July/August 2022
Preserving New Orleans Jazz History Become an Arts Patron 14 Must-See Art Museums in Louisiana
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FROM LAURA It is often said that in New Orleans “culture seeps up from the sidewalk.” I’m not sure who first said it, but the thought could be said about many cities in Louisiana. This state is unique, and we work hard to preserve our culture of original music, exquisite art and architecture, and delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine. Oh, and did I mention our wonderful people who warmly welcome all to the state? This issue of Louisiana Boomers celebrates Louisiana’s cultural treasures. You will meet Ben Jaffe, whose family has owned Preservation Hall, one of the country’s most revered jazz clubs, since 1961. Located in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, Preservation Hall’s master musicians perform 350 nights of the year. Through its foundation, Preservation Hall serves to protect and preserve jazz by working with students, thus perpetuating jazz for generations to come.
Marketing
Our state’s museums and local symphonies are additional cultural assets that must be enjoyed and supported. Whether you walk the halls of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, or attend a local symphony performance, or visit a small, intimate gallery, you will find beauty and sounds that inspire and excite. Learn how to support these venues in this issue.
Community Development
Food is another art form in our state. Where else can you find a pot of sizzling gumbo, a mountain of boudin, or a platter of Natchitoches meat pies? Only in Louisiana.
EMILY MANCUSO Director of Marketing MAGGIE SHARP Marketing Assistant TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach
For reprint information, contact editorial@nolafamily.com Business Office: One Galleria Blvd., Ste. 1900 Metairie, LA 70001
( 504 ) 866 - 0555 A publication of
July/August 2022 Issue 19
Last, in this issue we welcome New Orleans artist and Boomer Katie Rafferty, whose whimsical art has delighted her fans for decades. Her creations brighten homes from the Big Easy to the Big Apple. Katie’s art also can be found in the Louisiana Children’s Museum and in the Chicory House, a brand new bistro in The Rink in the New Orleans Garden District. There’s so much to see, hear, taste, and enjoy in Louisiana. Get out and support the arts in whatever way suits your fancy. Time’s a wastin’.
Fearlessly yours,
Laura Claverie LABOOMERSMAG.COM | JULY/AUGUST 2022
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CONTENTS
J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2
ON THE COVER Joshua Starkman, Charlie Gabriel and Ben Jaffe (left to right) by Steve Rapport
A FEW WORDS 3 From Laura FEATURES 8 It’s Hurricane Season 9 14 Must-See Art
Museums in Louisiana
10 Preserving New Orleans Jazz History
12 Become a Patron of the Arts 13 Artist Spotlight 14 Understanding
Melanoma
REGULAR TOPICS 6 From Our Bookshelf 16 Feeling Puzzled? 18 On the Geaux
LOUISIANA BOOMERS is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. LOUISIANA BOOMERS Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited.
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FROM OUR BOOKSHELF
Celebrating Cultures Dive into far-off cultures or celebrate those close to home with these selections, available for free from the New Orleans Public Library: Paulina Bren’s The Barbizon: The Hotel that Set Women Free, is the fascinating story of one of New York City’s most famous residential hotels, the women who lived there (Sylvia Plath, Liza Minnelli, Grace Kelly, and Joan Didion, to name a few), and how their time in the Barbizon shaped their futures. Beyond simply telling the biography of a building, Bren vividly illustrates these young women’s lives as they search for something more, while navigating the rapidly changing social culture and customs of 20th century New York. Prospect.5 New Orleans: Yesterday We Said Tomorrow archives the 2021 Prospect New Orleans exhibition, a citywide contemporary art triennial that started in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In this exhibition catalog, artistic directors Naima J. Keith and Diana Nawi bring together 51 artists to engage New Orleans as context as they reconsider the concept of history, both global and local. Memphis by Tara Stringfellow traces three generations of a Southern Black family as one daughter learns the generational sacrifices that ensured her life wouldn’t be defined by loss and anger while simultaneously discovering a power that might help change her family’s legacy. Along the way, she finds she is part of a long matrilineal tradition, which is exactly what she needs to help her family heal.
Marie Simoneaux is the marketing associate responsible for the Library’s social media content and impact stories. 6
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Robin Goldblum is the New Orleans Public Library's Adult Education Programming Librarian.
Transport yourself across the ocean to the seaside town of Algarve, Portugal with Lídia Jorge’s The Wind Whistling in the Cranes. This Romeo and Juliet-esque tale tells the story of two families: the landlords and tenants of a derelict canning factory. Set in a beautiful town haunted by its colonial past, the characters must reckon with the present-day toll of the racial, social, and economic history of Portugal. Louise Erdrich’s new novel The Sentence bottles a wild time that we’re all too familiar with: today’s cultural climate. While many of us turn to books to escape the present, Erdich expertly examines current events through a completely fresh take. The story follows Tookie, a Native American woman working at a Minneapolis bookstore during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd protests. As you can imagine, Tookie’s world is surrounded by turmoil and death–including the ghost of “her most annoying customer,” who has chosen to spend her afterlife haunting her store. All of You Every Single One by Beatrice Hitchman follows three couples whose stories are woven together in their bohemian Vienna community. The tale spans from 1910 to 1946 to explore love, freedom, and what constitutes a family. New Orleans architecture is arguably one of our city’s most iconic features. However, studies largely ignore the influence of one major demographic: free people of color. In Building Antebellum New Orleans, Tara A. Dudley corrects the record by examining the architectural activities and influence of gens de couleur libres in a city that, to this day, is defined by their traditions.
