Country Roads Magazine "The Outdoor & Gardening Issue" March 2023

Events

ALL THINGS GREEN Garden festivals and St. Paddy’s Day parades color the scene

Features

A HOUSE BUILT FOR THE GARDEN

The inspired women behind Longue Vue’s historic Wild Garden

by Kristy Christiansen

GROWING BY THE RAILWAY SIDE

The effort to resurrect the Cajun Prairie by

Jonathan Olivier

REWILDING AT HOME

How to transform your yard into an oasis for Louisiana native flora and fauna

by Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

For years, our annual Outdoors & Gardening issue has been one of Country Roads readers’ favorite editions, planting seeds of inspiration across gorgeous spreads blooming with photographs of local gardens, deep dives into landscaping trends, and memories of our historical relationship with the soil and its riches. And for years, in our reporting, we’ve been hearing increasingly insistent whispers about a trend that’s taking over the region, in spaces of gardening and in spaces of conservation alike: renaturalization—remembering the land as it used to be, and allowing it to gracefully return to its origins. r, we decided to dedicate our issue to this theme of rewilding, exploring the concept’s historical roots on one of the country’s most iconic property’s in Kristy Christiansen’s feature story on Longue Vue on page 42. We touch base with scientists Malcolm Vidrine and Charles Allen, who have been working for years on the project of resurrecting Louisiana’s Cajun prairie ecosystem. And we reach out to local native plant champions at the Acadiana Native Plant Project and the Greater New Orleans Native Plant Initiative, organizing their expertise and advice into a fool-proof beginner’s guide to rewilding your own backyard.

Cuisine Culture Escapes

54

DAKAR

Chef Serigne Mbaye brings Senegal to the Crescent City by Jason Christian

56

FRANKIE’S ON MAIN

Elevated eccentricity makes itself at home in Natchez by James Fox-Smith

58

60

“NOUS”

The French Cultural Institute finds a home in the French Quarter by Sophie Nau

SHELL CYCLE

An oyster shell’s journey from farm to plate to reef by Kristy

Christiansen

MEET MINA

A Q&A with Mina Seck of SproutNOLA

by Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

COASTAL PLAINS OUTDOOR SCHOOL

Education through natural immersion

by Catherine Comeaux

PERSPECTIVES

Katie McVea’s West Feliciana Land Art

by Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

Publisher

James Fox-Smith

Associate Publisher

Ashley Fox-Smith

Managing Editor

Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Alexandra Kennon Creative Director

Kourtney Zimmerman

Contributors:

Jason Christian, Kristy Christiansen, Paul Christiansen, Catherine Comeaux, Matthew Herron, Rush Jagoe, Nicole Kossum, Sophie Nau, Jonathan Olivier Cover Artist

Matthew Herron, Paul Christiansen, and Sweet Fern Landscapes Advertising

SALES@COUNTRYROADSMAG.COM

Sales Team

Heather Gammill & Heather Gibbons

Advertising Coordinator

Melissa Freeman President

Dorcas Woods Brown

Country Roads Magazine 758 Saint Charles Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Phone (225) 343-3714 Fax (815) 550-2272

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Copyrighted. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Country Roads magazine are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. Country Roads magazine retains the right to refuse any advertisement. Country Roads cannot be responsible for delays in subscription deliveries due to U.S. Post Office handling of third-class mail.

Cover images by Matthew Herron, Paul Christiansen, and Sweet Fern Landscapes

Reflections FROM THE PUBLISHER

Another spring: another February spent serving as accessory-after-the-fact to some low-grade horticultural larceny. This is the time of year when my wife’s bulb habit flares up and she begins prowling the roads of the Felicianas and Wilkinson County. Far from abating as she grows—er, wiser— the annual impulse that grips her to extend her holdings of Campernelles, Texas Stars, and other varieties of Narcissus seems to expand in ambition and scope with each blooming season. For twelve years and counting, each winter her driving trends towards the erratic as her attention drifts to the roadside shoulders and ditches, which she scans with a gimlet eye that would startle anyone who knows her as a lifelong wearer of eyeglasses. Don’t be fooled. My wife possesses X-ray vision—a sixth sense preternaturally evolved to identify the telltale

ders her capable of spotting a four-inch frond of greenery protruding from a ditchful of dirty water while driving by at seventy miles per hour. Upon identifying a target, this normally law-abiding citizen has been known to execute a blackout-inducing U-turn across four lanes of traffic, retrieve the sharp-shooter shovel that lives in her trunk, and imperturbably set about separating the clump from its surroundings before any onlooker could say “Byzantine Gladiolus.” Sometimes, if during a reconnaissance mission she identifies a promising patch that she is unable to access for some reason, the following weekend she’ll recruit me to serve as her getaway driver, returning her to the cased location so she can seal the deal. Back home, the new acquisitions will be solemnly incorporated into her “bulb meadow,” a swathe of onetime pasture beside the driveway that, after a decade’s worth of bulb-knapping, welcomes us home on buttery waves of blooms early each spring.

Admittedly the end result of all this roadside scavenging makes quite a state-

one’s life partner roots about in the undergrowth with a shovel that makes me kind of self-conscious. Luckily for me, the places where these stands of bulbs appear tend to be lightly inhabited these days. Drive the back roads of the Felicianas or Wilkinson County in January and February and you’re likely to spot stands of early Narcissus and Jonquils adding their delicate dabs of yellow to unpeopled patches of countryside. Who put them there? While their distribution might seem natural at first glance, a curious uniformity often reveals that

to mark where some long-departed gardener once fussed over border beds or a front walk. Look closely in January and February and you’ll find “ghost gardens” like these throughout the countryside. Their presence is a reminder of the folk who preceded us in this part of the country, and of nature’s extraordinary power to render our efforts ephemeral, while simultaneously sending forth annual reminders of those who’ve tried to tame it.

This might be why gardening appeals so strongly to Ashley. After all, she lives in a house built by her great, great grandfather, and the patch of land it stands on has been tended by generations of her forbears. Her great grandparents were apparently keen gardeners, who divided the yard into his and hers: she did perennials in the front yard while he concentrated on annuals in the back. Sometimes when my wife turns up a patch of lawn in some long-neglected corner of the backyard, she disturbs a cache of annual seeds that has lain dormant for seventy years or more, awakening a spray of Pansy or Impatiens blos-

Where the dream begins, and the story is yours

As the visionary behind SuKaz Jackets –– an elegant line of designer jackets featuring artisanal handcrafted embroidery set against vibrant silks and richly-hued velvets  ––Susan Hollingsworth channels design inspiration from decades living and traveling abroad in far flung parts of the world, amongst them Nigeria, Britain, Kazakhstan, Russia, India, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Scotland. And while her career in fashion began almost serendipitously, her eye for design has found a clientele that crosses generations and geographical borders.

Despite having led a rather peripatetic life, Hollingsworth has never considered herself particularly adventurous or someone with a penchant for travel. Rather, she says she has taken life as it comes, being naturally open, curious, and willing to engage with the multitude of environments in which she found herself.

This organic approach to living eventually led to founding SuKaz (the name being an amalgamation of her first name Susan and Kazakhstan, where Hollingsworth lived for several years). In the 1990s while living in Nigeria with her husband (his profession in the oil industry took them all over the world), she was enchanted by the exceptional array of textiles she came across when visiting the markets. Her first foray into design was having the talented local tailors sew strips of woven silk she had purchased into a loosely structured jacket, inspired by the heavily embroidered African robes she saw worn by locals.

It was upon moving to Kazakhstan that she launched SuKaz Jackets in the early 2000s, as a way to showcase traditional textile and handicraft art she saw in bazaars throughout her travels. (In the 1980s, Hollingsworth resided in the United Kingdom, Scotland, and Denmark and had brief stints back in the United States in between her time abroad.) To communicate with her Kazakh

seamstress and embroiderer, neither of whom spoke English, she learned Russian primarily through immersion. (Her first words, she laughs, were for “scissors” and “interfacing,” which were of little help when shopping for essentials at the grocery store.)

SuKaz Jackets have a signature raglan sleeve, a snap enclosure at the neckline, and a handmade decorative button, with the less overtly fitted style able to encompass a broader range of body types. Her love of color, Hollingsworth shares, stemmed from her  childhood growing up in Natchez, witnessing the creation of multi-hued tableaus and tourists who came to the tiny town from all over to partake in the architecture and spring pilgrimage events.

Hollingsworth works directly with artists, pattern cutters, and seamstresses from all over the world, including Romania, Greece, India, China, and the United States. One of her longest artistic collaborations came about through a chance introduction in London (after eight years in Kazakhstan) where she met an Indian British artist who hailed from a family of Hyderabadi weavers.

“All of these people I’ve connected with, some of whom I’ve never met –– it goes across cultures, religions, social differences –– we all work together to create something really beautiful, without even being in the same room,” says Hollingsworth. “It’s the collaboration of a wonderfully diverse group of people.”

While private trunk shows –– her next one will be on March 18 at Olivina Boutique in Natchez –– and pop ups have been the primary means of showcasing and selling SuKaz jackets, over the last several years, SuKaz has garnered international recognition. In addition to being featured within the pages of British Vogue and Vanity Fair, SuKaz has shown multiple times at New York, Paris, and London Fashion Weeks. Currently, Hollingsworth is gearing up for London Fashion Week in September.

To learn more about SuKaz, visit @sukazjackets_ on Instagram and sukazjackets.com.

Amongst the jacket’s most alluring features is at the back, where a boxed pleat opens to reveal a striking artisan-crafted panel whenever the wearer moves. Panel designs have included Mardi Gras-inspired plumes and cascading masks; khambadiya patchwork (an ancient style of Indian embroidery), vintage designs from Jaipur, and Gadwal silk sarees; a hand embroidered, beaded rendition of an original drawing of a Japanese geisha; and specialized techniques like ribbonwork, origami floral motifs, and wool couching.

Green Noses

3 NEW BOOKS SURE TO PLANT SEEDS

Louisiana Herb Journal

By Corrine Martin

Herbalist Corrine Martin takes daily walks, along the trails at Bayou Black, on the Mississippi levee, around her home holding her daughter’s hand. In this reference book, she invites the reader to join her and her dog Bodi—combining her herbalist missions with meditations on Louisiana’s rich, tangled ecosystems; on healing; and the folk traditions practiced in this region for generations. It’s lush and dreamy, a stunning read for the herbalist as well as the herb-curious–but it’s also deeply informative and practical. The book is organized around fifty herbs found in Louisiana, giving their names (common and scientific), how to identify them, their habitats, healing properties (as well as any potential risks of consuming them), how they were traditionally used and how the area’s wildlife uses them. Simple recipes and directions invite the reader to harvest, to dry, to crush, to sip. If you’ve been looking for ways to reconnect with your environment, Martin offers a gentle and lovely guide to take part in the centuries-long traditions practiced in Louisiana’s wilds (and not-so-wilds, you can find many of these herbs in urban settings, too). Find it at lsupress.org.

Early Camellias in Louisiana, 1825–1860: Long Lost Treasures Rediscovered

By F. Wayne Stromeyer and Trenton L. James

Billed as a “guide for the rediscovery” of the hallowed winter bloom, Early Camellias in Louisiana is a rare effort of research and adoration, spurred by a desire to find Louisiana’s oldest varieties. Going far beyond the recent vintages found in most gardens today, Stromeyer and James—both Baton Rouge physicians who have dedicated themselves to rehabilitating camellia gardens on their historic properties—turned to archival letters, advertisements, and catalogs to rediscover lost camellias from the years 1825–1860. Illuminated by photography and illustrations, the reader can jump into the floral rabbit hole with them—learning more about how different varieties of camellias develop and evolve over time, and experiencing the joy of discovery as the writers attempt to propagate rare specimens. Find it at octaviabooks.com.

Southern Gardening All Year Long

By Gary R. Bachman

From the recently-retired host of Mississippi State University Extension Services Southern Gardening television and radio show Gary R. Bachman— Southern Gardening All Year Long brings the sometimes-overwhelming intricacies of Southern Gardening down to earth in Bachman’s signaturely generous, practical style. A compilation of Bachman’s newspaper columns over the past decade, the book serves as an encouraging month-to-month guide to tending to your garden—inspired by Bachman’s tireless and joyful activities in his own Heritage Cottage Urban Nano Farm in Ocean Springs. The book comes out this month, so when you get your copy you’ll want to flip straight to the March section, where Bachman waxes romantic on the brilliant colors the summer will award you with if you plant your Vista Bubblegum or Pretty Much Picasso Supertunias now. Find it at upress.state.ms.

—Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

The Bayou Terrebonne Paddle Trail

First, Houma-based nonprofit Hache Grant Association revived a historic bandstand in downtown Houma’s Court House Square. The intent was to “bring back the sense of community and pride within that community” that the town gathering place once provided. Hache Grant’s newest project makes an even bigger splash, in terms of tangible efforts to improve quality of life in Terrebonne: the Bayou Terrebonne Paddle Trail.

"The HGA is continuing its ‘Start at the Heart’ revitalization campaign with the focus on a main artery of our town, Bayou Terrebonne,” a representative

from Hache Grant Association, Inc. said in a statement. “Many downtowns have historic buildings and nice scenery, but few are lucky enough to have a natural waterway running alongside Main Street like we do in Houma. We believe it’s time to leverage, maintain and develop that God-given asset in another effort to enhance the quality of life in our town.”

The trail will consist of a series of floating docks and boat launches along Bayou Terrebonne, allowing easy access to the waterway for both residents and visitors, starting with a floating launch and trailhead right in the heart of downtown Houma. “By building the first floating launch in Houma, we'll promote not

only the health of our citizens in a fun way unique to our region, but also the health of our town's main artery, Bayou Terrebonne.”

Proceeds from the third-annual Bayou Terrebonne Boucherie on March 25, which features activities like a pirogue race and white bean cook-off (read more in the calendar on page 34), will go toward Hache Grant’s efforts like the Paddle Trail and other quality of life projects in Terrebonne Parish. hachegrant.com.

—Alexandra Kennon

HACHE GRANT ASSOCIATION, INC.’S LATEST PROJECT TRANSFORMS HOUMA’S CENTRAL ARTERY

Sacre Blues

CHRIS THOMAS KING QUESTIONS EVERYTHING WE THINK WE KNOW ABOUT THE BLUES

From deep within the Mississippi Delta, the legend of the founding of the blues is one held by the labor-worn hands of descendants of the enslaved, eclipsed by the story of how Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil. This genre genesis is the latest chapter in Southern history to receive a thoroughly-researched audit and closer inspection of where historical fact blurs into myth. In the 2021 book The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of My Music and Culture, an unconventional historian boldly reclaims ownership of his own culture.

Grammy-winning blues musician, actor, producer, and now author Chris Thomas King asserts that the blues has been commodified and presented as African American folk art by white purveyors, equating projects like ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax’s field recordings of folk music (including the blues) to the audio equivalent of National Geographic staging photographs of native populations. The son of Baton Rouge blues icon, and owner of famous Tabby’s Blues Box, Tabby Thomas, King says he experienced this phenomenon first-hand at a young age. “I was the last folk blues musician, quote-unquote, ‘discovered’ by folklorists in the twentieth century,” King said,

Generations of care

referencing his first recording with the Library of Congress. “So, in a way, I was first introduced as this folk purveyor of primitive music, primitive expression, you know, which is what these folklorists and sociologists called the blues. And when I was younger, I had no idea—I just thought I was making a record and I was gonna go and be a pop star like everybody else. But I was caught up in a circle of cultural brokers. And that’s an important [phrase] that I use to describe these people, they’re cultural brokers who are brokering in Negro primitivism.”

The accepted origin story of the blues being born of impoverished and illiterate people deep in rural Mississippi fit into that image—but that doesn’t make it accurate, according to King. Through extensive research largely in the form of primary documents and historical accounts from musicians, King instead asserts that the blues was introduced in New Orleans’s Storyville and French Quarter venues by early jazz musicians like Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, and Buddy Bolden; overturning the commonly accepted Mississippi blues genesis story. “My findings prove that the blues actually began in Louisiana, and it did not begin in Mississippi. It did not have anything to do with slavery. It did not have anything to

do with those plantations in Mississippi,” King said. “We Louisianans have given our culture over to Mississippi and let them tell our story.”

In fact, King argues that even the name of the genre has been misinterpreted—rather than “the blues” referring to depression or sadness, he asserts that it comes from the Creole French blaspheme “sacre bleu,” and instead referenced the historically “lewd” entertainment that came out of New Orleans’ pre-WWI red light district Storyville— the same way that the term “blue laws” referred to morality in Louisiana, which restricted actions like purchasing alcohol or dancing on Sundays. “The Blues was antithetical to that, and saying, ‘No, we’re gonna do it anyway. We’ll do it our way. We Louisianans, we Creole people, we have a certain culture on Sunday. We’ve been going out to Congo Square and having dances and playing our music and having festivals since the 1700s. And we’re not getting ready to stop doing that because some Anglo Saxon Protestants showed up, and they want to make a whole new rule.”

“We are not even down in dumps and sad and depressed at a funeral. We do a second line,” King said. “Why on a Friday or Saturday night at my dad’s juke

joint…why would the band be singing sad, depressed songs? Why? It doesn’t even make any sense. It’s like the emperor is buck naked…once I point to it, then people can see it.”

The Blues has been chosen as the East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s One Book One Community selection for 2023, which kicks off with a party at the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library on Goodwood Boulevard on March 19 at 4 pm. Already having caused quite a stir among historians and musicians, the title is certain to give Louisianans plenty to discuss—and reclaim ownership of, according to King. Learn more about the OBOC programming at readonebook.org.

—Alexandra Kennon

We’re here for you and your family through the stages of life, with the strength of the cross, the protection of the shield. The Right Card. The Right Care.

Cultivating Cures

In the search for therapies to help tackle obesity, one researcher finds parallels between the laboratory and the flower garden.

‘Pretty’ probably isn’t the first word most of us think to use to describe samples of brain and spinal tissue. is Jaclyn Williams’ job to look at the multi-colored 3D images of tissue from new angles. And as Research Associate 2 in Dr. Heike Muenzberg-Gruening’s Central Leptin Signaling Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Williams indeed finds them ‘pretty’.

“Maybe ‘impressive’ is a better way to describe them,” Williams admitted, as she detailed the process of preparing tissue samples for study using iDisco, a state-of-the-art imaging protocol that allows researchers to look deep into intact biological tissues (organs) to better understand how they function. “The process of staining and clearing [the samples] can take weeks of time in the lab, and allows for three-dimensional imaging,” she explained.

The overarching mission of the work Williams performs in Dr. Muenzberg-Gruening’s lab is to explore the role the brain plays in controlling a body’s ability to lose weight, and in maintaining that weight loss over time—teasing out the riddles of human physiology and finding safer and more effective ways of helping people manage obesity.

Through methodical and time-intensive study of neuronal circuits, Dr. Muenzberg-Gruening has actually discovered neurons that actively change metabolism and body weight. The lab is also working to develop a better understanding of the “brain-to-fat circuit,” essentially trying to figure out how these tissues communicate via the sympathetic nervous system.

Ultimately, this research is helping scientists to tease out the riddles of human physiology, and find safer and more effective ways of helping people to manage obesity in a state where around 36% of the state’s adult population is categorized as obese (i.e. with a body mass index (BMI) of 30.0 or higher).

Though Pennington Biomedical’s expansive campus conducts numerous human trials researching the root causes of conditions that include obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia—Williams’ work is mostly relegated to the lab: genotyping mice, performing data analysis, presenting data, and training incoming LSU students and other researchers in the laboratory. “It is certainly a role that changes a lot day to day, but is always exciting and interesting,” said Williams of her various assignments, which support the lab’s mission of developing therapies for tackling Louisiana’s high obesity rate.

Such occupational diversity and attention to detail don’t shut off when Williams leaves her lab for the day. Originally from Gulfport Mississippi, Williams earned her master’s degree in molecular biology from The University of Southern Mississippi. After relocating to Baton Rouge in 2019, she and her husband purchased their home in Baton Rouge’s Mid City neighborhood. Williams, who has always loved plants and kept small gardens, was finally able to pursue her passion on a larger scale. During the past three years, Williams has cultivated a micro-farm business, Mist and Mallow, from her home, growing cut flowers like dahlias, ranunculus, and anemones, which she sells to florists and at local popups.

The parallels between Williams’ work as a research assistant at Pennington Biomedical and as a micro farmer are not lost on her. “I keep a detailed laboratory notebook for my research at [Pennington Biomedical], and I keep detailed flower field notes,” she said, “I pH the chemicals in our lab – similar to how I pH the soil I use for growing flowers.”

In the lab as well as in the dirt, Williams explained, “the results need to be reproducible.” The ‘experiments’ Williams performs on her flowers mimic her meticulous practices as a research associate, such as when she deliberately sets out to reproduce a specific genetic trait in a specimen. “Say I have some seeds that I start, and I get a little bit of a different color. I’ll put a bag around that flower and see if I can make another,” explained Williams. “Reproducibility is key for good scientific research. As a research associate [at Pennington Biomedical], I take that type of scientific rigor very seriously and I would certainly say that those habits have rubbed off into my flower farming.”

This year for the first time, Mist and Mallow will officially enter the local wedding industry, as Williams recently earned her Retail Florist License—an accomplishment that reminded her of her student days. “You have to take an exam!” Williams exclaimed as she recounted Louisiana’s impressively-thorough licensure process.

Whether she is in Dr. Muzenberg-Gruening’s lab conducting experiments to help develop new strategies for weight control, or in her own backyard applying similar scientific principles to her flower farm, Jaclyn Williams embodies the Pennington Biomedical mission to support, enrich, and beautify the Baton Rouge community.

