Gambit Digital Edition: February 5, 2024 by Gambit New Orleans

February 5-11 2024 Volume 45 Number 6

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CONTENTS

Two Beautiful Units for Rent right off St. Charles Ave. 2 Bedrooms - 1 Bath Furnished Kitchen/ High Ceilings/ Hard Wood Flooring

FEB. 5 — FEB. 11, 2024 VOLUME 45 || NUMBER 6

MARDI GRAS ‘24 Parade previews ..............15 rex Bulletin ................... 26 Parade maps.................. 28 Society of St. Anne.......... 35 Krewe of O.A.K. hosts a tap-dancin’ good time ..... 39

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PULLOUT Details ..............................

PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Mardi Gras ‘24

Final week of Carnival

F E AT U R E S Arts & entertainment ........ 5 eat & Drink.................... 43 Music Listings................. 49 Music............................ 50 Puzzles ..........................51 C OV E R P H O TO BY M AT T H E W H I N TO N / T H E T I M E S- P I C AY U N 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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GAMBIT (ISSN 1089-3520) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY CAPITAL CITY PRESS, LLC, 840 ST. CHARLES AVE., NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130. (504) 486-5900. WE CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RETURN OF UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS EVEN IF ACCOMPANIED BY A SASE. ALL MATERIAL PUBLISHED IN GAMBIT IS COPYRIGHTED: COPYRIGHT 2024 CAPITAL CITY PRESS, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Dads Night Out

Zulu Lundi Gras Festival

Dad’s Ball is starry-eyed for its fourth annual queer Mardi Gras ball | by Kaylee Poche WHEN MARK LOUQUE, CHRIS GRANT, NATHANIEL HOWELL AND ROSS RANSOM

started Dad’s Ball in 2020, their vision was clear: a subversive “queer twist” on New Orleans’ traditional gay Mardi Gras balls. That year, DJ group Trax Only and event producer Hit It “came together to do this music-focused, sort of sexual-driven event that was reminiscent in a way of some of the more traditional balls but also just totally chaotic and queer and wild,” Louque says. Since then, the event, which features a less conventional costume presentation and multiple floors of interactive art installations, DJs and dark rooms, has doubled in size to about 1,500 people, Louque estimates. “We’re providing a space that has all of Mardi Gras in one room,” they say. The fourth Dad’s Ball will take place Saturday, Feb. 10, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. the following morning at The Historic Carver Theater. The theme, Myth universe, explores “the Greco roman admiration for space and the stars and constellations, and all the mythologies that are wrapped up in that,” Grant says. Just like the gay balls that started in the late 1950s, Dad’s Ball has a theme, royalty and a tableau presentation of costumes, but the resemblance more or less stops there. Instead of having a long presentation of the costumes leading up to a dance, Dad’s Ball is a huge dance party that breaks in the middle with a short, on-theme DIy play involving a search for the queen. The show is usually 15 minutes long, but this year the Dads, as the organizers call themselves, plan for it to last between 20 and 25 minutes. Last year’s presentation, themed Wet Dream, had a narrator roving through the swamps on a pirogue and encountering different swamp creatures along the way, while a “scantily clothed aerialist” hung from the ceiling. The search culminated in finding the queen, who came out in a full latex shrimp cocktail dress. “The crowd goes wild, and then it goes back to dance party,” Louque says. “It’s more high energy from the moment you walk in to the moment that you leave.” And instead of only the people presenting wearing costumes, at Dad’s Ball, everyone comes dressed in theme. What do people typically wear? “Next to nothing,” Louque says with a laugh.

Returning queen Bijoux was crowned at the 2023 Dad’s Ball. According to Grant, costumes vary from more casual looks to “incredibly intricate costumes,” and each year the looks get better and better. “Having everyone feel like they can be part of that makes it more fun and more inclusive,” Louque says. This year, the Dads are bringing in special guest DJ Shaun J. Wright from Hercules & Love Affair, as well as local DJs Phlegm, Bouffant Bouffant, Tristan Dufrene and Siren. There also will be live portrait painting, a mirrored room with a tarot card reader and “a Voodoo priest’s chill out area,” Louque says. Plus, the spanking booth returns. Some art installations have artists performing within the space. For instance, burlesque performers eddie Lockwood and The Great Dane did choreographed burlesque numbers with large light-up tentacles in an art installation last year. Though the event has gotten so big, the Dads hope that breaking up the venue into smaller sections will help it still feel intimate, while also giving people a variety of options for how they spend their night. “Some people are not into the more sexual-driven pieces that we have. Some people are not into the fact that it’s a dance party,” Louque says. “So

PHOTO BY LEONE JULITTE

we want to try to make sure there’s something for everyone.” After some complaints about the crowds and long drink lines at the last ball, the Dads have hired a bar manager to work with the venue staff to accommodate the large crowd. They say there will be triple the number of bar staff and more water stations. Plus, they’re also expanding the outdoor area, which will have fire pits and another DJ spot. “If I have to jump in and make a vodka soda myself, I’m gonna do it,” Louque says. Though the Dads are queer people throwing a queer-centered event, they describe the event as “a queer event for all inhabitants of the Milky Way.” Louque says they want people of all ages (21+), sexualities and genders to enjoy the ball. “I want nothing more than for every single person that walks through the door to have an epic experience and a super memorable experience,” he says. Tickets start at $65 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Visit Instagram @notyourdadsball for more information.

The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club introduces its royalty and elected characters in its Lundi Gras Festival in Woldenberg Park. It’s the 30th annual event, and the music lineup features Jason Neville Funky Soul Band, rockin’ Dopsie, N’Tunes, Hot Boy ronald, young Pin Stripe Brass Band, DJ Jubilee and more on two stages. There also is a kids entertainment stage and more than 20 food vendors. Characters are announced every hour, starting with Mr. Big Stuff at 11 a.m. King Zulu arrives at 5 p.m. and greets rex at 6 p.m. at Spanish Plaza. The festival is 10 a.m.6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12. For information, visit lundigrasfestival.com.

King Zulu Nicholls ‘Nick’ Spears greets Rex Ludovico F. Feoli and Rex’s captain on Lundi Gras 2023. PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Riverwalk Lundi Gras

There’s live music and Rex and King Zulu arrive to herald Fat Tuesday in the Lundi Gras celebration at Spanish Plaza. The entertainment lineup features Ashlin Parker and Trumpet Mafia, Brass-A-Holics, Kevin Gullage & The Blues Groovers, Black Seminoles and 7th Ward Hunters Black Masking Indians and more. The Hot 8 Brass Band leads a second line salute to russell Batiste Jr. rex and King Zulu meet at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks over the Mississippi river. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12. Visit riverwalkneworleans.com/lundi-gras for details.

Instigation Festival

The annual Instigation Festival, now in its ninth year, brings together innovative New Orleans and Chicago musicians for a series of improvised music collaborations. This year, the three-day festival is centered on drummer Mike reed’s project The Separatist Party, and each member of the Chicago-based group breaks out PAGE 51

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OPENING GAMBIT

NEW ORLEANS NEWS + VIEWS

Happy Mardi Gras, y’all!

# TC OH EU N T

T H U M B S U P/ THUMBS DOWN

Xavier University of Louisiana has won a $1.5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to support its honors program, Xavier exponential. Xavier is one of 10 institutions to receive a grant from Mellon’s Humanities for All Times Initiative. The grant will help the historic Black, Catholic university prepare students to be innovators and leaders, said Shearon roberts, Xavier exponential program director.

The Ella Project, which offers legal assistance to New Orleans musicians, will use a $25,000 grant from the National endowment for the Arts to support its pro bono legal work and its annual workshop series, Crescendo. The series, led by musician Lou Hill and attorney Bri Whetstone, gives a detailed overview of the music industry through a seven-week course in the fall.

The Archdiocese of New Orleans has continued to support Gerard “Jerry” Howell, a priest credibly accused of sexually abusing dozens of children, The Guardian and WWL-TV recently reported. A court order has stopped retirement benefits to Howell, but church officials have worked to find ways around the order. Inappropriate support for Howell goes back even further: The church ignored a 2010 psychologist’s report warning about Howell and continued to pay his rent, insurance and a monthly stipend for another decade.

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Photo of Katie Bernhardt in a new ad calling for new Louisiana Democratic Party leadership. SCREENSHOT FROM YOUTUBE

Louisiana Democratic Party reform group launches new ad campaign to ‘reboot’ party A GROUP OF CANDIDATES LOOKING TO REFORM THE LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY released an ad

Wednesday, dialing up their push to oust Chair Katie Bernhardt after the party’s disastrous showing in last fall’s elections. Dubbing themselves “Blue reboot,” organizers throughout the state have recruited more than 100 reform candidates to run for seats on the Democratic State Central Committee, which elects party leadership. A public list of those candidates is available, and according to the group, at least 44 of them are running unopposed and therefore have already secured seats. “The Louisiana Democratic Party needs a reboot,” the narrator in the ad narrates over a photo of Bernhardt. They’re hoping to wrest control of the 210-seat DSCC in the upcoming elections on March 23 to have enough votes to elect new party leadership. The DSCC is also in charge of helping get Democrats elected, fundraising and educating voters. Only registered Democrats can vote for the two DSCC seats in their district. The committee will vote on party leadership about a month later. “When we invest in candidates and stand on our values, Louisiana is a blue state,” the ad said, showing clips

of former Gov. John Bel edwards’ and Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis’ victory parties. Lynda Woolard, who ran against Bernhardt when the DSCC elected her chair in 2020, is a co-founder of the group and has been a vocal critic of Bernhardt. “There’s no question that the current Louisiana Democratic Party leadership has been failing us,” Woolard said in a statement. “We deserve a functional party that can elect more leaders who will stand up for the values of the majority of everyday Louisianans.” Former LaPlace state rep. randal Gaines has already thrown his hat into the chair race, and Lewis has said he’s also considering a run. “With your help, we can reform and rebuild our state party, invest in building our Democratic power and save our state from Jeff Landry and the red wave of extremists,” the ad ends. “Join us.” — Kaylee Poche Only registered Louisiana Democrats can vote in the March 23 DSCC elections. Voters must register in person or by mail Feb. 21 or online by March 2. Early voting starts March 9. For a full list of who qualified for the DSCC, visit the Secretary of State’s website.

