October 23-29 2023 Volume 44 Number 43
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OCT. 23 — OCT. 29, 2023 VOLUME 44 || NUMBER 43
CONTENTS
2 Bedrooms - 1 Bath Furnished Kitchen/ High Ceilings/ Hard Wood Flooring
COVER STORY Interview with an Influencer.................... 11 Halloween events............ 14 Da’ Rougarou is comin’ for y’all........................... 26
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F E AT U R E S Arts & Entertainment......... 5 Eat & Drink..................... 28 Music Listings.................. 36 Music............................. 37 Going Out....................... 38 Puzzles.......................... 39 C OV E R P H O TO A N D M A K E U P BY C L A R E B R I E R R E C OV E R D E S I G N BY D O R A S I S O N
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The Regan era Tulane law student Marlena Williams’ ‘Night Mother’ explores ‘The Exorcist’ | by Will Coviello MARLENA WILLIAMS REMEMBERS SEEING A FEW SECONDS of the demonically
possessed Regan MacNeil spider walk in a full backbend down a flight of stairs in “The Exorcist.” She was 8 years old, and it terrified her. It’s not the most disturbing scene in the landmark 1973 horror film. More memorable scenes include Regan spinning her head completely around, spewing vomit at priests and stabbing at her own vagina with a crucifix. Williams remembers the scene because her mother quickly grabbed the remote and turned off the TV. It wasn’t the first time her mother told her never to watch the movie. Williams didn’t watch the whole movie until she was 23, five years after her mother died of cancer. Now, eight years later, she’s releasing “Night Mother: A Personal and Cultural History of The Exorcist,” out this week on the Ohio State University Press. “My mom died when I was 18,” Williams says. “When I finally decided to watch [‘The Exorcist’], I was out of the darkest periods of grief. I was still missing her. When I got around to watching the movie, I had this lifelong connection in my mind between ‘The Exorcist’ and my mom, who banned me from seeing it. I got obsessed with the movie almost as a way to understand her and her life.” Williams had started thinking about the book project as a memoir. But as she researched the film, it became more about “The Exorcist.” She finished writing the book while moving to New Orleans two years ago. She’s currently in her second year of law school at Tulane University. “The Exorcist” was the first horror film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, and for decades it sat atop the list of the highest grossing horror films. In the story, Regan is the 12-yearold daughter of Chris MacNeil, a movie star and single mother who’s brought them to Washington, D.C., to work on a film. She begins to notice something is wrong with Regan and takes her to doctors to try to find the reason for her strange behavior. Eventually she realizes the problem is otherworldly and turns to a priest for help. He has suffered a crisis of faith following the death of his mother, but he tries to drive the demon out of Regan’s body.
“The Exorcist” arrived in theaters with an aura of controversy, some from misfortune and some from hype. There had been deaths related to people involved with the production, and rumors spread that teen actress Linda Blair had a nervous breakdown during filming. Some bigname actors didn’t want to be in it. A fire on set was a big setback, and the film ran well over budget. There was a sense it was cursed. Williams delves into film history and the golden era of 1970s filmmaking. Director William Friedkin had won several Oscars for his previous film, “The French Connection.” For “The Exorcist,” he found all sorts of ways to amplify the eerie horror and suspense, including having a separate actor deliver the demon’s guttural voice and inserting subliminal imagery. But the story, based on the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty, isn’t subtle. The devil in possession of Regan’s body is loud, vulgar and violent. Scenes of the tormented girl were shocking to audiences. Williams explores the social context of the film’s reception. “This amazing film critic, Robin Wood, was one of the first to take horror seriously,” Williams says. “He writes about horror as the return of the repressed — of the greatest fears we try to bury and hide. I think ‘The Exorcist’ is a perfect example. 1973 was a big year. Roe v. Wade was almost a year to the day before (the film’s release). It was the height of second wave feminism, Watergate hearings, ongoing racial reckoning after the civil rights movement and uprisings at the end of the ’60s. It was an unstable time where a lot of norms were being unsettled, and a lot of people saw that as a threat. You can read ‘The Exorcist’ as a reaction.” Other critics have probed the film’s depiction of a single mother and the possessed Regan as an unruly young woman.
Raphael Saadiq revisits the music of Tony! Toni! Tone! at Orpheum Theater. PROVIDED PHOTO BY AARON RAPOPORT
Tony! Toni! Toné!
Marlena Williams explores ‘The Exorcist’ in ‘Night Mother.’ PROVIDED PHOTO BY ANDREW SORIANO
The metaphor of possession also lends itself to various interpretations, some of them interpersonal. “I wasn’t an angry, rebellious teen,” Williams says. “I wasn’t out partying and coming home and breaking stuff and getting in constant screaming matches. I did fight with my parents a lot. I did want to separate myself and build my own self apart from my family, as most teenagers do. After we were so close, I think my mom took my desire to build my own life as a rejection of her. Once Regan turns into this angry foulmouthed, sacrilegious monster, her relationship with her mother changes completely. That’s an extreme version of what can happen between mothers and daughters. There’s a lot of intense feelings.” While most of the book is about the making and impact of the film, Williams does reflect on how her mother came to be horrified of it. Williams is now more of a fan of horror than she was before, she says. She liked “Hereditary,” which also involves parenting. But she may be done with “The Exorcist.” “I did go out and see the new ‘Exorcist,’ ” she says. “It’s horrible.”
In the late-’80s and early-’90s, Raphael Saadiq, D’Wayne Wiggins and Timothy Christian Riley dominated the new jack swing era with a quartet of increasingly acclaimed albums. But the trio broke up after its 1996 album “House of Music.” Now, Tony! Toni! Toné! has reunited for the first time in 25 years for a fall tour. Billed as Raphael Saadiq revisits Tony! Toni! Toné!, the concerts feature the trio performing their classic material along with hits from Saadiq’s posttrio catalogue. They perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at the Orpheum Theater. Tickets start at $150 via orpheumnola.net.
Speedy Ortiz
Philly indie rock band Speedy Ortiz released “Rabbit Rabbit,” its fourth studio album — and first to feature collaborations from all four members of the band — in early September and have been tearing up the road the last six weeks. They play New Orleans at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, with Baths and Sharks’ Teeth at Gasa Gasa. Tickets are $17 via ticketweb.com.
Video Age
After touring heavily on their 2020 album, “Pleasure Line,” Video Age’s Ross Farbe and Ray Micarelli came back to New Orleans feeling wiped out and creatively stuck. The two decided to take a short break, with Farbe spending time recording other bands and Micarelli picking up gigs with local jazz and blues musicians. The time doing new things helped break open their creativity and Farbe, Micarelli and touring members Nick Corson and Duncan Troast booked a spot in Eunice to write their fourth studio album, PAGE 34
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NEW ORLEANS NEWS + VIEWS
Who would you rather wake up and find in your room: Jeff Landry or the Rougarou?
# TC OH EU N T
T H U M B S U P/ THUMBS DOWN
The estate of Marcia and Billy Beer has donated $7.5 million to the LSU Health New Orleans Foundation to support 10 four-year tuition scholarships to LSU’s medical school. Billy Beer contracted polio at an early age and found treatment at Charity Hospital, leading to a close association with LSU Health for Billy and his wife, Marcia, who went on to serve on the foundation’s board. This is the largest gift in the foundation’s history.
36 THE PERCENTAGE OF LOUISIANA’S 3 MILLION REGISTERED VOTERS WHO CAST VOTES IN THE PRIMARY ELECTION OCT. 14.
Screen capture of Gregory Joseph’s Instagram.
City Council ousts top Cantrell aide for breaking campaign finance laws during recall The Greater New Orleans Foundation awarded $1.2 million to 15 regional teams and organizations developing community-centered, efficient infrastructure improvements in the face of climate change as part of its Next 100 Years Challenge. Among the winners are the City of Gretna, Committee for a Better New Orleans, Friends of the Lafitte Greenway and the Sankofa Community Development Corporation.
73% of Orleans Parish voters did not vote in the Oct. 14 primary election, in which Republican Jeff Landry captured a majority to win the governor’s race. The 27% turnout among local voters was significantly lower than statewide turnout, which was 36% — itself the lowest turnout in memory for a gubernatorial contest. It also portends poorly for the city’s future if it is unable to flex its political muscle.
THE CITY COUNCIL OCT. 17 OUSTED GREGORY JOSEPH, Mayor LaToya
Cantrell’s communications director and close advisor, for incompetence, neglecting his duties and violating campaign finance laws, among other charges. Joseph, who on Oct. 2 had the City Attorney request a two-week extension to the hearing so he could obtain outside counsel, did not show up for the Oct. 17 hearing. In order to block Joseph from being rehired immediately after being fired, the council unanimously voted to suspend Joseph without pay from employment by the city for the remainder of Mayor Cantrell’s term. Prior to the vote, City Council President JP Morrell noted the decision to fire Joseph goes beyond his own violations and the Cantrell administration, and that not doing so would create a dangerous precedent. “We don’t need any mayor, any comm director in the future of this city paying taxpayer money for a political mailer,” Morrell said. This appears to be the first time the council has forced the firing of an administrative official. The City Charter provides the council with the authority to fire officials. However, Mayor Cantrell has argued it is unconstitutional and has steadfastly stood by Joseph.
Joseph has worked for Cantrell since last year, and he quickly became one of the mayor’s closest and most trusted advisors. He has traveled extensively with the mayor over the last year, including taking a city-funded trip to France this year. Earlier this year Joseph was found guilty by the council for illegally using city money to fund a $50,000 public relations campaign supporting the mayor against the recall effort. In addition to violating state campaign finance laws, the campaign also violated city procurement rules in order to hire Mercury Public Relations, a New York based firm where a personal friend of Joseph works. Mercury produced an election campaign style mailer for the mayor in January of this year, which was sent to likely voters in Orleans Parish in the weeks before the deadline for recall organizers to submit signatures to force Cantrell out of office. Emails and text messages from administration officials and Mercury staff showed Joseph purposefully circumvented public bidding rules in creating the contract with Mercury and indicated the mailer was connected to the recall. Subsequent testimony from city officials confirmed Joseph undertook the public relations push as part of the mayor’s fight against the recall.
It was the lowest statewide voter turnout for a gubernatorial election in 12 years, according to the Times-Picayune. While the state’s political leaders and pollsters had anticipated a run-off between Republican Jeff Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson, Landry sailed to victory with over half of the primary votes.
C’EST W H AT
?
What is this year’s scariest Halloween costume?