UNTIL APR 7th

LOCAL ART

WORTH MORE THAN DIAMONDS

AT THE HEALTHCARE GALLERY

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Painters Shelli Brown and Jourdan Miley, in partnership with Ellemnop.Art, explore the notion of what it is to be feminine and the nature of female power in a new exhibition Worth More Than Diamonds , on display at the Healthcare Gallery in Baton Rouge. Through Brown's use of neutral colors and natural movement, displayed in contrast with Miley's vivid and striking compositions that invoke the ethereal, the goal of the exhibition is to honor and uplift women. The works can also be viewed online at ellemnop.art. spabatonrouge.com. k

UNTIL MAY 6th

CREATIVE COMPETITIONS

THE MANSUR MUSEUM'S

JURIED COMPETITION

Monroe, Louisiana

The Mansur Museum's juried art

competition has been a staple of the North Louisiana art community since 1964, and this year returns to present artworks by hundreds of artists in a variety of mediums and styles, judged by guest juror Jovanna Venegas, who is the Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. $3,200 in cash prizes will be on the table for the winning artists. mansurjuried.org. k

UNTIL MAY 7th

AFRICAN ART

BLACK ORPHEUS: JACOB LAWRENCE AND THE MBARI CLUB AT NOMA

New Orleans, Louisiana

The New Orleans Museum of Art's exhibition Black Orpheus: Jacob Lawrence and the Mbari Club creates a dialogue between African American artist Jacob Lawrence and his West African contemporaries, many of whom were part of an arts organization of Nigerian artists, writers, and creatives who were featured in

the Mbari arts and culture magazine Black Orpheus, which was published between 1957–1967. The exhibition includes over 125 items, including Lawrence’s littleknown Nigeria series, works featured in the publication Black Orpheus, plus archival images, videos, and letters. noma.org. k

UNTIL MAY 31st

JEWISH ART

GOD, GOATS AND PICKUP TRUCKS AT THE MUSEUM OF THE SOUTHERN JEWISH EXPERIENCE

New Orleans, Louisiana

For the first time, the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience is hosting an exhibition of fine art. In God, Goats and Pickup Trucks: Maurice Schmidt’s Visions of Texas, Texan-Jewish artist Maurice Schmidt employs sketches, paintings, prints, and sculpture to express and explore religion and rural life. The Maurice Schmidt collection is on loan to MSJE from the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts in Texas. msje.org. k

MAR 2nd

CONCERTS

JAZZ LISTENING ROOM: CLAUDIA HAYDEN

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Flautist, producer, and composer Claudia Hayden will perform at the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center as part of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge's Jazz Listening Room Series. 7:30 pm. $20 at bontempstix.com. artsbr.org. k

MAR 3rd

FUN-DRAISERS

BROADWAY, BITES, AND BUBBLIES 2023

New Iberia, Louisiana

Join the Iberia Performing Arts League for an evening filled with drinks, food provided by local chefs, music, and peeks at performances by the stars of Kiss Me, Kate. 7 pm at 25 Shadows Bend, New Iberia. $50. ipaltheater.com. k

Art in Bloom. This year's theme is "Paradise Under the Palms," emphasizing tropical beauties. Image from the 2019 installation, courtesy of NOMA.

Events

Beginning March 3rd - March 4th

MAR 3rd - MAR 5th

THRIFTY BUSINESS ATTIC TRASH & TREASURE SALE

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Since the first sale in 1990, this sale has generated over $3 million for local charities. You know what they say about one man's trash... you could find your newest (oldest) treasure at the Attic Trash & Treasure Sale, on the second floor of the Sears in the Mall of Louisiana. Plenty of folks have cleaned out their attics, and you can peruse and shop the results at this annual fundraiser, which this year benefits St. Vincent de Paul, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Alzheimer’s Services of the CapitalArea, Louisiana Pediatric Cardiology Foundation, and Redemptorist/St. Gerard Elementary School. Free. attictandtbr.org. k

MAR 3rd - MAR 11th

WOMEN IN MUSIC

CHANTEUSE: CELEBRATING

NEW ORLEANS WOMEN IN MUSIC

New Orleans, Louisiana

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is celebrating New Orleans women in music with their concert series Chanteuse at The George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center on N. Rampart Street.

March 3: The Sarah Quintana Band

March 4: Ever More Nest

March 10: The Nayo Jones Experience

March 11: Sharon Martin Shows start at 8 pm and are $10. jazzandheritage.org. k

MAR 3 rd - MAR 19 th

MUSICALS

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS

AT 30 BY NINETY

Mandeville, Louisiana

It probably says something about the United States that we like theatre in which people sing about crime... but if enjoying Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors, and now Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is wrong, who wants to be right? Visit 30 by Ninety Theatre to take in their production of the classic conman comedy, and please, pay for your ticket. Friday and Saturday performances at 8 pm; Sundays at 2 pm. $28 adults, $18 students and seniors. 30byninety.com. k

MAR 3 rd - MAR 25 th

CASINO CONCERTS

L'AUBERGE CONCERTS

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Here's the shows you can catch coming up at L'Auberge, when you want a safer

bet than playing the slots:

March 3: Cheap Trick. Tickets start at $50.

March 11: Australian Bee Gees. Tickets start at $15.

March 25: Three Dog Night. Tickets start at $40.

Performances at 8 pm. lbatonrouge.com. k

MAR 3 rd - MAR

LIVE LOCAL MUSIC TIPITINA'S CONCERTS

New Orleans, Louisiana

The famous Tchoupitoulas venue continues bringing a wide variety of musical acts to Professor Longhair's legendary stage. Here's what's happening:

March 3: Papadosio + Thought

Process. 9 pm.

March 4: Papadosio + 5AM. 9 pm.

March 10: The Dip + Juice. 9 pm.

March 11: Tab Benoit + JD Simo.

9 pm.

March 12: Fais Do Do With Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band. 5:15 pm.

March 17: Hayes Carll + Melissa Carper. 9 pm.

March 18: Gimme Gimme Disco (A Disco Dance Party Inspired by ABBA).

9 pm.

March 19: Sierra Ferrell Long Time Going Tour. 8 pm.

March 24: Cedric Burnside. 8 pm.

March 31: John "Papa" Gros. Doors 9 pm. tipitinas.com. k

MAR 3 rd - JUN 18 th

ART & ENVIRNOMENT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT II AT THE ALEXANDRIA MUSEUM OF ART

Alexandria, Louisiana

A traveling exhibition that turns a spotlight to contemporary artists whose work focuses on environmental issues is making its way to the Alexandria Museum of Art. In seventyfive works ranging from prints and paintings to photographs and sculptures, artists address environmental issues as a means of heightening awareness. themuseum.org. k

MAR

3rd

- JUL 29th

ART & ENVIRONMENT ON THE VERGE AT THE HILLIARD

Lafayette, Louisiana

Over twenty diverse works of art spanning Argentinian-born, Los Angeles-based artist Luciana Abait's career will be on display

at the Hilliard Art Museum as part of a survey exhibition that addresses climate change, the fragility of the environment, and planetary survival. hilliardmuseum.org. k

MAR 4th

FAMILY TREES

INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN AMERICAN GENEALOGY

Saint Francisville, Louisiana

Join owner and educator at OurMammy's LLC Gaynell Brady for an introduction on researching African American Genealogy at the West Feliciana Parish Library. Brady will teach attendees about the tools necessary to start the challenging journey of researching African American genealogy, helping them work towards locating relatives and creating a family tree for future generations. Free. 1 pm. wfplibrary.org. k

MAR 4th

BOTTOM'S UP ZAPP'S INTERNATIONAL BEERFEST XVIII

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The cups runneth over during the LSU Rural Life Museum's best-lubricated annual event, which definitely calls for designating a driver. The annual Zapp’s International Beer Festival brings tastings of more than two hundred domestic and international beers and ales to the grounds of the museum plus more than a few home brews, which always end up being a festival highlight. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for those (heroic) designated drivers. Bottoms up because all proceeds benefit the Rural Life Museum. Participants must

be twenty-one, for obvious reasons. 3 pm–6 pm general admission. $45; $20 for designated drivers; $65 for early admission. Tickets available at bontempstix.com. k

MAR 4th

SIPS & BITES

GULF COAST BEER & BACON (& CHOCOLATE) FESTIVAL

Gulfport, Mississippi

Sounds like a new kind of trinity. Sample beer, bacon, and chocolate dishes from over forty local restaurants and breweries at this Gulfport festival, which is an official qualifying event for the World Food Championships. Vote for your favorite beer, bacon, chocolate, and cocktail. 7 pm–10 pm. $50, $75 VIP (gets you in early at 6 pm). gcbeerbaconfest.com. k

MAR 4 th

SPRING

FESTIVALS

ST. LANDRY PARISH STUDENT ARTS & STEAM FESTIVAL

Opelousas, Louisiana

Head to Opelousas's Courthouse Square for a celebration of student artists, featuring performances by local school groups, as well as visual arts exhibitions and an artist market. And don't miss the spoken word competition at the Delta Grand Theatre, featuring student poets from across the state. The event is a partnership between the St. Landry Parish School Board and the Acadiana Center for the Arts, with support from Opelousas Main Street, Opelousas Downtown Development District, and St. Landry Parish Tourism. 10 am–3 pm. Free. acadianacenterforthearts.org. k

Twenty unique multimedia works by Argentinian-born artist Luciana Abait are being shown at the Hilliard Art Museum as part of her survey exhibition called On the Verge. "Red Sky" by Luciana Abait, courtesy of the Hilliard Art Museum.

Events

Beginning March 4th - March 5th

MAR 4th

GOOD EATS

HERE'S THE BEEF COOK-OFF

Opelousas, Louisiana

Here's the festival that answers the question, "Where's the beef?" The St. Landry Parish Cattlemen's Association's annual beef cook-off will serve up sizzling slabs of meat, to the delight of carnivores for miles around. The Cook-Off will also serve a side of live entertainment and a trail ride; so it's eat a little, dance a little, ride a little, then repeat. Trail ride starts at 8:30 am and music starts at 10 am. Head to the Ag Arena on the Yambilee Fairgrounds. $10 admission. facebook.com/stlandryparishcattlemen. k

MAR 4th

DANCE REVOLUTION

BRBT PRESENTS

PILOBOLUS BIG FIVE-OH

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

For half of a century, the dance and performance troupe Pilobolus have been elevating the way audiences perceive dance, pushing their bodies to the limits of human

capabilities. Now, the ground-breaking group will be performing at The Manship Theatre, presented by Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre. Shows at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. $35–$65 at manshiptheatre.org. k

MAR 4th

SHOPPING EXCURSIONS

CRAFTIN' CAJUNS CRAFT

SHOW & MARKETPLACE

Houma, Louisiana

Benefit from the outsized ingenuity of a Cajun craftsman (or woman) at the HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center. The Craftin' Cajuns indoor craft show and marketplace features over two hundred vendors from 9 am–5 pm. houmaciviccenter.com. k

MAR 4th

GREEN THUMBS

MADISONVILLE GARDEN SHOW

Madisonville, Louisiana

The Madisonville Garden Club has invited over twenty-five Southern vendors out to their annual garden show, offering plenty of plants that were grown in Louisiana and predisposed to our climate. Enjoy the spring weather along the Tchefuncte River

at Madisonville Town Hall and peruse shrubs, annuals, trees, perennials, and other products to help nudge you toward the garden of your dreams. 9 am–3 pm. For more information, find the Madisonville Garden Club on Facebook. k

MAR 4th

OUTDOOR MARKETS

SHADOWS ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR

New Iberia, Louisiana

Among the giant oaks on the winding banks of the Teche, attendees at this twice-annual arts & crafts fair can pick up one-of-a-kind items from over one hundred vendors from around the state. From bath products to tea-dyed chenille bunnies, this market has it all. And of course, there will be plenty of food, drink, and dessert. 9 am–4 pm. $5 per person ($3 for children ages six to seventeen; under six get in free). shadowsontheteche.org. k

MAR 4th

HEALTH

IRENE W. PENNINGTON

WELLNESS DAY FOR WOMEN

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

For the twenty-third year, Pennington continues its focus on mind and body wellness by inviting local women for a free day of celebrating and prioritizing

their health. This year's Wellness Day for Women brings health screenings and a plethora of fun outdoor activities—so come dressed ready to move, whether that is a one-mile walk around the lake, a variety of outdoor fitness stations, or participating in Tai Chi classes. 7 am–1 pm. pbrc.edu. k

MAR 4th

WRITE AWAY

JAMBALAYA WRITERS' CONFERENCE

Houma, Louisiana

Writers and readers are invited to the Terrebonne Parish Library for a glimpse into the world of literary publishing at this free conference. Panelists will include Karen Knotts, actress and author of the book Tied Up in Knotts, which is a tribute to her father, famous actor Don Knotts (panel at 4:30 pm). Other panelists include Farren Clark, Hannah Kate Stallo, J. Bruce Fuller and Nathaniel Rich; topics include poetry, world building, and book marketing. There will also be opportunities for writers to pitch their manuscripts to editors, and the "First Page American Idol" will allow writers to receive anonymous feedback from a panel of professional judges. 1 pm–6 pm. Free. mytpl.org/jwc. k

MAR 4th - MAR 5th

DIY PROJECTS

ST. TAMMANY HOME AND REMODELING SHOW

Mandeville, Louisiana

The Northshore's only home and garden show, The St. Tammany Home and Remodeling Show, is returning to the Castine Center in Mandeville this weekend. Teaming up with Certified Louisiana Food Fest, the show will showcase the best products and services for everything in your home, from kitchens, bathrooms, remodeling, siding, and more.

Plus, every participant at the show has the chance to win exciting door prizes like spa days, restaurant certificates, and more. 10 am–5 pm both days. $6; free for children twelve and younger. jaaspro.com. k

MAR 4th - APR 1st

LOCAL ARTS & CRAFTS ON DISPLAY AT ARIODANTE GALLERY IN MARCH

New Orleans, Louisiana

Ariodante Art Gallery on Julia Street in New Orleans continues to cycle in

fresh artists and their creations. March's Featured Artist is Krista Roche, with her series titled Sightings, consisting of vibrant multimedia paintings of birds. Works also include crafts by Sandra Maher, jewelry by Sylvan Spirit, and other works by Tim Maher in the Lagniappe Area. An artist reception will be held on March 4 during the First Saturday Artwalk from 5 pm–8 pm. ariodantegallery.com. k

MAR 4th - APR 15th

LOCAL ART

EXHIBITIONS AT LEMIEUX GALLERIES

New Orleans, Louisiana

LeMieux Galleries presents two new exhibitions: Kate Samworth's The Injured Fawn and Other Tales, Kris Wenschuh's HOME, and Jeff Pastorek's I Agree With You. There will be artist receptions on March 4 and April 1 at 6 pm during the First Saturday Artwalks. The exhibits will be open to view from 10:30 am–5 pm, Monday–Saturday, or by appointment. lemieuxgalleries.com. k

MAR 5th

GOOD FOOD & CAUSES

EMPTY BOWLS FUNDRAISER

Natchez, Mississippi

A culmination of hand-crafted artisanship, good food, humanitarian consciousness,

and raising money for a good cause— Natchez Community Stewpot will hold their eleventh bi-annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser this month on Broadway Street near the Natchez gazebo. Participants will enjoy a take-home bowl of gumbo served in handmade bowls created by local artisans, and will get to bring the bowl home as a reminder of the hungry around the world. All proceeds go to the Natchez Community Stewpot, a local initiative serving the poor, elderly, and handicapped in the Natchez community. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance from a Natchez Pottery studio member or at Natchez Coffee on Franklin Street. Noon–2 pm. natchezstewpot.com. k

MAR 5th

INSPIRING OCCASIONS

"EMPOWERING THE W" BRUNCH

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

This year, the Baton Rouge YMCA's annual fundraiser will be graced by the presence of film icon, activist, and author Jane Fonda as the event's keynote speaker. Besides an inspiring talk from Fonda, a delicious brunch with bubbles and Bloody Marys will be served; and jazz musician Quiana Lynell will serenade attendees. Held at the LSU Stadium Club, overlooking Tiger Stadium. Tickets start at $225 at bontempstix.com. ymcabr.org. k

DIAL

THURSDAY, MARCH 30 AT 6 PM / FREE OPENING RECEPTION & PANEL

Celebrate the exhibition opening during a reception and panel discussion.

SUNDAY, APRIL 2 FROM 1-5 PM / FREE FREE FIRST SUNDAY

Bring your family to see the exhibit and create a found object assemblage.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13 AT 6 PM / FREE VIRTUAL TALK:

RENÉE STOUT

Join us for a Zoom with artist Renée Stout as she discusses her sculptures and friendship with Thornton Dial.

FRIDAY, APRIL 21 AT 6 PM / FREE GOSPEL IN THE GALLERY

Listen to the sounds of the award winning and nationally recognized Southern University Gospel Choir in the galleries.

FRIDAY, MAY 5 AT 6 PM / FREE THE ONGOING IMPACT OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

A panel of collegiate experts discuss the Civil Rights leader’s legacy.

Dance company Philobolus has been pushing the boundaries of dance and human movement since 1971. Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre presents the revolutionary group at the Manship Theatre. Courtesy of BRBT.

Register for Renée Stout virtual artist talk.

Events

Beginning March 5th - March 7th

MAR 5th

TIME TRAVEL

WEST BATON ROUGE

MUSEUM'S "BEHIND THE BARN DOORS"

Port Allen, Louisiana

Returning to the illuminating slate of cultural and arts programming offered by the West Baton Rouge Museum, "Behind the Barn Doors" will draw guests to the Big Red Barn on the museum's campus to learn more about traditional crafts and historic trades. Each month, artisans in the fields of blacksmithing, milling, woodworking, spinning, weaving, and more will offer demonstrations and workshops exploring the history and enduring practice of their trades. In March, visitors will enjoy demonstrations from coppersmithing artist Michael Howes, seamstress Christy Castille, and woodworker Terry Landry. 2 pm–5 pm. Free. westbatonrougemuseum.org. k

MAR 6th

TRIBUTE CONCERTS VINYL RADIO AT MORGAN CITY AUDITORIUM

Morgan City, Louisiana

Vinyl Radio will bring an audience at Morgan City Auditorium back in time to hear hits from the Eagles, America, the Doobie Brothers, and more—all live. 7 pm. $25, $5 for students. cajuncoast.com. k

MAR 7th - MAR 10th

CULTURE BEARERS

NATIONAL TREASURES: A TOUR OF CULTURE BEARERS IN NATIONAL PARKS

Various Louisiana

The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) is bringing culture bearers into National Parks for a series of unique performances across the country with the idea of generating new conversations and narratives about American identity. In March, the following events will be presented as part of "National Treasures: A Tour of Culture Bearers in National Parks in Louisiana":

March 7: The Winnsboro Easter Rock Ensemble at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux.

March 8: The Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

March 10 & 11: Chief Shaka Zulu: New Orleans Black Masking craftsman, stilt dancer, and musician Chief Shaka Zulu will demonstrate his artistry March 10 at downtown Lafayette’s

Downtown Alive! street fair, and March 11 at the Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette. ncta-usa.org. k

MAR 7th - MAR 12th

SPRING FESTIVALS

DANNY BARKER BANJO & GUITAR FESTIVAL

New Orleans, Louisiana

Danny Barker—famed New Orleans jazz banjoist, singer, guitarist, ukulele player, and author—made a lasting impact on the longevity of jazz in New Orleans. His work with the Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band produced generations of new jazz talent, including Wynton & Bradford Marsalis, Shannon Powell, Lucien Barbarin, Dr. Michael White, and others. The Danny Barker Banjo and Guitar Festival was established to preserve the importance of art, education, and culture, which organizers suggest will erode in time if not cherished and celebrated to shape the youth of the next generation. In addition to live entertainment, the festival offers workshops and clinics, providing a hands-on approach. This four-day feast of Danny Barker's greatest wish happens at a handful of venues across New Orleans, and features clinics, a birthday celebration for Barker, many live performances, a parade, panel discussions, film screenings, and more. Some events are free; others have a cost for admission. dannybarkerfestival.com. k

MAR 7th - APR 1st

LOCAL ART

TERREBONNE PARISH ART GUILD SPRING ART SHOW

Houma, Louisiana

The Terrebonne Parish Fine Arts Guild hosts their sixtieth-annual Spring Art Show opening this month, inviting local artists in all mediums to contribute their artworks. Free. tfag.org. k

MAR 8 th

DANCE REVOLUTION

MOMIX: ALICE AT THE HEYMANN CENTER

Lafayette, Louisiana

The wildly-creative contemporary dance company MOMIX, led by Moses Pendleton, is falling down the rabbit hole when they bring their production ALICE, inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, to the Heymann Performing Arts Center. 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $41 at pasaonline.org. k

THE WOMAN BEHIND TERREBONNE'S GATHERING OF AUTHORS & BOOK-LOVERS

By Gary Michael Smith

Aside from teaching a popular modern dance course at Nicholls State University, family friend and collaborator Angela Hammerli also created an eclectic six-week event held at various venues in Thibodaux and Houma that she called Jubilee—Festival of the Arts and Humanities, for which she registered as Director on September 20, 1999. Angie tapped her diverse social connections to A-list local and international artists and performers to share the secrets of their crafts in disciplines such as dance, music, theatre, and television and film.

O ver the first few years of the festival, I—a writer and editor—noticed one artistic field not covered: writing. Once, at a family gathering, I mentioned this to Angie, but having enough on her plate she waved off my suggestion, promising “maybe one day.” Nonetheless, I gently nudged, reminding her that a writers’ conference would be a wonderful addition to her new festival and would be one of a kind in the area, but each year the response was the same. That is until 2003, when she said she would enlist some renowned authors and poets, as well as agents, editors, and commercial royalty publishers from East and West coasts to present at a one-day event.

But she wanted commitments from me: to give a pr esentation on writing and publishing, to serve on a panel of authors, and to provide critiques and suggested edits of submissions from attendees at the Festival in April 2004. I enthusiastically agreed, and the Jubilee Jambalaya Writers Conference was born. Early speakers included L.A. by way of LA theatre and television writer, director, and producer Julie Hebert ( ER, Numb3rs, The West Wing, American Crime ); Locus Award- and Lord Ruthven Award-winning fantasy, sci-fi, and horror author Barbara Hambly; editor in chief of the Del Rey science fiction and fantasy division of Random House Betsy Mitchell; Louisiana Poet Laureate Darrell Bourque; and many others.

T The festival was an unexpected phenomenon, growing exponentially in attendance for nearly a decade. Unfortunately, due to failing health, Angie relinquished her role as director, tragically succumbing to illness August 20, 2020. However, as an endearing legacy, the Jubilee Jambalaya Writers’ Conference continues, although under a name that dropped “Jubilee.”

T The vivacious, multitalented founder, Angela Mitchell Hammerli, is remembered also as a Distinguished Service Professor, Endowed Professor, and Associate Professor of Human Performance Education at the university where she taught for forty-two years. And although the Jambalaya Writers’ Conference currently celebrates its eighteenth year on March 4, 2023, it should be remembered that it was part of a twenty-four-year-old festival that began from the tireless enthusiasm of one of Thibodaux’s most passionate promoters of the arts and humanities. h

Smith is a family friend of Hammerli's, and his aunt and uncle worked with her on dance productions at Nicholls State University. The Jambalaya Writers Conference takes place March 4 from 1 pm–6 pm at the Terrebonne Parish Library. Read more in listing on page 15.

Angela Hammerli, founding director of the Jubilee Jambalaya Writers’ Conference under the umbrella of the Jubilee Festival of the Arts and Humanities. Photo by Ed Hammerli.

