishes

Lunch & Dinner Daily

APPETIZERS Humus √ Falafel √ Bathenjan Dip (Roasted Eggplant w/ Garlic) √ Vegetarian Grape Leaves

DINNERS Shish Kabob (Chicken, Lamb or Beef ) √ Lula Kabob (Lamb) √ Humus w/ Lamb Meat √ Rosemary Lamb Chops

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

CATERING OFFERED FOR ALL OCCASIONS

68 – Hall’s first Tulane squad features 68 returning players from last year’s team, including six of the top 10 tacklers. 41 – Top returning wide receiver Anthony Brown-Stephens had 41 receptions last year. Brown-Stephens finished second on the team in receptions, yards (523), and tied for third in touchdowns (two). He’s joined by returning receiver Zycarl Lewis Jr. (24 catches) and LSU transfer Destyn Hill.

All photos: Courtesy of Parker Walters

3 – Transfer running back Jaylin Lucas returned three kickoffs for touchdowns during his first two collegiate seasons at Indiana before spending two seasons at Florida State. The Houma native accumulated 2,052 all-purpose yards in two seasons with the Hoosiers, including 1,163 kickoff return yards, averaging more than 26 yards per return. Lucas, a former All-American kick returner at Indiana, should provide a welcome jolt of energy to the Tulane special teams unit.

of Six College Football Playoff spot. Completing the task is easier in theory, but, luckily for Hall, he does not need to resurrect Tulane’s football program. Hall has done well retaining coaching personnel and several key players, especially on defense. September could be tricky for the Green Wave, with games at Duke and Kansas State. Conference play begins in October at Army, and Hall will face off against three other first-year head coaches. The schedule is manageable, and Tulane should once again be in the thick of the American Championship Game race. The bar has been set high for Hall by the previous two Tulane regimes, and there is little margin for error in conference play. Can Hall complete the “Drive for Five” and lead Tulane to a fifth consecutive American Championship Game berth?

Tulane: 9-3, American Conference Championship Game berth

6 – Last season, Tulane won six games when they forced multiple turnovers—with zero losses. New defensive coordinator Tayler Polk is tasked with recharging the Green Wave defense after being promoted by Hall. Polk previously served as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator until Sumrall. 540 – 540 Returning running back Jamauri McClure rushed for 540 yards last season. As a redshirt freshman, McClure averaged 6.5 yards per carry and had two touchdowns. McClure is joined by a deep stable of backs, including Mo Turner and a trio of transfers: Jaylin Lucas, DJ Dugar (Oklahoma State), and Johnnie Daniels (Mississippi State).

Prediction Hall’s task at Tulane is simple: Keep the Green Wave on a successful trajectory by contending for conference titles and battling for the Group

1101 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie LSU Preview // September 2026

TULANE UNIVERSITY 2026 SEASON SCHEDULE HOME

AWAY

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12

SATURDAY, SEPT. 19

@ DUKE

VS. SOUTH ALABAMA

@ KANSAS STATE

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26

SATURDAY, OCT. 10

VS. SOUTHERN MISS HALL OF FAME | TBA

6 PM, ESPN+

11 AM, ABC

FRIDAY, OCT. 16

@ ARMY

VS. MEMPHIS

11 AM, CBS Sports Network

6:30 PM, ESPN

SATURDAY, OCT. 24

FRIDAY, OCT. 30

SATURDAY, NOV. 7

VS. UTSA

@ CHARLOTTE

VS. TULSA

TBA

SATURDAY, NOV. 14

SATURDAY, NOV. 21

FRIDAY, NOV. 27

@ RICE UNIVERSITY

VS. NORTH TEXAS

@ SOUTH FLORIDA

TBA

* OR Nov. 26 - designation by Oct. 11

New Orleans’ Favorite Record Store, Smoking Shop & Gift Shop

Open Daily 1 0 a.m.- till midnight mushroomnola.com 504-866-6065

Check Out Our Back to School Deals

25% Off the best glass pipe & hookah selection in the city

4921 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70115 16

Order now

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

Buy 1 Get 1 ! f Half Ofts T-shir

Hundreds of new vinyl releases New and used CD & LPs

Buy 3 get 1

Free!

Incense,posters, playbills,papers, We buy sell and trade wraps, and filter tips

Cash Paid CD’s, LPs, and Tapes

Le Psyc gal Mush hedelic room s

1037 Broadway St, NOLA

LOGOS: TULANE / AAC / PROVIDED

2:30 PM, ACC Network

CLASSIC SPORTS DRINK FLAVORS

LSU Preview // September 2026 Party Smart. 21+ Vodka, water, ade, natural flavors & artificial sweetener. 4.5% Alc. By Vol. (9 Proof). ©2026 Stateside Brands, Philadelphia, PA. Per 12 fl. oz.: Calories: 90; Carbs: 0g; Protein: 0g; Fat: 0g. Not intended for hydration purposes.

Weekly in Weekly in september september

shopping shopping

dining dining

cooking demo cooking demo

dianne honore dianne honore thurs & thurs & fri fri 12pm 12pm

Live Music Live Music Smok" Greenwell reen!e Smoky Band Band Sun 2pm Sun 2pm

events events

cooking demo cooking demo & Music Music dianne honore dianne honore Chief Montana Chief Montana Sat 12pm Sat 12pm

sunrise yoga sunrise yoga

@ Oscar @ Oscar dunn dunn park park Wed Wed 6:45 6:45 am am

Hipspanic Hipspanic heritage heritage Concert Concert Series Series Sat September Sat September 19 19 & & 26 26 @ @ 1pm 1pm frenchmktnola frenchmktnola

frenchmarketnola frenchmarketnola french market french market new new orleans orleans Learn More Learn More @FrenchMarket.org @FrenchMarket.org

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

The Art of Answering Back // MICHELLE NICHOLSON

How Three Queer New Orleans Icons Turned Audience Response into Cultural Power

ew Orleans has never treated culture as a spectator sport. We do not simply watch Mardi Gras. We costume, dance, call, answer, and become part of the celebration. The same participatory instinct runs through the city’s music, nightlife, drag, comedy, and street performances, where the audience is rarely passive and the event changes according to who shows up and how they respond. That culture has not always welcomed everyone equally, but its interactive forms have given LGBTQ performers powerful ways to claim space, build audiences, and expand the communities gathered around them.

Katey Red, Big Freedia, and Bianca Del Rio each extend that New Orleans performance tradition in a different direction. Katey Red’s breakthrough began with a basic New Orleans performance test: Could she move the crowd? She told Vanity Fair that when she performed near the Melpomene Projects in 1998, she knew many of the boys listening were hostile toward queer people. Once the music started, however, the crowd answered. That response mattered because bounce is built on exchange. The MC calls, and dancers and audience members answer with movement, repetition, and hype. Red expanded who could lead that exchange. Although women had already shaped bounce as rappers and dancers, male MCs often directed the action. Red made her own femininity, deep voice, movement, humor, and physical presence part of the spectacle. She did not simply tell the crowd how to move; she modeled new possibilities for what a bounce performer could look like. Red also rejected attempts to isolate that expansion as “sissy bounce.” She told Vanity Fair, “It’s Bounce music.” Queer performers were not standing outside the culture asking to enter. They were participating in bounce, and their participation expanded both the form and the community gathered around it.

Photos: Courtesy of Gustavo Escanelle, Katey Red, Wikimedia Commons

live live at the at the french french market market

Photos: Courtesy of Gustavo Escanelle, Wikimedia Commons

Big Freedia took that audienceresponsive structure and carried it far beyond the local scene. The key was not simply putting bounce on a larger stage. It was teaching new audiences how to participate. “I have to perform it, and that’s the key—to get the crowd going in the performance,” Freedia explained to The Brown Daily Herald. Her dancers make that invitation visible. They are not merely decorative backup; they provide movement, costume, instruction, and spectacle at once, showing an unfamiliar audience how bounce occupies the body before Freedia calls everyone else to answer. Dancers, musicians, audiences, and even institutions co-create this form, this culture, this community—they perform together. A 2013 New Yorker account of Freedia’s Guinness World Record twerking event captures the process in action. Shy spectators moved closer, followed the dancers’ example, and eventually joined the performance. A community formed as people learned how to enter it. As Freedia’s reach widens—from clubs and festivals to television, international tours, and collaborations with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra—she does more than make bounce visible nationally. She expands its boundaries through a distinctly New Orleans method— perform the culture fully, invite others in, and let their response make it larger. Bianca Del Rio carries New Orleans’ audienceresponsive performance culture into drag comedy. Roy Haylock developed the Bianca Del Rio persona through local theater, costume work, drag shows, and bingo gigs where a polished number alone could not hold a distracted, drunken, or openly unimpressed crowd. As she recalled in an Ambush Magazine interview, hosting those events taught her to fill time, manage interruptions, and turn the people in front of her into material.

That training shaped Del Rio’s particular form of drag. Costume and makeup establish the character, but improvisation sustains her. Questions, heckling, observations, and stray details become jokes in real time, with performer and audience continually adjusting to one another. In a 2022 On the Mic Lottery-WhereYat-Fall-26 ad.pdf 1 interview about Unsanitized,

Del Rio explained that although part of the show is scripted, “a large part of the show is audience interaction,” so each crowd changes the performance from night to night. That exchange can be combative, but it is also collaborative. The audience supplies the unpredictability that allows Del Rio’s timing and authority to take over. Del Rio did not invent drag comedy or crowd work. She expanded the scale and setting of the craft she learned as a New Orleans drag host. The figure once responsible for keeping a bar lively between acts became the entire theatrical event, capable of filling Carnegie Hall, Wembley Arena, and venues around the world. Her career carries forward a local understanding of performance as live social negotiation: The character may arrive fully costumed, but the audience helps make the 8/12/26 3:23 PM show.

Across bounce and drag comedy, Katey Red, Big Freedia, and Bianca Del Rio each expand a distinctly New Orleans performance culture built on response. Red broadens who can lead and embody bounce. Freedia shows increasingly large audiences how to participate in it. Del Rio carries the audience-responsive craft of New Orleans drag hosting into international theaters. Their work differs in form, scale, and reach, but each depends on exchange. The performer calls, demonstrates, provokes, or invites; the audience answers through movement, laughter, recognition, and participation. That response does more than complete the show. It enlarges both the form and the community gathered around it. New Orleans culture travels not as a finished product but as an invitation to join in.

Additions to Starting Line Up!

Scan this QR code for more information.

LSU Preview // September 2026

For All Y 'all: // KALLIE BOURGEOIS

ueer history has always been present in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans, as it demonstrates how LGBTQ+ people have helped shape the Big Easy, from pioneering Mardi Gras traditions to fighting systemic oppression. Southern Decadence, largely known as the city’s “Gay Mardi Gras,” brings the local community and its allies together every Labor Day Weekend. Southern Decadence has grown exponentially in both participants and visitors, and now draws hundreds of thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and more participants in attendance each year. This year’s celebration will be held from Thursday, September 3 to Monday, September 7, 2026. There will be street party activities that take place in the French Quarter and dance parties in several clubs. Most of the gay bars stay open late, so there will always be a party around. There are several confirmed Southern Decadence celebrations, including pool parties, drag brunches, and street parades. Located at the intersection of Bourbon and St. Ann streets—the

epicenter of Southern Decadence—is Bourbon Pub & Parade, who is offering weekend passes to their celebrations, including different cocktail parties. Hudson Biemeret, also known as Billy Gay Cyrus at Her Haus, said that Southern Decadence is another way to celebrate queerness and compared it to Pride Month’s “debaucherous twin,” saying, “I think it’s unique in the sense that it celebrates more of what could be considered ‘taboo.’ I feel more represented as a leather dyke during Southern Decadence than I do most other queer events in the city. While I love that there are family-friendly queer events, it’s nice to have events catered towards queer adults.” The Phoenix Bar will be in full swing with their “Hungfest” Musical Showcase Block Party on Friday night, while Bourbon Pub and Parade, the official home of Southern Decadence, will throw their lively parties. Oz will present a four-day and night party from Thursday to Monday for competitions and shows. Bearracuda’s will take over the Joy Theater on Canal Street on Friday. On Saturday, Horse Meat Disco will share a global music collective at the Fillmore, and Joe Fiore will perform a special edition of Furball at Santo's on Decatur Street. Party with porn stars during Fornication, which will be held on Sunday. Hit It is a sex-positive party in several secret locations throughout the city from Friday to Sunday. Across the city, there will be several pool parties, including Saturday’s Banana Boat Pool Party, a private pool party featuring a pool, hot tub, dark rooms, and more, and Renegade Bears, a men-only event featuring an open bar, pool, and hot tub. On Sunday, the Fruit Salad Pool Party will be held at the Pool Club at Virgin Hotels and will have DJs, cocktails, and a skyline view of the city. The Cool Down Pool Party at The Railyard NOLA, Strut Tea Dance with Plane Jane at the Pool Club,

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

and Lords of Leather Decadence Pool Party will be held on Monday. Drag brunches will be highlighted during the Labor Day weekend festivities. I Beg Your Parton Drag and Burlesque Brunch, a Dolly Parton-themed event at Commons Club at the Virgin Hotels, will be held on Saturday. The Country Club's Drag Brunch is held on Saturday and Sunday, and WigSnatchers Saturday and Sunday, Drag Brunch at Marigny Brasserie will also be held on Sunday. The 2026 Southern Decadence Parade in the French Quarter will take place Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. and is the main event not to miss. The parade typically kicks off from the Golden Lantern. This year’s Grand Marshals include Rachel Thompson, Romy Thompson, Milan Nicole Sherry, Bobby Mackie, Sam Smith, and Sarah Manowitz. Before you attend this year’s festivities, it’s important to recognize how this celebration came about. In 1972, Southern Decadence first served as both a going-away party and welcome party for a group who called themselves the “Decadents.” The diverse group were all young college students or recent graduates who were a mixture of male and female, Black and white, and gay and straight. According to the official Southern Decadence website, this group included Michael Evers, his boyfriend David Randolph, Frederick Wright, Maureen and Charlie Block, Robert Laurent, Tom Tippin, Robert King, Robert Gore, Preston Hemmings, Bruce Harris, Kathleen Kavanaugh, David Red, Ed Seale, Judy Shapiro, and Jerome Williams. Evers and Randolph shared a home together in Tremé, where the Decadents met regularly for their annual Decadence Sunday night bourré, a popular card game in South Louisiana, and croquet games. When Labor Day approached, Randolph and Wright had to leave town, so Maureen suggested the group have one last summer party

before school started. The Decadents planned a costume party that included a spiked punch and a lot of drug use on Sunday before Labor Day. When Evers left the group a few weeks later, Robert Laurent threw a going-away party where 50 people attended dressed up as their favorite Decadent. In 1973, the Decadents threw another party on the Sunday before Labor Day, where they all met at Matassa’s Bar and “parade” back to their home. This event was known as the second Southern Decadence but the first official parade.However, in 1974, there was one notable change to the party—Frederick Wright was chosen to lead the parade as the Grand Marshal. The simple tradition of a house party to a parade changed around 1980 when the focus of Southern Decadence had shifted and the Grand Marshal’s parade began instead at the Golden Lantern. In the 2000s, there has been a charity nearly every year to benefit different local and LGBTQ+ nonprofit groups that are chosen by the Grand Marshals. Although drag shows, parades, and parties are involved in the celebration, Southern Decadence commemorates LGBTQ+ acceptance, giving those a space to live authentically in true New Orleans style. For decades, this festival has paved the way for local queer culture and remains rooted in friendship, hospitality, and chosen family.