A federal judge temporarily banned enforcement of the city’s residential short-term rental laws, which has led to a surge in illegal listings amid Carnival season. Despite the City Council’s previous attempts to curb the industry, local officials are no longer responding to complaints, issuing violations or accepting new permit applications together.

C’EST W H AT

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Let’s spread Carnival fun to more of New Orleans THIS YEAR NEW ORLEANS SAW THE DEBUT OF KREWE MOSAIQUE, adding to our ever-growing family of

Carnival parades. The DIy krewe’s creativity and energy made its French Quarter procession last month one of the highlights of Mardi Gras 2024, even before Fat Tuesday itself. Mosaique joins parades happening earlier in the season and outside the traditional parade routes. It’s also a throwback to a bygone era when more krewes paraded in the French Quarter and all over town — and not restricted (mostly) to the St. Charles Avenue/uptown route. It wasn’t so long ago that some larger float parades traversed routes defined by New Orleans’ unique neighborhoods. As local X commentator Skooks noted recently, in 1978 Tucks started at Magazine and Napoleon before turning up St. Charles to Palmer Avenue, then to Claiborne Avenue. Bacchus used to start at the Superdome, move through the CBD and then head up and down a stretch of Canal Street before terminating near the river. Today, only a few major krewes — Zulu, endymion, Nefertiti and N.O.M.T.O.C. among them — roll in other parts of the city. Supporters of the current system say consolidating routes is the best way to maximize NOPD’s limited

ability to provide security. That is true, assuming all parades roll during the final two weeks of Carnival. But, as Krewe du Vieux has long demonstrated, parade season spans much more than the final two weeks, when larger krewes roll. The Krewe of Jeanne d’Arc kicked off parade season on Jan. 6. The calendar also features a weekend highlighted by Chewbacchus, while the now venerable Krewe du Vieux paraded Jan. 27, in a weekend also featuring Krewe Boheme and ’tit rex. These “smaller” parades are increasingly not so small — tens of thousands of people turned out for Chewbacchus, and KdV has become a tourist draw all its own. even ‘tit rex, which features shoebox-sized floats, is now drawing crowds in the thousands. Combined with the many bead-tossing krewes that parade on Lundi Gras, the Krewe of Cork and old-school walking processions like Krewe of Dreux and Krewe of O.A.K. which can often draw thick crowds — proof that there’s substantial interest and enthusiasm for more parade days.

The Krewe Mosaïque inaugural parade. PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Most of those parades happen in the Marigny and French Quarter, and mostly at night, which is great for those neighborhoods. Still, we’d love to see the city and smaller krewes consider parading in other parts of the city — and during the day. With an expanded parade schedule, there’s no reason why Carnival festivities can’t return to neighborhoods that would welcome them. If done right, the change would create more fun, put more overtime money into the pockets of NOPD officers, and act as a shot in the arm for bars and restaurants along routes in parts of the city that don’t normally get large crowds. We realize such a change can’t happen overnight. Mardi Gras continues to evolve at its own pace. But we hope krewe leaders and folks thinking of starting their own walking krewes will find safe and fun-filled ways to bring Carnival to more of the city.

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Sending State Police won’t solve NOPD’s cop shortage, but it’s a start GOV. JEFF LANDRY’S PLAN TO CREATE A PERMANENT STATE POLICE TROOP in

New Orleans will fulfill one of his top campaign promises, but getting it done — and reducing crime in the state’s largest city — won’t happen soon. And it won’t be easy. The governor will have to walk a political and legal tightrope just to get Troop Nola up and running effectively. His first hurdle will be convincing state lawmakers to adequately fund it. Legislative approval is not a given, but the new governor makes a convincing, if strident, case for it. Landry said on Jan. 31 that the New Orleans Police Department is “in shambles because of a federal consent decree and a federal judge” — a reference to NOPD’s severe personnel shortage and a decade-old federal consent decree that governs the department’s policies and practices. NOPD’s personnel shortage is indeed a crisis. Along with fears of violent crime, it affects the entire state because of New Orleans’ economic importance. That said, there’s a lot to unpack when it comes to addressing the dual issues of crime and NOPD. Let’s start with NOPD’s manpower shortage. When Mitch Landrieu took office as New Orleans mayor in 2010, he instituted a hiring freeze as a stop-gap measure to keep the city out of bankruptcy — and to stand it back up after disgraced former Mayor ray Nagin let it rot post-Hurricane Katrina. Landrieu did that and much more, but doing so came at the expense of NOPD’s staffing levels. At the same time, Landrieu negotiated the federal consent decree, whose primary goal — constitutional policing — New Orleanians still support in overwhelming numbers. The decree is overseen by u.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, who has already shown that she won’t be moved by politicians’ rants. The decree itself is not the problem, despite what some politicians claim. The problem lies in how — and whether — some parts of it have been implemented. Not so long ago, Morgan opined that the city was close to moving out from under the decree. That changed as cops left NOPD in droves under Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who micro-managed

gear up with shades & sneakers

Col. Robert Hodges, superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, speaks during a news conference discussing Carnival safety at Gallier Hall on Jan. 31.

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PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

the department and blamed the decree for her own bad calls. Despite a drop in violent crime last year, people still feel unsafe in New Orleans. enter Jeff Landry. Sending 40 State Police troopers to New Orleans will help, but Landry correctly noted that it won’t solve the city’s cop shortage. The city has less than 900 police when it needs closer to 1,400. Landry said that even if Morgan dissolves the consent decree soon (which won’t happen), “it would take a decade to build that police department back up.” Moreover, staffing Troop Nola with 40 experienced troopers means removing them from suburban and rural parishes, where they no doubt play a major role in public safety. That’s sure to displease sheriffs (who helped elect Landry) in those communities. Members of Troop Nola also must be carefully selected — and properly trained in urban police practices — to make sure they don’t create more problems than they solve. The feds have already launched a “pattern or practice” investigation into Louisiana State Police after racially charged incidents of abuse elsewhere in Louisiana. Landry deserves credit for trying to get the state involved in solving New Orleans’ crime problem. The effort will cost him a lot of political capital, and there’s no guarantee of success. But at least he’s going to try.

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Hey Blake,

At the corner of Octavia and Laurel, near my favorite bookstore, Octavia Books, are street tiles that read “P. Draube’s Sons.” Who were P. Draube and his sons and why is their name there?

Dear reader,

BUILT IN 1896, THE BUILDING AT OCTAVIA AND LAUREL was once Philip

Draube’s corner grocery store and bar. He and his wife eva, three sons and two daughters lived above the business. According to his 1903 obituary, Draube had also operated a grocery at Milan and Magazine and was a volunteer firefighter. When Philip died, sons Frank and John maintained the family grocery business. A 1913 Daily Picayune profile of Frank Draube called his father a “possessor of a flourishing grocery, into which Frank entered with the sureness that a duck takes to water.” Frank Draube went by the name F.A. Draube. In the 1930s and ’40s, advertising for the Laurel Street store referred to it as F.A. Draube Food Store. Later in the 1960s, Broussard’s Food Store was located there, also known as J.L. Broussard Food Store and then B&S Food Store. In the

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Corner of Octavia and Laurel PHOTO BY BLAKE PONTCHARTRAIN

1980s, interior designer Gayle Bird (now Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson) located her business there, called Gayle Bird Interiors. In recent years, the property has been home to a martial arts studio and architectural firm. The building next door at 5433 Laurel – which was added by the Draube family and has their name in the façade – has been a bar (called Ace’s elbow rest), as well as the popular Laurel Street Bakery and the breakfast spots Toast and Scrambled, the current occupant. Octavia Books opened next door in 2000. Owners Tom Lowenburg and Judith Lafitte recently purchased the former Draube grocery building and launched an expansion which will double the size of the bookstore. It should be completed later this year.

BLAKEVIEW THIS WEEK MARKS THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH of legendary New Orleans

rhythm and blues guitarist, singer and songwriter earl King. It’s fitting that he was born during Carnival season, since he composed and performed the Mardi Gras classics “Big Chief” and “Street Parade.” Born earl Silas Johnson IV in New Orleans on Feb. 7, 1934, he was raised in the Irish Channel and began playing the guitar as a teenager. According to writer Jeff Hannusch, King and two friends formed a trio and entered talent shows at the Dew Drop Inn and Tiajuana music clubs. There, King met Guitar Slim (eddie Jones), whose style King would imitate. Later, the Dew Drop Inn’s owner convinced King to impersonate Guitar Slim on the road when his mentor was hospitalized. King earned a recording contract with Specialty records, intending to record as “King earl” but renamed when the names were reversed by mistake. During his career, King wrote and recorded hundreds of songs, many of which were covered by music greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie ray Vaughan and robert Plant. They include “Come On,” which is commonly known as “Let the Good Times roll,” as well as “Trick Bag” and “Those Lonely, Lonely Nights.” “Big Chief,” which King wrote and named for his mother, who shared the same nickname, was released in 1964. With Professor Longhair on piano, it features King’s vocals and memorable whistling. His 1972 “Street Parade,” is also played each year at Carnival. King’s 1986 album “Glazed,” named because he regularly hung out at the Tastee Donuts at Louisiana Avenue and Prytania Street, was nominated for a Grammy Award. King died in 2003.