Events

Beginning March 8th - March 10th

THIS IS OUR WAR: 100 (+) YEARS OF WOMEN’S CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISM IN LOUISIANA

For March's in-person Gallier Gathering, join Dr. Shannon Frystak for a discussion on the history of women's Civil Rights activism in Louisiana. Frystak will walk attendees through seminal events of the Civil Rights Era, particularly highlighting the women who were instrumental in standing up for equality for all. This talk is co-hosted by the Loyola University New Orleans Department of History, and will be held on the Loyola campus in Multimedia Room 2 of Monroe Library. k

- MAR 11th NEW ORLEANS BOOK

For the second year, Tulane is hosting a free three-day literary celebration featuring more than a hundred local, regional, and national authors. The 2023 festival will be headlined by Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, alongside Malcolm Gladwell, Sarah Broom, Imani Perry, Jeff Goldberg, and countless other nationally-influential writers. The festival will also include panel discussions, keynote speeches, musical performances, talks from local chefs, book fairs, workshops, family programing, and more. More information on the schedule and tickets at bookfest.tulane.edu. k

- MAR 13th

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL

The twenty-sixth New Orleans French Film Festival, one of the longestrunning foreign language festivals in the country, will once again represent excellence in contemporary and classic Francophone cinema for audiences, this year at the Prytania Theatre and the Prytania Theatres at Canal Place, with films available to stream at home. Live music and lectures will accompany a curated selection of short- and featurelength French-films, all of which will be screened with English subtitles. All Access passes are $95 ($35 for students and teachers). Virtual passes will also be available and recieve free admission to all virtual screenings. neworleansfilmsociety.org. k

MAR 9th - MAR 30th GREEN THUMBS MASTER GARDENER TALKS

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The East Baton Rouge Master Gardeners Association presents three separate twopart talks this month:

March 9: "Lawn and Turf" and "Super Plants" at the Zachary Branch Library

March 16: "Native Plants" and "Basil: YearRound Culinary Herbs" at the Jones Creek Library

March 30: “Irrigation and Drainage" at the Greenwell Springs Branch Library

Talks are free and begin at 6:30 pm. ebrmg.wildapricot.org. k

MAR 9th

-

MAR 30th

PERFORMANCES

MUSIC AT THE ACA

Lafayette, Louisiana

See the following artists perform the Acadiana Center for the Arts this month.

March 9: Iris Dement. 7:30 pm. $35.

March 12: Gregory Harrington. 3 pm. $55.

March 23: Luther Dickinson with Riverbend Ramblers and Johanna Divine. 7:30 pm. $35.

March 30: Jimmi Walker. 7:30 pm. $20. acadianacenterforthearts.org. k

MAR 9th - APR 30th

LOCAL ART

THE ART GUILD OF LA'S CELEBRATE BATON ROUGE! EXHIBITION

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The Art Guild of Louisiana is celebrating seventy years of amplifying creativity in Baton Rouge with its annual member exhibit, Celebrate Baton Rouge! A variety of works celebrating the beauty of our state capital will be on display, with viewers having the opportunity to vote for their favorite in the Gallery at the BREC Independence Park Theatre. Free. artguildlouisiana.org. k

MAR 10th - MAR 11th

ARTFUL OCCASIONS

BEAUX ARTS BALL AND ART SHOW

St. Francisville, Louisiana

The Beaux Arts Ball will provide a feast for the senses—including live music by Pete Verbois and his band, catered food, the premiere of a new art exhibition, and a whirlwind of vibrant outfits—whimsical formal attire or costumes are encouraged. An art show themed "From Deep Within"

Welcome to

MARCH 31-APRIL 2, 2023

EXPERIENCE

the sights, sounds and tastes of the unique Cajun destination, captured in literature by James Lee Burke through the eyes of his fictional character, Detective Dave Robicheaux. Meet Southern storytellers, enjoy Cajun food and music, and discover New Iberia’s fascinating blend of heritage, hospitality and history.

This year’s Great Southern Writer is New York Times Bestselling author Lisa Wingate. The festival will focus on one of Lisa’s 30 novels titled The Book of Lost Friends. The book brings to life startling stories from actual “Lost Friends” advertisements that appeared in Southern newspapers after the Civil War, as newly freed slaves desperately searched for loved ones who had been sold away. Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist and author Ted Jackson will also present his book You Ought to Do a Story about Me

IberiaTravel.com

BooksAlongTheTecheLiteraryFestival.com

Events

Beginning March 10th - March 11th

will be on display during the ball and the following day, Sunday, March 11, from 10 am–4 pm. There will also be an Artist Talk prior to the ball at 2:30 pm Saturday. The ball takes place from 7 pm–10 pm on March 10 at Market Hall in St. Francisville. The show and ball are presented by local arts nonprofit Arts for All. Free for members, $25 for non-members. (People can sign up to become members at the event, and coincidentally, membership is $25.) Find more information on the Arts for All Facebook page. k

MAR 10th - MAR 12th

the branching footprint of the Mississippi River Delta, Birdfoot continues to attract an enthusiastic local following that flocks to hear what Times-Picayune music critic Chris Waddington called a "string of glorious, unbuttoned performances of works rarely heard on local stages." Many events are free. birdfootfestival.org. k

MAR 10th - MAR 19th

MURDER MYSTERIES

JPAS PRESENTS MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

Metairie, Louisiana

The Jefferson Performing Arts Society

To celebrate National Youth Art Month, the an exhibition showcasing the talented young of local art instructors. Meanwhile, selected her time in New Orleans—twenty of which

from 6 pm – 9 pm, with a gallery talk by the

Photographs by Lee Ball Photography

MAR 11th

FUN RUNS GET YOUR REAR IN GEAR 5K

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Support the research initiatives working to fight colon cancer with this healthy, good-humored 5k starting at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Walk or run the 5k, stroll through a giant inflatable colon, watch the Kids' Fun Run, and contribute to funding cancer screenings right in Baton Rouge. 8 am. Colon cancer survivors register free, adults $35, youth (eighteen and under) $20, Kids' Fun Run (ten and under) $20, virtual participants $25. donate.coloncancercoalition.org. k

MAR 11th

ST. PADDY'S COVINGTON ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

Covington, Louisiana

Irish blood runs thick in Covington—and even those who can't claim it have eagerly celebrated the heritage of St. Patrick's patronage in Louisiana since 2018 with the birth of the Covington Celtic Club and annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. The route runs from the Columbia Street Tap Room, and concludes with a block party at the corner of New Hampshire and Rutland Streets, where ladies and leprechauns alike may dance the afternoon away for

a St. Paddy's block party. Noon. covingtoncelticclub.com. k

MAR 11 th

FUN-DRAISERS

BRSO'S SYMPHONY OF FLAVORS

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Join the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and Martin Wine & Spirits for a special and tasty fundraiser. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres while sampling and learning about German and Austrian wines, and some German beers. The evening will close with a concert by an intimate brass trio. 5:30 pm at Martin Wine Cellar at Studio Park. $50. Must be twenty-one years of age. brso.org. k

MAR 11 th

MILITARY HISTORY

GHOST SHIPS ON THE RIVER

Jackson, Louisiana

Explore Port Hudson after dark, and perhaps make friends with the souls that may remain there, on this guided night-time hike and tour to Fort Desperate. A guide will share stories of paranormal phenomena that have been reported on the battlefield, and there will be a firing of the 42-pounder cannon, plus a pyrotechnic demonstration using the model navy

Events

Beginning March 11th

fleet re-creating the 1863 U.S. Navy night-time attack against Port Hudson and the destruction of the U.S. navy warship USS Mississippi. Free. (225) 654-3775. k

MAR 11 th

SPRING FESTIVALS

OUR LADY OF LOURDES

FAMILY FUN FEST

Slidell, Louisiana

Kicking off with the fortieth annual Henry J. Calamari Memorial Two Mile Run/Walk, the Family Fun Fest will set out to make the best of a Saturday at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, with all the fixin's: live music, face painting, inflatable games, bounce houses, Stick-It Archery, Kick-it-Off, Soccer Darts, and an obstacle course. Free. $30 to participate in the race. Contact kmaples@ollourdes.org for details. k

MAR 11th

HIGH OCTANE

NEW ROADS CAR SHOW

New Roads, Louisiana

The fun-lovin' folks on False River greet

spring with this annual antique car and motorcycle show that attracts upwards of three hundred vehicles amid a day of food, music, arts & crafts, children's activities, and plenty of spring festivities. The car show is open to all categories of cars, trucks, and motorcycles, with top-fifty awards, mayor's choice, and sponsors' awards all up for grabs. Registration starts at 7 am in downtown New Roads. Day-of registration $40, early registration $30. newroadscarshow.com. k

MAR 11th

LIVE MUSIC

THE DEW DROP JAZZ HALL SPRING CONCERTS Mandeville, Louisiana

The historic Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall, the venerable century-plus-old rural jazz venue, will host special Saturday concerts throughout the Spring. This month, see the New Orleans Jazz Vipers. It's a genial, casual, lakeside night out. 6:30 pm–9 pm; all on the 400 block of Lamarque Street. $10, souvenirs and beverages available for purchase, plus home-cooked meals available from next door. dewdropjazzhall.com. k

MAR 11th

GOOD EATS

NOT YOUR MAMA'S GUMBO COOK-OFF

Abita Springs, Louisiana

Nothing brings the people together like an old-fashioned gumbo cook-off. Head out to the Abita Springs Trailhead this weekend, and get lined up as early as 10:30 am. $10 gets you a wristband and a say-so in the People's Choice Awards. Besides the gallons of gumbo, attendees will also enjoy side items and beverages (adult and otherwise) provided for sale by local vendors. All proceeds will go towards city beautification projects, glass recycling, litter cleanups, and educational programs. louisiananorthshore.com. k

MAR 11th

HISTORY & COMMUNITY

FRIENDS OF OAKLEY ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING-PICNIC

Saint Francisville, Louisiana

Learn more about Audubon State Historic Site and Audubon's time there at the Friends of Oakley's Annual Membership Meeting-Picnic. Those who attend the meeting will meet the Board members and enjoy fried catfish, wine and craft beer, desserts, and more. Prior to the meeting, tours will be offered from 10 am–4 pm. At 1 pm and 3 pm, Darlene Reaves will

present in the Museum about Audubon's paintings and his remarks about them. Admission from 9 am–4 pm is $10 per adult; $8 for senior citizens (sixty-two and older); $5 for students; free for children (three and younger). The membership meeting at 4 pm is free, however, the Friends group encourages all attendees to become members of the Friends of Oakley. audubonstatehistoricsite.wordpress.com. k

MAR 11th

GOOD EATS

BATTLE FOR THE PADDLE

GUMBO COOK-OFF

Madisonville, Louisiana

The pots are big and the competition is fierce—come out for the annual Madisonville Gumbo Cook-Off on the Tchefuncte this weekend, where teams will compete for the title of "Best Gumbo" in the land. 11 am–2 pm. $10 in advance, $15 at the gate gets you access to all the gumbos, and the power to vote for your favorite. $25 to enter as a team. madisonvillechamber.org. k

MAR 11th - MAR 12th

SHOPPING EXCURSIONS

MARKET ON THE HILL

Ethel, Louisiana

Spend a weekend at the wondrous Barn Hill Preserve, home to kangaroos, giraffes,

sloths, and more. The activities kick off on Saturday morning, when attendees can expects a vintage-inspired outdoor market featuring antiques, handmade treasures, home decor, boutique clothing, and more––all against a backdrop of live music and food. Other exciting activities include a kangaroo walk, interactive animal shows, inflatables, and gem mining (for a fee). $15 for a two-day pass; $10 for a oneday pass. Children twelve and younger free. eventbrite.com. k

MAR 11th - MAR 18th

PLEIN DEALINGS

SHADOWS-ON-THE-TECHE

PLEIN AIR COMPETITION

New Iberia, Louisiana

"Plein air" describes the technique of creating art in the open air—Weeks Hall, the last owner of National Historic Landmark-listed Shadows-On-the-Teche, was a practicing artist who painted en plein air as well as many other styles. A few years ago, Shadows honored the artistic tradition that Hall began by establishing a plein air art competition, which returns to the historic house's grounds this month. On March 11, dozens of well-known artists from across Louisiana and the South will come to town to have their blank canvases marked, then will head out into New Iberia and its urroundings to ply their pastels and work their watercolors. On March 17, artists will return finished work to the Shadows where it will be judged by Tennessee plein air artist Dawn Whitelaw. Artists' work will be exhibited and available for sale in the Shadows Visitor Center beginning on March 17, when the competition winners will be announced. The ceremony, reception, and sale are all free to attend. Other events available to the public include a three-day watercolor workshop for plein air painting by Whitelaw, held at The Bazus from March 18–20. (10 am–5 pm. $495.) There will be the annual Plein Air Quick Draw on March 11 (4 pm–6 pm) in Downtown Lafayette, the Paint Out on March 17 (9 am–1 pm) at the Shadows Visitor Center, and demos by Whitelaw held on March 14 at 1 pm at the Hilliard Art Museum and March 16 at 2 pm at the Shadows. shadowsontheteche.org. k

MAR 11th - MAR 25th

KID STUFF CHILDREN'S BOOKS AND MUSIC SERIES

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Join local organization Kids' Orchestra in this experiential program that draws together literacy with music-making. Each month, children ages five to eleven will explore different themes from books at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library while learning about instruments, singing songs, dancing, and playing games. In March,

it's all about the Louisiana musician Trombone Shorty. Listen to the sounds of the trombone, learn how to dance a second line, and sing "When the Saints Go Marching In" while celebrating Louisiana culture. March 11 at 11 am at the Main Library and March 25 at 2 pm at the Jones Creek Regional Branch. Free. Registration is required at ebrpl.com. k

MAR 11th - APR 1st

ST. PADDY'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN NEW ORLEANS AND ST. BERNARD

New Orleans, Louisiana

March 11

Parasol's Block Party Celebration: Expect music, green beer, food, and surprises in the midst of a block party atmosphere. 10 am–8 pm.

Tracy's St. Paddy's Day Party: This annual celebration in the Irish Channel features a block party and plenty of green beer. 2604 Magazine Street. 11 am ‘til.

Irish Channel Parade: Get your green on, and head to the Irish Channel where the Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Club will hold its Annual Mass and Parade celebration. Mass is at noon at St. Mary's Assumption Church (corner of Constance and Josephine streets) followed by the parade (corner of Felicity and Magazine) at 1 pm.

March 12

St. Patrick's Day Parade on Metairie Road: This annual parade begins in front of Rummel High School on Severn Avenue, goes down Severn to Metairie Road, then Metairie Road to the parish line. Noon.

March 17

Irish Channel Block Party: St. Patrick’s Day isn’t official without partying in the streets of New Orleans. Expect free music and entertainment, with food and beverages available for purchase at Annunciation Park. 1 pm.

Downtown Irish Club Parade: Catch this popular parade as it rolls from the corner of Burgundy and Piety in the Bywater, proceeds up Royal across Esplanade to Decatur, then up Canal to Bourbon—with several pit stops. 7 pm.

March 19

Louisiana Irish-Italian Parade: This parade will roll at noon on the traditional Veterans Highway route in Metairie.

March 25

Italian-American St. Joseph's Parade: The Italian American Club celebrates with a parade through the French Quarter. It starts at the intersection of Convention Center Boulevard and Girod Street, with floats, marching bands, and a whole lot of guys dressed in tuxedos. 6 pm.

April 1

St. Bernard Irish-Italian Isleños Parade: St. Bernard Irish Italian Isleños

Events

Beginning March 12th - March 17th

Community Parade & Marching Club will celebrate in "da parish" along Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette and Arabi. Forty-three floats bring 300,000 pounds of produce. 11 am. stpatricksdayneworleans.com. k

MAR

12 th

ST. PADDY'S SLIDELL ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

Slidell, Louisiana

Olde Towne Slidell goes green with its almost fifty-year-old St. Patrick's Day Parade. Throws include thousands of cabbages, onions, potatoes and carrots to make Irish stew. Plus ramen, fruits, beads, and toys. Noon. Follows traditional Slidell parade route, setting out from City Hall at 1 pm. Visit the Olde Towne Slidell Facebook Page for upto-date details. k

MAR 13th

GREEN THUMBS

SEED AND PLANT SWAP

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

It's not too late to plant that spring garden you've been daydreaming of, especially

with a jumpstart from the community at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library's Seed and Plant Swap. Share and trade heirloom seeds and trimmings, or pick up a free packet of seeds, even if you don't have any to share. Just label your seeds and plant cuttings before arrival, and please leave any invasive or noxious seeds at home. 4 pm–5:30 pm at the Greenwell Springs Regional Branch Library. ebrpl.com. k

MAR 13th - MAR 28th

PAGE TURNERS

AUTHOR TALK SERIES AT THE EBR PARISH LIBRARIES

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is carrying on its Author Talk virtual series into 2023, connecting bestselling authors with their readers through interactive, live online Q&A sessions. This month, featured authors are David Epstein, author of Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World (March 13 at noon); celebrity chef Jernard Wells, author of Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Yours (March 21 at 3 pm); and NYT Bestselling Author Pam

Jenoff, whose latest book is a historical fiction work called Code Name Sapphire (March 28 at 6 pm). libraryc.org/ebrpl. k

MAR 14th

KNOWING NATURE

NATURE WALK WITH ACADIANA NATIVE PLANT PROJECT

Lafayette, Louisiana

Join volunteers from the Acadiana Native Plant Project for a casually informative stroll through the park, while the experts point out native flora as well as non-native and invasive species. 5:30 pm–6:30 pm. Free. moncuspark.org. greauxnative.org. Learn more about the Acadiana Native Plant Project on page 52. k

MAR 14th

CONCERTS AN EVENING WITH JENS KORNDÖRFER AT THNOC

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Aeolian Company of New York was renowned in the twentieth century for producing finely-made player organs, that allowed the most opulent of homes to have recorded music well before phonographs and radios were household items. Very few of these organs remain today, let alone in their original locations—and the Historic New Orleans Collection owns

one that remains at 520 Royal Street, in the very building tobacco magnate William Ratcliffe left it in when he passed away in 1926. Now, it has undergone a full restoration by the Holtkamp Organ Company, and will be played for an intimate audience in concert by renowned organist Jens Korndörfer. All proceeds from the evening will go toward the preservation and maintenance of THNOC's Aeolian organ. 6 pm. $100. my.hnoc.org. k

MAR 15th

PAGE TURNERS

AUTHOR TALK:

LOUISIANA'S JAZZ AGE

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Meet Sam Irwin, author of the new book Hidden History of Louisiana's Jazz Age, at a special presentation at the Main Branch Library in Baton Rouge, part of the library's Baton Rouge Room Series. Irwin's research has drawn him to stories of jazz musicians across Louisiana, from Crowley to New Orleans, and lesser-known details about icons like Louis Armstrong. 6 pm. Free. ebrpl.com. k

MAR 15th - MAR 25th

LIVE MUSIC MARCH AT YES WE CANNIBAL

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The following live music events are

happening this month at the innovative, arts-forward, anti-profit group Yes We Cannibal's Government Street space.

March 15: Paisley Fields with Cody Riker

March 16: Daikaiju attacks! with special guest

March 17: Odom and Kunkel with Alex V. Cook

March 22: Tatsuya Nakatani

March 25: Guts Club and D Sablu

Doors at 8 pm, music at 8:30 pm. Free, but donations to support touring artists are strongly encouraged. yeswecannibal.org. k

MAR 15th - APR 2nd

GREEN THUMBS

MONCUS PARK GARDEN TALKS WITH MASTER GARDENERS

Lafayette, Louisiana

Head to Moncus Park in Lafayette to meet up with a local Master Gardener for this monthly series. This spring's topics will range from composting to basic garden bed design. 1 pm–2 pm. Free. moncuspark.org. k

MAR 16th

INTERNATIONAL DANCE

FIRE OF GEORGIA FOLK DANCE PERFORMANCE AT JPAC

Metairie, Louisiana

For the first time, the Royal National Dance Company of the Georgian State is touring the United States with their unique

blend of traditional folk dance and modern choreography. See Fire of Georgia for one night only at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $33 at jeffersonpac.com. k

MAR 16th - APR 2nd

MUSICALS

KISS ME, KATE AT IPAL

New Iberia, Louisiana

In this Iberia Performing Arts League show, a cast and crew prepare for their musical rendition of The Taming of the Shrew, and delicious drama ensues. The director and the star are exes. Lois Lane is playing Bianca, and her boyfriend is a gambler dabbling with gangsters. And that's not the end of it. 7:30 pm Thursday–Saturday; 2 pm Sunday. $20. ipaltheater.com. k

MAR 17th

ST. PADDY'S PATTY IN THE PARC

Lafayette, Louisiana

One of the biggest Saint Patrick's Day parties in South Louisiana—Patty in the Parc returns to downtown Lafayette featuring Jamie Bergeron, Rouge Krewe, DJ Digital, and the Ying Yang Twins. Gates open at 5:30 pm. $20. Visit Patty in the Parc's Facebook Page for tickets. k

MAR 17th

FUN-DRAISERS

MARITIME MUSEUM LOUISIANA DRAW DOWN

Madisonville, Louisiana

Support the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum with an Irish-themed dinner, lucky cocktails, and a chance to win the $5,000 raffle. There will be a silent auction and live music. $100 per couple. Irish attire encouraged. maritimemuseumlouisiana.org. k

MAR 17th

JUKE JOINTIN' HISTORICAL HAPPY HOUR: LAZARRO NETTLES

Port Allen, Louisiana

For its Historical Happy Hour series this month, the West Baton Rouge Museum is presenting a blend of jazz, soul, R&B, and Blues by saxophonist Lazarro Nettles and Friends on the side of the Juke Joint on the porch stage. 6 pm–8 pm. Free. westbatonrougemuseum.org. k

MAR 17th - MAR 18th CONCERTS

THE KING AND THE PRINCE TRIBUTE SHOWS

Natchez, Mississippi

The greatest hits from the "King of Pop" Michael Jackson and also-legendary

Prince will come to Natchez City Auditorium when tribute performer Bobby Miller brings his act to Mississippi, presented by Locust Alley. Catch the MJ set on March 17 and the Prince set on March 18, both at 7 pm. $10–$29, with VIP tables available. bontempstix.com. k

MAR 17 th - MAR 18 th

ST. PADDY'S CELTIC BAYOU FESTIVAL

Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette's annual St. Patrick's Day Festival returns, bringing the very best in traditional Celtic music and entertainment. Downtown will be seeing green with cultural events including an Irish Whiskey Tasting, a Guinness Cook-off, a Pub Crawl, a Bailey's bake-off, a children's area, and more. All of this happening against a background of Acadian & Celtic medleys sparking inner urges to kick up your feet. Schedule and ticket prices can be found at celticbayoufest.com. k

