Gambit Digital Edition: August 19, 2024

August 19 - 25 2024 Volume 45 Number 34 ®

ExpertCare forKids

AtOchsnerChildren’sHospital,ourtoppriorityisprovidingexceptional careforyourexceptionalkid.Weofferalevelofpediatriccareunmatched foreverythingfromwell-childcheck-upsandimmunizationstocancercare andorgantransplants.

Forthreeconsecutiveyears,OchsnerChildren’sHospitalhasrankedNo.1in Louisianaandisamongthenation’stop50children’shospitalsbyU.S.News &WorldReport.Throughourexpertcare,weareshapingahealthierfuture forouryoungestpatients.

Visitochsner.org/childrenstolearnmoreortoscheduleanappointment.

QuentinW. HeartSurgeryPatient

Notourenemy

NewOrleansiswaging waronthepoorandsmall businesseswhileignoring itsbiggestproblems

@The_Gambit @gambitneworleans

STAFF

EDITORIAL

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Editor | JOHN sTANTON

PoliticalEditor | CLANCYDuBOs

Arts &Entertainment Editor | WILL COVIELLO

staffWriters | JAKE CLAPP, KAYLEE POCHE, sARAHRAVITs

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Contributing GraphicDesigners | TIANA WATTs, sCOTTFORsYTHE, JAsMYNEWHITE, JEFF MENDEL, TIMELsEA,JOHNGIPsON

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ARTS +ENTERTAINMENT

RockwithTheRumble

TheRumblereleasesstudioalbum,‘StoriesfromtheBattlefield’

WHENITWASRELEASEDINSPRING

2023,THERUMBLE’SALBUM“LIVEAT THEMAPLELEAF”wasachanceforthe BlackMaskingIndian-frontedfunk bandtobuildabridgebetweenitspast andfuture.

Recordedjustayearaftertheband introduceditselfwithablastofhorns andrattlingtambourinesattheOak streetclub,TheRumble’sdebutrelease wasamixofsongsthememberswrote togetheraspartoftheGrammynominatedfunkoutfitChaWaaswellas ahandfulofnewtrackstheyhadbeen workingonsincebreakingawayfrom theirformerband.

Thefact“LiveattheMapleLeaf” receiveditsownGrammynomination—inabestregionalrootsalbum categorycompletelystackedwith Louisianaartists—wasicingonthe cake.Itwasmoreaboutthechanceto capturewherethemusicianshadbeen whilealsolookingaheadtowhereThe Rumbleisgoing.

“storiesfromtheBattlefield,” TheRumble’snewstudioalbum,is thatnextstopintheband’sparade forward.Thecompelling10-track funkrecordisoutFriday,Aug.23, viaWellKeptsecret,aNewOrleansbasedlabelfoundedbysingleLock Records’ReedWatson.Avinylrelease isplannedforNov.15

“Alotofthestudioalbum,wehad alreadyworkedonpriortothelive album,”saysvocalistJosephBoudreaux Jr.,secondChiefoftheGoldenEagles MardiGrasIndiantribe.“Wewere alreadymovingforward,sotospeak, asaband.Mentally,wehadkindofput thepastbehindusandweretryingto seewhatthisnewmusicwouldbe.We alreadyknewitwouldbegood—we wereworkingwitheachother.Itwasa no-brainer.”

“storiesfromtheBattlefield”is rootedintheNewOrleansfunklegacy ofTheMetersandtheNevilleBrothers andtheelectrifiedMardiGrasIndian musicmadebyJosephBoudreaux’s father,BigChiefMonkBoudreaux,and BoDollisandtheWildMagnolias.