All photos: Courtesy of Gustavo Escanelle

Don’t Miss Southern Decadence 2026

(504) 831-8637 • 2347 Metairie Road

ENJOY OUR NEW PATIO

HAPPY HOUR DAILY UNTIL 7PM

(504) 831-8637 • 2347 Metairie Road

Best bar ENJOY OUR mid-City

NEW PATIO Open Daily at 3 P.M.!

HAPPY 949 N Rendon Street, NOLA • 504-488- PALS HOUR DAILY UNTIL 7PM LSU Preview // September 2026

TATTOO The Latin

FESTIVAL Sounds of the nola ERNEST N. MORIAL convention CENTER

Crescent City

Discover Latin bands in NOLA and experience Latin Music culture.

// CELESTE TURNER

october 16th- 18th 2026 villainarts.com 22

villainarts.com

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

eyond entertaining audiences, Latin bands preserve cultural traditions and enrich the city’s diverse musical landscape. “Music is one of the most powerful ways to tell the story of Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Brenda Melara, editor-in-chief of Qué Pasa Newspaper and co-founder of the annual Qué Pasa Fest in October. “It helps educate nonLatino audiences and allows Latino families to pass traditions on to younger generations.” Live music has been central to Qué Pasa Fest since its inception, and it has featured nearly every Latin band in New Orleans. “Music has the unique ability to cross borders,” Melara said. “It creates connections that transcend language.” She added that Latin and Spanish music span a wide range of styles, including flamenco, salsa, Spanish rock, cumbia, merengue, bachata, and Latin jazz. Kicking off the city’s lineup of Latin musicians are Johnny Marcia and the Rumba Buena Band,

familiar performers on the Congo Square Stage at Jazz Fest. Marcia began performing with his father’s band at 16 and took over leadership in 2001, rebranding it with a focus on salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata. “My dad played different styles, but I wanted to play salsa dance music,” Marcia, a New Orleans native of Honduran descent, said. Now leading a 14-piece ensemble of percussion, horns, and vocalists, Marcia drives the rhythm on congas, timbales, bongos, cowbells, and cymbals. “Our band has a strong and unique sound,” said Marcia, who also works full-time in roofing sales in Kenner. “We are going to get you dancing.” Another standout in New Orleans’ Latin music scene, Javier Olondo & AsheSon Band formed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, starting as a trio before growing into a 10- to 12-piece ensemble. “This year will be our 20th anniversary at Jazz Fest,” said Olondo, who is also head of the guitar

Photos from top: courtesy of La Tran-K Band, Mariachi Jalisco

From the infectious rhythms of salsa and merengue to the soulful melodies of Latin jazz, these sounds are part of New Orleans’ musical heartbeat.

FALL PILGRIMAGE PILGRIMAGE GARDEN CLUB DATES: SEPTEMBER 17-19, 24-26, & OCTOBER 1-3

Photos from top: courtesy of La Tran-K Band, Eddy Guitierrez

NATCHEZ GARDEN CLUB DATES: SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 17 department at Tulane University. “Although we specialize in traditional Cuban music, we do play other genres.” Olondo, who plays guitar and sings, said the band’s members from Honduras, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Cuba help attract audiences of all backgrounds. The group also performs monthly at Rock ‘n’ Bowl. A longtime fixture in the city’s music community, Javier Gutierrez and Vivaz Band have performed Latin jazz for more than 30 years. “Our style of Latin jazz is a mix of jazz chords and progressions with guitars, percussion, trombones, trumpets, piano, and drums,” Gutierrez said. The group typically performs as an eight- to 10-piece ensemble but adjusts its lineup and repertoire depending on the event. “Our band is able to play different styles and genres,” Gutierrez said. “We have been playing music at Jazz Fest for 34 years.” Similarly, Latin guitar duo Julio Herrera and his brother César have performed at Jazz Fest, local festivals, and private events since the 1980s. “We have been contributing to the culture of Louisiana for the past 45 years,” he said. Herrera and his brother began performing in Guatemala before moving to New Orleans in 1967. “We would play our instruments and sing for our family in our home,” Herrera said. Their first local performance was in 1968 at a Bourbon Street supper club. “We play reggae and Cajun music in English, as well as Spanish, Mexican, Italian, and Colombian music, even rock like the Eagles,” Herrera said. Adding to New Orleans’ Latin music scene, the 15-member La Tran-K Band delivers highenergy performances with its dynamic blend of percussion, horns, bass, keyboards, and violin. Emma Lugo, the band’s manager, highlights its mix of merengue, cha-cha, cumbia, and salsa. “We care about our crowd,” said Lugo, whose husband is the bandleader and whose son plays violin. “We do our

best, and they keep showing up.” Since 2012, the band has played festivals, restaurants, and clubs across the region. “When we started, we played at bars on Frenchmen Street,” Lugo said. Now, she added, they hold a three-year residency at the Saturn Bar on St. Claude Avenue on the first Friday of each month. Known for their original compositions, Fermin Ceballos & the Merengue4Four play merengue, cumbia, bachata, and Latin jazz, setting them apart from other bands. Founded in 2013, the band has a five-member core lineup, expanding to eight musicians for major festivals. A Dominican-born musician, Ceballos also heads the Dominican NOLA Fest. He is a singer, composer, and songwriter who performs in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. “People may not know what I am saying, but they are dancing and having a good time,” he said. Keeping Mexican traditions alive, the Mariachi Jalisco was established in 2011 in Baton Rouge before expanding across Louisiana and Mississippi. Specializing in traditional Mexican music, the seven-member group features violins, trumpets, guitarrón, and a vihuela. The band has performed at Jazz Fest for the past 13 years, alongside private parties and restaurant gigs. “Many people call us to play for their celebrations,” Angel Esquivel, who sings and plays a guitarrón, said. Rounding out the local Latin music lineup, Grupo Recuerdo, founded in 2008, performs cumbia, merengue, bachata, and bolero. Led by owner and vocalist Alberto Chinchilla, the group draws dancers of all ages across the metro and surrounding areas. “We are eight musicians from different countries of Central America,” Chinchilla said. Indeed, the Latin music community offers something for every taste and vibe with musicians from Latin America and Spain helping to shape New Orleans’ mosaic of cultures.

To view the full Fall Pilgrimage Schedule and all other events, visit our website: www.visitnatchez.org or scan the QR code with your phone

LSU Preview // September 2026

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 21st Amendment Lobelia Jazz Band, Big Mike & the R&B Kings AllWays Lounge The High Standards Jazz Band Apple Barrel T Marie Duo Bacchanal Wine David Sigler BJ’s Lounge James McClaskey & the Rhythm Band BMC Deej Flava & Mother Ruckus, Sugar & the Daddies Bourbon O Bar The Blues Masters, Justin Donovan Bourbon Square Jazz Bar Keva Holiday Cafe Negril John Lisi & Delta Funk, Issy Dos Jefes Captain Spalding Ellis Marsalis Center Andrew Blanch Favela Chic Christian Coleman & His Band Fillmore Bossman Dlow Fritzel’s Jazz Club Marty Peters & the Party Meters, Sazerac Jazz Band Gasa Gasa TopOppGen Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band La Carreta - Magazine St. Manny Arteaga Maison NOLA Rug Cutters, Jenavieve & the Winding Boys Maison Bourbon Jazz Club The Leroy Marshall Band Old Point Bar Romy Kaye & the Mercy Buckets Pat O’Brien’s Natalie Mae, Matt Kayden Polo Club David Boeddinghaus Preservation Hall The Preservation Legacy Band Siberia Sincere Engineer Smoothie King Center Benson Boone Snug Harbor John Mahoney Little Band, Rob Wagner Trio Spotted Cat Pat Casey & the New Sound Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland Tchefuncte’s Restaurant Don Vappie & Dr. Ben Redwine MONDAY, AUGUST 24 21st Amendment The Jelly Roll Stompers Bacchanal Wine Byron Asher Duo Bamboula’s The New Orleans Rug Cutters BJ’s Lounge Rump Shakers Bourbon O Bar Khris Royal Bourbon Square Jazz Bar Keva Holiday Buffa’s David Doucet Cajun Boil House Les Getrex Carrollton Station Meryl Zimmerman & Friends Da Jump Off Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band Dos Jefes John Fohl Fritzel’s Jazz Club Matinee All Stars Band, Tin Men Holy Diver Black Alter with Poltergeist and Eggun Maison Bourbon The Catahoula Music Company No Dice Kill Bill: The Rapper Pat O’Brien’s Jim Lockwood & Ben Michaels Polo Club John Royen Preservation Hall Preservation Brass Saturn Bar Robin Rapuzzi’s Glo Worm Trio Spotted Cat Aurora Nealand & the Inquiry Quartet, The Winding Boys St. Roch Tavern Lefty’s Right Hand Band & Scamp Walkers Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland Tropical Isla Dave Ferrato TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 21st Amendment Dave Hammer 30/90 Sugar & the Daddies Audubon Clubhouse Blake Amos Bacchanal Wine Tangiers Combo

Bayou Bar The OG’s Bourbon O Bar Shawan Rice Bourbon Square Jazz Bar Keva Holiday Buffa’s Bar Alex McMurray Cafe Istanbul Phil Degruy, Sasha Elliahna Durta Cajun Boil House Les Getrex Carrollton Station The Desert Nudes Dos Jefes Javier Gutierrez Fillmore Devo Fritzel’s Jazz Club Richard “Piano” Scott, Colin Myers Orchestra Maison Bourbon The Catahoula Music Company New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Arrowhead Jazz Band No Dice Kill Bill: The Rapper Polo Club John Royen Preservation Hall The Preservation All-Stars Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band Saenger Theatre Buddy Guy Salon Salon Belinda Moody Siberia 504 Horn Troopers Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Sweetie Pies of New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland The Maison Jacky Blaire, The Melatauns Tropical Isle Dave Ferrato Vaughan’s Lounge Lil Prince & the Youngbloods WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 21st Amendment Dr. Sick Bacchanal Jesse Morrow Bayou Bar Firm Roots Blue Nile Chuck Perkins, The Cicadas Bourbon O Bar Shawan Rice Bourbon Square Jazz Bar Keva Holiday Buffa’s Millie Grace Band Cafe Istanbul Spiritus Mundi Crescentis Cajun Boil House Les Getrex Carrollton Station The Band Melrose Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Dos Jefes Tangiers Combo Fillmore Jacquees & K Camp Fritzel’s Jazz Club Richard “Piano” Scott, Bourbon Street Stars Holy Diver The Amazing Henrietta Jazz Playhouse Big Sam’s Funky Nation Lobby Lounge Raphael Bas Maison Bourbon The Leroy Marshall Band New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Dusky Waters New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Steve Pistorius & His Porch Pals Pat O’Brien’s Matt Hayden, Lisa Bittick-Lowe Picnic Provisions & Whiskey Mikayla Braun Polo Club David Boeddinghaus Preservation Hall The Preservation All-Stars Santos Bar Chambre Noir Siberia The Pause Snug Harbor BRW Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Marty Peters and the Party Meters Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Stompers, Dukes of Dixieland St. Roch Tavern James McClaskey & the Rhythm Band Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato Vaughan’s Lounge Robin Rapuzzi’s Glo Worm Trio THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 21st Amendment Big Joe Kennedy, Marty Peters & the Party Meters 4141 NOLA David Doucet

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

Don McLean at the Fillmore One of the great singers/songwriters of all time, the now 80-year old Don MClean, known for the iconic “American Pie,” will make a stop in New Orleans. Saturday, August 29, 7 p.m., $89.50 to $132.15, thefillmorenola.com Bacchanal Wine Juan Tigre Bayou Bar Cryptic BJ’s Lounge Hanoun Brass Band Blue Nile Irvin Mayfield, DJ T-Roy BMC The Funky Soles, Maurice Cade & ESS Bourbon O Bar Big Mike Bourbon Square Jazz Bar Keva Holiday Buffa’s Tom McDermott & Aurora Nealand Carousel Bar & Lounge Lena Prima & Her Band, Leslie Martin Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Robin Barnes & the Fiya Birds Gasa Gasa Sheer Terror, Kings Cannons La Carreta - Magazine St. Manny Arteaga Maison Bourbon Danny Rubio & the Catahoula Music Company No Dice Black Pontiac Peacock Room Da Lovebirds Pirogue’s Whiskey Bayou VetJams Polo Club John Royen Preservation Hall The Preservation All-Stars Salon Salon Geovane Santos Snug Harbor Amina Scott Quintet Sports Drink Ryan Rogers Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band The Broadside Rik Jam True South Patrick Cooper & Mark Carroll Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry & the Tremé Funktet FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 Bacchanal Wine Willie Green Bamboula’s Mark Appleford Bayou Bar Peter Harris, Ed Perkins Blue Nile DJ WestBankRed, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers BJ’s Lounge Jenn Howard & Teena May Bourbon O Bar April Spain, Kid Merv Brutto Americano Trey Merrill Caesars Superdome Ye Candlelight Lounge Big 6 Brass Band Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Dos Jefes Tom Fitzpatrick Dreams I Couldn’t Say Sir IV, Iniko, Abrahafrik D Youngstar Fritzel’s Owen Callahan Band Gasa Gasa Healing Gems Le Bon Temps Roule Shawan Rice Lobby Lounge at JW Marriott Raphael Bas Maison Bourbon The Leroy Marshall Band Origen Bistro Manny Arteaga & Tony Seville Polo Club Bean ‘n’ the Boys, David Boeddinghaus Preservation Hall The Preservation All-Stars Saturn Bar Hotel Burgundy

Skeeta Hawk Brewing Paul Faith & Friends Snug Harbor Jason Marsalis Sports Drink Matthew Broussard Spotted Cat New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, Paradise Jazz Band Tipitina’s Stanton Moore, Joe Ashlar SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 ARORA DENNETT Bacchanal Wine Raphael Bas Bamboula’s Mark Appleford Bayou Bar Jordan Anderson Blue Nile The Caesar Brothers’ FunkBox, DJ WestBankRed Bourbon Orleans Hotel The Blues Masters, Brian Wingard Cafe Istanbul Merlot Music and Friends Carousel Bar & Lounge Lena Prima & Her Band Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport Dos Jefes The Afrodiziac’s Jazz Fillmore Don McLean Fritzel’s Zach Lange House of Blues Allay Earhart, The Pretty Reckless Le Bon Temps Roule Grits & Greens Maison Bourbon Danny Rubio & the Catahoula Music Company, The Leroy Marshall Band ‘Nacular Art Gallery Joe Adragna with Natasha Sanchez New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Sábado Gigante Polo Club Bean ‘n’ the Boys, John Royen Poor Boys Squid Pisser Preservation Hall The Preservation All-Stars Rock ‘n’ Bowl Four Unplugged Siberia Kult Desastre Snug Harbor Herlin Riley Quartet, Shea Siraj Sports Drink Matthew Broussard Tipitina’s Phoush SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 Apple Barrel T Marie Duo Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Bourbon O Bar Justin Donovan, Shawan Rice Buffa’s Bar Some Like It Hot! Gasa Gasa Aaniyah Anderson, Mac Infinity Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band La Carreta - Magazine St. Manny Arteaga Maison Bourbon The Leroy Marshall Band New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Don’t Sell Your Soul Orpheum Theater Gary Clark Jr. Preservation Hall The Preservation Legacy Band Snug Harbor John Fohl Spotted Cat Pat Casey & the New Sound