MAR 17th - MAR 19th

SPRING FESTIVALS

AMITE OYSTER FESTIVAL

Amite, Louisiana

A staple of the local economy as well as the local palate, oysters have good reason to

ready for surf, sand and sunrises in Port Arthur. Drive on over to Texas’ upper Gulf Coast for a family vacation overflowing with Springtime fun. From sports and music hall of fames at the Museum of the Gulf Coast to overnight camping and paddling one of three rated trails at Sea Rim State Park to fishing and beach combing at McFaddin Beach, and even filling up on the best Cajun seafood in

Events

Beginning March 17th - March 18th

be celebrated in Amite. The festivities start to open up this March with the annual Chili Cook-Off and live music (Austin Stafford Band, Parish County Line, and Trey Morgan) on Friday, followed by a full day of oyster-eating and two-stepping, featuring performances by Clifton Brown & the Rusty Bucket Band, Yea You Right, Will Vance, the Chee Weez, 5th Wheel Band, and Geauxphonics. Sunday, get started with the Oyster Day 5K, a service by Cornerstone Church, and performances by Band of Jones, Dominos, and Lake Raegan. Carnival rides, local food and drink, and parading and pageantry galore—not to mention a healthy (or maybe not so healthy) portion of fresh oysters, all in Downtown Amite. amiteoysterfestival.com. k

MAR 17th - MAR 26th

MUSICALS ROCK OF AGES AT THEATRE BATON ROUGE

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Stay away from standing water—this night's gonna be electric! Rock 'n' roll never dies, and taking the stage to prove it is Theatre Baton Rouge presenting this larger-than-life story and cast of characters. Whether you rocked through the '80s yourself or are just rediscovering the iconic hits, Rock of Ages is a high-energy, rollicking romp through '80s Hollywood, hitting its high notes, its low notes, and even its screaming falsetto notes you can only seem to reach singing alone in the shower. Dynamic performances and fun renditions of power rock favorites by Styx, Poison, Whitesnake, Twisted Sister, and more, are sure to strike a chord. 7:30 pm Thursday–Saturdays; 2 pm Sundays. $25; $15 for students and children seventeen and younger. theatrebr.org. k

MAR 17th - AUG 31st

LOCAL ART

BIRDS BEING BIRDS AT BACKWOODS GALLERY

Saint Francisville, Louisiana

Louisiana artist Lana Toniolo's love of the performing arts is evident in her emotive watercolor paintings—even in her series Birds Being Birds, where she explores the ways Louisiana's native birds perform in their habitats. These vibrant works are on display at Joe Savell's Backwoods Gallery in St. Francisville through summer of 2023, with an artist reception including wine and hors doeuvres on March 17 from 5 pm–7 pm. For more information, call Joe Savell at (225) 721-1736. k

MAR 18th

LOOK UP BIRDING AT BURDEN

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

At LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden alone, over 320 species of birds have been recorded—from the meager mockingbird to the wondrous woodpecker. Once a month, Burden invites the bird-experts and bird-curious alike to participate in two-hour guided bird walks, led in March by birder and sometimes Country Roads contributor Harriet Pooler. 7 am–9 am. $10. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, a cell phone, birding apps and/or Field Guides, sunscreen, insect repellant, appropriate outdoor footwear, weatherappropriate clothing, and water. lsu.edu/botanic-gardens. k

MAR 18th

ST. PADDY'S WEARIN' OF THE GREEN PARADE

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Whether it's blue skies or pounding rain, this wildly popular Baton Rouge tradition will roll through the Hundred Oaks neighborhood and Perkins Road overpass area, spreading green goodwill to the thousands who come out in support of the Irish holiday. Come early to claim a spot on the route; parade begins at 10 am on the corner of Hundred Oaks and Acadian. wearinofthegreen.com. k

MAR 18 th

ST. PADDY'S BEAUVOIR PARK'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY THROWDOWN

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

A family and dog-friendly, B.Y.O.B. bash following the parades, featuring live music from The Southside Roosters and Levee Road Revue. Doors at 11 am, music noonish. $20 at bontempstix.com. k

MAR 18 th

LOCAL MUSIC

ABITA SPRINGS OPRY

Abita Springs, Louisiana

The Abita Springs Opry is devoted to preserving Louisiana's indigenous music in all its guises. Arrive early (around 5 pm-ish) and join the folks who've made a ritual of enjoying gumbo, hot dogs, and homemade pastries, not to mention the pre-show sound checks and front porch concerts. It all adds up

A Special Advertising Feature from Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

Meet the CEO

Fusing high-level research and technology with community-centered care, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is attracting and retaining the best and brightest, starting with its CEO.

Behind every life-changing cancer diagnosis are men and women who have dedicated their lives to helping patients become survivors. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s recently appointed President and CEO Jonas Fontenot, PhD, MBA, is one.

Transitioning to the cancer center’s top job in January, Fontenot has spent his 15year career at Mary Bird Perkins connecting advancements in treatment to patients in communities throughout southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi. In fact, the opportunity to combine nationally-funded research and technology with community care is what has kept Fontenot at Mary Bird Perkins, even as other opportunities presented themselves.

“Years ago, I didn’t imagine that I’d end up working and remaining here, but that’s exactly what happened,” said Fontenot. “Mary Bird Perkins is just a really unique place with high expectations and truly gratifying professional opportunities.”

Mary Bird Perkins’ excellence in technology is what first drew Fontenot to the Cancer Center in 2008. After completing a PhD in medical physics at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, he was won over by the Baton Rouge-based cancer center’s burgeoning medical physics program, which he would go on to lead. The program supports important research and, in a partnership with LSU, trains medical physicists to provide best in class radiation therapy, making sure treatments target cancer cells with minimal damage to healthy tissue. It’s a key research issue not just for saving lives but for ensuring survivors maintain quality of life.

“Technology is what originally attracted me,” said Fontenot. “But what I have come to appreciate is that the technology coupled with our excellent treatment programs continue to exist because of the passion for this organization throughout the community.”

Fontenot’s career trajectory at Mary Bird Perkins saw him rise to the Dr. Charles M. Smith chief of physics and chief operating officer, (earning an MBA along the way), before moving into the president and CEO role in January, succeeding longtime President and CEO Todd Stevens. Fontenot says Mary Bird Perkins’ weighty opportunities and distinctive sense of place made him say yes to the planned succession, at one point even turning down a high-level position at an NCI-designated cancer center. *

“It’s extremely rare in the world of cancer centers to have that blend of an academictype practice in a community setting like we do at Mary Bird Perkins,” Fontenot says. “It allows you to quickly translate the things you’re discovering and developing on the research side into a clinical practice in a way that you can better serve patients, caregivers and physicians.”

More and more, Mary Bird Perkins is attracting researchers and physicians from around the country, including NCI-designated cancer centers.

Fontenot says another enticement for remaining in Baton Rouge has been his Louisiana roots. He grew up in Acadia Parish, and his wife is a Houma native. A motivating factor in convincing them to come to Mary Bird Perkins from MD Anderson was the promise of being closer to family.

Since then, Fontenot says Baton Rouge’s powerful sense of community, its warmth and its generosity make it a terrific place to live and work. The city’s enthusiastic support of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is demonstrated daily in its ability to bring the best possible care to its patients and their families.

“Everyone knows someone who has been on the cancer journey, and it really means something to them to have quality care close to home,” Fontenot says. “The decades-long passion for this organization is helping us create world-class opportunities that are attracting researchers and clinicians from around the country. People believe in what we’re doing.”

*The NCI Cancer Centers Program recognizes centers around the country that meet rigorous standards for transdisciplinary research focused on developing new and better approaches to preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. To learn more visit www.cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers.

marybird.org

Jonas, Shelly, Stella and Finn Fontenot

Events

Beginning March 18th - March 20th

to the good ol' family atmosphere that the Opry strives for. The lineup for March includes performances by Steve Anderson Group, Keenan Knight and Trent Grabert, Julio and Caesar, and Sunpie Barnes and the Louisiana Sunspots. 7 pm–9 pm. $20. abitaopry.org. k

MAR 18th

SILVER SCREEN

CANE RIVER FILM FESTIVAL

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Produced by the Resurrection Fern Foundation, the Cane River Film Festival brings Louisiana stories to a worldwide audience through its annual exhibition of locally-made films. At Parkway Cinema 6, the day will include several screenings, Q&As, panel discussions, and an awards ceremony at the end. Free. 11 am–4 pm. caneriverfilmfestival.com. k

MAR 18th

THRIFTY BUSINESS

EXIT 11 YARD SALE

Grand Coteau, Louisiana

This shopping experience runs through the historic towns of Grand Coteau and

Sunset, where residents and visitors are invited to set up tables to sell anything from crafts, antiques and furniture, jewelry, glassware, and one-of-a-kind items. Some shops will feature special sales or one-day discounts. 7 am–4 pm, along MLK Drive in Grand Coteau and Napoleon Avenue in Sunset, off of Exit 11. Free admission. (337) 948-8004. k

MAR 18th - MAR 19th

GOOD EATS

CAJUN PRAIRIE SOCIETY BOUCHERIE

Grand Coteau, Louisiana

Take part in, and enjoy the fruits of, a Louisiana cultural practice of community, la boucherie—and all for an important cause. A fundraiser for the Cajun Prairie Society and a documentary under production on the subject of preserving the Cajun Prairie, this event will invite the public to join in on the entire process, from harvest to cooking, of an authentic butchering event—granting participants a deeper understanding for the sacrifices of farmers and their livestock in the act of nourishment. For the queasier supporter,

there is also the option to just join in on Sunday for the culinary activities, joined by live music and camaraderie and finished in a grand finale by a feast of boudin, gratons, fraisseurs, saucisse de voile, backbone fricasse, head cheese, tasso, chaudin, panse, and saucisse de graisse. No piece of the pig will be wasted. 9 am–1 pm each day. $50 per day. Tent camping available. Tickets at eventbrite.com. Learn more about the Cajun Prairie Society on page 47. k

MAR 18th - MAR 19th

ANTIQUES GLASS AND VINTAGE COLLECTIBLES SHOW & SALE

Kenner, Louisiana

The Crescent City Depression Glass Society invites all, particularly antique and Depression Glass enthusiasts, to its 47th Annual Glass and Vintage Collectibles Show & Sale at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. Two dozen vendors from across the country will be present selling and showcasing Depression Glass & Kitchenware, jewelry, linens, and much more. A silent auction will be held each day of the show with a grand prize, and prizes will be awarded to the first twenty-five attendees each day. 10 am–5 pm Saturday, 11 am– 4 pm Sunday. $10 admission is good for both days. crescentcityglass.org. k

MAR 18th - APR 2nd

MYTHOLOGY ON STAGE ESCAPING THE LABYRINTH AT PLAYMAKERS COMMUNITY THEATER

Covington, Louisiana

A romantic comedy of divine quality— Playmakers Theater of Covington's latest production, Escaping the Labyrinth, follows American classics graduate student Bud Schliemann on a lifelong odyssey encountering the Greek deities, and seeking the elusive goddess Artemis, who he falls in love with. See the show Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm. $15–$20 at bontempstix.com. k

MAR 19th

FUN-DRAISERS

CHEF SOIRÉE

Covington, Louisiana

Chef Soirée is the annual fundraising gala for the St. Tammany Youth Service Bureau, an organization that provides advocacy, counseling, education, and intervention for at-risk youth and their families. Dozens of Northshore food and beverage establishments will dish out their specialties while live bands spin the crowd around and around, all against the gorgeous outdoor backdrop of Bogue Falaya Park. Plus a $25 raffle ticket buys a chance to win a 2023 Bronco Sport or Ford Mustang,

MAR 19th

PAGE TURNERS

ONE BOOK ONE COMMUNITY

KICKOFF PARTY

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

It's that time of year again! Hunker down with your fellow Baton Rougeans and dig

into the East Baton Rouge Library's literary selection of the year for its annual One Book One Community initiative, this year featuring musician Chris Thomas King's book The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of My Music and Culture. Over the course of the next six weeks' programming, the library will explore the subject of blues music, especially blues music coming out of Baton Rouge, and how it interacts with songwriting, poetry, Black history, and

more. It all begins with a kick-off party at plaza at the Main Library, which will feature live music from the Michael Foster Project, a special appearance by author Chris Thomas King, locally-catered food, crafts, games, and engagement with community organizations. 4 pm–6 pm. Free. Find a complete list of parish-wide events at ebrpl. com or readonebook.org.

Read more about this year's selection

Chris Thomas King's The Blues on

19 th

MUSICAL MEALS

SUNNY SIDE JAZZ BRUNCH

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Support the Acadiana Center for the Arts with a sunny New Orleansstyle jazz brunch a-la Commander's Palace or Brennan's, accompanied by bass-baritone André Courville at the beautiful private home of Kip and Carolyn Schumacher. 11 am–3 pm. acadianacenterforthearts.org. k

MAR 19th - MAR 24th

CONCERTS

RED DRAGON SONGWRITERS' SERIES FOR MARCH

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Catch these powerhouses at the Manship

Theatre as the latest in the popular Red Dragon Songwriter Series:

March 19: Marcia Ball

March 24: Joshua Ray Walker 7:30 pm. $69.95–$99.95. manshiptheatre.org. k

MAR 20th - MAR 26th

CULTURAL HERITAGE

DEWEY BALFA CAJUN & CREOLE HERITAGE WEEK

Eunice, Louisiana

Learn first-hand from masters of Cajun and Creole music, dance, cuisine, and culture in a very Louisiana setting— Lakeview Park & Beach in Eunice. The Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week (also known as "Balfa Week"), put on by the Louisiana Folk Roots organization, is a true cultural immersion experience that includes workshops, jam sessions, featured artist presentations, and evening dances featuring some of the state's finest Cajun and Creole/zydeco bands. Workshops in accordion, fiddle, guitar, Cajun and Creole vocals, local dance, and Louisiana foodways are on offer, with an instructor roster that features many Louisiana artists. Find all the details, including up-to-date schedule information, at lafolkroots.org. k

Cajun music legend Dewey Balfa's daughter, Grammy-nominated musician Christine Balfa Powell, plays fiddle during Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week in 2008. Photo by David Simpson.

among other prizes. $145. 5 pm–9 pm. chefsoiree.com. k

Events

Beginning March 21st - March 24th

MAR 21st

CONCERTS

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER’S SONGS WE LOVE AT THE MANSHIP

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge’s River City Jazz Masters is bringing Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “Songs We Love” to the Manship Theatre. Trumpeter Riley Mulherkar will direct vocalists to bring jazz classics from the 1920s through the 1950s to life. 7:30 pm. $25–$45 at manshiptheatre.org. k

MAR 21 st - JUL 15 th

LOCAL ART ENTANGLEMENT AT THE HILLIARD

Lafayette, Louisiana

In her new exhibition Entanglement on display at the Hilliard Art Museum, Kaylee Appleton utilizes drawing, sculpture, and photography, often melding the mediums together to explore the complex relationship of our landscapes and society. hilliardmuseum.org. k

MAR 22nd

COASTAL CONVERSATIONS

WITNESS TO CHANGE: THE WATER KNIFE

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses and the Gallier Gatherings Lecture Series are continuing the LEH Currents series Witness to Change: Community Conversations of Coastal Impacts into 2023. March's lecture will be presented by environmental humanities scholar Dr. Christopher Schaberg about Paolo Bacigalupi’s 2015 book The Water Knife. Registration is free and includes a copy of the book. Space and books are capped at twenty. hgghh.org. k

MAR 22nd - MAR 25th

CHEERS NEW ORLEANS BOURBON FESTIVAL

New Orleans, Louisiana

The New Orleans Bourbon Festival (that's the drink, not the street) brings food, spirit, and culture to the Contemporary Arts Center and participating restaurants. Events include bourbon seminars,

dinners, tastings, tours, live music, and beyond—all celebrating brands like Coopers’ Craft, Four Roses, Jack Daniels, Old Forester, Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and more. Proceeds from the tickets go toward Kids Can NOLA, a nonprofit organization that benefits the welfare of local children. Single-day, food-only tickets start at $79, two-day tickets start at $159. neworleansbourbonfestival.com. k

MAR 22 nd - MAR 26 th

PAGE TURNERS

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS AND NEW ORLEANS

LITERARY FESTIVAL

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival returns to the French Quarter in celebration of the city's astonishing literary legacy. The five-day event will bring many speakers and performers together, and there will be writer's craft sessions, literary discussions, food, music, and so much more. Most events (far too numerous to detail here, but which range from master classes and walking tours to theatre, food, and musical offerings) will take place in the French Quarter. Ticket prices vary depending on the activities. tennesseewilliams.net. k

MAR 22nd - MAR 26th

FLORAL FESTIVITIES

ART IN BLOOM AT NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART

New Orleans, Louisiana

Each year, NOMA's Art in Bloom showcases spectacular floral designs created by garden clubs, floral designers, and creative talents from New Orleans and beyond. This year’s theme, "Paradise Under the Palms," showcases the vibrantly complex beauty of tropical flora. Besides taking in the glorious floral displays, attendees will hear insight from top designers, enjoy a spring luncheon and fashion show, and support NOMA as well as the Garden Club of New Orleans. Tickets start at $100 to attend the lectures. noma.org. k

MAR 23rd

GREEN THUMBS

ST. TAMMANY MASTER GARDENERS SPRING SEMINAR

Mandeville, Louisiana

The St. Tammany Master Gardeners Spring Seminar, themed "Spring into Color" will feature internationally renowned speakers, gardening tips, flowers and plants, foods, and experts. Guest speakers this year include: William Afton, Dr. Stacia Conger, Dr. Damon Abdi, Laura Hubbell,

and more. The seminar will also offer ongoing table talks by local and regional experts, a plant boutique with hand-selected premium plants. 8 am–noon at The Castine Center. $25. stmastergardener.org. k

MAR 23 rd - MAR 26 th

FLORAL FESTIVITIES FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS

Mobile, Alabama

For the thirtieth year, a beautiful floral display will encompass the Ascension Providence Hospital Campus for the Festival of Flowers. This year's festival will celebrate the Japanese-influenced gardens by Lead Designer Dale Speetjens of Shipshape UrbanFarms, taking guests through an immersive experience past Mount Fuji, through a bamboo forest, and beyond. The weekend, which has been recognized as a "Top 20 Event" by the Southeast Tourism Society, will also feature educational seminars and demonstration, a Garden Market with vendors from across the country, a Garden Café, and much more. Festival proceeds will be used to purchase a Jackson Spinal Table for Ascension Providence Hospital. $15 at the gate, $13 in advance. festivalofflowers.com. k

MAR 23 rd - APR 22 nd

PLEIN DEALINGS ELIZABETHAN GALLERY SPRING ART SHOW

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Just in time for the start of spring, the Elizabethan Gallery hosts the work of the Baton Rouge Plein Air Artists for its annual Spring Art Show. The Plein Air Artists set up easels and paint scenes throughout the Baton Rouge area, making for a display of artwork that brings the viewer on an artful odyssey through Louisiana's capital city. The show includes works by artists Sarah Biernette, Robin Cook, Kathy Daigle, David Gary, Gary Green, Dana Mosby, Stacey Rhodes, Lorraine Sauls, Marge Shanks, Sue Wang, Dee Dee Wilbert, and Madhuri Yadlapati. The gallery will hold a reception for the opening on March 23 from 4 pm–7 pm. Free. elizabethangallery.com. k

MAR 24 th

CONCERTS

BILLY VS. ELTON TRIBUTE

Metairie, Louisiana

See the most beloved originals by Elton John and Billy Joel performed by the acclaimed national touring act WCA Entertainment at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. 8 pm. Tickets start at $30 at jeffersonpac.com. k

MAR 24th

GREEN THUMBS

STRAWBERRY GROWING WORKSHOP

Hammond, Louisiana

Join LSU AgCenter horticulturists Michael Polozola and Sara Shields for a special workshop on how to grow strawberries. Each participant will leave with three strawberry plants to get them started. 8:30 am–noon. $15. Details at the LSU AgCenter Facebook Page. k

MAR 24th - MAR 25th

GREEN THUMBS

SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

GARDEN CONFERENCE & EXPO

Lake Charles, Louisiana

The annual Southwest Louisiana Garden Conference and Expo is to be held at the Burton Coliseum this year, and will feature gardening, flowers, trees, shrubs, garden accessories, books, demos, educational lectures, and general garden tools. Area, regional, and interstate exhibitors and vendors will be available to assist with plant and garden needs.

9 am–5 pm. $3; free for children twelve and younger. Details at the LSU AgCenter Facebook Page, k

MAR 24th - MAR 26th

PAGE TURNERS

THE SAINTS + SINNERS LGBTQ LITERARY FESTIVAL

New Orleans, Louisiana

Since 2003, Saints + Sinners LGBTQ Literary Festival has grown into an internationally-recognized event that brings together a who’s who of LGBTQ publishers, writers, and readers from throughout the United States and beyond. The Festival, usually held over three days each spring at the Hotel Monteleone in the New Orleans French Quarter, features panel discussions and master classes around literary topics that provide a forum for authors, editors, and publishers to talk about their work for the benefit of emerging writers and the enjoyment of fans of LGBTQ literature. $150. sasfest.org. k

MAR 24th - MAR 26th

OPERA

MADAME BUTTERFLY AT THE MAHALIA JACKSON

New Orleans, Louisiana

Say those words "Madame Butterfly" and most people think opera, and there’s a good reason for that. Madame Butterfly is the most popular opera in the repertoire, the most performed, and (for many people) the one opera non-opera goers want to see. New Orleans Opera is getting ready to test that theory when it presents Puccini’s most memorable opera at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. A young Japanese woman’s uncompromising

Events

Beginning March 24th - March 25th

love results in both her greatest joy and greatest sacrifice in this passion-filled drama. It's a chance to experience Puccini’s soaring melodies, beautiful choruses, and the lush orchestration that makes Madame Butterfly simultaneously romantic and heart wrenching. New Orleans Opera is going one step further, adapting the classic to tell the story from a female perspective, as well as from the viewpoint of those of Asian heritage living in a white European culture. 7:30 pm Friday at 2:30 pm Sunday. Tickets start at $32. neworleansopera.org. k

MAR 24th - MAR 31st

LAKESIDE LICKS

MANDEVILLE LIVE!