TheRumble’snameisinspiredbythe crowdnoises,thesingingandshouting followingtheBigChiefcomingdown thestreetonMardiGrasDay.And thebandiscommittedtopreserving NewOrleans’Blackculturaltraditions: MaskingIndians,skullandBonesgangs, brassbands,secondlines

ButTheRumblealsohasonefoot steppingintothefuture.Listenerswill

NickDanielsIIIcelebration

byJakeClapp |

hearhip-hop,synthsandpedaleffects onhornsandmoreprogressiveleanings onthenewalbum.Thisisabandof youngmusiciansfilteringNewOrleans musicthroughthetechniquesand soundstheyknow

TheRumble—Boudreaux,trumpeter AurelienBarnes,trombonistJose MaizeJr.,bassistTJNorris,drummer TrentonO’Neal,guitaristAriTeiteland keysplayerAndriuYanovski—started recordingthetracksonthenewalbum rightafterthebandplayeditsfirstNew OrleansJazz&HeritageFestivalin 2022,Teitelsays.

Thebandwentouttostudiointhe CountrynearBogalusa,whereMonk BoudreauxandtheWildMagnolias oncerecorded,asdidTheNeville Brothers,Kansas,JimmyBuffettand manyothers.TheRumblecutthe foundationsofthealbumintheroom togethertocapturethepropulsivelive feelingofaRumbleshowandcompletedthesongsatMarignystudios. TenorsaxophonistGladney,anoriginal Rumblememberbeforeleavingto pursuesoloprojects,anddrummers IsaacEadyandAlfredJordanalsoplay on“storiesfromtheBattlefield.”

“Ithinkweconsciouslysetoutto makeanalbumthat’sinthetraditionof theWildMagnoliasandTheMetersand thosetypesofalbums,”Teitelsays,“but thisishowwedoitin2024.”

“storiesfromtheBattlefield”wasa collaborativeeffort.Thebandshares vocaldutiesandeachbroughttheir ownpointsofviewtotherecordings, Barnessays.Mostofthesongs,like

“Trouble,” “GoldenCrown” and“upuntil theMorning,” invokeBlack MaskingIndian traditionsfrom Boudreaux’s perspective. Butseveral tracksalsocome fromtheunique viewsofother bandmembers. On“The Rumble,”Teitel singsfromthe perspectiveofa first-timerseeing MardiGrasIndiansmarch.Barnes reflectsonbeingontheroadandaway fromthepersonhelovesonthesoulful “DownintheCity”andleansonheritageandculturalhistoryforsupporton “TakeitBack.”Andonthehip-hopinfluencedalbumclosercombo“Keep onFighting”and“ChangeOurMinds,” MaizerapsandBoudreauxsingsabout rememberingGeorgeFloyd,Breonna TaylorandotherBlackvictimsofpolice violenceandtheneedtocontinue pursuingjustice.

“WetrytomakemusicthatrepresentsNewOrleans,”Barnessays “Wetrytomakemusicthatisuniversal butalsoshowcasesthecityandhowwe feelaboutit…soI’mnotwritingfrom thepointofaMaskingIndian,because that’snotwhatIdo.Weallhavethose songslikethat.”

Whilethe“battlefield”inthetitle immediatelyalludestothespacewhere Indiansmeetandchallengeeachother indisplaysofsuitsandsinging,it’salso universal,Barnessays.It’saboutthe battlefieldoflifeandfightingthechallengesthatcomeeveryday

TheRumblehasbeenspendingalot oftimethisyearontheroad.Outof town,they’lltaketimeexplainingNew Orleanstraditionsforthosewhoask, thebandsays.Buttheythinkthemusic speaksforitself

“Thesesongsrepresenthowwefeel aboutNewOrleansandhowithas affectedus,”Yanovskiadds.“We’reable towritealovelettertothecityevery timewemakeasongforTheRumble.”

Find“StoriesfromtheBattlefield”and moreattherumbleband.com.

TheNewOrleansfunkcommunity lostoneofitspillarsinAprilwiththe deathofbassistandvocalistNick DanielsIII.Overalongcareer,Daniels playedwiththeNevilleBrothers,Dr John,AllenToussaintandmanyothers, andhadbeenpartofIvanNeville’s Dumpstaphunksinceitsbeginnings OnThursday,Aug.22,Dumpstaphunk willleadacelebrationofDaniels’life withspecialguestsTromboneshorty andmembersofGalactic.Asecond linewillstartat6p.m.at4733Camp st.andendatTipitina’s,wherethere willbemusicaltributesandspeakers startingat8p.m.Admissionisfree; donationsaccepted.Findmoreinfo attipitinas.com.