73.3%
JEFF LANDRY
8.3%
SEXY SALT WEDGE
13.4% A S&WB BILL
5%
THE CREATURE FROM THE TREME POTHOLE
Vote on “C’est What?” at www.bestofneworleans.com
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CLANCY DuBOS
Da Winnas & Da Loozas: GOP ideologues purge moderates, Democrats fail to eat their own THE RESULTS OF THE OCT. 14 PRIMARY CALL TO MIND THE OLD SAYING, “all
over but the shoutin’.” Republicans are poised to make a clean sweep of Louisiana’s seven statewide offices (though three require runoffs), and they’ll have a super-majority in both legislative chambers. Less heralded but just as important, Republicans will likely hold a supermajority on the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), which sets K-12 curriculum, policies, budgets and regulations for teachers and administrators. In what amounts to a purge, ultra-conservatives settled old scores with moderate Republicans in the governor’s race, several statewide contests, and some key GOP-vs-GOP legislative races. To paraphrase the immortal Peter Clemenza in “The Godfather,” these things gotta happen every four years or so. Helps to get rid of the bad blood. Talk of bloodshed brings us to my quadrennial recap of the electoral carnage — Da Winnas and Da Loozas. Herewith the tally of victors and vanquished, starting with …
to reduce sky-high premiums is to let “the market” (read: insurers) set rates. That and a larger crop of anti-trial lawyer legislators paint a picture that insurance companies have to love. 4. Shane Guidry — The owner of Harvey Gulf International Marine, an offshore oil service company, has long been Jeff Landry’s chief deal-cutter, gatekeeper, confidant and all-around Jiminy Cricket. Guidry loves politics, and having his buddy as governor is the quintessential political sandbox. Look for him to play a big role in Landry’s transition — and beyond. Landry and a decidedly more conservative upper chamber. Henry, a second-term senator and former three-term House member, will tip the balance of power (and, hopefully, funding) toward metro New Orleans. Which brings us to…
DA LOOZAS
DA WINNAS
1. Hard-Right Republicans — They’ve been stewing — and scheming — ever since moderate Republicans joined with Dems nearly four years ago to elect Rep. Clay Schexnayder, R-Gonzales, as House speaker. Now they’ve exacted their revenge. Megadonor and self-proclaimed “kingmaker” Lane Grigsby, a big-rich right winger from Baton Rouge, donated heavily to PACs that got Attorney General Jeff Landry elected governor. Grigsby-funded PACs also successfully targeted moderate Republicans in several statewide and legislative races. 2. Culture Warriors — With Landry as governor and a GOP supermajority, evangelicals — already a potent legislative force — will likely intensify their crusades against LGBTQ+ people, “woke-ism” in classrooms, librarians and other vulnerable targets. 3. Insurance Companies — New insurance commissioner Tim Temple, a former insurance exec, says the way
Gov. elect Jeff Landry
Governor John Bel Edwards PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
5. Education “Reformers” — Those who would overhaul public education by privatizing significant parts of it are elated at Landry’s election as governor and the coming GOP legislative supermajority. Expect bills expanding charters and voucher programs — and promoting education savings accounts for parents who enroll their kids in private/parochial schools. The “reformers” also will benefit from Republicans capturing at least five (likely six, after the runoffs) of the eight elected BESE seats — plus three more to be appointed by Landry. 6. Metro New Orleans — Republican state Sen. Cameron Henry of Metairie, whose district includes part of Uptown New Orleans, will be the next Senate president, thanks to his close ties to
1. Old-School Republicans — Today’s Louisiana Republican Party ain’t your daddy’s GOP. Ultra-conservative GOP mullahs sacked traditional, Main Street Republican candidates and propelled hard-core federalists and culture warriors into office. The purge affected not just the governor’s race (where many establishment types backed Stephen Waguespack) and key state Senate races, but also contests for attorney general and state treasurer. 2. Democrats — As if their slaughter in statewide and legislative races weren’t enough, Dems turned on one of their own by going after New Orleans Rep. Mandie Landry (no relation to Jeff), arguably the Legislature’s most progressive member. In fairness, Landry has irritated a lot of Democrats — including Gov. John Bel Edwards — but the party’s failed attempt to punish her made it look even more feeble. For his part, Edwards failed to build the party during his two terms, and his illfated push for former Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson in the governor’s race cements the narrative that his election and re-election were one-offs. 3. Trial Lawyers — Some of them believe they have an ally in the new governor, but I suspect it’s only a
PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
matter of time before Landry must choose between his trial lawyer pals and the GOP ideologues. Besides, most trial lawyer-backed candidates lost in key legislature races. 4. Environmentalists — The new legislature will be more pro-oil and climate-change-denying than our current lawmakers, and the folks who put them there intend to keep it that way. 5. Local Power Brokers — In local races across southeast Louisiana, voters rejected candidates endorsed by traditional power brokers in favor of those with an independent streak. This was evident in Rep. Landry’s race in Uptown New Orleans, where many powerful Democratic brokers lined up behind challenger Madison O’Malley; in Jefferson Parish’s two at-large council contests, where consultant Greg Buisson became a campaign issue, causing his clients to lose those races; and in three parish-wide races in St. Tammany, where DA Warren Montgomery went 0-for-3 in contests for judge and clerk of court. 6. Non-Voters — Just more than 64% of the state’s electorate declined to vote. New Orleans turnout was a mere 27%, and legions of Democrats stayed home across the state. Among the non-voting public: too many of Louisiana’s most vulnerable. The late civil rights leader and veteran state Rep. Avery Alexander used to say that if you don’t vote, you can’t squawk. Amen, Rev.
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BL AKE PONTCHARTR AIN™
michael stars
G A M B I T > B E S T O F N E W O R L E A N S . C O M > O c tob e r 2 3 - 2 9 > 2 0 2 3
@GambitBlake | askblake@gambitweekly.com
a collection of comfy ribs
Hey Blake,
I’m curious about the downtown building known as the Security Center. What can you tell me about its history?
Dear Skip,
THE SECURITY CENTER AT CARONDELET AND COMMON
was built in 1923 as the New Orleans Federal Reserve Bank, a branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. “One of the most interesting parts of the bank is the three stories-high vault,” reported The New Orleans Item in July 1923. “The vault door weighs 41 tons, and the vault itself contains 500 tons of protective and reinforcing material.” According to a 1958 TimesPicayune/States-Item article, the Federal Reserve purchased property from the city at St. Charles and Poydras next to Gallier Hall. It built a new bank building there, which opened in 1967. By that point, the 50,000-squarefoot building at Carondelet and Common had been put on the auction block and was purchased by businessman and banker Louis J. Roussel. In 1979, he sold it to businessmen Wilson Abraham and Moise Steeg. They sold it to the Oreck Group, headed by entrepreneur David Oreck. According to a June 1980 TimesPicayune story, Oreck’s original plans for the building included turning it into a “sophisticated security center.” “Acts
cream & black The former federal reserve bank building is now called The Security Center. PHOTO BY MAX BECHERER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
of political and philosophical terrorism are very real and there are many businesses and business leaders who are targets,” said Daniel Miller, Oreck’s real estate consultant. “We are currently negotiating with a major international dealer of precious gems and with a highly sensitive government agency. Those are the types of clients who are interested in this concept.” Newspaper ads explained that the facility offered numbered accounts similar to the Swiss banking system, temperature-controlled vaults and safe deposit boxes guarded by armed security. Oreck also located one of his floor care centers on the ground floor, selling the well-known vacuum cleaners which bore his name. He sold the vacuum company in 2003 but retained ownership of the Security Center. Oreck died last February at age 99.
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BLAKEVIEW NEXT WEEK MARKS THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY of an infamous and important moment in the local civil rights movement. On Oct. 31, 1963, the Rev. Avery C. Alexander was arrested and dragged by his heels up the steps of the City Hall basement. Alexander was one of seven Black protestors who appeared at a City Council meeting demanding action on a petition calling for desegregation of various public and private facilities. After leaving the meeting, the group asked to be seated in the then-segregated City Hall cafeteria. Alexander “…was partly dragged and partly carried by police from the basement cafeteria, feet first up a flight of stairs and through a first floor corridor to the patrol wagon when he declined to leave under his own power,” reported The Times-Picayune. News footage of the arrest became well-known nationwide. Alexander, who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma and on Washington, also led a successful bus boycott to push New Orleans Public Service Inc. to hire the first Black bus driver. In 1975, Alexander was elected to the state House of Representatives, where he served six terms. In 1993, thirty years after the City Hall incident, a police officer notoriously used a chokehold to subdue Alexander, then 82, at a protest against David Duke and others at the Battle of Liberty Place Monument on Canal Street. After his death in 1999, the state Legislature renamed the old Charity Hospital in Alexander’s honor as well as part of the Pontchartrain Expressway. An eight-foot statue of Alexander stands outside University Medical Center. The statue, by sculptor Sheleen Jones, was first erected in Duncan Plaza in 2002.
LA Filing #21-11910
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INFLUENCES SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATION DIXIE HARTZOG SHARES HER LOVE OF ALL THINGS SUPERNATURAL AND SPOOKY BY S A R A H R AV I TS | P H OTO S P R OV I D E D BY D I X I E H A RT ZO G
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IXIE CAMILLE HARTZOG may have a day job work-
ing in marketing, but the 27-year-old Covington resident lives her best life after dark. Hartzog has amassed more than 76,000 followers on Instagram and more than 104,000 on TikTok around the world who keep up with her love of all things spooky and supernatural as @witchvoid. There, she shares historical tidbits and folklore, in addition to tips on travel, fashion, rituals, books and places she likes to well, haunt — all with a paranormal twist. Her interest in the occult kicked off at an early age and continued into her film studies at the University of New Orleans. “It’s definitely lifelong,” she says. “My uncle and aunt lived in this super haunted, former plantation home. Plus, my parents raised me on scary movies.” At that house, she and several of her family members report experiencing ghostly encounters and other unexplained phenomena. Though she leans into the darker side of things, she approaches it with a bubbly enthusiasm that is clearly contagious to her followers. She cites filmmaker and animator Tim Burton as one of her biggest inspirations, and that shines through in her content, which is often as whimsical as it is spooky. In recent months, she has started to catch the eye of tourism boards in other supposedly haunted cities like Salem, Massachusetts; Savannah, Georgia; and Charleston, South Carolina, who have started sponsoring some of her travels. She also last year partnered with Witchwood, a fashion company for the “morbidly inclined” to design a line of wide-brimmed hats, featuring design elements reminiscent of New Orleans’ cemeteries.
GAMBIT: Tell us more about this haunted house in New Orleans you spent time in as a kid. What were some of the occurrences? HARTZOG: My cousin was in the marching band at Newman and she had been practicing the xylophone before a Mardi Gras parade. She was just staying with my grandparents, and they were all sleeping on the third floor. All of a sudden in the middle of the night, my grandparents heard the xylophone, and they went downstairs (to the first floor) to tell her to go back to bed, but there was no one in there. She had been asleep on the third floor for hours. Another time, my little sister and I were staying there. She walked across the hall to where my parents were sleeping, looked at the doorway and asked, “Who’s that man?” My parents were like, what are you talking about? Then they felt the bed rise up a few inches and slam-drop on the floor. They weren’t huge believers in ghosts, but that changed. Another night, my grandparents were sleeping. Mind you there’s a super intense gate around and security patrolling. They woke up to banging on the third-floor wall, but there’s no scaffolding or any way for anyone else to get up there. My uncle, who has since passed away, was a professional heavyweight boxer. He was afraid of nothing, and he was staying there alone. All of a sudden, he heard what sounded like
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HAUNTED INFLUENCES
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a crazy party ... he thought people had broken in, maybe they thought it was an abandoned house ... He went downstairs, but there was nothing there. There’s also been crazy lights flickering and beaded curtains just flying back and forth at a 90-degree angle.
How does your family feel about your lifestyle and interests in the supernatural? H: Being from the New Orleans area, they embrace it. They actually totally support it. They love how I’ve made it a part of my career, especially from experiencing their own ghost stories.
Do you identify as a witch? H: Kind of. I’m an eclectic pagan. I’m in a group of New Orleans pagans. I believe in so many different things. I made an online group called Southern Louisiana Witches and Pagans.
What are some misconceptions about your lifestyle and interests? H: I definitely get backlash. People think we worship the devil, but so many witches and pagans don’t even believe the devil exists.
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I’d say a lot of us, like 90% of the people who are in this community or lifestyle, are not in touch with an organized religion, but more a sense of spirituality. A lot of times, it’s in a positive light … It is not as dark as people think. We’re in touch with nature, and a lot of us do work with ancestors. It’s like a form of praying and asking for guidance from the universe and through spirit guides.
You have a huge following on social media. How has that impacted your life? H: Friendship has been the number one thing that I’m eternally grateful for. The past three years I’ve met up with different internet friends, first in Salem (Massachusetts). We got a house together. It was a group of girls who all do similar things as me, and that’s been a really great thing. (Social media) is a way to connect with people who might not be in your area, but you can still connect on a totally different level. It’s changed my career path. I don’t know if I’ll do alternative travel full-time, but in the next however many years, I’d love to do that
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What are your favorite spooky spots here?
for more companies and places and maybe turn that into a marketing business.
How often do you get to travel? H: I have a job where I’m off on Mondays, so I can take weekend trips. In September, I was able to do partnerships in Savannah, Georgia, and South Carolina, and show the “spooky season” things. I also did Salem. I try to get out of town and do something new and seek out the different parts and quirks that each town has.
What are some of your current wardrobe staples? H: Lately I’ve been obsessed with berets. My friends in Salem definitely pointed it out because I brought five different ones. And I got some cool cowboy boots with spider webs.
H: Dark Matter Oddities (822 Chartres St.), that’s one of my top spots, I’d recommend anyone go there. Of course, there’s also the Vampire Café (801 Royal St.) trio of places, (including) The Apothecary (725 St. Peter St.) and speakeasy, I always have people go there. Also, Miette (the novelty store at 2038 Magazine St.) If you’re like a taxidermy lover, there’s a perfect blend of bubble gum pink and super dark stuff. It’s a magical little emporium.