Mandeville, Louisiana

Mandeville has planned another stimulating fall season for its live music series, Mandeville Live! As usual, these concerts at the Mandeville Trailhead are free. Gates open at 6 pm for 6:30 pm performances. Coming up: March 24: Four Unplugged March 31: Little Freddie King Food and beverages will be available for purchase, so please leave all outside sustenance at home. cityofmandeville.com. k

MAR 25 th

FARM FESTS

AGMAGIC ON THE RIVER

Violet, Louisiana

Though much more visible in today's "eat-local" culture, experiences with agriculture outside of popular farmers market venues is relatively scarce among urbanites. City dwellers are rarely tuned in to the hard work that helps turn so much of our state's economy. From timber to crawfish, cattle ranching to soy and rice cultivation, our collective dependence on agriculture should not be underestimated. So what's the best form of education campaign, sure to bring out the young and old alike?

A big ol' party. That's what the LSU AgCenter will be hosting this weekend at Docville Farm in Violet. Visitors can tour seven portals that explore various facets of agriculture, from agronomic crops and insects to farm animals and good nutrition. Kids will have a chance to make rubbings of insects and leaf stamps, dig for worms and sweet potatoes, and make wildlife tracks in the sand. 10 am–2 pm. Free. lsuagcenter. com/agmagic. k

MAR 25th

KID STUFF

TWILIGHT EGGSTRAVAGANZA

EGG HUNT 2023

Mandeville, Louisiana

Mandeville's Pelican Park is hosting its annual Easter egg hunt as the sun goes down. Open to children twelve years old and younger, with age-specific hunts held every fifteen minutes starting at 5:45 pm. Bring flashlights. Free. pelicanpark.com. k

MAR 25th

GREEN THUMBS

MASTER GARDENERS

PLANT SALE

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Choose from over 5,000 plants—about 275 varieties—at the annual EBR

Master Gardeners Association plant sale. Selections include Louisiana Super Plants, succulents, flowers and hanging baskets, plus nectar and host plants for butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinators. Local master gardeners offer advice on plant selection and care and a plant health clinic, along with activities for children. The Plant Sale raises money to support the Master Gardeners' educational activities and the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens. No pets are allowed, but you can bring a wagon or garden cart to tote your haul. 8 am–2 pm. Free. lsu.edu/botanic-gardens. k

MAR 25th

ART PARTIES

ARTS EVENING AT OLDE TOWNE SLIDELL

Slidell, Louisiana

Join the City of Slidell for the return of the annual Arts Evening in Olde Towne Slidell. This event is one of the largest and most celebrated cultural festivals on the Northshore, an entertaining evening filled with art, food, live music, dancing, fine dining, and antique and boutique shopping. More than one hundred artists and art organizations will display their works at locations throughout Olde Towne, with live music and entertainment throughout. Whether it’s classic rock, R&B, jazz, or rock ’n’ roll, there’s something for every musical taste. In addition to visual and performing artists, patrons will enjoy fine and casual dining at participating restaurants and opportunities to shop for antiques, furnishings, and more in Olde Towne's boutiques. This year's featured exhibition will be staged at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. In order to provide easy access to participating Arts Evening locations,

Events

Beginning March 25th

the city’s shuttle and street car will run throughout Olde Towne from 4 pm–10 pm. Event runs from 4 pm–9 pm. Free. myslidell.com. k

MAR 25th

THRIFTY BUSINESS

ABITA SPRINGS WHOLE TOWN

GARAGE SALE & FLEA MARKET

Abita Springs, Louisiana

Each year in March, since 1994, hundreds of Abita Springs residents have had their garage sales on the same day. If you fancy snatching up a bargain in this small-town celebration, come by Saturday between 8 am and 3 pm and browse the booths that are set up on the streets. Free. louisiananorthshore.com. k

MAR 25 th

SPRING FESTIVALS

WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FESTIVAL

Washington, Louisiana

For decades, the whiskered fish was the guest of honor every year at the Washington Festival Grounds. Now,

members of the community are coming together to revitalize the spirit of the old Washington Catfish Festival into a bright and shiny Washington Community Festival, featuring many of the beloved activities and programming of the old fête, on Washington's Main Street. Expect blocks of vendors, live music, an antique car show, a Catfish Gravy Cook-Off, a silent auction, and a Kid's Korner with games for children of every age. 10 am–9 pm. Free. (337) 826-3626. k

MAR 25 th

LOCAL MUSIC

TUNICA HILLS MUSIC

FESTIVAL & JAM

Saint Francisville, Louisiana

Once again, the hills come alive for the annual Tunica Hills Music Festival and Jam. Two stages welcome Louisiana musicians for concerts, jam sessions, instruction, and celebration of the arts. Bring your blankets, chairs, coolers, and of course your instruments and settle in for a beautiful weekend. 10 am–10 pm. Free. stfrancisvillefestivals.com. k

MAR 25th

GOOD EATS

BAYOU TERREBONNE BOUCHERIE

Houma, Louisiana

It's a boucherie on the bayou, mes chers, with mounds of pork and a white bean cook-off to boot. The annual Bayou Terrebonne Boucherie promises more, too—a series of bayou-themed

competitions (or as we like to say, a Cajun Olympics) offers teams the chance to take home the prized Cajun Cup. Arts and crafts, activities for kids, and live music all day long from DJ Doug Funnie, DJ Rhette, Tyron Benoit Band, Bang Bang, Nonc Nu & Da Wild Matous, MJ Dardar Band, and Flesh Karnival. All at the Bayou Terrebonne Distillers in Downtown Houma. Proceeds will go towards quality

Sweet Things To Do

A comprehensive retrospective of Alabama painter Thornton Dial's works will be on display at the LSU Museum of Art. Image of Dial in McCalla, Alabama in 2007 by Jerry Siegel, courtesy of the LSU MOA. See listing on page 38.

of life projects in Terrebonne Parish, like the new Terrebonne Parish Paddle Trail (read more on page 8). Starts at 9 am. Free. Details at the Bayou Terrebonne Distillers Facebook Page. k

MAR 25th

BOTTOMS UP

BASIN BREW FESTIVAL

Morgan City, Louisiana

Morgan City raises a glass to the evergrowing craft beer scene with the Basin Brew Fest. Louisiana-based breweries will provide the suds, with tasting portions from a slew of local restaurants. The fest runs from 12:30 pm–4:30 pm on the 700 block of Front Street and Greenwood Street (in the event of rain, the fest will move under the Highway 90 Bridge between the streets), with VIP entry beginning at 11 am. This year also brings a restaurant crawl under the HWY 90 overpass. $40; $60 VIP; $5 designated driver ticket. basinbrewfestmc.com. k

MAR 25th

CULTURAL FESTIVALS

LAFAYETTE HOLI FEST

Lafayette, Louisiana

Celebrate the beginning of spring with the Acadiana Indian Association this year in this vibrant festival of culture and color. The traditional Hindu festival brings together music and carefree fun for a day of friendship and celebration, held in Girard Park each year. Indian dance and music performances will set the backdrop for the festival, as well as an array of delicious Indian dishes available for purchase. 11 am–4 pm. Free. lafayetteholi.org. k

MAR 25th

FULL STEAM AHEAD

SOUNDS OF SCIENCE SERIES

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

A collaboration between the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, the LSU School of Music, the LSU Department of Astronomy and Physics, and the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication brings us the Sounds of Science series. This month, engage in activities for children and adults, including the LaSPACE/MARS Truck, storytimes, and Interactive Music Making. At 7 pm, there will be a panel discussion and musical performance in the large meeting room. 1 pm. Free. ebrpl.com. k

MAR 25th

FUN RUNS

SHAMROCK SPRINT

5K & 1 MILE FUN RUN

Covington, Louisiana

Kelly Kicking Cancer invites all to join in on their annual fundraising event, the Shamrock Sprint 5K and Fun Run, which

takes runners from the Trailhead through downtown Covington. Registration starts at 7 am; Fun Run starts at 8 am; 5K starts at 8:30 am. Proceeds will go towards brain cancer research through the Kelly Kicking Cancer foundation. $35 to run; $20 for a Party Pass, granting access to the live music and local eats afterwards. kellykickingcancer.org. k

MAR 25th

FUN-DRAISERS

TACKY PROM

Clinton, Louisiana

Get out your wildest nostalgic attire for this special fundraising event hosted by Barnhill Preserve at the American Legion. Must be twenty-one or older to attend. Admission includes dinner; BYOB. 8 pm–midnight. $40; $400 for a table of eight. All proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. eventbrite.com. k

MAR 25th

FISHY FUN FISHSTOCK

Belle Chasse, Louisiana

Biologist/artist Brandon Ballengée of Studio in the Woods and the Plaquemines Parish Government are joining forces to host Fishstock, a new festival with the intent of furthering the mission of Ghosts of the Gulf—Ballengée and the Parish's collaborative project that sets out to explore fish species that have gone missing from the Gulf of Mexico. The festival aims to bring together local coastal communities for music, food, and educational, handson art and science activities. 11 am–4 pm at 499 F Edward Hebert Blvd. in Belle Chasse. Free. astudiointhewoods.org. k

MAR 25th

RIDE LIKE THE WIND

TOUR DE LIS 2023

Mandeville, Louisiana

The purpose of this fun, non-competitive ride (and hike!) through Fontainebleau State Park is to raise money and awareness for the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans. Choose your own mileage: ten, twenty-five, forty, or sixty-two. Race begins at 8 am. $75 to race; $25 for spectators. tourdelisla.org. k

MAR 25th

PAGE TURNERS

OLD STATE CAPITOL BOOK CLUB

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Head to the Old State Capitol for this discussion of the book Breaking Barriers: A View from the Bench by Judge Freddie Pitcher, who was the first African American to be elected to three separate judiciary levels in Baton

Events

Beginning March 25th - March 26th

Rouge. Judge Pitcher will be present to discuss the book, sign copies, and answer questions. 1 pm–3 pm. Free. Register at louisianaoldstatecapitol.org. k

MAR 25th - MAR 26th

SPRING FESTIVALS SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL AT DESTREHAN Destrehan, Louisiana

Destrehan Plantation has partnered with the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Master Gardeners to present a showcase of local plant nurseries and vendors, focusing on porch, patio, yard, and garden. Attendees can take advantage of educational seminars and exhibits and opportunities to interact with and support local business owners in the gardening sphere. Children will be kept busy at the activity tent, with various arts and crafts, beekeeping demos, gardening demos, and an appearance from the Easter Bunny. An egg hunt will take place at 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be live musical entertainment from Louis Pettinelli Jazz Quintet and the Nola Dukes. 9 am–4 pm each day. $5 admission; free for children younger than six. destrehanplantation.org k

MAR 25th - MAR 26th GOOD EATS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CRAWFISH ETOUFFÉE COOK-OFF Eunice, Louisiana

The étouffée extravaganza has Eunice simmerin' again this year with crawfish and good times galore. And though we're pretty sure places like Germany, Thailand, or Chile aren't competing in the cook-off, we like the sound of world championship, too. Catch the Cook-Off Kick-Off Cajun Dance on Saturday night at Lakeview Park & Beach (8 pm–midnight), then come back to the Northwest Pavilion on Sunday for the main event. While live Cajun and zydeco music play in the background, get to tasting—such a concentration of crawfish étouffée this delicious is not something you see every day. And don't miss the arts and crafts vendors, petting zoo, pony rides, fun jumps and more. Enjoy live music by Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Jason Frey & Lagniappe, the Burke Riley Quintet, and Sound Man Gregory LeJeune while chowing down from 10 am–3:30 pm, when the winners will be announced. Free. etouffeecookoff.org. k

MAR 25th - MAR 26th

SPRING FESTIVALS

CONGO SQUARE RHYTHMS

FESTIVAL & TREMÉ CREOLE

GUMBO FESTIVAL

New Orleans, Louisiana

Considered by some to be the birthplace of New Orleans music, historic Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park will once again host two of the city's most vibrant festivals—the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival and the Congo Square Rhythms Festival. For two days, attendees can immerse themselves in mesmerizing musical performances from the world over, playing alongside some of the Crescent City's most beloved bands—while enjoying plenty of delicious gumbos. An arts market will round out the agenda. Free parking at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre. jazzandheritage.org. k

MAR 25th - MAR 26th

SHOPPING EXCURSIONS

SLIDELL SPRING STREET FAIR

Slidell, Louisiana

In the heart of Olde Towne Slidell, upwards of two hundred vendors gather to peddle antique furniture, glass, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles, handmade crafts, and things to eat. It's a colorful, walkable opportunity to find a wide range of merchandise, from 10 am–5 pm both

days on First, Second, and Erlanger streets. Free. slidellstreetfair.com. k

MAR 25th - APR 8th

STUDENT ART

WEST BATON

ROUGE TALENTED STUDENT ART SHOWCASE

Port Allen, Louisiana

Celebrate and admire the budding talents of West Baton Rouge's public school talented art students at this exhibition at the West Baton Rouge Museum. Free. westbatonrougemuseum.com. k

MAR 26th

SPRING FESTIVALS

OLDE TOWNE CRAWFISH

MUSIC FESTIVAL

Slidell, Louisiana

Olde Towne comes alive this Sunday with live music from Geno Delafose and the French Rockin' Boogie and Four Unplugged. Boiled crawfish will be a-flowin', and the good times will be a-goin'. 11 am. Free. facebook.com/ oldtowneslidell. k

MAR 26th

MUSICAL MEALS

JAZZ BRUNCH AT VALVERDA

Maringouin, Louisiana

The Point Coupee Historical Society

Pedram Pasha Taheri | Mary Palmer Dargan

Events

Beginning March 26th - March 31st

invites all for a grand jazz brunch and tour of the Valverda historic home and grounds. Lively music will be provided by the LSU Jazz Ensemble, and Livonia's own Not Your Mama's restaurant will cater the brunch. 11 am. $125. bontempstix.com. k

MAR 26 th

INDIGENOUS CULTURE CHOCTAW CULTURE, ARCHITECTURE & ARTIFACTS WITH FRANCIS BROUSSARD

Abita Springs, Louisiana

Former Southeastern Louisiana University professor Francis Broussard and Louisiana State Archaeologist Chip McGimsey will be at the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum on dates throughout the spring for a new lecture series on Choctaw and other Florida Parishes indigenous

MAR 26th

LOCAL MUSIC BATON ROUGE CONCERT BAND SPRING CONCERT

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Join the Baton Rouge Concert Band for its Spring Concert, which will take audiences on an international musical journey through Europe and the British Isles. The Concert Band will play marches, jigs, folk songs, and more from Norway, Belgium, the Balkans, Germany, France, and the U.K. 5 pm. Free. brcb.org. k

MAR 28th

KNOWING NATURE DOCUMENTING NATURE AROUND YOU AT HILLTOP

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Join Amber King, volunteer for the Louisiana's Master Naturalists of Greater

MAR 30th

FUN-DRAISERS

LEGENDS GALA— SHAKESPEARE AND ELIZABETH

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Dress up as your favorite Shakespearean character or don your most glamorous Elizabethan garb for one of Baton Rouge contemporary dance company Of Moving Colors ' legendary parties. This year's Legends Gala is themed "Shakespeare and Elizabeth", and includes events like a "Tournament of Attire" costume contest, a performance by the OMC dancers, the presentation of the annual Legend Award, and a spread of Renaissance-themed food, music, drinks, and revelry. 6 pm–9 pm. Tickets start at $100 at ofmovingcolors.org. k

MAR 30th - JUL 2nd

ART EXHIBITIONS

I, TOO, AM THORNTON DIAL AT THE LSU MOA

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

A comprehensive overview of the seminal vernacular artist Thornton Dial's works, curated by Birmingham author and art collector Paul Barrett, is coming to the LSU Museum of Art. Dial, who was born to a sharecropping family in rural Alabama in 1928, lived through major events from the Great Depression through the Civil

Rights Movement. These experiences and themes make appearances in his artwork, which he fully committed himself to in the early 1980s when the Pullman Standard Plant in Bessemer, Alabama that previously employed him closed. An opening reception with the curator will take place on March 30 at 6 pm. lsumoa.org. k

MAR 31 st

DANCE REVOLUTION

BRBT PRESENTS

DIMENSIONS IN DANCE

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre is concluding its 2022–2023 season with a dynamic and unique performance called Dimensions in Dance. The evening will include premieres of multiple new works across disciplines, alongside excerpts from the classic ballet Paquita. 7:30 pm at the River Center Theatre. $30–$50 at batonrougeballet.org. k

MAR 31 st - APR 2 nd

PAGE TURNERS

BOOKS ALONG THE TECHE LITERARY FESTIVAL

New Iberia, Louisiana

The world-famous literary detective Dave Robicheaux, created by author

James Lee Burke, returns home to Iberia Parish each year with his very own festival. The Books Along The Teche Literary Festival offers plenty of opportunities for exploration in the realms of literary history, culture, and cuisine—all in the historic district of New Iberia. The weekend kicks off with the Jazz it Up Opening Reception in the gardens of Shadows-on-the-Teche, featuring music from the Bunk Johnson Brazz Band and a spread of local seafood. Saturday events include storytelling, Children's word and picture workshops, a symposium with the festival's "Great Southern Author," Lisa Wingate, author of New York Times Bestselling book The Book of Lost Friends, a James Lee Burke Symposium, a Dave Robicheaux walking tour, a 5K run, and much more. Tickets are available for the Jazz it Up Opening Reception ($60) and the Louisiana Seafood Great Southern Chefs Food Demo ($30) at bontempstix.com. booksalongthetecheliteraryfestival.com. k

MAR 31 st - APR 2 nd

SHOPPING EXCURSIONS MARKET AT THE MILL New Roads, Louisiana

The City of New Roads will once again present its twice-annual threeday spring shopping extravaganza, Market at the Mill, at the historic

cotton mill located three blocks north of Main Street, off Community Street. Complement your shopping with antiques, food and beverages, crafts, and more. 11 am–5 pm Friday, 10 am–5 pm Saturday; 11 am–4 pm Sunday. Admission is $5–$20 at bontempstix.com. marketathemillnewroads.com. k

MAR 31 st - APR 2 nd FUN-DRAISERS ART AT THE PARK Covington, Louisiana

The Christ Episcopal School will host its largest fundraising event: a celebration of art created by local youth for the entire Northshore community. Stroll through the displays of student art in a gallery setting on campus, while enjoying live music and hors d'oeuvres. A special Art Show Opening will take place featuring work of first through twelfth-grade students at the Dathel Fine Arts Center Foyer, to be on display throughout the weekend. On Friday, a Box Parade will showcase student creativity, with fourth through twelfth grade artists having transformed ordinary cardboard boxes into wearable masterpieces. Friday evening will also feature a parents-only cocktail party, and Saturday brings a Family Fun Day with a traditional school fair—featuring live music, various activities, food trucks, and

more. In the evening, local musicians will perform in a Battle of the Bands. Free. christepiscopalschool.org. k

MAR 31st - APR 2nd

OPERA

OPÉRA LOUISIANE PRESENTS

ROCKING HORSE WINNER AND APPROACHING ALI

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Opéra Louisiana presents a double bill of Rocking Horse Winner and Approaching Ali at the Manship Theatre. Based on D.H. Lawrence’s short story, Rocking Horse Winner tells the story of a developmentally challenged boy fighting to win his mother's love. Approaching Ali tells of a young man who becomes obsessed with Muhammed Ali after seeing him on television in the 1960s, and his journey to eventually meet his hero. Shows at 7:30 pm March 31, 3 pm April 2. $25–$100 at bontempstix. com. operalouisiane.com. k

MAR 31st - APR 2nd

LOCAL ART

L'ACADIAN ART GUILD

RECEPTION AND EXHIBIT

New Iberia, Louisiana

Check out the work of L'Acadian Art Guild, which will be on exhibit at the Iberia Parish Main Library throughout the Books Along the Teche weekend. booksalongthetecheliteraryfestival.com. k

Find our full list of events, including those we couldn't fit into print, by pointing your phone camera here.

Welcome to Louisiana 's Oldest City!

Experience the charm of the original French colony in Louisiana. Natchitoches (Nack-a-tish) was established in 1714, and retains its European flavor through its architecture, heritage and lifestyle. Historic Natchitoches offers numerous attractions, museums, Creole plantations and year around festivals including the Festival of Lights, Louisiana’s premier holiday destination

Over three hundred years ago, Louisiana was an exotic and somewhat unforgiving wilderness that adventurer and entrepreneur Louis Juchereau de St. Denis saw as an alluring opportunity. In 1714, he established a trading empire on the banks of the Red River, known today as Cane River Lake, making Natchitoches the first European settlement in the state of Louisiana.

As Louisiana’s original French colony and the oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase, Natchitoches is a unique blend of French, Spanish, African, American Indian and Creole reflected in the culture and architecture.

A House Built for the Garden

When my husband dug up every blade of grass in our front yard in Uptown New Orleans and planted a veritable jungle, quite a few eyebrows shot up in the neighborhood. His original goal was to avoid ever having to buy a lawnmower, but over the next ten years, his garden became a focal point of the area.

Today, trendsetters in the gardening space have a name for this approach: “rewilding.” The shift away from carefully-manicured lawns and hedges places an emphasis on returning the land to its natural state using plants indigenous to the region. But it’s not an entirely new concept.

Between 1914 and 1946, Ellen Biddle Shipman, famed “dean of women landscape architects,” created over 600 gardens, making her mark on proper-

ties belonging to Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, the Rockefellers, and the DuPonts. Her landscapes are described as a series of “outdoor rooms,” and she often employed a mixture of formal gardens and “wild” gardens, one leading delightfully into the other. Today, only one intact Shipman design remains open to the public—Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark, Longue Vue was once the grand property of New Orleans businessman Edgar Bloom Stern and Edith Rosenwald Stern, daughter of Chicago philanthropist Julius Rosenwald. Married a hundred and two years ago, the couple built their impressive home on eight acres of land and then set out to transform the landscape around them.

In 1935, they hired Shipman as their landscape

architect. Shipman’s meticulous plans included more than a dozen distinct garden spaces, including an “Oak Allée,” “Pan Garden,” “Portico Garden,” “Walled Garden,” overlook, and goldfish pond. One acre of land was set aside for the “Wild Garden”—which Shipman designed, and for which Louisiana naturalist Caroline Dorman served as a native plant consultant.

The Sterns soon realized their home, which lacked commanding views of the exterior landscape, no longer fit the needs of their expanding garden, so they sold it, had it lifted on logs and carted down the street by mules. Architects William and Geoffrey Platt, sons of Shipman’s mentor Charles Platt, were brought in to create a more integrated indoor-outdoor design for the current Longue Vue mansion, which was built between 1939 and 1942. Shipman was employed to design the home’s interior.

Story by Kristy Christiansen • Photos by Paul Christiansen

“The new house is smaller, and it was built after the gardens,” empha sized Amy Graham, Longue Vue’s Director of Gardens, who pointed out that every window in the home is placed to provide a striking view, with interior and exterior spaces flowing together effortlessly. “It’s really a testament to how important their garden is.”