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New krewes, kings, queens, celebrity guests and more in the final week of Carnival parades AS THE FINAL DAYS OF CARNIVAL BUILD TO FAT TUESDAY, a host of parades, celebrity guests and krewes are preparing to hit the streets. Many of the parades won’t reveal their themes or royals until parade time, so there are mysteries left to unfold. There’s also plenty of pageantry, as Rex delves into the Japanese stories of beloved chronicler of Creole culture Lafcadio Hearn and Proteus presents the clowns and characters of Italian commedia dell’arte. Orpheus looks to the stars, Hermes takes viewers back to Storyville and the early Jazz Age, and Endymion revisits the golden age of silent film. There’s plenty of fodder for the satirical krewes of Muses, d’Etat and Chaos. And on the rambunctious side, Tucks introduces a troupe of rolling toilet scooters. New krewes are scheduled to premiere on the West Bank, including the Krewe of Nandi and Krewe of Music. In New Orleans, there are several krewes celebrating big anniversaries. The Krewe of Mid-City is closing in on a century with its 90th ride. Babylon is not far behind with its 85th procession, and Okeanos marks its 75th. A bunch of celebrities are joining the revelry this weekend. “Entourage” star Kevin Dillon will rule as Bacchus. Orpheus welcomes celebrity couple Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, veterans of “How I Met Your Mother” and other TV shows. Also in the procession is singer Taylor Dayne. And Bucktown media star Neuty the Nutria rides with Argus (and Mardi Paws in Covington on Feb. 18). Gambit previews parades in Orleans and Jefferson parishes on the following pages. There’s information on themes, throws, royalty and routes. Parade maps are on page 28.

Rex parades through Uptown. P H O T O B Y C H R I S G R A N G E R / T H E T I M E S - P I C AY U N E

contents

PARADE PREVIEWS 15 REX BULLETIN 26 SCHEDULE & MAPS 28 SOCIETY OF ST. ANNE 35 KREWE OF O.A.K. 39

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PARADE previews Mardi Gras parades roll in New Orleans and Metairie Feb. 5-13

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Monday, Feb. 5 MUSIC 6 P.M. MARRERO Theme: Music Around the World Floats:18 Queen: DeYonko Cola-Brown King: Raymond C. Brown Throws: krewe pillows, towels, purses and more The Krewe of Music makes its Carnival debut on the West Bank. The inaugural parade will celebrate music, with floats titled “Jamming to the Music” and “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler.”

Archdruid: secret Throws: balls, throwing discs, cups and doubloons The secretive krewe marks its 25th anniversary this year. Its overall or individual float themes are sometimes satirical or sharp-witted plays on words.

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NYX 7 P.M. UPTOWN Theme: announced day of parade Floats: 16 Goddess Nyx: Genie Ogden Throws: hand-decorated purses, wigs, T-shirts, scarves, swim caps, bonnets and more The all-women krewe is named for the goddess of night. This procession will feature the band Chapel Heart.

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Bank. The group is named for Zulu Queen Nandi kaBhebe, the mother of the warrior and king, Shaka Zulu. She is revered as a symbol of determination and patience. WDSU news anchor Gina Swanson is the grand marshal. The theme is about tea, and floats will be based on tea companies in Louisiana.

Thursday, Feb. 8 BABYLON 5:30 P.M . UPTOWN Theme: announced day of parade Floats: 27 Queen: announced at krewe ball Sargon: secret Throws: krewe jester hats, socks, koozies, headbands, winter knit caps, gloves, shoelaces, doubloons, cups and more Babylon celebrates its 85th anniversary this year. The theme is not announced until the day of the parade, but riders can expect a fantastic trip into the ancient world, with floats titled “Whirling Dervish” and “Flask of Wine.” Joining the procession are the 610 Stompers, the Amelia EarHawts and the Disco Amigos.

CHAOS 6:15 P.M. UPTOWN Theme: announced day of parade

A rider in the Krewe of Argus parade tosses beads to the crowd.

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PHOTO BY SCOT T THRELKELD / T H E T I M E S - P I C AY U N E

Floats: 16 Number One: secret Throws: deck of float-themed cards, helmets, shields, doubloons and cups The Knights of Chaos are known for satirical parades about current local and national issues. The krewe purchased the former Knights of Momus floats, and the old style of floats and flambeaux give the procession its traditional look.

MUSES 6:30 P.M. UPTOWN Theme: announced day of parade Floats: 26 Honorary Muse: Margaret Orr Throws: Decorated shoes, “reMusable” bags, rubber duck night lights, socks, tech gloves, linen towels, tile beads, shoe bracelets, cups and more Muses presents satirical themes that are secret until parade time. There’s an array of throws and many reusable and practical items in line with some krewes’ plans to reduce the quantity of plastic throws. The procession features the Dead Rock Stars, Pussyfooters, Camel Toe Lady Steppers, Bearded Oysters, Rolling Elvi and many more groups. PAGE 19

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MILLER EXTRA LIGHT SYMPHONY 6:30 P.M. METAIRIE Theme: Name That Tune Floats: 14 Queen: Mickalyn Gisele Gullage King: Tori Santrez Raymond Throws: decorated drums, chocolate bars, socks and more The krewe celebrates music, and this year’s theme, “Name That Tune,” makes a game of it with its floats.

Friday, Feb. 9 HERMES 5:30 P.M. UPTOWN Theme: The Storyville Chronicle Floats: 35 Queen: announced at the krewe ball King: secret Throws: lighted Hermes capes and winged headbands, whistles, gloves, tutus, metallic cups and more The theme takes viewers back to Storyville and the early Jazz Age. Float titles include “Ordinance

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13032 & Sidney Story,” “Triumph of Nature: The Naval Decree” and “The Jazz Parlor.” The procession includes the marching bands of Talladega College and Mississippi Valley State University.

D’ETAT 6:30 P.M. UPTOWN Theme: announced day of parade Floats: 24 Dictator: secret Throws: d’Etat Gazette newspaper, hats, necklaces, swords, fanny packs, batons, socks, lighted beads and ladder-shaped doubloons Inspired by dictator-led banana republics, the krewe presents satirical parades with topical humor in its float themes and male and female dancing troupes. Signature floats include the Dictator’s Royal Navy, the Banana Wagon and Candy Wagon.

MORPHEUS 7 P.M. UPTOWN Theme: Morpheus Celebrates New Orleans Floats: 24 Queen: Elaine Beckett King: Lloyd Beckett Throws: sleeping caps, plush moons, plush sheep, tote bags, doubloons and more PAGE 21

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The Krewe of Tucks parade rolls in the Uptown. PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / T H E T I M E S - P I C AY U N E

The krewe is known for its full array of marching bands, and it’s holding a band contest this year. This year’s theme celebrates New Orleans with floats titled “Voodoo,” “Beignets at Cafe Du Monde” and “St. Charles Avenue Streetcar.”

Saturday, Feb. 10 N.O.M.T.O.C. 10:45 A.M. ALGIERS Theme: N.O.M.T.O.C.’s Broadway Tour Floats: 34 Queen: Sage Judith Allen King: Carl A. Coleman Throws: Jugman-themed items, fanny packs, visors and lighted and medallion beads New Orleans’ Most Talked Of Club (N.O.M.T.O.C.) celebrates Broadway shows with floats depicting “Lion King,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Mis” and “The Wicked.” Lauren McCoy of WVUE-TV rides as a guest in the parade. New Orleans City Council Member Freddie King III is the grand marshal.

IRIS 11 A.M. UPTOWN Theme: Iris Travels the World

Floats: 37 Queen: Valarie Bihm Roy King: Dwayne Paul Roy Throws: hand-decorated sunglasses, martini glasses, tutus, scarves, backpacks, fanny packs, dog leashes, tumblers, doubloons and cups For years, the all-women krewe’s signature throw has been hand-decorated sunglasses, and this year it adds a signature sunglasses float. All the better to see the sights in its travel theme, with floats depicting Italy, France, Greece, Las Vegas and Dubai. The krewe also has its own group of members riding on horseback, the Iris Cavalieres.

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12:30 P.M. UPTOWN Theme: Tucks Faces the Music Floats: 40 Queen: Elizabeth Carter King: Kevin Heingarten Throws: hand-decorated toilet plungers and brushes, toilet seat glasses, mini microphones, guitar pens, fedoras, cups and doubloons Tucks is always funky, but this year it’s rocking with a music theme. Floats show the krewe’s spin on songs such as “Good Vibrations,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “Stairway to Heaven” and “Whip It.” The theme floats mix popular culture and puns, often referencing the group’s devotion to potty humor. This PAGE 23

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ENDYMION 4:15 P.M. MID-CITY Theme: Silents Are Golden Floats: 37 Queen: Sydney C. Raymond King: selected at krewe ball Throws: Endymion horse throws, doubloons and much more

Floats: 21 Queen: Emma Elise Arcenaux King: Lyndon John LeBeaud Jr. Throws: hand-decorated bras, doubloons and more The all-women krewe theme offers a night at the movies, with floats depicting “Star Wars,” “Bridesmaids” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The krewe is holding a band contest this year.

Krewe founder, longtime captain and former mayor of Kenner Ed Muniz died in 2023. The krewe honors him by naming the captain’s float after him and throwing special doubloons for him this year. The theme celebrates the golden age of silent films and classics such as “Metropolis” as well as animated films, as in the float “Silly Symphonies.” The massive procession features more than 30 bands and multi-trailer signature floats including the Pontchartrain Beach float and the video screen E-TV. The parade ends at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and Sting and Flo Rida perform at the Endymion Extravaganza following the parade.