How does New Orleans rank in terms of spooky cities? H: It’s still the top. Being from the area and knowing it — something about it is different. I don’t really know how to explain. It’s just got a sort of mysticism that nowhere else I’ve been has, and I studied abroad in Europe. I love all these other charming towns, but there’s something a little dark and mystical and strange about New Orleans.
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As a child, Dixie Hartzog dressed as Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
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HAUNTED HOUSES AND EVENTS THROUGH NOV. 4 The Mortuary The haunted house in a former mortuary on Canal Street opened for the season on Sept. 16. This year’s horrors are based on a wedding of ghastly supernatural figures. The attraction is open through Nov. 4, and the final weekend is a blackout weekend, with visitors entering The Mortuary with the lights off. Find tickets, schedule and information at themortuary.net.
THROUGH OCT. 31 New Orleans Nightmare
Everybody loves getting out on the town during Halloween PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
HALLOWEEN
GAMBIT’S GUIDE TO
EVENTS B Y J O H N S TA N T O N | G A M B I T E D I T O R
IF YOU CAN’T FIND SOMETHING TO DO pretty much every day of Halloween Week, you’re either dead or don’t believe in fun. This year the calendar is jam-packed with markets, plays, concerts, parties, balls and more. We’ve put together a list of just some of the many things you can do to celebrate this year.
The haunted house unveils new terror-filled experiences including a virus-plagued, post-apocalyptic world, creatures from beyond the grave and blood rituals in an unholy mortuary. There also are mini-escape rooms and other gruesome experiences. The Jefferson attraction opened last month and is open on select dates through Halloween. Visit neworleansnightmare.com for schedule, tickets and information.
THROUGH OCT. 31 Zombie Paintball Paintballers can board a school bus and help repel marauding zombies in an apocalyptic setting in the Halloween attraction at NOLA Motorsports. Patrons have roughly 20 minutes and 150 rounds of ammunition. Kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. The action started Thursday, Sept. 28, and runs through Halloween. Visit nolamotor.com for schedule and details.
OCT. 24 The Midnight Society Bar Redux hosts the Midnight Society for an evening of scary storytelling by local writers Geoff Munsterman, Juliet Rose Tricomi, Samuel Brantley, Z.W. Mohr, Joaquin Emiliano, Rel Farrar, Velvet Spade and Jayson Craves at 9:30 p.m. Cover is $5. Check the bar’s Facebook page for more information.
OCT. 27 Goat in the Road’s Spooky Bingo Night Goat in the Road Productions theater company hosts a special night of haunted bingo at Catapult to help sup-
port its upcoming 15th season. Hosted by WWL Radio’s Ian Hoch, the bingo night features 30 rounds of bingo with prizes from local businesses, free food, a mini haunted house, costume bar and seasonal cocktails at 7 p.m. Ticket packages start at $20 for dinner plus five bingo cards. Kids 12 and under are free, and those who arrive in costume will get two free bingo cards. For tickets and more information, check goatintheroadproductions.org.
OCT. 27 Halloween Sip & Skate Head over to the Faubourg Brewery for an evening of skating, beers and snacks. This free event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. will feature a costume contest (natch), food from Parish Third and the NOLA Cookie Co., and a meet and greet with the Big Easy Roller Derby. For more information, check faubourgbrewery.com.
OCT. 28 Howl-O-Weenie The annual Halloween dog costume contest and runway show at Dat Dog on Magazine Street will feature a host of categories, including best couple, best family, best group and more. Registration for the contest is in person between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., and the show kicks off at 3:30 pm. Proceeds go to Zeus’ Rescues. For more information check Dat Dog’s Facebook page.
OCT. 28 New Orleans Halloween Sk8 Massacre Sponsored by Sk8erz Who Care, this Halloween themed rollerskating party goes from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the Airline Skate Center and will feature “some of the hottest DJs in the skate industry,” including DJ Arson (The Fire Starter), DJ E (The Trillest) and DJ MoneyMal. There’s a costume contest and a skating contest, the winner of which will be crowned the Sk8 Massacre champion. Presale tickets are $15, or $20 cash-only at the door. For more information, check eventbrite.com.
OCT. 28 A Nightmare Before Christmas Holiday Market Port Orleans Brewing Co. hosts a free special Halloween and Christmas hybrid market featuringfood, “candy beers” and local vendors including Intuitions Tarot, Naughty Hippo and JaderBomb. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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Head over to WYES Studios for the first annual Morgus Madness to celebrate New Orleans’ own Dr. Momus Alexander Morgus. There’ll be beer, a costume contest, food and live music from Consortium of Genius. Tickets are $45, and the event runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Check wyes.org for more information.
T O G E V WE’
S O BO
OCT. 28 Halloween Art Market Music Box Village hosts a free art market featuring local vendors selling costumes, vintage clothing, art, odds and ends and more from noon to 5 p.m. Check out musicboxvillage.com for more information.
OCT. 28 Untitled Backyard Project III: A Halloween Concert and Art Market Untitled Backyard Project hosts a Halloween concert and art market at its Laharpe Street space. Featuring live music, a costume contest, food pop-ups, art vendors and cocktails, the market runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. with music starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 on eventbrite.com and $20 at the door.
OCT. 31 Haunted Halloween Cruise Hop on the Creole Queen paddle boat for a haunted ride on the mighty Mississippi that will feature a dinner service, haunted storytelling, live music, a costume contest and a special Halloween cocktail, the Bottomless Vampire’s Kiss. Boarding is from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $99 for adults, $39 for kids ages 3 to 12. For more information, check creolequeen.com.
OCT. 31 25th Annual VOODOOFEST In its 25th year, VOODOOFEST once again returns to the Voodoo Authentica of New Orleans Cultural Center & Collection. Celebrating this often-misunderstood religion, this year’s festival features Revered Haitian Vodou Priestess Mambo Maggie, Ghanaian Priest and Master Drummer Osofo Andrew, Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, Queen Cherice Harrison-Nelson of the Guardians of the Flame Maroon Society and more. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. For a schedule, visit voodoofest.com.
Dr. Morgus the Magnificent PROVIDED PHOTO BY BENJAMIN BULLINS
NOV. 1 43rd Annual Day of the Dead/Fet Gede This free event at the New Orleans Healing Center runs from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m and includes an art market, music, ceremonies honoring the dead and more, sponsored by La Source Ancienne Ounfo. Check out neworleanshealingcenter.org for details.
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NOV. 2 Dia de los Muertos Cemetery Procession The Krewe de Mayahuel holds its annual cemetery procession, once again starting at Mickey Markey Park in the Bywater. The pre-procession gathering runs from 4 to 6:30 at the park and will feature music, food and more. The drum procession to the cemetery kicks off right at 7 pm. For more information check the group’s Facebook page.
MOVIES THROUGH OCTOBER Horror films at The Prytania The Prytania Theatre in Uptown has many special horror screenings throughout October. The slate of classic horror films from across the decades includes “The Exorcist,” “The Shining,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Theatre of Blood.” Visit theprytania.com for schedule and tickets. PAGE 17
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OCT. 28 Morgus Madness
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
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Big Queen Cherice Harrison-Nelson of the Guardians of the Flame PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
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@LUZIANNECAFE OCT. 25 & 26 ‘Holy Trinity’ In the 2019 scratch-n-sniff film, a Chicago dominatrix learns how to communicate with the dead and seeks out everyone from priests to drag queens. It screens at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, at The Broad Theater, and filmmaker Glamhag will attend a screening at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at Zeigeist Theatre & Lounge. Find tickets via thebroadtheater.com or zeitgeistnola.org.
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OCT. 26 ‘Carnival of Souls’ screening and dance party Held at the Historic BK House and Gardens, this showing of the 1962 cult classic horror movie starring Candace Hilligoss will be accompanied by the DJing of The Archivist. The Krewe of Vaporwave will also be on hand with “an installation of chilling and thrilling projections.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 via eventbrite.com, and it’s a BYOB event, so pack accordingly.
OCT. 28 ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Barry Bostwick, who played Brad Majors in the original film, leads a shadow cast in the screening of the unedited version of the cult favorite movie about the strange happenings
at Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s mansion. At Mahalia Jackson Theater at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $39.50 via mahaliajacksontheater.com.
OCT. 30 The Crow Bar Redux hosts a free screening of the 1994 cult classic supernatural thriller starring the late Brandon Lee. The film starts at 10 p.m. Check facebook.com/barredux for details.
OCT. 31 “Morgus Presents: The House On Haunted Hill” WYES will broadcast a special showing of Vincent Price’s classic 1959 film “House on Haunted Hill,” hosted by the late Morgus himself. The show will feature his assistants Chopsley and Eric as they try to “create an interdimensional machine that allows Morgus to communicate and join the supernatural world of ghosts.” Show starts at 9 p.m. Check wyes.org for more information.
NOV. 4 Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin The Broadside keeps the horror going into November with a screening of producer Dario Argento’s “Demons,” with a live score performed by Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin. The band also will play an extra set. Tickets $30 via broadsidenola.com.
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FOOD AND BOOOOOOOOZE
Sazerac, the Shrunken Skull and the Corpse Reviver No. 2. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Tickets, which are $45, can be found at sazerachouse.com.
OCT. 26 Top Taco
OCT. 27 & 28 Brews and Boos
The tasting event with a Day of the Dead theme features local restaurants competing in categories for creative and traditional tacos and tequila drinks, and there is live music, Lucha Libre, a costume contest and more. At Lafreniere Park in Metairie. General admission tickets are $85 and allow entry at 7 p.m. Find tickets via toptaconola.com.
The Halloween party for adults takes place in the amusement park at New Orleans City Park. Starting at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28. Find tickets and details at neworleanscitypark.org.
OCT. 26 Boos and Booze: A Spirited Cocktail Experience. Sazerac House hosts a “spirited evening” with storyteller Matt Ray who will tell stories while guests enjoy three “infamous” cocktails: the
BALLS AND DANCE PARTIES OCT. 26-29 Endless Night Father Sebastian’s Endless Night hosts lushly costumed vamPAGE 18
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pire-themed events around the country, and its Halloween events usually are in New Orleans. The Vampire Ball is Saturday, Oct. 28, at House of Blues, and events run Oct. 26-29, including a meet and greet, a vendor fair and more. Find information on endlessnight.com and tickets at eventbrite.com.
OCT. 26 & 27 Witching Hour Ball The 35th annual Witching Hour Ball, aka the “Official” Anne Rice Vampire Ball, will be held at Elms Mansion. This year’s ball on Oct. 27 is part of a multi-day celebration of Anne Rice, vampires and Halloween, and will feature a silent auction, costume contest, open bar, dinner and music by Harry Hardin Trio and DJ Seraph. There’s a strict dress code for the ball — including a prohibition on being covered in blood, fake or otherwise — so be sure to check the event page. Tickets are $325. For more, visit vamplestat.com.
OCT 27 Scary Spooky Queer Dance Party
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Zony Mash Beer Project hosts an inclusive queer dance party featuring DJ Warm Advice, a costume contest, local vendors and food pop-ups and more. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. For tickets, visit zonymashbeer.com.
OCT. 27 1920 Louisiana Hosted by Prasanna Inni, the 1920 Louisiana party at My Riddim Club
will celebrate Halloween Bollywood and South Indian style, with special DJs and a costume contest. Tickets start at $10 via eventbrite.com.
OCT. 27 & 28 Hells Gala 23 Now in its 14th year with Double Trouble, this year’s Hells Gala will take place over two nights at Mardi Gras World and feature DJs, food trucks, costume contests and more. Night one will feature Subtronics, Dr. Fresch, Level Up, Ubur b2b Phiso and Balan, while the second night will feature John Summit, Mau P, Aluna and Merger. For tickets and more information, visit hellsgala.com.
OCT. 28 Emo Night’s Six Year Anniversary Republic NOLA’s Emo music party night turns six this year, and to celebrate, they’re throwing a Halloween dance party for all you dark souls out there. Be sure to muster the will to exist or you’ll miss out on Superbloom, Bemo Rogue and SNAXX. Tickets $10 via eventbrite.com.
OCT. 28 GrrSpot’s Giant Queer Halloween Dance Party GrrlSpot organizers are promising their “biggest, weirdest Halloween dance party ever” at Toulouse Theatre. It will include gogo dancers, a costume contest, DJ Cristy Lawrence and more. Tickets are $15 to $25 via eventbrite.com. PAGE 23
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OCT. 28 Afroween Day Party Head over to the Culture Park on Franklin Avenue for the Afroween Afro-Caribbean party. Featuring music from DJ T Roy, this event is part of the New Orleans Afro Party Experience series of parties that typically also feature food, drinks and lots and lots of dancing. General admission tickets are $20, plus there are special VIP packages. From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Check kfeventsnola.com for details.
