Gambit's 40 Under 40 | 2024

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ARTS +ENTERTAINMENT

Guitarsolo

SaturdayNightLiveveteranLukeNullperformsatSportsDrink

NEWORLEANIANSMAYRECOGNIZE

LUKENULLFROMPLAYING“PONTOON”

onthe“SaturdayNightlive”sketch “FloribamaShore,”aparodyof“Jersey Shore”andotherrealityTVshowsfull ofloud,drunkandhornyroommates.

Theyalsomightrecognizethe comedianfromlocalstreets,sinceNull spendsamonthhereeveryfall.He returnsthisweekendforfortwoshows atSportsDrinkonSaturday,July27 Nullisbestknownasaguitarcomic Healmostalwaysperformswithguitar inhand,singinghumoroussongsthat sometimeschannelemoand’90sindie rock,orseemtomockbandslikeThird EyeBlind.Healsostrumsthrough stand-upmaterialandbanterwith theaudience.

AnativeofCincinnati,hewasdoing sketch,improvandhismusicalstandup inChicagowhenhewasinvitedtoauditionforSNl.AsongaboutClayAiken helpedgethimcastontheshow.But therewasabitofamisunderstanding, Nullsays.

“Whentheytookme,everytimethey sawmeIwasalwaysdoingsomelittle chunkofasong,”hesays.“Theysaw meafewtimes.Whentheyhiredme,I waslike,‘Oh,theyhiredmetodothis.’ IttookmeuntilIwashalfwayoutthe doortorealize,no,theyreallyweren’t thatinterestedinthat.Theylikedthe charactersandsketchstuff.Itriedso manytimestogetasongontheshow, anditwasahardpasseverytime.”

Itwasn’tforlackoftrying.Hepitched songstomanyoftheweeklyguests Onesongonhisalbum“GuitarComic” waspitchedasarapthatwouldfeature guesthostCharlesBarkley.Nulland Barkleyweretoappearinwhitetuxedos andfellowcastmemberChrisReddwas supposedtohandlesomeoftherapping partsin“ThatSoftCheeselife,”an absurdrapcombiningbling-yNBAand rapperlifestylesandfontina,camembert andbrie.(“Talkaboutthecreamyblues, baby/We’reeatingGorgonzolaina Mercedes.”)Butthepitchcameupshort.

“Thenightbefore,Barkleywaslike, ‘Thisisawesome,’”Nullsayswitha laugh.“Helikedit,butyouhavetorealize,theyread30to35sketchesbackto-back.youreadeachonemaybeone time.Iamaskinghimtodoatightrap songatatableread-through.Man,he wasnotabletodoit.Heisnotmusical.”

Someothersongsweretoorisque fortheshow’sstandardsandpractices monitors.Andeven“FloribamaShore” wascut.

MahmoudChouki

“It’srandomanduptooneperson whatgetsinandwhatgetscut,”Null says.“Therewasonejokein‘Floribama’ —metellingthisgirl,‘Hey,Iamall normalsizeddownthere.Butit’sall tip!’Standardsandpracticeswaslike, ‘Absolutelynot.’”

Nullgotothernotablescreentime, likeasceneasabeatboxingairplane passengerforflightattendantstorap thesafetymessage.Butthe2017-2018 seasonwashisfirstandlast.

“NowIcanlookbackandseeitwith rosecoloredglassesandsay,‘Ohwasn’t thatfun,’”hesays.“Butatthetime,it wasn’tgoingwellforme.”

Thetimealsowasn’twasted.Some ofthematerialhewroteduringthat yearappearedon“GuitarComic”in 2019,including“youAreWhatyou Eat,”araunchytunethatdidn’tget pastaguesthost

Nullnotesthathemaybebetteroff solo,ashespeedsupandslowsdown hissongsashegoes,andsometimes interruptswithhisowncommentary. Aversionofhissong“AccentsWhite PeopleShouldn’tDo”postedon youTubeisagoodexample,ashecites hisfather’sroleinthesong.

AfterleavingSNlandNewyork,Null relocatedtolosAngeles,wherehe’s foundaplaceinthecomedyscene.

Multi-instrumentalistMahmoud Choukiisamasterofguitar,oudand otherstringedinstruments,andhis compositionsspantheglobe,wrappinginstylesfromhisnativeMorocco, NorthAfrica,latinAmericaandNew Orleans,hisnewhome.Choukiwrites alovelettertoNewOrleansonhisnew album,“Caravan:FromMarrakechto NewOrleans,”whichwasproducedby JamisonRossandfeaturesmusicians HerlinRiley,JohnBoutte,Jason Marsalis,OscarRossignoliandmore. Choukicelebratesthealbumwithtwo showsonThursday,July25,atSnug Harbor.Musicstartsat7:30p.m. and9:30p.m.Ticketsare$30 viasnugjazz.com.

Herecentlyfinishedshootingand post-productiononanewspecial, tentativelytitled“PrettySongs,Dirty Words.”Heisshoppingittobroadcast outletsforrelease.

Besidesnewsolosongs,itincludes animprovwithWayneBrady.There’s alsoaguestonamockromanticsong hedoesmimickingthehologramTupac performance.Andhemanagedto recordonesongwithafullband.

Nullhasalsobeenworkingona feature-lengthscript,andheappears inafilmcalled“StealingJokes,”which willbereleasedinSeptember.Heplays ajerkycomicwhostealsjokesandposts themonTikTok,hesays.

Hetravelsoftentoperform,and hesayshe’sreadyforNewOrleans insummer

Healsoconcedesthatheusesan improperpronunciationofNewOrleans on“GuitarComic.”

“AnytimeyoupronounceitNew Or-lEANS,you’rejusttryingtofita rhyme,”hesays.

“Don’tkillme.lotsofjazzguysare guiltyofthattoo.”

LukeNullperformsatSportsDrinkat7 &9p.m.Saturday,July27.Tickets$25 viaeventbrite.com.

SarahSquirm

SarahSherman,akaSarahSquirm,is knownforaslewofabsurdcharacters andWeekendupdatesegmentson “SaturdayNightlive.”Shealsostarred inAdamSandler’smovie“youAreSo NotInvitedtoMyBatMitzvah.”She performsat7p.m.Friday,July26, atJoyTheater.Tickets$35andup viathejoytheater.com

TheHIRSCollective

TheHIRSCollective,alargely anonymous,fluidgroupofleftist punks,smashestogetherarange ofpunkandheavymusicstylesin shortblastsoffuriousmusic.Butthe musicplayshand-in-handwiththe collective’sgoalsforradicalliberationandvisibilityforthequeerand transcommunity.HIRS’latestalbum, “We’reStillHere,”featuresahost ofguestartists,includingGarbage’s ShirleyManson,ScreamingFemales’ MarissaPaternosterandThou. TheHIRSCollectiveperformswith TWEAKHONEyandGutsClubat9 p.m.Thursday,July25,atSiberia. Ticketsare$18.61viasiberianola.com

PHOTOBYBRETT DUKE / THETIMES-PICAYUNE
PHOTOPROVIDEDBYLUKE NULL

Welcomeback,TalesoftheCocktailattendees!Remembertotipourbartenderswell!They’reworkingsoyoudon’thaveto!

THUMBS UP/ THUMBS DOWN

SteveGleason,theformerNew OrleansSaintssafetyandarelentlessadvocateforthoselivingwith AlSlikehimself,recentlyreceived theArthurAsheCourageAwardat ESPN’sESPyAwards.Gleason’s formerteammateDrewBrees presentedtheawardtoGleason, whowasaccompaniedbyhisson, Rivers.TheArthurAsheAward recognizesathletes“possessing strengthinthefaceofadversity, courageinthefaceofperil”—an aptdescriptionforGleasonandhis “NoWhiteFlags”mantra

Louisianacontinuestohavepoor literacyratesamongchildrenin secondandthirdgrades,arecent statewideliteracyassessment found.About51%ofsecondgradersand47%ofthirdgradersare notreadingatgradelevelfollowing theendofthe2024schoolyear. Researcherspointtothepandemic, whichinterruptededucationfor youngreaders,asacontributing factortopoortestscores

Sewerage&WaterBoardclaims Turbine4isfixed,fornow

THENEWORLEANSSEWERAGE&

WATERBOARDJULY17SAIDITHAS finallygottenTurbine4upand running,onlysixweeksafterthe startofhurricaneseason andseveralfloodingevents aroundtown!

Theturbine,whichhelpspower thecity’sfloodwaterpumpsparticularlyduringmajoreventslike hurricanes—orMothersDayrain eventandotherrandomheavyrain situationsondaysendingin“y”— hasbeenofflinesinceFebruary.

LSUseniorleadershiphaslost theconfidenceofthemajority oftheuniversity’sfaculty,anew reportshows.ThelSuEmployee EngagementReport,which surveyedfull-timefacultyand stafflastSeptemberandOctober, foundthatjust48%ofemployees trustedseniorleadership“tomake therightdecisionsforlSu.”

Thepumpismorethan100 yearsold,soproblemsaretobe expected.Still,sixmonthsisalong timeforS&WBtobewithoutit. Givenitsage,it’sunclearhowlong itwillbeuntiltheneedforrepairs takeitofflineagain,arealitythe boardExecutiveDirectorGhassan Korbanacknowledgedwhen,as theTimes-Picayunenoted,Korban “cautioned”S&WB’sequipmentis “veryfragileandsusceptible tobreakdowns.”

Meanwhile,KorbanandMayor laToyaCantrelllastweekalso warnedthatthestate’sdecision towelchonitsagreementtogive S&WB$25milliontofundanew powersubstationwilllikelymean therewon’tbeenoughmoneyto alsoupgradepowerfordrinking waterinthecity. likethecity’sfloodwatermanagementsystem,NewOrleans’ drinkingwatersystemrelieson improbablyancientinfrastructure tosupplythecity,whichisalso vulnerabletobreakdowns Thenewsubstationwillallegedly comeonlinenextyear,though giventhehistoryofinfrastructure projectsinNewOrleans,it’sunclear whetherthatisarealistictimeline. Whatdoesseemcertain,however, isthattheplantouseittosupply bothfloodpumpsanddrinking waterpumpswon’thappennow, thankstothestatelegislature. —JohnStanton

4

THENUMBEROFNOPD OFFICERSUNDERINTERNAL REVIEWAFTERALOCAL RESIDENT’SCONFIDENTIAL INFORMATIONWASGIVENTO MAYORLATOYACANTRELL.

TheinvestigationstemsfromCantrell’s now-dismissedpetitionforaprotectiveorder againstAnneBreaud,whotookphotosearlier thisyearofCantrelldiningoutwithNOPD officerJeffreyVappie,whoisnowretired. Cantrell’spetitionincludedinformationabout Breaudthatisconfidentialtoanyoneother thanlawenforcement.

C’EST WHAT ?

AlongwiththeShrekUber, whatotherkindsoftransportation shouldNewOrleanshave?

JUSTTAKEMEHOME,PLEASE

PHOTOBYCHRIS GRANGER/THE TIMES-PICAYUNE StreetfloodinginTreme

@GambitBlake|askblake@gambitweekly.com

HeyBlake,

Icameacrossanold1960smagazinead forBrennan’swhichlistsotherlocationsin DallasandHouston.Whendidtheyopenand whatistheirhistory?

Dearreader,

THEBRENNANSHAVERIGHTLYBEENCALLEDTHEFIRST FAMILYOFNEWORLEANSCUISINE,withmorethanadozen restaurantshereandacrossthecountryownedandoperatedbymembersofthefamily

OwenBrennanSr.openedthefirstin1946.Threeofhis fivesiblings,Adelaide,EllaandJohn,helpedrunthebusiness,knownasOwenBrennan’sVieuxCarreandlocatedon BourbonStreet.In1956,followingOwenBrennan’sdeath, thefamilyopenedBrennan’sat417RoyalSt.

Inthe1960s,astheFrenchQuarterrestaurant’sreputationgrew,thefamilylaunchedanambitiousexpansion, whichbeganwithaBrennan’slocationinHouston.“In Texas,wheretheydothingsbig–andinHouston,where theystrivetodoevenbigger…theBrennanshavenow establishedaposhrestaurantthatexceedstheirhomebase intheFrenchQuarterforlavishnessindécor,”wroteStatesItemcolumnistTommyGriffininMarch1967

In1969,theBrennansunveiledarestaurantinDallas’One MainPlace,the34-storyofficetowerwhichopenedthepreviousyear.“Ella(Brennan)saysthenewBrennan’sispacking ’emin,”GriffinwroteinaJanuary1969column,adding

thatthefamilyhadreceived“ravesabout(notedartistand designer)CharlieGresham’sdécor.”Despiteearlysuccess, boththeDallaslocationandanotherBrennan’soutpostin Atlanta(alsoopenedinthe1970s)closedwithinadecade.

Bythen,theBrennanshadalsopurchasedCommander’s Palace,shortlybeforeaninfamousfamilydisputein 1974overcontrolofthebusiness’future.ItledtoOwen Brennan’swidowMaudeandtheirthreesons—OwenJr. (knownasPip),JimmyandTed—takingoverBrennan’son RoyalStreet.EllaBrennanandherbrothers,sistersand childrenassumedcontroloftheotherrestaurants.

InadditiontoBrennan’sonRoyalStreet(nowowned byRalphBrennan),theBrennan’sinHoustonremains openandcarriesthesamename.ItsproprietorsareAlex Brennan-Martin,thesonofEllaBrennan,andhiscousin BradBrennan,sonofElla’ssisterDottieBrennan.

BLAKEVIEW

WITHTHISWEEK’STALESOFTHECOCKTAIL EVENTSCELEBRATINGTHEPAST,presentand futureofmixology,weofferatoasttooneof thecity’shistorichotelbars:theBayouBarat thePontchartrainHotel.

In1946,hotelierE.lysleAschaffenburg openedthebarinsidethePontchartrain Hotel,whosehistoryonSt.CharlesAvenue datesto1927.Thehotel’sVIPguestsoverthe yearshaveincludedpresidentsGeraldFord andGeorgeH.W.Bush,aswellasTennessee WilliamsandTrumanCapote.FrankSinatra, ColePorterandJimmyBuffettareamongthe musicalluminarieswhooncefrequentedthe BayouBar

Inadditiontolibations,thebar(whosemotif isenhancedbyCharlesReinikemurals)has longofferedlivemusic.Ithostedjazzpianists ArmandHugandCharlieluckowforregulargigs inthe1950s,withluckowperformingtherefor morethan25years.Othernotableperformers included“Tuts”Washington,BlaineButler,Mimi GusteandPhilipMelancon,aregularformore than20yearsbeginninginthe1990s.livemusic isstillofferedinthebarmostnights

NostoryaboutthePontchartrainHotel’s beverageofferingswouldbecompletewithout amentionoftheHotTinRoofBar,therooftop venueaddedduringa2016hotelrenovation.

JimmyBrennan(left)andOwenBrennanJr. (right)withDavidWilsonatAnythingGoes. PHOTOBYBRYAN S. BERTEAUX /THE TIMESPICAYUNE

BY

4040 under

JEREMY OATIS 34

ANDREA BLUMENSTEIN, JAKE CLAPP, WILL COVIELLO, MARIGNY LANAUX,SOFIA MONGILLO,

LIAM PIERCE,KAYLEEPOCHE,SARAH RAVITS,JOHN STANTON

PHOTOSBYKATHERINEKIMBALL

WELCOMETOANOTHEREDITIONofGambit’s40Under40!Onceagain thisyear,weaskedyou,ourreaders,tonominatefolksinourcommunitywho aredoingsomethingspecial.Andonceagain,youdelivered!Thisyear’slistof honoreesrepresenttheverybestofourcity,andeachintheirownwayisan integralpartofwhatmakesNewOrleansthemostuniqueandamazingcityin theworld.AsGambitstaff,itistrulyanhonortotakeamomentandrecognize themandtheirachievements.

Whetherthey’reateenovercomingextraordinaryadversitytosucceedacademically,oneofourcity’snewgenerationofculturebarers,asmallbusiness personsmashingglassceilingsoranactivistworkingforpositivechange,each ofthese40peopleinspiresus,teachesusandhelpsuslivebetterlives. Congratulationstothemall!

DEANOFSTUDENTS, NEWORLEANSCAREERCENTER; TRAILCHIEF,ORIGINALWILD TCHOUPITOULASMARDIGRASINDIANS; CEOANDFOUNDEROFPICKLENOLA; ARTISTVOLUNTEERMENTOR, CONGOKIDS

JeremyOatis’missioninlifeistohelpyoungpeoplethrive In2022,hejoinedtheNewOrleansCareerCenterafterworking asabehavioralinterventionist,teacherandeventualdeanof studentsatNewOrleansCharterScienceandMathHighSchool. Now,heworkswithkidsfrom24localhighschools.