Photo: Courtesy of LiveNation

LIVE MUSICCALENDAR MUSIC CALENDAR

MAHALIA JACKSON THEATER • SEPTEMBER 25

SAENGER THEATRE • OCTOBER 10

SAENGER THEATRE • OCTOBER 12

MAHALIA JACKSON THEATER • OCTOBER 29

Tickets at SaengerNOLA.com • MahaliaJacksonTheater.com

LSU Preview // September 2026

LIVE MUSICCALENDAR

Bourbon O Bar Khris Royal Cajun Boil House Les Getrex Da Jump Off Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band Fritzel’s Jazz Club Matinee All Stars Band Gasa Gasa Cheekface Holy Diver DJ Reverend Robert Sinewave Mahogany Jazz Hall Jenna McSwain Maison Bourbon Danny Rubio & the Catahoula Music Company Polo Club David Boeddinghaus Preservation Hall Preservation Brass Spotted Cat Aurora Nealand & the Inquiry Quartet, Jenavieve Cooke & the Winding Boys TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Audubon Clubhouse Blake Amos Bacchanal Wine Tangiers Combo Gasa Gasa Cheekface Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club Tipitina’s Circle Jerks, Negative Approach, Upchuck WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Cafe Istanbul Sariyah Idan Joy Theater FattMack Lobby Lounge at JW Marriott Raphael Bas New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Paul Sanchez Siberia Static Static & Dana Ives Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Marty Peters & the Party Meters Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato & Dave James, Mike Lemmler & Mike Barras THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Bacchanal Wine David Sigler Carousel Bar & Lounge Leslie Martin Double Dealer Sariyah Idan Gasa Gasa Ben Kenney Howlin Wolf Laurie D & Friends La Carreta - Magazine St. Manny Arteaga Le Bon Temps Roule The Soul Rebels Peacock Room Da Lovebirds Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry & the Tremé Funktet FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Bacchanal Wine Willie Green Blue Nile DJ FTK Deutsches Haus Damenchor, Saengerchor Gasa Gasa Mothica Howlin Wolf Rodell Duff & Friends Joy Theater Bearracuda Le Bon Temps Roule Jon Roniger and the Good For Nothin’ Band Lobby Lounge at JW Marriott Raphael Bas No Dice Sinclair Noire, Come to Ruin, Ethanol Merman Origen Bistro Manny Arteaga & Tony Seville Saturn Bar La Tran-K Spotted Cat New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, Paradise Jazz Band The Crypt Melody Zenith Tipitina’s Erica Falls SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 100 Men Hall Rose de Lima Gospel Choir, Maggie Koerner

Bacchanal Wine Raphael Bas Broadside The Suicide Machines & Bad Operation Chickie Wah Wah The Desert Nudes Le Bon Temps Roule Reverend Rob. B. Mortimer No Dice That’s So Fetch Republic NOLA Sullivan King The Broadside Simple Tix, Bad Operation SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 100 Men Hall Lost Bayou Ramblers Bacchanal Wine Juan Tigre Gasa Gasa The Phantom A.D., The Bills Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band La Carreta - Magazine St. Manny Arteaga Siberia Cult Member with 4evr Spotted Cat Pat Casey & the New Sound Tchefuncte’s Restaurant Don Vappie & Dr. Ben Redwine MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 AllWays Lounge Betsy Propane Bacchanal Wine Byron Asher Duo Spotted Cat Aurora Nealand & the Inquiry Quartet, Jenavieve Cooke & the Winding Boys TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Audubon Clubhouse Burris, Mikayla Braun, Stephen Bohnstengel Bacchanal Wine Tangiers Combo Fillmore Sevendust & Theory of a Deadman Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band Siberia Shearling Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Bacchanal Jesse Morrow Civic Theatre Elmiene Fillmore Chance The Rapper Lobby Lounge at JW Marriott Raphael Bas Longue Vue House and Gardens Dusky Waters New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Marc Paradis Picnic Provisions & Whiskey Mikayla Braun Siberia Powerplant Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Mary Peters & the Party Meters St. Roch Tavern James McClaskey & the Rhythm Band Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato, Dave James, Mike Lemmler, Mike Barras THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Bacchanal Wine Raphael Bas Carousel Bar & Lounge Leslie Martin Dickie Brennan’s Tableau Irma Thomas, John Boutté La Carreta - Magazine St. Manny Arteaga Le Bon Temps Roule The Soul Rebels Longue Vue House and Gardens Carmela Rappazzo & Friends Peacock Room Da Lovebirds Siberia Rezn, Lockstep Spotted Cat Music Club Chris Christy Band Tipitina’s Mountain Grass Unit Appalachian Smoke Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry & the Tremé Funktet FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Anna’s DJs Lady Li, Karo & Rey Roge Bacchanal Wine Willie Green Chickie Wah Wah Nik Parr & the Selfless Lovers Gasa Gasa CROZ BOYCE House of Blues House of Heavy

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

Cash Money & No Limit at Smoothie King Center The Smoothie King Center will feature musicians from two of the biggest hip-hop record labels of the ‘90s, including local acts Birdman, Master P, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, and more. Saturday, September 12, 8 p.m., $82.05 to $514.20, smoothiekingcenter.com

Lobby Lounge at JW Marriott Raphael Bas

New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Chrissi Poland Origen Bistro Manny Arteaga & Tony Seville Republic NOLA United We Dance Siberia The Hand Grenades and Vienne Notarianni Spotted Cat New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, Paradise Jazz Band Tipitina’s Rebirth Brass Band SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Bacchanal Wine Pete Olynciw Trio Cafe Negril Lynn Drury Carrollton Station T Marie Chickie Wah Wah Channel One Sound System Gasa Gasa Suplecs, Fen Magus Historic New Orleans Collection The Slick Skillet Serenaders Kenner Heritage Park Fermin Ceballos, La Tran-K Le Bon Temps Roule Lynn Drury New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Judith Owen, Harry Shearer Rabbit Hole Sippy Santos Bar Kontravoid and Buzz Kull Smoothie King Center Cash Money Tipitina’s Big in the 90s SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Bacchanal Miles Berry Constantinople Stage Lynn Drury, Margie Perez Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band La Carreta - Magazine St. Manny Arteaga Spotted Cat Pat Casey & the New Sound Tchefuncte’s Restaurant Don Vappie, Dr. Ben Redwine The Broadside Simple Tix, Scott Levi Jones, Tophouse MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 AllWays Lounge Betsy Propane Bacchanal Wine Byron Asher Duo Fillmore Danzig Joy Theater DOMi & JD Beck Siberia Automatic with Accessory Spotted Cat Aurora Nealand & the Inquiry Quartet, Jenavieve Cooke & the Winding Boys TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Bacchanal Wine Tangiers Combo Ellis Marsalis Center Shea Pierre Gasa Gasa Lunar Vacation Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band Siberia Fai Laci Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Sweetie Pies of New Orleans WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Bacchanal Jesse Morrow Caesars Superdome Bruno Mars, Raye

Fillmore LUCKI, Sk8star Holy Diver Besatt House of Blues 3QUENCY Lobby Lounge at JW Marriott Raphael Bas Longue Vue House and Gardens Paul Sanchez Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Marty Peters & the Party Meters Tipitina’s Psychedelic Porn Crumpets The Broadside David Michael Franks, & Reckless Giants Tropical Isle Bourbon Dave Ferrato, Dave James, Mike Lemmler, Mike Barras THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Bacchanal Wine Raphael Bas Carousel Bar & Lounge Leslie Martin Chickie Wah Wah Everything Yes La Carreta - Magazine St. Manny Arteaga Le Bon Temps Roule The Soul Rebels New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Cyrille Aimée Orpheum Theater Rachmaninoff Peacock Room Da Lovebirds Republic NOLA Kota the Friend Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry & the Tremé Funktet FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Bacchanal Wine David Sigler, Willie Green BJ’s Lunge T Marie Blue Nile DJ FTK Deutsches Haus Damenchor, Saengerchor Gasa Gasa Jamogi & the Jammers, Sweet Magnolia House of Blues Club 1BD Le Bon Temps Roule Jon Sheckler Lobby Lounge at JW Marriott Raphael Bas Origen Bistro Manny Arteaga, Tony Seville Republic NOLA Electric Feels Spotted Cat New Orleans Cottonmouth Kings, Paradise Jazz Band SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Bacchanal Wine Miles Berry Duo, Pete Olynciw Trio Backline Wine & Spirits Cally Cole & the Cosmos Blue Nile The Soul Rebels Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar Freddie Blue & the Friendship Circle Band Gasa Gasa Stanley Simmons Fillmore Gregg Allman: The Music of My Soul Screening House of Blues Morgan Wade Le Bon Temps Roule Joey Houck New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio Rabbit Hole Kyle Walker Siberia Friendship Commanders Smoothie King Center Rod Wave

Photo: courtesy of No Limit Records

MONDAY, AUGUST 31 Bacchanal Wine Byron Asher Duo BJ’s Lounge Washboard Chaz & Jonathan Freilich

LSU Preview // September 2026

LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE Lousiana Shrimp & Petro Fest September 3-7 | shrimpandpetroleum.org

Oldies But Goodies Fest September 12 & 13 | westbatonrouge.net/oldies-goodies-fest If you want to go back in time to the '50s, '60s, and '70s, the Oldies But Goodies Fest in Port Allen, LA, has you covered with old school culture, music, and food. Start off the weekend with the BCA-sanctioned Smokin' Oldies BBQ Cookoff on Saturday and finish off the weekend with more good old fun with music by That 70’s Band on Sunday. Enter your vehicle in the antique car competition, compete in the hula-hoop and jitterbug dance competitions, or sit back and enjoy the food, music, and fun. For more information, head to the festival’s website.

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

Photos from top: Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, Oldies But Goodies Fest

Morgan City will once again host the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, celebrating two of Louisiana’s biggest industries and the first producing offshore oil well out of sight of land, about 43 miles off the coast of Morgan City. Among the festivities are a carnival, children’s parade, a fireworks show, and much more. Sunday will be one of the most significant days of the festival as it features a Mass as well as the Blessing of the Fleet in Berwick Bay. Visit the festival’s website for more information about the event, as well as petroleum production in Louisiana.

2026-27 SEASON OF WORLD-CLASS DANCE Subscribe and save up to 20%!

NOBAdance.com

Performances are held at the Mahalia Jackson Theater.

17 OCT

PILOBOLUS All of September | nolalibrary.org The New Orleans Public Library invites Orleans Parish residents to sign up for a library card as it celebrates Library Card Signup Month. A New Orleans Public Library card offers more than just physical books. It also offers e-books, music streaming, movies and TV shows, and free museum passes. Library card sign-up is available on the library’s website. Along with its library card perks, the library hosts events throughout the year, such as SNAP assistance programs, a Middle Grade Book Club, storytimes, and more. For more information on what the library offers, visit the library’s website.

Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival

14 NOV

Alonzo King LINES Ballet: Spring Season 2026 - Adji Cissoko © RJ Muna.

Library Card Sign-up Month

ALONZO KING LINES BALLET

20 FEB

Head out to Bogalusa, LA, for two days of food, fun, and blues, the music of the South, during this year’s Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival. Mr. Sipp, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, Peyton Falgoust Band, and Randy Jackson of Zebra headline this year’s festival. Attendees are also allowed to camp on the festival grounds in tents or an RV with select ticket packages. There are many ticket options available, including one-day general admission tickets at $20, two-day GA passes at $40, and VIP twoday passes at $150. For tickets and more information, check out the festival’s website.

ARGENTINA’S TANGO AFTER DARK

13-14 MAR

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Ashley Kaylynn Green and Xavier Mack. Photo by Andrew Eccles.

Photos from top: New Orleans Public Library, Sharon Hartzog

September 25 & 26 | bogalusablues.com

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

17 APR

HOUSTON BALLET MADAME BUTTERFLY LSU Preview // September 2026

NEW ORLEANS OPERA ASSOCIATION (504) 529-3000, neworleansopera.org

w Orleans e N Cultural Season Roundup

Distinguished Artist Concert Kameron Lopreore & Sarah Jane McMahon: A Tribute to the Late David Morelock October 8, 6 p.m. October 10, 2 p.m. Opera Guild Home, 2504 Prytania St. Emerging Artist Concert October 25, 4 p.m. Opera Guild Home Il Trovatore (semi-staged with narration) November 20, 7:30 p.m. Mahalia Jackson Theater, 1419 Basin St.

Mozart Symphony No. 31 Paris September 23 New Marigny Theatre

Emerging Artist Concert April 25, 4 p.m. Opera Guild Home Distinguished Artist Season End Concert Blake Friedman (tenor) and Amir Farid (pianist): The Music of Famous & Forgotten Jewish Composers May 13, 6 p.m. & May 15, 2 p.m. Opera Guild Home OPERACRÉOLE (504) 356-3078, operacreole.com A nonprofit, award-winning company, founded in 2011 by mother and daughter Givonna Joseph and Aria Mason, OperaCreolé is dedicated to researching and performing lost or rarely performed works by composers of African descent, especially those from the 19th century. Sankofa: 250 Years of Radical Roots in America September 11, 7 p.m. The Historic St. James A.M.E. Church, 222 N. Roman St.

ver the four centuries of New Orleans’ existence, it has rightfully come to be known as “America’s First City of Culture.” When the earliest French settlers founded the city in the early 1700s, they brought with them from Europe the art forms of opera, dance, live stage productions, and classical music, beginning a tradition that prevails right up to the present day. Following is a listing, by category, of New Orleans’ premier presenting organizations that are staging events this season in all of the major live art forms. Read all about them here, plan your schedules accordingly, and enjoy. All venues listed are in New Orleans unless otherwise noted. Some events are free with suggested donations, and others are ticketed events. Visit the organizations’ websites for more complete information.

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way New Marigny Opera Theatre, 2301 Marais St. (504) 523-6350, lpomusic.com

Christmas Concert Knox Van Horn: A Classical Christmas December 5 & 9 Opera Guild Home

New Orleans Opera Festival March 12-22 (various locations in New Orleans TBA)

Another fall–and with it comes another cultural season.

CLASSICAL MUSIC

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 Brahms Symphony No. 4 September 17 Orpheum Theater

Emerging Artist Concert February 28, 4 p.m. Opera Guild Home

// DEAN M. SHAPIRO

“The Ballad of the Brown King: A Christmas Cantata & Children’s Tea" December 5, 3 p.m. Tremé Market Branch, 800 N. Claiborne Ave. *Spring 2027 local performance schedule incomplete. Call the number or visit the website for details.

Emerging Artist Concert November 29, 4 p.m. Opera Guild Home

Distinguished Artist Concert Celebrating the Voices of Women Composers January 14 & 16 Opera Guild Home

2026 - 2027

Ignatian Volunteer Corps’ Annual Concert October 25 Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St. at Carrollton Avenue

La Féte Créole, 15th Anniversary Concert October 8, 7 p.m. Café Istanbul, 2372 St. Claude Ave.