OCT. 28 Gris-Gris Halloween Party! Featuring Jameson Whiskey Given Gambit’s affinity for Jameson, this one was a no brainer to make our list. The party features a costume contest, Halloween-themed snacks and apps, special cocktails powered by Jameson, live entertainment, tarot card readings and employees carving pumpkins. Tickets are $120 via eventbrite.com.
OCT. 31 Afrobeats Halloween Edition New Orleans’ biweekly afrobeat party is hosting their Halloween edition at their regular spot, The Maison on Frenchmen Street. The party will feature DJ Ojay and run from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. To get ‘em, check eventbrite.com.
OCT. 31 ‘80s Halloween Monster Ball DJ Shane Love will spin all your favorite ’80s jams at Santos’ free Halloween dance party. There’ll also be special “visuals” involved and a costume contest. At 8 p.m. For more information, check facebook.com/santosnola.
NOV. 3 Mexican Consulate Gala: Noche de Muertos The New Orleans Jazz Museum and Mexican Consulate present the Noche De Muertos gala, featuring live music, food, cocktails and a Day of the Dead costume contest. Tickets are $100 via eventbrite.com. For more information, visit nolajazzmuseum.org.
THEATER OCT. 27-NOV. 5 ‘Young Frankenstein’ The musical adaptation of the Mel Brooks film follows the work of Freder-
ick Frankenstein, who tries to recreate his grandfather’s tragic experiments. JPAS presents the show at Jefferson Performing Arts Center. Find tickets and information at jpas.org.
OCT. 26 & 27 MacBeth The NOCCA Theater Arts student program presents Shakespeare’s bloody classic tale of ambition, betrayal and intrigue. Show starts at 7 p.m. and $15 tickets can be found at eventbrite.com.
BURLESQUE, BEWBS AND HALF NAKED DUDES OCT. 23-31 Various events at Allways Lounge Halloween is basically the Superbowl of Burlesque, so of course the sexy, talented folks over at Allways are going Allout! Here’s a rundown on some of the shows they’ll have over Halloween Week. For tickets and more information, see theallwayslounge.net. Oct. 23, Glamrock Superfoxx presents: The Crow; Oct. 2, Abraxas VEX; Oct. 25, We Hear You Have Goblins: A live fantasy improv adventure (drag); Oct. 26, Prettie Boi Presents The Drive In: Horror Movie Nitght!; Oct. 27, All Hallows’ Tease; Oct. 28, Va-Va-Villians; Rocky Horror Striptease Show; Oct. 29, Juju & Cassidy Present: CLOWNAPALOOZA; Gender BENT, Nightmare Fuel; and Rocky Horror Striptease Show; Oct. 30, Vampyre Cabaret; Oct. 31, Little Shop of Horrors: In Burlesque; Nov. 2, Hechizo: A Day of the Dead Burlesque Review.
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OCT. 2 8 T H 8 –1 1 P M
SPOOKTACULAR DRAG SHOW
& COSTUME CONTEST Come haunt Peacock Room at our Halloween Spooktacular Drag Show and Costume Contest
Costume contest winner announced at 10pm
(winner gets free one-night stay at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot)
P E R F O R M A NC E B Y
Kookie ookie Baker and Friends 8-11pm 8 11pm
Reservations encouraged through peacockroomnola.com
OCT. 28 Eyes Wide Shut Halloween Costume Ball With a name like “Eyes Wide Shut,” ya know this will be freaky. This year’s ball at The Metropolitan in Generations Hall will also double as a Scorpio birthday bash. Although sexy costumes are preferred and not mandatory, if you’re going to this party, we’re assuming you’ll be sexy. Tickets will run ya from $10 to $60 via eventbrite.com. PAGE 24
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HALLOWEEN EVENTS
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OCT. 28 NOLA’s Sexiest Halloween Party
OCT. 28 Creatures of the Night Bing-Oh!
While we won’t vouch for this being the sexiest party in town this week, the organizers are certainly setting a high bar for themselves and promise a chance to “unleash your wildest fantasies and show off your sexiest costumes.” Held at New Orleans Art Bar, the party will feature live DJ sets, Halloween themed cocktails and, of course, sexy costumes from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tickets are $20 via eventbrite.com.
Comedian Geneva Joy hosts a night of sexy bingo, two words we never thought would go together but here we are. Located at Twelve Mile Limit, there’ll be sex toy prizes and giveaways along with “other weird prizes,” cocktails and more. Doors at 8 p.m. Play starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 via eventbrite.com.
OCT. 28 M.O.M.s Halloween 2023: Demons are a Ghoul’s Best Friend The Krewe of Mystic Orphans and Misfits are back with their annual Halloween ball. There’s some rules you’ll need to follow including “Attired or not, COSTUME REQUIRED” as well as prohibitions on pimp costumes, scrubs, denim (?), “motorized vehicles” and more. As per usual, the krewe will be expecting attendees to follow the most important rule: Don’t be a jerk or a creep. Tickets are $40 at Le Bon Temp Roule on Magazine Street, and the ball goes from 7:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. at Southport Hall. For more information, check momsball.com.
OCT. 29 Strip or Treat The Penthouse Club hosts Strip or Treat, where they promise “all your wildest dreams … or nightmares … come true.” The event features a costume contest and a free party between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
OCT. 29 Vivacious Burlesque Experience: Devils Night Vivacious Miss Audacious’ Vivacious Burlesque Experience show features burlesque, circus arts and variety acts with a devilish Halloween theme. Performers include Vivacious Miss Audacious, Jeez Loueez, Aria Delanoche, Mz Juno, Sailem from Hell, Eddie Lockwood, The Great Dane, Nikki Knockout, Eddie Divas and Victoria Vinyl. At The Joy Theater at 8 p.m. Find tickets via audaciousnola.com.
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
OCT. 31 Horror Nerd with Samantha Hale Los Angeles comedian Samantha Hale brings her horror-themed stand-up comedy show to the AllWays Lounge & Theatre on Halloween. Also performing are Jen Kober, Allusia, Jackie Steele, Jeff D, Billy McCartney, Kevin Sullivan and Jazzy Byner. Visit allwayslounge.com for information or find tickets on eventbrite.com.
MUSIC OCT. 26, 27 & 29 Daikaiju The masked maniacs of Daikaiju attack southern Louisiana on a three-night swing through the area. The Kaiju-themed psychedelic surf rock gods of fire and mayhem first attack the Intracoastal Club in Houma Thursday, Oct. 26, before heading to the Saturn Bar Oct. 27 to help kick off the Halloween weekend. After a quick sojourn in Mobile, they’re back at The Drifter on Sunday, Oct. 29 For more information, visit daikaiju.org.
OCT. 26 Kreep Show 3 Local MC 504icygrl hosts the third annual Kreep Show party at The Rabbit Hole. Featured acts include Moneyteam, Greedy Girlz, Spinelli, H3LL NAH and Starboy. There will also be a live snake, tarot card readings and specialty cocktails. The show kicks off at 9 p.m. and runs through 2 a.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $25 for VIP via eventbrite.com.
OCT. 27 Creepy Fest Masked Band Ball The annual Masked Band Ball is back at Santos, featuring The Unnaturals performing as Alice Cooper (before he went all right-wing conservative), the Cretin Family (featuring members of HiGH, the Pallbearers and Nightbreed) playing as the Ramones, and Where Nothing Burns playing as Ween, plus Halloween themed DJ sets by DJ Smut. The show starts at 8 p.m. For more information and updates, visit facebook.com/santosnola.
OCT. 27 Heilung Experimental folk group Heilung bring their freaky Viking-esque musical stylings to The Saenger, a perfect way to kick off Halloween weekend. At 8 p.m. Tickets are $40.50 to $90.50 via Ticketmaster. Visit saengernola. com for more information.
OCT. 28 SaxKixAve with BD and The Sheeks Local hip-hop phenoms SaxKixAve will be holding it down with a show at Gasa Gasa, and the night will also include a costume contest, drink specials and, apparently, bats! The show “kix” off at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased via ticketweb.com.
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OCT. 28 Galactic Halloween Show featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph Galactic returns to their home field at Tipitina’s to celebrate Halloween with singer Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph at 9 p.m. Tickets are $38 via tipitinas.com.
OCT. 28 Morning 40 Federation Everybody’s favorite over-the-hill degenerates Morning 40 Federation will play their semi-regular Halloween reunion show at Santos this year, which will feature Lonesome Cowboy Songs playing what has ominously been billed as “murder ballads.” Doors at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 via ticketweb.com.
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OCT. 28 People Museum People Museum will play the Scream Live Experience Halloween party at Virgin Hotel. The “Scream” movie inspired party will also feature light bites, specialty cocktails and local vendors. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $50 via eventbrite.com.
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OCT. 31 Quintron and Miss Pussycat’s Halloween Party Quintron and Miss Pussycat throw their annual Halloween get-down at Music Box Village. The psychedelic swamp rock madness kicks off at 7 p.m. and will also feature performances by Evil Sword and Donzii, plus food from Los Crudos. And don’t miss the afterparty at BJ’s Lounge. Tickets for the show are $25 via musicboxvillage.com.
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MUCH ADO
ROUGAROU ABOUT THE
TALES OF THE CAJUN FOLKLORE CREATURE HAVE STUCK AROUND FOR CENTURIES
w The Audubon Zoo’s Gen-Z Rougarou PHOTO PROVIDED BY AUDUBON NATURE INSTITUTE
HEN YOU GO ON DOWN to the swamps of the Audubon Zoo, near
the white alligator exhibit, you’ll come across a more insidious and elusive figure: the Rougarou. Towering with yellow eyes and a mouth full of sharp teeth, you can’t miss her. And for more than two decades, children have passed the creature, often trembling in terror and trying to keep a safe distance. “This monster comes for bad little kids, but if you make good grades and listen to your mom, then it won’t bother you,” one father told his two wide-eyed children on a recent zoo visit. Though the Rougarou at the zoo is just 23 years young, stories of her kind date back hundreds of years. The word “rougarou” is a variation of the word “loup-garou” meaning werewolf in French. The most common depiction of the swamp monster shifts shapes between a human and a wolf. But in
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Louisiana and elsewhere, there are stories of related monsters like the hibou-garou (were-owl) and the chien-garou (were-dog). Though it’s hard to pin down the exact origins of oral stories, tales of the Rougarou go back to at least the early 1500s, and the versions heard in Louisiana are the result of a confluence of cultures. The French, likely by way of Canada, brought over stories of a werewolf creature, and there are similar shape-shifting stories from local Indigenous communities, like the Houma, Ishak, Choctaw, Chitimacha and Tunica-Biloxi tribes, according to Cajun folklorist and University of Louisiana at Lafayette professor Barry Jean Ancelet. The Afro-Creoles of South Louisiana also have tales of the Rougarou. “These stories evolved, in all likelihood, to entertain audiences with frightening stories,” Ancelet says. “They may also have had a cautionary function.”
STORIES ABOUT THE ROUGAROU vary considerably, even within Cajun folklore.
MUCH ADO ABOUT THE ROUGAROU from the uncle to the man with the oyster knife, because it’s like you release the curse from that person, but then you get it.” According to these stories, there are several ways a person can ward off the creature. For whatever reason, they can’t count to 13, so simply putting 13 objects, such as coins or rocks, outside the house will prevent an attack. “He will be focused on those objects either at the threshold of the door or on the windowsill, and he will count them because I guess he’s a little OCD about counting,” Foret says. “So he starts counting, and he gets to the number 12, but he cannot count past 12 … He just ends up staying there the entire night counting.” According to Foret, a colander also does the trick as long as it has at least 13 holes. How exactly a human becomes a Rougarou depends on the story, Ancelet says. In some, a person survives a bite or attack from one. In others, they are condemned because of some wrongdoing — like lying, cheating or killing — and they keep turning into a Rougarou until they are redeemed.
“There are likely as many variations on this as there are storytellers,” he says.