RussellCrowe’s IndoorGardenParty

ActorRussellCrowehaskeptaside gigasamusicianforcloseto40 years,goingbacktohisAustralianrock bandThirtyOddFootofGrunts.For thelastdecade,he’sbeenjoinedby TheGentlemenBarbers—featuring membersofCrowe’sThiryOddFootof GruntsandTheOrdinaryFearofGod —tooccasionallyperformasIndoor GardenParty.Thegrouprecently releasedtherecord“ProseandCons” andarenowontheirfirstu.s.tourin 12years,joinedbyvocalist-guitarist LorraineO’Reilly.IndoorGardenParty endsitstourinNewOrleansat8p.m. Wednesday,Aug.21,atTipitina’s. Ticketsare$45viatipitinas.com.

DavidCross

Actorandself-described“professionaltalker”DavidCrossisknownfor numerousrolesinfilmandTV,includingon“ArrestedDevelopment”and “Mr.showwithBobandDavid,”aswell aswritingforvariousshowsandpodcasting.Earlierthisyearhereleased thecomedyspecial“WorstDaddyin

ActorRussellCroweisalsoa singer,songwriterandmusician. PROVIDED IMAGE

NewOrleansfunk bandTheRumble PROVIDED PHOTO BY CHRISGRANGER

OPENING GAMBIT

THUMBS

UP/ THUMBS DOWN

Environmentaljusticeadvocates recentlyscoredamajorvictory whenGreenfieldLouisianaLLC announceditwascancelingplans tobuildagrainexportfacilityin Wallace,amajority-Blackcommunityinst.JohntheBaptistParish. LedbyTheDescendantsProject, activistsfoughttheproposed facilityforthreeyearsbyraising environmentalandracialjustice concerns.Greenfieldsaiditpulled theprojectbecausetheArmyCorps ofEngineershasdelayedpermits. TheCorpssaiditneededtimeto evaluatetheproject’simpacton thesensitivearea

ArtmarketatLouisianaCajun-ZydecoFestival atLouisArmstrongParkin2022. PHOTOBYSCOTT THRELKELD/THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

NewOrleansexemptssomesmall artmarketsfromLaToyaCantrell’s newtaxcollectionpush

TheBureauofGovernmental Research,anonprofitpublicpolicy watchdogbasedinNewOrleans, recentlywonthreeawardsatthe GovernmentalResearchAssociation nationalconference.BRGwontwo awardsforcommunicationsaswell astheMostDistinguishedResearch AwardforaLocalGovernmentIssue forits2023report,“Waterworks inProgress,”callingforgovernance reformstothesewerage& WaterBoard. LouisianaTreasurerJohnFleming hasrecommendedrejectingBank ofAmerica’sapplicationtobeone ofthestate’sfiscalagents.Fleming accusedthenationalbank,which planstoexpandintoLouisianaand offerconsumersmorebanking competition,ofdiscriminating againstreligiousorganizations, gunmakers,fossilfuelcompanies andothers.ABankofAmerica spokespersontoldtheTimesPicayunethatFleming’sassertions are“factuallyincorrect.”

THENEWORLEANSCITYCOUNCIL

VOTEDAUG.8TOEXEMPTorganizers ofsomesmallartmarketsfroma taxcollectionpushbyMayorLaToya Cantrell’sadministrationthathas alreadycausedorganizerstocancel severaleventssincethespring.