AsdeanofstudentsatNOCC,hehelpstrainandmentor studentsinpotentialcareerpaths,givingthemtheopportunity toearnarangeofindustry-basedcertifications,includingin carpentry,electricalengineering,culinaryartsandhospitalitymanagement.

GrowingupintheMelpomeneprojects,hesayshedidn’talways havemanyrolemodelstolookuptooutsideofschool.Buthe creditshismotherandseveralofhishighschoolteachersfor helpinghimrecognizehisownpotentialasaneducator,andnow hewantstopayitforward.

“ThoseguyshelpedmerealizewhatIcouldbecome,”hesays. OatisalsoisdedicatedtopreservingthecultureofNewOrleans BlackMaskingIndians,asamemberoftheOriginalWildTchoupitoulastribe.

Healsostartedahomemadepickleventure,PickledNOLA, withhiswifeKimberly,turninglocallygrowncucumbersinto picklestosellatgrocerystoresandfarmersmarkets

Ontopofallthat,OatisvolunteerswithCongoKids,anonprofit thatgiveskidsculturalandmusictrainingrootedinAfricanand African-Americantraditions.

“Anythinginvolvingyouth,Iwanttobeinvolvedinit,”hesays. “I’vesurroundedmyselfwithgoodpeople.Ihaveadutytomycity andthepeoplethatraisedme.”

CAMILLE ROANE, 36

DIRECTOROFCLIENT EXPERIENCE,RED CYPRESSCONSULTING

CamilleRoaneisespeciallypassionate aboutherworkasacommunications professionalatRedCypressConsultingbecauseshegetstoconnectwith peopleonthefrontlinesofsocialand reproductivejusticeissues.

RedCypressConsulting,whichshe describesasa“smallandscrappy”team ofwritersandstrategistsfromdifferentbackgrounds,isaworker-owned agencythatdoescommunicationsfor progressivenonprofits,causesand politicalcampaignsintheSouth

Roane’smainfocusisonreproductive justicework,whichshesaysisabout muchmorethanjuststandingupfor abortionrightsandbodilyautonomy,extendingtoaffordablehousingissues,the climatecrisisandmassincarceration.

“It’sahumanrightsframework,”she says.“Criminalizationandcontrolover bodiesisinextricablylinked.”

Roanesaystheworkisespecially importantinLouisiana’scurrent politicalclimate

“Thingsarereallybad,butIgettosee andworkwithpeoplewhoarefighting back,”shesays.“There’ssomuch brillianceandcreativity,andwehave

alwaysfiguredoutwaystosurvive andorganize.”

TheTexasnativeisalsoontheboard ofthenonprofitDancingGrounds, whichblendsperformanceartand fitnesswithadvocacy.

“NewOrleansistheculturalcapitalof America,particularlyBlackAmerica,” shesays.“Ithasalwaysbeenaplace offreedomforme.It’screatedalot ofspaceforpersonalgrowth.It’sso Black,soqueer,soculturallyfree.I’m sothankfulforit.”

MARY JACOBS 33

JustlisteningtoMaryJacobsdescribethemyriadandvariedprojectsshe’sgot goingisenoughtoexhaustmostfolks.“Ialwayshavebeendoing40,000things That’skindofmything,”theNewOrleansnativejokes.

Partofthatenergyanddriveisrootedinold-fashionedcivicpride,shesays. “Whenyou’reabusybody,youdon’trealizeit’salot,”Jacobssaysofthe60-to 80-hourworkweeks.“ButIreallylovewhatIdo.”

Since2013,she’sworkedasacomedianandmasterofceremonies,developing alocalfollowingtothepointthatshe’sregularlyhiredtoemceegalasandother eventsaroundtown

Aftershereturnedhomefromcollege,shewasstruckathowdifferentthecity hadbecomepost-Katrina—soshewroteaplayaboutit.In“BeinTouch,”Jacobs exploredthechallengesmanylocalsexperiencedcominghometoacitychanged notonlybythestormbutbytheinfluxoftransplants.

In2016,JacobsandherwifeKristinKavanaughopenedVitalityCommunity Fitness.Thegoal,Jacobssays,wastoupturnthetraditionaltestosterone-dominatedgymmodelandcreateawoman-centered,queer-friendlyspace.

Fouryearslater,Jacobsstartedanewbusiness,Mary’sRack.Sheworksasa self-described“secondhandstylist,”throughwhichshehelpsclientsfindasenseof styleusingsustainableshoppinghabitsandcenteringbodypositivity.Sheinitiallyoperatedapop-upandturneditintoatraditionalbrick-and-mortarshoponOakStreet. ShealsohostsPlanetNola,apodcastfeaturinginterviewswithlocalartists, bartenders,musiciansandpeople“whoarecoolorwhoaredoingcoolthings.”

“I’mobsessedwithNewOrleans,andIlovebeingfromhere.Iwanttoopen20 morebusinessesherebeforeIdie...Ifeelluckytobefromhere,”Jacobssays.

CLINICALPSYCHOLOGIST,PSYCHOLOGY SECTIONHEAD,OCHSNERHEALTH; FOSTERRESPITEVOLUNTEER, CROSSROADSNOLA

OchsnerHealth’sDr.JacklynRuhlisnotonlychangingthewaythemedicalcommunityapproachesmentalhealthbutalsohowpatientsseetheprocess. Whenmanypeoplethinkoftherapy,theymightpictureanopen-ended,yearslongprocesswithnorealendpointatwhichtheirmentalhealthproblemswillbe solved.ButaccordingtoRuhl,itdoesn’talwayshavetobethatway

Andwhilesometypesofmentalhealthissuesrequirelengthytreatment,there isagrowingmountainofevidencethatshowsatargeted,short-term,evidence-basedapproachcanbemuchmoreeffectiveinmanycases.Ruhlsaysthis approachis“almostlikeifsomeonehasaphysicalinjuryandsignsupforrehab forseveralweeks.”Butinsteadofrebuildingphysicalstrengthandlearningnew exercisestomaintainit,patientsareworkingonmentalandemotionalinjuries. It’saninnovativeapproachtomentalhealth—andasuccessfulone.Since Ochsner’s“StepClinic”launchedinMarchthey’vehadasteadystreamofpatients,andRuhlsaysseveralotherhealthcareprovidershaveapproachedherto discusscreatingsimilarprogramsoftheirown

ServingthoseincrisisisacentralpartofRuhl’slife.BorninSeoul,SouthKorea, RuhlcametotheUnitedStatesat11monthsold,whensheandhersisterwere adoptedbyherparents,wholivedinHuntsville,Alabama.

ThattriggeredaninterestinfostercareforRuhl,whosayssheknewshewantedtobeinvolvedinthesysteminsomewaysinceshewasinhighschool.Over theyearsRuhlhasfosteredfivechildrenforvaryinglengthsoftime.Recently she’stakenabreakfromfostering,optinginsteadtofocushereffortsonprovidingsupporttootherfosterparentsthroughCrossroadsNola’sFosterRespite program.Providingfosterparents,particularlysinglemothers,withafewhours eachweektorunerrandsorevenjustseeamoviecanbeenormouslybeneficial tothechildandparentalike,shesays

“Thefostercaresystemisveryhardandchallenging .[therespite]meansso muchtoafosterfamily,”sheexplains,adding“it’sveryclearthatifthesekidsare givenstabilityandlovetheycanbeassuccessfulasanyotherchild.”

DR. JACKLYN RUHL

FOUNDER,BIGGAYBABY

Everytimetheysteponstageastheir dragpersonaAprilMay,MaxwellCohen islivingouttheirchildhooddreams.

They’vegonefromperformingintheir bedroomtogettingonstageinfrontof crowdsasthehostofBigGayBaby,the monthlyqueerdragandvarietyshow theycreatedinMarch2022.Morethan twoyearsin,theshowshavebecomea supportivespacefornewbieperformers todiptheirtoesinthewaterinfrontofa tight-knitcommunityofLGBTQpeople andallies.

Currentlyonsummerhiatus,theshow startsupagaininSeptember,moving fromThursdaytoFridaynights—or “primetime”asCohenputsit

Throughdrag,Cohenhasalsobecome involvedinactivism.In2023,they testifiedindragattheCapitolagainst theanti-LGBTQbillsproposedbythe LouisianaLegislatureandconnected withalotofpeopleinadvocacyspaces inthestate

Thisyear,withananti-LGBTQ governor,Cohendecidedtofocus theirattentiontospacesforqueerjoy, performingattheNewOrleansPride Center’sgrandopening,puttingona BigGayBabyshowcaseataForumfor Equalityfundraiserandhostingagalafor women’srightsgroupLiftLouisiana. “Myqueeridentityandmydesire toconnectqueeridentitieswillnever change,”Cohensays.“That’sunwavering,nomatterhowoppressivetheworld mayfeelrightnow.”

JOYCLARK 39

SINGER-SONGWRITER

JoyClarkhashadmanymilestonemomentsthelastfewyears, liketouringwithAmericanaartistAllisonRussell,signingtoAni DiFranco’sRighteousBabeRecordsandpayingtributetoTracy ChapmanattheInternationalFolkAwards.Andthesinger-songwriterispreparingtoreleaseherfirstfull-lengthalbum,“TellIt TotheWind,”inOctober.

It’sbeenarealtimeofpersonalgrowth,shesays.

This“periodoftransitionissortofcomingtopeacewiththe disparatepartsofmyself,”Clarksays,“somyChristianupbringing,myqueerness,andcomingtopeacewiththosethings, bringingittogetherandpresentingJoyClark’sartistry.”

BorninHarveyandthedaughterofaminister,Clarkgrew upwithmusicatchurch.Shelearnedtoplayguitaratanearly age,findinginfluencesinartistslikeTracyChapmanandLalah Hathaway,andstartedwritingandperformingatopenmics whileattheUniversityofNewOrleans.Overtheyears,she’s performedwithSoulkestra,CyrilNeville,pianistLilliLewisand manyothers.She’salsoledherownbandatlocalvenues,ontour andatFrenchQuarterFestandJazzFest.

ClarkisamongagrowingnumberofBlackmusiciansre-claimingtheAmericanagenre,likeLewis,Russell,LizzieNoand JoyOladokun.

“WhenIreallygotontothescene,therewerealotofBlack artists,women,whoreallytookmein,becauseIwascominginto myqueerness,andtherewasacommunitytherethatallowed metoseewhatwaspossible,”Clarksays.“Iwanttocontinueto bethatforsomebodythat’scomingbehindme,orsomebody whoisn’toutyetandisfeelinglike,‘She’sintegratingallthese partsofherlife,andtheworldhasopenedup.’”

STUDENT

ElijahHoganmadelocalandnationalheadlineswhenhe graduatedfromWalterL.CohenHighSchoolinMay.

Hewasnamedvaledictorianwithanimpressive 3.93GPAandgaveaspeechtohisclassmatesandtheir lovedones.

“It’syourturntochooseanddefinewhatsuccess meansinyourlife,”hesaid.

Itwasatriumphantday,buttheroadtogetthere wasn’teasy.

He’dbeenlivingwithhisgrandmothersincehewas 11,butduringhisjunioryear,hebecameunexpectedly homelesswhenhisgrandmother’slandlorddecidedto sellthepropertywherethey’dbeenliving.Theyhada monthtofigureoutwhattodo.

Sheendedupmovingtoaseniorlivinghome,whilehe wenttoCovenantHouse,ashelterforunhousedpeople ages16-22.

Hogankeptintouchwithhisfamilylivingoutofstate, andteachersandCovenantHousestaffsteppedupto supporthimandencouragehimtocompletehisstudies.

Hogan’snextstopisXavierUniversity,whereheplans tostudygraphicdesign.AnartistandMarvelfan,he hopestoonedaypublishhisowncomicbook.

“Takeprideinhowfaryouhavecome,”Hogantold hisclassmatesduringhisgraduationspeech.“Have faithinhowfaryoucango.Butdon’tforgettoenjoy yourjourney.”

ELIJAH HOGAN 19

AYYUB

IBRAHIM 30

DIRECTOROFRESEARCH

FORTHE LOUISIANALAWENFORCEMENT ACCOUNTABILITYDATABASE,INNOCENCEPROJECTNEWORLEANS

WhenAyyubIbrahimgraduatedin2016fromthe UniversityofPennsylvania,heexpectedtospend hisprofessionallifefightingforhumanrightson theinternationalstage—notintheDeepSouth fightingpoliceviolence.

ButIbrahim’spathhasn’teverfollowedmuchof astraight,predictableline.Take,forexample,his sportofchoice:fencing.

Aftergraduating,theBronxnativeworkedin NewYorkoninternationalhumanrightsissues. Butwithinafewyears,herealizedhewantedto haveamorelocalfocus.

Soin2020hemovedtoNewOrleanstohead theInnocenceProjectNewOrleans’Louisiana LawEnforcementAccountabilityDatabase (LLEAD)program.Hehassincebecomealeader intheefforttoshedlightononeofthecriminal justicesystem’sdarkestcorners:policemisconductandviolence.

TheLLEADdatabasehascataloguedmorethan 40,000incidentsinmorethan500lawenforcementagenciesacrossthestateandhasbecome animportantresourceforattorneys,themedia andpublicinunderstanding—andcombating— policebrutality.

IbrahmhasrecentlyturnedhisattentiontoArtificialIntelligenceandhowitcanhelpcivilrights attorneysfightfortheirclients.He’sbecomea nationalleaderindevelopingAItoolsforthecivil rightssector

AttheInnocenceProject,he’scurrentlybuilding a“wrongfulconvictionofficerindex”which,when completed,willallowlawyerstosearchthrough hundredsofthousandsofcourtfilings,reportsand otherdocumentstodetermineifthereisapattern ofmisconductinvolvingaspecificofficerorwithin departmentsandotherkeyareas.Thatwillnot onlyhelpattorneysbutalsopolicymakers,who’d havetospendyearssortingthroughdocuments withoutAI’shelp.

AVA KREUTZIGER 17

STUDENT;

LGBTQRIGHTSACTIVIST; ADVOCATEFORGROWDAT YOUTHFARM

AvaKreutzigerdescribesherselfasa“peopleperson”whoselifeisdefinedbyherrelationships “That’swhereIgetthemostjoyfrom,”shesays. Lastsummer,Kreutziger,avolunteerwithGrow DatYouthFarminCityPark,witnessedanhorrible

SCOTTTILTON 32

tragedyasherbestfriend,BelleAdelman-Cannon, wasstruckandkilledbyabusintheparkinglot. Tocopewithhergrief,Kreutzigerhelpedbuilda memorialgardendedicatedtoAdelman-Cannonto honorthesolacetheyfoundtogetherthere

“It’stheplacewhereIcouldgrowwithmyidentity andbeconfidentinmyleadership,learnhowto growfoodandhowtohelppeople,”shesays.“It’s alsotheplacewhereItriedtosavemybestfriend.”

WhenshefoundoutaboutCityPark’sMasterPlan tobulldozethefarmandbuildaroad,itfeltlikeabetrayal.Shehassincebecomeastaunchadvocateof thefarm’ssurvivalascityandparkleadersgrapple withitsfuture.

KreutzigerisalsoanadvocateforLGBTQrights andhelpedsecureagrantfortheQCenter,asafe spaceforqueerstudents,whileattendingBen FranklinHighSchool.Shehelpedorganizeatheater piecestudentsperformedatthestateCapitol,which aimedtohumanizeherpeersaslawmakerswere attackingtheirrightsandidentities.

“I’vegrownupwithmyparentstellingmeabout howartcanbeamechanismforsocialchange,” shesays.

Asshesetsoffforcollege,sheplanstocontinue heradvocacyandaspirestobecomeasocialworker. “Theideaofworkingoneononeagainstoursystemsandtohelppeopleovercomecircumstances —I’mlookingforwardtoit,”shesays.

EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR, NOUSFOUNDATION

ScottTilton,aNewOrleansnative,waslivinginParis withhishusband,RudyBazenet,whentheycame upwithanideathatwouldultimatelyleadtothe NousFoundation.

Theywantedtolaunchaculturalinstitute inLouisiana,anorganizationthatwouldbring peopletogetherandfosterthekindofcultural innovationthatkeepscitieslikeParisattheforefront ofconversation.

“Wehadthisclearvisionofwhatwewantedtodo inLouisiana,”Tiltonsays.

Sotheymovedbackhomeandin2021launched NousFoundation,anonprofitpromotingLouisiana’s heritagecultures,particularlytheFrench-speaking communitiesinthestate.