LPO + Tank & The Bangas + Dawn Richard October 2 Orpheum Theater Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 Carlos Miguel Prieto conducting October 22 Orpheum Theater Mozart and Stravinsky November 12 Orpheum Theater Classical Christmas: Messiah December 3 Orpheum Theater Holiday Spectacular December 17 Orpheum Theater Dvorak: The Serenades for Strings and Winds January 6 New Marigny Theatre Grieg’s Peer Gynt & Mahler Symphony No. 5 January 14 Orpheum Theater Miracles with Haydn and Bach February 24 New Marigny Theatre

Mendelssohn’s “Ruy Blas Overture” Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 “The Great” March 4 Orpheum Theater

Photo: courtesy of New Orleans Ballet Association, Gustavo Escanelle

OPERA

LPO + Grammy Winner Samara Joy March 11 Orpheum Theater Mussorgsky/Ravel “Pictures at an Exhibition” March 18 Orpheum Theater Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade” April 1 Orpheum Theater “Appalachian Spring” & Piazzolla’s “Four Seasons in Buenos Aires” April 15 Orpheum Theater Beethoven’s “Missa Solemnis” May 6 Orpheum Theater Season Finale: Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 May 15 Orpheum Theater *All Orpheum concerts are at 7:30 p.m. All New Marigny Theatre concerts are at 6 p.m. **Several “Family Concerts” are held at Loyola University’s Roussel Hall and other LPO concerts are performed in St. Tammany Parish. For more information on the full slate of LPO offerings, visit their website. NEW ORLEANS FRIENDS OF MUSIC Dixon Hall, Tulane University (504) 895-0690, friendsofmusic.org Isidore String Quartet October 19 Stefan Jackiw, Violin and Kevin Ahfat, Piano November 18 Akropolis Reed Quintet December 7 Goldmund String Quartet February 24 Anderson & Roe Piano Duo March 9 Oak Trio April 20 NOLA Chamber Fest Guest Artist (artist and venue TBA) May 23 *All concerts are at 7:30 p.m.

Photo: courtesy of New Orleans Ballet Association

SYMPHONY CHORUS OF NEW ORLEANS symphonychorus.org Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana with two pianos & percussion Late October, date/venue TBA G.F. Handel’s Messiah Mid-December, date/venue TBA Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah Mid-May, date/venue TBA Crescent City Chamber Music Festival (646) 241-0303, crescentcitychambermusicfestival.com 11th Anniversary Season, October 15-25, 2026 Free Public Concert No. 1 October 15, 7 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave. Manhattan Chamber Players and members of the Louisiana Philharmonic

Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony and Lachrymae and Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings

LYRICA BAROQUE (504) 220-4605, lyricabaroque.com

Free Public Concert No. 2 October 16, 7 p.m. Recital Hall, UNO Performing Arts Center Manhattan Chamber Players and bandoneonist and composer J.P. Jofre

Festival de las Américas Fundraiser Concert September 6, 3 p.m. Kenner

Free Public Concert No. 3 October 18, 4 p.m. St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1545 State St. Manhattan Chamber Players perform Dvořák’s String Quintet in E Flat Major and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence for string sextet Free Public Concert No. 4 October 20, 7 p.m. Urban South Brewery, 1645 Tchoupitoulas St. Special beer flights with classical music pairings Free Public Concert No. 5 October 21, 7 p.m. Recital Hall, UNO Performing Arts Center Clarinetist Mark Dover with the Manhattan Chamber Players Free Public Concert No. 6 October 23, 7 p.m. Dixon Concert Hall, Tulane University Manhattan Chamber Players perform Shostakovich’s Octet, Joaquín Turina’s Scéne Andalouse, and Brahms’ Piano Quintet Free Public Concert No. 7 October 25, 4 p.m. Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church CCCMF Season Finale Concert Manhattan Chamber Players perform Maurice Ravel’s Tzigane and Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, followed by a “meet the artists” reception *Most of the concerts are preceded by a 30-minute talk and Q&A session. MUSICAL ARTS SOCIETY OF NEW ORLEANS (504) 715-0818, masno.org 7th Annual Bachtoberfest Featuring the Electric Yat Quartet, Pianist André Bohren, and Trumpeter Vance Woolf October 7, 6 p.m. Margaret Place Hotel, 1133 Margaret Pl. Nocturne XXIII Gala Featuring Pianist Emanuel Ax October 25, 5 p.m. Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 921 Canal St. Le Petit Salon Concert Series Featuring Guitarist David Sigler December 3, 6 p.m. Pitot House, 1440 Moss St. Concert Featuring Violinist Sara Dragan and Pianist Kenny Broberg February 19, 6 p.m. (Location TBA) Victor Atkins Trio April 7, 6 p.m. Margaret Place Hotel, 1133 Margaret Pl. Sullivan Fortner, Pianist May 20, 6 p.m. New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave. New Orleans Piano Institute & Keyboard Festival July 24-31 Loyola University, 6301 St. Charles Ave.

Winter Concert December 23, 5:30 p.m. Old Metairie

Houston Ballet’s Madame Butterfly April 17, 7:30 p.m. *All performances at the Mahalia Jackson Theater MARIGNY OPERA BALLET Marigny Opera House, 725 St. Ferdinand St. (504) 948-9998, marignyoperahouse.org Program 1: Cain, overo il Primo Omicidio (Cain, or the First Homicide) September 10-18 Composer: Alessandro Scarlatti

Spring Fling Fundraiser March 14, 3 p.m. Garden District, Uptown New Orleans NOLA Chamber Fest May 20-23 Hotel Peter & Paul, 2317 Burgundy St., Faubourg Marigny Sunset Porch Concert May 26, 6 p.m. Lake Vista Subdivision *For specific locations, visit Lyrica Baroque’s website.

Program 2: Die Sieben Todsünden (The Seven Deadly Sins) December 10-20 Composer: Kurt Weill Program 3: La Damnation de Faust (The Damnation of Faust) March 4-14 Composer: Hector Berlioz Program 4: Dido and Aeneas May 13-23 Composer: Henry Purcell

MUSAICA CHAMBER ENSEMBLE (504) 669-1423, musaica.org Fall Concerts September 14 Metairie Ridge Presbyterian Church, 215 Phosphor Ave., Metairie Works by Bernhard Mueller, Franz Doppler, J.C. Bach, and Richard Stöhr September 15 St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1545 State St. Works by Bernhard Mueller, Franz Doppler, J.C. Bach, and Richard Stöhr Winter Concerts January 25 St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church Works by Caroline Shaw, Francis Poulenc, and Ludwig van Beethoven January 26 Metairie Ridge Presbyterian Church Works by Caroline Shaw, Francis Poulenc, and Ludwig van Beethoven Spring Concerts April 26 St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church Works by Mieczysław Weinberg, Valerie Coleman, Lalo Schifrin, Nadia Boulanger, and Louise Farrenc April 28 Metairie Ridge Presbyterian Church Works by Mieczysław Weinberg, Valerie Coleman, Lalo Schifrin, Nadia Boulanger, and Louise Farrenc *All concerts at 7:30 p.m.

NEW ORLEANS BALLET THEATRE 920 Terpsichore St. (504) 826-0646, neworleansballettheatre.com Dracula Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way October 29, 8 p.m. October 30, 8 p.m. October 31, 2 p.m. The Nutcracker Orpheum Theater December 12, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. December 13, 2 p.m. December 19, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. December 20-23, 2 p.m.

New Works Spring 2027 (performance dates TBA) Swan Lake Orpheum Theater May 8, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

LIVE THEATRE

NEW ORLEANS BALLET ASSOCIATION 935 Gravier St., (504) 522-0996, nobadance.com

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

Pilobolus October 17, 7:30 p.m.

Jersey Boys September 22-27

Alonzo King LINES Ballet November 14, 7:30 p.m.

Parcels - Loved Tour 2026 October 10

Argentina’s Tango After Dark February 20, 7:30 p.m.

Disney’s The Lion King October 21 to November 8

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater March 13, 7:30 p.m. March 14, 3 p.m.

Rocky in Concert November 17

DANCE

LSU Preview // September 2026

Ali Siddiq: The Custom Fit Tour November 28

The Sound of Music March 2-7

Westwego Performing Arts Theatre (WPAT) 177 Sala Ave., Westwego

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

Billy Strings Concert December 4

The Outsiders March 30 to April 4

Come from Away September 11-20 (JPAC)

Buena Vista Social Club December 8-13

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child May 11-16

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical December 15-20

Just in Time June 22-27

My Fair Lady September 25 to October 11 (WPAT)

RIVERTOWN THEATERS FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 325 Minor St., Kenner (504) 383-0123, boxoffice@rivertowntheaters.com

The Notebook The Musical January 26-31 Clue February 19-21

LE PETIT THEATRE 616 St. Peter St., (504) 522-2081, lepetittheatre.com Laughter on the 23rd Floor October 1-18 The Secret Garden December 3-27 The Glass Menagerie February 25 to March 21 August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom April 29 to May 16 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee June 3-20 *Show times vary. Call or check the website for information. JEFFERSON PERFORMING ARTS (504) 885-2000, jpas.org Jefferson Performing Arts Center (JPAC) 6400 Airline Dr., Metairie

Sweeney Todd November 6-22 (WPAT) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer December 4-13 (JPAC) The Nutcracker December 19 & 20 (JPAC) A Mardi Gras Christmas Carol December 4-13 (WPAT)

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas December 10-20 Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo January 8-24

Our City of Saints January 15-17 (JPAC)

POTUS February 19-28

Les Misérables February 26 to March 7 (JPAC)

42nd Street March 5-21

Alfred Hitchcock’s the 39 Steps March 5-21 (WPAT)

Grease May 7-23

Anastasia: The Musical April 9-18 (JPAC) Tootsie May 7-23 (WPAT)

Disney’s The Little Mermaid July 15-25

Monty Python’s Spamalot July 9-18 (WPAT)

Download Le Pass and take the hassle out of getting around.

NORTA.com/Roll

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

Steel Magnolias November 6-22

The Marvelous Wonderettes January 8-24

We drive. You cheer.

The Rocky Horror Show October 23-31

BB’s Stage Door Canteen National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine St. (504) 528-1943, nationalww2museum.org

Photos from left: courtesy of The Erhardt Group, National WWII Museum

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet December 30

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

Finding Neverland September 11-27

Unlike any other. Undeniably for kids.

At Manning Family Children’s, kids are our sole purpose. All day, every day, for every child. If a child needs help, we stand ready with care unlike any other. And with the expertise, compassion, and support for anything a child might need, right here at home—and always regardless of ability to pay.

manningchildrens.org

Ken Ludwig’s Dear Jack, Dear Louise October 2–4 & 9–11 The Voice of France: A Tribute to Edith Piaf May 7–9 & 14–16 Swing That Music: A Tribute to Louis Armstrong June 11–13 & 18–20

OTHER PERFORMING ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play December 17 & 18

There are other performing arts organizations and venues in and around 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.

Wartime Piano New Year’s Eve Happy Hour December 31

Artivism Dance Theatre: artivismdance.com

Dine & Dance with the Victory Swing Orchestra Multiple dates, August through May

Ashe Cultural Arts Center: ashenola.org

The Victory Belles Salute to Hope Multiple dates, August through June 11:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. showtimes available

Contemporary Arts Center: cacno.org

Holiday Specials Teddy Bear Tea Saturdays and Sundays, December 5–20

T H E O R I G I N A L CA J U N A N D C R EO L E F E ST I VA L

Ride the Cyclone June 12-27 *Show times vary. Call or check the website for information.

Wartime Piano Happy Hour Multiple dates, August through June TENNESSEE WILLIAMS THEATRE COMPANY (504) 264-2580, info@twtheatrenola.com Something Cloudy, Something Clear September 10-27 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. *For more complete season information, go to the website. THE NOLA PROJECT (504) 302-9117, boxoffice@nolaproject.com The Curse of the Mummy October 2026 Flying Dreams: The Ambitious Descent of Icarus & Daedalus November 2026 Pipeline March 2027 Titus Andronicus March 2027 Tambo & Bones May 2027 *For more specific dates, venues, and other detailed information, go to the website. 30 BY NINETY THEATRE 880 Lafayette St., Mandeville (844) 843-3090, info@30byninety.com

Cutting Edge Theater: cuttingedgetheater.com Louis Moreau Institute: louismoreauinstitute.org Loyola University Arts Series: cmm.loyno.edu/loyola-presents New Orleans Chamber Orchestra: nolachamberorch.com New Orleans Civic Symphony: neworleanscivicsymphony.org Symphony Of New Orleans: symphonyofneworleans.com Tulane University Summer Lyric Theatre: liberalarts.tulane.edu/summer-lyric-theatre University of New Orleans Musical Excursions: lsuneworleans.edu/sota-performances/music University of New Orleans Theatre: lsuneworleans.edu/sota-performances/theater Versipel New Music: versipel.org *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.

Zombie Prom October 10-25 A Very Merry Grinchmas Spectacular December 4-13 Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None January 9-24

OCTOBER 8-11, 2026

GIRARD PARK

LAFAYETTE, LA

FESTIVALSACADIENS.COM

The Addams Family Musical March 6-21 Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit April 10-25

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

Photos: courtesy of Brittney Werner

Late Shift September 4-6

LSU Preview // September 2026

s w e N d o Fo

FOODNEWS

// KIM RANJBAR

Dakar NOLA

Shawarma Al Dimashqi

Our Private Room Fine Dining at Its Best!

Enjoy Gatherings with Family & Friends A Perfect Setting for Corporate Dinners & Receptions Inquiries at Briquette-Nola.com

302–7496 // 701 S. Peters St., Warehouse District // 36

Patty's Burger Bar

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

Stay vertical . . . Shawarma Al Dimashqi is a new spot that recently opened on the Westbank specializing in—you guessed it—crispy, Syrianstyle shawarma sandwiches. Thinly sliced from large vertical rotisseries, the restaurant is serving up hefty portions of chicken and beef shawarma in wraps and platters with stellar sides including baba ghanoush, crinkle fries, and garlicky toum. The shop is located at the far end of Manhattan Boulevard in a tiny strip mall behind a gas station, but it’s well worth the drive. 2630 Manhattan Blvd., Ste. A, Harvey, (504) 354-2176, @shawarma_aldimashqi Ladies' night . . . Famous French Quarter restaurant the Court of Two Sisters recently opened an eponymous po-boy shop and bar just around the corner on Bourbon Street. Appropriately dubbed Two Sisters on Bourbon, the new space brings “casual dining, signature hospitality, and authentic New Orleans flavor” to the party while serving fried seafood, po-boys, boudin balls, and craft cocktails. The shop also offers an event venue in case you need additional space to party on one of the world’s most festive streets. “We’re building on generations of hospitality while

Photos from top: courtesy of Kim Ranjbar, Jeremy Tauriac, Kim Ranjbar,

Delicious Food from Briquette, Full Bar, Amazing Wines, and Your Exclusive Dining Experience!