“That wasn’t happening around here before we started that work,” he says. Local sports teams have also named themselves after the creature, including the Crescent City Rougaroux, an LGBTQ-inclusive recreational rugby team that formed in New Orleans in 2017. Dirty Coast, a brand with hyperlocal designs and stores across New Orleans, also sells several Rougarou products — including a T-shirt and, in the last year, a Jellycat “Wilf Wolf” plush. Even all these centuries later, there’s a bit of nostalgia and fondness among locals when it comes to the Rougarou. Though many cultures have werewolf stories, Foret says the Rougarou of the South Louisiana swamps is distinct enough to become a bit of a local “inside joke.” “It’s one of those things that unite a group of people within their culture,” he says. “It makes us feel good that we get the inside joke because we know what a Rougarou is. Those stories unite a group of people that live in coastal Louisiana.”
IN HIS WORK EDUCATING CHILDREN about
wetlands and coastal erosion, Foret learned more than a decade ago that many local kids had stopped hearing stories of the Rougarou. “They were like, ‘The Rougarou? What’s that? We’ve never heard of that,’ and these are kids from the bayou,” Foret says. “So it came to our attention that these oral traditions were no longer being transferred to the next generation. For whatever reason, folks just sort of stopped talking about (it).” Foret wanted to change that and saw an opportunity to bring the Rougarou back into conversation while also fundraising for the Discovery Center, so the center started the Rougarou Fest in Houma in 2012. Since the fest began, Foret says they’ve received calls at the Discovery Center from kids working on projects about the Rougarou, whether it’s on the folklore or a diorama shoe box featuring the Rougarou in a Cajun cottage.
This story has been condensed for print. For an extended online version, visit bestofneworleans.com.
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Growing up on the bayou in Chauvin, Louisiana, in the ’80s, Jonathan Foret says he heard tales of the Rougarou “left and right” from his Cajun French speaking grandparents. “As a child, I grew up with stories of the Rougarou to make me behave,” says Foret, now the executive director of nonprofit South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center. “They would all say, ‘Oh, if you don’t behave, the Rougarou’s gonna get you.’ ” In those stories, a person with the curse of the Rougarou would turn into the monster during a full moon. To break the curse, typically, another person would have to draw the Rougarou’s blood. That’s why in some of the stories the Rougarou would jump out of the swamp — not to kill a person but to scare them enough to defend themselves. In one, when confronted by the Rougarou, a man cuts the creature’s arm with an oyster knife, and the monster retreats. “Then the next day, the guy who cut the Rougarou with the oyster knife walks along and sees uncle so-and-so on his boat. His arm was all bandaged,” Foret says. “But then the curse went
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Children’s Hospital New Orleans ranked among the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals for Pediatrics for the 3rd year in a row!
Children’s Hospital New Orleans is the only children’s hospital in Louisiana and the Gulf South to be ranked among the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals for Pediatrics by Newsweek for the third year in a row. The ranking program features the top 200 hospitals for pediatrics worldwide, and Children’s Hospital New Orleans ranked #60 in the world, and #32 in the United States for the 2024 rankings, which were published last month. Additionally, Children’s Hospital New Orleans has been deemed a ‘3 Year Champion’ of Newsweek’s rankings programs, being recognized consecutively since the recognition was first published in 2021. “It is an honor to be part of Newsweek’s World’s Best Specialized Hospitals for Pediatrics ranking program, and to see our team’s hard work realized,” said Children’s Hospital New Orleans President and CEO, Lucio A. Fragoso. “This is a truly extraordinary accomplishment that reflects our ongoing commitment to provide the best possible care for kids right here in Louisiana.” Each year, Newsweek’s ranking methodology becomes more detailed and rigorous, continuing to raise the standard of what comprises The World’s Best Specialized Hospitals, and this year was no exception Newsweek, working with the research
firm Statista, invited tens of thousands of healthcare providers, workers and hospital leaders from over 20 countries to provide primary and secondary recommendations via an online survey on Newsweek.com. A global board of renowned medical experts then reviewed and validated the results. The rankings are compiled by Newsweek to help patients and their families know which hospitals have the most accomplished physicians, diagnosticians and advanced technology to offer the highest level of care. Additionally, for the first time, Newsweek has introduced new rankings for ‘America’s Best Children’s Hospitals’ in seven specialties, and Children’s Hospital New Orleans is proud to have one specialty ranked in the Top 25, and three others ranked in the Top 40. The hospital’s Oncology Program ranked #23 in the U.S., followed by Pulmonology at #31, Neonatology at #34 and Endocrinology at #39. “Our teams have worked incredibly hard to earn this well-deserved national recognition,” said Mark W. Kline, MD, Physician-in-Chief and Chief Medical Officer for Children’s Hospital New Orleans. “The Newsweek rankings reflect our ongoing commitment to provide the highest level of care for children across our region. Our hope is that no child has to leave the state for the expert, lifesaving care that he or she needs, and I am incredibly proud to stand alongside our team of pediatric experts
in delivering the highest level of care for more children than ever before.” The Newsweek ‘America’s Best Children’s Hospitals’ rankings are based on survey results from more than 2,000 healthcare professionals and hospital managers with knowledge about pediatric care, along with results from patient satisfaction surveys and publicly reported hospital quality metrics relevant to pediatric care. The program aims to provide information and insights to help its readers find the best children’s hospitals nationwide. To learn more about Children’s Hospital New Orleans visit chnola.org.
chnola.org
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Jackson Fives
FORK + CENTER
A new oyster bar on Jackson Square | by Beth D’Addono
Email dining@gambitweekly.com
FIVES COULD BE ANYWHERE.
The timeless bar and mini cafe would be perfectly at home in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood, Singapore or Paris. But it is here, in New Orleans, along a stretch of real estate deserving of a classy destination. Located in the state-owned Lower Pontalba Building on St. Ann Street, Fives offers side views of Jackson Square, just steps away from the St. Louis Cathedral. Although it opened in July, the place didn’t garner too much local attention in the summer. Now that fall is in the air, the oyster bar is getting busy. With about a dozen seats around the bar and a couple of tables by the windows, Fives fills up fast. Even more reason to get there early and often. At its heart, Fives is an oyster and cocktail bar, although thanks to chef Paul Terrebonne’s compact menu, gorgeously composed small plates both satisfy and dazzle. Owner Jayson Seidman brings a stellar design sensibility to the space, with details like an inviting curved bar flanked by absinthe fountains, funky art and a vintage chandelier. For inspiration, he looked to Maison Premiere, a New Orleans-esque oyster bar in Brooklyn. Seidman also is behind the cool makeovers of the Columns and Drifter hotels, and he worked on Hotel Saint Vincent along with MML Hospitality. Bar manager James O’Donnell, who last worked at the Four Seasons hotel, brings cocktail savvy and European-style service into the mix. Named for the old slang for a five-pack of cigars, once a popular French Quarter item, the bar showcases a range of oysters. On a typical day, there may be Grand Isle’s vegetal Little Moon oysters and briny Barataria Beauties and Pretty Babies, the bar’s own proprietary bivalve farmed in Grand Bay, Alabama. Pink Moons and plump Sassy Malpeques from Prince Edward Island, Canada, were on a recent menu, along with Duxburys, a buttery oyster out of Massachusetts. Caviar service is another briny treat, from smoked
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trout to kaluga and golden osetra, served with chopped egg, crème fraiche and chips along with the Southern-accented cornmeal blinis. Terrebonne, who hails from three generations of shrimp net makers in Cut Off, Louisiana, works his magic in the smallest of galley kitchens, outfitted with a do-all Combi oven. Smaller plates include a shrimp cocktail featuring deep water Royal Red shrimp that taste a bit like langoustines. Tender beef tartare is paired with peppery Thai basil and crowned with an egg yolk. Buttery roasted bone marrow is served with a caper herb salad and brioche. Blackberry nuoc cham and dollops of peach hot sauce give the yellowfin tuna crudo a winning sweet and salty umami. The chef, who also commands the kitchen at Columns, poaches lobster in butter for a decadent roll finished with lemon aioli and chives. The menu’s heftiest offering is a grilled tomahawk pork chop, which is served with arugula salad and olive tapenade.
Chef Paul Terrebonne and bar manager James O’Donnell serve oysters and more at Fives.
be it meaty or skinny, old school or off-kilter. It’s just a matter of finding it. At Top Taco, attendees can play the field with the offerings of more than 40 stands from restaurants around the area. The one-night event is back Thursday, Oct. 26, at Lafreniere Park in Metairie. The event promises unlimited taco eating and plenty of tequila-based drinks around the grounds for a payone-price ticket. This year’s restaurant and bar participants include many well-known names from the local taco circuit, like Barracuda, El Cucuy, Felipe’s, Galaxie, Habanero’s, La Tia Cantina, Los Jefes and Taceaux Loceaux, to name a few. But there also are taco and cocktail entries from restaurants best known for Indian food (Tava), upscale contemporary Creole (Jack Rose and Atchafalaya), Japanese comfort
PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER / GAMBIT
There’s also a little gem salad with French sheep’s milk cheese, and a crème brulee is offered for dessert. O’Donnell’s cocktail menu covers classics and traditional New Orleans drinks. The original cocktails include the Gin Join, a bracing blend of gin, chartreuse, citrus and sage, and the hibiscus-infused Spice Trader with its zip of chili tequila and lime. The Columns martini, famous for a garnish of pickled vegetables, crowns a list of martinis. Drinks are rounded out by a well-curated, globally inspired wine and beer list. Seidman’s plan to give Jackson Square the sophisticated bar it deserves is only the beginning. He’d love to see more such places on Canal and Bourbon streets. “Tourists come to the French Quarter for a reason,” the developer says. “That old-world feeling is something special.”
? WHAT
WHERE
WHEN
HOW
CHECK IT OUT
Fives
529 St. Ann St., fives.bar
lunch and dinner daily
dine in
Oysters, small plates and cocktails on Jackson Square
PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
food (Union Ramen), seafood (PeeWee’s Crabcakes) and even brunch (Ruby Slipper). Some stands may look like their own party patios with DJs, lights and elaborate decor. For its first three years, Top Taco was held in New Orleans along the riverfront. It moved to Metairie in 2021 as it staged its return during the pandemic. The food fest doubles as a competition among restaurants and bars vying for awards for tacos and cocktails, including traditional, creative and vegetarian tacos, as well as traditional margaritas and creative cocktails. PAGE 31
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3 COURSE INTERVIEW
Derek Robinson Black Restaurant Week co-founder by Will Coviello BLACK RESTAURANT WEEK’S GULF COAST EVENT IS OCT. 20-29, and it
highlights Black-owned restaurants in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. BRW was founded by Derek Robinson, Falayn Ferrell and Warren Luckett in Houston eight years ago, and it has been expanded to cities and regions across the country with specific promotional weeks throughout the year. The campaign features a searchable website directory with 2,000 participating restaurants and listings include menus, photos and other information and any specials restaurants are offering during the week. More information can be found at blackrestaurantweeks.com.
Tell us about New Orleans and the Gulf Coast campaign.
DEREK ROBINSON: New Orleans was folded into the Gulf Coast campaign. This is our third year highlighting restaurants in that tri-state region. It highlights restaurants in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, and of course, New Orleans is a main city of attraction for us. There are some great restaurants being highlighted. We have Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, Nice Guys NOLA, and PeeWee’s Crabcakes. One of our grant recipients from Feed the Soul Foundation, I-tal Garden, is participating in this year’s campaign. We have a little under 100 restaurants in the Gulf Coast, but we’re still in the process of getting restaurants in before the week launches. BRW is a platform that not only highlights restaurants in the Gulf Coast campaign, but also nationwide. Restaurants are able to patch through to our network of people who just want to be a foodie and be able to support these culinary businesses. It’s a chance for people to try out a new type of cuisine — we like to say expand your palate. It’s supporting small Black businesses, and small businesses are the backbone of America. The entire campaign is up all year round, until the next year comes around. We allow restaurants to have autonomy with their profile and be able to change around specials, because things change outside of that week. They can revise what they’re offering. Restaurants can participate for free. We do not ask for a portion of proceeds to
PHOTO PROVIDED BY BLACK RESTAURANT WEEK
come back to us or be donated to a foundation. All the proceeds the restaurants get during their campaign is solely theirs.
How does the Feed the Soul Foundation work?
R: During 2020, we created the Feed the Soul Foundation, which supports marginalized culinary businesses with resources, grants and advocacy. I-tal Garden was one of the recipients. They are going to go through our cohort process to develop their business. There’s a trough of resources of their choosing, whether it’s marketing and resources, standard operating procedures, expansion, franchising, etc. There are 30 restaurants across the country in the cohort. It’s a six-month business development experience for those restaurants. They also get a $10,000 grant from our foundation.