11 A.M. UPTOWN Theme: Okeanos Celebrates 75 Floats: 22 Queen: Jessica Lynn Adubato King: Peter Dougherty Throws: krewe logo crawfish trays, doubloons, theme cups, glass beads, soap, headbands, caramel corn and other edible throws

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NOON UPTOWN Theme: Cheers to Ninety Years Floats: 14 Queen: Abigail Grace Pean King: Stephen Haydel Throws: crawfish trays, T-shirts, cups, doubloons and more The Krewe of Mid-City celebrates its 90th parade. The theme is a tribute to City Park, with floats titled “Things We Do for Love” and “Games People Play.” The krewe is known for its foil-decorated floats and throwing snacks such as bags of potato chips.

THOTH NOON UPTOWN Theme: Thoth Goes Festin’ Floats: 42 Queen: Sarah Homburg King: Peter Montagnino Jr. Throws: fedoras, fanny packs, stress balls, lighted balls, throwing discs and many types of doubloons

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BACCHUS 5:15 P.M. UPTOWN Theme: Take a Number Please Floats: 32 Bacchus: Kevin Dillon Throws: king cake neck pillows, different types of socks, kitchen items, light-up clown wigs, baseball caps, plush gnomes, glass beads, doubloons and more As one of the first superkrewes, Bacchus was designed to be big, but the theme here is playing on all sorts of numbers. Floats include “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” “1600 Pennsylvania Avenue” and “12 Days of Christmas.” Bacchus also rolls with its numerous signature floats, including Bacchasaurus, Bacchawoppa and the Bacchagator.

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Rex BULLETIN

The Two Worlds of Lafcadio Hearn – New Orleans and Japan By Dr. Stephen Hales, Rex Historian and Archivist, Emeritus AMONG THE MOST SOUGHTAFTER REMINDERS of the “Golden Age of Carnival” are parade bulletins — beautiful presentations of each year’s themes and float designs. “Parade papers” or bulletins, with images of each float and notes describing the parade theme and float titles, helped the public anticipate and enjoy each parade, and preserved memories of those parades long after their brief time on the parade route and their return to the den. Much of what we know of early Rex parades, themes, and float designs we learn from parade bulletins. Early versions of “parade papers” consisted of black and white engravings of float designs printed in newspapers along with descriptions of each parade, but these quickly evolved into more elaborate presentations. According to Carnival historian Henri Schindler, larger “broadside” sheets soon appeared with float sketches on one side and advertisements and float descriptions on the reverse. By 1886, these large-scale masterpieces of chromolithography were popular keepsakes of Carnival parades. Newspapers competed for contracts to print each organization’s parade bulletin. According to Schindler, “These ten-cent bulletins have assumed an importance that could not have been imagined when they were produced. Because so few collections of original float and costume designs have survived, these lithographs became the visual record of the great processions, picturing every float from 1877 until the bulletins were discontinued in 1941.” For all of those reasons, the Rex organization brought back the parade bulletin beginning with its 2003 Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial parade.

The project combined contemporary artwork — float sketches and drawings prepared each year to illustrate a new theme — with elements of bulletins printed more than a century ago. The final product relied on the latest computer technology to bring the old and the new together. That work was done by Matthew Hales, a computer artist and the School of Design’s “Royal Lithographer.” For almost two decades Rex parade bulletins have been a popular souvenir of modern Rex parades. They have also played an important role in the Rex in the Classroom program, allowing students to explore the theme of each Rex parade during the weeks before Mardi Gras. This year’s bulletin illustrates the 2024 Rex Parade, “The Two Worlds of Lafcadio Hearn – New Orleans and Japan.” Few writers have better understood and described the unique culture of New Orleans than Lafcadio Hearn. When he left New Orleans to live and write in Japan, he opened a window into another rich and colorful culture. His writing about both of his worlds is filled with unforgettable images, many of which are captured in the 2024 Rex Procession dedicated to this remarkable writer. In 1989, Rex honored Hearn with the procession entitled “Lafcadio Hearn’s Fantastics,” which featured mainly New Orleans-themed floats. This year’s procession is weighted toward Hearn’s Japanese writings, many of which were based on local ghost stories and folklore. Today’s parade bulletins do not match the heroic size of the old broadside versions, but they accomplish the same goal, preserving in a unique art form images of beautiful parades that are on public display for just one day.

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Rex BULLETIN

MARDI GRAS

schedule

PARADE MONDAY, FEB. 5

SUNDAY, FEB. 11

MARRERO

UPTOWN 1

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7

UPTOWN 4

UPTOWN 1

UPTOWN 8

MUSIC 6 P.M.

OKEANOS 11 A.M. MID-CITY NOON

BACCHUS 5:15 P.M.

MID-CITY

ORLEANS AVE.

METAIRIE 1

MARRERO

CANAL ST.

START

AV E . O LLTO N N . CA RR

ST.

CHAOS 6:15 P.M.

L AS

ORPHEUS 6 P.M.

UPTOWN 8

END

HOWARD AVE.

CENTURIONS 6:30 P.M.

TUESDAY, FEB. 13

METAIRIE 1

ZULU 8 A.M.

FRIDAY, FEB. 9

UPTOWN 9

UPTOWN 1

METAIRIE 2

LAM ARQ UE ST. TECH E ST. NUN EZ ST.

SYMPHONY 6:30 P.M.

SOCR ATES ST.

MARDI GRAS BLVD.

END

REX 10:30 A.M.

AV E

MUSES 6:30 P.M.

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Throws: Athena dolls, hand-decorated fedoras, umbrellas, plush owls, cellphone fans, cups and more The all-women krewe goes up against the Super Bowl with “A League of Their Own.” The theme is illustrated with floats such as “League of Legends” and “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”

Monday, Feb. 12 PROTEUS 5:15 P.M. UPTOWN Theme: Commedia Dell’arte Floats: 20 Queen: announced day of parade King: secret Throws: lighted mini-flambeaux, plush tridents, seahorse beads, footballs, socks and doubloons The old-line krewe’s floats will depict the characters of commedia dell’arte, an Italian form of theater from the 16th through 18th centuries, and the modern art forms it influenced. Among the figures are the sad clown Pierrot, the comic servant Arlecchino and the mistress Columbina. The krewe’s floats highlight traditional float designs using paper flowers and ornamentation.

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ORPHEUS 6 P.M. UPTOWN Theme: Music of the Spheres Floats: 42 Monarchs: Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka Throws: tambourines, hats, aluminum cups, doubloons and more The theme has a celestial inspiration and floats include “Stars: Beacons of Hope,” “Neptune: The Mystick” and “Uranus: The Magician.” Special guests riding in the parade include Taylor Dayne, who will perform at the Orpheuscapade, plus Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava. The procession also includes 30 marching bands and signature multi-trailer floats such as Leviathan and Smokey Mary.

CENTURIONS 6:30 P.M . METAIRIE Theme: Centurions Goes on an Adventure Floats: 21 Queen: Michaela Olivier-Gagliano King: Keith Taranto Throws: swords, pearl bracelets, footballs, throwing discs, plush items, cups, doubloons and more The Roman-army themed krewe travels far and wide in its theme celebratPAGE 33

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Zulu members parade and offer decorated coconuts to the crowd. S TA F F P H O T O B Y B R E T T D U K E

ing fantastic journeys. Floats include “The Odyssey,” “Journey to Neverland” and “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”

Floats: 29 Queen: announced weekend before parade King: announced weekend before parade Throws: sports towels, playing cards, doubloons, beads and more

Tuesday, Feb. 13

Lafcadio Hearn is beloved in New Orleans for his books on Creole food and his appreciation of the culture. Rex’s tribute to Hearn includes his life and work in New Orleans, but much is devoted to his more widely known years in Japan and translations of Japanese literature.

ZULU 8 A.M. UPTOWN Theme: Celebrations and Libations Zulu Style Floats: 44 Queen: A. Angelique Roche King: Melvin L. Labat Throws: Zulu coconuts and various krewe emblem beads The theme illustrates the social aid and pleasure club’s enjoyment of special events, drinks and the local lifestyle. There are many floats carrying royalty and Zulu’s characters, including the Witch Doctor, Mr. Big Stuff, the Ambassador and more.

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ARGUS 11 A.M. METAIRIE Theme: I’m Still Standing Floats: 30 Queen: Alexandra Ingram King: Jim Hudson Throws: purple fedoras, starshaped sunglasses, krewe bowties and T-shirts The theme celebrates the music of Elton John, which will be reflected on floats. But the krewe also is caught up in muskrat love, and Neuty the Nutria will ride in the procession. The band Chapel Hart rides as grand marshals. The krewe introduced a three-trailer float decorated like a peacock last year, and it returns to the lineup.