The Sterns were civic leaders and philanthropists in the New Orleans area, advocating for voting rights and donating time and money to schools, art museums, and hospitals. Nearly a decade after Edgar’s passing, in 1968 Edith opened Longue Vue’s gardens to the public, and the house became a museum a few months before her passing in 1980.

With a few exceptions, such as the children’s Discovery Garden added in 1998, the property looks much the same today as it did when the Sterns resided here. “Part of my job is to keep the gardens original to the plans. I keep the historic integrity intact,” said Graham, who noted that the live oak trees here date to 1938.

The Wild Garden begins near a Shipman-designed pigeonnier overlooking a goldfish pond with a trickling waterfall. Live oaks dot the skyline, scattering shade across bright green clumps of irises preparing for their spring flower show. Seventy shrubs and woody vines and countless wildflowers intermingle in this oasis, which is almost completely planted with flora native to the Southeast. The camellias stand out as

the exception, but many are original to the garden.

Three walks carve pathways deep into the heart of the natural haven. One features a splendid row of winter-blooming camellias, another boasts 3,500 irises that flower in March and April, and a third wildflower path paints a canvas of color in the spring and summer with azaleas and birch trees as focal points, mixed among an

array of fairytale-named plants like devilwood, giant turk’s cap, hairy pepperbush, and weeping yaupon.

“This is a great example of what you can create in your home garden,” said Graham. “New Orleans has unique challenges—extreme heat and humidity, excessive rainfall. This garden gives you an idea of what will work here.” She then outlined the steps to creating

Clusters of butterweed from Longue Vue’s Wild Garden.

a wild garden at home: “First you need to take up the lawn. Then you need to decide if you want to plant plants or seeds. And then, join the Native Plant Initiative.”

The Native Plant Initiative of Greater New Orleans is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding public awareness, and boosting availability, of native plants. Their case for using native plants is three-fold: insects depend on

them as food sources; the plants provide greater diversity in our gardens; and they perform better here, as they are adapted to our weather extremes. The group’s volunteers offer native plantings at local libraries, City Park, and the University of New Orleans; and frequently host native plant giveaways across the city.

Native plant gardener Chris Booth works almost exclusively in Longue Vue’s Wild Garden. Originally

from Hawaii, Booth holds an especial appreciation of a region’s native plants. “These plants are meant to be here,” he said. “I see it as the plants’ destiny to retake their land that humans disturbed. Renaturalism is a good model, especially in cities. I would love to see more people rewilding.”

Booth points out that in recent years there is a big push to replenish native plants and put them back into

Louisiana Iris usher visitors down a path through Longue Vue’s Wild Garden.

rotation. “These plants know how to exist here, and the space here is creating an environment for wildlife.” Beckoning us down the path, he stopped in front of a short plant topped with clusters of yellow flowers. “Take butterweed. It grows on the roadside and attracts native bees you rarely see. The flowers aren’t for us. They’re here for the bugs and the birds. It’s like an infrastructure for animal life.”

One of Graham and Booth’s favorite spots at Longue Vue is the wildflower garden Graham planted along the home’s eastern edge. “One acre of native plants wasn’t enough for us,” laughed Graham. “This area was just lawn until five years ago, but it has the best sun and a flat surface. Once it comes to life, it will just take off. And it’s self-seeding, so it will replenish itself in a very natural way.”

A temporary installation, the pollinator garden came from a seed mix purchased from the Native American Seed Co. and provides an abundance of food for bees and seed for birds. As we admired the space, a giant possum lumbered out from under a bush and continued on his way, content in the natural habitat around him.

Although Graham removed a lawn to create the pollinator garden, she points out that grass is not all bad. Native grasses can create great environments, as well. “Once called weeds, it’s now called a mosaic lawn. It’s very pretty to allow whatever grows to grow. We use all-natural gardening here, no herbicides or leaf blowers, so there is a lot of mixture in our grass.

“I believe public expectations for public gardens are changing,” Graham continued. “It used to be ‘pristine’ and now ‘sustainable’ is the new term. Young people are dictating the change. They walk in and see leaves on the ground and don’t say they need to be picked up.”

As Graham points out, change is hard, but it’s happening. As more people embrace the natural environment and distributors begin promoting native plants, yards will begin to transform. In the future, we might see wild gardens emerging, tiny wildlife habitats all their own, on every block. h longuevue.com

Longue Vue’s director of gardens Amy Graham works to preserve the historic integrity of Longue Vue’s gardens, which were designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman—one of the most iconic landscape architects of the twentieth century.

Growing by the Railway Side

RESURRECTING THE CAJUN PRAIRIE

Story by Jonathan Olivier • Photos by Rush Jagoe

On a steamy July day in 1986, scientists Malcolm Vidrine and Charles Allen were driving along backroads near Midland, Louisiana, conducting research on associations between plant communities and mosquito communities in the area’s rice fields. Their fieldwork was routine, mundane even, until the pair crept across a railroad bed bordered by an array of grasses and flowers that caught Allen’s eye.

Vidrine halted the car and Allen hopped out to walk along the rails. Upon closer inspection, Allen confirmed he was looking at a narrow strip of tallgrass Louisiana prairie, perhaps only 150 feet wide, 100 yards long. “I had only read about our prairies,” he said, in an interview conducted in 2023. Though this ecosystem had once encompassed 2.5 million acres, scientific knowledge at the time held that it had essentially vanished from the region due to farming, urban development, oil exploration, and cattle grazing. “I never realized that they were really still here.”

While the surrounding land had been converted to agriculture, the railroad right-of-way, owned by the rail company, had been left virtually untouched for decades—a time capsule. Routine fires lit by nearby farmers crept over to the sliver of preserved earth, inhibiting trees from taking root, and allowing the grasses and flowers to thrive.

Vidrine had noticed similar patches hugging railroad tracks they’d passed along their drive. “Immediately, Charles wanted to go and look at all these,” Vidrine said. “So, for the next few weeks, we drove around and found about a dozen of these remnants, each about a mile long or so, of prairie.”

The two scientists dedicated much of the rest of their careers to studying these slices of residual prairie. They founded the Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society, collecting native seeds and then dispersing them to foster new grasslands. Since its establishment in 1988, the Society has been involved in various prairie restorations—among them the ten-acre Eunice Prairie and the 334-acre Duralde Prairie.

Parts of these restoration sites were planted with seeds derived from the very same railroad beds that they discovered in the ‘80s. For their efforts, in April the Center for Louisiana Studies will honor Vidrine and Allen with the 2022 James William Rivers Prize in Louisiana Studies, which recognizes outstanding contributions to Louisiana’s culture and history (previous honorees include A. Hays Town, Ernest Gaines, Leah Chase, and George Rodrigue).

“Our work really brought the prairie to people’s attention,” Allen said. “Perhaps if we had not found it, all of that may have gotten destroyed.”

Monarda, or “bee balm,” photographed in the Cajun Prairie.

The History of the Cajun Prairie

The tallgrass coastal prairie of Southwest Louisiana, also called the Cajun Prairie, is just one part of an extensive network of plains called the Western Gulf Coastal Grasslands, which historically stretched 9 million acres westward along the coast of Texas. The ecosystem was botanically more similar to the prairies of Kansas than the swamps of southeast Louisiana. It adjoined the vast interior network of grasslands positioned between the Rocky Mountains and Mississippi River, an assortment of different prairies—tallgrass, mixed, and shortgrass—commonly referred to as America’s Great Plains.

The coastal prairie—made up of plants like Little Bluestem, Indiangrass, and Eastern gamagrass—was formed around 10,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age. It was maintained over the millennia through a delicate balance of nature, kept intact and treeless by frequent fires set by lightning strikes and by the area’s Indigenous peoples, who set blazes to aid in hunting or land management. Herds of bison were attracted to the new growth that emerged after a burn; they grazed and also fertilized the land, their droppings supporting micro-organisms and insects, and increasing the nutrient flow to the soil.

Various Native peoples, such as the Atakapa-Ishak and Opelousa, called this region home for centuries before the French and Acadians began encroaching on this region in the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of the area’s districts and towns are to this day named after these Indigenous tribes; others, like Robert’s Cove, were named for the nautical way the tall grass flowing with the wind resembled the ocean’s waves.

In 1803, Frenchman C.C. Robin traveled through the Louisiana prairie, later chronicling his journey in the travelogue Voyage to Louisiana . “Toward the upper end, the banks of the river (Teche) are wooded, and behind this curtain of forest, about two hundred paces wide, spacious prairies stretch out, as far as the eye can see, broken here and there by patches of woods, forming a most agreeable landscape … Crossing the wide prairie, strewn

Monarda, or “bee balm,” photographed in the Cajun Prairie.

with flowers, whose stems raise them to the height of the horse on which the traveler is riding, surprise follows surprise in this varied vegetation.”

Only a few decades after Robin’s trip, farmers in Southwest Louisiana began plowing up swaths of fertile prairie land in order to grow rice. The rail line in southwest Louisiana was completed in the 1880s, connecting the region to Texas in the West and New Orleans in the East, and allowing the growth of towns like Iowa, Jennings, and Rayne by attracting scores of farmers. By the 1920s agriculture in the region had grown so much that nearly all of the pristine habitat had been destroyed. Yet, in a weird twist of fate, the railroad system—the exact operation that first attracted the farmers who brought about the prairie’s demise— is exactly what saved it.

Left: Mamou Plant, Right: Maypop, or “Passiflora Incarnata”—photographed in the Cajun Prairie

The Cajun Prairie Today

Smoke billowed into the air, fueled by mounting flames engulfing swaths of grassland that has spent the winter drying, depositing seeds, and awaiting this restorative moment. Colby Lejeune, vice president of the CPHPS, employed a butane torch to light a patch of grass before walking another few paces to scorch another. When the wind faltered, volunteers used leaf blowers to coax the blaze. Before long, the fire took on a life of its own, immense heat generating gusts that swept flames farther across this ten-acre patch of land in Eunice. The Society established prairie here in 1988, and each year it is scorched in this way by a team of volunteers. Due to the lack of grazing animals and natural fires, without human intervention this prairie would soon be overrun with invasive plants like Chinese tallow trees or Johnson grass.

“Our landscape is so dominated by humans that if you put in a prairie, humans need to keep it up because humans have destroyed the natural forces that would allow prairie to take care of itself,” said Lejeune, a 24-year-old graduate student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Beyond preservation efforts like this, Allen and Vidrine have worked to further educate on the significance of this distinct ecosystem, hosting regular habitat tours and workshops, and fostering a collective of scientists, horticulturalists, and hobbyists in support of its cause. By funding an in-development documentary about the Cajun Prairie directed by Jillian Godshall and produced by Phyllis Griffard, the Society hopes to bring the restoration story to an even wider audience. To truly “bring back” the prairie, Vidrine estimated they will need to plant 10,000 acres of grasslands by 2030, before the irreversible threats of climate change and coastal land loss complete the destruction that monoculture rice agriculture began. He understands it’s a tall order, especially considering there aren’t any large-scale incentive efforts for farmers to convert their fields back to prairie. But he pointed to recent progress as a good sign—Dr. Paul Guillory is currently planting more than 500 acres of prairie on his family property, the Bruce and Gladys Guillory Farm, in Mamou. And others are following suit with smaller acreages.

“It’s happening,” he said. “If it continues, the streams would become healthier, the aquifer would start to work, and the prairie itself—which sequesters carbon—would help combat climate change.” h

Learn more about the mission of the Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society, and how you can get involved, at cajunprairie.org.

On March 18–19, the Society will host a Cajun Boucherie at Bajat Trail as a fundraiser for Jillian Godshall’s forthcoming documentary on the Cajun Prairie. Tickets ($50 per day) can be purchased on eventbrite.

In February 2023, the Cajun Prairie Society facilitated one of its regular burns on the Eunice Prairie, designed to furnish regrowth and to maintain the fragile ecosystem.

Stress Management for Senior Oak Trees

Senior Oak trees are old, aging, and in many cases stressed trees. Young trees are vigorous and can adjust to change. Stressed and dying senior trees fail to adjust to change. Changes include adding irrigation or landscape at base of old trees. Construction activities such as soil cuts, soil fills, and driving heavy equipment (soil compaction) over the trees’ sensitive root zone area, all can kill old trees.

The Death phase or Senescence is the slow death period for aging live oak trees. Old oak trees in senescence phase can idle along for hundreds of years. Visual clues of senescence include: 1- Upper canopy dieback 2- Large, heavy, limb failures. 3- Aging oaks stop growing taller and begin growing a wider base. Aging oaks like aging people are less flexible, not able to bend and come back, and are more brittle. Old oaks reach the limits of their site resources then begin to idle and decline. Excessive pruning of old oak trees can kill the tree. Old oaks can live for centuries. The key to preserving Senior trees is to connect the tree to an ecological site that can sustain it. A tree is only as good as the site it is growing on.

Treatments for Senior Oaks

• Expanding the trees’ resource space will improve health

• Mulch, go wide, 1 to 2” layer of composted hardwood mulch (derived from local hardwood trees)

• Improve soil health (de-compact and improve drainage)

• Apply continuous small doses of elements (less nitrogen) more P, K, Ca, Mg. Use organics ( liquid compost, compost teas etc.) to restore soil biology

• Remove interference (remove turf, vines, competing canopy).

• Prune to reduce mass (prune exterior canopy only, the middle of the tree is the No Pruning zone)

• Support mass and control movement via cable, brace, guy, and support

• Prevent insect and disease attacks (pest management)

• Lightning kills! Protect old oak trees from lightning via installation of a lightning protection system

• Have the senior oaks inspected annually by a qualified tree professional (ISA Certified Arborist)

Content Sponsored by Bob’s Tree Preservation

GO NATIVE

A Home Gardener’s Guide to ReWilding

THE FIRST STEPS TO TRANSFORMING YOUR BACKYARD GARDEN INTO A NATIVE LOUISIANA OASIS

By Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

Over the last two hundred years, Louisiana’s natural landscapes have been totally transformed. Monoculture farming, the development of cities, and the clearing of forests have made human life easier in many ways, but at a cost. The vast diversity of plantlife that defined this region for centuries, and the wildlife that depended on it, have been reduced to a shadow of their former selves. “Intentionally putting native plants back into our ecosystems has become increasingly more and more important, because we’re starting to see biodiversity losses, less of the birds and insects and all of these things that used Louisiana’s native plants,” said Tammany Baumgarten, a New Orleans landscape horticulturalist who currently serves as President of the Louisiana Native Plant Society (LNPS) and the Native Plant Initiative (NPI) of Greater New Orleans.

In recent years, local initiatives like the LNPS, NPI, and the Acadiana Native Plant Project (ANPP) have evolved from nonprofits heralded by groups of native plant enthusiasts to agents of a larger movement, with an increasingly urgent call to action: “Go native, now.”

But, where to begin? For the average home-owner, transitioning to a native garden—or a mostly-native garden—can feel overwhelming. In this guide, Baumgarten and Dona Weifenbach, a landscape architect and active member of the Acadiana Native Plant Project, help to simplify the process.

The Benefits of Incorporating Natives into Your Landscapel

Wildlife: Native plants provide the best ecosystem for our area wildlife—from migrating birds to pollinators and beyond, and serve important ecological roles from their place at the bottom of virtually every naturally occurring food chain. Incorporating natives into your yard will not only integrate your property into the local ecosystem in a vital way, it will also make your home a haven of wild delights.

Flood Management: Native plants have evolved over time to succeed in our particular climate and soils. In sodden South Louisiana, this means they know all about floodwaters. Most natives possess deep root systems designed to hold soil tight, as well as to efficiently funnel water from the surface down through the soil and into groundwater. You read that right: native plants will reduce flooding in your yard.

Reduced Maintenance: The philosophy of a native yard comes with permission to do less. Native plants are a great way to reduce lawn, which means less blowing and mowing (more on this later). The plants themselves are often self-sustaining, requiring less in the way of watering and fertilizer than introduced plants from the nursery, and many are self-seeding. You don’t even have to keep replanting them.

Beauty: There is no loss in aesthetics here, Louisiana’s natural ecosystems have always been both visually rewarding and generous in their ecological rewards. Using natives layers all of this with a distinct sense of place.

Louisiana Native Plants Organizations

Step 1: Evaluate Your Site

Start by making sure you understand the growing conditions of where you live. Determine which of Louisiana’s seven ecological regions you are working in:

• Coastal Marshes/Barrier Islands/Maritime Forests

• Longleaf Pine Savannas and Woodlands

• Shortleaf Pine-Oak-Hickory Woodlands

• Hardwood-Pine Flatwoods

• Bluff Forests

• Bottomland Hardwood Forests and Swamps

• Coastal Prairies

Next, look at your yard and think about what areas you use for work, for your children or your pets. Where can you afford to let it grow wild? Consider the conditions of these potential growing areas: How much sun do they get? How wet is it? What is the soil like?

Step 2: Stop Mowing

Once you’ve selected what portion of your yard you are ready to rededicate to natives, don’t touch it. Start by seeing what emerges, all on its own. “Often we have native wildflowers and things in the seed bank that will either reappear or establish them selves if we stop freaking mowing them to death. It’s not only using a lot of fuel and releasing emissions and causing work for you or someone else, it also removes all the

ecological value from whatever your turf grass is, just shears it of any habitat potential,” said Baumgarten, who noted that not-mowing is about as easy as it gets and is totally reversible. “If you don’t like it, you can just start mowing it again, or mow it differently.”

Louisiana Native Plant Society: Annual membership to the state-wide nonprofit is $10, and keeps you updated on the latest initiatives, resources, and events taking place in the world of native plants across Louisiana. Details at lnps.org.

Acadiana Native Plant Project: Annual membership is $25 and gets you access to 20% discounts on all plants sold at the June Walker Memorial Greenhouse, all ANPP merchandise (yard signs, t-shirts, books), all workshops; plus exclusive access to members-only events. Details at greauxnative.org.

Capital Area Native Plant Society: Annual membership is $20, and gets you access to 15% discounts on all native plants sold at pop-up sales around the Greater Baton Rouge area and free entry to programming such as lectures and field trips. Details at canps.weebly.com

Folsom Native Plant Society: Annual membership is $12, which supports the efforts of the society and keeps members updated on commu nity activities and meetings. Details at folsomnps.org

Native Plant Initiative of Greater New Orleans: Annual membership is $25 and keeps you in the know for meetings, programs, volun teer opportunities, and events in the New Orleans area. Details at npi-gno.org

Step 3: Manage Non-Native Invasives

Now’s the time to start reading. Learn about Louisiana’s invasive species, many of which are still sold in retail nurseries. Some of the most notorious include Chinese tallow, Chinese privet, Cogongrass, and English ivy. These imported species will take up real estate in your garden, and will outcompete the native plants you’re trying to cultivate, without offering the ecological benefits.

Step 4: Join a Native Plants Organization

Part of the reason so many native plant organizations are popping up is to provide a mechanism to share resources on where to find Louisiana native plants—which are not always easily available. This is why Baumgarter and Weifenbach emphasize the importance of joining your local group. “We’re here because we couldn’t find natives,” said Weifenbach, noting that the ANPP has actually evolved into a profitable business over the last five years, propagating and selling difficult-to-find natives through the June Walker Memorial Greenhouse at the Teche Farm EcoCampus in Arnaudville. Similar efforts have been conducted by Baton Rouge’s Capital Area Native Plant Society. “There are a lot of people who are just getting started on this journey,” said Baumgarter. “By joining a group, you can learn from others and talk about native plants and share plants with one another.” You can also get access to the knowledge of people who have been doing this for a while, and who can help you to determine the best natives for your property, how to care for them, and how to design them in a way that suits your aesthetic and practical needs alike.

Step 5: Plant Natives

Baumgarter recommends consulting members of your local native plant society for help selecting the best natives for your property, as well as taking two key qualities into account:

Herbivory: “Especially if you are working within limited space, plant the plants that support the widest range of wildlife,” she said. “Find the top plants for bird species, the plants that attract the most insects.” An oak tree, for example, supports over two hundred species of moth caterpillars, she said. Or plant goldenrods, which support more bees and pollinators than almost any other species on the market. “If you want monarch butterflies,” said Weifenbach, “you’ll want native milkweed.” Migrating songbirds love native grasses, she said. “They are great for absorbing a lot of rainwater, and provide so much food and habitat for wintering birds.”

Diversity: Plant a lot of different things, advised Baumgarter. “You want something blooming in all seasons of the year.” This will not only ensure your garden is beautiful year round, but it will also serve specialist insects who arrive during specific timespans throughout the calendar. “We don’t know all of the specialist relationships out there between native plants and local insects,” she said. “The best way for us to address that is just plant as many native plants as we can, fill our yards up, and hope that what we’re planting addresses the needs of some form of wildlife at some point on the calendar.”

Step 6: Shift Your Perspective

Getting the absolute most out of your native garden encourages a revolutionary approach to what we know as “good gardening”. Baumgarter calls it the “next dimension” of landscaping. “It’s not about how plants smell, it’s not about what color they are, or what form they take,” she said. “It’s about the life they bring to the garden.” Bugs are not bad when your goal is to draw biomass into your yardspace, to build a self-sustaining foodweb. When the leaves have holes, or are rolled up, cut off—you can see that as physical evidence of a natural system at work, “and it should be a source of joy, instead of this stressful thing that makes you go

Where to Shop for Natives

Acadiana Native Plant Project’s June Walker Memorial Greenhouse: 1046 Main Highway, Arnaudville ; Open on Tuesdays 9 am–noon from September to June, or place orders online at greauxnative.org

Almost Eden Plants: 1240 Smith Road Merryville, LA 70653 ; Make appointments or place orders from a selection of Louisiana native plants by calling (337) 375-2114. Details at almostedenplants.com

Cindy’s Louisiana Iris: Order Louisiana Irises by calling (713) 922-5967 or online at cindyslouisianairis.com

Coastal Prairie Farms, ULL Ecology Center: Order PureNative seeds for grasses and flowering plants through the University of Louisiana’s Ecology Center by calling (337) 262-1776 or emailing ecologycenter@louisiana.edu. Details at ecology.louisiana.edu/purenative Bois d’Arc Gardens: Order Louisiana Iris by emailing boise@charter.net. Details at bois-darc.com

Louisiana Native Seed: Order Louisiana seed mixes at louisiananativeseed.com.

Pastorek Habitats “The Meadowmakers”: Order ecotype-specific Native Prairie and Pineland Herbaceaous seed mixes by emailing meadowmakers@gmail.com. pastorekhabitats.com.

Maypop Hill Nursery: 805 State Line Road Centreville, MS 39631; Make an appointment by calling (225) 629-5379. Details at maypophill.com.

Pelican Greenhouse: 2 Celebration Drive New Orleans, LA 70124 (City Park). Call (504) 483-9437 for dates of scheduled plant sales. Upcoming dates are March 3–5, 9 am–noon. neworleanscitypark.org/visit-city-park/pelican-greenhouse.