Thiswasn’tTilton’sfirstbigundertaking.In2017, whileearningamaster’sdegreeininternationalrelationsatSciencePoParis,helaunchedacampaignthat ledtoLouisianabecomingthefirstU.S.statetojoin theInternationalOrganizationofLaFrancophonie Tiltonispassionateaboutraisingawareness andexposuretominorityculturesandlanguages thathavebeenrepressedandbanned.Healsoisa filmmakerandhashelpedproduceFrench-andCreole-languagefilmsfromLouisiana,includingapiece recentlyfeaturedattheCannesFilmFestival.

Earlierthisyear,theLibraryofCongressawarded aCommunityCollectionsGranttoNousFoundation tosupport“LaMusiqueNousReunit,”aproject documentingLouisianaFrenchandCreolemusic andfeaturingartistslikeLouisMichot,LeylaMcCalla andBruce“Sunpie”Barnes.

SHONDRICKA

FOUNDER/CEO,MOMMYFLUENTTOYS

ShondrickaClaibornehasgoneby“Shay”sinceshewas indiapers.Butshenowalsoanswersto“mom”after havingherfirstchildfouryearsago

Whileonmaternityleavefromhercareerworkingwith autisticchildren,Claibornenoticedafewthingsabout thetoyindustry:Thereisn’tmuchAfrican-American representation,andthetoysdidmostoftheplaying Soin2021,afterherdaughterstruggledwithlanguage skills,ClaibornelaunchedMommyfluent,aretail companyspecializinginopen-endedtoysforinfants andtoddlers.

“TheinnovationthatIammakingwithmycompanyis becauseofmydaughter.Iwantedhertohaveaccessto bettertoys,”Claibornesays.“Iammyownbestcustomer—earlyintervention,thisstuffworks.”

ClaibornealsositsontheboardofBlackNewOrleans MomandisacertifiedplayexpertandprogramcoordinatorforTrainingGrounds’WePlay,anonprofitfacility dedicatedtoimprovingearlychildhoodoutcomesfor localfamilies.

WePlayisahubforfamilyresourcesandearly parentingeducation.Italsohelpsconnectfamilieswith professionals,likeClaiborne,duringtheearlyyearsof childhood,whenbraindevelopmentisveryimportant. Throughherwork,Claibornehasworkedwithmore than200familiesinjustthelastyear,andshehashelped 10familiesnavigatethelongprocesstoreceiveanearly autismdiagnosis.

Mommyfluentisworkingtobuildatechnologychannel toconnectfamiliestoearlyinterventionresources.And recently,thecompanywasnamedasemifinalistinthe BlackAmbitionPrize,foundedbyPharrellWilliams.

HOPEKODMANVON STARNES 38

FOUNDER/CO-OWNER,DYNAMO

ImagesofHopeKodmanVonStarnespopupon streetcars,billboardsandgo-cupsallovertown inadsforherpart-timeworkatFrenchQuarter PhantomsGhosttours,butshemostoftengets recognizedforherworkdoinginformationalvideos forthesex-positiveeroticboutiqueDynamo “IgrewupinwesternKentuckyandtheonlysex edwegotinschoolwasanhourinhomeroom,” KodmanVonStarnessays.“Idon’tevenremember gettingapubertytalk.Theyjustthrewdeodorant atus.”

NowviatheirInstagramaccount(@dynamonola),KodmanVonStarnesentertaininglyinforms peopleaboutropework,flange-endedplugs, vibrators,paddlesandleatherharnesses,allwith anemphasisonconsentandsafety.KodmanVon Starnesco-ownsDynamowithNicoDarling,and theshopturns11yearsoldthissummer.

KodmanVonStarnesfirstrealizedherpenchant fortalkingaboutsexincollege.“IfIgavepermission totalkaboutsex,peoplereallywantedto,”shesays. Herdegreeinanthropologyhelpedherprocess sexthroughthelensofhistoryandherinterest intheaterprovidedenoughfoddertokeepthe conversationgoing.

ShenowgivestalksatTulane’sundergradSex Weekandbacheloretteparties,runsoccasional workshops,andhaspartneredwiththeReproduc-

JAMES MAYES 37

tiveJusticeActionCollective(REJAC)toprovide emergencycontraception,evenhanddeliveringit duringthepandemic.

KodmanVonStarnesalsoleadsahistorytour viaFrenchQuarterPhantomscalled“Saintsand Sinners”whichfocusesonStoryvilleandVictorian-erasexed.

“NewOrleansissuchasexy,opencity,”Kodman VonStarnessays.“SoIthoughtthatwecoulddo betterthanwhatwehad.”

FOUNDER,EMLINE

JamesMayestendstoincorporateaparticularflowerintohisdesignsfor hisluxurystreetwearbrandEmline.Themagnolia—hisnodtogrowingup intheMagnoliaProjects—isarepresentationofpersonalgrowth,hesays “Aflowerstartsasaseed.Apersonstartsasaseed.Theybothgrow Theflowergrowsthroughthedirtandtherain,whicharelikethetrials andtribulationsapersonwilllearnfrom.Andattheend,theybothhave theopportunitytoblossom,eventhoughtheyhavebeenthroughso much,”Mayessays.

MayeslaunchedEmlinein2017aftergoingthroughsomemajorlife changes—achild,anewjob,beinglaidoff,relocatingtoHoustonand backtoNewOrleans—andintheyearssince,thebrandhasblossomed Today,Emlinesellsarangeoflimited-releaseitems,includingshirts, pants,shorts,hats,socksandaccessories,alldesignedbyMayes YoungJeezy,RussellWestbrook,LilBabyandMissyElliotthavebeen spottedinEmlinepieces,andBGhasembracedthebrandsincereturninghome.Earlierthismonth,EmlinecollaboratedwiththeEssence FestivalofCultureonalimited-editionshirt.

In2022,MayesalongwithKristinMeyersofLikeMindsDineProductionalsolaunchedtheEmlineBall,aCarnival-timeballthathasalso becomeincreasinglypopular.Eachyear,theballcelebrateslegendsin theNewOrleanscommunity,likeMiaX,JuvenileandthelateSoulja Slim.The2024EmlineBallcelebratedBryan“Birdman”Williamsand thelegacyofCashMoneyRecordswithperformancesbyCurren$y, MagnoliaChop,AKandPaasky

“Rightnow,inthespacethatI’min,Idon’tknowwhatwillhappen next,butI’mhopingit’ssomethingbigandexciting,”Mayessays.

FILMMAKER

Intheirdebutfeaturedocumentary,“CarpetCowboys,”EmilyMacKenzie andNoahCollierwenttothecarpetproductioncapitaloftheworld Dalton,Georgia,andpulledatthethreadsofastorythattookthemaround theworld.

TheymetRoderickJames,aScottishimmigrantandself-styledcowboy whosefreelancecareerdesigningcarpetpatternswasdryingupasglobalizationmovedmoreoftheindustrytoChina.Jamesstruckoutfortheeast, andagaintriedtoreinventhimself

MacKenziegotherowntastefortravel,aftergrowingupinSantaBarbara, California,anddroppingoutofschooltomovetoFlorence,Italy.

“Iwaslike,‘Ijustturned18,Iamleavingthecountry,’”shesays.“Idon’t needtofinishhighschool.”

BardCollegedidn’trequireadiploma,andshewenttoNewYorkandgot interestedindocumentaryfilmmaking.Then,afterayearofgraduatestudy attheNewCollege(andmoretimeinItaly),shegotaninternshipwithfilmmakerNinaDavenportandeventuallyclimbedherwaytoaneditingposition onthefilm“FirstComesLove.”

Since2010,MacKenziehasworkedinTVandfilmproductionwhennot focusedonherownprojects,suchas2016’swidelyviewedbreastcancer survivalshortdoc,“ScarStory.”

In2015,MacKenziemovedtoNewOrleans,whereshehadfriendsand family,includinghergreat-uncleJohnnyNorth,whocoachedtheNew OrleansSaintsinthe1970s.

Since“CarpetCowboys”(availableatmemory.is/carpet-cowboys)was released,shestartedworkingonherownmockumentaryprojectaboutNew OrleanscostuminggrouptheIntergalacticRealtorsAssociationConference (IGRAC),inwhichthealienrealtorstrytosellEarth

PATRICK HERNANDEZ 35

DIRECTOROFCAPITAL ACCESS,PROPELLER

PatrickHernandez’sfirstbrushwith entrepreneurshipcamewhilegrowing upinBerrwick,Louisiana,near MorganCity.

“Ihadafewlemonadestands,”Hernandezsays.“Butitwasneveractually mycalling.”

Ironically,afterdreaminguphis award-winningcraftrumdistilleryRoulaisonwithanoldcollegeroommatein NewYork,heendedupinthebeverage businessanyway

Nowadays,Hernandezhasputhis Roulaisonworkonthebackburnerto helpothersstarttheirownbusinesses viahisroleatPropeller,anorganization thathelpssmallbusinesses—primarily thoseledbyBIPOCentrepreneurs andnonprofitsclosetheequitygapin thefieldsofeducation,food,health andwater

Hernandezmanagesanetwork ofmorethan300alumniatPropeller, helpinganywherefrom10to15 clientsatatime.Healsolauncheda $3millionseedcapitalfundforBIPOC-ownedbusinesses.

Hisfreetimeisfilledwithplayingalotof pickleballandcommunityinvolvement, astheimmediatepastpresidentofthe YoungLeadershipCouncilandaboard memberforOnPathFederalCreditUnion andAdvocatesforArts-BasedEducation (viaTheWillowSchool)

Hernandezalsohelpsfundraise forBoysHopeGirlsHopeandthe AmericanCancerSociety,specifically forcancerresearchinvolvingthe LGBTQcommunity.

JOSEPHBOUDREAUX JR. 38

SECONDCHIEF,GOLDENEAGLESBLACKMASKINGINDIANS; VOCALIST,THERUMBLE

BeingthesonofBigChiefMonkBoudreauxcarriesacertainweightofexpectationin NewOrleans.

It’s“kindoflikebeingMichaelJordan’sson,”saysJosephBoudreauxJr.“No matterhowgoodyouplaybasketball,you’regonnaalwaysbecomparedtoyourdad insomeway,shapeorform.”

JosephBoudreauxgrewupimmersedinBlackMaskingIndiantraditionsandis nowthesecondchiefoftheGoldenEagles.Healsogravitatedtowardmusicandis thefrontmanfortheMardiGrasIndianfunkbandTheRumble.

ButBoudreauxhasworkedtodistinguishhimself,especiallythroughhissuits. “Itookthefoundationandallthelessonshetaughtmeonhowtobuild,butI alwayswantedtolooklikeme.Idevelopedmyownstyle,inasense,”hesays.“I approachmusicthesameway…IfeltlikeIwillbesettingmyselfupforfailureifIwas totrytomimicwhat[myfather]did.SoIjusttrytobeoriginaltomyself.”

Boudreauxispartofagroupofyoungculturebearerswhoarehelpingtoguide thosetraditionsintothefuture

“It’saresponsibilityofmine,tocarryourcultureon,tomakesureourculturecontinuestothrive,”Boudreauxsays.“Partofmedoingthatisthroughmusic.Iwanttobe abletousemymusictojustbringthisculturetothespotlight,getthisculturetherecognitionitdeserves,becausetherearesomanytalentedpeoplewithintheculture.”

TheRumblerecentlyreleasedanewstudiosingle,“NowYouKnow,”andhasnew musicontheway.

Onandoffstage,JeezLoueez’spersonalityfillsthe space.She’sfunny,dramaticandpassionate.Butitgoes beyondherstageperformance;JeezLoueezwantstohelp Blackburlesqueperformersbeundeniable

JEEZ LOUEEZ 39

BURLESQUEPERFORMER; PRODUCER

JeezLoueezhashadastraightforwardgoal:“You’regonna knowwhoIam,”theNewOrleans-basedburlesqueperformerandproducersays.

“Iwanttoconnectwithmorepeople,meetmorepeople, letthemknowthatnotonlydoesburlesquehappenevery day,alldayinNewOrleans,butthatthere’sBlackpeople whoaredoingit,”shesays.

ASt.Louisnative,JeezLoueezmovedtoChicagowhen shewas19tostudymusicaltheater.Shewasdancingina clubtohelppayforschool,andafriendaskedifshe’dlike tofillinduringaburlesqueshow.“Iwaslike,‘Oh,thisisjust musicaltheaterandstrippingmixedtogether,”shesays withalaugh.

Morethan15yearslater,JeezLoueezhastwicebeen named21stCenturyBurlesque’sNo.1mostinfluential burlesqueindustryfigure,firstsoloandthenagainwith herclosefriendandcollaboratorLolaVanElla(whoalsois basedinNewOrleans).

JeezLoueezmovedtoNewOrleansin2019andisapopularpresenceonlocalburlesquelineups,andeachmonth, shehostsalate-nighttalkshow-styleeventandaqueerline dancenightattheAllWaysLounge&Cabaret,inadditionto teachingclasses.

In2011,JeezLoueezlaunchedtheannualall-Black burlesquerevueJeezy’sJukeJoint.Ithasgrownintoa multi-nightfestivalandtravelingshow,andshehopesto bringtherevuetoNewOrleansin2025.

“MyfocushasbeenonBlackpeoplebeingtheones writingthecheckandpayingpeople,”saysJeezLoueez, “becausetherecouldbe100Blackperformersinone city,butifeveryoneinchargeandwritingthechecksand producingtheeventsarewhite,thenit’snotdiversity,it’s notinclusion.”

CO-EXECUTIVEDIRECTORS,SONGCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTCORP.

KhaiNguyenandTapBuihaveknowneachothersincetheywere childrengrowingupintheVersaillesArmsApartmentcomplexinNew OrleansEast.

TheareawashometomanyVietnameseimmigrantswhocameto NewOrleansafterthewarinVietnam.Theyformedaclose-knitcommunity,akintoafishingvillage,anchoredbytheCatholicchurch,Mary QueenofVietnam

However,thecommunity,isolatedfromtherestofthecity,isoftenan afterthoughtinpolicymaking.NguyenandBuihavespenttheircareers fightingtomakesurefolkstheregettheresourcestheydeserve.

BothworkedfortheMQVNCommunityDevelopmentCorp.andhelped VietnamesefishersaccessreliefaftertheDeepwaterHorizonBPoildisasterin2010.Nguyenalsoco-createdtheVEGGIFarmer’sCooperative, threeacresofcommunity-ownedlandwhereout-of-workfisherscould farmtoearnmoney.

NguyenandBuico-foundedSongDevelopmentCorp.infall2021to continueinvestinginNewOrleansEast.Aspartofthiswork,theyare exploringwaystomanagestormwater,includingraingardens—shrubs andflowersplantedindipsoflandtoholdandsoakrainrunoff

ManyyoungVietnameseAmericansareleavingthearea,Nguyen says,andSongDevelopmentCorp.aimstomakesuretheagingpopulationistakencareofandtoadapttotheneedsoftheareaasitchanges, includingtheneedsofthesignificantBlackpopulationandgrowing Latinxpopulation.

Buialsoishelpingplan50eventstocommemoratethe50thanniversary ofthefallofSaigonnextApril,bothtorememberthepastandcelebrate VietnameseAmericans’contributionstoNewOrleans.They’vehadmore thanadozeneventssofar.

TheEastis“fullofpeoplewhoarecommittedtoinvestinginthisarea andworkingcollaborativelytobringinadditionalresourcestomakethis communitybetterforourfutures,”Buisays.

MURRIEL 35

DEATHDOULA; JOURNALIST;

CERAMICIST,BARROYLUNA

DeathdoulaCarolinaMurrielferriespeoplefromthe worldoflivingtothedead—andshedoesn’tmindif youcallherworkmetal.

“Ihavenotdiedyet—thatIknowof,”Murriel says.“ButIhavealwaysbeendrawntothe darker,harderaspectsofourexistence.”

MurrielwasborninPeru,whereshewitnessedcivilunrestbetweenguerillafighters andthegovernment;herschoolwasclose tocarbombs,blackoutsandhostagesituations.Thatexperienceeventuallyledtoher workdoingtrauma-informedjournalism, coveringimmigration,the2016electionand criminaljustice.

HerbylinehasappearedinTheMiamiHerald,WLRNandTheWorld,tonameafew,and Murrielco-foundedthepodcastnetworkPizza Sharktohelpbuildradicalinclusivityinmedia Duringthepandemic,Murrielbecamemore proactiveaboutherownmentalhealth,which ledhertoseekhealingthroughart,specifically ceramics.Shealsotappedbackintohercollege studiesofbirthpractices,whicheventuallyled toafocusonthedeathendofthelifecycle.

Herpractice,BarroyLuna(ClayandMoon), fusesdeath,storytellingandceramicstogether withthehopetodestigmatizedeathanddying AndinpartnershipwiththedeathcareorganizationWake,Murrielrecentlylaunchedanoral historyproject,LegadosdeLuisiana,torecord Latinxelders’legacies.