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The Society of Saint Anne parades on Fat Tuesday. ON MARDI GRAS MORNING, one of the best places to see amazing costumes is in Bywater and Marigny. Or better, to don a great costume and join them. Plenty of New Orleanians dress up on Fat Tuesday, but the Bywater and Marigny tradition was started by the Society of St. Anne 50 years ago. And while the group still convenes at an unannounced location — and new people welcomely crash the scene every year — there are many individuals and groups who get a similar start across Bywater and Marigny. That all often gets referred to as “St. Anne,” whether people are familiar with the actual group or not. With his group Interrobang, Josh Pitts, who lives in Bywater, organizes an annual Fat Tuesday jaunt. He learned the name of St. Anne before he moved to New Orleans. “I remember my first Carnival — coming down in 2007 — and being introduced, ‘Yeah, we’re going to go do St. Anne,’” Pitts says. “It was sort of nebulous, but it’s common parlance for the scene. Back then, that meant showing up near Franklin

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(Avenue) and Royal (Street) and passing by Mimi’s. That was the epicenter and the stretch to R Bar.” That corner is still always packed on Mardi Gras morning, but not necessarily by the Society of St. Anne, which may parade by it or may choose another route. The Society of St. Anne was created in 1974, says Carnival historian and St. Anne co-founder Henri Schindler. The organizers sent out paper invitations announcing their unofficial parade and its Babylonian theme. Roughly two or three dozen people made costumes and joined in, and the group toted a golden calf made out of papier-mache, he says. “Carnival is the state religion of New Orleans,” Schindler adds. In the early years, the group held a ball on Twelfth Night, and often every Saturday night through Carnival. For the first decade, the group grew slowly, but then the costuming aspect mushroomed in

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the mid-’80s. It was always the intention to encourage others to costume on Fat Tuesday, Schindler says. Decades later, the scene is still growing and evolving. Other groups formed, like the Society of St. Cecilia. And now there are so many people parading in the area that St. Anne is one of many groups moving in the greater current, circulating in Bywater and then making their way toward the French Quarter or Frenchmen Street. St. Anne is identifiable by some of its traditions, especially its impressive costuming. Many members carry tall poles topped with hula-hoop-sized rings of streamers. Members still refer to them as “crab nets,” and they were originally the idea of Paul Poche, Schindler says. The group crosses the French Quarter to greet Rex, and then goes to the riverfront. Over the years, many St. Anne members have carried the ashes of lost friends and family to the river. The costuming scene in Bywater, Marigny and that side of the French Quarter is home to all sorts of groups and their own customs and destinations. With Interrobang, Pitts has built a giant Trojan Horse to roll through the streets. When it was retired, Interrobang brought out a massive whale, which could carry a dozen people on top. It was replaced by the glittering, tentacled Galactapus.

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Because of the size and difficulty maneuvering the giant creatures, Interrobang has switched to a more modular approach, Pitts says. That means the current year’s “Exquisite Corpse” has separate rolling parts for a mouth, giant eyes, a brain and more. Having to get them through the streets also alters Interrobang’s route, Pitts says. In one year, they communicated with St. Anne to let it know they were not blocking its path, he says. The building of contraptions has proliferated, and other groups with notable mini-floats include the Krewe of Dystopian Paradise, with

its Lost Soul Train this year, and Kreweleidescope’s rolling musical contraption. While many of the contraptions are fantastical, others are more practical, like rolling bars or oversized strollers meant to carry children. The contraptions are not what the Society of St. Anne had in mind, but all the different groups and visions of Carnival add to the scene. “I am grateful there’s this entire scene in the Marigny, and St. Anne is the reason why,” Pitts says. “It’s been great to participate and pay it forward.”

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Krewe of O.A.K. promises a raucous, tap-dancin’ good time Feb. 9 by Sarah Ravits THE KALEIDOSCOPIC, LIVE MUSIC-LOVING KREWE OF O.A.K. hosts its annual Carnival walking parade and bar crawl in the Riverbend Friday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m., promising a characteristically rowdy evening. Anyone off the street can join the roving celebration, which starts outside the Maple Leaf bar and music venue, though its organizers prefer to keep official membership and other rituals shrouded in a bit of mirth and mystery. “We like to say it’s a conspiracy of fun,” says Jamie Bernstein, a musician and a longtime parade captain. “There’s a secret cabalistic side. We like to say, ‘When the sands which surround the Great Pyramids of Egypt were still rocks, all of this was decided.’” Whether it was predetermined by the ancient gods or not can remain up for debate. But the Krewe of O.A.K. – an acronym for Outrageous And Kinky – formed at the Maple Leaf on Oak Street in 1986 for its inaugural Mid-Summer Mardi Gras parade. That parade has since become a massive annual August celebration and bar crawl that helps alleviate the city’s collective “summertime boredom,” Bernstein says. O.A.K.’s Carnival celebration is a scaled-down, more laid-back version of the summertime spectacle. While Mid-Summer Mardi Gras often draws up to 10,000 revelers, Bernstein says attendance at the Carnival-time version is a fraction of that, with between 500 and 1,000 joining the festivities. It’s exclusively a walking parade, joined by a few brass bands. Participants include both krewe members and spectators whom they encourage to join them along the short route. “Anyone can join the parade in the rear,” Bernstein says. “We invite people from outside the ranks to be a part of our conspiracy. There’s no charge to participate.”

Krewe of O.A.K.’s royalty for 2024: Nicole ‘Nikki” Miner and King Robustus XXXVIII Andrew Quaid PHOTO BY MUFFIN BERNSTEIN

The parade takes the form of a second line and follows similar traditions, as it’s a way to honor the memories of culture bearers and community members close to the krewe who have passed. But it’s not a mournful procession — far from it. This year, the theme is “Tap Everythang,” a reference to its King Robustus XXXVIII, Mr. Everythang aka Andrew Quaid, and Queen Nikki Miner, a tap dance instructor and founder of the TAP DAT dance krewe. “It promises to be a real raucous year,” Bernstein laughs. “We’re encouraging everyone to wear tap shoes ... I expect to see a lot of showy regalia and black and gold.” In fact, he says, “Our queen-elect has already been tap-dancing on the bar at the Maple Leaf.” The official after-party for krewe members is, of course, at the Leaf with live music by The Rumble, but that is closed to the public. Still, it’s likely the festivities will spill out onto the streets for those who can’t get tickets, keeping in line with Krewe of O.A.K. traditions. Even though the krewe itself is a tight-knit group of friends, Bernstein appreciates that it pulls people in from all over. “I’ve met people from all over the world who are like, ‘We came in town because we heard we could be part of this parade,’” Bernstein says. “It’s a joy to walk down the middle of the street in America dancing with your friends. There’s nothing like it.”

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Pizza night

FORK + CENTER

Nighthawk Napoletana brings pizza back to a familiar Algiers Point spot

| by Beth D’Addono

Email dining@gambitweekly.com

Fresh bakery

THE PIZZA MAGIC HAPPENS IN 90 SECONDS.

That’s all it takes for Adrian Chelette to transform hand-thrown dough and a variety of toppings into a Neapolitan-style pizza. His pies have a thin crust, but not too thin, with just the right touch of sourdough tang to the chew and a surface blistered by the intense heat of the oak-fired oven. It’s a style he has been working on since 2011. Chelette made a name for himself as a pizza maker at Ancora on Freret Street and Margot’s on Frenchmen Street. He also had a pop-up called Nighthawk, which he turned into Algiers Point brick-and-mortar Nighthawk Napoletana. It opened in early December. Chelette transformed the space that housed Tavolino Pizza & Lounge for six years. With his emphasis on pristine ingredients, the pizza is outstanding, making Nighthawk a worthy dining destination no matter what side of the river you’re coming from. The bright and cozy neighborhood spot is inviting, with a back patio and a scattering of tables covered by red-and-white checked tablecloths. There’s a back bar with a cocktail list that includes a killer negroni and a wine list with many Italian bottles. This is the first time the 34-yearold chef has been in charge of his own restaurant. Although he has a few business partners available for counsel, it’s Chelette who runs the show. “It’s the first time I’ve been as much on the floor as in the kitchen,” he says. “As the [general manager], I also want to touch the tables and make sure the guests are good. It’s a different aspect of the job that I really enjoy.” His menu is powered by locally sourced ingredients and is understated in its simplicity. Two appetizers are available: the tenderest of beef and pork meatballs and arancini, fried rice balls stuffed with fresh mozzarella and tomato sauce.

A BAKERY CAN EMBODY THE IDEA OF COMFORT FOOD. To Jeremy Fogg, the

bakery he just opened in uptown also encapsulates the idea of family. Mae’s Bakeshop is rooted in Fogg’s Southern family traditions, with biscuits, cinnamon rolls, pies and cookies in the forefront. “What’s important about this bakery is the story behind it,” Fogg said. “It’s all inspired by my family and what they’d make when we got together on Sundays and holidays.” Mae’s Bakeshop is at 3917 Baronne St., formerly home to Beth Biundo Sweets, whose founder and namesake sold the business to Fogg. A few pieces of the shop are still coming together, and Fogg plans to expand the menu selection ahead of an official grand opening this month. He’ll add sandwiches, toasts and quick breakfast items.

The pizza lineup features the Fun Gus, built on a creamy sauce made with house-roasted poblano peppers and a blend of mozzarella, ricotta, Taleggio and pecorino cheeses. The wild mushrooms come from Mushroom Maggie’s Farm in St. Francisville. While the chef sticks with the classics for the margherita and the pepperoni pizza, the menu shows plenty of creativity. Hot Boi is a tomato-based pie with Calabrian chili paste, mozzarella and nduja, a spicy, spreadable pork sausage also from the southern region of Calabria. There is a cold cut pizza with mortadella, the popular Italian version of bologna studded with pistachios. Salsiccia adds fresh Italian sausage to the poblano cream base with buttery Taleggio on top. The Caesar salad has house-made sourdough croutons and a revelatory dressing informed by more of the charred poblano peppers. With the classic ingredients of lemon zest and juice, anchovies and confit garlic, the

Adrian Chelette opened Nighthawk Napoletana in Algiers Point. CHERYL GERBER / GAMBIT

peppers aren’t obvious, but they add an umami goodness that is meant to be sopped up with pieces of pizza crust. No wonder diners can order an extra side of Caesar dressing. It’s really that good. “I’ve developed a few new recipes,” the chef says. “I wasn’t doing this exact pizza five years ago. I’ve changed to an all-American flour for one thing. It just all came together here.” For dessert, there’s a dark chocolate budino, which is an Italian pudding. The best seat in the house might be at the counter, where one can see the glowing bonfire of oak logs cook each pizza. There’s also a view of the levee that leads to the Algiers Point ferry landing, a fine way to make a pizza outing a real excursion. All in all, Nighthawk Napoletana is an impressive new spot on the local pizza map.