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It’s Hurricane Season: Crucial Preparation Tips By Anthony Bui For Louisiana residents, hurricanes are a familiar occurrence. The majority of residents have experienced many hurricanes and understand how to adequately prepare for one. Those who are older, though, can find themselves facing many challenges that hinder their ability to handle a natural disaster of this magnitude. Age can lead to more concerns due to health issues, diminished awareness, and problems with mobility. Because of these problems, older Louisianians can find themselves most affected by these storms. These problems were made apparent when Hurricane Katrina hit and over half of those who died were 75 or older, according to NBC News. However, there are so many things that can be done in order to best prepare for a hurricane.
Before the Storm Hits
Preparation is the most important thing when it comes to hurricanes. Once it makes landfall, going outside becomes very dangerous. That is why it is essential that you gather these supplies ahead of time. It is important to keep up to date on the storm: knowing key pieces of information like size, strength, where exactly it is going to hit, and when it is supposed to make landfall are crucial if you are to prepare properly. This is more than simply stocking up on food, water, gas, boarding up windows, and making any other preparations to the house. In addition to these things, it is also important that you have an ample supply of any medication that you are taking. If you rely on any special medical equipment like oxygen tanks, make sure to have some spares. In addition to these essentials, it is a good practice to also have legal documents, as well as contact information for doctors and family members inside of a waterproof bag for insurance and identification purposes. Before the storm hits, it is vital to take advantage of this time to establish a support system. It is important to have someone check on you before and after the storm in order to ensure that everything is okay. In the cases where something does go wrong, having a support system in place ensures that you are receiving the care and 8
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attention you may need whether that be more supplies or medical treatment. If you do not have family nearby, turn to your neighbors, local families, churches, and friends. In a difficult time like a hurricane, it is important to lean into community and to have each other’s backs. Luckily, when most people notice you’re alone, others will step up and offer a helping hand, whether that be fortifying houses or gathering supplies and preparing an emergency evacuation kit.
When the Storm Hits
Once the storm hits, it is important to ensure that you’re comfortable and able to be self-sufficient for a period of time. Take the supplies that were gathered and designate a safe room to hunker down in. This room should be more inward and windowless in order to best protect from flying debris and floodwater. In the worst case scenario, and evacuation is imminent, it is crucial that you are prepared to leave as every second is important. A go-bag on wheels can help you more easily evacuate when it is needed.
After the Storm
Once a hurricane passes, there are still precautions that need to be taken. The aftermath typically consists of very hot and humid weather, and pairing this with the loss of electricity can lead to dangerous consequences. Unfortunately, as we all get older, we often have an especially difficult time dealing with these increased temperatures, especially with living in Louisiana. Because of this, it is important to make sure you have that support system in place so you will have contact with someone who can help, if needed. Even if your home appears undamaged from the outside, the lack of power can lead to heat strokes and other medical problems if precautions aren’t taken. Having contacts during this time is crucial. However, if phones are down, make sure you have someone close by who can stop by your home to check in. Something as simple as checking in after the storm passes can even boost morale and create a sense of security. When disasters occur, it takes a community to recover from them. This same community is what is essential to have in order to protect those who need it the most.
14 Must-See Art Museums in Louisiana By Sarah Batrous What’s more interesting than seeing artwork? Discover something new by visiting the many art museums in Louisiana.