TIF “TEDDY” LAMSON 36

DRUMMER; VOCALIST

GrowingupinLafayetteasthedaughterofpastors,TifLamsongotan earlystartinmusicplayinginherfamily’schurchband

“IwasrecruitedbythetimeIwasborntobeintheband,andthat kindofjustledmetocontinueplayingmusicthroughoutmyentirelife,” saysLamson,whoisnowadrummer,singer,musicdirector,producer andengineer.

Decadeslater,she’sinadifferentband:ShaniaTwain’s.Forthelast year,she’sbeenplayingdrumsandsingingbackupvocalsforTwainon herworldtour,givingLamsontheopportunitytoperforminfrontof thelargestcrowdsofhercareer

HercareerfirsttookoffaftersheformedindiepopbandGiverswith TaylorGuariscoin2008.Theyhadbeen livinginNewOrleanswhen HurricaneKatrinahitandhadmovedbacktoLafayettefollowingthe storm,unsurewhattheirnextstepswouldbe.

Thebandreleasedtwofull-lengthalbums,performingonthelatenightcircuitandatJazzFest,CoachellaandLollapalooza.Theyalso playedCarnegieHallinNewYorkCitywithPreservationHall JazzBand

In2017,Lamsonwasthemusicdirectorforelectro-musician Peaches’showatMusicBoxVillage.Sheplayedwithheroffandonfor thenextseveralyears,includingonher“TeachesofPeaches”20-year anniversarytour.

Workingwiththeboundary-pushingfeministartistmadeLamson reflectonsocietalconstructsofgender,sexualityandart,including “whatarethelinesandwho’sdrawingthelines,”shesays LamsonwillperformwithTwainatCanadianfestivalsinAugust, followedbyasecondstintatherLasVegasresidency.

Thoughtheroutewasn’talwaysclear,“Icouldn’tthinkofanyother paththatIcouldhavewalkedon,really,”Lamsonsays.

THOMAS

MCRAE 30

PROGRAMDIRECTOR,MY COMMUNITYCARESFORBOYS TOWNLOUISIANA

EventhoughThomasMcRaeisn’tfromNew Orleans,thecitymadeanimpactonhimas achild

WhilegrowingupinWashington,D.C., McRaerememberswatchingcoverageof HurricaneKatrinawithafosterfamily.A yearlater,whenheneededasportsjerseyto weartomiddleschool,hepickedablackand goldonewiththenumber25and“Bush”on theback.Heusedcomputerclasstolookup theNewOrleansSaints.

“IthoughtI’dfindfootballpics,”McRae says,“ButIfoundKatrinapics…Itoldmyself I’dbeafriendofNewOrleans.Andifthis citycouldbouncebackfromthemost devastatingthing,itmademefeellikeIcould bounceback.”

McRaewasfacinghardshipsofhisown.He wasjust11whenheenteredthefostercare systemafteragunshotwoundbroughtthe authoritiestohishome.

“Statisticsforfosterkidsgoingtocollege weresolow,like3%,”hesays.“Growingup inabadneighborhood,educationwasn’t thefocus.”

ButnowadoctorateofsocialworkcandidateatTulaneUniversity,McRaehasdefied thoseoddsandthensome.

He’stheprogramdirectorofMyCommunityCaresforBoysTownLouisiana,a fostercareserviceinNewOrleans.MCCisa programsupportingkidsandfamiliesin high-needcommunitieswithresources likeparentingclasses,workshopsandcounselingsessions.

“Everydayfeelslikesurvivalmode becauseI’vealwayshadtofightforthings,” McRaesays.“Knowingthat’smymindsetat 30,I’vegottotakethatenergyandinvestit inthecommunityandthekids.”

CAROLINA

DANYELNICOLE BLACK 39

FOUNDER,CROWNMEFOUNDATION

After17yearsworkingineducation,DanyelNicoleBlack startedtheCrownMeFoundationtofocusondifferentareas ofpersonaldevelopment.

“Irealizedthatasafirst-generationcollegestudentinmy family,Iwantedtoundotoxicpatterns,”Blacksays.“We’re ofteneducatedacademicallybutwe’renoteducatedon howtosociallyengageandhavehealthyrelationships;how topickhealthypartners.We’reveryintentionalaboutthings likepickingtherightmajor,gettingintherightnetwork togrowourbusinessormakeconnections,butnooneis focusedonhealthypartnerships,healthypatterns,healthy boundaries,healthyfamilydynamics.Thosearenottaught incollege.Alotofwomenmaybehighlysuccessfulbutend upintoxicrelationships.”

SheestablishedthefoundationinAugust2020and launchedanarrayofprogramstosupportwomenand mentorgirls.FirsttherewasafundraiserfortheNew OrleansWomen&Children’sShelter.ForCrownMeCloset, thefoundationcollecteddonationsofnewclothesandhad astylistmeetwithwomentohelpcoachthemonhowto looktheirbest.Somerecipientsfromthewomen’sshelter neededtheclothesforjobinterviewsandtogotowork. Otherprogramshonorwomenfortheirachievements andpairthemwithyounggirlsformentorships,aswellas supportingthemwithscholarships

Blackalsoisafitnesstrainerandhasbecomeanemcee, hostingfundraisersandgalas

AtCrownMe,she’salwaysacheerleaderandhasgoldand pinkpompomstosymbolizetheeffort.

“Thecolorsarepinkandgoldforfemininityandpower,” shesays.“Itrytohelpwomenembodytheirfemininity more,becausewhenwearewoundedandunhealed,womenarebrash,defensiveandshutoff.Whenweheal,wecan openupandbecomemoreopentotheendlesspossibilities oflife.”

KATIEEAST 39

VPOFCREATIVEOPERATIONS, CAROLINEROSAMARKETING; COMEDIAN

KatieEasthasoftenusedcomedytoreframeatoughsituation—although, shequicklyadmitsshealsolikesthevalidationthatcomesfrombeing onstage.

Astand-upcomic,Eastseveralyearsagobeganhostingburlesqueshows ShebecameclosewithBigDealBurlesqueandTrixieMinx,andtheexperiencepushedhertoreconsiderherself-deprecatingstyleofcomedy, Eastsays

Surprisingly,shereceivedpushbackfromlocalvenueswhopreferredtosee amanoroneoftheburlesqueperformershosttheshow.SoEastdecidedto trysomethingdifferent.SheenrolledintheNewOrleansDragWorkshopand createdthefabulousdragpersonaMammaryLane.Itwasachanceforherto befunnyyetlessself-deprecatingandcontinuetoemceeaspartoftheshow.

“Itwasasuperinsanelearningprocess,andIgotexactlywhatIwantedout ofit,”Eastsays

EastgrewupinBatonRouge,graduatedfromLSUandmovedtoNewYork Cityforseveralyears,wheresheperformedstand-upandimprovregularly andtrainedwiththeUprightCitizen’sBrigade.AfterreturningtoLouisianain 2012,shebecameapartofNewOrleans’comedycommunity,andin2014 openedforLouisC.K.infrontofasold-outJoyTheatercrowd

Overtheyears,Easthasdevelopedaone-womanshowcalled“SickGirl,” drawingfromherexperiencehavingararecaseofmelanomawhilejust 19yearsold.She’sperformed“SickGirl”inNewYork,BatonRougeand NewOrleans

“AndIhadalotofstand-upjokesaboutit,”Eastsays.“IfIcanmakesomeonelaughaboutit,Ireallylovethat.”

Eaststilloccasionallyperformsstand-upanddragbuthassloweddown alittlesincethepandemic.Shefocusesmorenowonusingherhumorand creativitytoworkwithclientsatdigitalmarketingagencyCarolineRosa Marketing,whereshe’svicepresidentofcreativeoperations.

KYLE DEVRIES 38

DIRECTOR,CATALYZECONSULTING&PRODUCTIONS;

BOARDPRESIDENT,NEWORLEANSPRIDECENTER

KyleDeVrieswasdrawntoactivismand organizingwhileincollegeatFloridaState University.Heleftschoolafteroneyearto gettowork.

“Iwaspursuingcommunicationsand politicalscience,andIrealizedIwaslearningsomuchmorebeingontheground,” DeVriessays.“LGBTQactivismhasalways beenmybiggestpassion,butIworkedfor theSierraClubandtheFloridaLeagueof Conservationandatthestatecapitalasan assistantlobbyist.”

DeVriesgainedexperienceadvocating forFloridapublicradioandlaterworkedto createLGBTQserviceorganizationsinthe SanFranciscoBayArea.In2013,hefoundedanddirectedGroundswell,anLGBTQ retreatinBoonville,California.

In2016,heswitchedbacktocommunity organizingandactivism,andinearly2021 movedtoNewOrleans.“Ihavealways beeninlovewithNewOrleans,”DeVries says.“ThisiswhereIfoundcultureand community.Itwasaneasydecisionto comeback.”

AftertheLGBTCommunityCenteron BroadStreetclosedin2022,heledefforts toopentheNewOrleansPrideCenter inBywater.

“Wetalkedwithgroupstoseewhatthey wantedinacenter,”hesays.“Wewanted tocreateahubforLGTBQorganizations andindividualsintheregionwherethey canhaveaccesstospaceandresources.” Heisthecenter’sboardpresident,but alsoishands-on,directingvolunteersand attendingevents.Thecenterisbeingused byTransQueerYouthNOLA,Forumfor Equalityandothergroups.Itwilladddropinhourswhenitgetsfull-timestaff,and DeVries’eventualplanistobuyabuilding tocreateapermanentspaceandsupport moregroupsandprograms.

SYDNEYDOYLE 34

PROGRAMDIRECTOR, UNCOMMONCONSTRUCTION

FOUNDERS,ABSTRACTNOLA

AstheprogramdirectorofunCommon Construction,SydneyDoyleworkstocreateaspacewhereyoungpeoplecanlearn real-worldskillsthroughanunconventional classroom:aconstructionsite.

Facedwithconsolidatingtheguestlistfortheirweddingin2015,New OrleansnativesKennethSpearsandAntarahHasan-Spearsdecidedto throwabigafterparty.Theyenjoyedtheprocessand,withloveforthecity’s culture,decidedtoorganizeeventstohighlightNewOrleansartists.

Eightyearsin,AbstractNolahasheldmorethan150arts-centered eventsandcollaboratedwithmorethan175artistsworkinginallmediums. TheirquarterlytentpoleArtandMusicExperiencetendstobringinaround 1,000peopletodance,meetartistsandseetheirwork.

Growinguparoundmusicians,Kenneth’sdevelopedaloveforNewOrleans’culturaldiversity.Today,he’salsoFrenchQuarterFestivalInc.’sfood, beverageandhospitalitydirector,curatingmenusshowcasingthecity’s culinarytalent,includingonFrenchQuarterFest’snewCulinaryStage,and helpingimplementenvironmentalbestpracticesatFQFandtheSatchmo SummerFest.

KennethmanagesthebusinessaspectsofAbstractNolaalongwith themusicandproductionsidewhileAntarahoverseesthecreative directionoftheevents,suchascuratingartists,installations,galleriesand aestheticelements

“Beinginbusinesstogetherhasaddedanotherlayertoourrelationship andcommunication,”Antarahsays.“I’vereallybeenabletoappreciateit somuchmorebecauseofhowourpassionslineupandhowevenourwork stylescometogether.”

Antarahalsoisacurator,designer,andeventproducerandhasworked withtheEssenceFestivalofCulture,theNewOrleansTourismandCultural FundGalaandtheNewOrleansAfricanAmericanMuseum.Shealsoworks withQueenTahjoftheGoldenEagles.

“AbstractNolaisreallyapassionproject,”Kennethsays.“Atitscore,it embodiesthepassionthatAntarahandIhaveforthecultureandourcommitmenttoupliftingandsustainingit.”

AtunCommonConstruction,highschool studentsjoinateamofpeerstobuilda housethroughoutasemester.Notonly dotheylearncraftsmanship,buttheyuse math,science,reading,communication, criticalthinkingandmoreonaday-to-day basis.Theteensalsoreceivehourlypay, amatchingequityawardscholarshipand schoolcredit.

Doyle,whomovedtoNewOrleansfrom NorthCarolinanineyearsago,sharesthat themostimportantpartofherjobisbeing abletocreateaspacewhereyoungpeople canbehands-onandsolveproblems.“The excitementandpridethatyoucanseeon theirfacewhentheycompleteataskor projectisindescribable,”shesays.

Sofar,everystudentwhohassuccessfullycompletedtheexperiencehasgraduated ontimeandiseitherenrolledinpost-secondaryeducationorwasemployedwithin threemonths.Doylebelievesthatthis

intersectionofeducationandworkforce experiencecansparkchangeandbuilda brighterfutureforNewOrleansyouth “Theyoungpeopleinthiscityareso amazing,andIlovebeinginapositiontobe abletoupliftandhighlightthatandbea smallpartoftheirjourneyduringandafter highschool,”Doylesays.

SENIORDIRECTOROFEDU-

NicoleCaridadRalstonremembersher firstvisittoNewOrleans,despitebeingjust 4yearsoldatthetime.“IlovedtheseNew Orleanscoloringbooksthatwegot,” shesays.

RalstonfoundherwaybacktoNew Orleansin2012,andtoday,sherunseducationandprogrammingforBelovedCommu-

nity,aconsultingfirmhelpingbusinesses builddiversity,equityandinclusionin theworkplace

“Asamixedkid,youoftenfeelstuckbetweentwodifferentcultures,”saysRalston, thedaughterofawhitefatherandCuban mother.“HowdoIcreatespacestomake peoplefeelbig?”

ThroughBelovedCommunity,Ralston helpedonerestaurantbuildanall-Black womenmanagementstaffandhelped tweakdresscodestobemoreinclusive, removinginherentlybiasedruleslikenail lengthrequirements.Shealsohelpedone organizationservingtheBlackcommunitytransitionfromawhitefounderintoa Black-runoperation

Ralston’spersonalproject,thefoodie Instagramaccount“OfftheEatenPath” (@eatenpathnola),takesonamissionof celebratingNewOrleansbusinessesowned bypeopleofcolor,oftendetailingthe culturalhistoriesoffood.Theaccountnow hasmorethan29,500followers Ralston,amotherofadoptedtwins,also isanadjunctprofessoratUNO,teaching aboutmulticulturalisminhighereducation, andsherunsabirthdoulapractice,where she’shelpedsixmothersthroughthebirthingprocess

EPIDEMIOLOGIST; FOUNDEROFTHETHURMAN PERRYFOUNDATION

GabriellePerryisdedicatedtohelpingwomenandgirlsimpactedbytheincarcerationsystem.Theissueispersonalforher. Adecadeago,herfatherdied,andshewaslefttotakecare ofherdisabledmotherwhileshewasincollege.Herfather’s deathmeantalossofprimaryincome,andthefamily’shome wastakeninforeclosure.Sheturnedtowhatshecallscrimesof survival,shesays

“Iwasinadesperatesituation,”shesays.“Peopleareone adverselifeeventawayfromthejailhouse.”

Ajudgetookmercyonheranddismissedhercharges, allowinghertoearnmultipledegrees.Butshestillhaddifficulty findingworkbecauseofthearrestonherrecord,causingherto becomehomeless.

Shefoughttogetherrecordexpungedandnowworksasan epidemiologist.ShefoundedtheThurmanPerryFoundation, namedforherfather,togivewomenimpactedbytheprison andjailsystemnewopportunitiesthroughscholarships,transitionalhousingfundsandotherresources.

Oneofthelatestinitiatives,GirlCode,hasbecomeanational programdistributingorganic,high-qualitymenstrualproducts towomeninjailandprisons.In30states,Perrysayswomen whoareincarcerateddonotreceivemenstrualproductsfrom thefacilities.

“TheyaredoingGodknowswhat,withoutanydignity,”she says.“Theyarecuttingopenmattresses...theyareripping theirclothes,usingsocksinsteadoftampons.”

Sinceshestartedtheprogramin2021,shehasorchestrated thedeliveryofmorethan210,000productstoprisons.

“Themajorityof(incarcerated)womenaresexualabuse survivors,domesticabusesurvivors.Thesearebatteredand brokenwomenwhoarebeingburiedaboveground,”shesays “Thesewomenmatter.Pleaserememberthem.”

PROFESSIONAL-IN-RESIDENCE,LSU

AfterAlysonCurrogotherpoliticalcommunication degreefromLSU,shefiguredthenextstepwas CapitolHill.