Hip, hip . . . Where Y’at Magazine would like to sincerely convey heartfelt congratulations to all of the 2026 James Beard award winners and especially Dakar NOLA’s Chef Serigne Mbaye, who won this year’s Best Chef: South. Mbaye, who has now received two awards in the space of two years, recently pulled up stakes on his Senegalese restaurant and moved it from Magazine Street to the Riverbend, taking over the former Matt & Naddies space on Leonidas Street. We also would like to cheer Thibodaux-native Jean-Paul Bourgeois, whose streaming series Duck Camp Dinners, The Texas Tour won the Lifestyle Visual Media award. Great job, guys. We can’t wait to see what y’all do next. jamesbeard.org, dakarnola.com

One-stop shop . . . Once a Mid-City auto shop located on the pointed corner of Moss Street and Hagan Avenue, the space has been transformed by owners Caroline Rogers and Mike Bertel into something completely different. Opened mid-June, Farmer’s Butcher & Farmstop is a farmers market, grocery store, and shop featuring locally sourced everything from fresh produce and dairy products to a full meat counter starring beloved butcher and bologna-maker Leighann Smith—co-proprietor of the now-defunct Piece of Meat restaurant. Go for a gallon of fresh milk and leave with a basket full of everything from andouille sausage and honey to signature stationery made by Sassy Banana Design Co. 519 Hagan Ave., (504) 389-2691, farmersnola.com

Two Sisters on Bourbon

creating a space that feels welcoming and uniquely suited to Bourbon Street,” said Alex Fein, a longtime steward of the historic Court of Two Sisters. “We are thoughtfully Two Sisters expanding while on Bourbon staying true to what our family has always valued.” 612 Bourbon St., (504) 522-7261, twosistersonbourbon. com

All photos: courtesy of Kim Ranjbar

Making moves . . . Although it opened in October late last year on David Drive, Asian-fusion restaurant YummieBox Hibachi Express has recently moved to Veterans Memorial Boulevard. Maybe they had a crummy landlord or maybe they were able to purchase their own digs? Either way, your hibachi needs just got more convenient, especially if you are already located in the ‘burbs. Get crispy sweet heat wings with blue cheese dipping sauce, creamy crab Rangoon, egg rolls, and boxes filled with hibachi shrimp, steak, chicken, lobster, and more with lots of rice and “yum yum” sauce. 1700 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 100, Metairie, (504) 766-4722, @yummieboxnola Did someone say snack house? . . . Slavic food pop-up Dom Zakuski (house of snacks) recently opened in the Marigny, taking over the space that last held breakfast spot Horn’s. The proud owner, first-generation Russian baker Katya Simkhovich, made the move from her birthplace in Massachusetts to New Orleans a few years ago and began sharing Slavic cuisine at pop-ups around the city. Eastern European food lovers would often find her slinging dishes such as beef and carrot pirozhok (pirozhki) and vegan vinagrets (root veggie salad with beets, potatoes, and carrots) at Anna’s in

Bywater or baking oreashki (walnut cookies), rye bread, and other treats for Piety Market at Hotel Peter & Paul, but she gained some real stardom in last year’s Carnival season. King cake aficionados flocked to try her marvelous poppy seed king cake, a fluffy brioche with ground poppy seed filling, drizzled with lemon and sour cream icing topped with a little matryoshka (Russian nesting doll) fève. At Dom Zakuski, be prepared for meals that feel like you’re eating at babushka’s (maw-maw’s) house with dishes such as her rye bread with dill butter and pickles, mushroom and buckwheat-stuffed cabbage rolls, as well as slugs (and bottles) of her own infused vodkas. 2440 Chartres St., @dom.zakuski The prodigal daughters return . . . For over 50 years, some of the best—and most affordable— soul food in town could be found at Two Sisters Restaurant on N. Derbigny Street, but it closed in 2011. Although owner Colette Finister opened up a new shop on Chef Menteur Highway called Two Sisters ‘N Da East, fans of their turkey necks, stewed oxtails, and chitterlings were clamoring for their return to the neighborhood. Now, that fateful day has finally come. Colette and her sister Shanel Snowton have opened—with help from the “Soul Queen” herself, Irma Thomas—Two Sisters in Tremé on the ground floor of the Prince Hall Masonic Temple on Basin Street. We’re looking forward to their signature red beans and fried chicken with a slab of strawberry cake for dessert. 1610 Basin St., (504) 302-2400

Kenner Restaurant Week Participating Restaurants featuring curated multi-course menus & exclusive promotions September 13-19, 2026 Visit: https://www.kenner.la.us/527/Kenner-Restaurant-Week

OPEN DAILY 7AM-10PM

HERE’S $20 TO SHIP YOUR FIRST ORDER GOLDB3LLYIT

401 Poydras St. MothersRestaurant.net (504) 523-9656 LSU Preview // September 2026

Beyond the Taco: Hispanic Heritage Month and the Many Flavors of Latin New Orleans

La Cocinita

Nany's Bar & Grill

// MICHELLE NICHOLSON

Central America: Baleadas, Pupusas, and Masa At Norma’s Sweets Bakery on Bienville, “bakery” only tells part of the story. Norma Castillo came to New Orleans from Honduras and built a business that now feels like several food traditions sharing one counter. The shop serves as a market, deli, breakfast stop, and hot-food line. Go early for a baleada or their signature fresh-bread and breakfast plates with beans, cream, cheese, avocado, eggs, and

Las Cabañas

meat. You’ll want to leave with pastries or empanadas for later. Opened by the Almendares family, Tia Maria’s Kitchen on Tulane Avenue makes the case for starting the day with a double dose of Honduran comfort food with a pupusa breakfast sandwich and a horchata—or the mega baleada for $9—or literally anything off the menu. With fried chicken, carne asada, maduros, and pastelitos, this restaurant’s menu delivers one banger after another. It is the kind of menu so robust that return visits are a must. Across the river in Gretna, Nany’s Bar & Grill is the move if you want to break bread with family and friends. Delight in a whole fried snapper, or dig into the chargrill for two—or four or six—with your choice of pork chops, chicken, or flank steak with sausage, fried bananas, tortillas, beans, and more piled high on the table. Everything about their menu is extra, and everything about it is necessary. La Macarena Pupuseria & Latin Café, a little house on Hampson Street in Riverbend, opened its doors in 2003 and remains one of the city’s most established introductions to Salvadoran family cooking. They were also recognized as Best Mex Vegan in the 2024 New Orleans Vegan Chef Challenge. Go for brunch and treat yourself to a combo plate, such as the desayuno Salvadoreño with a pupusa and a tamale. When it arrives, pile on the salsa and curtido, AKA pickled cabbage traditionally served with pupusas. At Mawí Tortillas on W. Esplanade Avenue in Metairie, masa is a legacy. The Avelar family’s tortilla business grew into a restaurant serving pupusas, yuca con chicharrón, and breakfast plates paired with stacks of warm tortillas. Corn is not a side note there—it is the center, even when filled with chicken or pork and then wrapped and steamed inside banana leaves, as in their tamales. Whatever you do, be sure to try the quesadilla stuffed with birria and cheese and served with consommé. Las Cabañas in Kenner keeps the pupusas at the center but makes room for local play. Classic combinations remain, such as loroco—a Central American plant used as a vegetable or herb— beans, cheese, and chicharrón, ready to be paired with jalapeno, squash, and cheese pupusas, and

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

rounded off with a crawfish and cheese pupusa. Or, commit to a set of birria pupusas instead. Orders come in sets of threes.

South America: Two Arepas, Two Traditions From Central America, follow the arepa south. At La Cocinita on Prytania, Venezuelan food arrives through a long-running food truck turned sunny Uptown café. Founders Benoit and Rachel Angulo built a following on arepas, empanadas, tacos, and street-food ease before opening the restaurant. The standout is El Pabellón, an arepa stuffed with brisket, sweet plantains, queso fresco, black beans, and cremita. It is a portable version of Venezuela’s national dish, messy in the best way and built around sweet-savory balance. Maïs Arepas ensures the Colombian side of the map receives due attention. Owner David Mantilla, from Cali, Colombia, opened the restaurant after helping build Baru Bistro & Tapas in order to focus solely on Colombian cuisine. The restaurant feels relaxed enough for dinner with friends but polished enough for a date, and they mix up what may be the best sangria in town. Also, the entire menu is gluten-free. Try the carnicera arepa with grilled skirt steak, plantains, avocado, and red cranberry beans or the reina with shredded chicken and avocado.

Caribbean: Cafecito, Daiquiris, and Cuban Comfort The Caribbean turn begins in the French Quarter at Manolito, where Cuban cocktail culture gets treated with care. Named for Manuel “Manolito” Carbajo Aguiar of Havana’s El Floridita, the bar calls itself a little cradle of the daiquiri, each made to order. It is a small reminder that frozen drinks can have a history deeper than a souvenir cup. Go for happy hour or a stylish date night, ordering from their extensive list of daiquiris. Share the ropa vieja for two—a spiceand wine-braised beef with olives, raisins, and

capers paired with maduros and beans and rice. Looking for something lighter? The Cuban hummus, made with black beans, is a fresh option. For daytime Cuban cravings, Café Conmigo on Jena St. is one of our freshest coffee-and-sandwich stops. A baby of the High Hat Café team, this Miami-style café slings Cuban coffee, guava-filled pastries, and pressed sandwiches, including a standard Cuban and a frita Cubana—a spiced beef burger with melted American cheese, onion, and crispy shoestring fries. The large outdoor patio invites people to linger, so you might go with croquetas de jamón and maduros or tostones and stay a while instead. Together, these restaurants make the point better than any slogan could. Latin New Orleans is not one plate, one flavor, or one country. It is Honduran breakfasts, Salvadoran masa, Venezuelan and Colombian arepas, Cuban coffee, and family foodways that deserve to be named clearly. Our call for a quest beyond the taco is a celebration of—and call for an indulgence in—the diversity and universal pleasure of Latin food. Indeed, even an arepa is not one thing. It is an invitation to taste more widely, to follow the city through its bakeries, cafés, bars, and pupuserías and to let each kitchen keep its own name.

La Cocinita

Photos from top clockwise: courtesy of La Cocinita, Nany's Bar & Grill, La Cocinita, Ness Newsom

ure, nearly everyone loves some variation of a taco. And who would pass up free chips and salsa? Yet there is so much more to Latin food in New Orleans, where Honduran bakeries, Salvadoran pupuserías, Venezuelan arepas, Colombian plates, and Cuban cafés speckle the map among the usual proliferation of Tex-Mex establishments. Together, they show how much of the city’s Latin food life happens in small rooms, strip malls, old houses, and family businesses scattered throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Hispanic Heritage Month is a good time to celebrate this part of our rich culture by taking a self-guided tour of some of the top-rated joints you’ll find here—or really, anywhere—and live your best life beyond the taco.

Home of the Crabmeat Beignet

2101 N. Rampart St. 504-944-7068 lorettaspralines.com @lorettaspralines

OPEN FOR DINE-IN AND TAKE OUT!

1100 N. Peters, Farmers Market Stall #9

HAPPY HOUR AT THE BAR M-F 3:30-5:30

lap@lorettaspralines.com

LAKEVIEW HARBOR

The egacy Continues!

504-486-4887 - LAKEVIEWHARBOR.US 8550 P O N C H A RT RA I N B LV D.

LSU Preview // September 2026

DININGGUIDE Anita’s Grill brings American flavors and a lively atmosphere to the Warehouse District. The menu is packed with Southern flavors. Menu highlights include steak & eggs, a biscuit breakfast sandwich, the hamburger po-boy, and the liver & onion po-boy. 833 Howard Ave., (504) 354-8979, anitasgrillnola.com Bearcat Cafe is a popular destination known for health-conscious options and comfort dishes. The menu offers “good cat” and “bad cat” options, differentiating from healthier to heavier dishes. Options include the “good cat” vegan ranchero and “bad cat” shrimp & grits. Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com Commons Club offers a contemporary dining experience inside the Virgin Hotels New Orleans. The menu highlights modern American cuisine with options including Wagyu steak fries and truffle campanelle pasta. It is an ideal spot for brunch or dinner. 550 Baronne St., (833) 791-7700, virginhotels.com Crescent City Steaks is a historic Mid-City steakhouse that’s been around since 1934. Family-owned for generations, it delivers classic steakhouse fare in a nostalgic setting. The menu offers traditional cuts, as well as a bacon-wrapped filet and cowboy rib eye. 1001 N. Broad St., (504) 821‑3271, crescentcitysteaks.com Daisy Dukes Restaurant is known for filling breakfasts, New Orleans favorites, and big portions in an authentic Southern atmosphere. Specific menu options include French toast, breakfast sandwiches, and country fried steak with gravy served with eggs. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com Desi Vega’s Steakhouse is a spot for classic, highquality steaks served in an upscale setting. The restaurant serves traditionally Southern flavors with a modern touch. Be sure to try the rib eye & fries served with whipped bearnaise. 628 St. Charles Ave., (504) 523-7600, desivegasteaks. com Jack Rose offers a vibrant dining experience inside the historic Pontchartrain Hotel. The menu features international-inspired dishes alongside New Orleans classics. Enjoy the fried chicken parmesan, banana leaf wrapped speckled trout, and fettuccine nero. The restaurant also offers brunch options. 2031 St. Charles Ave. Fl. 1, (504) 608-7112, jackroserestaurant.com Legacy Kitchen’s Craft Tavern blends elevated American comfort food with an industrial tavern atmosphere. The menu offers favorites including crawfish & egg beignets, the Bananas Foster waffle with whipped cream and honey butter, and the redfish St. Charles. 700 Tchoupitoulas St. #3612, (504) 613-2350, legacykitchen.com Legacy Kitchen’s Steak + Chop offers delicious steakhouse and plenty of craft cocktails on the Westbank. The restaurant offers hot plate specials from Monday to Friday and menu favorites including chicken & waffle, a “build your own burger,” and trout amandine. 91 Westbank Expy., Gretna, (504) 513-2606, legacykitchen.com

Luke is known for a refined take on French and German-inspired cuisine in a relaxed setting. Known for oysters and classic seafood dishes, menu options include the LA crawfish omelette and the flammenkuchen with Alsatian onion tarte, bacon, and cheese. 333 St. Charles Ave., (504) 378-2840, lukeneworleans.com Moe’s Original BBQ, named in the “Top 10 BBQ Chains in America” by USA Today and the Daily Meal, serves Alabama-style barbecue in a casual setting. It is popular for its catering packages, hearty quality, and Southern favorites. 1101 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 407-3533, moesoriginalbbq.com

ASIAN Aroma Indian Cuisine offers traditional Indian dishes with a focus on bold spices and authentic preparation, featuring favorites such as curries, biryani, and tandoori specialties. Its welcoming atmosphere and quality make it a reliable choice for casual meals. 401 S. Claiborne Ave., (504) 766-6916, aromanolaindiancuisine.com

Aroma

New Orleans Vampire Café brings a theatrical approach to dining with a gothic, vampire-inspired setting and menu. They offer drinks with sangria, vodka pomegranate lemonade, and more prepared in ghastly blood bag packaging. Try the alligator po-boy. 801 Royal St., (504) 581-0801, nolavampirecafe. com Rib Room is a classic steakhouse known for its prime rib and elegant atmosphere. Located inside the Omni Royal Orleans, it blends traditional fine dining with a relaxed environment. Dinner options include prime steaks, mustard-fried flounder, and Cajun corn ribs. 621 St. Louis St., (504) 529-7045, ribroomneworleans. com Sala NOLA offers a savory dining experience with coastal Italian cuisine and fresh seafood. Specific menu options include the house-cured salmon board, veal parmesan, and blackened catfish topped with crab meat. The restaurant also offers breakfast and weekend brunch. 124 Lake Marina Dr., (504) 513-2670, salanola.com Spudly’s Super Spuds specializes in loaded baked potatoes packed with toppings. Options include the traditional spud with cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives and the Super Duper MKT with crabmeat, shrimp, and crawfish topped with cheese sauce, cheddar, and chives. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, (504) 455-3250, spudlys.com Vacca Steakhouse brings a modern, upscale approach to the steakhouse experience in Metairie. Their dish presentation exhibits attention to detail with steak entrees including the NY strip, rib eye, and center cut filet, served Pittsburgh-style on a sizzling plate. 3524 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 318-3808, accasteakhouse.com Vampire Apothecary offers cocktails and cuisine inspired by gothic themes and a rustic atmosphere. Located in the French Quarter, their food options are fresh and health-oriented, including baked salmon, baked oysters, and a poached pear dessert. 725 St. Peter St., (504) 766-8179, vampireapothecary.com