Alexandria
The Alexandria Museum of Art is a place of learning and enrichment. Since opening its doors in 1977, the museum has grown to act as a beacon to the community through offering events to exhibit art and to support healthy lifestyles. themuseum.org
Baton Rouge
The Old State Capitol Museum is a 165-year old Gothic Revival building that is a sight to behold, and its stained glass windows seal the deal. louisianaoldstatecapitol.org LSU’s Rural Life Museum sits within a 25-acre park and consists of 30 historic homes and outbuildings. It is meant to educate visitors about everyday rural living and preserve the practices of several cultural groups. lsu.edu/rurallife
Lafayette
The Hilliard Art Museum is nestled in ULL’s campus. Its collection consists of 18th through 21st century European, Asian, and American art works. hilliardmuseum.org
Lake Charles
The Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is best described as a public art gallery and cultural facility. Made up of traveling exhibits, every time you visit there is something new and exciting to study. cityoflakecharles.com
Monroe
The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens is known for its beauty, and it boasts the ELSong English gardens and conservatory, a Coca-Cola Museum, and a Bible Museum. bmuseum.org The Masur Museum of Art is known as “the largest collecting and exhibiting visual arts museum in Northeast Louisiana” and is the former home of the Masur family. Plenty of paintings, prints, and sculptures are on display year-round. masurmuseum.org
New Orleans
The New Orleans Museum of Art is the oldest fine arts museum in New Orleans. The have an impressive collection of “40,000 objects, spanning 5,000 years of art and is noted for its extraordinary strengths in French and American art.” noma.org The Ogden Museum of Southern Art was established in 1999 and is noted to hold the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern art. ogdenmuseum.org The Contemporary Arts Center focuses on showing bold styles by artists producing their works through the visual arts, photography, and sculpture. Their cutting-edge theatre is also considered a mustsee. cacno.org
Northshore
The Abita Mystery House is another strange but interesting museum of sorts. Modeled as a miniature town with plenty of interactive art pieces, including displayed memorabilia and truly wacky “junk.” abitamysteryhouse.com The Abita Springs Trailhead Museum is a “quaint, one-room museum” that is usually open on Fridays and Saturdays to teach visitors about local history and culture. trailheadmuseum.org
Shreveport
The R.W. Norton Art Museum houses an exceptional collection of art from 2400 BC Early Egyptian works through contemporary artists who are living and working today. “The Norton is the perfect place for everyone to enjoy! Whether you are 9 months or 90, the collection and botanical gardens are a wonder to behold and a jewel in the crown of Shreveport-Bossier and the state of Louisiana,” comments Emily Feazel, the Designer of Exhibits and Special Events. rwnaf.org The Meadows Art Museum at Centenary College recently collected new paintings from local Black artists to add to their collection of over 1,600 pieces. themeadowsmuseum.com LABOOMERSMAG.COM | JULY/AUGUST 2022
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Preserving New Orleans Jazz History By Emily Drez
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T
he year is 1950-something, and the dawn of rock n’ roll has just begun. Tucked between buildings on St. Peter Street in the New Orleans French Quarter is a small art gallery called Associated Artists. It is more than just an art gallery, though. At Associated Artists, the owner is hosting jam sessions for legendary jazz musicians–George Lewis, Punch Miller, and Jim Robinson, for example–in violation of the time’s Jim Crow laws. With so few jazz halls available, these artists have side jobs and are struggling to make a name for themselves, but they won’t be for long. Soon, the art gallery will draw enough attention to itself to draw in music enthusiasts from all over the world. This is the beginning of what would be Preservation Hall, the most important music venue in the world. In 1960, Allan and Sandra Jaffe stumbled upon the city in which they would spend the rest of their lives when they visited New Orleans. Their lives changed when they walked through the wrought-iron doors of Associated Artists. The sounds and energy of the jazz musicians there mesmerized the Jaffes, and, in 1961, they established Preservation Hall in place of Associated Artists. The art gallery continued to operate until the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which allowed Preservation Hall to serve its purpose as a jazz hall. The art gallery moved next door, and Preservation Hall quickly garnered national recognition for its work in bringing back to prominence the unsung heroes of New Orleans jazz music. It became known as a place that honored and celebrated the community of African American and Creole music, which had gone unappreciated until then.
time and place at any of its performances. It’s like trying to describe a taste or a color; you just have to experience it for yourself.” As well as one-of-a-kind, the experience at Preservation Hall is very intimate. There are only 50-60 guests per concert, so it’s important to get your tickets early because they sell out very quickly. As Ben said, you have to see it for yourself to understand the raw talent and deeply rooted tradition Preservation Hall hosts. You can access the calendar of which bands will be performing and purchase tickets at preservationhall.com. The jazz doesn’t stop there, though. New Orleans has plenty of other jazz clubs for you to choose from, and they’re all within walking distance of each other. The good news is that, since you can’t possibly visit all of them, you can always come back. Snug Harbor: This jazz club takes the space of a 200-year-old building with room for a music hall, a dining room, and a bar. Snug Harbor puts on concerts each night of the week. snugjazz.com DBA New Orleans: DBA hosts eclectic groups of musicians for their nightly live music shows. It is also well-known for its selection of craft beers and cocktails. dbaneworleans.com
“I’m carrying their legacy and the tradition of Preservation Hall, which is to honor the African American and Creole music communities of New Orleans.”