Instead,theNewOrleansareanativesurprised everyonebygoingtoTurkey,wheresheworkedasa reporterafteraresearchinternship.Aftergettingher master’satPrinceton,shespentayearinMyanmar, whereshecreatedandself-publishedachildren’s book,“GirlPowerinMyanmar,”about14localwomenwhobrokebarriers

CLAIBORNE “CLAY”

CHRISTIAN 35

EXECUTIVEDIRECTORFORCOM-

MERCIALIZATION,TULANEUNIVERSITYINNOVATIONINSTITUTE

Claiborne“Clay”Christiangrewupgoingtotheater productionsandstudiedtheclassicsasanundergrad. Helikestocook,collectsartandiscurrentlyreading RebeccaSpang’s“TheInventionoftheRestaurant.”

He’salsoanaward-winningscientist

ANewOrleaniansince2012,Christianearnedhis Ph.D.inbiomedicalsciencesattheTulaneUniversity SchoolofMedicineandlaterbecameapostdoctoral fellowatSt.Jude’sResearchHospital.Hisworkin 2020onTulaneSchoolofMedicine’s“TheCOVID-19 Digest”publicationearnedhimtheprestigiousPresident’sAwardforExcellence

Christianin2022helpedconceptualizeandlaunch theTulaneUniversityInnovationInstitute,aninitiativesupportingstartupsandentrepreneurshipinthe GulfSouth.Inhisrolethere,Christianworkstogrow technology-basedstartupsandanentrepreneurial ecosystemacrossNewOrleans.

AsofMay,he’soverseenprogramsthathave givenmorethanahalfamilliondollarsinfundsto early-stagelocallydevelopedtechnologies,ideas andteams.

Christianisafoundingmemberoftheequity, diversityandinclusioncommitteeatAUTM,aglobal

Butperhapsthebiggestshockerofhercareercame shortlyaftershebegantheroleofcommunications directorfortheLouisianaDepartmentofHealth—in January2020.Withinherfirstweeks,thedepartmentstartedcommunicatingaboutCovid-19.

“Iwasstilllearningwherethebathroomwas,” shesays.

Inherthreeandahalfyearsthere,Currohelpedthe departmentpromoteCovid-19vaccinations,includingthroughpartnershipswithcommunityleaders, doorknocking,phonebanking,texting,billboards, andTVandradioPSAs.

“Itwas,inshort,themostchallenging,meaningful andimportantworkI’veeverdonetodate,andprobablyamongthemostimportantworkthatI’lleverdo inmycareer,”shesays.

TheeffortgotCurrothinkingaboutwaystoreduce politicalpolarizationoncriticalhealthissues,especiallyduringacrisis.She’sbeenexploringthatinher newroleasprofessional-in-residenceatLSU.

Curro’sworkingwithLiftLouisianaontheir abortionrightsdoorknockingcampaign,partnering withstudentstoadvocateforincreasedaccessto emergencycontraceptiononcampus,andconductinginterviewswithOurLadyoftheLakeRegional MedicalCenterstaffaboutbeingonthefrontlinesof thepandemic.

ShealsohelpedwiththeNewOrleansHealth Department’ssummercampaignpromotingtesting forsyphilisandotherSTIs

“Ireallybelieveinthepoweroflanguageand storiestoconnect,tofindcommonground,reduce stigmaandbuildempathy,”Currosays

professionalorganizationpromotingacademic research.HealsospentyearsfundraisingforLGBTQ groupFridayNightBeforeMardiGrasandvolunteers withFriendsforAll,whichhelpspeopleliving withHIV.

“Ifyoucanhelp,youareobligatedto,”hesays. “Throughpractice,accidentornaturalbirth,ifyou areinapositiontoputyourgifts,toputyourtalents tobenefitsociety,youshould.”

ALFRED BANKS 33

RAPPER

InMay,AlfredBanksbecamethefirsthip-hop artisttoperformafullcollaborativeconcert withtheLouisianaPhilharmonicOrchestra. Itwasanoteworthyachievement,butfor Banks,therealhonorwassellingoutashowin hishometown.

“ThatlittleweekinMaywasjustlikea testament,I’matanotherplateaunowandthe respectIgethasbeencool,”Bankssays Ambition,hustleandgiftedlyricismhave continuedtoelevateBanksoverthelast15 years,eversincehejumpedonstageatTruth Universal’sGrassrootsshowcasein2009.There havebeenperformanceswithMickeyFactz, MegaRanandLupeFiasco;slotsatVoodooFest andBukuFest;well-receivedalbums;anda Volkswagencommercial.

Banksjustpursuedwhatfeltgood,hesays.

“Inthat,Ifindthatit’sdifferentthanthe norm,andIleanedintoit,”Banksadds.“Iwant todowhat’snaturalforme,andwhat’snatural formeistobeveryenthusiasticaboutmybars, thepunchlines,themetaphorsandstructuresin myverses...Itwaslessabouttryingtobedifferentandmoreaboutfindingwhatfeltgood.”

Banksalsohasbeenreachingnewaudiences aspartoftheduoSaxKixAvewithsaxophonistandproducerAlbertAllenback.Withtwo EPsundertheirbelt,theduohasbeentouring widelyin2024

Banks’nextshowisFriday,July26,atSiberia withMarcelP.Black,KayetheBeast,Luke JulienandD.Horton.AndhewillopenforTalib KweliOct.5atTheJoyTheater

“Iwantpeopletoknowhip-hopcanbealternative,”Bankssays.“Itcanbedifferent. Itcanbethought-provoking.Itcanbeconscious.Itcouldbehumorousandjustaspotent. ThosearethetypesofthingsIwanttobringto thetable.”

ALYSON CURRO 35

EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR,ALGIERSECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTFOUNDATION

Recently,KelseyFosterboughtagiantpairofscissors—the kindthatittakestwohandstouse.Inthepastyearalone, she’shelpedcut12ribbonsonnewbusinessesinAlgiers throughherworkattheAlgiersEconomicDevelopmentFoundation(AEDF).

“Everybodyhereisadreamer,”FostersaysofAlgiers. “They’vegotthreedifferentsidehustlesthatthey’reworkingat alltimes.”

AEDFisanonprofitnurturingsmallbusinessownersinAlgiers byprovidingthemwithresourcesandinformationtohelptheir businessesgrow.Say,ifabusinesshasan$8,000Sewerage andWaterBilltheyneedtocontest,ortheyneedtonavigate permitstogetanewsign,AEDFcanhelp.

Fostersaysshepickeduppublicfinancefromherprevious careerasajournalist,whereshedevelopedaknackforanalyzingschoolboardbudgets.WhenshestartedatAEDFin2020, thepandemicpushedtheorganizationtoresettheirfocusfrom hostingeventsinwhiterneighborhoodstobetterservingcommunitiesofcolor.SinceFosterhasjoined,AEDF’sbudgetand staffbothtripledandtheirmembershipincreasedby1,200%.

WhenFosterisnotworkingfulltimeforAEDF,she’svolunteeringatvariouseventsandsitsontheboardoftheUniversity ofHolyCrossandtheSoutheastLouisianaFloodProtection Authority,West.Fosteralsorunsaprogramtobetterconnect highschoolerswithlocalemployers.

“It’sareallysmallworldhere,”Fostersays.“Soit’sfuntobe inthemix.”

DR. BC EGAN 37

ASSISTANTPROFESSOROFEMERGENCYMEDICINE, UMCNEWORLEANS

Providingaccessiblehealthcareandendingtheopioidepidemichasdriven Dr.BCEgan—themedicaldirectorofforensicsatUMCNewOrleans—to inventnewwaystohelpthoselivingwithopioidusedisorder.

Whenpatientsvisittheemergencydepartmentduetoanopioid overdose,itisusuallyalastresort.Inthepast,theyweremerelygivena phonenumbertocallfortreatmentaftertheirvisit.Now,Eganhasstarted aprogramwheretheyarealsogivenNaloxone,adrugthatcanreversethe life-threateningsymptomsofanopioidoverdose,andBuprenorphine,a long-termtreatmentsolution

Egansaysthatbyconnectingpatientswithcommunityprovidersonce theyaredischargedtocontinuetheirtreatment,abridgeiscreatedthat didn’texistbefore.

“Whilealotofmypracticeinvolvestreatinginjuriesandillness,it’salso problemsolvinghowtonavigatethesocialservicenetworkinNewOrleans tohelppatientsgetaccesstotransportation,housing,substanceusetreatment,andmentalhealthservices,”theysaid.

Besidesprovidingmedicalcare,Eganviewsthemostimportantpartof theirjobasmakingpatientsfeelseen,heard,comfortable,andrespected —thisincludesbreakingdownanynegativestigmasarounddruguse

“Partofmyworkandthatofanetworkofmanyothermotivatedprovidersistoabolishthatoldwayofthinkinginmedicineandtreatourpatients withopioidusedisorderlikewewouldanyotherpatient:withkindnessand empathy,offeringthemavarietyoftreatmentandharmreductionoptions forwhereverthe”E

eyare,”Egansays

PROFESSOR,TULANEUNIVERSITY; ROWER

JohnHuppicametoTulaneUniversityasanundergraduatein2007,largelyasaresponsetoHurricaneKatrina “Iwaslike,that’stheplaceIwanttogo,”Huppisays. “Iwantedtolearnfromacityrebuilding.Allofthose mechanicswereinterestingtome.”

Hegotinvolvedimmediatelybyvolunteering “Itwasmeswingingahammeronthejobsite,”hesays. “ThenIstartedgettingallthesequestionsaboutwho weredoingalltheseprojectsanddrivingdecisions.”

HuppialsowenttogradschoolatTulaneandbegana careerlookingatrealestatedevelopment.Hedesigneda realestatemajorwithinTulane’sSchoolofArchitecture, andithasbecomethelargestprogramwithintheschool “Thevastmajorityofourstudentswanttobedevelopers,”Huppisays.“Butthefieldisreallybroad,sothereare studentswhoendupinbanking,brokerage,construction, management,financingandonthepolicyandgovernmentsideofthings.”

AlsoatTulane,Huppidiscoveredcompetitiverowing. He’srepresentedtheU.S.andSwitzerlandininternationalcompetitions,sinceheholdsdualcitizenship

“MywifeandIwerepartofateamthatwonabronze medalattheworldchampionships,whichwe’rereally proudof,”hesays.

HuppicontinuestocoachtheTulanemen’sandwomen’srowingteams,butheandhiswifealsoarefocusing onanewchallenge.Nextsummer,they’llattempttoseta GuinnessWorldRecordforthefastestfour-personteam tocrosstheArcticOcean.

They’rejoiningwithformerNewOrleansSaintsplayer JimmyGrahamandformerNavySEALAndrewTroppin the10-to21-day,1,000-kilometerjourneyfromTromso, Norway,toSvalbardintheArcticCircle

Theyhopetosettherecordandcallattentiontotheir charitybeneficiaries,Laureus,whichsupportsyouth sportsopportunities,andCovenantHouseNewOrleans.

FOUNDINGARTISTIC DIRECTOROF INTRAMURALTHEATER; CO-SONGWRITERAT TVPOLESHINE

BennettKirschnerwasraisedinthetheater andstartedactinginplaysstartingaround age4whilegrowingupinNewJersey. Hestuckwithit,foundingtheIntramural Theaterin2015whileattendingUniversity ofNewOrleansforamaster’sdegree inplaywriting.

Intramuralputsonsite-specificplaysat venuesaroundtown,includingunconventionalspaceslikeaFrenchmenStreethotel roomorafriend’sbackyard.Thegroup’s lastplay,“BermudaCanCompany,”was anoffbeatcomedyattheMusicBoxVillage thatincorporatedstart-upculture,nepotismandavisitbeyondthegrave,allina uniquelydysfunctionalNewOrleansoffice. Thenextplay,scheduledforearlynextyear, willbeaboutpolitics.

Intramuralputsontwotypesofproductionsayear,hesays:adevisedonethat thegroupcreatesentirelyfromscratch,in additiontoaregionalorworldpremiereof aplaybyacontemporaryartist.“Inboth, weprioritizedoingnewandoriginalworks,” hesays

WhentheIntramuralgroupdevelops theirownshows,theystartfromawriting promptaboutasubjectsuchassynesthesia orvoyeurism.

Kirschneralsoisasongwriterwith thegroupTVPoleShine,whichfocuses moreonliveperformancesthan studiorecordings

“Inatimewherewearedealingwithpoliticalandculturalpolarization–thatIthinkis reallyfueledbyourobsessionwithscreens–there’ssomethinginherentlyrevolutionary aboutnurturingandsharingaspacewith otherpeopletoenjoyamomentintimethat willneverexistagain,”hesays.

JOHN HUPPI 34

SUBTWEET SHAWN 25

ENTERTAINER

JEREL BRYANT 39

CEO,COLLEGIATEACADEMIES

Duringthe2016-17schoolyear,JerelBryanthadavisiontochangethenegativenarrativearoundGeorge WashingtonCarverHighSchoolandtheexperiences ofitsstudents.Thenprincipaloftheschool,Bryant wantedtocreateanenvironmentwherechildren wereeagertolearn

Bryantpushedtheschooltoexpandathleticsand improveextracurriculars,andCarverintroduceda programcalled“LasSierras”tosupportstudents whoarenon-nativeEnglishspeakers.AfterBryant’s adjustments,studentsregainedschoolpride,andthe percentageofteensstayingenrolledatCarverwent fromlessthan70%tonearly90%.Withinayear, thesuspensionratedroppedfromover60%toless than15%.

“IespeciallylovewatchingBlackandBrownkids recognizewhatthey’recapableofwhileevenchasing more,”Bryantsays.“AsaBlackmaleinthisspace,I wanttomodelthatenthusiasmforwhat’spossible;I feelespeciallyconvictedaboutthatmodeling.”

Bryant’sexperienceatCarverpavedthewayfor himtonowserveastheCEOofCollegiateAcademies,anetworkoffivelocalcharterschoolsthat includesCarver.Withanincreasingpassionfor teachingandlearning,Bryantsupportshundreds ofeducatorsandthousandsofstudentsaround NewOrleans.Hebelievesintheirpotentialtogrow beyondexpectations

“AtCarver,theroadwasnevereasy,”Bryant says.“Butaclearvision,acommittedteam,andan unwaveringbeliefinourkidsledtoseismicgrowthin Carver’sperformance.Iwantmoreofthatforeven morekids.”

ShawnTaylor,betterknownasSubtweet Shawn,knewhis“GettheGat”challenge wouldgoviral—butheneverthoughtit’d reachtheWhiteHouse.Duringhiswinter breakatLSUin2019,Taylorcreateda dancetotheLilElt’92bouncesong,shot avideowithhisfamilyandpostedittohis socialmediaasaprompttogetothersto movetothesong.

“Toseehoweverybodywaslike,‘I’m gonnajoinin,’andwatchingitbuilduplike thatforthenexttwoweeks,itwasunbelievable,”hesays

Followingtheirchampionshipwin,the LSUfootballteamembraced“Getthe Gat”andshotavideoduringtheirWhite Housevisit.Itwasamassiveviralmoment, butitwasn’tTaylor’sfirstandithasn’t beenhislast.

TheNewOrleans-bornrapper,actor, comedianandvideocreatorhashadanumberofviralmoments,goingbackto the2016song“HitDaDolphin”withCozy WithTheCurls.Mostrecently,thetrack “RockYoHips”withT99ZYledtoatouchdowndancethattookovercollegefootball lastfall

Taylor’sSubtweetShawnmonikercomes fromaviralbounceparodyhemadein

2014,butinthelastyear,especially,he’s leanedintomusic,releasingtwoEPsand multiplesinglesblendingrap,bounceelements,R&B,popandanarrayofinteresting samples.He’srackeduphundredsofthousandsofstreamsacrossplatforms.

“I’vebeenabletoreinventmyselfevery singleyear,”Taylorsays,addinghe’dliketo soonturnhissightstowardacting.“Every year,I’vebeenabletocomeoutwithanew challengeorsomethingthatwentviral…so tobeabletodothatfor10yearsandkeep mynameintheroom,Ifeellikethat’sagoal initself.”

OWNER,MAE’SBAKESHOP

JeremyFoggopenedMae’sBakeshopasa home-basedconfectioneryafterthepandemicforcedthecity’srestaurantstoclose,

includingEmeril’s,whereFogghadbeen pastrychefforsixyears.

TheMae’sbrandanditsfollowinggrew, firstthroughpop-upsandthenwithcustom cakeordersandcateringevents.InJanuary 2024,Foggopenedthebrick-and-mortar Mae’sBakeshopinUptown,drawingfroma mixofnewrecipesandfamilytraditions.