InApril,theCantrelladministration startedinterpretinga1956bond requirementseeminglydesigned forlargeeventslikecarshowsas applyingtomostspecialeventsin thecity,includingartmarkets.That lawrequiresorganizerstopurchasea $10,000-$20,000bondbyputtinga smallpercentageofthatfullamount down.Marketorganizerscouldthen beonthehookifallthevendorsat theireventdonotpaysalestaxtothe cityintime

underCouncilVicePresidentJP Morrell’sproposal,organizersof admission-freeeventswithlessthan 35vendorswhohavetwoorless vendorsthatacceptcash.Originally, Morrell’sofficehadcappedthe exceptiontoeventswithlessthan15 vendorsbutincreaseditaftertalking withorganizers

Morrell’smeasurealsoshortened thetimethecitycouldholdonto

thebonds,fromfourmonthstoone month.Hesaidthattimeperiod wastoolonggiventhatvendorsare supposedtopaysalestaxtothecity within10daysofagivenevent.

Morrell,whobroughtthemeasure forward,calledita“triage”andsaid hisofficewasworkingonamore long-termsolution.

“Thelawhasnotbeenupdated, andit’sveryarchaic,”hesaid.“I wouldlovetohavealargerconversationonhowwecorrectandimprove thelaw.”

TheCantrelladministrationpreviouslytoldGambittheydidnothave estimatesonhowmuchrevenuethey believedtheywerelosinginunpaid salestaxatmarkets.

Buttheyappearedtohave providedcouncilmemberswith atleastsomedata.OnThursday, Morrellsaid,“Thechallengewehave isthatwhenwelookatdatafrom [theBureauof]Revenueoncertain markets,wehavemarketsthathave over200participants,andRevenue hasthereceiptshowing20remitted salestax.”

Hedidnotsaywhichevent thatwas.

THENUMBEROFDOLLARS,IN MILLIONS,GIVENTOTULANE UNIVERSITYASPARTOF PRESIDENTBIDEN’SCANCER MOONSHOTPROGRAM.

ThegrantwillhelpfundTulaneresearchers’ cancerdetectiontechnology,which mapstumorsatamicroscopicleveland givesdoctorstheabilitytomoreprecisely removethem.OneoftheCancerMoonshot program’sgoalsistoreducecancerdeaths by4millionoverthenext25years

C’EST WHAT ?

ThecityplanstowrapPlaza ToweraheadoftheSuperBowl. Whatshouldthewrappinglooklike?

65.6%

SOMETHINGNICE,BECAUSE WE’LLBELOOKINGATITFOR ANOTHER10YEARS

Atthesametime,MorrellalsoquestionedtheCantrelladministration’s newreadingofthelaw

“Theinterpretationismurky,andit iskindofjarring,”Morrellsaid.

Somepopularmarkets aren’tcovered

EvenwithMorrelluppingthemarket vendorcapto35,organizersoflarger marketslikethepopularFreretstreet Marketwillstillneedtogetabond.The monthlymarket,whichstartedin2007, averagesaround80vendors.

TheRotaryClubofNewOrleans Riverbendputsonthemarkets,as wellastheannualandlargerFreret streetFestival.Theysaytheydonate theirproceedstocharities,including recentlyfosterhomeRaintreeHouse, foodbankCultureAidNOLAandthe JuniorLeague’sdiaperbank.

“Thebondrequirementswilltake awayfromthosecharitiesthatwesupport,”saidTimothyPaulin,therotary club’spresident-elect.

JordanKoppins,artsmarket managerforArtsNewOrleans,said theyhave10-15vendorsatmarketsin

slowermonthsbutgetupto80during theholidays.

AndwhilenonprofitBayouYacht Clubhashostedsmallerevents,their largesteventshavehadmorethan 50vendors.

“Weceasedoperationsentirelyfollowingthebondordinance,”founder Annaschnitzlertoldthecitycouncil.

“Theinconsistenciesandunpredictabilityoftheeventpermittingprocess asawholehavemadeituntenableto hostanartmarketinthiscity.”

Confusionaboutbondscontinues

Thecitysuddenlyapplyingthebond requirementtoartmarketscaught manyorganizers,includinglongtime ones,offguard.