Preservation Hall spread the love of New Orleans music across the world with its own band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Today, the Hall and its band is run by Ben Jaffe, one of Allan and Sandra’s sons. He plays tuba like his father did, and he plays bass in the band. “I’m carrying on in my parents’ footsteps,” he says. “I’m carrying their legacy and the tradition of Preservation Hall, which is to honor the African American and Creole music communities of New Orleans.” He describes Preservation Hall as “The Mount Rushmore of New Orleans music,” and the “Carnegie Hall of New Orleans,” all to say that Louisianians have such a special place right in their backyard, and many of us may not know it exists. And, after being closed for 15 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Preservation Hall has reopened in time for its 60th anniversary, and it is ready to continue its legacy. “It’s a very small space,” Ben says. He explains that, while Preservation Hall looks exactly the way it looked 60 years ago when his parents discovered it, “you’re transported to another
The Spotted Cat Music Club: Also known as “The Cat,” this club has received national recognition for its shows, its ambiance, and its tiny stage. spottedcatmusicclub.com
The Ritz-Carlton: The Davenport Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton is an elegant jazz lounge with a bistro, afternoon tea hours, and live performances by Jeremy Davenport and his band. ritzcarlton.com The Jazz Playhouse: The Jazz Playhouse at Royal Sonesta Hotel is another luxurious jazz lounge in the area with food, drinks, and live performances in the hotel lobby. sonesta.com Fritzel’s Jazz Bar: With jazz concerts every night of the year, Fritzel’s is the oldest jazz club in New Orleans. Fritzel’s Jazz Band performs every night of the week, along with other bands listed on their calendar. fritzelsjazz.com Maple Leaf Bar: “The Leaf” is another one of New Orleans’ oldest jazz clubs, featuring live performances seven nights a week of jazz, rock, R&B, blues, and beyond. It hosts artists both local and big-name; every Monday and Tuesday night, it is home to Grammy-winning artists George Porter Jr. and Rebirth Brass Band, respectively. The Leaf is also known for having surprise guest performers, too. mapleleafbar.com Bayou Bar: Located in the Ponchartrain Hotel, Bayou Bar is a warm, casual bar with light snack options and live music Tuesday-Saturday. You can find their concert schedule online. bayoubarneworleans.com. LABOOMERSMAG.COM | JULY/AUGUST 2022
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Become a Patron of the Arts By Sarah Batrous
Learn how to make a difference and preserve cultural heritage by donating securely and confidently to local museums and nonprofits.
nonprofits and charities before you donate, as some may not be completely truthful about where your donation is going.
Charitable Donations to the Arts To keep the arts alive, it’s important to help fund them. You can do this by donating online or through the mail, but also through estate planning. Estate planning doesn’t have to be a grim business about who gets what and how much (especially if you don’t have any heirs to give to).
All reputable nonprofits should have a “clean bill of health” when you look them up on the IRS Nonprofit Charities Database. Nonprofits are meant to have a Form 990, which will tell you where your money is going and confirm that it is a tax-exempt nonprofit. Another great place to check is the BBB Wise Giving Alliance at give.org. This is a website where you can read reviews from previous donators. It will also give you a rundown of where most of their funding goes so you can make an informed decision about donating.
As a type of planned giving, you can write in your will that you wish to donate a sum of money to the museum. Regardless of if you donate today or in your will, your organization of choice will receive 100 percent of the donation without any taxes attached. Why is that? Because most museums are registered as 501(c)(3) organizations, meaning that any donations to them are tax deductible. The Lowdown on Nonprofits Of course, museums aren’t the only places you can donate to. Nonprofits are organizations to consider, too! But like anything dealing with money, it’s good to be cautious. Do your research on
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How Do I Claim My Donation? First, you must itemize your deductions. Charitable donations are claimed on Form 1040, Schedule A. Most 501(c)(3)s include religious, educational, and charitable nonprofts. For estate planning, name your charity as the beneficiary in your will or living trust. It would be best to have a chat with your lawyer and financial advisor to make sure everything is good to go and worded correctly.
Artist Spotlight: Katie Rafferty By Anthony Bui
Katie Rafferty’s love for art isn’t something that materialized out of nowhere. Since she was a little girl, she’s always loved activities that involved her hands. Whether that be sewing, candle making, or crafts, Katie has had a passion that only continued to grow as she got older. She even initially wanted to major in Art in college but ultimately decided to pursue a different route. This route took her to France where her love for art grew even more as she learned more about art history. Immersed in the culture, Katie had a unique opportunity that many artists dream for. Growing up in Lake Charles, life there was significantly different than it was in France. She truly feels that France has left such a significant aesthetic impression on her life. It made her realize that there really is another world out there filled with diverse art, people, and places that showed her that no one way of doing things is the right way by default. Katie is also really appreciative of how great the professors were as well as the museum scene. Once she got back to the States, Katie got married and had three kids. After her youngest was born, she decided to go back to art school. After all those years, her love for art never left her. The passion only grew as a matter of fact. She spent the next five years learning as much as she could. Of course, she wasn’t able to learn everything possible, but it was still enough to get her a spot in Cole Pratt Gallery in 1996 where she continues to work and display her art to this day. In New Orleans, the art scene is vast according to Katie. To her knowledge, there is such a diverse group of artists and styles that represent this area. In her gallery alone, there is a collection of 43 artists and 43 distinct styles! There are so many more galleries in