? WHAT

WHERE

WHEN

HOW

CHECK IT OUT

Nighthawk Napoletana

141 Delaronde St., (504) 381-5178; nighthawknapolitana.com

Dinner Wed.-Mon.

Dine-in

Neopolitan-style sourdough pizza in Algiers Point

Pastry chef Jeremy Fogg opened Mae’s Bakeshop. PHOTO BY IAN MCNULTY / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Currently, there are buttermilk biscuits, muffins, cinnamon rolls, cookies, pie by the slice (chocolate chess, lemon and banana cream) and cake by the slice (chocolate and vanilla with buttercream icing are two examples). The shop makes custom cakes by special order. Mae’s is known for its king cake monkey bread, for pre-order or with limited numbers ready to go. Fogg was the pastry chef at emeril’s restaurant for six years prior to the pandemic. It was a high-profile position that brought the chef national recognition. In 2016, he was named to Zagat’s “30 under 30” list, and he’s competed on the Food Network show “Best Baker in America,” “Chopped Sweets” and PAGE 45

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FORK & CENTER

Ti Martin and Lally Brennan, the cousins who run Commander’s, describe the new cafe as a tribute to French crepe shops. Meg Bickford, executive chef at Commander’s Palace, oversees this part of the operation too. Originally from the bayou region, in Larose, she adds a lot of Louisiana to the French underpinnings here. So while the ham and cheese crepe or a sweet one with strawberries and Bavarian cream keep it classic, “the Cajun” arrives plumped up with boudin and chicken liver mousse and is finished with bits of cracklings.

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Commander’s cafe

EVERYDAY SPECIAL

HIGHLIFE & JAMESON OR FIREBALL – $6

AT A COUNTER FRAMED BY A SMOOTH ARCH, JOANNA HAYES WAS TENDING the

crepe iron, bringing a combination of French and Louisiana flavors to life at Le Petit Bleu. Just behind her, cafe au lait was flowing into bowl-sized mugs and batches of biscuits and cookies were put on a glass pedestal, next to the canned cocktails set up by the register. Le Petit Bleu is the new sidekick to Commander’s Palace, a tiny cafe next door to the landmark Garden District restaurant. It’s a vignette of Commander’s flavor and flair writ small, and gone casual. As a creperie, Le Petit Bleu offers the swift gratification of watching your crepe come together and eating it out of hand moments later (diners can get them on a plate or in a paper cone to go). But this cafe is home to all kinds of playful ideas kicking around the Commander’s Palace camp that don’t quite fit the upscale restaurant. It can be a place for a quick breakfast or a grab-and-go sandwich from the refrigerator case or a market for prepared foods from the Commander’s Palace kitchen, like seafood gumbo by quart, veal stock or whole pecan pies. And if you have a hankering for Commander’s Palace turtle soup, you can get a bowl here without making reservations or dressing up. Le Petit Bleu started as a takeout counter for prepared foods the restaurant was fielding early in the pandemic, one of those pivots that became the norm back then. eventually, patrons could get sandwiches and snacks too. The new version has been rethought and redesigned, and it reopened in its new iteration late in 2023. The name refers to the famous blue hue of Commander’s and also references the Francophile impulse behind it.

THRIVING, NOT JUST SURVIVING

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203 HOMEDALE ST. ♣ LAKEVIEW ♣ (504) 483-0978 OPEN 11 AM TILL 3 AM

Le Petit Bleu PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

On the sandwich menu there’s a riff on the muffuletta called a Creoletta. It starts with ciabatta from Gracious Bakery, layered with the house andouille and tasso, sliced thin like salami but smoky and peppery against the pepper jack cheese, with a mirliton and trinity relish standing in for the olive salad. There is an element of traveler service because the neighborhood draws tourists. The cafe is directly across from the gates of historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, which remain locked against public access, a condition that has persisted since 2019. But visitors still come and peer between the gates to look at the tombs. If that’s a disappointment, a snack and a drink across the street will not be. But this new cafe feels most valuable as an amenity for locals, and as another avenue for Bickford’s kitchen to flex its range with an outlet for quick, casual meals, snacks and drinks with Commander’s Palace style. — Ian McNulty / The Times-Picayune

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PAGE 43

“Beat Bobby Flay” (which he did in that show’s 2018 season). During the pandemic he tapped into his own family roots to create Mae’s Bakeshop. It started out supplying direct orders and began appearing at farmers markets and pop-ups. Mae’s draws its inspiration from a home-spun thread. Mae was Fogg’s mother’s middle name, and also the middle name of his two great grandmothers. Fogg calls Mae’s Bakeshop his way of continuing the name. “When people have memories about baking, there’s probably an older matriarch of the family behind them,” he says. Mae’s joins a corridor of small businesses near Martin Wine Cellar that includes Zee’s Pizzeria and Lucy Boone Ice Cream. Mae’s hours are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. — Ian McNulty / The Times-Picayune

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WINE OF THE

WEEK

3 COURSE INTERVIEW

Sean Wen Chef

by Will Coviello SEAN WEN, ANDREW HO AND ANDREW SAMIA ARE FRIENDS, all originally

from Houston and now operating restaurants in San Antonio. Wen and Ho opened Pinch Boil House, a Viet-Cajun-style seafood house, and Samia owns South BBQ. During the pandemic, they started a collaborative Curry Boys pop-up that combined curries and barbecued meats, and now it’s a brick-and-mortar restaurant. They come to New Orleans this week for a one-night pop-up at Palm & Pine at 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6. For more information, visit curryboysbbq.com or palmandpinenola.com.

How did you start Curry Boys?

Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon

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SEAN WEN: There’s two Andrews and me. My partner Andrew Ho and I owned a kind of Southeast Asianinspired restaurant that always had a curry on the menu that would do surprisingly well. I didn’t think curry was going to be something that San Antonio would be really keen to or enjoy, but it was one of our most popular items. During the pandemic, we hooked up with the other Andrew, who is a pitmaster and has a couple restaurants in town as well. We were thinking, wouldn’t it be interesting if we mixed curries with smoked meats done classic, traditional Texas-barbecue style? We were inspired by a dish that we tried up in Portland, actually. An awesome restaurant called eem has a white jungle curry with brisket burnt ends, and it was a mind-blowing combination. We were like, what if we had an entire concept based around classic Texas barbecue and Thai curry? That’s the impetus to start this whole thing. We started with a couple of popups around town during Covid, with contactless pickup. People would drive up, and we’d put the platter they ordered in the trunk of their car. It went really well. We were kind of surprised. We were just sitting on our hands because our restaurants were closed. It was creating a sense of normalcy. We didn’t think it would become a brick-and-mortar concept, but the response was awesome. We had brisket or a half rack of ribs. We had a Vietnamese-inspired slaw. We had three types of curry. And maybe we had creamed corn. There’s not very much Asian food (in San Antonio). We didn’t know how it would be received. People may have

Andrew Ho, Sean Wen and Andrew Samia created Curry Boys. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CURRY BOYS

misconceptions of what curry might be: Like it’s solely Indian, or too spicy, or too pungent for them. There are so many kinds of curries around the world. We were like, maybe they won’t get it. But people were willing to come because of the Texas barbecue.

How did it grow into a restaurant?

W: We initially did it out of (Samia’s) barbecue restaurant parking lot. He had this tiny little shack that he was going to do barbecue tacos out of. He was like, “Do you want to try slinging barbecue curry out of this tiny, 200-square-foot shipping container?” We were like, “yeah, we’ve got nothing better to do.” We painted it pink and started in October 2020. In February 2022, we moved across the street to a proper brick and mortar. We kept the classics, but the food evolved given the space we had. The shack was so small that we couldn’t do too much. The menu had to be smaller, which worked out really well. When we moved to the house, we expanded the menu a little bit. But we kept it simple. The most popular dish is the Brisket Smoke Show (with green curry). Brisket is king in Texas. It’s what people want all the time. Our most popular side is curry creamed corn, but the low-key winner is a curry queso hot dog. It’s a classic smoked pork hotlink with onions and a soft potato roll. With all the barbecue bowls, we want to keep them pretty classic. We do the brisket precisely the way any pitmaster in Texas would do it: pulled pork the same way, chicken the same

way. The curries go so well with the spices you use (to barbecue) that we didn’t want to change it too much. But the other things we do and the specials are where we put in Asian elements. On the weekends, we do ribs with a Vietnamese thit nuong sauce that you would get in a bowl. We smoke it barbecue style, but the spices are more Asian. I gravitate to all Asian flavors, anything with five spice, white pepper or Taiwanese, which I ate a lot growing up. Andrew Ho comes from a Vietnamese background. But we’re into the whole pan-Asian experience. We don’t just throw things together. I think these flavors go well together. And it’s like a lot of what you find in Mexico. We use a lot of the same herbs, many of the same spices, and a lot of citrus. That resonates with people here as well.

What will you offer at the pop-up? W: Palm & Pine is going to bring a couple items. We’re going to bring a couple of items that are popular here, and we’re bringing the Brisket Smoke Show and a variation of the ribs, but instead of Vietnamese ribs, they’re going to be kung pao ribs. We’re going to collaborate on a couple of items. We may do a collaborative po-boy and a gumbo. There will be a seven- or eightitem menu, and chef ely (Navarro Hernandez) from Only Flans is going to do a collaborative item as well. Our Flan Solo is a classic flan with Vietnamese iced coffee cream on top.