Soggy Prairie Stalks and Seeds: Message orders of seeds and seedlings on Facebook or by emailing robjamax@gmail.com.

The Urban Naturalist: 216 Madison Street Lafayette, LA 70501; (opportunities to work for plants). Shop in person 24/7 or order online at urbannaturalist-105436.square.site

This is no small feat, Baumgarter allows—acknowledging generations of anti-aphid sentiment. But she encourages new native gardeners to sit back and watch the aphids, and how if you don’t bother them, eventually you’ll see the ladybugs arrive, the lacewings. “If you let the processes happen in the garden naturally, a balance comes in.”

Stop being so tidy, Baumgarter and Weifenbach encourage. Leave the leaves and debris on the ground to become a home for someone, let the logs rot. Learn to love the color brown. “The rusty colored grasses in the prairies in the winter are great for birds,” said Weifenbach. “They’re a beautiful thing, but you kind of have to train your brain to appreciate that.”

Step 7: Remember that a Little Can Go a Long Way

Baumgarter reminds new native gardeners that you do not have to go all in, all at once. You can have your camellias, and your black-eyed Susans, too. “Ease your way into native landscaping by incorporating natives into niches here and there, and work to increase your numbers over time.” Not ready to let the whole lawn grow wild? Pick a corner, and mow around it. Can’t stand the sight of leaves sprinkled all over the ground? Rake them into a pile and hide them behind a structure or on the far end of the garden—just don’t bag them. “It’s about finding a balance between what your human aesthetic can tolerate and trying to do the best thing for the environment,” said Baumgarter.

“I think a lot of people struggle with native plants because they think they look messy,” said Weifenbach. But there are options beyond the wild, untouched native garden that also brings more native plants into your yard. “Standard formal design is absolutely possible with native plants, too. You just need to be educated on how to do it, or to find the people who can help you achieve that.”

In the end, though, these adjustments go a long way towards building a more friendly and sustainable ecosystem for our local environment and wildlife. “And what I have found over and over and over again, with the native gardens I’ve installed, is that the joy and wonder and adventure of becom ing part of the ecosystem trumps how pretty a flower is any day,” said Baumgarter. “It’s just really a childlike delight.” h

CULTURAL EXCHANGE

A Night in Dakar

AT CHEF SERIGNE MBAYE’S NEW RESTAURANT, NEW ORLEANS’S SENEGALESE INFLUENCES GETS THE SPOTLIGHT

As the evening begins, Chef Serigne Mbaye greets the patrons in Wolof, and encourages everyone to repeat the phrase aloud: Na hnga def. (How are you?)

I am seated at a table with strangers, the mother of one of the cooks, a foodie from New York, and two local distributors who supplied many of the ingredients soon to be served. There is a nervous anticipation in the air—wedding reception vibes. After all, this is perhaps the buzziest restaurant in town. But Mbaye’s greeting diffuses all that anxious energy, a social palate cleanser, priming the room for a few hours of delicious food, cultural exchange, and genuine hospitality.

Having spent much of his youth in Dakar, Senegal, and later returned at various times to absorb the country’s foodways, Mbaye is more than a chef. He’s a cultural ambassador.

From the ice-breaker, he proceeds to a discussion of the ataya tea ceremony, practiced commonly in his adopted second home. When welcoming someone into your home, Mbaye explains, it is customary to invite them for a strong foamy ginger tea. “The moment you

By Jason Christian

say ‘yes,’ they have you in their home for an hour and a half.” Everyone laughs. And here come the teas now. They are served in tall, slender glasses, not unlike those Mexican shot glasses used for tequila. The tea is darker than a chestnut and capped with a half inch of bright green foam. The ginger is incredibly potent, minty, and oh so sweet. The mouth wakes up. Spice lingers on the tongue. It’s going to be an unforgettable night.

After years spent making occasional pop-up appearances around New Orleans, Chef Mbaye opened his own restaurant, Dakar NOLA, in November 2022. Located at 3814 Magazine Street, the restaurant is spacious but intimate, seating thirty comfortably, emitting an ambiance of modern West Africa chic. The furniture is sleek and in shades of brown. Tropical plants gesture from elegant vases and planters throughout the space. One wall is adorned with an impressive collection of wooden masks, African in origin, flanked at the base by two intricately carved wooden armchairs.

On Wednesdays, Mbaye and his business partner Dr. Effie Richardson offer a three-course meal, a sort of “lo-

cals night” that offers a more typical under-two-hours dining experience than the tasting menu presented from Thursdays through Saturdays. Those are something altogether different, and extraordinary: one seating for the night at 7 pm, everyone served at the same time, a well-paced, seven-course meal—an event, really, a performance—that lasts for more than three hours.

At twenty-nine years old, Mbaye doesn’t mind saying he’s achieved his dream. His career is as storied as it is meteoric, exhibiting a mix of hard work, diligent study, and a dash of sheer luck. His interest in cuisine was sparked early, watching his mother cook in their Harlem kitchen. He started cooking himself while at boarding school in Senegal, as part of his chores, and when he returned to Harlem as a teenager he joined his mother and aunt in the kitchen.

After acquiring professional training at the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont, graduating in 2016, he returned to Senegal to reconnect with his roots there, and to study traditional culinary methods. From there, after a chance airport encounter with a New Orleanian food distributor in Dakar, Mbaye

54 CHEF SERIGNE MBAYE’S SEVEN-COURSE SENEGALESE MEAL EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS // 56 FRANKIE’S ON MAIN HAS ALL THE FUN OF NATCHEZ, PLUS A LITTLE EXTRA

Chef Serigne Mbaye and his business partner Effie Richardson in front of Dakar.

Photo by Alexandra Kennon.

landed a spot in the kitchen at Commander’s Palace, where he rose through the ranks, immersed in the world of Creole cooking and training under the storied Tory McPhail. During that time, he started staging pop-ups on the side, offering his takes on Senegalese cuisine. But he wasn’t done exploring, and spent the next few years bouncing from one fine-dining establishment to the next, from San Francisco to Barcelona and beyond, working with some of the best chefs in the world, honing his craft, and developing a name for himself.

In 2020, he responded again to the tug of New Orleans, where he took a job as chef de cuisine at the celebrated Mosquito Supper Club, and officially started serving Senegalese cuisine under the name Dakar NOLA as a pop up at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.

In 2021, Eater New Orleans named him Chef of the Year. The next year he was named a finalist for the James Beard Emerging Chef Award, and this year, a semifinalist.

“The reason I opened a Senegalese restaurant,” Mbaye tells me, “[was] to highlight how much the Western Af ricans have influenced when it comes down to Creole/ Cajun cooking.”

Most of the enslaved Africans who arrived in New Or leans came from what was then known as Senegambia, and they brought with them unique foodways that were later adopted and tweaked by the European settlers. Jambalaya, for example, was adapted from jollof, a spicy, tomato-based Senegambian rice dish. Gumbo likewise traces its roots to the region. That story of West African influence on Creole food has been explored in recent years, but Senegal’s tradition of one-pot cooking—a fea ture often noted in Louisiana Creole cuisine—is usually left out of the conversation. Mbaye is determined to set the record straight, and this ambitious goal starts with the restaurant model itself.

The menu at Dakar changes often, but a staple, so

far, is what Mbaye calls the “Last Meal”: a modest-sized bowl of extremely-rich puréed black-eyed peas, loaded with palm oil and sprinkled with crispy, puffy Louisiana rice. He got the idea from a visit he made to the tiny Gorée Island, off the coast of Senegal, the so-called “Door of No Return,” where enslaved West Africans were brought before the brutal Middle Passage to North America. Before that harrowing journey, they were fed something similar to this dense bowl of food, he tells the guests, in order “to fatten them up.”

It’s a jarring phrase, which he uses without hesitation. This is the idea, to deliver uncomfortable history via delicious food, a gesture akin to adding sugar to help medicine go down. Guests can sit with the thought for as long as they need.

Apart from this brief narrative, though, Mbaye’s presentation focuses primarily on the food, nearly all of it sourced locally. Next comes a gorgeous “fonio” salad,

herself, and hug her mom. A tasting menu, this tasting menu, allows you to spend enough time with strangers that you feel as though you’ve entered their home. You and the other guests have shared a journey. Stuffed yourselves. I’m already ready to go back.  h

dakarnola.com

After years of bringing his Senegalese cuisine to New Orleans via pop-ups, Chef Serigne Mbaye has finally opened his own restaurant on Magazine Street: Dakar NOLA. Image courtesy of Dakar

MAINSTREAM ECCENTRICITY

The Main Event

FRANKIE’S ON MAIN BRINGS AN ALTOGETHER NEW DINING EXPERIENCE TO NATCHEZ, BUT FEELS RIGHT AT HOME

Story

It was a Saturday evening during Dry January the first time we visited Frankie’s on Main, but the patrons of Natchez’s newest, most eclectic hbar and restaurant didn’t seem to be taking the popular New Year’s life hack particularly seriously. Inside, a Dionysian spirit of festivity was evident, silver and gold New Year’s Eve balloons floating about. The bar dominating one flank of the circa-1826 Britton & Koontz Bank building glowed like a shrine. A Jazz-age soundtrack evoked the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, and seating areas in the bank lobby-cum-lounge area were occupied by several generations of Natchezians, draped insouciantly upon chaise lounges and settled into armchairs in varying stages of congeniality. It was a crowd that didn’t meet a stranger, and within five minutes we’d run into three or four groups with whom we were acquainted—Frankie’s is that sort of place.

Among these was Natchez chef and culinary consultant Regina Charboneau, who had a hand in developing Frankie’s menu. Another acquaintance was attending to her ninety-three-year-old mother-in-law—a Natchez grande dame dressed to the nines who, with a couple of old fashioneds aboard, was charting an uneven course through the dining room.

After a pleasantly social half-hour spent in small talk, our table was ready. We followed the server past the wood and frosted-glass partition that once delineated the lobby from the teller stations and settled at an intimate four-top with upholstered parlor chairs on one

side … and a Rococo love seat on the other. Other diners were settled into equally un-restaurant-y furnishings ranging from wingback armchairs and button-back sofas to an elaborately-carved mahogany church pew. Whimsically-furnished and evocatively-lit, with quirky menu options and a curated selection of wines and craft cocktails, Frankie’s feels as eccentric as it does exclusive, offering something altogether new to Natchez, but also right at home.

Frankie’s on Main is the creation of Frankie Muñoz and his parents, Marty Buchman and Cathy Muñoz-Buchman, all of whom somewhat recently relocated from Atlanta to Natchez—drawn, like many, out of “big city” life to the bluff as a consequence of the cultural reset caused by COVID-19.

Frankie grew up in New Orleans, where his mom was born and raised, and in Atlanta, where he accumulated twenty years of experience working in the city’s fine dining institutions and craft cocktail bars. The Natchez connection is Marty, whose mother was born and raised there. In 2015, Marty and Cathy purchased family property belonging to his late aunt, Celia Mermelstein, a lifelong Natchezian known to everyone as “Doll,” and since have officially made Natchez their second home.

During COVID-19, the couple was spending more time in Natchez, Frankie was seeking out a home for his restaurant concept, and all of them were looking to get out of Atlanta. An answer came to them on the

corner of Main and Commerce streets, where stood the formidable, neoclassical edifice that had been the original headquarters of Britton & Koontz Bank, and in recent years had housed a collection agency. Marty and Cathy made the owner an offer and closed on the building in 2021.

Dramatic outside and in, Frankie’s on Main is a collaboration that reflects its creators’ backgrounds, skills, and experiences. “We wanted Frankie’s to appeal to both ‘old’ Natchez, while also recognizing that Natchez is evolving, that a lot of younger people are coming back to town,” Marty observed. “We wanted to be part of that excitement, too.” Prior to starting the project, he, Cathy, and Frankie visited other restaurants in town, and felt that the local scene lacked comfortable places to gather, have a drink, and linger.

“I wanted Frankie’s to be a place where people could come and hang out and feel at home,” Cathy said. She and Marty took the lead on the restaurant’s interior design, working to preserve the drama of the building’s soaring, pressed-tin ceilings, tall windows, and handsome interior millwork as they incorporated bold colors, artful lighting, and fanciful furnishings and artwork that reflect, as Marty put it, “a lifetime of being interested in things.”

As for the menu, that’s all Frankie. “At first we were just looking to do something simple: a wine bar,” Frankie explained. “But being in restaurants, I’ve learned that you can’t just pick a concept and go with it.

by James Fox-Smith • Photos by Nicole Kossum

Frankie’s on Main in Natchez is the creation of Chef Frankie Muñoz and his parents, Marty Buchman and Cathy Muñoz-Buchman.

I think it has to evolve as the community tells you what it wants.” In Natchez, Frankie sensed a community that was ready for something different, so in the menu, the wine list, and the cocktail selections, he set out to deliver things that the city didn’t already offer.

Drawing on his experience at one of Atlanta’s top cocktail bars, Frankie’s cocktail menu features drinks that incorporate fresh herbs, locally-made syrups of honey and agave, and stylish presentation. The espresso and dark chocolate martini is perfect for a January evening, as are his White Russians, served in vintage milk jugs. There are a range of whiskey-based cocktails, and a jalapeño cucumber martini that’s going to be all the rage once the weather warms up.

For the kitchen’s offerings, Frankie, Cathy, and Marty consulted with chef, cookbook author, and culinary ambassador to the American Queen riverboat company, Regina Charboneau. “The idea is to open with a selection of small plates, and to deliver Southern food done with a worldview,” said Charboneau, a longtime Natchez resident and former proprietor of local restaurants including King’s Tavern and Regina’s Kitchen. “Natchez is small, and you don’t want to compete; you want to enhance what’s going on in the food scene. We wanted to open with a menu that was not a duplicate of anything else going on in town.”

To that end, Frankie’s delivers shareable dishes that are unusual enough to engage adventurous diners, but accessible enough to keep guests coming back for more. Exhibit number one are the Bao Buns—the centuries-old Chinese staple of fluffy, steamed buns made of a white, slightly sweet dough. At Frankie’s, diners can order house-made bao buns filled with their choice of grilled pork belly topped with spicy Korean Gochujang sauce and ginger slaw, peppered beef brisket with horseradish crema, or fried shrimp with house-made hoisin sauce. Another popular choice are the Bacon Wrapped Bites: a choice of artichoke hearts, dates, shrimp, or scallops, wrapped in applewood-smoked

bacon and matched with each a different house-made sauce. There is a selection of salad skewers, in which the ingredients of a cucumber and feta, caprese, or wedge salad are deconstructed and reassembled onto a bamboo skewer and delivered with a dipping sauce. Juicy Southern fried frog legs come with spicy buffalo, hoisin, or South American chimichurri sauce. A hearty charcuterie platter laden with peppered smoked duck breast, coppa salami; and brie, boursin, and smoked gouda cheeses makes for satisfying bar-based nibbling. So do either a smoked shrimp or a hot pimento cheese dip served with crostini, or a classic French baguette with butter, sea salt, and fresh radish slices. There is even a Southern-style poutine that updates the French-Canadian rib-sticker by substituting sweet potato fries for the original’s French fries, mozzarella for the cheese curds, then tops the lot with beef brisket, pepper gravy, caramelized onions, and horseradish sauce.

It’s bar food at its best. These shareable small plates are only the opening act, though—the main event drawing from the wood-fired grill custom-built by Grillworks of Michigan—a gleaming, aluminum, pecan-burning beast installed in the rear of Frankie’s dining room for all to see, from which Chef Jamie King turns out the restaurant’s popular Smash Burger, as well as nightly specials such as a huge bone-in ribeye steak, grilled lamb chops, and more. While the plan is to expand the menu as time goes on, Frankie and Cathy

noted that the small plate menu had been well-enough received to convince them to take their time. “For me, food that is different and simple does better than more complicated dishes,” noted Frankie. “I see it evolving to be a series of staples, with specials coming in and out.”

With its combination of a spectacular interior, stylish cocktails, and delightfully offbeat menu, it’s not difficult to see why Frankie’s on Main has been busy from the start. Frankie noted that guests with a special occasion to celebrate—a birthday or a bridal shower— often request “The Vault,” a semi-private dining room situated inside the bank’s handsome central vault and accessed through a foot-thick doorway of gleaming steel. Within this inner sanctum, antique chairs surround a table for twelve, providing an intimate—and very secure—way to celebrate in style. As the menu expands, Frankie has plans to make a prix fixe menu option available within the vault. But for now, he, Cathy, and Marty are happy to take their time. Regina Charboneau agreed, adding, “The good news is they’ve been so busy, it’s been hard to offer new things.” h

frankiesonmain.com

SCOTT TILTON AND RUDY BAZENAT'S FRENCH

A

The French Quarter just got a little more French, and not just because French President Emmanuel Macron’s December visit had hundreds of Tricolours waving in the streets. On March 9, through a new partnership, the Historic BK House and Gardens will officially become the new home of the Nous Foundation, a cultural institute dedicated to French and Louisiana Creole.

Founded by Rudy Bazenet, who hails from Clermont-Ferrand, France, and New Orleans-born Scott Tilton, the Nous Foundation (French for “we”/“us”) formed after the pair launched a successful initiative to include Louisiana in the International Organization of the Francophonie, making it the first U.S. state to join the organization of 88 regions and governments with French language ties. Taking their efforts back to New Orleans, Bazenat and Tilton have modeled Nous after the cultural centers common in Paris that promote community development alongside language.

Though Louisiana had one million French speakers as recently as 1970, that number has since dropped to an estimated 250,000, as English pummeled through French-speaking enclaves as the economic lingua franca. The history of Louisiana French is complex, with the language influenced by the area’s Indigenous tribes, Acadian settlers, and years of political factions between Spanish, French, and U.S. colonizers. It has long suffered endangerment by racially-motivated policy changes, like the 1921 Louisiana constitutional act that banned French from being taught in public schools, as well as the general homogenization of American culture. But Nous and other champions of local culture are striving not just to keep Louisiana French and Creole languages alive, but to actively promote the learning and integration of the languages as a cultural norm.

Tilton and Bazenet have their hands full. From funding short films (like last year’s Film Quest and Voices of Renewal , as well as the forthcoming Heritage) in Louisiana Creole and French, to connecting French-speaking businesses and job seekers at the first ever Forum Économique this past January at Tulane—Nous’s approach is “dedicated to community, economic, and cultural development.” They believe language advancement is more than just studying grammar and vocabulary; it’s about developing the sectors that the language occupies.

“[We asked ourselves], how do you make that tie between the history and the heritage? Not to just live in the past but have concrete benefits for our community?” said Tilton. Though acknowledging the past is important, Nous’s belief is that current community building is what will actually make a language thrive.

Nous’s multi-pronged programming reflects the building-from-the-ground-up approach. There is Le Lab, an entrepreneurial incubator that funds French or Creole-based projects across a spectrum of industries. Tilton and Bazenet understand that changing pre-existing businesses is a near-futile effort, but “cre-

58 A FRENCH CULTURAL INSTITUTE IN THE FRENCH QUARTER // 60 THE OH-SO-VERSATILE OYSTER SHELL GETS DEPLOYED IN THE MISSION OF COASTAL RESTORATION // 63 Q&A WITH MINA SECK OF SPROUTNOLA

CULTURAL INSTITUTE FINDS

HOME IN THE HISTORIC BK HOUSE

Story by Sophie Nau • Photo by Alexandra Kennon

Nous Foundation founders Scott Tilton and Rudy Bazenat in the courtyard at the Historic BK House and Gardens.

ating projects and companies from the get-go with a [French or Creole language] goal in mind” will ideally create a ripple effect of multilingual business opportunity. Throughout the year, Nous creates opportunities for French and Creole speakers to engage with the New Orleans and Baton Rouge communities. In October 2022, Bazenet curated the exhibition The Louisianais.e at the West Baton Rouge Museum, showcasing eight artists exploring the future of Louisiana French and Creole through the depiction of fictional magazine covers. The title is written in the form of “inclusive writing”—reflecting a movement in French-speaking countries to make the language more inclusive by bringing masculine and feminine forms together. Tilton believes this exhibit represents the first instance of this form being used in Louisiana.

The institution also hosts La Nuit, a traveling concert series featuring music from French-speaking regions, and L’After —a series of networking nights in partnership with the Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans. And of course, they hope to strengthen the connection that they’ve already established between Louisiana and other Francophone regions: In addition to their local programming, Nous has partnered with Fulbright France to create a scholarship that sponsors French researchers to come to Louisiana, the first regional-based Fulbright in the U.S. Nous will provide a stipend in addition to the Fulbright grant, and next year plans to send Louisiana scholars to France as well. “Our goal is to launch similar programs with Quebec and other French-speaking countries/regions to have scholars coming in and out of Louisiana, and to have Louisiana scholars doing research at Francophone institutions,” said Tilton.

In Louisiana, the lingual atmosphere would be remiss without the Louisiana Creole language (also called Kouri-vini). “We made a decision at the beginning of our project that if wanted to be encompassing, the name 'nous'—us, we— we needed to include Louisiana Creole in that mission,” Tilton said.

This effort includes dismantling the stereotype that Creole is just “broken French”. The complex language was spoken alongside Louisiana French until it gradually became stigmatized for its association with Louisiana’s Free People of Color and was increasingly marginalized after the Louisiana Purchase. With fewer than 10,000 native speakers today, Louisiana Creole is considered a critically-endangered language.

“We work on French obviously, but it’s not French for French’s sake. It’s about promoting heritage cultures and empowering people to learn languages that in many cases were dispossessed, that were forcibly removed from communities,” Tilton said. The organization’s documentary Voices of Renewal , which premiered at Cinema on the Bayou in January, follows five Creole speakers from three generations. One of the Creole speakers highlighted in the film is new to the language, reflective of Nous's mission to promote language learning beyond preservation.

“We view [the term French and Creole-Speaking] not just as heritage speakers, we view that as people who are just learning it,” Tilton said. “Today a French speaker can come from New York or New Iberia. It’s important to think about that.”

Now that they have a physical presence in the French Quarter, Nous can be a hub for locals interested in engaging more with the French language and culture. The Historic BK House was originally built in 1826 and has been operated as a cultural center by the Keyes Foundation since 1970. When the Keyes Foundation decided to rebrand to focus on the various communities in the French Quarter—including Italians, Creoles, and other communities— the partnership with Nous seemed a perfect fit. The space will host the Nous offices in the back and a permanent exhibition in the front, which to Tilton’s knowledge, is the first bilingual permanent exhibit in the history of the French Quarter. Other spaces will be dedicated to film screenings, meeting spaces, concerts, and rotating exhibits.