New Orleans, so it is safe to say that the art scene in New Orleans looks to be on a positive trend. Katie has just recently gotten back after taking a year-long sabbatical which she used to further hone her skills and learn more about something that she enjoys. She has recently studied with the New York Botanical gardens and looks to improve her skills in illustration that she felt were lacking. Going back to school and studying at the New York Botanical Gardens was a very different experience for Katie. She shares that she learned a lot and is hoping to incorporate this into her work at the gallery. Her work before was mainly abstract, and she is hoping to introduce drawing into it. Going back to school was a great experience for Katie. These were some of the hardest classes that she has ever taken, but she doesn’t regret them at all. She learned a lot, and it has helped her not only become a better artist but a more rounded and experienced person. To this day, Katie is mastering new techniques and learning more things. See, as people age, their willingness to learn new things and take on new challenges goes away. They want to remain comfortable as change is oftentimes not pleasing to someone who has already passed what most would consider “the prime” of their lives. To this, Katie says, “never stop learning.” When she enrolled in those classes, she was hesitant. It was a three-year program that was going to take a lot of commitment, and she wasn’t getting any younger. What she found, though, was that she was one of the youngest ones in that class. The teacher was even someone who picked this up later in their life. With all that she learned about art, the most important lesson Katie learned is that there isn’t a point in life where you need to slow down. There is no age limit for following your dreams. LABOOMERSMAG.COM | JULY/AUGUST 2022
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Understanding Melanoma By Emily Drez
Summertime means more time spent in the sun. Whether you’re vacationing, gardening, or lounging by the pool, you’re spending plenty of time soaking up some vitamin D, which means you should be spending plenty of time applying (and reapplying) sunscreen. Frequent exposure to the sun can increase your risk of developing melanoma, which can be more deadly for seniors than for younger patients. Melanoma is one of many types of skin cancer, and it is the most common type of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, it occurs when melanocytes–which are the cells that give the skin a brown pigment–begin to grow uncontrollably. While melanoma is not as common as the other types of skin cancers (such as basal cell cancer and squamous cell carcinoma), it is more dangerous because melanoma can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early enough. By taking the necessary precautions, melanoma can be resolved fairly easily or prevented altogether. What Causes Melanoma? There is not always a definitive way to pinpoint what causes melanoma in a person. For example, most moles on your skin are not cancerous, but some may become cancerous due to a genetic mutation that causes the mole’s cells to become melanoma cells. Sometimes melanoma is genetic, but not everyone with a history of this cancer will develop it. The most common cause of melanoma is called an “acquired gene mutation” in which outside factors cause the cancer (rather than genetics or a spontaneous mutation). In this case, a major outside factor is exposure to UV rays via sunlight or tanning beds. The American Cancer Society describes UV rays as damaging to skin cells because, when damaged, the cells can mutate and become cancer cells. It may take years for melanoma to develop after significant exposure to UV rays, which is why it’s important to have regular check-ups with a dermatologist if you think you are at risk. What Are Some Signs of Melanoma? According to The American Cancer Society, some warning signs include “unusual moles, sores, lumps, blemishes, markings, or changes in the way an area of the skin looks and feels.” Watch 14
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out for new spots on your skin, or old spots that have changed in shape or color. These changes can mean the spot is asymmetrical, discolored, larger than about the size of a pencil eraser, changing in size, and has an irregular, ragged, or blurred border. The American Cancer Society lists other warning signs as: a sore that does not heal, the spread of pigment from a spot to the surrounding skin, redness or swelling around a mole, a change to the mole’s surface, and itchiness, tenderness, or pain in the area. How Can it Be Treated? You can catch melanoma in its earliest stages–when it is most likely to be cured–by doing regular self-exams. If you find a spot on your skin that looks suspicious, make an appointment with a dermatologist so you can get the spot checked out. Your dermatologist will determine what to do from there. If they think the spot may be melanoma, they will do a biopsy and send it to a lab. If the spot is non-cancerous, you’re good to go. If it is cancerous, you may need to undergo treatment. Melanoma that is detected in its earliest stages can be treated with surgery and medication. For the most severe stages of melanoma (in which the cancer has attached itself to the lymph nodes and started to spread), radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy may be necessary. Can Melanoma Be Prevented? Though there is no way to guarantee you will not have melanoma, it’s always a good idea to take preventive measures to lower your risk of developing it. The most important thing to do is to protect yourself from UV rays. Stay out of direct sunlight when possible, and make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and reapply as directed. Don’t forget to wear a hat and sunglasses when you go out, as UV rays can be harmful to the eyes as well. Most dermatologists recommend avoiding tanning beds because those emit UV rays, too. Instead of a tanning bed, you can purchase self-tanners in stores. Self-tanners typically come in lotion or spray form, and they are a safer alternative to suntanning or using tanning beds. However, self-tanners do not offer UV protection, so you still need to wear sunscreen on top of any self-tanner you use.
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Feeling Puzzled?