JoycelynReynolds,presidentof ArtsNewOrleans,saidinthenearly 20yearstheorganizationhadbeen puttingonartsmarkets,thecitynever requiredthemtogetabond.And whenshewenttothecityforclarity, theydidn’tprovideany,shesays

“Whenwegottheinformationfrom thecitythattheyweren’tapproving ourpermit,we’relike,‘OK,giveus

moreinformation.Wherecanweget abond?’Andtheycouldn’tgiveusthe information,”Reynoldssays.

LikewiseMichelleIngram,founderof FreretstreetMarketandFreretstreet Fest,saidshealsowasunsurewhereto getabondfrom

Morrellsaidhisofficewouldhelp FreretstreetMarketorganizersandhad beentalkingtononprofitswhocould potentiallyhelpwiththeprocess.

“Ifwe’regoingtorequirepeople tohavetaxbonds,becausetheyare veryweird,specifictypeofbond,then therevenuedepartmentneedstobe facilitatingwhereyoucouldevenget thebond,”hesaid.

Moreworkahead

Morrellsaidhe’dbeopento conversationsaboutexpandingthecap onvendorsforeventsthatgocashless, sincethecitycouldautomatically collecttaxonthosesales.However, vendorssaytheyliketoacceptcashto avoidfeesoncreditcardpurchases

“Todayisreallyatriageontryingto makesurethatalotofthereoccurring marketsareuninterrupted,butit’s

nottheendoftheconversation,” Morrellsaid.

Butorganizershavealreadycanceledeventssincethecitystarted requiringthebonds.

InadditiontoBayouYachtClub shuttingdownitsmarkets,Laffite GreenwaydirectorofcommunityprogrammingAlexisMarceauxsaidtheir organizationhadalsocanceledevents becauseofthepolicy

TheRotaryClubofRiverbendis tryingtodetermineiftheyshould moveaheadwithplanningtheir Octobermarket.

Morrellalsosaidthe1956lawdoesn’t reallyfitartmarketswherepeopleare signingupaweekorsoinadvanceand organizersmaynothaveanexactvendorcountuntilclosetotheevent “Weneedtohavemoregroupscome in,providemoreinformationandsee howwecanfixthesedifferentparts thatreallyjustdon’twork,”hesaid.

“Thankyoufordrillingdowntothese finerpoints,becausethat’swherewe live,”Ingramsaid.“That’swherewe producerslive.”—KayleePoche

limited time onlylimited time only timeonly

ButterPecan COLD BREW WITH SWEETCOLD FOAM

ButterPecan VELVETICE

Cityregulatoryreformpush mustnotendangercivilrights, environmentprotections

MAYORLATOYA

CANTRELL’SADMINISTRATIONLASTMONTH

quietlyinformedthe NewOrleansCity Councilitisreviewing citypermitting,enforcementandinspection regulationstoidentify outdated,overlapping andunnecessarilyburdensomerequirements andprotocols

DeputyChief AdministrativeOfficer ThomasMulliganis overseeingthereview, whichcouldaffecthugeswathsofthe city’seconomy—frombuildingpermits tobusinesslicenses,fromshort-term rentalregulationstoconstruction inspections,andmuchmore.

Anygoodfaithefforttostreamlinethecity’sByzantineregulatory andpermittingsystemiswelcome andnecessary.Butsuchaneffort mustfocusonmaintaining—oreven bolstering—publicsafetyaswell asprotectionsoftheenvironment, minoritycommunities,womenand othermarginalizedpeople

Periodicallyreviewingbureaucratic redtapeisfundamentaltogood governance.Circumstancesinevitably changeovertime,andchangesoften renderlawsandpoliciesobsoleteor overlycumbersome