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 goat cheese and chardonnay 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 — A smoked turkey sandwich is served with bacon, tomato jam, herbed cream cheese, arugula and herb vinaigrette on honey oat bread. No reservations. Outdoor seating available. Lunch Tue.-Sat. $$ Curio — 301 Royal St., (504) 717-4198; curionola.com — The creative Creole menu includes blackened Gulf shrimp served with chicken and andouille jambalaya. reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner daily. $$

$ — average dinner entrée under $10 $$ — $11-$20 $$$ — $20-up 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. $$$ Down the Hatch — 817 St. Louis St., (504) 766-6007; 1921 Sophie Wright Place, (504) 220-7071; downthehatchnola.com — The Texan burger features a half-pound patty topped with caramelized onions, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and a fried egg. No reservations. Lunch, dinner and late-night daily. $$ 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. $$ El Pavo Real — 4401 S. Broad Ave., (504) 266-2022; elpavorealnola.com — The menu includes tacos, enchiladas and sauteed Gulf fish topped with tomatoes, olives, onion and capers, served with rice and string beans. Outdoor seating available. No reservations. Lunch and early dinner Tue.-Sat. $$ 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 & Spirits — 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. $$$ Parish Grill — 4650 W. Esplanade Ave., Suite 100, Metairie, (504) 345-2878; parishgrill. com — The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, pizza and sauteed andouille with fig dip, blue cheese and toast points. reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. $$ 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. $$ PrimoHoagies — 8228 Oak St., (504) 3151335; primohoagies.com — The menu of hot and cold sandwiches includes a classic Italian hoagie with prosciutto, salami, hot capicola, provolone, lettuce, tomato and onion. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner daily. $$ 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. $$ Tableau — 616 St. Peter St., (504) 934-3463; tableaufrenchquarter.com — Pasta bouillabaisse features squid ink mafaldine, littleneck clams, Gulf shrimp, squid, seafood broth, rouille and herbed breadcrumbs. Outdoor seating available. reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Thu.-Sun. $$$ 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. $$ Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza — 1212 S. Clearview Parkway, Elmwood, (504) 733-3803; 2125 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 510-4282; 4024 Canal St., (504) 302-1133; 4218 Magazine St., (504) 894-8554; 70488 Highway 21, Covington, (985) 234-9420; theospizza.com — A Marilynn Pota Supreme pie is topped with mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, mushrooms, bell peppers and onions. There also are salads, sandwiches and more. Delivery available. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sat. $ Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco — 1433 St. Charles Ave., (504) 354-1342; 5015 Magazine St., (504) 267-7612; titoscevichepisco.com — Peruvian lomo saltado features sauteed beef, onions, tomatoes, soy sauce and pisco, served with potatoes and rice. Outdoor seating available on Magazine Street. Delivery available. reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$ 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. $$ Zhang Bistro — 1141 Decatur St., (504) 826-8888; zhangbistronola.com — The menu of Chinese and Thai dishes includes a Szechuan Hot Wok with a choice of chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu with onions, peppers, cauliflower, jalapenos and spicy sauce. reservations accepted. Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. $$

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O U T T O E AT

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 > F e B r u A ry 5 - 1 1 > 2 0 2 4

NearlyWeds INTRODUCING

A GUIDE TO NEW ORLEANS WEDDINGS + UNIONS

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FEBRUARY 19

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Contact Sales and Marketing Manager Abigail Scorsone Bordelon 504.483.3150 or abigail.scorsone@gambitweekly.com

Cafe Istanbul hosts Ball of the Wild by Circ’lesque on Monday, Feb. 12, an evening of revelry with aerial performances, fire dancing, acrobatics, burlesque, carnival games, fortune tellers and more. entertainers include Clay Mazing, Miss Galaxy, Kalamity Jean and others. There will be live music by Bon Bon Vivant, along with Portland’s High Step Society. Festivities start at 9 p.m. and single tickets range from $18$40 via multipass.com/ballofthewild.

Pure Way Ball

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to perform sets with local musicians before coming together to headline the fest. New Orleans musicians include Sasha Masakowski, Byron Asher, Helen Gillet, Aurora Nealand and many others. MJ Guider also will perform a release show for the new eP, “youth and Beauty.” The fest runs Feb. 5-6 at the Broadside and Feb. 7 at the rabbit Hole. Advance tickets are $15 per day and $20 at the door. Find more info at instigationfestival.com.

Ball of the Wild

MorningAfter LOC AL G

PAGE 5

Does the world’s best pop music come from hell, or from Sweden? BAAB, New Orleans’ delightfully sinful, sludge-metal infused ABBA tribute band, invites you to find out at its infernal costumed dance party Thursday, Feb. 8 at 11 p.m. at the Joy Theater. Anareta and Solid Gold also perform. Tickets are $25 via ticketmaster.com.

NearlyWeds

A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Dr. Romance, the DJ dynamic duo of Dr. Jax and Romancing the Stoned, turn the Toulouse Theatre into a Mad Maxian, post-apocalyptic wasteland for the Pure Way Ball Vol. 3. Along with Dr. romance, the DJ lineup includes Merger, Q Baby and Mardi Mayhem, and the space will be filled out with themed installations and props. At 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. Presale tickets are $50 for general admission, $70 VIP via toulousetheatre.com.

Rory Danger

Aurora Nealand’s genre-blending alter ego Rory Danger leads the nine-piece Danger Dangers, a playful, pop-infused rockabilly supergroup of local artists including members of Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Misfit Power and Debauche. expect the interactive, multi-talented performers to incorporate theatrics and storytelling into a lively performance at BJ’s Lounge Sunday, Feb. 11. Tickets are $20 at the door.

Morning 40 Federation

Like the cardboard-thin steaks at the Golden Corral Buffet, the geezer rockers of Morning 40 Federation are best served early these days, a fact they and their AArP cards are well-aware of. The Gen X degenerates on Saturday, Feb. 10 are playing an early bird special show at rabbit Hole — which their aging fans might recognize as the place their college-aged kids hang out. The group is still as rowdy as ever, though, and also have some new tunes they’ve been working on, so if you don’t recognize something, it’s probably that and not early onset dementia. Spickle opens. Tickets are $25 via tixr.com.

Freedia Gras

Big Freedia, the Queen Diva, was again Carnival royalty this year, serving as the monarch of the Krewe Boheme parade. Now Freedia is the life of the party at Freedia Gras. The concert also features performances by HaSizzle and Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph. At 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at Tipitina’s. Tickets $30 via tipitinas.com.

Deep Gras

For the night owls planning to stay awake from Lundi Gras until Fat Tuesday, Okay Bar presents Deep Gras, a dance party featuring BabyDaddy, Spinelli, Sean Straynge, H3LL NAH, Lord Chilla, Lil Jodeci, Miles.Wav and more. From 1 a.m till the sun’s about to come up.

Big Chief Juan Pardo Mardi Gras Morning

At an hour when most Black Masking Indians are getting ready for the gathering of their tribes in their neighborhoods, Big Chief Juan Pardo and the Golden Comanches kick off Fat Tuesday with a performance at Tipitina’s. Guitarist Billy Iuso also performs. The show begins at 5:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13. Free admission. Find information at tipitinas.com.

International Clash Day

Chickie Wah Wah celebrates British punk icons The Clash with its second annual tribute night. The radio Clash Allstars, led by Papa Mali with rene Coman, Alex McMurray, eric Bolivar and Glenn Hartman, will play a night of Clash music with special guests CC Adcock, Quintron, Alvin youngblood Hart, Lynn Drury, Ben Jaffe and more. There’ll also be special DJ sets. At 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5. Tickets are $50 in advance via chickiewahwah.com and $60 at the door.

49 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 > F e B r u A ry 5 - 1 1 > 2 0 2 4

MUSIC

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 r e e V e N T S TA K I N G P L A C e IN THe NeW OrLeANS AreA, VISIT 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 5 BOURBON O BAR — The Villians, 4 pm; Tiffany Hall, 8 pm CHICKIE WAH WAH — Second Annule International Clash Day featuring the radion Clash Allstars, CC Adcock, Alvin youngblood Hart, Mark Mullins, Louque, rob Hudak, Lynn Drury, Jenn Howard and Dominic Minix, 5 pm THE BROADSIDE — Instigation Festival, 8 pm

TUESDAY 6 BOURBON O BAR — Dr. Zach, 4 pm; Ingrid Luccia, 8 pm ELLIS MARSALIS CENTER FOR MUSIC — John & Orlando Gilbert, 6:30 pm THE BROADSIDE — Instigation Festival, 8 pm

WEDNESDAY 7 BLUE NILE — New Breed Brass Band, 9:30 pm BOURBON O BAR — Gary Brown, 4 pm; Serabee, 8 pm HOWLIN' WOLF — yung Delirious & Geske - The yeS Tour, 8 pm THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — Funkin' It up with Big Sam , 7:30 pm THE RABBIT HOLE — Instigation Fesatival Finale, featuring Mike reed’s Separatist Party, Kobra Club, MJ Guider and Sasha Masakowski (DJ set), 9 pm

THURSDAY 8 BJ'S LOUNGE BYWATER — Sally Baby's Silver Dollars, 9 pm BLUE NILE — Where y'at Brass Band, 9 pm BOURBON O BAR — Kenny Brown Duo, 4 pm; No-No Hard Hitters, 8 pm HARD ROCK CAFE NEW ORLEANS — Adam Pearce , 8 pm PEACOCK ROOM, HOTEL FONTENOT — Da Lovebirds with robin Barnes and Pat Casey , 8 pm ROCK 'N' BOWL — Chubby Carrier & Bayou Swamp Band, 8 pm THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — Brass-AHolics, 7:30 pm THE RABBIT HOLE — Victor Campbell Carnival Jazz Jam, 6:30 pm; rH