CLUES ACROSS 1. Nuclear near reach weapon 5. Of she 8. Hyperbolic function 12. Rice dish 14. A team’s best pitcher 15. Strong and healthy 16. Induces 18. Popular manga series 19. From a distance 20. Split 21. Consumed 22. Cushions 16
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23. All over 26. One who provides food 30. St. __ Girl, brand of beer 31. Walking slowly 32. Wood 33. Semitic gods 34. Bugle 39. 60-minute periods (abbr.) 42. Congressman 44. Plant of the heath family 46. Subdivision of an army 47. Having many different forms 49. Shellfish
50. Latin for hail 51. Between sixth and seventh 56. Maori war dance 57. Precious or semiprecious stone 58. Teeter totter 59. Deity 60. A major division of geological time 61. Fishing net 62. Small Caribbean bird 63. Field force unit 64. Japanese beverage
CLUES DOWN 1. Prevents oil spills 2. Monetary unit 3. The color of the sky 4. Dough used to make tortillas 5. Popular comic strip character 6. Distinct form of a plant 7. Replenishment 8. Has its own altar 9. Expedition to see animals 10. Group of related organisms 11. His and __ 13. Frenetically
17. Small integer 24. Unit of energy 25. Studies of culture 26. Taxi 27. Doctors’ group 28. Don’t know when yet 29. Former measure of length 35. Popular CBS series 36. Skin condition 37. Christian creator and ruler of the universe 38. They __ 40. Caused severe damage
41. Work done under harsh conditions for no pay 42. One point east of due south 43. Sea eagles 44. Drenched 45. State capital 47. Italian city 48. Sweetheart (archaic) 49. Brief talk 52. Popular disco group: Bee __ 53. First Chinese dynasty 54. Military vehicle 55. Chinese Moslem
WORD SCRAMBLE
Rearrange the letters to spell a word related to travel. YMNSOHYP GUOMB TCTIEK
R H UATE E C C ITR
ZAZJ
U R I C NTA LALC
R E H EATT
AXNSOPEOH
ULRCETU
R U ETTM P
TRUMPET
CULTURE
CURTAIN CALL
JAZZ
THEATRE TICKET
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SAXOPHONE
ARCHITECTURE GUMBO
ON THE GEAUX
JULY 1 Friday BIG LAKE NATIVE PLANT TRAIL RESTORATION PROJECT Big Lake at 9 a.m. City Park and The Native Plant Initiative (NPI) hosts a collaborative volunteer opportunity each Friday involving the continued renovation of multiple native plant beds along the Big Lake Native Plant Trail with the goal of representing many different types of native plants in the New Orleans area for the community. neworleanscitypark.com ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE Caesars Superdome. The 27th ESSENCE Festival of Culture will be a multi-generational experience entrenched in culture, equity, and celebration. caesarssuperdome.com FIRST FRIDAYS AT NOMA New Orleans Museum of Art at 6 p.m. The museum is open late night for an evening packed with musical performances, gallery tours, and special pop-ups. noma.org FIRST FRIDAY TOURS & TEA Longue Vue House and Gardens at 12:30 p.m. Each tour will focus on exploring the 18
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connection between the house and garden designs. This is a unique opportunity for guests to engage with on-site historical and horticultural experts, taking a deeper dive into the legacy of Longue Vue. longuevue.com HANDS-ON CREOLE NEW ORLEANS COOKING CLASS Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 11 a.m. The Creole Cooking Class explores the iconic dishes of New Orleans. southernfood.org PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT Culinary Kids at 6 p.m. Drop off the kids for a three-hour, movie themed dinner, dessert, and pajama party. Ages 5-12. culinarykidsns.com
2 Saturday ACADIAN CULTURAL CENTER DULCIMER JAM Acadian Cultural Center at 10 a.m. Join the Cajun Dulcimer Society and its core group, the Lagniappe Dulcimer Society from Baton Rouge, for dulcimer music: Cajun, country, Celtic, folk, and hymns. nps.gov
BARATARIA PRESERVE WETLANDS WALK Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Reserve Visitor Center at 10 a.m. Join a ranger for a guided walk on a boardwalk trail through the Louisiana swamps and marshes of the Barataria Preserve. nps.gov GRETNA FARMERS MARKET Historic downtown Gretna from 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Enjoy fresh local produce and crafts. Rain or shine, under the covered Gretna Market Building. gretnala.com SPARKS IN THE PARK
Bogue Falaya Park at 6:30 p.m. gocovington.org
WETLANDS ACADIAN CULTURAL CENTER BOAT TOUR
Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center at 10 a.m. Cruise into Louisiana’s past on a boat tour of Bayou Lafourche with a National Park Service ranger. nps.gov WETLANDS ACADIAN CULTURAL CENTER: MUSIC ON THE BAYOU Wetlands Acadian Cultural at 2 p.m. Discover the wide range of south Louisiana’s music: zydeco, gospel, blues, jazz, and Cajun. nps.gov
3 Sunday FREE FAMILY SUNDAY Longue Vue House and Gardens at 1 p.m. Enjoy Longue Vue Gardens as a guest. Louisiana families are admitted to Longue Vue free of charge the first Sunday of every month. longuevue.com
5 Tuesday FRENCH QUARTER JAZZ CONCERT In the Balcony Courtyard of the New Orleans Jazz Museum at 2 p.m. The Down on Their Luck Orchestra brings together National Park Service rangers with local musicians to perform traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, gospel, and original compositions. nps.gov