Foggwasdrivenbygoodfoodasaboy growingupinFlorida,doingthingslike “lookinguprecipes,makingthingsonBoy Scoutcampouts,[watching]grandmainthe kitchenwhenshemadefamilydinneron weekends,”hesays

WhileatEmeril’s,Foggdevelopedhis skillsnotonlywithsugar,flour,butterand eggs,butalsowithpeople.Andduringhis timethere,hewasfeaturedon“BeatBobby Flay,”“BestBakerinAmerica”and“Guy’s DessertGames.”Foggtooktheprizeonan episodeof“ChoppedSweets”in2020 “Itsurprisesmestill,whenpeoplerecognizemefromTV,”Foggsays

Overtheyears,he’sseentheeffecta sweettreatcanhavebeyondjustasale “Igotowork.Ibake.Igohome,”hesays. “Idon’tlookatmyselfassuperimportant, butitisreallynicethatIcanhaveanimpact onpeoplejustbybeingmyself.”

EAT+DRINK

Hotlinebling

WHENANONLINEREVIEWERCALLED OUTHOTSTUFFCHEFNATEBARFIELD forservingcannedgreenbeans,he wastickledpink

“yep,they’recanned,”says thechef,whogrewupinrural Monroeville,Alabama.

“That’sthewaya‘meatandthree’ doesitintheSouth,”hesays.“I wantedtomakegoodcannedgreen beans.Themisosauceisnottraditional,butcannedgreenbeansoffer ablankpalate.youcanmakethem tastelikeanythingyouwant.Ilove softgreenbeans.Ienjoythetexture.”

Barfieldhasspentclosetohalfhis cookingcareeratTurkeyandthe Wolf,workingonthelinesincethe widelyacclaimedsandwichshop openedin2016.Afewyearsago,he andhisco-chef,PhilCenec,cameto acrossroads.

“Theybothreachedapointintheir careerthattheydidn’tneedtobe cookingmyfood.Theyhavetheirown uniqueculinaryvoice,”saysMason Hereford,founderofTurkeyand theWolfandco-ownerofHotStuff “Theyindividuallyletmeknowthat theydidn’tplantostayatTurkeyand theWolfforever.Itwastimefortheir nextmove.”

Herefordandhiswifeandpartner laurenAgudosawtwowaysforward.

“Iftheywantedtoplantheirexit, wewouldsupportthematwhatever levelwecould,”Herefordsays.“Or maybethey’dwanttopartnerona project.WecouldleverageTurkey andtheWolftogetmoneyfromthe bankandovertime,andwecould opentherestaurantstheyimagined forthemselveswithusaspartners.It wouldtakesometimetodotwonew projects,butitwasdoable.”

Bothchefsjumpedattheopportunity.Itwasamodelthathadworked withHereford’ssecondrestaurant, Molly’sRiseandShine,whichopenedin 2018withco-chefsColleenQuarlsand lizHollinger,nowpartnersinthebusiness.InApril2023,Hereford,Agudo andCenacopenedthe’80s-themed HungryEyes.HotStuffopenedinMay withBarfieldatthehelm.

buttermilkfortwodays,thendredged inflourcutwithcayenneforsubtle heat.There’spicklecheese,similarto pimientobutmadewithpickles

FORK +CENTER

Emaildining@gambitweekly.com

Inhighspirits

NEWORLEANSHASALWAYSHADAPLACE ONTHEMAPforcocktailconnoisseurs. TalesoftheCocktailgavethisconnectionaspotonthecalendartoo,right whenit’sneededmost

Theannualbartendingandspirits industryconferenceandcelebration rollsagainthisweek(July21-26),with theRitz-CarltonHotelasitshomebase andripplesthatarefeltacrossthecity localscanseetheimpactaspeople fromaroundtheworldsoakinthescene andbolsterlocalbusinessesintheteeth ofsummer.

“IlovewhatMarlon(Williams) doeswithChicken’sKitchenonthe WestBank,”Barfieldsays.“Buthe’s fromhereandhasaNewOrleans pointofview.Myapproachismore pan-Southern.”

Barfieldfirstembracedthecafeteria-style“meatandthree,”where customerspickonemeatandthree sidesforafixedprice,whenhewent tocollege.Itimmediatelybecamehis favoritewaytoeat

“Myparentsgrewupincoastal Florida,CapeCanaveral,”hesays. “Mymomneverfriedasinglething. Wehadagarden.Weatebaked chicken.ButIwasfamiliarwith Southerningredients.”

Situatedinanondescriptbrick buildingonMapleStreet,HotStuffis designedinHereford’smaximalist, tongue-in-cheekstyle.Thedecorisan odetoretropopculture,withplastic toys,neonsignsandoldadvertisements Whilethevibemightbeakissing cousintoTurkeyandtheWolf,what’s ontheplateisnot.

“Wewerealwaystryingtosurpriseour customers,”Barfieldsays.“Theywould expectonething,butwe’ddosomethingdifferent.Wedon’tdothathere.”

Barfieldfollowstraditionand elevatesitatthesametime.Thehamburgersteakhasarichaupoivresauce Friedchickenisbrinedinhotsauceand

Creamymacandcheesehasacapof meltedcheeseontopofthecavatappi pasta.MiniMountainDewcakesare glazedandzestedwithlemonand lime.Andthebananapuddingtastes likebananasFoster.

Dinersgrabatrayandmaketheirway downtheline,optingforaproteinand asmanysidesastheywant,orsimply skipthemeataltogetherandstickwith vegetableandvegansides.

lunchincludescornbread,aroll brushedwithsagebrownbutter,or sometimeshushpuppies.Thedaily menuispostedontherestaurant’s Instagramfeed.Platesstartat$11 (meat,oneside,bread),andameat andthreeis$18.

Forcocktails,dinersorderashot ofboozeandaddmixersatthe sodadispenser.

It’snotunusualtohavealineout thedoorasfolksqueueupforfried porkchopsandcollardsstuddedwith baconandhamhocks.There’san expansivecoveredpatioinback.

“Ialwayscaredaboutmyjobat TurkeyandtheWolf,”Barfieldsays “ButI’msurprisedattheextralevelI careaboutthis.Iwakeupinthemorning,gethereat7andputinalongday, andit’sgreat.Ievencomeinondays we’reclosedtocatchuponpaperwork. Ijustlovethisplace.”

Thisisthe22ndyearforTalesofthe Cocktail,whichstartedsmallasawalking touroflocalcocktailhistory.It’sgrown tobecomeanimportantplaceforpeople inthespiritsandhospitalitybusinessto networkwiththemoversandshakersin theirfieldandmajorspiritscompanies. Sponsorscometopromotebrandsand launchproducts.Bartenders,barowners,brandrepsanddistillersfromaround theworldcometolearnatseminars,and topartyinbetween

Today,theeventisrunbytheTales oftheCocktailFoundation.Thenonprofitmakesgrantstoinitiativesaimed atimprovingthehealthandwell-being ofbartenders

Whileit’sanindustry-focusedevent, thereareplentyofwaysforcocktail aficionadostogetinvolved,evenifthat mightmeanduckingoutofworkforthe dayorstayingoutverylate.

TalesoftheCocktailhelpstheNew Orleanshospitalityindustry,andalso burnishesthecity’scredibilityinthe cocktailworldyear-round. Bydrawingacrowdofhospitality prosandspiritsbrandstothecityinthe middleofsummer,itprovidesavalue thatsomeintheindustrysayishardto SlyAugustin,ownerofTrailerHappiness inLondon,preparesmartinisataFord’s GineventatTalesoftheCocktailin2023.

PHOTOBYIAN MCNULTY /THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
ChefsNateBarfield(left)and MasonHerefordopenedHotStuff.
PHOTOBYIAN MCNULTY/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE

overstate,puttingwindin thesailstomakeitthrough tofall.Brandsoftentake overentirebars,restaurants orevenhotelsforanight; partiesplayoutatvenues acrosstown;restaurantsand barsnotofficiallyaffiliated withtheprogramsseefull housestoo.

Theevent’seconomic impacttotaled$24million lastyear,accordingtothe nonprofit’sannualreport, whichwasanearly9% increasefrom2022

Throughitshistory,theeventalso hashelpedmoveNewOrleanstothe forefrontofanevolvingdrinksindustry.TheTalesoftheCocktailnameand experiencesinNewOrleansrackedup fromitarecommonthreadsofconversationaroundthebarbusiness.

TheTalesoftheCocktailcalendar includeshundredsofevents,someby invitationonly,someopentothepublic,oftenfeaturingguestbrandsand bartendersfromacrosstheglobe.This year,TalesoftheCocktailhasmore accesspointsforcasualcocktaillovers totakepartalongsidethepros Theweekgetsofftoastartwith thenationalfinalsroundofSpeed Rack,acompetitionthatpitsfemale bartendersagainsteachotherintimed boutsforcocktailmaking,withticket proceedsbenefitingbreastcancer research.Bartendersfromacrossthe countrywhohaverisenthroughthe bracketsofpreviousroundsfaceoffon July21atRepublicNOlA.Ticketsare $25viaspeed-rack.com

OnekeyfacetofTalesaretasting rooms,andtheseareeasierforthe generalpubictoaccessnow.Spirits brandssetuptheseroomsacrossthe Ritz-Carltoneachday,pouringsamples oftheirflagshiplabelsandlatest releases.TastingRoomdaypassesare aimedatpeoplewhowanttodipin forataste,availablefor$45perday. Theseroomsareopenduringthedaytime,MondaythroughThursday Cocktailtoursareanothereasy accesspoint.Thisyear’stours,developedbyNewOrleans-baseddrinks expertWayneCurtis,exploretopics including“Brandy/Bourbon/Bitters/ Ice(orNewOrleansdrinking101),” “TheBigGayBarTour,”“Bourbon Street&HowitGotThatWay,”and “AbsintheTour.”Thesearesmalltours, cappedat18people,withdrinksamplesduringtheouting.Ticketsare$65. SomerestaurantshostSpirited Dinners,theboozeequivalenttowine dinners.Palm&Pine,forinstance, hasonewithTequilaFortaleza pouringfromitsportfolioacross fourcoursesonWednesday(July

Bartenderspreparespecialty drinkswithdryiceduringanevent atTalesoftheCocktailin2023.

24),whiletheBowerhostsadinner withItalianspiritsbrandluxardo withguestbartendersfromtheSan FranciscococktailloungeTruelaurel.

ThebrasserieJustinehoststhe BayAreaBotanicalSoiree,amartini andcaviartastingwiththeHotaling &Co.spiritsbrand,California-based caviarbrandTsarNicoulaiandseafood towersfromthekitchen.Ticketsare $50andbenefitthelocalbar-based nonprofitTurningTables,whichworks toincreaseracialequityinthefield.

Detailsoneventsareattalesofthecocktail.org/events(picktheevent listingfiltersfor“SpiritedDining” and“SpiritedDrinking”tofindevents likethese).

AnotherfacetofTalesoftheCocktail isitsSpiritedAwards,whichbestows industryhonorstotopbars,bartendersandbrands.That’sagala-style awardsceremony,heldthisyearat theFillmoreinsideCaesars(formerly Harrah’s)casinoonJuly25.

NewOrleanshastwobarsupfor awards:JeweloftheSouthisafinalist forbestu.S.bar,andTheSazeracBar attheRooseveltisafinalistforbest u.S.hotelbar

TheTalesweekendswithoneofits mostpubliclyvisibleeventsonJuly26. Pig&Punchisanannualbenefitputon bytheBonVivants,agroupofbarpros inSanFrancisco,whoraisemoneyfor charityandorganizeaprogramofvolunteerserviceinthecommunity.This year,thepartymovestotheBroadside fromnoonto5p.m.

TherewillbefoodfromHogsfor theCauseteams,musicbyRebirth BrassBand,andvariousdrinks. Ticketsare$40.

Forticketsandschedulinginformation,gototalesofthecocktail.organd undertheTOTC2024Agendasection usethesearchfunctiontosortbyday ortypeofevent.—IanMcNulty/ TheTimes-Picayune

Relaxonour TROPICAL COURTYARD OR SIDEWALK SEATING with afresh cocktail, wineordinner!

PHOTOBYIAN MCNULTY/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE

Jonathan Pogash

Founder,TheCocktailGuru

COCKTAILCONSULTANTJONATHAN POGASHGOTINTOTHEBARBUSINESS

inNewyorkwhenthecraftcocktail movementwastakingoff.Hestarted TheCocktailGurutoproduceevents, consultforbarsandmore.He’sbeen aregularattendeeatTalesofthe Cocktail,andthisyearhe’sleading aFrench-inspiredSpiritedDinner atCafeAmelieonThursday,July25, andhostingahappyhour.ForinformationaboutPogash,seethecocktailguru.com.TicketsfortheFrench dinnerareavailableoneventbrite.com.

Howdidyouget interestedinbartending?

JONATHANPOGASH: Igrewup inthewinebusiness.Mydadusedto representwineproducersfromAlsace. BeforeIwasborn,hewroteabook called“HowtoReadaWinelabel.” HewastrainedinParis,andheworked atFouquet’srestaurantinParis.My momwasFrenchMoroccan,sothere wasalotofinterestingfoodandflavors growingup.

ButIwantedtobeanactor.Iwentto collegefortheaterandmovedtoNew yorkforactingandobviouslygotajob inabar

Istartedrightaftercollegein2001. Myfirstjobwasasabarbackatthe RussianTeaRoom.Thatwasabigdeal, andIlearnedalot.Ijuststartedgetting creativebehindthebar.

Therewasaninterestingprogram attheRussianTeaRoom.SteveOlson redidthebarandwasusingfresh juicesandfollowingthefootstepsof DaleDeGroffattheRainbowRoom. Therewereafewplaces(doing craftcocktails).SashaPetraskewas puttinghisprogramstogether,and JulieReinerandAudreySaunders. TheywereolderthanIwas,butIwas thrownintoit

IthoughtI’ddoalittlesidehustle.I workedwithGaryRegan,whowasone ofmymentors.Hewasbigonfollowing yourdreams.IjustcreatedtheCocktail GurutodoeventsinNewyorkand workwithbrandsandconsultingfor bars,anditjustblewup

Thetimingwasworkingout.Iwas cominginatareallygoodtime.At thattime,spiritbrandswerelooking fortalentbehindthebar.Theywould comeintomybarandbelike,“Here’s aproduct.Canyoumessaroundwith

it?”Iwoulddoit,andthenIwaslike, maybeIshouldgetpaidforthiskindof stuff.SoImadeitabusiness.

Whatareyoudoingat TalesoftheCocktail?

P: likeIsaid,mymomisFrench Moroccan.IgrewupspeakingFrench. ThespiritsinFrancearereallyinteresting.Iliketheflavorsandexpressions. WorkingwithStarHodgsoninNew Orleanswasnatural.We’veworked togetherbefore.HerspotatCafe AmelieisaquintessentialFrenchcafe. We’recreatingamenuandhavespirits andwinesaswell.Andwehavea burlesqueperformance.

It’sfourcoursespairedwithdrinks andanaperitif.We’llbetheregoing aroundtellingstoriesandmingling. Iamdoinganaperitifcocktailthatis basedofftheFrenchdrinkthebatard. It’savariationonapiconbiere.It’s likeabeer-basedaperitif.It’skind oflikeaFrenchboilermaker.It’sa liqueurfromFrance’sMarieBrizard mixedwithbeer;we’reusingDale’s PaleAle.Wealsohaveacognacand tequilawe’reusing.

We’realsodoingahappyhour attheACHotel.It’sanafternoon withtheGurusonWednesdayfrom 4-6p.m.We’llhavethreespecial cocktails.Iamthinkingwe’lldosome tequiladrinksandusesomefresh fruitpureesfromNapaValleyand someMoninsyrups.

We’realsodoinga liverecordingofour podcast,alsocalled theCocktailGuru. Oneofourguests isgoingtobeAllen Katz,founderofthe NewyorkDistilling Company.Hehas someinteresting spiritsproducts.

What cocktailworld trendsareyou interestedin?

P: Iamallabout excellentingredients. IfIgetaflavored product,Iwantto makesureit’snatural andtruetotheflavor WhenIamexperimentingandcoming upwithcocktails,the firstbarometerisif theproducttastes greatonitsown.like withtequila,Itryto workwithbrandsthatareadditivefree andaresustainable.

Wineandbeercocktailsarecoming back.Europeanspiritsarepushing through.Italy,Spain,Portugaland Francearepushingthrough,like withamaros,limoncellos,vermouths andsherries.

Non-alcoholicproductsarehuge now,becausewehaveariseinNA spiritsandcocktails.Qualityrunsthe gamutonnon-alcoholicspirits.The onesthataregoodreallystandout. Therearenotnearlyasmanynonalcoholicspiritsasalcoholicspirits, andcreatingnon-alcoholiccocktails canbechallenging.Ialwaystryto includenon-alcoholicdrinkswhenI amworkingwitharestaurant,butnot necessarilywithnon-alcoholicspirits.I usealotofteainfusions.That’salower costwayofmimickingaspirit.