Ever aware of the intrinsic power of language, the Nous team has carefully considered the wording the exhibits use to discuss its history, too. “We use language like ‘French and Creole speaking’ rather than ethno-identifiers,” Tilton said. “We don’t eschew Cajun, Creole, all those, but we want to make sure we tell the whole story that there are people of Acadian descent, and there are people who identify as Creole, and Indigenous populations. We’re going to make sure the exhibition talks about that.” h

The Nous Foundation’s doors will officially open at the Historic BK House on March 9, featuring its permanent exhibition as well as The Louisianais.e. This month, you can also catch a screening of the Nous Foundation’s short film Voices of Renewal at The French Film Festival in New Orleans on March 11.

Visit nous-foundation.org to stay up to date on Nous’s latest events and programs.

COASTAL RESTORATION

Shell Cycle

At Clesi’s outdoor “Boil Pad” in Mid-City, New Orleans, master boiler and hchief shucker Jarvis Smith empties a bag of oysters—harvested by P&J Oysters from the coast—onto the “crawfish walker,” a stainless, slanted tray where the shells take a bath prior to shucking. With his hand protected by a towel, Smith picks up the largest of the bunch and expertly wedges an oyster knife into the closed shell to pry it open. Within minutes, he’s managed to display a half-dozen on a bed of ice. Crackers in hand, we anxiously dig in, scooping out the plump meat and garnishing it with horseradish and hot sauce before slurping down the salty treat.

In a few days, the shells left behind from our feast will be retrieved from the restaurant’s recycle bins and carted off to the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) Restoration Headquarters in Violet. They’ll spend the next three to six months curing before being loaded into aquaculture-grade mesh bags. Then, they’ll find their final resting place in a carefully-selected spot on the fragile coastline, a tiny soldier in Louisiana’s fight against coastal land loss.

Launched in 2014, CRCL’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program carries a tagline of “Once you shuck ‘em, don’t just chuck ‘em!” The nonprofit aims to combat coastal land loss while also keeping oyster shells out of landfills. Since the program’s inception, twenty-three New Orleans area restaurants have elected to participate, and the group has recycled more than 12.5 million pounds of shell, bolstering over eight thousand linear feet of shoreline along the coast. On its own, Clesi’s—which is owned by sibling trio James, Carlo, and Sonya Clesi—has recycled more than forty-five thousand pounds of oyster shells since May 2021.

“The cause is good,” said Carlo. “They help us dispose of the shells, and we help with restoration efforts. It’s a win/win situation. We’ve been really happy with the program.”

Once a year, often in the fall, CRCL chooses one location to deploy its bagged oyster shells and build a protective reef. So far, artificial reefs have been built in the Biloxi Marsh, Bayou Pointeau-Chien, Barataria Bay, Adamas Bay, and around mound sites near Montegut and in Plaquemines. The reefs not only serve as a solid barrier against the Gulf’s breaking waves, but as thriving home to oyster spat (or oyster larvae), which

Twenty-three New Orleans-area restuarants, including Clesi's (pictured on top) are currently participating in CRCL's Oyster Recycling Program, sending their used oyster shells off to be cured at the Restoration Headquarters before they are dispatched to various sites along the coast.

THE COALITION TO RESTORE COASTAL LOUISIANA RETURNS SLURPED SHELLS TO THE GULF Story by Kristy Christiansen • Photos by Paul Christiansen

grows best on oyster shell substrate. More living oyster reefs also means improved water quality, more fish habitat, and support for our local seafood economy.

On a warm, sunny day last September, we had an opportunity to participate in the fifth deployment—Phase One of the Pointe-au-Chien Community Reef near Montegut. Phase Two is set to be completed in the fall of 2023. The road to this tiny village flanks Bayou Terrebonne, heading due south to where the land slides gently into the marsh and the Gulf’s open waters. Homes towered above us on stilts, while others lay scattered in pieces, the remnants of Hurricane Ida’s devastating winds.

At the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribal Community Center, staffers manned a tent checking in volunteers and handing out breakfast snacks and work gloves. Andrew Ferris stood watch over the Community Art Living Shorelines booth, inviting visitors to create a tiny work of art on the smooth oyster shell interiors. Ferris works with CRCL’s Native Plants Program, which hosts tree, dune grass, and marsh grass plantings throughout southern Louisiana.

As we talked, a busload of volunteers from Tulane arrived, and a young woman with dark hair plaited in twin braids beckoned the group to a nearby open area. Darrah Bach, Oyster Shell Recycling Program coordinator, thanked the crowd and introduced the program, “We’re putting out bagged oyster shells in a reef formation to create structure and promote oyster growth. We built one in 2019, and it’s become one of the best recruitments of new oysters seen anywhere.”

She tasked us with forming a fire line to lift sacks of shells and load them into waiting boats. The boats, we learned, were captained by Pointe-au-Chien tribal members, who would then ferry passengers down the bayou to the reef deployment site. When called out by name, the men waved shyly from the back before returning to their private conversation, spoken in French.

We split into teams and donned our gloves to protect against the shells’ sharp edges. The strongest of our peers heaved mesh bags of oyster shells out of colossal white sacks and passed them to their closest team member. Hands moved rapidly, conveying the bags across the fire line until each boat was filled. Then volunteers boarded the boats and set off down the bayou.

While we waited our turn, Bach spoke passionately about the program, “I was studying the local environment at Tulane, and I felt a duty to stay and work in the field. This is one of the first programs like this and the biggest in the country.” Restaurants have embraced the program, she said, and would likely participate in other recycling opportunities, “I can see it spreading. I see a

future where other green kitchen tenants are requested.”

Bach explained that Louisiana has an oyster shell deficit—we’re taking them out faster than they can replace themselves. The state produces around one-third of the nation’s oysters, but most of the shells end up in landfills. By offering restaurants a chance to recycle their shells, CRCL is able to build reefs and provide nurseries for oyster spat.

“Through a shoreline erosion analysis using Google Earth and drone footage, we’ve seen a fifty percent reduction in land loss at the Biloxi site,” said Bach. “The original reef deployment for the Pointe-au-Chien community was in 2019. After Ida, we came out here and

saw a fully intact reef with oys ters and crabs. In fact, the storm pushed the shells further into banks and almost cemented them into place.”

After its first deployments, CRCL started choosing sites with cultural significance, particularly to Louisiana’s Indigenous com munities. “We chose mound ar eas because these feel like a more significant loss and provide more impact for the project,” said Bach. “We’re giving shell back to the people who relied on healthy reefs for ages.”

“This is one of the oldest con tinuously-habited areas in Louisi ana,” said Pointe-au-Chien tribal member Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, who is also a professor and the Di rector of the Indian Legal Clinic at Arizona State University. “Main taining these mounds is important to our cultural heritage. We have had significant land loss over the years: oil and gas extraction brings in saltwater, the Mississippi River is cut off so it can’t bring in land. We’ve lost two hundred million tons of sediment. Skeleton trees down the bayou mark where houses, homes, gardens, and people lived.”

We saw firsthand the skeleton trees when it was our turn to ride out to the reef location. Our softspoken captain, Earl Billiot, works as a crabber, leaving every day before the sun comes up. As he led us beyond the edge of civilization, we saw majestic wild horses standing in the marsh, silently observing as we passed. A graveyard

of live oak trees shimmered in the heat like ghosts in the wind, and a fallen-down fence marked the remains of an old cattle corral.

At the reef site, volunteers jumped overboard and began stacking the oyster shell bags three sacks wide and high enough to see above the water. Within minutes, our boat was emptied of its cargo, and the waves gently lapped at the new reef. We briefly admired the work before Billiot steered us home, lingering around a pod of dolphins as they played around us. Farther along, a large

alligator rested directly underneath a pipe bathing him with water, his mouth agape.

As the boat docked, CRCL handed out t-shirts to remind us of our day working to restore the coast. Despite the land loss and destruction this area has experienced, we all left with a sense of accomplishment, feeling we had played some small part in protecting a piece of Louisiana. h

crcl.org/oyster-shell-recycling

The final step in the oyster shell recycling process is to place the shells, in aquaculture-grade bags, along the edges of a designated coastal area to serve as a protective barrier and a living reef.

Meet Mina Seck

Mina Seck has had her eyes on the dirt since she was a child, helping her grandfather in his garden in Pennsylvania. Today, after an impressive career spent in some of New Orleans' finest restaurants—Command hers, Angeline, and Carmo among them—she operates her own food popup Beets 'n Thyme, which combines her love of growing things with her love of cuisine by offering gardening workshops, menu planning, cooking classes, and more. Spurred by a desire to ensure that everyone has access to wholesome, locally-grown food, and to foster a self-sustaining community, she now serves as the Community Food Manager at SproutNOLA. The New Orleans nonprofit works to develop a sustainable and equitable community food system by supporting small-scale growers. For this special profile for our Gardening and Outdoors Issue, we asked Seck to tell us more about her journey and the work she does at this revolutionary organization.

How did your relationship with growing things begin?

When I was a child, my grandparents loved gardening. My Pop-Pop was always growing flowers and spent a lot of time in their backyard, and I would join him. My family, even though we were in a city, always prioritized fresh vegetables and visiting my aunt’s farm and friends in the countryside. When I was in college and had my own apartment I started growing herbs and houseplants in my window. Fast forward fifteen years later, and here we are!

What sparked your passion for promoting and educating people about food sovereignty?

Before I became the Community Food and Garden Manager at Sprout, I was a chef. Food has always been a very important part of my life and how I gather people and show my love and gratitude. Growing up, my mom and I would volunteer at soup kitchens, but there were also moments of my childhood where we needed food from the food banks ourselves. This always made me want to give to people in the form of food. I have always fed people and shared anything I can, so food sovereignty was something I did before I truly had an understanding of it.

Tell us about some of the most impactful experiences you've had in the realm of environmental justice.

The most impactful moments for me are when I'm having conversations with people, and I realize so many of us are trying our best to address the environmental crisis. Even when I don’t assume someone would be concerned, and they surprise me, it just gives me hope.

What brought you to SproutNOLA?

When I was running my catering business, my main mission and goal was to use local ingredients. I strengthened my relationships with farmers and growers by going to the Farmer’s Market and catering events on different farms. When the position opened up, one of my close friends, also a farmer, encouraged me to apply. I knew Emily (Mickey-Doyle, one of SproutNOLA's co-founders) and Margee (Green, SproutNOLA's Executive Director) through being a farm-focused chef so it’s been an amazing experience being a part of Sprout's community.

What are some of the specific issues in the food/growing landscape of New Orleans that SproutNOLA is working to address/change?

Some of our most significant work is in our land and reparations work. We’ve given out 500,000 dollars to Black and Indigenous land-led projects throughout Louisiana. This work addresses our nation’s racial injustices and barriers that prevent Black and Indigenous people from owning land. This program also supports farmer connections, facilitates lease support and one-on-one business advising, and much more. We also address the food apartheid in New Orleans by growing community food, maintaining and filling a community fridge, and offering free seeds and plant starts for people to grow at home among other programs.

What are some of the concrete services/programs conducted by SproutNOLA as part of its larger mission of developing a more sustainable and accessible food system?

We offer technical assistance consultations, a tool lending library, seeds and plants, classes, learning cohorts, fiscal sponsorship, and office hours to farmers and growers. We host weekly open garden hours, free community classes, and we also have the Truck Farm Table at Crescent City Farmers Market. This is a space where we sell growers' food and products for them without taking any percentage or fees. This way farmers can get their product out and save time for other duties. This breaks down barriers and makes selling at market a viable option for farmers while simultaneously diversifying the market itself.

Tell us why you feel SproutNOLA's mission and initiatives are important, particularly to the New Orleans community?

Our mission and programs are important to our community for many reasons. We believe that everyone should have support in growing food and access to fresh foods, regardless of what they’re able to do themselves. A lot of our work also addresses our current climate crisis. All New Orleanians are subject to what may happen due to climate change, and we hope to mitigate that through our policy and agriculture work.

What is your personal favorite part of this work?

There are so many parts of my work I love that it is hard for me to choose. There’s been moments of my job that I feel bad about it counting towards work, because I’m genuinely having a good time. If I had to choose, I'd say that I love the gardening and spending time with people during our open hours the most.

What are the best ways for people to get involved at and/or to support SproutNOLA?

The most important way to support would be by donating so we can continue growing our Land and Reparations program. We also host open garden hours every Monday from 2 pm–4 pm, Wednesdays from 10 am–noon, and Thursdays from 4 pm–5:30 pm—during which we offer gardening tips, fresh veggies, selections from our seed library, and free plant starts from our greenhouse. Our website's events calendar has all of our community classes, events, and open hours.

What is your advice for people who are interested in growing their own food?

Whether they are new to growing or have been doing it for some time, my best advice for people is to have fun getting to know your plants. Sometimes they don’t grow how we hoped, but if you take the time to understand and learn the plant, it will thank you for nurturing it. h

Learn more about the work Seck does at SproutNOLA at sproutnolafarm.org, and at Beets 'N Thyme at beetsnthyme.com.

Q&A

COMING FROM A CAREER SPENT IN NEW ORLEANS'S FINEST KITCHENS, SECK'S WORK AT SPROUTNOLA MEETS FOOD AT ITS SOURCE

Interview by Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

Image courtesy of Mina Seck

ReSchooling

By Catherine Comeaux

Escapes

hat do you think happened here?” asked our instructor as a small group of us stood around a fallen tree in the middle of the Louisiana State Arboretum. Was the cause of death natural? Were any others injured in the incident? It felt like the investigation scene of a whodunit. He was challenging us to apply what we had learned earlier that morning as part of “Reading the Winter Landscape: Old Growth Forests”—a one-day class presented by the Coastal Plains Outdoor School.

The CPOS’s mission is to offer outdoor immersion

“Weducation that encourages people of all ages to enrich their relationship with the land, themselves, and each other. The school began offering outdoor education classes in 2020 with a “Winter Mushrooms of the Piney Woods” class. The CPOS has since held a series of outdoor education classes on a variety of topics, such as foraging and winter botany, each held in public parks or on state lands—encouraging an appreciation of our publicly-held wildlands while keeping the cost of classes down.

After college, founder and education director Matthew Herron taught in various capacities which ultimately led him to an internship in Ohio at the

Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center, where he was enraptured by the concept of outdoor education and knew he had to bring it home to Louisiana.

Called by the pull of family and a deep connection to the landscape—forged in his childhood spent on the Lower Amite River southward to where the Gulf breezes blow across Elmer’s Island— Herron returned to Louisiana to earn a Master of Science in biology at the Louisiana State University in Monroe and bring the concept of formalized outdoor education to the Gulf South region. “I've seen the environmental problems we face, and I feel a commitment and an obligation to give back

Photo taken by Matthew Herron in the DeSoto National Forest Habitat. For his courses offered through the Coastal Plains Outdoor School, Herron prioritizes using public parks and land—making it more accessible and fostering a deeper appreciation for those public lands.

to this place that has given to me,” Herron said.

He recognized, “There are a lot of great environmental outdoor educators in Louisiana and throughout the Gulf South doing important work. With the CPOS, I hope to bring a cohesiveness to outdoor education in the region, where there's a need for good outdoor education that connects people and helps them relate in relationship with the land.

Simply put, outdoor education is experiential learning in the outdoors. John Michael Kelly, an adjunct instructor with the CPOS who co-led our class that day explained it this way, “I could show you four separate pictures and ask you to identify the one taken in an old growth forest. Would it be the one with the old gnarly tree? The dense understory? The fern-covered mound? Or the small sunlit saplings? It would be all of the images since they were all taken in the same forest. You can’t tell old growth from pictures, it’s something you have to feel, walk in, and create a storyline about.”

Giving learners the tools to better understand their experience of

Photo by Matthew Herron during the "Reading the Winter Landscapes" class held in 2018.

the natural world and create that storyline is what the CPOS excels in. Dr. Phyllis Baudoin Griffard, president of the Acadiana Native Plant Project took the “Old Growth Forest” class with the CPOS last year. As a former university biology professor with a research focus in biology education she is admittedly picky about how she learns. “I’m hesitant to participate in workshops like this due to the tendency to point and name, but I don’t always learn by just being out there; I need structure. Matthew understands how people think. There is a logic to his pedagogical approach which walks you through the key points of what makes a forest an old growth forest. His workshop sets you up to see the landscape with new eyes.”

The group of us gathered for that day’s class were a multigenerational mix ranging in ages from eight to sixty-two; including an artist, a former US Wildlife and Fisheries agent, a professor, several homeschool students, and a smattering of Master Naturalists. Herron and Kelly guided us through a day of learning which felt more like taking a hike with a couple of good-humored ecologists eager to share their enthusiasm and knowledge than it did a “class.” We learned as we moved through the forest, stopping on the trail, as Kelly described it, “to pin that knowledge” to what we experienced.

Gently kicking sweetgum balls down the elevated boardwalk that winds through the arboretum’s cypress-tupelo swamp, Herron remarked, “It’s like reading the headlines. When you look along the trail—you can see what’s going on in nature.” I noticed the grey path ahead littered with bright red as someone in our small group pointed to a squirrel nibbling away at a bright cluster of red swamp maple seeds.

As we came to the end of our hike, Herron asked us to reflect on a quote from George Washington Carver which goes, “I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” The reflections from the circle were full of gratitude. I took away a new appreciation for the abundance of life we found springing from the dead mangled roots of the tip-up mounds formed when trees blew over in the forest.

Left: Kisatchi National Forest Habitat; Right: Photo from CPOS's first class on "Winter Mushrooms" in 2020. Photos by Matthew Herron.

I also came away excited about the potential impact of outdoor education in a post-pandemic world. As much of our learning has gone online, CPOS is calling students to the outdoors to be immersed in what cannot be communicated through a screen, but only conveyed if we “tune in” to the trail underneath our feet and experience what nature has to tell us.

The CPOS is currently working on acquiring nonprofit status as it forms a board of directors and develops a support network throughout the region. h

Visit coastalplainsoutdoors.org to learn how to become involved, sign up for a class, or learn about the affiliated native plant nursery and ecological services offered.

Upcoming classes include:

“Learning with the Land: An Open-Space Retreat for Nature-based Educators and Leaders” in Central Louisiana on March 10–12, and

“Foraging the Gulf South: A Workshop on Wild Foods and Materials” in Brooklyn, Mississippi on March 25.

THE EROSION AND RESILIENCE OF A LOUISIANA COMMUNITY

Sponsored by Tangipahoa Parish Tourism

PERSPECTIVES: IMAGES OF OUR STATE

Heaven on Earth

KATIE MCVEA’S “LAND ART” EXPLORES ETHICAL HUMAN INTERACTION WITH NATURE IN THE TUNICA HILLS

By Jordan LaHaye Fontenot

On this late summer day, the beautyberries called.

Over the course of the previous months spent allowing the Tunica Hills to guide her inspiration, environmental artist Katie McVea had been drawn to the smooth horsetail growing in clumps, to the smooth white river rocks found along the banks of Polly Creek, to the ferns feathering delicately over the path, and the golden leaves carpeting the forest floor.

But today, driving through her family’s property on her four-wheeler, it was the impossibly-hued droplets bursting through the woods that caught her eye. She pulled over, and set to gathering, and gathering, and gathering. When she had more than she could carry, the bushes in their abundance barely registering what was taken, McVea pointed herself towards that spot, that tree—the one she remembered from some previous trip, that was covered like fur in the most magical emerald moss. When she found it, she poured her bounty into the waiting arms of its roots. The pile she left there was bright and bulbous, clanging against the textured green of the tree in a way that was magical in its almost unnaturalness. Only a human could have put this here, but the forest could still claim it.

The next day, when McVea returned, the berries had vanished, devoured by some lucky white-tail. It was as though she had never placed them there at all.

A collection of these ephemeral Tunica sculptures, photographed, makes up McVea’s thesis as an MFA student at Louisiana State University’s College of Art & Design. In the vein of the “Land Art” movement of the 1960s and ‘70s—the project joins her affinity for design with her environmentalist foundations in a creative tribute to her home.

Raised in St. Francisville, exploring West Feliciana’s

swimming holes, riding four-wheelers down the slopes of the Tunica Hills and searching for arrowheads in the creek bottom, McVea understood from an early age that this was a special place. “My dad loves West Feliciana Parish,” she said. “He thinks it’s Heaven on Earth, and he and my mom really passed that down to us.”

Even after spending seventeen years in Dallas—working as an art director and graphic designer with brands like Tropicana, Gatorade, and Frito-Lay—she still told people she was from West Feliciana Parish. “I always felt that tug,” she said.

After moving back to pursue an MFA at LSU, she briefly found herself living with her parents again after an issue with her apartment. “I was really back in the country,” she said, describing how she started taking regular walks around the 400-acre woodland property of her childhood, and how that started to impact her work as an artist. “I went from kind of creating other people’s work, to creating work for myself.”

She started to more intensely understand this “heaven on earth” as a rare and precious thing, something worth protecting. “The Tunica Hills are so unique,” she said, marveling at the landscape’s geological history—its signature slopes and ridges created during the Ice Age when dust storms carried highly-erodible, hardwood-friendly loess in massive drifts to the region. The topography and ecology that have resulted are unlike anywhere else in Louisiana. “It’s like you’re completely transported.”

One of the major components of the early “land art” movement, along with ephemerality, was its rejection of art’s commodification; by centering their creative practice and products outside of the institutions of traditional galleries and museums, artists like Andy Goldsworthy and Robert Smithson challenged the idea of art as something to be purchased and sold and used in the market.

Into this discourse McVea inserts her own challenge: what is lost when land and nature is viewed as a commodity, rather than a gift? “Shouldn’t we all get on board to preserve places like this?” she asks. In creating art that uplifts the wonder of nature alongside human creativity, in a manner that avoids taking or disrupting—she presents a model for mankind’s interaction with our natural environments, reflective of her parents’ decision to place their four hundred acres into a conservation easement. “I definitely have found more appreciation at this point in my life for how important of a decision that was for my parents,” she said. “The land cannot be divided, cannot be clear cut, cannot be developed.”

But it goes beyond simply letting nature be, she said. There is an active role humans can play in protecting these places. “We have to maintain the trail systems, make sure invasive species that could damage the area are removed. We have to be there and see and manage and maintain. It’s a lot of responsibility.”

McVea said that she sees her work not as a screaming call to action, but more of an encouraging whisper. “Look at the land this way,” she said. “Look at the beauty, look at what it has to offer, and how important it is to preserve it.” Look at how we can insert ourselves, create something beautiful within it, and then step back—as though we were never there. h

Katie McVea’s thesis work will be on display at LSU’s Glassell Gallery in downtown Baton Rouge from May 2–May 13, 2023, with a reception to be held on May 13 from 6 pm–8 pm.