6 Wednesday TWILIGHT AT LONGUE VUE: ANAïS ST. JOHN Longue Vue House and Gardens at 5 p.m. Bring drinks, snacks, picnic seating, or just your walking shoes to enjoy the cool hours of the day in the Longue Vue Gardens. longuevue.com
7 Thursday AN EVENING WITH NEFERTARI AT CAFÉ NOMA Café NOMA at 5:30 p.m. Take a private tour of the exhibition and then enjoy a multi-course dinner at Café NOMA, created by Egyptian-born chef Khaled Hegazzi of Sittoo’s Kitchen. noma.org GARDEN VOLUNTEERS Longue Vue House and Gardens at 8 a.m. Dig alongside a talented and knowledgeable garden team to experience Longue Vue’s eight acres of historic gardens firsthand. longuevue.com SENIOR THURSDAYS Infinity Science Center. If you’re over age 55, you’ve earned respect and some discounts at INFINITY. visitinfinity.com
9 Saturday ACADIAN CULTURAL CENTER FRONT PORCH SERIES Acadian Cultural Center at noon. Performances by local musicians. Zydeco,
Cajun, and Swamp Pop. nps.gov ARTS MARKET PRESENTED BY ARTS COUNCIL NEW ORLEANS Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn at 10 a.m. Take a stroll and discover a variety of works from jewelry and ceramics to paintings and woodworks. artsneworleans.org KOKOMO STROLL 2022 Downtown Covington at 5 p.m. Flip flops and boat drinks will be plentiful as crowds fill the downtown streets to taste several small plate tastings from local restaurants. gocovington.org PELICAN GREENHOUSE PLANT SALE Pelican Greenhouse at 10 a.m. With hundreds of varieties of plants, there’s something everyone will love. neworleanscitypark.com RUNNING OF THE BULLS French Quarter. Each year, the Crescent City hosts its own version of Spain’s Encierro de Pamplona with Running of the Bulls. experienceneworleans.com
11 Monday HAMILTON Saenger Theatre. Hamilton is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. experienceneworleans.com
12 Tuesday QUEEN NEFERTARI AT NIGHT New Orleans Museum of Art at 6 p.m. Queen Nefertari’s Egypt brings to life the role of Nefertari and other powerful women in ancient Egypt. noma.org
13 Wednesday ARTS MARKET PRESENTED BY ARTS COUNCIL NEW ORLEANS Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn at 10 a.m. Take a stroll and discover a variety of works from jewelry and ceramics to paintings and woodworks. artsneworleans.org GRANDPARENTING 101 Zoom at 6 p.m. A lot has changed. Learn the basics to best support your children as parents. chnola.org PELICAN GREENHOUSE PLANT SALE Pelican Greenhouse at 10 a.m. With
hundreds of varieties of plants, there’s something everyone will love. neworleanscitypark.com PUBLIC TOUR OF QUEEN NEFERTARI’S EGYPT New Orleans Museum of Art at 1 p.m. These tours are free with your admission to this special exhibition, but do have capacity restrictions. noma.org RUN DRESS RUN Crescent Park in the Bywater at 9 a.m. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. with live music to follow at noon. Spend the rest of the day exploring amongst the sea of red. experienceneworleans.com
14 Thursday BOOK CLUB: CURATORIAL PROGRAM WITH TRACY KENNAN New Orleans Museum of Art at noon. The NOMA Book Club meets monthly to discuss fiction and nonfiction books related to art in NOMA’s collection and exhibitions. noma.org DISNEY’S MARY POPPINS Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts. Everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure. experienceneworleans.com DOCENT-LED DROP-IN TOUR Ogden Museum at 12:30 p.m. Meet at the admissions desk for a guided tour of Ogden Museum, home to the largest and most comprehensive collection of art from the Southern region of the United States. ogdenmuseum.org
15 Friday SUNSET AT THE LANDING CONCERT Columbia Street Landing at 6 p.m. Enjoy a free concert on the banks of the Bogue Falaya River in downtown Covington. gocovington.org
16 Saturday ADULT CORKS AND COOKING DINNER Culinary Kids at 6 p.m. Enjoy dinner and walk through a detailed course of culinary skills and techniques that are sure to empower you in the kitchen. LABOOMERSMAG.COM | JULY/AUGUST 2022
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culinarykidsns.com CHALMETTE BATTLEFIELD SEWING CIRCLE Chalmette Battlefield at noon. Beginners are welcome, no experience needed. nps.gov PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES OF GARDENING WORKSHOP Longue Vue House and Gardens at 1 p.m. This garden tour and lecture with Director of Gardens Amy Graham highlights ways in which the Longue Vue garden team practices permaculture in their daily garden maintenance routine. longuevue.com
18 Monday
ZOOMIN’ WITH MR. FRED HAISE Infinity Science Center at 6 p.m. During this two-hour virtual talk with Mr. Haise, you’ll get the chance to hear about Mr. Haise’s career with NASA. There will be a Q&A session after the talk. visitinfinity.com
20 Wednesday TWILIGHT AT LONGUE VUE: JOHN RANKIN Longue Vue House and Gardens 5 p.m. Bring drinks, snacks, picnic seating, or just your walking shoes to enjoy the cool hours of the day in the Longue Vue Gardens. longuevue.com
28 Thursday VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION: THE FLOWERING Online at noon. The NOMA Book Club meets monthly to discuss fiction and nonfiction books related to art in NOMA’s collection and exhibitions. noma.org
29 Friday COLUMBIA STREET BLOCK PARTY Columbia Street at 6 p.m. Enjoy a free block party and classic car show on Columbia Street in downtown Covington. Live music, food, and drinks. gocovington.org