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

JB’s Fuel Dock offers waterfront dining with views of Lake Pontchartrain, making it a great choice for sunset views with close friends and family members. The menu leans into seafood favorites, po-boys, and casual Italian dishes. 128 S. Roadway St., (504) 510-2260, jbsfueldock.com Le Bon Temps Roule is an Uptown bar offering live music, drinks, and NOLA bar food. The establishment is open late and is always lively. Be sure to order their smash burgers including the mushroom Swiss or Oklahoma fried onion. 4801 Magazine St., (504) 897-3448, lbtrnola.com Rivershack Tavern is a restaurant known for its rustic decor, tacky ash trays, and famous “bar legs.” Menu options include the “leaf me alone” house salad, the “double R” sandwich with bacon and ham, and their alligator sausage po-boy. 3449 River Rd., Jefferson, (504) 834-4938, rivershacktavern.com Swamp Room Bar & Grill is a great bar and restaurant to hang out at in Metairie. Not only is it home to the “swamp burger,” the restaurant also offers plenty of creative bites such as red beans & rice balls. 5400 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 888-5242, theswamproom.com The Channel features American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Its traditional feel enhances a menu featuring seafood and shareable plates. Menu highlights include the Irish club sandwich, fried green tomatoes, and shrimp, fish, chicken, and oyster baskets. 2604 Magazine St., (504) 381-4680, thechannelneworleans.com

Mantra Original Indian Cuisine offers Punjabi flavors and hospitality with curries, tandoori flavors, and recipes passed through generations. Some of their menu options include chicken entrees, baked breads, lamb and goat entrees, seafood entrees, and vegetarian options. 3116 S I-10 Service Rd. W. E., Metairie, (504) 354-8349, mantraoriginalindiancuisine.com

CAFÉ Kitchen Table Café is a neighborhood spot in Arabi where classic Southern meals meet a homestyle cooking dynamic. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with live music nightly to go along with some of the area’s best gumbo. 7005 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, (504) 301-2285, facebook. com/kitchentablearabi

Mikimoto Restaurant offers a menu full of Japanese cuisine including sushi, hibachi, and more. The restaurant is known for its quality ingredients, fresh food, and welcoming environment. As well as sushi, the menu offers sashimi, rice dishes, and udon noodles. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881, mikimotosushi. com

Prince Tea House offers an elegant, Parisianinspired café experience with a focus on premium teas, brunch, and housemade desserts. Blending Asian and European influences, the menu features tea service and mille crêpe cakes. They also offer an afternoon tea service. 3012 N. Arnoult Rd. Ste. B, Metairie, (504) 330-0360, princeteahousenola. com

Thai’d Up brings Thai flavors to the Gentilly neighborhood. The menu features classic items such as pad Thai, curries, and more prepared with Thai spices. Highlights include the Thai beef jerky, butter Thai shrimp, and the papaya salad. 1839 Gentilly Blvd., (504) 644-5790, thaidup.co

The Vintage is a cozy wine bar and café known for a relaxed atmosphere, curated wine list, and tapas-style dishes. The menu offers beignets, pastries, flatbreads, and charcuterie. They also offer espresso martinis, beer and wine, and Prohibitionera cocktails. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144, thevintagenola.com

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD Bamboula’s is a classic spot that combines New Orleans cuisine with live music. Known for its Cajun/Creole cuisine, cocktails, and lively atmosphere, menu options include the Creole jambalaya, Hawaiian burger, and seafood po-boys. The restaurant hosts daily music performances. 514 Frenchmen St., (504) 451-7306, bamboulasmusic.com

Willa Jean combines freshly baked goods with Southern comfort food in a casual setting. The restaurant offers a range of breakfast and brunch options, along with the city’s best chocolate cookies. Try the fried chicken and tabasco honey biscuit. 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 509-7334, willajean.com

Photos: courtesy of Aroma Indian Cuisine

AMERICAN

CARIBBEAN Jamaican Jerk House brings Caribbean flavors to New Orleans and Metairie with a menu centered on traditional Jamaican dishes. From jerk chicken and curry goat to oxtail pasta, each plate is rich in authentic flavors. Multiple Locations, jamaicanjerkhouse.com

ITALIAN Domenica, located in the Roosevelt Hotel, brings Italian flavors to downtown New Orleans with a focus on handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal ingredients. Options include tutto carne & clam pizza and chicken al mattone with field peas and escarole. 123 Baronne St., (504) 336-6541, domenicarestaurant.com Mosca’s Restaurant is a Westbank institution known for its classic feel, Creole-Italian cuisine, and family-friendly dining experience. It has a longstanding history and unique menu that is for sharing, including the oysters Mosca, baked and topped with breadcrumbs. 4137 US-90, Westwego, (504) 436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com

Pizza Domenica serves wood-fired pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes made with fresh, quality ingredients in a casual yet modern setting. The restaurant is known for their creative toppings and shareable small plates with pizza options including the margherita and chicken pesto. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com U Pizza, located in the Lower Garden District, serves creative, New York-style pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, pastas, and more. Pizza options include the BBQ chicken and the Garden District pizza with spinach zucchini and yellow squash. 1513 St. Charles Ave., (504) 381-4232, upizzanola.com Venezia is a long-running Italian restaurant known for its extensive menu of pizzas, pastas, and comfort dishes. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, making it an ideal spot for relaxed meals in New Orleans and Gretna. Multiple Locations, venezianeworleans.com

LATIN Empanola specializes in handcrafted empanadas filled with savory and sweet options. Its casual setting and to-go offerings make it a convenient and satisfying choice for quick bites and relaxed meals. The menu highlights empanada options including the beef Argentina. Multiple Locations, empanolaempanadas.com

Charlie’s

Restaurant and Catering since 1992

Photos: courtesy of Ness Newsom

All Your Catering Needs!

Tacos & Beer offers great tasting Mexican dishes, margaritas, and more in New Orleans, Slidell, and Hammond. Get some friends together and enjoy lots of tacos and mouthwatering fusion dishes such as the Mexican burger and the LA street dog. Multiple Locations, facebook.com/tacosneworleans

MIDDLE EASTERN Lebanon’s Cafe brings authentic Lebanese cuisine to Uptown with a menu full of Mediterranean dishes. It has a casual, welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite for healthy, satisfying dining. The menu features hummus, falafel, and the safeheh mini pizza. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 862-6200, lebanonscafe. com

Lebanon's Cafe

Shaya offers modern Levantine cuisine with a focus on fresh flavors and creative presentation. Highlights include their housemade pita, hummus, and variety of small plates. It has a stylish atmosphere that makes it one of Uptown’s most acclaimed dining spots. 4213 Magazine St., (504) 943-7231, shayarestaurant.com

Y A D SUN H H C N U BR

MOËT MIMOSAS

6129 E. St. Bernard Hwy. Violet, LA · (504)682-9057 Only 20 Minutes from the French Quarter

3rd Block Depot offers an upscale, modern take on Creole cuisine in the French Quarter. The menu spans from options such as the morning quesadilla and buttermilk pancakes to refined dinner entrées including the chicken & sausage gumbo and blackened redfish. 310 Chartres St., (504) 552-4095, 3rdblockdepot.com

Mona’s Cafe brings Middle Eastern food to MidCity with a menu focused on fresh, flavorful, and affordable dishes. The menu serves a gyro plate, a chicken shawarma sandwich, hummus dip with peppers, and so much more. 3901 Banks St., (504) 482-7743, facebook.com/monasnola

$40

Call Us For Your Parties, Weddings, Birthdays, & More

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE

LIVE DJ

504 MILLZ

$25

BOTTOMLESS

11AM - 3PM EVERY SUNDAY 3RD BLOCK DEPOT IS LOCATED INSIDE HOTEL DE LA POSTE

310 Chartres St. New Orleans, LA 70130 www.3rdblockdepot.com

LSU Preview // September 2026

Meril offers contemporary New Orleans cuisine in the Warehouse District. The menu offers plates such as Gulf yellowfin tuna bundles, candied pork ribs, and fettuccine with truffle butter. Meril’s new brunch menu includes creative breakfast cocktails. 424 Girod St., (504) 526-3745, bemeril.com

Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop is a Metairie favorite celebrated for its gumbo and seafood dishes. Their generous portions, absolutely delicious gumbo options, and authentic flavors make it a go to spot for comfort food lovers. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 835-2022, gumbostop.com

Melba’s offers a 24-hour dining experience featuring New Orleans comfort food and other favorites. Known for its po-boys, breakfast plates, and daiquiris, it also delivers classic flavors, a great catering menu, and is devoted to helping the community. Multiple Locations, melbas.com

Crescent City Brewhouse pairs classic New Orleans flavors with house-brewed beers in a scenic French Quarter setting. The menu features Creole favorites alongside pub-style fare. For drinks, customers can order beer flights, fine wine, and a range of cocktails. 527 Decatur St., (504) 522‑0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

Mother’s Restaurant is a classic eatery known for its hearty, filling Creole cooking and famous po-boys. Visitors can expect a casual, lively setting where there is often a line to get in. The eatery also has fantastic homemade desserts. 401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656, facebook.com/mothersrestaurant

Desire Oyster Bar, located in the Royal Sonesta Hotel, offers a Bourbon Street experience with Gulf oysters and Creole dishes. Desire Oyster Bar features raw oysters, chargrilled oysters, and boiled shrimp in Cajun spices, as well as New Orleans specialties. 300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2281, sonesta.com

New Orleans Creole Cookery offers local cooking traditions in a beautiful French Quarter setting. Menu highlights include jambalaya, raw and chargrilled oysters, red beans & rice, catfish Decatur, and crawfish étouffée. 510 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Galliano puts a focus on southern Louisiana and Cajun cuisine in an upscale and casual environment. House specialties include the Alligator Creole and Pork Chop LaPlace. They also offer an extensive list of craft cocktails. 200 Julia St., (504) 218-5753, gallianorestaurant.com Lakeview Harbor is a neighborhood restaurant home to Lakeview’s original burger. They offer large portions and consistent quality, making it a good spot for casual dining. Menu options include deep-fried potato skins with cheese, catfish poboys, and chili cheese dogs. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 486‑4887, lakeviewharbor.us Li'l Dizzy’s Cafe is a Tremé institution serving classic Creole food in a warm, family-run setting. Known for their fried chicken, Creole gumbo, and other Baquet family recipes, they offer daily specials including red beans & rice on Monday. 1500 Esplanade Ave., (504) 766-8687, lildizzyscafe.net Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is a destination for classic New Orleans sweets and Creole-inspired desserts. The business is known for its sweet praline beignets, crabmeat beignets, and burger beignets, as well as pralines, king cakes, and other sweet treats. Multiple Locations, lorettaspralines.com Lyons Corner offers American classics with modern New Orleans energy. Menu selections include the lamb lollipops with chermoula sauce and the chicken BLT flatbread. For a pick-me-up, enjoy their iced chai latte or a cappuccino. 537 Gravier St., (504) 527-0006, lyonscornernola.com Mandina’s Restaurant is a Mid-City institution serving Creole-Italian dishes in a family-friendly setting. Known for its red gravy, seafood options, and large portions, their menu is comforting and traditional. Specific dishes include the Gulf fish meunière, po-boys, and Italian specials. 3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com

Neyow’s Creole Café is a lively spot known for its Creole flavors and warm, neighborhood vibe. Signature dishes such as chargrilled oysters, Southern fried chicken, and hearty seafood plates that draw customers seeking authentic tastes. 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827‑5474, neyows.com Neyow’s XL expands on Neyow’s success with a larger space and a more fine dining menu. Guests can look forward to seafood specialities and craft cocktails. It offers a variety of dishes including steak, classic soups, and the XL burger. 3336 Bienville St., (504) 503‑1081, xl.neyows.com Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro combines a romantic ambiance with a menu of American and Creole dishes. The restaurant features a vast wine selection. Menu options include the Cajun surf & turf, roasted duck breast, and blackened crawfish caprese. 720 Orleans Ave., (504) 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com Parasol’s is a neighborhood staple famous for their roast beef po-boys and Irish pub-like atmosphere. Menu options include the firecracker shrimp po-boy, crawfish bites, and the oyster BLT. The restaurant is an option for casual dining and St. Patrick’s Day. 2533 Constance St., (504) 354-9079, facebook.com/ParasolsNOLA Parkway Bakery and Tavern is a famous destination for hearty po-boys and old school New Orleans vibes. The menu offers overstuffed sandwiches with classic flavors that consistently draw in crowds. Desserts include their poor boy ice cream sandwich. 538 Hagan Ave., (504) 4823047, parkwaypoorboys.com Please U Restaurant is a local diner serving classic New Orleans breakfast and comfort food. The menu consists of hot plates including red beans & rice, gumbo, and seafood platters, as well as hot cakes, chicken & waffles, and much more. 1751 St. Charles Ave., (504) 525-9131, pleaseunola.com

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

Restaurant Rebirth is the Warehouse District’s only spot for farm-to-table Cajun and Creole cuisine. Their atmosphere is rustic but also elevated, offering Louisiana inspired plates, including a chicken & mirliton rochambeau, paired with wine or craft cocktails. 857 Fulton St., (504) 522-6863, restaurantrebirth.com

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant is known for originating chargrilled oysters and for seafood dishes that exemplify Louisiana flavors in a lively, welcoming setting. Specific menu options include their original charbroiled oysters, grilled shrimp tacos, and fresh lobster. Multiple Locations, dragosrestaurant.com

Short Stop Poboys is a Metairie staple known for overstuffed po-boys served on local French bread. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, with quick service and generous portions. The menu also includes tasty, must-try gumbo. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com

Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar is a staple known for its fresh oysters and classic Creole dishes. Its vibrant atmosphere adds to its charm, while its menu delivers on the fried seafood and oysters Louisiana is famous for. Multiple Locations, felixs.com

Willie Mae’s NOLA offers famous, hearty Southern flavors and some of the best fried chicken in the country. The menu also includes the Creole butter rotisserie chicken. Visitors can also enjoy an extensive wine and cocktail list. Reservations are recommended. 898 Baronne St., (504) 354-8194, williemaesnola.com

SEAFOOD Briquette offers a polished and inviting dining experience in the Warehouse District, specializing in contemporary and coastal dishes such as blackened redfish. The open kitchen and 18-inch seafood display highlight the day’s freshest seafood offerings. 701 S. Peters St., (504) 547‑6330, briquette-nola.com Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant is a favorite for fresh Gulf seafood served in large, filling portions. From boiled crawfish to fried seafood platters and other signature dishes, the menu celebrates Louisiana flavors. Try the stuffed crab and broiled stuffed flounder. Multiple Locations, deanies.com Delacroix, located next to Spanish Plaza, features a view of the Mississippi River and an emphasis on fresh Gulf seafood. Specialties include the osetra caviar with housemade ranch dressing and jumbo Louisiana stone crab claws when available. 1 Poydras St. Spc. 1005, (504) 655-9002, delacroixrestaurant.com

Jack Dempsey’s Restaurant is a neighborhood spot in the Bywater known for Creole and seafood dishes including the redfish Pontchartrain. It is family-owned and is a local favorite with recipes that have been passed down for generations. 738 Poland Ave., (504) 943-9914, jackdempseys.net Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox offers a New Orleans and Louisiana inspired menu in a refined yet casual locale. Shareable options include seafood gumbo, crawfish bread, and oysters, and main dishes include the soft shell crab BLT and the Maine-style shrimp roll. 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651, legacykitchen.com The Blue Crab Restaurant & Bar combines New Orleans seafood with views of Lake Pontchartrain. Known for its crab dishes and chargrilled oysters, it offers a comfortable atmosphere. The restaurant offers live entertainment, as well as an outdoor patio. 7900 Lakeshore Dr., (504) 284-2898, thebluecrabnola.com The Galley Seafood is a neighborhood favorite that offers fresh seafood and classic Louisiana dishes in Old Metairie. Menu highlights include the cheese and crab meat jalapenos, fresh grouper, and their famous soft shell crab po-boy. 2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie, (504) 832-0955

Loretta's Authentic Pralines

Photo: courtesy of Martha Wilson

Charlie’s Restaurant is a neighborhood-style restaurant serving classic American and Southern comfort food in a casual setting. Its friendly service and New Orleans-inspired menu with po-boys and more makes it a local spot for everyday dining. 6129 E. St. Bernard Hwy., Violet, (504) 682-9057

BARGUIDE Drink Specials

Food

Live Music

Dancing

Billards

BAMBOULA'S 516 Frenchmen St. (504) 451-7306

Providing live music every day, Bamboula's is the perfect place on Frenchmen Street. Try their Oyster Shooter with one raw oyster, vodka, and spicy Bloody Mary Mix.