Is Black Restaurant Week growing?
R: We will have our inaugural global culinary conference in January in Houston. It’s a two-day conference, and participants can come in and get great resources and insights into how to build their business. It’s an array of things going from inventory management to marketing sessions, financial wellness, and how to gain capital in innovative ways. Our overarching campaign is It’s More Than Just a Week. These restaurants are able to tap into our national and global programming, too. We get opportunities where we are called on to have restaurants in designated parts of the country to highlight to Disney, NASCAR, Uber, to name a few platforms that we’ve been able to add to our network to highlight these restaurants. Before the pandemic we did programming highlighting caterers and food trucks. We’ve done both of those in New Orleans. We are in the process of launching our Marketplace, which is a digital e-commerce platform that highlights places that are selling sauces or spices or whatever.
FORK & CENTER
WINE OF THE
A portion of proceeds is pledged to benefit the PLEASE Foundation, a nonprofit that serves young people with mentoring and scholarships to attain a college education. Tickets start at $85 and are allinclusive for food and drinks. See details at toptaconola.com. — Ian McNulty / The Times-Picayune
WEEK
Nolita bakery opening in fall
THERE’S BEEN A BLANK SPOT IN THE FAUBOURG ST. JOHN neighborhood
since Mayhew Bakery closed in 2022. Soon though, Martha Gilreath will fill that void with muffins, breads, seasonal king cakes and her own sense of joy and gratitude. Gilreath plans a new bake shop called Nolita here at 3201 Orleans Ave. It’s slated to open in December. “There’s so much brilliant food out here, but I like the classics, things that are joyful and simple and familiar and bring you back to when you were a kiddo,” she says. Among her specialties are blueberry muffins and banana bread. She’ll use her family’s recipe for crawfish bread, and she’s working on a boudin Danish. She’ll have mini baguettes and other breads rotating through the selection, and plans to use the seasonal harvest in other creations. Her king cake was inspired by the McKenzie’s classic in texture and form, and adds a gentle twist of citrus with orange blossom water and satsuma zest. The Nolita bake shop represents another step for Gilreath on what has been a transformative journey. “I think about how much I’ve taken, and now I get this new big, beautiful life and I get this chance to create memories for other people, especially young people,” Gilreath says. “I think we all make good memories around food.” A few years ago, drug addiction had driven her into homelessness. She was living under an overpass in New Orleans. She turned the corner through a rehab program, and soon after was enrolled at the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute, the city’s fast-track culinary school. She graduated as valedictorian of her class. She earned a following for her king cakes, sold at pop-ups and at the King Cake Hub, and was featured in “The Big Book of King Cake,” by Matt Haines
and photographer Randy Krause Schmidt. She won a gold medal in desserts at the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience and later became executive chef at the Garden District cafe Chicory House. She shares her story readily as part of her own belief in giving back. “I believe when you make it out on the other side, your job is making sure you help others,” she says. — Ian McNulty / The Times-Picayune
Sally’s reopens IN A STAGGERINGLY DIFFICULT SUMMER SLUMP FOR NEW ORLEANS RESTAURANTS, Oak Street restau-
rant Seafood Sally’s shut down temporarily. It was a move to control operating costs as its owners contended with an unexpected bill for needed building renovations. Now Seafood Sally’s is back open, and during its hiatus there have been some changes. This restaurant has been demonstrating new possibilities with the familiar Gulf catch, and also underutilized Gulf catch. Now, chef Marcus Jacobs has revised the menu to focus specifically on where this restaurant truly stands out: the raw bar and the charcoal grill. The original idea here was to gently modernize the New Orleans neighborhood joint with boiled and fried seafood in the forefront. That all still has a part on the new menu, but Seafood Sally’s now doubles down on crudo, including
Martha Gilreath will open Nolita bakery in fall. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARTHA GILREATH
a composition dubbed “Sicilian sashimi,” and brings crab claws aguachile next to the raw oysters. Back too are the barbecue blue crabs (based on the idea of New Orleans barbecue shrimp), while a major focal point of the menu is a selection of fin fish cooked over charcoal. Expect a choice of four or five fish per night. Jacobs and his crew have an impressive track record with his other restaurant, Marjie’s Grill, on S. Broad Street. If Seafood Sally’s can come into its own, it could be a reinvigoration of the New Orleans seafood restaurant idea after all. That ties in with another project underway. Jacobs and his wife Caitlin Carney have a partnership going with the Warehouse District restaurant Carmo, where owners Christina and Dana Honn share their interest in a more varied, more sustainable array of Gulf seafood. Together, they are developing a seafood market and restaurant in Mid City. That’s Porgy Seafood Market, which is taking shape in the former Bevi Seafood, and will function as an old-school fishmonger, and also have a raw bar, a full bar and sandwiches and plates. Porgy’s is on track to open around the end of October. — Ian McNulty / The Times-Picayune
Iron and Sand
Cabernet Sauvignon
Dense purple in color with aromas of dark cherries, blackberry preserves and a dusting of coco powder and clove. Ripe, dark fruit flavors hit the palate before rounding out to earthy, rich chocolate covered cherries complemented by lively acidity and fine tannins. The finish is long, supple, and mouthwatering. DISTRIBUTED BY
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C O M P L E T E L I S T I N G S AT W W W. B E S T O F N E W O R L E A N S . C O M
Out 2 Eat is an index of Gambit contract advertisers. Unless noted, addresses are for New Orleans and all accept credit cards. Updates: Email willc@gambitweekly.com or call (504) 483-3106. 8 Fresh Food Assassin — 1900 N. Claiborne Ave., (504) 224-2628; Instagram, @8freshfoodassassin — Chef Manny January’s serves lamb chops, T-bone steaks, salmon, crab cakes, deep fried ribs, fried chicken and seafood-loaded oysters. No reservations. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. $$ Acorn — Louisiana Children’s Museum, 12 Henry Thomas Drive, (504) 218-5413; acornnola.com — Blackened shrimp tacos are topped with arugula, radish, pineapple-mango salsa and cilantro-lime sauce. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Sun. $$ Angelo Brocato’s — 214 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 486-1465; angelobrocatoicecream. com — This sweet shop serves its own gelato, spumoni, Italian ice, cannolis, biscotti, fig cookies, tiramisu, macaroons and more. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. $ Annunciation — 1016 Annunciation St., (504) 568-0245; annunciationrestaurant.com — Gulf Drum Yvonne is served with brown butter sauce with mushrooms and artichoke hearts. Reservations recommended. Dinner Thu.-Mon. $$$ Banana Blossom — 500 9th St., Gretna, (504) 500-0997; 504bananablossom.com — Jimmy Cho’s Thai dishes include smoked pork belly and pork meatballs in lemon grass broth with egg, green onion, cilantro and garlic. Reservations accepted for large parties except weekends. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. $$ Bamboula’s — 514 Frenchmen St.; bamboulasmusic.com — The live music venue’s kitchen offers a menu of traditional and creative Creole dishes, such as Creole crawfish crepes with a goat cheese and chardonnay cream sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. $$ The Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar — 118 Harbor View Court, Slidell, (985) 315-7001; 7900 Lakeshore Drive, (504) 284-2898; thebluecrabnola.com — Basin barbecue shrimp are served over cheese grits with a cheese biscuit. Outdoor seating available. No reservations. Lakeview: Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. Slidell: Lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun. $$ Broussard’s — 819 Conti St., (504) 581-3866; broussards.com — Rainbow trout amandine is served with tasso and corn macque choux and Creole meuniere sauce. Reservations recommended. Outdoor seating available. Dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$ Cafe Normandie — Higgins Hotel, 480 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504) 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining — The menu combines classic French dishes and Louisiana items like crab beignets with herb aioli. No reservations. Breakfast and lunch daily. $$ The Commissary — 634 Orange St., (504) 274-1850; thecommissarynola.com — The central kitchen for Dickie Brennan restaurants has a dine-in menu with a smoked turkey sandwich with bacon, tomato jam, herbed cream cheese, arugula and herb vinaigrette on honey oat bread. No reservations. Outdoor seating available. Lunch Tue.-Sat. $$ Curio — 301 Royal St., (504) 717-4198; curionola.com — The creative Creole menu
$ — average dinner entrée under $10 $$ — $11-$20 $$$ — $20-up includes blackened Gulf shrimp served with chicken and andouille jambalaya. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. $$ Desire Oyster Bar — Royal Sonesta New Orleans, 300 Bourbon St., (504) 586-0300; sonesta.com/desireoysterbar — A menu full of Gulf seafood includes char-grilled oysters topped with Parmesan and herbs. Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$ Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House — 144 Bourbon St., (504) 522-0111; bourbonhouse.com — There’s a seafood raw bar and dishes like redfish with lemon buerre blanc. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. $$$ Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse — 716 Iberville St., (504) 522-2467; dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com — A 6-ounce filet mignon is served with fried oysters, creamed spinach, potatoes and bearnaise. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sat. $$$ Down the Hatch — 817 St. Louis St., (504) 766-6007; 1921 Sophie Wright Place, (504) 220-7071; downthehatchnola.com — The Texan burger features a half-pound patty topped with caramelized onions, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and a fried egg. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and latenight daily. $$ Dragonfly Cafe — 530 Jackson Ave., (504) 544-9530; dragonflynola.com — The casual cafe offers breakfast plates, waffles, salads, coffee drinks and more. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Sat. $$ El Pavo Real — 4401 S. Broad Ave., (504) 266-2022; elpavorealnola.com — Sauteed Gulf fish is topped with tomatoes, olives, onion and capers and served with rice and string beans. The menu includes tacos, enchiladas and more. Outdoor seating available. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Tue.-Sat. $$ Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar — 739 Iberville St., (504) 522-4440; 7400 Lakeshore Drive, (504) 304-4125; felixs.com — The menu includes raw and char-grilled oysters, seafood platters, po-boys and more. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. $$ Frey Smoked Meat Co. — 4141 Bienville St., Suite 110, (504) 488-7427; freysmokedmeat. com — The barbecue spot serves pulled pork, ribs, brisket, sausages and and items like fried pork belly tossed in pepperjelly glaze. No reservations. Lunch and dinner daily. $$ Froot Orleans — 2438 Bell St., Suite B, (504) 233-3346; frootorleans.com — There are fresh fruit platters and smoothie bowls such as a strawberry shortcake and more using pineapple, berries, citrus and more. No reservations. Outdoor seating available. Breakfast and lunch daily. $$ Juan’s Flying Burrito — 515 Baronne St., (504) 529-5825; 2018 Magazine St., (504) 569-0000; 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 486-9950; 8140 Oak St., (504) 897-4800; juansflyingburrito.com — The Flying Burrito includes steak, shrimp, chicken, cheddar jack cheese, black beans, rice, guacamole and salsa. Outdoor seating available. No reservations. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. $$