Alotofthesenon-alcoholicspirits arejustasexpensiveasspirits,but forarestaurantthatcanbeprohibitive,becauseyou’renotgoingto chargethesamepriceasforanalcoholicdrink.Theconsumerperception isn’tthereyet.IfIwanttomakea non-alcoholicoldfashioned,Imay brewsomeblacktea,whichmimics theflavorofwhiskey

Iuseingredientsthatspeaktome andwatchwhat’savailableatgrocery storesandmarkets.Weconsultacross thecountry.Smallermarketswant tostayontopofit.Everyonewantsa creativemenu,butyoucanonlydoit whenyoudothetraining.That’sthe mostimportantpartofit.

Offering enticing aromas of currant, blackberry and elegantexpressions of vanilla. Theseare complementedby layeredflavors of juicy balanced fruit, most notablyblack and red cherry and raspberry. Plush,well-integrated tannins provide around, delicious mouthfeel, and lead to elements of cocoapowder supported by asubtle oak spice.

PROVIDED PHOTOBY CASEYMCMURRAY
HessAllomi CabernetSauvignon

OuttoEatisanindexofGambitcontractadvertisers.unlessnoted,addressesareforNewOrleans andallacceptcreditcards.updates:Email willc@gambitweekly.comorcall(504)483-3106

AngeloBrocato’s 214N.CarrolltonAve., (504)486-1465;angelobrocatoicecream. com—ThisMid-Citysweetshopservesits owngelato,spumoni,Italianices,cannolis, biscotti,figcookies,tiramisu,macaroons andmore.Therealsoarecoffeedrinks.No reservations.lunchanddinnerTue.-Sun.$ Annunciation 1016AnnunciationSt.,(504) 568-0245;annunciationrestaurant.com GulfDrumyvonneisservedwithbrown buttersaucewithmushroomsandartichoke hearts.Therealsoareseafoodpastadishes, steaks,lambchopsandmore.Reservations recommended.DinnerThu.-Mon.$$$

Bamboula’s—514FrenchmenSt.;bamboulasmusic.com—Thelivemusicvenue’s kitchenoffersamenuoftraditionaland creativeCreoledishes,suchasCreolecrawfishcrepeswithgoatcheeseandchardonnay sauce.Reservationsaccepted.lunch,dinner andlate-nightdaily $$

TheBlueCrabRestaurantandOyster Bar—118HarborViewCourt,Slidell,(985) 315-7001;7900LakeshoreDrive,(504) 284-2898;thebluecrabnola.com Basin barbecueshrimpareservedwithrosemary garlicbuttersauceovercheesegritswitha cheesebiscuit.Themenuincludespo-poys, friedseafoodplatters,rawandchar-grilled oysters,boiledseafoodinseason,andmore. Outdoorseatingavailable.Noreservations lakeview:lunchanddinnerTue.-Sun. Slidell:lunchWed.-Fri.,dinnerWed.-Sun., brunchSat.-Sun $$

Broussard’s—819ContiSt.,(504)5813866;broussards.com—Rainbowtrout amandineisservedwithtassoandcorn macquechouxandCreolemeunieresauce BrunchincludesBenedicts,chickenand wafflesandmore.Reservationsrecommended.Outdoorseatingavailable.Dinner Wed.-Sat.,brunchSun.$$$ CafeNormandie—HigginsHotel,480 AndrewHigginsBlvd.,(504)528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining—Themenu combinesclassicFrenchdishesandlouisiana itemslikecrabbeignetswithherbaioli Sandwichesincludepo-boys,amuffuletta onflatbreadandaburger.Noreservations Breakfastandlunchdaily $$ TheCommissary—634OrangeSt.,(504) 274-1850;thecommissarynola.com—A smokedturkeysandwichisservedwith bacon,tomatojam,herbedcreamcheese, arugulaandherbvinaigretteonhoneyoat bread.Themenuincludesdips,salads,sandwiches,boudinballs,friedoystersandmore Noreservations.Outdoorseatingavailable. lunchTue.-Sat.$$

Curio—301RoyalSt.,(504)717-4198; curionola.com—ThecreativeCreolemenu includesblackenedGulfshrimpservedwith chickenandandouillejambalaya.Therealso arecrabcakes,shrimpandgrits,crawfish etouffee,po-boysandmore.Reservations accepted.lunchanddinnerdaily.$$ Dahla—611O’KeefeAve.,(504)766-6602; dahlarestaurant.com—Themenuincludes popularThaidisheslikepadthai,drunken noodles,curriesandfriedrice.Crispyskinned duckbasilispreparedwithvegetablesand Thaibasil.Deliveryavailable.Reservations accepted.lunchanddinnerMon.-Sat.$$ DesireOysterBar—RoyalSonestaNew Orleans,300BourbonSt.,(504)586-0300;

$—averagedinnerentréeunder$10

$$—$11-$20

$$$—$20-up

sonesta.com/desireoysterbar—Amenu fullofGulfseafoodincludeschar-grilled oysterstoppedwithParmesanandherbs Themenualsoincludespo-boys,po-boys, gumbo,blackenedfish,friedseafoodplatters andmore.Reservationsrecommended. Breakfast,lunchanddinnerdaily.$$ DickieBrennan’sBourbonHouse—144 BourbonSt.,(504)522-0111;bourbonhouse. com—There’saseafoodrawbarwithraw andchar-broiledoysters,fishdip,crab fingers,shrimpandmore.Redfishonthe Half-shelliscookedskin-onandserved withcrab-boiledpotatoes,friseeandlemon buerreblanc.Reservationsaccepted.lunch anddinnerdaily.$$$

DickieBrennan’sSteakhouse 716 IbervilleSt.,(504)522-2467;dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com Themenuincludes avarietyofsteaks,plussearedGulffish, lobsterpasta,barbecueshrimpandmore A6-ouncefiletmignonisservedwithfried oysters,creamedspinach,potatoesand bearnaise.Reservationsrecommended. DinnerMon.-Sat $$$

ElPavoReal—4401S.BroadAve.,(504) 266-2022;elpavorealnola.com—Themenu includestacos,enchiladas,quesadillas, ceviche.tamalesandmore.PescadoVera CruzfeaturessauteedGulffishtoppedwith tomatoes,olives,onionandcapers,served withriceandstringbeans.Outdoorseating available.Noreservations.lunchandearly dinnerTue.-Sat.$$

Juan’sFlyingBurrito—515BaronneSt., (504)529-5825;2018MagazineSt.,(504) 569-0000;4724S.CarrolltonAve.,(504) 486-9950;8140OakSt.,(504)897-4800; juansflyingburrito.com TheFlyingBurrito includessteak,shrimp,chicken,cheddarjack cheese,blackbeans,rice,guacamoleand salsa.Themenualsoincludestacos,quesadillas,enchiladas,fajitas,nachos,saladsand more.Outdoorseatingavailable.Noreservations.lunchanddinnerThu.-Tue $$ Katie’sRestaurant—3701IbervilleSt.,(504) 488-6582;katiesinmidcity.com TheCajun Cubanwithroastedpork,ham,cheeseand pickles.Theeclecticmenualsoincludes char-grilledoysters,sandwiches,burgers, pizza,friedseafoodplatters,pasta,salads andmore.Deliveryavailable.Reservations acceptedforlargeparties.lunchanddinner Tue.-Sun.$$

Kilroy’sBar—HigginsHotel,480Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504)528-1941;higginshotelnola.com/dining—Thebarmenu includessandwiches,saladsandflatbreads, includingonetoppedwithpeach,prosciutto, stracciatellacheese,arugulaandpecans.No reservations.DinnerWed.-Sat.$$ LegacyKitchen’sCraftTavern 700 TchoupitoulasSt.,(504)613-2350;legacykitchen.com—Themenuincludesoysters, flatbreads,burgers,sandwiches,saladsand aNOlAStyleGritsBowltoppedwithbacon, cheddarandapoachedegg.Reservations accepted.Breakfast,lunchanddinnerdaily.$$ LegacyKitchenSteak&Chop—91Westbank Expressway,Gretna,(504)513-2606; legacykitchen.com Themenuincludes filetsmignonsandbone-inrib-eyes,as wellasburgers,saladsandseafooddishes. Reservationsaccepted.Outdoorseating available.lunchanddinnerMon.-Sat $$

LuzianneCafe—481GirodSt.,(504)2651972;luziannecafe.com—BoudinBenedict featurestwopoachedeggsoverboudinand anEnglishmuffin,servedwithgreentomato chowchowandhollandaise.Noreservations. Deliveryavailable.Breakfastandlunch Wed.-Sun.$$

Mikimoto 3301S.CarrolltonAve.,(504) 488-1881;mikimotosushi.com TheSouth Carrolltonrollincludestunatataki,avocado andsnowcrab.Themenualsohasnoodle dishes,teriyakiandmore.Reservations accepted.Deliveryavailable.lunchSun.Fri.,dinnerdaily $$ Mosca’s—4137Highway90West, Westwego,(504)436-8950;moscasrestaurant.com Thisfamily-styleeatery servesItaliandishesandspecialtiesincluding chickenalagrande,shrimpMosca,baked oystersMoscaandchickencacciatore Reservationsaccepted.DinnerWed.-Sat Cashonly $$$

Mother’sRestaurant 401PoydrasSt., (504)523-9656;mothersrestaurant.net— Thiscounter-servicespotservespo-boys dressedwithslicedcabbageandCreole favoriteslikejambalaya,crawfishetouffee, redbeansandriceandmore.Breakfast isavailableallday.Deliveryavailable. Noreservations.Breakfast,lunchand dinnerdaily.$$ NewOrleansHamburger&SeafoodCo 817VeteransMemorialBlvd.,Metairie, (504)837-8580;1005S.Clearview Parkway,Jefferson,(504)734-1122;2515B ManhattanBlvd.,Harvey,(504)684-6050; 4141St.CharlesAve.,(504)247-9753;6920 VeteransMemorialBlvd.,Metairie,(504) 455-1272;nohsc.com Themenuranges fromburgerstoItaliandishes,friedseafood platters,po-boys,saladsandmore.ThinfriedCatfishlafitteisservedover ricepilaf.Deliveryavailable.lunch anddinnerdaily $$ Neyow’sCreoleCafe—3332BienvilleSt., (504)827-5474;neyows.com Themenu includesredbeansandricewithfriedchicken orporkchops,aswellasshrimpCreole,seafoodplatters,po-boys,char-grilledandraw oysters,saladsandmore.Sideitemsinclude carrotsouffle,macandcheese,cornbread dressing,sweetpotatototsandmore.No reservations.lunchdaily,dinnerMon.-Sat., brunchSun.$$ NiceGuysBar&Grill—7910EarhartBlvd., (504)302-2404;niceguysbarandgrillnola. com—Char-grilledoystersaretoppedwith cheeseandgarlicbutter,andotheroptions includeoystersRockefellerandloadedoysters.Thecreativemenualsoincludesseafood bread,aCajun-lobsterpotato,wings,quesadillas,burgers,salads,sandwiches,seafood pasta,loadedfriesandmore.Noreservations.lunchdaily,dinnerMon.-Sat $$$ OrleansGrapevineWineBar&Bistro— 720OrleansAve.,(504)523-1930;orleansgrapevine.com—Thewinebaroffers cheeseboardsandappetizerstonoshwith wines.ThemenuincludesCreolepasta withshrimpandandouilleintomatocream sauce.Reservationsacceptedforlarge parties.Outdoorseatingavailable.Dinner Thu.-Sun $$ PalaceCafe—605CanalSt.,(504)523-1661; palacecafe.com ThecontemporaryCreole menuincludescrabmeatcheesecakewith mushroomsandCreolemeunieresauce. Outdoorseatingavailable.Reservationsrecommended.BreakfastandlunchWed.-Fri., dinnerWed.-Sun.,brunchSat.-Sun.$$$

ParishGrill—4650W.EsplanadeAve.,Suite 100,Metairie,(504)345-2878;parishgrill.com—Themenuincludesburgers, sandwiches,pizzaandsauteedandouille withfigdip,bluecheeseandtoastpoints. Reservationsaccepted.lunchanddinner Mon.-Sat $$

PeacockRoom—KimptonHotelFontenot, 501TchoupitoulasSt.,(504)324-3073; peacockroomnola.com—Atbrunch,braised shortribgrilladesareservedovergritswith mushrooms,apoachedeggandshaved truffle.Reservationsaccepted.DinnerWed.Mon.,brunchSun.$$

Rosie’sontheRoof HigginsHotel,480 AndrewHigginsBlvd.,(504)528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining—Therooftop barhasamenuofsandwiches,burgers andsmallplates.Crabbeignetsaremade withGulfcrabmeatandmascarponeand servedwithherbaioli.Noreservations. Dinnerdaily.$$

Tableau 616St.PeterSt.,(504)9343463;tableaufrenchquarter.com—The menufeaturestraditionalandcreative Creoledishes.Pastabouillabaissefeatures squidinkmafaldine,littleneckclams,Gulf shrimp,squid,seafoodbroth,rouilleand herbedbreadcrumbs.Outdoorseating availableonthebalcony.Reservations recommended.DinnerWed.-Sun.,brunch Thu.-Sun $$$

Tacklebox—817CommonSt.,(504) 827-1651;legacykitchen.com Themenu includesrawandchar-broiledoysters, seafoodplatters,po-boys,friedchicken, crabandcornbisqueandmore.RedfishSt Charlesisservedwithgarlic-herbbutter, asparagus,mushroomsandcrawfishcornbread.Reservationsaccepted.Breakfast, lunchanddinnerdaily.$$

Theo’sNeighborhoodPizza—1212S. ClearviewParkway,Elmwood,(504) 733-3803;2125VeteransMemorialBlvd., Metairie,(504)510-4282;4024CanalSt., (504)302-1133;4218MagazineSt.,(504) 894-8554;70488Highway21,Covington, (985)234-9420;theospizza.com A MarilynnPotaSupremepieistoppedwith mozzarella,pepperoni,sausage,hamburger,mushrooms,bellpeppers andonions.Therealsoaresalads,sandwiches,wings,breadsticksandmore. Deliveryavailable.lunchanddinner Tue.-Sat $

Tito’sCeviche&Pisco—1433St.Charles Ave.,(504)354-1342;5015MagazineSt., (504)267-7612;titoscevichepisco.com— ThePeruvianmenuincludesseveraltypes ofceviche,aswellassteakandseafood dishes.Traditionallomosaltadofeatures sauteedbeeftenderlointips,onions, tomatoes,soysauceandpisco,servedwith potatoesandrice.Outdoorseatingavailable onMagazineStreet.Deliveryavailable Reservationsaccepted.lunchanddinner Mon.-Sat.,brunchSun.$$$

TheVintage—3121MagazineSt.,(504) 324-7144;thevintagenola.com There’s afullcoffeedrinksmenuandbakedgoods andbeignets,aswellasafullbar.Themenu hasflatbreads,cheeseboards,smallplates andapressedveggiesandwichwithavocado,onions,arugula,redpepperandpepperjackcheese.Noreservations.Delivery andoutdoorseatingavailable.Breakfast, lunchanddinnerdaily.$$

ARTS &ENTERTAINMENT

TheBody&DisFig

Betweenear-splittingreleases, boundary-breakingmetalduoThe Bodyareunquenchablecollaborators, makingcompellingrecordswithbands likeBIG|BRAVE,ThouandFullofHell. MostrecentlyTheBodyjoinedforces withdarkelectronicartistDisFigfor theexperimental“OrchardsofaFutile Heaven.”Theyarenowtouringthecollaborationandplayat7p.m.Sunday, July28,attheBroadsidewithCel Genesis,ThouandNailsClub.Tickets are$15advanceviabroadsidenola. comand$20atthedoor.

BigCouch’s BigSummerBash

summer,theVegasColaBandholds downaSundaynightresidencyat d.b.a.Catchthemnextat9:30p.m. Sunday,July28.Findmoreinfo atdbaneworleans.com.

CeciliaZabala

ArgentinesingerandguitaristCecilia ZabaladrawsonArgentinefolklore andtango,jazz,Brazilianmusicand more.She’sonau.S.tourinJulyandis previewingmusicfromherforthcomingalbum“SagradoRito.”At7:30and 9:30p.m.Tuesday,July23,atSnug Harbor.Tickets$30viasnugjazz.com

DesertNudes

NewOrleansimprovtroupeBigCouch hostsasummercomedybashand vendormarketonSaturday,July27,at theirhomeinBywater.AlongwithBig Couch,therewillbeimprovcomedy performancesbyAnubisImprov,Fish Tahco,PartyCrashersandyou’re Invited.Theartsmarketopensat3 p.m.andperformancesstartat4p.m Ticketsare$20viaeventbrite.com

NOLAReggaeFest

NewOrleans’“Tumbleweed Troubadours”playcountryandfolk music,thoughAndreBohrenandDavid Pomerleauarebetterknownfortheir workinJohnnySketch&theDirty Notes.JohnPaulCarmodyroundsout thetrio.Thebandreleasedthealbum “KeepA-Movin’,Dan”earlierthis year.At5-8p.m.Saturday,July27,at NOlABrewing.Freeadmission.Find informationatnolabrewing.com.