Caseinpoint:theadministration’s recentuseofa1950ssalestaxruleto stiflesmallartmarkets.Therule,which requireseventorganizerstoobtain bondsstartingattenthousanddollars, likelywasintendedtoapplytocar showsandotherhigh-end“market” events.Thatdoubtlessmadesensein the1950s.Butapplyingittoachurch fundraiserorasmallmarketheldata localbartodaymakesnosenseatall Gambit’sKayleePochereportsthis weekthatthecity’spermittingprocess formarketsandvendorshasbecome preposterouslyburdensomeand inconsistent,makingitalmostimpossibleforanyonetonavigatethesystem. Mulliganinformedthecitycouncil oftheongoingreviewonJuly24.He appearskeenlyawareoftheproblems andtheneedforchanges.Hecited severalunnecessaryandoverlappingbuildingcoderulesthatcould bestreamlinedoreveneliminated. similarly,hesaidhemayrecommend

thatthecouncileliminatealocal requirementforbarmanagersbecause thestatealreadyhasacomprehensive liquorlicensingscheme,including licensureofbarmanagers Ifthereviewprocessfocuses onthesesortsoftargeted,common-sensereforms,itwillindeedbea welcomestep.Toooften“regulatory reform”endsindisasterforconsumers andmarginalizedpeople.

Atthefederallevel,“deregulation” andotherbureaucraticoverhauls ledtotheEnronscandalandthe ongoingstruggleofcommunities acrossthecountrytoobtainaffordable,reliablepower.Federalbankruptcyreformsremovedmanyofthe oldlaw’sprotectionsforthepoor whilefavoringcreditors.

Onthis,wearelessconfidentthat Mulliganwillproduceaconsumer-friendlysetofrecommendations. HeholdsaPh.D.inphilosophyandhas longadvocatedforaso-called“meritocratic”systemofgovernment.His writingsincludetroublingobjections tomostaffirmativeactionpoliciesto addressracialandgenderdiscrimination.Healsohasdismissedtheneed for“diversity”inhiring.

Moreover,moniedinterests willalmostcertainlyseektogain advantagesviaaregulatoryoverhaul. ultimately,thecitycouncilwilldecide whatchanges,ifany,toimplement. Weurgethecounciltoworkclosely, andpublicly,withMulliganandall stakeholderswhendecidingwhich reformstoembraceandwhich toreject.

TheNewOrleans CityHallbuilding PHOTOBYSOPHIAGERMER/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE l

shop @gaetanasnola itplay

skirtall

mini

Backto School!

Flemingchoosescheap

INPOLITICSANDINLIFE,MANY

THINGSTHATWESEEKare proverbialdouble-edged swords.Everybenefithasa cost,andoftentimesthecost ishigh.Toooften,ourpolitical leadersignorethecostbecause theycravetheimmediate gratificationthatcheappolitical theaterprovides.

Caseinpoint:Louisiana TreasurerJohnFleming’srecent refusaltoletBankofAmerica becomeoneofthestate’s90or sodesignatedfiscalagents.

Financialinstitutionsthat serveasstatefiscalagentscan holdstatefundsondeposit,a majorresponsibilitybutalsoa boonconsideringLouisiana’s $47.2billionannualbudget.

ur iced matcha fusedwith ouse-made Earl reysyrupand oppedwitha elvety Earl Grey oldfoam

Thoseinstitutionsvarygreatlyin size,fromsmalltownbanksandcredit unionsinplaceslikeErathandGeismar tomega-bankslikeJ.P.MorganChase, BankofNewYorkMellon,u.s.Bank andCapitalOne.

Thelistofdepositories/fiscalagents alsoincludesinstitutionsinMississippi, Tennessee,MinnesotaandCalifornia. sowhynotBankofAmerica,oneof thenation’slargestfinancialinstitutions—andonethatplanstoopen branchesnextyearinBatonRougeand NewOrleans,offeringcompetitionfor Louisianaconsumers?

AccordingtoFleming,BoAisguiltyof “deliberatelydenyingbankingservices tocustomersandpotentialcustomers (de-banking)ofreligiousorganizations, gunmanufacturers,fossilfuelproducers andothersbasedsimplyontheirpolitical perspectivesandactivities,notbecause ofanybankpolicyorlawviolations.”