Katie’s Restaurant — 3701 Iberville St., (504) 488-6582; katiesinmidcity.com — The eclectic menu includes a Cajun Cuban with roasted pork, ham, cheese and pickles. Delivery available. Reservations accepted for large parties. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun. $$ Kilroy’s Bar — Higgins Hotel, 480 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504) 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining — The bar menu includes sandwiches, salads and flatbreads, including one topped with peach, prosciutto, stracciatella cheese, arugula and pecans. No reservations. Dinner Wed.-Sat. $$ Legacy Kitchen’s Craft Tavern — 700 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 613-2350; legacykitchen.com — The menu includes oysters, flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, salads and a NOLA Style Grits Bowl topped with bacon, cheddar and a poached egg. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$ Legacy Kitchen Steak & Chop — 91 Westbank Expressway, Gretna, (504) 513-2606; legacykitchen.com — The menu includes filets mignons and bone-in rib-eyes, as well as burgers, salads and seafood dishes. Reservations accepted. Outdoor seating available. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. $$ Luzianne Cafe — 481 Girod St., (504) 2651972; luziannecafe.com — Cajun Sunshine Beignets are stuffed with eggs, bacon, cheese and hot sauce. No reservations. Delivery available. Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Sun. $$ Martin Wine Cellar — 714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, (504) 896-7350; 3827 Baronne St., (504) 894-7444; martinwine.com — The deli serves sandwiches and salads such as the Sena, with chicken, raisins, blue cheese, pecans and Tabasco pepperjelly vinaigrette. No reservations. Lunch daily. $$ Mikimoto — 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881; mikimotosushi.com — The South Carrollton roll includes tuna tataki, avocado and snow crab. The menu also has noodle dishes, teriyaki and more. Reservations accepted. Delivery available. Lunch Sun.Fri., dinner daily. $$ Mosca’s — 4137 Highway 90 West, Westwego, (504) 436-8950; moscasrestaurant.com — This family-style eatery serves Italian dishes and specialties including chicken a la grande and baked oysters Mosca. Reservations accepted. Dinner Wed.-Sat. Cash only. $$$ Mother’s Restaurant — 401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656; mothersrestaurant.net — This counter-service spot serves po-boys, jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, red beans and rice and more. Delivery available. No reservations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$ Neyow’s Creole Cafe — 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474; neyows.com — The menu includes red beans with fried chicken or pork chops, as well as seafood platters, po-boys, grilled oysters, salads and more. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$ Nice Guys Bar & Grill — 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-2404; niceguysbarandgrillnola. com — Char-grilled oysters are topped with cheese. The menu also includes wings, quesadillas, burgers, salads, seafood pasta and more. No reservations. Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat. $$$ The Original Italian Pie — 3629 Prytania St., (504) 766-8912; theoriginalitalianpieuptown.com — The Italian Pie combo includes pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef,
mushrooms, onions, bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella and house-made tomato sauce. No reservations. Dinner and late-night Tue.-Sat. $$ Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro — 720 Orleans Ave., (504) 523-1930; orleansgrapevine.com — The wine bar’s menu includes Creole pasta with shrimp and andouille in tomato cream sauce. Reservations accepted for large parties. Outdoor seating available. Dinner Thu.-Sun. $$ Palace Cafe — 605 Canal St., (504) 523-1661; palacecafe.com — The contemporary Creole menu includes crabmeat cheesecake with mushrooms and Creole meuniere sauce. Outdoor seating available. Reservations recommended. Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Fri., dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun. $$$ Peacock Room — Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, 501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 324-3073; peacockroomnola.com — Black lentil vadouvan curry comes with roasted tomatoes, mushrooms and basmati rice. Reservations accepted. Dinner Wed.-Mon., brunch Sun. $$ Rosie’s on the Roof — Higgins Hotel, 480 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504) 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining — The rooftop bar has a menu of sandwiches, burgers and small plates. No reservations. Dinner daily. $$ Tableau — 616 St. Peter St., (504) 9343463; tableaufrenchquarter.com — Pasta bouillabaisse features squid ink mafaldine, littleneck clams, Gulf shrimp, squid, seafood broth, rouille and herbed breadcrumbs. Outdoor seating available. Reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Thu.-Sun. $$$ Tacklebox — 817 Common St., (504) 8271651; legacykitchen.com — The menu includes oysters, and dishes like redfish St. Charles with garlic-herb butter, asparagus, mushrooms and crawfish cornbread. Reservations accepted. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 1212 S. Clearview Parkway, Elmwood, (504) 733-3803; 2125 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 510-4282; 4024 Canal St., (504) 302-1133; 4218 Magazine St., (504) 894-8554; 70488 Highway 21, Covington, (985) 234-9420; theospizza.com — A Marilynn Pota Supreme pie is topped with mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, mushrooms, bell peppers and onions. There also are salads, sandwiches and more. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. $ Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco — 1433 St. Charles Ave., (504) 354-1342; 5015 Magazine St., (504) 267-7612; titoscevichepisco.com — Peruvian lomo saltado features beef sauteed with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, soy sauce and pisco, served with fried potatoes and rice. Outdoor seating available on Magazine Street. Delivery available. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$ The Vintage — 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144; thevintagenola.com — The menu includes beignets, flatbreads and a veggie sandwich with avocado, onions, arugula, red pepper and pepper jack cheese. No reservations. Delivery and outdoor seating available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$ Zhang Bistro — 1141 Decatur St., (504) 8268888; zhangbistronola.com — The menu of Chinese and Thai dishes includes a Szechuan Hot Wok with a choice of chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu with onions, bell peppers, cauliflower, jalapenos and spicy sauce. Reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. $$
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A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T PAGE 5
“Away From the Castle,” a record about getting out of your comfort zone. The band releases the new album with a show at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Hotel St. Vincent. Tickets are $15 via eventbrite.com.
Bully
Guitarist and singer Alicia Bognanno is the force behind Bully, an energetic garage rock band out of Nashville. After touring with the Pixies early this year, Bully released “Lucky for You,” its third album on the Sub Pop label. Sub*T also performs at 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at Toulouse Theatre. Tickets $20 via toulousetheatre.com.
Altin Gun
Altin Gun’s take on fusing Turkish folk music and psychedelic rock garnered wider attention when its 2019 album “Gece” was nominated for a Best World Music Album Grammy. The band was formed in Amsterdam by musicians with Turkish ancestry, and it blends synth pop and funky rhythms into its sound. It recently released the album “Ask.” At 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Toulouse Theatre. Tickets $25 via toulousetheatre.com.
Michelle Malone
Atlanta singer-songwriter Michelle Malone combines country, folk, blues and Americana. During the pandemic, she revisited the sounds of the 1970s and artists like Neil Young and Linda Ronstadt who inspired her to record the album “1977,” which she released last year. She and Paul Sanchez perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Oct. 24, at Chickie Wah Wah. Tickets $20 via chickiewahwah.com.
‘Odyssey’
Ryan Kelly, Damian McGinty, Neil Byrne and Emmet Cahill lead Celtic Thunder, the musical and theatrical group formed in Dublin. Together, they explore traditional Irish music and culture. They’re on tour with their latest presentation, ‘Odyssey,’ at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Saenger Theatre. Find tickets via saengernola.com.
Jeb Bishop & Matthias Muller
Chicago trombonist Jeb Bishop and Berlin-based trombonist Matthias Muller are acclaimed musicians in the world of improvised music. The two have been recently touring with a third trombonist, Matthias Muche of Cologne, Germany, and
Bishop and Muller cap off the tour with two nights in New Orleans with local musicians. Bishop and Muller perform with James Singlton, Helen Gillet, Steve Marquette and Byron Asher at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Happyland Theater, and with Gillet, Jeb Stuart and Rob Cambre at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Zeitgeist Theatre & Lounge. Admission is $15. Find more info via jebbishop.com.
Butte
Led by singer-guitarist Theresa Romero, New Orleans’ Butte imbue dreampop with delicate feeling and emotion. The band released its latest album, “To You, And To Me, And To Make It All Easier,” last week and will play an album release show at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at Marigny Studios. Laura Fisher and her dreampop band will open with a performance of Fisher’s latest album, “Rose-Coloured Dream.” Admission is $20.
Honey Island Swamp Band
The hard-working roots rockers in Honey Island Swamp Band can be seen regularly around town and on the road, but it’s been a few years since the band’s last full-length, 2016’s “Demolition Day.” They change that on Friday, Oct. 27, with the release of “Custom Deluxe.” Honey Island Swamp Band celebrates the new music at 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Maple Leaf. Tickets are $20 via mapleleafbar.com.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Guitarist and bandleader Ruban Nielson first formed the mellow rocking psychedelic band Unknown Mortal Orchestra in New Zealand and reconstituted it in Portland, Oregon. His brother Kody Nielson also performs with the band, which arrives at Civic Theatre on tour in support of March release “V,” a double album full of eclectic influences. Portland artist Randall Taylor’s Amulets opens at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25. Find tickets via civicnola.com.
Tigerama
The LSU School of Music and Department of Bands assembled this showcase of music, with performances by the LSU Golden Band from Tigerland, LSU Wind Ensemble and LSU Symphonic Winds. There also are appearances by the LSU Golden Girls and the LSU Colorguard. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Saenger Theatre. Find tickets via saengernola.com.
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BAMBOULAS — The Rugcutters, 1:15 pm, The Melatauns, 5:30 pm, Ed Willis Blues Explosion, 9 pm BJ'S LOUNGE BYWATER — Ferd Band, Bad Penny Pleasuremakers, 9 pm D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS — Secret Six Jazz Band, 6 pm; The Jump Hounds, 9 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Matinee All Star Band, 1:30 pm, Bourbon Street All Stars, 5 pm; Richard Scott and Friends , 8 pm
BAMBOULAS — Sigrid and the Zig Zags, 1:15 pm; Christina Kaminis and The Mix, 5:30 pm; Where Y'at Brass Band, 9 pm CAFE NEGRIL — Sierra Green and the Soul Machine, 10 pm CAPULET — Mia Borders Duo, 6:30 pm CARROLLTON STATION — Olivia Barnes + Zahria Sims Collective + Lyla George, 9 pm DIXON ANNEX RECITAL HALL — John Saavedra, 6 pm; Thursday Night Jazz, 7 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 8 pm MARIGNY OPERA HOUSE — Mikayla Braun, 7:30 pm PEACOCK ROOM, HOTEL FONTENOT — Da Lovebirds , 8 pm THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — Brass-AHolics, 7:30 pm TOULOUSE THEATRE — Evan + Jane, 7 pm
TUESDAY 24
FRIDAY 27
FO R CO M P L E T E M U S I C L I ST I N G S A N D M O RE E V E N T S TA K I N G P L A CE I N T H E N E W O R L E A N S A RE A , V I S I T C A L E N D A R . G A M B I T W E E K LY. C O M
To learn more about adding your event to the music calendar, please email listingsedit@gambitweekly.com
MONDAY 23
BAMBOULAS — The Villians, 1:15 pm, Giselle Anguizola Quartet, 5:30 pm; Andy J. Forest Blues Band, 9 pm BLUE NILE — Bomb's Ex-Lover, 9:15 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Richard "Piano" Scott, 1 pm Colin Myers, 5 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 8 pm HAPPYLAND THEATER — Jeb Bishop, 5 pm THE RABBIT HOLE — Rebirth Brass Band, 10 pm TOULOUSE THEATRE — Jockstrap, 8 pm
WEDNESDAY 25 BAMBOULAS — JJ and the A-Oks, 1:15 pm; Boardwalker and the 3 Finger Swingers, 5:30 pm; Roule and the Queen, 9 pm BLUE NILE — New Breed Brass Band, 9:30 pm CAFE NEGRIL — Colin Davis and Night People, 6 pm D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS — The Budz, 9 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Richard “Piano” Scott, 1 pm, Bourbon Street Stars , 5 pm, Fritzel's All Star Band, 8 pm NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM — Sullivan Dabney Jazz Band, 2 pm ROGERS MEMORIAL CHAPEL AT TULANE UNIVERSITY — Music at Midday, 12 pm SANTOS — Scott Yoder, Static Static, Dusty Santamaria and Poose the Puppet, 9 pm THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — Funkin' It Up with Big Sam , 7:30 pm ZEITGEIST THEATRE — Jeb Bishop , 8 pm
THURSDAY 26 BAMBOULAS — Wolfe John's Blues Band, 9 pm