BOOT SCOOTIN’ RODEO 522 Bourbon St. (504) 552-2510

Boot Scootin' is a lively country bar offering line dancing, a mechanical bull, and games. Enjoy a full bar with beers and specialty drinks for a fun-filled Southern night.

BOURBON STREET HONKY TONK Bourbon Street Honky Tonk blends blues and country vibes. It offers signature cocktails including the Hand Grenade and 727 Bourbon St. Pirate’s Passion, plus some of the best live performances in (504) 523-1960 the Quarter. CRESCENT CITY BREWHOUSE For nightly live music and quality craft beer, be sure to visit 527 Decatur St. Crescent City Brewhouse. The microbrewery also offers tasty Louisiana favorites such as oysters and fried alligator. (504) 522-0571 HIGH GRACE NOLA 733 St. Peter St. (504) 218-5649

If you want a unique drinking experience, check out High Grace NOLA. This 24-hour, upscale dive bar offers delicious craft cocktails such as the Caribbean Port City.

JB'S FUEL DOCK 128 S. Roadway St. (504) 510-2260

JB's Fuel Dock overlooks Lake Pontchartrain and is a former fuel dock turned waterfront bar, offering cocktails, beers, seltzers, and wines. It’s an inviting spot to enjoy stunning lakeside views.

LE BON TEMPS ROULE 4801 Magazine St. (504) 897-3448

Le Bon Temps Roule has been a staple since 1979. This 24-hour bar features live music, signature cocktails, and more. It’s perfect for late-night drinks or a game of pool.

LOTS A LUCK TAVERN 203 Homedale St. (504) 483-0978

Lots a Luck Tavern is a hidden dive bar gem near City Park featuring a backyard courtyard and games. With affordable drinks and a lively crowd, it’s a must-visit.

MARTINE'S LOUNGE 2347 Metairie Rd., Metairie (504) 831-8637

Martine's Lounge is a true Old Metairie gem, boasting a laid-back charm that welcomes both regulars and newcomers alike with low prices, a new pool table, and friendly vibes.

MÉLANGE ON FRENCHMEN 516 Frenchmen St. (504) 451-7306

Mélange sets itself apart by being a cool bar that is completely alcohol free. The spot above Bamboula’s offers NA alternatives, THC beverages, and more.

PAL'S LOUNGE 949 N. Rendon St. (504) 488-7257

Pal's Lounge is open daily and offers a relaxed NOLAstyle atmosphere with heavy pours, classic games, and occasional food trucks—perfect for a nightcap or pregame drink.

PARASOL'S BAR & RESTAURANT Parasol's is famous for its po-boys and is a beloved neighborhood dive bar offering diverse beers and cocktails. 2533 Constance St. Try their Frozen Irish Coffee and homemade onion rings. (504) 354-9079

Your GaMe DaY sPoT!

RICK'S CABARET 315 Bourbon St. (504) 524-4222

Rick's Cabaret offers a full wine and beer selection, plus VIP cocktails including Mile High Gin and Unrigged Tequila, making it the ideal place for bachelor or bachelorette celebrations.

RIVERSHACK TAVERN 3449 River Rd. (504) 834-4938

Rivershack Tavern is a mix of a neighborhood tavern, live music club, sports bar, and a restaurant. It offers great burgers and po-boys, a vast beer selection, a wine list, and more.

SADDLE BAR 715 Bienville St. (504) 313-1113

Saddle Bar is a country-themed bar in the Quarter featuring two floors of cocktails and throwback shots, perfect for riding the mechanical rooster or showing off your line-dancing skills.

SAZERAC HOUSE 101 Magazine St. (504) 910-0100

Sazerac House is a historic museum that offers insight into the traditions and culture of the Sazerac cocktail. After wandering through their distillery, make sure to grab a classic Sazerac.

THE BOONDOCK SAINT 731 St. Peter St. (504) 525-4950

The Boondock Saint is a cozy Irish-style pub that offers a wide selection of draft beers and an old-school jukebox, making it perfect for a relaxed and authentic NOLA experience.

Best Patio Bar

THE CHANNEL 2604 Magazine St. (504) 381-4680

This Irish Channel gem serves perfectly poured Guinness and excellent bar food. A favorite hangout for locals, don’t miss The Channel’s lively St. Patrick’s Day block party celebration.

oNe oF tHe Best Dog-FrieNDly Bars

THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE 300 Bourbon St. (504) 553-2299

The Jazz Playhouse is one of the city’s top jazz clubs. This hotspot in the Royal Sonesta offers jazz-inspired cocktails, flavorful entrées, and a rotating lineup of world-class artists.

oNe oF tHe Best Beer selectioNs

THE METROPOLITAN 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. (504) 568-1702

The Metropolitan is a two-story club with multiple full bars, VIP bottle service, and trendy DJ sets. They offer a calendar of events, so visit their website to see upcoming performances.

THE VINTAGE 3121 Magazine St. (504) 324-7144

TROPICAL ISLE Multiple Locations (504) 523-1927

The Vintage, located on Magazine Street, serves coffee, beignets, wines, and bubbles, as well as coffee cocktails, local beers, and pre-Prohibition classics—perfect for daytime treats or evening indulgences. Three Maries Jazz Club, located in the Omni Royal, is perfect for people looking for late-night tunes. The club offers snacks and decedent cocktails such as the Caviar and Champagne. Tropical Isle is famous for its iconic Hand Grenade and lively French Quarter bar atmosphere. They serve frozen and classic cocktails, making it the perfect starting point for exploring New Orleans.

WRONG IRON 3532 Toulouse St. (504) 302-1503

Wrong Iron on the Greenway is perfect for gameday viewing and friendly hangouts. They offer tons of draft beer, delicious sandwiches, and frozen cocktails including the Bushwacker.

THREE MARIES JAZZ CLUB 621 St. Louis St. (504) 529-7045

oNe oF tHe Best Bars (MiD-city)

3532 Toulouse sT. New orleaNs LSU Preview // September 2026

BlackAmericana Fest 2026 SEPTEMBER

25-26

TRAY WELLINGTON SERATONES JOY CLARK THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN Denitia The Lilli Lewis Project Bolton Serunjogi Dusky Waters Southern Nights Superset Teena May Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots

Robin Barnes & the Fiya Birds

Buddy Red Jeffery Broussard & the Nighttime Syndicate Seraphina Perkins Rachel Maxann

Deidra Hall

BreAura

CRYS

AJ Haynes

Tracee Perrin

Black Banjo Reclamation Project

Jamillah Bell

Elizabeth McCorvey

Lisa Sanders

Tetrad

Jess Garland

Jazmine Haynes

Grace Givertz

Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters

Songwriter Rounds, Local Films, Educational Panels, Discussions, & More!

art

music

history

culture

From the Canary Islands to Greater New Orleans: // ARIELLE GONZALES

Celebrating 50 Years of Hispanic Louisiana

The Broadside 600 N. 600 N. Broad Broad St St

ST LOUISIANA SHRIMP S RIMP & PETROLEUM FESTIVAL

COME CELE RATE LOUISIANA S OLDEST CHARTERED HARVEST FESTIVAL '

SEPTEMBER 3 RD SEPTEMBER TH MORGAN CITY, LOUISIANA LABOR DAY WEEKEND

CRAFTS FOOD MUSIC ,

RIDES

FOR MORE INFORMATION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS VISIT WWW.SHRIM AND ETROLEUM.OR

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

ong before modern migration waves began, the region’s earliest Spanish immigrants settled in the marshes of St. Bernard Parish. It was there that Canary Islander families became known as Isleños, a tight-knit community that carried their language, food, music, and traditions across generations. The Isleños’ presence became the quiet foundation for a broader Hispanic story that continues to grow, stretch, and expand throughout the Big Easy today. The Isleños community is centered in St. Bernard Parish, but its influence extends into

Orleans and Jefferson Parishes as well. This area has been shaped by later waves of Hispanic families from Honduras, Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. Archives, oral histories, and cultural memories have been passed down through these communities, helping to preserve the traditions and stories that originated here, rooted in the rich history of the Greater New Orleans area. Visitors can discover the history and learn about the Isleños at the Los Isleños Museum and Historic Village in St. Bernard Parish. With preserved homes, artifacts, and oral histories, the museum vividly showcases the community’s story and its Hispanic roots in Louisiana. The first wave arrived long before New Orleans became the city we know today. Canary Island families quietly settled into the marshes of St. Bernard Parish in the late 1700s, carrying their traditions with them. Recruited by the Spanish Crown from 1778 to 1783 to strengthen the colony, the Isleños settled in four main communities called San Bernardo, Barataria, Valenzuela, and Galveztown, though only San Bernardo to today. Spain sent Isleños to Louisiana with a single purpose, which was to protect and

Photos: courtesy of Los Isleños Museum and Village

New Orleans has always been shaped by the people who arrived, stayed, and folded their stories into the city’s soul.

Photos: courtesy of Los Isleños Museum and Village

expand the colony for the Spanish Crown. They ended up building something far more personal than what the Spanish had in mind. Life in these marshes demanded a different type of resilience, which the Isleños built through community, music, and memories. Their lives were centered on fishing, trapping, ranching, and surviving the unknown of this new land. The Isleños preserved a unique Spanish dialect, poetry, and oral storytelling, which endured hurricanes, isolation, and time. Elders passed down history by voice to younger generations. Décimas, 10-line poems sung in Spanish, were also a big tradition. The main language spoken was a Spanish dialect that was passed down and preserved for centuries. They had traditional foods such as caldo, paella-like rice dishes, and fried fish. For the Isleños, history is alive in the way stories are told, as much of it did not survive in books or archives. The elders serve as the keepers of the past, holding stories that traveled from across the Atlantic Ocean to St. Bernard Parish. Décimas, a traditional form of verse, carry these narratives through melody during celebrations, events, and funerals, helping to foster community and preserve their rich language. Even hurricanes and generations of displacement could not wash these traditions away; families rebuilt and recounted what was important to them. Many of these moments occurred around kitchen tables, on porches, and at fishing camps, where voices carried further than any written word ever could. Today, you can still hear echoes of décimas at gatherings in St. Bernard, serving as proof that this vibrant culture has survived because someone kept sharing stories and someone else continued to listen. This is not just one story, either. It is a living heritage that stretches from the marshes of St. Bernard to the neighborhoods of Orleans and Jefferson parishes. What began with the Isleños has evolved into something larger and more complex, enriched by generations of families who made their way to this area.

Much of the Isleños’ culture is preserved at the Los Isleños Museum and Historic Village in St. Bernard Parish, which has hosted an annual Los Isleños Fiesta for 50 years. This is where the community's story is told throughout a series of restored historic buildings. Visitors can step inside the Melerine Trapper’s Cabin, the outdoor kitchen (Estopinal-Salles House), and the Coconut Island Barroom. Each space is filled with tools, furniture, and everyday objects that show how people lived along the marsh. The 22-acre property also features a restored 1840 Creole-style cottage, which serves as the main museum. The main museum holds the Isleños’ genealogy, hurricane recovery, and crafts and migration from the Canary Islands, which offer a deeper look at how the community adapted to Louisiana’s landscape. The museum offers a vivid, grounded look at the traditions that shaped the earliest Hispanic roots of Louisiana. At the same time, the newer generations from Honduras, Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and elsewhere have infused their own colors and traditions into the culture of New Orleans. Across the parishes, Hispanic culture is evident in everyday life, whether through gatherings, music, shared meals, or the way families cherish memories to create something new. These vibrant communities have flourished by preserving and passing down rich traditions that forge deep-rooted connections among their members. The branches of their heritage extend far and wide, tracing back to the early days when they first established a colony under the Spanish Crown. What began as a humble new beginning has blossomed into a culturally rich and diverse phenomenon known as the Big Easy, renowned for its unique blend of history, music, and cuisine. To dive deeper into this captivating history and witness it firsthand, be sure to visit the Los Isleños Museum and Historic Village at 1357 Bayou Rd. in St. Bernard. It provides a window into the past, showcasing how these traditions have shaped the community’s identity over the years.

LSU Preview // September 2026

A Conversation with Gina Ferrara, Poet Laureate of Louisiana // MATT HANSON

he is the author of many books of poetry and edited an anthology of local poets. She curates the long-running monthly Poetry Buffet reading series, usually held at Latter Library, and will be the judge of the upcoming 2026 Tennessee Williams Poetry Contest. Over tea and a caramel frappe at Rue De La Course on Carrollton, we talked about being a good poetry citizen, how Sylvia Plath is like Jimi Hendrix, the unexpected beauty of leper colonies, and more. Where Y’at: What first made you interested in poetry? Gina Ferrara: I started writing when I was in high school. I didn’t show anybody anything. I started journaling in college, and I would write, write, write and not think about it. In the mid-‘90s, I was in a relationship that went totally sour, which became the subject of many poems. A bunch of the poems I wrote got published, about six or seven of them. Then I started going to the NOLA Poetry Forum. It was a group of us meeting regularly to workshop on Wednesday nights. At that time, there were readings going on every night. It was a really tight-knit group, and we all stayed in touch

after Katrina. I met my husband there. People were generous about attending even when they weren’t reading. There was a lot of what I call good poetry citizenship. WYA: Is there a poet who particularly means a lot to you? GF: When I was in high school, I was first exposed to the work of Sylvia Plath, and it changed my trajectory in life. WYA: In life? GF: In life. I was just amazed by what she was doing. It was maybe like the way someone might feel listening to Jimi Hendrix for the first time—that virtuosity. And still, even now after all these years, I keep her poems close by. WYA: What contemporary poets would you recommend poetry newcomers read? GF: Gosh, there’s so many. Yousef Komunyakaa’s poetry is really accessible, and he’s doing such interesting things, whether he writes about

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

Vietnam or music or relationships. J. Bruce Fuller, a former Delgado student, often writes about his relationship with his less-than-perfect father. He’s a poet that students really connect with. Karisma Price—I’ve recently started reading her work and there’s a poem where she really looks carefully at the crawfish and examines it so closely, which is incredible. Skye Jackson’s work shows a lot of vulnerability, and the students really relate to that. And then I love what Carolyn Hembree has done. She’s got such a strong voice, her work surprises me often. I love to be surprised. WYA: What’s a book of yours which is especially significant to you personally? GF: One collection, Carville: Amid Moss and Resurrection Fern, was based on the leper colony in Carville, LA. I’d heard about it and went there in about 2012. As soon as I set foot there, I could feel something about the land itself. It was the place where people were sent with leprosy, with Hansen’s disease. Lesions on the skin, people had lost the use of their limbs. A cobbler would make special shoes for people. There’s this kind of armadillo motif on the grounds. As you go in, you see these beautiful ancient oak trees. These strange corridors lead to different buildings. People lost contact with their families, their loved ones, when they were sent to Carville, but they made the most of their situation. They had a baseball team, supper dances, Mardi Gras balls, and tea hours—their own newspaper. It was hard for

them, but it wasn’t a total loss. Those stories were incredible to me. I still have plans to go to leper colonies around the world and write about them, which hopefully will happen soon. WYA: People tend to be kind of hostile towards poetry. They don’t feel like they get it, or they feel that it’s too abstract or above their heads. Do you ever see that? GF: I know exactly what you’re talking about. A lot of times when I’m teaching, I tell the class that you’re going to read some poetry today, and there’s this look of panic which comes across their faces. There tends to be this very weighted response to it. It happens with teachers, too. People should find the kinds of poems that they like. Maybe you like poems that rhyme, or are about nature, or are autobiographical in some way? We all love song lyrics, so maybe the type of songs you might like could lead you on the path to poetry, as well. Sometimes the emotions you might feel in songs are the emotions that you could feel in poems. As a kid, my parents loved Simon & Garfunkel and the Beatles, and those things seep into your brain and your experience. I might use paintings as a prompt, or write about them, or address some aspects of the composition. I once published a collection about Marc Chagall’s paintings. You can’t have any indifference in poetry or really in any kind of art. Poetry is always open to a lot of possibilities. Write about what matters to you.