Thursdays: Cosmos featuring riobamba, 9 pm TIPITINA'S — Big Freedia, 10 pm

FRIDAY 9 BJ'S LOUNGE BYWATER — rough Seven, 79rs Gang, 9 pm BLUE CYPRESS BOOKS — Valerie Sassyfras, 12 pm BLUE NILE — The Caesar Brothers, 8 pm; Amigos Do Samba, 11 pm BLUE NILE BALCONY ROOM — Trumpet Slim & Brass Flavor, 10 pm BOURBON O BAR — ellen Smith & April Spain, 4 pm; In and Out Band, 8 pm HARD ROCK CAFE NEW ORLEANS — Mikey Duran, 10 pm JAEGER'S SEAFOOD AND OYSTER HOUSE — Paul Childers, 7 pm PUBLIC BELT AT HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE — Phil Melancon, 8 pm ROCK 'N' BOWL — ryan Foret & Foret Tradition, 8:30 pm THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — The Wolfe Johns Blues Band , 7:30 pm THE RABBIT HOLE — No So Super Superhero Ball featuring Gov’t Majik and DJ Brice Nice, 9 pm

TIPITINA'S — Dumpstaphunk, 11 pm TOULOUSE THEATRE — Pure Ways Ball Volume 3: Cosmic Wasteland, featuring Dr. romance, 10 pm

SATURDAY 10 12 MILE LIMIT — Heatwave! Dance Party, 9 pm BJ'S LOUNGE BYWATER — Sabine McCalla Band, Sam Doores Band, Doce Vampiro Os Mutantes Tribute, 9 pm BLUE NILE — George Brown Band, 8 pm BOURBON O BAR — Brian Wingard, 4 pm; The Blues Masters, 8 pm CHICKIE WAH WAH — endymion Party and High Step Society, 9:30 pm PUBLIC BELT AT HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE — Phil Melancon, 8 pm SANTOS — Jared James Nichols and the Bites, 10 pm THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE — Chucky C & Friends , 7:30 pm THE RABBIT HOLE — Morning 40 Federation with Spickle, 9 pm; Pure Intentions: up to No Good, 11:30 pm TIPITINA'S — Galactic feat. Anjelika "Jelly" Joseph, 10 pm TOULOUSE THEATRE — Krewe De LuX presents the royal renaissance Ball

Dumpstaphunk plays Tipitina’s February 9. PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

featuring Funke, Herb Christopher b2b Paul O’Neill, Tsgna b2b Tatum Neill, Dingus, Luxxx, Wayne Thomas, Jordan Whaley & Jenna Marie, 10 pm

SUNDAY 11 BJ'S LOUNGE BYWATER — Danger Danger, 9 pm BLUE NILE — Street Legends Brass Band, 10:30 pm BOURBON O BAR — Marc Stone, 4 pm; Kenny Brown & the KB express, 8 pm BOURBON STREET HONKY TONK — The Bad Sandys, 8 pm SANTOS — Pola and Bryson, 10 pm THE RABBIT HOLE — QrTr with Lady Lavender, Niles Ashton and D1Me, 10 pm

SCAN FOR THE COMPLETE GAMBIT CALENDAR

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John ‘Papa’ Gros and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux partner for Funk N Chant on Feb. 11 at the Maple Leaf. PHOTOS BY SCOTT THRELKELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

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SUDOKU

HERE’S THE PLAN, JOHN “PAPA” GROS SLYLY SAYS: Gros and his band are gonna

start playing, then he’ll send someone to signal for Big Chief Monk Boudreaux to come up onto the Maple Leaf stage, and together they’re just going to do their thing. “I mean we really don’t plan much at all,” Gros says. “Nah, we just do it,” Boudreaux adds with a laugh. For two decades, Gros and Boudreaux have partnered each year during Carnival for Funk N Chant, a long set of New Orleans funk and Mardi Gras Indian classics. And on Sunday, Feb. 11, the steadfast New Orleans keys player and singer and the celebrated Big Chief of the Golden eagles will play a 20th anniversary show at the Maple Leaf. Funk N Chant shows tend to happen in two seamless parts. Gros and his band — which will include guitarist Alex Mallet, bassist rene Coman and drummer eric Bolivar on Feb. 11 — open the show with a set of Gros’ originals and maybe a couple of New Orleans funk and r&B staples thrown in. But about halfway through, when the band starts up “Injuns Here They Come,” Boudreaux will take the stage along with Kerry Vessell, another member of the Golden eagles, on the big bass drum. “The only thing I think about is trying to make sure the set we play before he comes up kind of sets the tone for when Monk comes up,” Gros says. “We kind of build and build and focus around the Mardi Gras rhythms and the Indian rhythms, that kind of thing. So when he hits the stage, we’re in a place and ready.” With Boudreaux on stage, the set

turns to electrified versions of “Indian red,” “eliza Jane,” “Shallow Water” and other parts of the revered repertoire that Boudreaux has been singing for decades and which he first began recording in the ’70s with Bo Dollis and the Wild Magnolias. A more recent song from one of Boudreaux’s solo albums might also slip into the show. The first Funk N Chant-style show, Gros says, was started with roots singer-guitarist Anders Osborne, who has worked a lot with Boudreaux over the years, including their 2002 album, “Bury the Hatchet.” Gros was a part of that show at Frenchmen Street club d.b.a., and the next year, Gros’ band Papa Grows Funk took the helm when asked to return. There’s been a show on Bacchus Sunday ever since — except for a missed year during the pandemic — and Gros and Boudreaux have done the show at Jazz Fest. The one goal for the whole thing, Gros says, is to get Boudreaux excited. And after 19 years, there’s always something surprising in Funk N Chant show. There’s a moment to look for, Gros says, when Boudreaux is in the groove and his head goes back and his hands go up. “I don’t write nothing down. It’s all in here,” Boudreaux says, pointing at his chest. “It’s how I feel at that time.” Funk N Chant starts at 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at the Maple Leaf. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Find more info at mapleleafbar.com.

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PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE ONE AND THE SAME By Frank A. Longo

36 Severe shock 39 Pear or lime 41 Somber 42 [Criminal] [Criminal] 46 Surrealist painter Max 47 Swiss peaks 48 Ukraine city 49 Having some benefit 52 Pick-up-sticks logic game 53 Lad from London, say 54 Old-time TV announcer Johnny 56 Spike of corn 59 “I — reason why ...” 61 [Star] [Star] 67 Reportage on American events

69 Gas station brand 70 Golf great Sörenstam 71 [Residence] [Residence] 76 Old Icelandic poetry books 77 Coast Guard officer: Abbr. 78 Strong winds 79 — and aahs 81 Raised trains 82 Not asleep 84 Obstruct 87 Parisian gal pal 88 Setting 91 [Brotherly] [Brotherly] 95 Bach choral composition 98 Poets’ Muse

DOWN 1 “And there it is!” 2 Egg, formally 3 Drains energy from 4 Up to, in ads 5 Longtime foe of Frazier 6 Interior designer, e.g. 7 “There Is Nothin’ Like —” 8 County officers 9 State east of Wyo. 10 Mo. before May 11 Slugging stat 12 Avoider of hightech stuff 13 Element #18 14 High, tight sweater collars, briefly 15 Singer of lyric poetry 16 Chilean cheer 17 Process of being twisted 18 Not blurry, as an image 19 Most rapid 24 Scottish cap 29 Purpose 31 Club fees 32 German for “grandma” 33 Sushi fish 34 Concealed 35 Metallic string 36 Ooze through pores 37 Trusts in 38 Option lists for e-device downloads

40 Hi- — screen 43 Like poems of praise 44 Lavish party 45 Oxidation formation 50 Mattel product 51 Old Cuzco native 53 Play tenpins 54 Bicolor whale 55 Roarer in Oz 56 Uncontrolled outbreak 57 Having a pH over 7 58 Appraise again 60 Bird’s beak 62 Wedding veil material 63 Very big birds 64 Conk 65 Low bills 66 Linking word in German 68 Former rival of Nintendo 72 Sturdy wood 73 Symbol on a musical staff 74 Either director of “Fargo” 75 Jedi master 80 They’re called to get assistance 82 Pot payment 83 Most fatigued

ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR, SRS

84 Russia’s — -Tass 85 Came upon 86 Obtains 87 Leaves speechless 88 Giver of an angry look 89 Place to take a dirty vehicle 90 How sausage links are connected 92 Adjust to a situation again 93 Bush press secretary Fleischer 94 “— ToK” (Kesha hit) 96 Phone no. 97 Nike rival 101 Intermission 103 That fellow’s 104 Ancient Greek market 107 — majesty (high treason) 108 Manicure tool 109 Off-road trucks, briefly 110 No, in Russia 112 Insect trapper 114 Allow to 115 Start for teen or adolescent 116 Film director DuVernay 117 Large number

ANSWERS FOR LAST ISSUE’S PUZZLE: P 50

PUZZLES

ACROSS 1 Enchilada alternative 8 Threaten like a mad dog 15 Recurring design 20 Proved to be beneficial to 21 Audrey of “Sabrina” 22 “Magic Bites” author Andrews 23 [Span] [Span] 25 Some spongy balls 26 Morning times, in brief 27 Astrologer Sydney 28 Films based on reportage, for short 30 Heavy drinker 31 Musical scale starters 33 [Cogitates] [Cogitates]

99 Pie portions 100 [Dictated] [Dictated] 102 Accessories for cue sticks and blackboards 105 Follower of “http://” 106 Greek epic about Troy 107 Mario’s video game brother 108 Real devotee 111 Jazz singer Cleo 113 [Character] / [Character] 118 Snaky curves 119 Attack the integrity of 120 Go in circles 121 Butler played by Gable 122 Foyer sofas 123 For the purpose of diagnosing

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