BAMBOULAS — Chris Christy Quartet, 2:15 pm; Les Getrex and Creole Cookin, 6:30 pm; Bettis and 3rd Degree Brass Band , 10 pm; The Jaywalkers, 11 am BLUE NILE — The Caesar Brothers, 8 pm; Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, 11 pm BLUE NILE BALCONY ROOM — Trumpet Slim & Brass Flavor, 10 pm CAFE NEGRIL — Higher Heights Reggae Band, 10 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Richard “Piano” Scott, 12:30 pm; Sam Friend , 2:30 pm; Lee Floyd and Thunderbolt Trio, 6 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 9 pm NOLA BREWING TAPROOM — LOTAGRFD, 7 pm PUBLIC BELT AT HILTON RIVERSIDE — Phil Melancon, 8 pm THE SAENGER THEATRE — Heilung, 8 pm TIPITINA'S — Alexis Marceaux, My So-Called Band, 9 pm TOULOUSE THEATRE — Altin Gün, 8 pm
SATURDAY 28 BAMBOULAS — Stephen Brashear Quartet , 11 am; Boardwalker and the 3 Finger Swingers, 2:15 pm; Johnny Maestro Blues, 6:30 pm; Paggy Prine and Southern Soul, 10 pm BLUE NILE — George Brown Band, 8 pm; Big Sam's Funky Nation, 11 pm CAFE NEGRIL — Sierra Green and the Soul Machine, 10 pm D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS — Seva Venet Storyville String Band, 6 pm; Rebirth Brass Band, 10 pm FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Richard “Piano” Scott, 12:30 pm; Steve Detroy, 2:30 pm; Lee Floyd and
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MUSIC
Thunderbolt Trio, 6 pm; Fritzel’s All Star Band, 9 pm JOY THEATER — Chappell Roan, 8 pm MARDI GRAS WORLD — Hell's Gala 2023, 9 pm POUR HOUSE SALOON — TURBINE 6 + THE BLUE SHADES , 8 pm PUBLIC BELT AT HILTON RIVERSIDE — Phil Melancon, 8 pm SANTOS — Morning 40 Federation, 9 pm TIPITINA'S — Galactic feat. Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph, 9 pm
SUNDAY 29 BAMBOULAS — Les Getrex and Creole Cookin, 1:15 pm; Midnight Brawlers, 5:30 pm; Ed Willis Blues Explosion, 9 pm BLUE NILE — The Baked Potatoes, 8 pm; Street Legends Brass Band, 10:30 pm BOURBON STREET HONKY TONK — The Bad Sandys, 8 pm CAFE NEGRIL — Vegas Cola, 9 pm D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS — Marcus Machado, Tony Hall & Terence Higgins, 9 pm
Morning 40 Federation plays Santos Oct. 28 PROVIDED PHOTO
FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — Marty Peters Band, 1:30 pm; Lee Floyd and Thunderbolt Trio, 5 pm; Fritzel's All Star Band, 8 pm; JAEGER'S SEAFOOD AND OYSTER HOUSE — The Generators, 4 pm NOLA BREWING TAPROOM — The Tanglers Bluegrass Band, 3 pm ST ANDREW'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH — Valerie Sassyfras, 3 pm THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — Quiana Lynell , 7:30 pm TIPITINA'S — Pigeon Playing Ping Pong, Dogs In A Pile, 7:30 pm TOULOUSE THEATRE — Bully, 7 pm
SCAN FOR THE COMPLETE GAMBIT CALENDAR
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37
MUSIC
by Jake Clapp
THERE AREN’T A LOT OF RULES TO JOINING the
New Orleans Synth Cult. Anyone interested in synthesizers, regardless of experience or the genre they play, is welcome to check out one of the collective’s monthly open mics. Just bring the gear you need, give them a heads up that you’d like to perform and, of course, play a synthesizer. Although, the term “synthesizer” can be a little wide-ranging, says founder and organizer Jason Vowell. “What you think of as like a keyboard with some knobs on it, there’s plenty of that,” Vowell says. “But there’s groove boxes, too, that are more drum machine-based or sample-based … and then we have the modular synthesizers, which are these giant patch-based things. You have to play some variation of a hardware synthesizer. A physical piece of gear.” A little over a year since the first New Orleans Synth Cult meet-up, the group has grown into a loose collective of around 40 musicians, synthesizer enthusiasts and sound designers. There’s also a Facebook group with more than 750 members. Synth Cult hosts monthly open mics and synthesizer jams, featuring a range of genres, from house music, downtempo lo-fi and ’80s-inspired synthwave to experimental soundscapes. And Vowell helps put the collective’s musicians on to local bills. On Monday, Oct. 30, Synth Cult will present “Tales from the Synth,” at 6 p.m. at The Broadside. Seven members of the collective will live score a supercut of horror movie clips, from obscure flicks to genre classics. This will be the first time Synth Cult has done a live score performance. “We never really get to be spooky and weird, even though the instruments sort of lend themselves to that a lot of the time,” Vowell says. “This is just a cool opportunity to go the sound design way, get spooky, get weird, have some fun.” Vowell started New Orleans Synth Cult last year after checking out a New York Modular Society meet-up during a trip to New York. Vowell had been into modular synthesizers and sound design for a long time — he also records under the name unknownparts — but felt a bit alone in the New Orleans music landscape. He would see musicians like Cliff
New Orleans Synth Cult hosts monthly open mics and synth jams around the city. PHOTO PROVIDED BY JASON VOWELL
Hines and Daniel Meinecke perform with modular synths but didn’t know of many other local musicians. Organizers at the New York Modular Society encouraged Vowell to organize a local meet-up, so he tossed the idea onto Facebook. He got some good responses, found a spot to meet in Algiers and had a synth jam. “That was total chaos, totally weird, but we were all so happy to see other people with synthesizers in town,” he says. Word-of-mouth and regular meetups have helped New Orleans Synth Cult grow “faster than I thought it would,” Vowell says. “We were kind of shocked by that — [particularly] the outside interest from people that don’t necessarily play the synthesizers themselves.” There’s a variety of styles and set-ups in the New Orleans Synth Cult, from new musicians using introductory $100 synths to guys hauling $30,000 worth of equipment to a showcase. But customizing the instrument is part of the satisfaction, Vowell says. “You find the synthesizers you like. Everybody has a different rig, especially with modular synths,” he says. “You piecemeal all the things you want to make the sound that you want. So it’s very personal, and it’s unique to the person. A lot of friendships and a lot of creative ventures have come together because of it, which is just as satisfying as making the music.” Follow New Orleans Synth Cult on Instagram, @nolasynthcult, and on Facebook. Recordings of past showcases also can be found at nolasynthcult.bandcamp.com.
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Cult followings
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FILM
Uncommon scents by Will Coviello
ORISHA OKO IS A POWERFUL ROOM CLEANSING AEROSOL SPRAY in the film “Holy
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Trinity.” But it’s not a cleaning product. It’s more of a spiritual tool found on the shelves of botanicas. For Trinity, huffing it produces a pleasant high. When she finally starts buying her own Orisha Oko, instead of taking her roommate’s supply, she discovers more of its powers. The film by Chicago filmmaker Glam gets a local theater premiere this week, including a scratch-and-sniff version at the Broad Theater on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Glam will do Q&A sessions after screenings both then and at Zeitgeist Theatre & Lounge on Thursday, Oct. 26 (which will not have scratch and sniff cards). In “Holy Trinity,” Trinity shares an apartment with a partner and a couple friends. Their candy-colored world is full of generic-looking products from the Glam Corporation. Trinity calls the Glam headquarters to try to find out what’s in Orisha Oko, but a stream of clueless phone operators can’t produce an answer. After buying up boxes of the spray and huffing more and more, Trinity starts hearing voices. Trinity works as a dominatrix for clients with fetishes running from the pedestrian to the exotic — and the voices start to interfere with her work. She eventually seeks help from friends and spiritual counselors about what is happening. She realizes she is gaining psychic powers and, as in Greek tragedy, that is both a great power and a curse, as people come from all directions asking for her guidance. A woman who died in a movie theater nacho machine accident wants Trinity to clear the air with her former friends. “Holy Trinity” is both a gentle comedy and a drama. As a dominatrix, Trinity recognizes that her work is both providing pleasure and processing past experiences. A popular TV psychic named Tiamara Brucetti doesn’t seem to offer anywhere near the satisfaction, and Trinity’s roommates argue about whether she provides entertainment or is just scamming people in need.
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The film is set in a gender-fluid world, with many queer and gender-nonconforming characters and a few colorful kinks. Many also have their own vision of religion and spirituality. Trinity had bad experiences growing up Catholic, and a priest she meets might have had similarly scarring experiences. The various takes on religion come together in a nightclub club scene with a churchthemed dance party, complete with outrageous outfits and costumes. Glam, also known as Molly Hewitt, stars in the film, and their performance is natural and assured. They are based in Chicago, where they make music videos and do fabrication for theater and events, like Chicago Pride Fest. “Holy Trinity” was first released in 2019 and did well on the festival circuit. Inspired by John Waters’ scratchand-sniff Odorama cards for his film “Polyester,” Glam created a scratchand-sniff version of “Holy Trinity” that they are now screening. The card has 10 scents, ranging from the pleasant to not so pleasant. The movie premiered in Brooklyn, and the Broad Street screening is the second showing. Also showing is an eight-minute short film, “It Takes a Village,” about two pregnant cult members, created by Glam and Sarah Squirm of “Saturday Night Live.” Glam grew up in London and went to college in Chicago. The film doesn’t identify where it takes place, but it is full of queer artists and drag performers from Chicago. “Holy Trinity” screens at 7 p.m. Oct. 25-26. Visit thebroadtheater.com or zeitgeistnola.org for tickets and information. For more about Glam, visit glamhag.com.
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PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE FETE-FUL FOLLOWERS By Frank A. Longo
33 Actress Long or Vardalos 34 Closes in on 35 Cry while wearing a costume 41 Some boxing punches 43 On top of, in verse 44 Divine figure 45 Feel poorly 47 Pub barrel 51 Pundits’ paper pieces 54 Power to attract others 57 Unceasingly 59 Newbie at a law school 60 Sculling tool 61 Org. that screens bags 62 Patron of sailors 63 “Second gentleman”
Emhoff 65 Forget to say 67 Lots and lots 68 Logical thought process 72 Some sharp turns 75 Coll. lecturer 76 Low-fat, informally 77 Piña — 81 “I have it!” 82 Hosp. test in a big tube 83 Christian of fashion 85 Led to a seat 86 Typical D.C. dealings 91 County in New Mexico or Colorado 92 Method 93 Muscle: Prefix
37 Cara of “Fame” 94 University of fame Maine’s city 38 Enjoy a novel 96 Neighbor of Kan. 39 Element #50 and Ia. 97 Pro at taking dictation 40 Chronicle 99 Swear words and such 42 Zealots 46 “This makes 103 Clear wrap no sense to me” 106 Says “yes” to 48 Singer Eartha 108 USN officers 49 Canadian gas brand 109 Sleuth, in old slang 110 Straight, flexible wire 50 FBI guy, e.g. 52 Barbies, e.g. receiving waves 53 Big rig 113 Rather little 55 Poet Maya 118 Prefix with present 56 Enter 119 Gorme of song 120 Post-event bash ... or 58 Like numbers with more than where eight key two divisors words in this puzzle 63 “Whoop-de- —!” might appear 64 When a team 122 Diatribe travels, perhaps 123 U. of Maryland team 66 TV bartender 124 Band flunky Szyslak 125 Atlas feature 67 Shoelace tag 126 Pivotal WWII event 69 “Will & Grace” actor 127 Eye maladies McCormack 128 Prods 70 Ventilates 129 “Yes” vote 71 Big Apple neighborhood DOWN 72 Microwaves, informally 1 “Funny joke!” 73 Sailor’s cry 2 Vizquel of baseball 74 Lassies 3 Brad of “Fight Club” 78 Sports center 4 Sissy of the screen 5 Gavin of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” 6 Jester Johnson 7 Ocho — (resort in Jamaica) 8 Pothole filler 9 Sheepish 10 Colon’s meaning in an analogy 11 Whale locale 12 Burrito base 13 Large arteries 14 Trade jabs 15 Apt place to make a scene 16 Birthplace of St. Teresa 17 Less courteous 18 Kuwaiti chiefs 24 Finance-related: Abbr. 28 Lamb’s cry 29 Growth on an elk’s head 31 Intro studio class 32 Jane of “Live and Let Die” 35 Horn blasts 36 Transplant, as a flower
79 Removal of govt. controls 80 Pueblo brick 82 E. Sicilian volcano 84 “Time — the essence!” 85 Forearm part 87 “How sad” 88 Cure by exposing to burning wood 89 E-addresses 90 Gmail rival 95 A Great Lake 98 “Later” 100 Rock- — jukebox 101 Alternative to a ballpoint 102 Golden State sch. 103 Fencing need 104 Ex-NFLer Rashad 105 Lisa of “Melrose Place” 107 Marsh bird 111 Fish snares 112 Scottish loch 113 Forest buck 114 Contents of Rx bottles 115 “— la Douce” 116 Go nowhere 117 Really promote 120 “How — you?” 121 Haze
ANSWERS FOR LAST ISSUE’S PUZZLE: P 2
PUZZLES
ACROSS 1 Little jump 4 Brains 10 Teeny bits 15 Female horse 19 Friend, in Paris 20 Social outcast 21 Ice cream utensil 22 Female gamete 23 Cap production place 25 — firma 26 “I saw,” to Caesar 27 Newspaper stories 28 Vehicle attachment to transport watercraft 30 “Get it?” 31 “Ender’s Game” star Butterfield
39
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