AUGUST 1 Monday CHALMETTE BATTLEFIELD: BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS TALK Chalmette Battlefield at 2:45 p.m. Learn about the Battle of New Orleans at the place where it happened. nps.gov COOLINARY NEW ORLEANS 20
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New Orleans District. You’ll once again find decadent dining deals at world-renowned restaurants all around New Orleans as part of COOLinary for the entire month of August. experienceneworleans.com
2 Tuesday FRENCH QUARTER HISTORY TALK
French Quarter visitor center of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve at 9:30 a.m. Join Rangers to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans the special place that it is. nps.gov HANDS-ON CREOLE NEW ORLEANS COOKING CLASS Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 11
a.m. The Creole Cooking Class explores the iconic dishes of New Orleans. southernfood.org HISTORIC THIBODAUX WALKING TOUR Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center at 10 a.m. Join a ranger for a stroll through downtown Thibodaux and hear the stories of its past. nps.gov ROBERT EARL KEEN - I’M COMIN’ HOME House of Blues at 7 p.m. Bring the whole family and visit the restaurant and bar for pre-show fuel. houseofblues.com
3 Wednesday BARATARIA PRESERVE WETLANDS WALK Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Reserve Visitor Center at 10 a.m. Join a ranger for a guided walk on a boardwalk trail through the Louisiana swamps and marshes of the Barataria Preserve. nps.gov
6 Saturday ACADIAN CULTURAL CENTER DULCIMER JAM Acadian Cultural Center at 10 a.m. Join the Cajun Dulcimer Society and its core group, the Lagniappe Dulcimer Society from Baton Rouge, for dulcimer music: Cajun, country, Celtic, folk, and hymns. nps.gov ACADIAN CULTURAL CENTER FRONT PORCH SERIES Acadian Cultural Center at noon. Performances by local musicians. Zydeco, Cajun, and Swamp Pop. nps.gov CHALMETTE BATTLEFIELD SEWING CIRCLE Chalmette Battlefield at noon. Beginners are welcome, no experience needed. nps.gov GRETNA FARMERS MARKET Historic downtown Gretna from 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Enjoy fresh local produce and crafts. Rain or shine, under the covered Gretna Market Building. gretnala.com SATCHMO SUMMERFEST New Orleans Jazz Museum. Outdoor events at SatchmoFest feature live bands on three stages, starring some of New Orleans’ top traditional musicians. experienceneworleans.com
7 Sunday
FREE FAMILY SUNDAY Longue Vue House and Gardens at 1 p.m. Enjoy Longue Vue Gardens as a guest. Louisiana families are admitted to Longue Vue free of charge the first Sunday of every month. longuevue.com NOLAPALOOZA FESTIVAL Rock’N’Bowl from 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Experience tunes from iconic bands such as Jane’s Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. unation.com
9 Tuesday BOOK CLUB: CURATORIAL PROGRAM WITH MEL BUCHANAN New Orleans Museum of Art at noon. The NOMA Book Club meets monthly to discuss fiction and nonfiction books related to art in NOMA’s collection and exhibitions. noma.org
11 Thursday DOCENT-LED DROP-IN TOUR Ogden Museum at 12:30 p.m. Meet at the admissions desk for a guided tour of Ogden Museum, home to the largest and most comprehensive collection of art from the Southern region of the United States. ogdenmuseum.org NEW ORLEANS GIFT AND JEWELRY SHOW New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center through August 14. This show attracts 13,000 buyers and has 400 booths. helenbrettexhibits.com NEW ORLEANS SALSA BACHATA FESTIVAL New Orleans Marriot from 4-11 p.m. Threeday festival featuring multi-genre dance styles. eventbrite.com
13 Saturday RUN DRESS RUN Crescent Park in the Bywater at 9 a.m. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. with live music to follow at noon. Spend the rest of the day exploring amongst the sea of red. experienceneworleans.com
15 Monday ADULT SUMMER CAMP ALTERNATIVE
ART PROCESSES EXPLORED Ogden Museum at 10 a.m. This five-day adult program provides opportunities to deepen your artistic skills or explore new areas of expression. ogdenmuseum.org
16 Tuesday RAKE DAY Longue Vue House and Gardens. Celebrate their fourth annual Rake Day by volunteering to rake with them, or by putting down the leaf blower and raking in your own community. longuevue.com
19 Friday SUNSET AT THE LANDING CONCERT Columbia Street Landing at 6 p.m. Enjoy a free concert on the banks of the Bogue Falaya River in downtown Covington. gocovington.org
20 Saturday ADULT CORKS AND COOKING DINNER Culinary Kids at 6 p.m. Enjoy dinner and walk through a detailed course of culinary skills and techniques that are sure to empower you in the kitchen. culinarykidsns.com
25 Thursday VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION: CRAFT Online at noon. The NOMA Book Club meets monthly to discuss fiction and nonfiction books related to art in NOMA’s collection and exhibitions. noma.org
26 Friday COLUMBIA STREET BLOCK PARTY Columbia Street at 6 p.m. Enjoy a free block party and classic car show on Columbia Street in downtown Covington. Live music, food, and drinks. gocovington.org
27 Saturday LUKE BRYAN Smoothie King Center at 7 p.m. Don’t miss Luke Bryan Live as he brings his Raised Up Right Tour with special guests Riley Green & Mitchell Tenpenny. smoothiekingcenter.com LABOOMERSMAG.COM | JULY/AUGUST 2022
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