Photos from top: courtesy of New Orleans Public Library, Gina Ferrera

Born and raised in New Orleans, Gina Ferrara is an associate professor of English and creative writing at Delgado Community College as well as the current poet laureate of Louisiana.

FILM REVIEWS

// FRITZ ESKER + DAVID VICARI

One Night Only

he United States has declared that sex outside of marriage is only legal for one night a year in the new film One Night Only, which presents as a rom-com version of The Purge. Callum Turner plays Owen, a New York pizza shop proprietor excited about the prospect of a romantic evening with his girlfriend (Maya Hawke); however, the girlfriend drops a bomb on him when she says she wants to have sex with someone else that night. So Owen sets off to find someone else. Allie (Monica Barbaro), a commercial jingle singer, is also looking. Owen and Allie have a meet-cute that goes spectacularly wrong. Then, they encounter a series of escalating obstacles to their efforts to find someone to sleep with. Turner and Barbaro have decent chemistry and some of their failed attempts at finding a partner get laughs. Director Will Gluck (Easy A, Anyone But You) keeps the film zipping along. The problem lies in the fact that the movie seems uninterested in exploring the full

// FRITZ ESKER

implications of living in a fascist, dystopian world where extramarital sex is outlawed 364 days a year. The structure also gets a bit repetitive: Owen/ Allie meets a potential partner, it goes horribly wrong, and this process repeats over and over again. It gets wearying near the end. Lately, rom-coms had seemed to be on life support, and it is nice to see both this and Finding Emily being released. One Night Only may not be a classic, but it’s good that the genre hasn’t gone fully extinct yet.

Super Troopers 3

// DAVID VICARI

he third trip to the well for the comedy troupe Broken Lizard and their Super Troopers series is surprisingly fresh and filled with some big laughs. In fact, Super Troopers 3 is actually superior to the modestly amusing second movie. The clumsy Vermont State Police are back, and this time, obnoxious Trooper Rodney Farva (Kevin Heffernan) is marrying beautiful Indian woman Sarita (Hannah Simone), who is the sister of uptight Senior Trooper Arcot “Thorny” Ramathorn (Jay Chandrasekhar). Thorny can’t stand Farva and will do anything to stop the wedding, even attempting to get Farva fatally bitten by a cobra. Meanwhile, the rest of the officers (Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, and Erik Stolhanske) are investigating a vandalized truck belonging to a local maple syrup company, while also dealing with a new high-tech patrol car. The film is written by the Broken Lizard gang (Chandrasekhar, Heffernan, Lemme, Soter, and Stolhanske) and directed by Chandrasekhar. This is

mainly frat boy humor filtered through the slapstick of the Three Stooges and the Keystone Cops. There are times in Super Troopers 3 that the silliness slides into obnoxious territory, which can be a little grating. The movie is at its best when it’s going for screwball comedy in situations and dialogue. This being a Broken Lizard project, you’ll probably be offended by something, but you will laugh at it just the same. There are lines such as, “Speaking of Gandhi, I’m starving. ” Yes, it’s offensive but funny. The best comedy doesn’t play it safe, and these guys are still out there doing edgy comedy.

Photos from left: courtesy of Universal Pictures, Searchlight Pictures

COME FOR THE BEER. STAY FOR DOWNTOWN.

Sat, Sept 19 | 3-7 PM More info and tickets at downtownlafayette.org

Mocktails & zero-proof brews Craft market Live music

Food court with local eats Merch ...and yeah, beer, too!

LSU Preview // September 2026

SPORTS RADIO

24-7

New Orleans Sports Radio

NEW ORLEANS

The Biggest Names in Sports Talk are Here! Dan Patrick • Colin Cowherd • Ken Trahan Eric Asher • Jude Young • Deke Bellavia

New Orleans only 24/7 sports station TheTicket1067.com

Download the FREE Radio app! New Orleans Sports Look for 1067 The Ticket in the app store.

PO-BOY VIEWS

// PHIL LaMANCUSA

Guilty or Guile

peaking of guilty food pleasures, chili cheese fries are a gift from the gods, and I’ll go to the mat on this one. The exact origins are a mystery, often attributed to employee manipulations at a Dairy Queen somewhere in the mid ‘40s and ‘50s of last century. The dish exemplifies the comfort food “friend” category that we all know and love. A meal so completely satisfying that we want to eat it all by ourselves—company excluded. Nutritionally speaking, I seriously doubt that it’s healthy at all. Canadians swear by a dish called poutine, which is fries and gravy with white cheddar cheese curds, also from the ‘50s. It’s something that I would put on po-boy bread. Sidebar: There is a French fry and gravy po-boy to be had around town. Supposedly, it’s the real original po-boy sandwich. I don’t know. Buffalo chicken, bacon ranch, and Tex-Mex nachos are all in the running to top your fries, as are a “Mediterranean” topping—feta, Kalamata olives, chopped tomato, tzatziki, or tahini that make my sympathetic imaginary stomach churn. I deign to picture it and cannot abide. There’s a thing in (New) Jersey called “disco fries,” which is like a poutine only switching from curd to mozzarella. That could work. Some people even change the gravy to red sauce, which I find is an insult to the entire pasta family. Penne for your thoughts? I define a “guilty food pleasure” as something you engage in singularly or with one other person that you care about—like old-fashioned sex—and not necessarily something you do in groups—crawfish boils excepted. Things you do, like having coffee and a nosh, can be done by two or just you and your newspaper—same with popcorn and cola on a bench, raw oysters by the dozens, Lucky Dogs and/ or Hansen’s. It is not what I would consider the hedonistic pleasure that you get when you allow yourself to ingest something by yourself that others might disparage, like eating a whole rotisserie chicken sitting by the lake solo, throwing the bones to the crab population, and rinsing your greasy hands and face in Pontchartrain water. Polishing off a can of Vienna sausages while leaning against my car in the parking lot of Dollar General is definitely a singular experience. It would take a brave and special soul to join me in pickled herring, canned sardines, raw onions and crackers, or the occasional boiled turkey neck/ pig’s foot. A person witnessing this dementia could only observe and marvel at my very primordial homeostasis level of culinary debasement. More genteel fare such as gelato or ice cream can go either way. The same with festival or county fair fare (cotton candy), and/or adult beverages. If you assume by now that I don’t do well in

crowds or mixed company, bravo. As a kid, I loved to play in cardboard boxes in which appliances had been delivered. I’d watch ants, daydream, collect rocks, and muse. I was my own imaginary best friend. Sure, a gang can enjoy doing the Electric Slide, eight people can square dance, four folks can have a card game, three’s a crowd, and two’s company, but you have to admit, dancing around the kitchen in your drawers, by yourself, to KC and the Sunshine Band’s “Boogie Shoes” is damn liturgical (IYKYK). One is certainly not a lonely number. This is where is where I advocate taking some time for yourself. Maybe some of the things that you would normally do with another like-minded person, such as see a movie, go to a museum, or shoot hoops/kick a soccer ball, and do it by yourself. Lunch at Bayona by myself was a pleasure. Naps are good. Take a drive, if you can afford it. Learn an instrument or a language. A long and leisurely walk, what the Italians call passeggiata. Shop. Conduct your own wine tasting. Visit a book shop in sunglasses, or take a Waffle House “All-Star Breakfast Special” outing (24 hours). Write in a journal, compose correspondence, send postcards, smoke something for an illegal smile, or “try to find Jesus on your own” (thanks, Mr. Prine). Leave voicemails for your members of Congress. We tend to travel and associate tribally, forming little villages where we all strive for the common good, even if it’s just a wedding, wake, birthday, barbecue, or surprise party—my favorite being a combination of all five—think about it; however, this can come at the cost of our individuality, our singularity, that spark of peculiarity that draws other people to us, and what draws us to other people. If we go off by ourselves, we have a tendency to substitute outside stimulation for our tribe. That way, we’re never alone. Can you be alone without getting lonely? Alone with your thoughts, dreams, fears, and fantasies. Do it as an experiment to see if you can stand yourself for any length of time. If you really are your own best friend, it should be easy peasy. Spend a few hours or a day of non-interaction, no computers allowed. Observe and feel your inner child come to the surface. It will be like Calvin and Hobbes if you take along your favorite stuffed tiger. Here’s a start: Go to the Nellie Deli—by yourself—grab a cold drink, and order a freshly melted Styrofoamed, microwaved, newly deepfried monster portion of chili cheese fries. Sit by the window or wander over to Cabrini Park a few blocks over. Get in touch with yourself and burp loudly. “Laugh when you can. Swear when you must.” —Justin Hatchett

“Pork chops and bacon, that won’t awaken my appetite inside. I want the frim fram sauce with the Ausen fay with chafafa on the side.” —Redd Evans, “The Frim Fram Sauce”

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

TALES FROM THE FRENCH QUARTER // DEBBIE LINDSEY

hen my filet mignon no longer looked like dinner, but rather the flesh of a cow, I knew it was time for me to return to vegetarianism—but not before I enjoyed this one last indulgence I had cooked to perfection. That night was less an epiphany than a reckoning. I knew that moment would come— when my blinders would fall off, and I could no longer ignore preferred beliefs. When my culinary hedonism would end or at least change course. I had taken a sabbatical from being vegetarian about five years prior to the “filet mignon night.” What had lured me back to carnivorous cuisine those five years back? It wasn’t prime rib but a greasy chili dog, which was something I never really fancied before becoming vegetarian. But there I was, having just lost a job and feeling reckless, so I plunged into the nastiest meat there is. It was wickedly awful. I had always been a meat and potatoes kinda gal. So my mother was shocked when, at 18, I swore off meat and seafood. I was still too new to vegetarianism and under-informed to know about factory farming and the cruelness that the poultry and dairy industry used to make my eggs, cheese, and milk profitable. Back in the early ‘70s, I doubt I even knew what vegan meant. Years later

Choices, Conflicts, and Considerations when I embraced veganism, many folks still had no idea—friends would ask me if I could eat tomatoes. I never understood why they thought tomatoes were herded and caged, but whatever. I came to simply say, “Think of my diet as a ‘delete the meat.’” Of course, as I ventured into veganism, there was more to explain. During my early years of refraining from meat and seafood (vegetarianism), it was challenging at times but mainly when eating out or at a friend’s house or party. Back in the day, I lived on eggs, cheese, and starches. I was never a big fan of vegetables. I ate lots of sweets, and it’s a wonder I didn’t collapse from malnutrition, but I was young, and my body could endure much abuse. Did I mention I couldn’t cook worth a flip? As the years went by, I learned what pots and pans were for and that eating healthier had merit. Many vegetarians and vegans become such for health reasons. Not me. I just loved animals and couldn’t abide by killing them; however, with time, I couldn’t help but appreciate the health benefits that a more thoughtful and informed diet could offer, and the environmental pluses became more obvious. If I thought being vegetarian was a culinary lifestyle fraught with challenges back then, I was about to be in for some real “fun” at restaurants and grocery stores when I decided to embrace

veganism (AKA, all animal products including dairy, eggs, and honey are off-limits). As for parties and hors d’oeuvres, all I knew was I better start loving those hummus trays since those little cubes of cheese and deviled eggs were now off-limits. As mentioned, friends were generally perplexed by my vegetarianism, but my vegan diet really threw them for a loop. Still, they always tried to accommodate my preferences. While greatly appreciative of their efforts, I reached a point where I couldn’t look at carrot sticks, hummus, or those damn pita chips. Of course I smiled and ate them, but when the party snacks were set out for the rest of the gang, I would swap snacks with a, “Trade ya pita chips for your Lay’s potato chips.” Bless my friends and hosts for trying so hard, but finally I convinced them to let me bring my own food or just eat before a gathering. If joining friends at a restaurant, I would definitely pre-eat, order wine, and burrow into the basket of bread. These days, there are more options and acceptance of plant-based cuisine and those like myself who ascribe to it—and folks don’t look with fear at tofu or give you the “what the f**k” stare. The grocery store selections have grown just as restaurants and cafés very often offer vegan selections. Locally, some excellent vegan bakers supply coffee shops with homemade sweets and

breads. And if you are vegan, always request vegan options with, “What pastries are vegan?” even when you don’t see any. Just let them know there is a market for this. I have joked, whined, and reminisced about my years as a vegetarian/vegan. I will never give up my food memories of fried chicken, my mom’s strawberry cream—real whipped cream—pies, BBQ from Ozzie’s Barbecue back in my Mobile days, or borek at Fatma’s Cozy Corner. With due respect to chefs and my delicious memories, I must, from time to time, point out to all willing to listen or read the cold hard facts of suffering that these creatures endure to be plated for our culinary consumption. To be honest, I too need reminding, lest my taste buds take me down a path I am not proud of. Facts: In the United States alone, 10 billion animals are slaughtered annually for human consumption—99% are factory farmed with extreme confinement. Chicks are ground up alive—mutilations. Thumping is grabbing piglets by the legs and slamming them headfirst on concrete floor until dead. Some animals are boiled alive. The horrors go on and on. Not like the old days of peaceful life on farms where a quick, clean kill occurs. The brutality of the profit-driven factory farms is an abomination. This is just, pardon my pun, food for thought. Bon appétit.

LSU Preview // September 2026

WHERE Y’BEEN

Red Dress Run

All photos courtesy of Gustavo Escanelle

White Linen Night

// GUSTAVO ESCANELLE

WhereYat.com // @WhereYatNOLA // #WhereYatNOLA

Get ready to go

BACK to SCHOOL with your • Free ABC Mouse for early learners • Free one-on-one online tutoring with Homework Louisiana • Free test prep with Mometrix • Check out assigned reading books • And more all with your Library card Learn more by scanning QR or visit: nolalibrary.co/student-success LSU Preview // September 2026

OCTOBER 2-4

NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT

OCTOBER 2-4

NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT

3 1 3 1

NELLY

September 2026: LSU Preview