EricaFalls

JamaicansingerLutanFiyahhas releasedmorethen15reggaerecords He’sontourwithDrooplion,the singerbehindthehit“Freeway.” Theyperformat9p.m.Wednesday, July24,atRabbitHole.Tickets$20 viaeventbrite.com.

GrrlSpot

SingerEricaFallsbringshervintage soulandfunksoundstoTipitina’sfora FreeFridaysconcert.localrockband Zitaopens.At9p.m.Friday,July27 Freeadmission.Findinformation attipitinas.com.

LindseyStirling

NewOrleanslesbianbarpop-upGrrl Spothostsitsnextdancepartyat8 p.m.Saturday,July27,atSiberia.DJ ShanliandOlivierwillbespinning Ticketsare$18.61via@grrlspot onInstagram

AmirK

Electro-violinistandsingerLindsey Stirlingrecentlyreleasedherseventh studioalbum,“Duality,”whichis appropriatelysplitintotwoparts.The album’sfirsthalfincludescinematic, worldmusic-inspiredtracksblending classicalmusicandEDM.Thebackhalf of“Duality”alsoincludesdancemusic buthasamorepopfocus.Stirlingis nowontourandperformsat7p.m Saturday,July27,attheSaenger Theatre.Ticketsstartat$50.50 viasaengernola.com.

MetronomeRe-Mixer

LosAngeles-basedcomedianAmir Kwasonthecastoftheshort-lived rebootof“Madtv,”andhisimprovisationalchopsregularlymaketheirway intohisstand-up.He’sappearedon CBS’“AfterMidnight,”ComedyCentral andNBC’s“lastComicStanding.”He performsat8p.m.Saturday,July27, attheHowlin’Wolf.Ticketsare$22 vialaughlife.standuptix.com.

VegasColaBand

VocalistVegasColahashaddynamic careerperformingwithDave Bartholomew,BigChiefDonald HarrisonJr.,JamesAndrewsandBig Sam’sFunkyNation.Andatthefront ofherownband,sheenergetically shakesupR&B,funkandjazz.This

NewOrleansmusicbusinessacceleratorMetronomehostsamixer,roundtableandperformancesonSaturday, July27,atChickieWahWah.Guitarist JoshuaStarkman,whoregularlyplays withPreservationHallandisthe grinningfacebehindHaveaGreatDay, hostsandwillbejoinedbyfourguest artistsformusicalperformancesand discussion.Re-Mixerstartsat8p.m. andisfreetoattend.Findmoreinfo atchickiewahwah.com.

FORCOMPlETE MuSIClISTINGS AND MORE EVENTSTAKING PlACE IN THE NEWORlEANS AREA, VISIT CALENDAR.GAMBITWEEKLY.COM

Tolearnmoreaboutaddingyourevent tothemusiccalendar,pleaseemail listingsedit@gambitweekly.com

MONDAY22

BJ'SLOUNGEBYWATER DickDeluxe andFriends,9pm

BOURBONOBAR TiffanyHall,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— MatineeAllStarBand,1pm;Ragtag Ballyhoo,5pm;Richard"Piano"Scott andFriends,8pm

TUESDAY23

BOURBONOBAR Ingridluccia,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— Richard"Piano"Scott,1pm;ColinMyers Band,5pm;FritzelsAllStarBandw/ JamilSharif,8pm

THERABBITHOLE—RebirthBrass Band,8pm

WEDNESDAY24

BJ'SLOUNGEBYWATER—Joey'sBackyardMovieNight(NicCageBingo),8pm

BLUENILE—NewBreedBrass Band,9:30pm

BOURBONOBAR Serabee,8pm

CAFÉISTANBUL ColeWilliams,10pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— Richard“Piano”Scott,1pm;Bourbon StreetStars,5pm;FritzelsAllStarBand w/KevinRayClark,8pm

THURSDAY25

30°/-90° AudreyleCroneandthe Craw-zaddies,6pm

BLUENILE Wherey'atBrassBand,9pm

BOURBONOBAR—Xcitement Band,8pm

CAESARSSUPERDOME— ZachBryan,7pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB

—Richard“Piano”Scott,1pm;Doyle CooperBand,2:30pm;JohnSaavedra Band,6pm;FritzelsAllStarBandw/ KevinRayClark,8pm

PEACOCKROOM,HOTELFONTENOT— DalovebirdswithRobinBarnesandPat Casey,8pm

ROCK'N'BOWL—RustyMetoyer&the ZydecoKrush,8pm

FRIDAY26

30°/-90° —PerfectDateNight:The SpiciestJazzStandards,5pm

BJ'SLOUNGEBYWATER—Scully& theWhipAppeal+MorganOrion+the Tangle,9pm

BLUENILE—TheCaesarBrothersFunk Box,8pm;KermitRuffinsandthe BarbecueSwingers,11pm

BOURBONOBAR—EllenSmith&April Spain,4pm;MemShannonTrio,8pm

DOUBLEDEALERBAR—SeanRiley,9pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB—

Richard“Piano”Scott,12:30pm;Sam Friend,2:30pm;SazaracStreetw/John Royen,6pm;FritzelsAllStarBandw/ KevinRayClark,9pm

NOLABREWING—PapaMaliTrio,7pm

ROCK'N'BOWL l'Eighties Night,8:30pm

SANTOS—KillingPixies,HellMary, F.I.T.H.andDonateyourFriends,9pm

TIPITINA'S—EricaFalls&VintageSoul, Zita,9pm

SATURDAY27

BJ'SLOUNGEBYWATER CubaHeat,9pm

BLUENILE—GeorgeBrownBand,8pm; TheNextlevelBand,11pm

BOURBONOBAR BrianWingard,4 pm;TheBluesMasters,8pm

DOUBLEDEALERBAR—SeanRiley,9pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB—

Richard“Piano”Scott,12:30pm;Steve DetroyBand,2:30pm;ChuckBrackman Band,6pm;FritzelsAllStarBandw/ JamilSharif,9pm

ROCK'N'BOWL TheRouge Krewe,8:30pm

SANTOS—BuckleBunnywithJust Kidding,7pm

THECOURTYARDBREWERY— SariyahIdan,7pm

TIPITINA'S—IcemanSpecial,DiamondJ &TheRubyRedRaindropsfeat.Roddie RomeroandTheQuadroholics,9pm

SUNDAY28

BLUENILE—StreetlegendsBrass Band,10:30pm

BLUENILE TheBakedPotatoes,8pm

BOURBONOBAR—MarcStone,4pm; KennyBrown&theKBExpress,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— DoyleCooperBand,12:30pm;Matinee AllStarBandw/RossHoppe,Dwayne Burns,5pm;FritzelsAllStarBandw/ MikeFulton,8pm

JOHNCALVINPRESBYTERIAN

CHURCH Sundays@SixConcert Series,6pm

SCAN FOR THE COMPLETE GAMBIT CALENDAR

Appetizers

BBQShrimp over Crostini with caramelizedonions

Char GrilledOysterwith PimentoCheese Baked Scallops “Coquille St.Jacques” Glazed Pork Tenderloin with RoastedGarlicNew Potatoes

French Dip -Smoked ChickenCordonBleuSandwich

Brunch

HogsheadCheeseSoftshell Crab with Andouille Cheese Grits

ApplePie Waffle -Belgian waffle with baked sliced apples,candiedwalnuts, caramelsauceand vanillaice cream

Lose Weight, Feel Great!

henrietta.alves@gmail.com

MISSED AN ISSUE?

MUSIC

Voicework

JULYISINTERNATIONAL STOPRAPPINGOVERVOCALS

MONTH,andMarcelP.Blackis spendinghissummeronthe roadspreadingtheword:Real emceesdon’trapovervocals.

Hip-hopmeanseverything totheTulsa,Oklahoma, consciousemceewhofor yearswasthestalwart backboneofBatonRouge’s undergroundhip-hop community.Hislongstandingmantrahasbeen “#CultureOverEverything,”acallto bothlistenersandpractitionersto respecthip-hopasanartform,alifestyleandatooltouplift.

Sohedoesn’tlookkindlyonperformerswhothinktheycanphoneitinby rappingovermusicthatalsoincludes theirvocaltracks

“Itreallygoesbacktothehistoryof Blackmusic,period,”Blacksays.“The Africanoraltradition,thepowerinusing yourvoicetoamplifyandexpressyour emotionsandfeelings.”

Thissummer,Black,whoisaneducatorinTulsaschools,isonTheREDROV (RealEmceesDon’tRapOverVocals) Tour,andthisweekembarksonthe tour’sSouthernleg,revisitingtheregion wherehegrewintohisownasarapper andmusicprofessional.

OnFriday,July26,Blackheadlinesa showatSiberiawithNewOrleans’luke JulienandKayetheBeastandAtlanta’s D.Horton.AlfredBanks,whocuthis teethtouringextensivelywithBlack, willhosttheshow.

BlackgrewupinOklahomaastheson ofasocialworkerandagospelsinger, andhefellinlovewithhip-hopatan earlyage.AftermovingtoBatonRouge toattendSouthernuniversity,hebegan performing,recordingandpromoting hip-hopthere

Withaforcefulflowdeliveredwith hischest,Black—whohasdescribed himselfasanemcee“kickingsouthern PanAfricanradicalleftconsciousrap forgangbangersandbackpackers”— useshismusicasaradicalcryforBlack liberation.It’salsooftenadeeplyfelt lovelettertotheculturethat’sshaped him,likeonhismostrecentEP,“Moor ClTR,”releasedlastyear.

Asfarbackas2010,Blackwould occasionallyposttoFacebookabout seeingaperformerrapovertheir vocals,whichhesawasaslighttothe liveperformancecraft.Fastforward to2018,BlackwasinOakland,anda womanwhobookedhimreferenced hisstances

“Thenextweek,IwasinOhioandfor somereasonIwentonarant,justkind ofjoking,makingfunofpeoplewhorap overvocals,butthenextday,thisguy walksuptomeandhewaslike,‘Hey, you’retheguywhotalksaboutrapping overvocalsallthetime,’”Blacksays Hedidn’tthinkpeoplehadbeen payingattention,buttheinteractions encouragedhimtocontinuetoadvocateforbettercraftsmanshipandpush youngerrapperstobeseriousabout theirwork.

Intheyearssince,“RealEmcees DontRapOverVocals”(noapostrophe)hasappearedonshirtsand Black’smerch.He’sdedicatedJuly 25tothecause,andrappersfrom far-flunglocationshavealsopicked upthebanner.AposterBlackmadein 2022featuringJadakiss,whoalsohas calledoutrappersusingpre-recorded tracks,wentviralandwassharedbyDJ Premierandhip-hopnewssites

“InTulsa,Iamtheboogieman,”Black sayswithalaugh.“Peoplewilllegitnot performifI’monthebillandtheywere gonnarapovervocals.It’ssomethingI havefunwith.Iamseriousaboutgood performancesandtheAfricanoral tradition,butIhavefunwithitaswell …I’mgonnajustdowhatIdo.Iwon’t chastisenobody.I’lljustdomything andshowthemhowit’sdone.”

Manypeoplemarkedlastyearas the50thanniversaryofhip-hop,and inmostofthathistory,performers couldn’teasilyusetheirrecordedvocals onstage,Blacksays.Simply,there’sa longhistoryofemceesdoingthework, hesays

“Thevoiceispowerful,”Black says.“Thethingsyoucandowithit arepowerful.”

MarcelP.Blackperformsat9p.m Friday,July26,atSiberia.Ticketsare $12.40viasiberianola.com.

SUDOKU

PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

TRAPPED WATER

ACROSS

1Spot’s foot

4Motorcycle maker

10ATM output

14Baffle

19Driving hazard

20Region in Spain

21Actress Falco

22Country singer Tucker

23Kiting, e.g.

25Is discovered doing a misdeed

27Roomy auto

28Bungle

29Kind of pear

30U.S. Shakers founder

31Driving hazard

33What a cyclist signals

with an arm extended straight out

35Attacked boxer-style

41Boise is its cap

42Canon camera line

43French assent

44Been shut down, as a theater

47Dropped a bit

50Actor Davis

53Focal point

54Pull back (in)

56Disney lion

60Insulated drink cup

63Bovine captured by Hercules

66Actor Erwin

67Chou En-

69Railroadorbusterminus

70Clean air org.

73Loyalty program

78Duet number

79Rover’s rope

82Hugs, in texts

83“Carte” start

86“Super work!”

891985 Kentucky Derby winner

95Like some questions

96Bug’s feeler

98“-- found it!”

99Japanese fish dish

100 Door fixture

103 Overindulges

106 Director’s cry

107 Fridays

HOMEW/GUEST COTTAGETOO!1415SF, 3BR,2BAinMainHome 590SF1BR,1BAin GuestCottage.Kitchen hasGorgeousCabinetry, QuartziteCounters& SSAppls.Immaculate Bathroomsw/allnew fixtures.FrontPorch& RearPatio.HdwdFlrsinLivingAreas&Bdrms+Porcelain FlrsinKit&Baths.GuestCottageisusedasArtStudio,but canbeGuestHouseorIncomeProducingApt.Locatedis betweenFrQtr&CityPark.ShortdrivetoI-10,easyaccess toentireMetroArea.OFFSTREETPARKING!!!$425,000

110 Partakes of

Bluegrass banjo pioneer

Was ruined financially

That woman 121 Copious arrival 122 Talks shrilly 123 Hamm on a soccer field 126 Make -- in (do some work on)

130 Not educated by others 132 Downs an omelet, maybe 134 Subway unit 135 Ark builder 136 “Will do, cap’n!”

Subway unit

Direct at, as a remark

Be inactive

Frolicked 141 What remains if you remove all the consonants from 13 long answers in this puzzle

DOWN

1Photos

2Hanker (for)

3Yard eyesore

4“Capeesh?”

5Whelp’s yelp

6She-horse

7Petri dish gel

8Part of mph

9Plus

10Implore

11Latin “that is”

12Nutlike Chinese fruit

13The, in Tours

14Tolerate

15Tease

16Detach by dissolving an adhesive

17Cry to a rescuer

18Eucharist-holding plates

24Bistro’s kin

26Gondola path

29“TheView”co-hostJoy

32Comic’s joke

33Certain PC readout

34Paid spots

35Horn honk

36“Be silent!”

37Escalate

38Sci-fi writer Frederik

39“E pluribus --”

40Cosmic cloud

Tonsoflight!Gutted tostuds&completely redone.3BR/2.5BA plusabonusoffice/ space.Greatfor thosewhoworkfrom home.Immaculate Kitchenw/Granite CounterTops&Large DiningIsland.AllBathroomshavebeenredoneto perfection.OversizedPrimaryBdrm,en-suiteBAw/ JettedTub&WalkinShower.Centrallylocatedfor easyaccesstoUptown,Downtown&I-10.OffStreet parking.$285,000

&2022

45Fun activities, in brief

46White wine aperitif

48Lacks being

49“I call that as mine!”

51Taxing gp.

52Lifesaving pro

55Carter of sitcomdom

57Mongrel

58Hard hit

59Rival of Iams

61Special glows

62Needlefish

64Sorority “T”

65Just (equally undesirable)

68Wedding vow

70Nervous

71Sweat source

72Ripens

74“C’-- la vie”

75Pummel

76Distress call

77Xerox product

80Gangly

81Alma mater of Wills

84“Deck the Halls” syllables

85 Dhabi

87“Deck the Halls” syllables

88Winter illness

90Dastardly 91Ensnares

92Maritime rescue gp.

93Drink quickly

94Baby foxes

97Makes ready, informally

101 Fictional belle Scarlett

102 Disallow

104 Pudgy

105 Educ. inst.

107 Coils

108 Biologicalsubdivisions

109 Like live balls

111 Deity ruling the heavens

113 Brought up

114 Language of Islamabad

116 How clothes are tailored

117 Follower of “You’d think so ...”

118 1986 Indy 500 winner Bobby

119 Pick pace

123 BLT addition

124 Bit of news

125 “PDQ!”

127 Suffix with exist or differ

128 Final Four gp.

129 By way of, informally 131 Lead-in to cycle 132 Cochlea site

133 “See ya!”

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