Flemingbasedhisdecisionona reportbytheconservativeweekly WashingtonExaminerallegingthat BoA“de-banked”twoChristianorganizationsin2023—TheIndigenous AdvanceMinistriesandTheTimothy TwoProjectInternational.

FlemingdescribedIndigenous AdvanceMinistriesas“aChristian charitableorganizationthatassists at-riskchildren,prisoners,andsex traffickingvictimsinuganda.”Hesaid TheTimothyTwoProject“trainspastorsinmorethan65countriesaround theworld.”

Flemingandmorethanadozen otherRepublicanstatetreasurers

madesimilaraccusationsinanApril18 lettertoBoA,claiming,“theseactions amounttotheweaponizationofthe Americanfinancialsystem.”

“Weaponization,”afavoriteGOP buzzwordthesedays,telegraphsthat there’smoretothisstory.

InitsMay15responsetotheallegations,BoAnotedthatitprovides bankingservicestosome120,000 faith-basedu.s.nonprofits—butthat itssmallbusinessesdivisiondoesnot serve“organizationsthatprovidedebt collectionservices[or]smallbusiness clientsthatoperateoutsideofthe unitedstates.”

Andthere’stherub.

AccordingtoBoA,thewebsite forIndigenousAdvanceMinistries’ CallCenterstatesthatitsbusinessis “dedicatedtopursuingtherecovery ofoverdueinvoices”foritsclients —i.e.,debtcollection—andthat TimothyTwoProjectInternationalhas operationsinCuba,“acountrythatis sanctionedundertheTradingwiththe EnemyAct.”

Moreover,BoAisoneofthelargest financiersofthefossilfuelindustry— aneasilyverifiablefactthatFleming,as statetreasurer,shouldknow.

Butthat,ofcourse,wouldrequire alevelofintellectualhonestynot foundamongculturewarriors.It’sjust somuchmoreconvenienttoignore inconvenienttruths—andcosts— whenthebenefitsofcheappolitical

JohnFleming PHOTOBYPATRICK DENNIS /

@GambitBlake|askblake@gambitweekly.com

HeyBlake, WeloveChefSusanSpicer’s RosedaleandBayonarestaurants.Didn’tshestartat anothereaterywhenshefirst cametoNewOrleanstowork asachef?Wherewasit?

Dearreader,

ALTHOUGHRENOWNEDCHEFSUSAN

SPICERWASBORNINKEYWEST,Florida, herfamilyhaslivedinNewOrleans sincethe1960sandshegraduated fromMartinBehrmanHighschoolin Algiers.sheattendedtheuniversity ofNewOrleansandthenembarked onaculinarycareerinCaliforniaand Massachusetts,beforereturningto theCrescentCity.shetriedherhand atgraphicdesignbeforebecomingan apprenticetochefDanielBonnotathis renownedLouisXVIrestaurantin1979. In1983,Bonnotalsowassupervising thefoodserviceoperationatthest CharlesHotel,locatedatst.Charlesand Jacksonavenuesinthepropertythat nowoperatesasHotelTonnelle.Bonnot andthehotel’sowner,Marksmith(who alsoownedLouisXVI),openedthe FrenchbistrosavoirFaireinthehotel andBonnothiredspicerasthechef. “she’satworkby7:30a.m.and doesn’tleaveuntilmidnightbutsusan spicersaysthatrightnowshewouldn’t haveitanyotherway,”wrotesharon LitwininaJanuary1983TimesPicayune/states-Itemprofile,calling spicertheonlyfemaleexecutivechef inNewOrleansatthetime.“spiceris absolutelydedicatedtoherart.”

ChefSusanSpicerather Rosedalerestaurant.

PHOTOBYDAVID GRUNFELD / THETIMES-PICAYUNE)

sheearnedravereviewsatthe restaurant,althoughitclosedinjusttwo yearswhenthehotelchangedhands spicerspentayearinFrancebefore returningtoNewOrleansin1986to openTheBistroatMaisondeVille insidethehotelat733Toulousest. In1990,spicerandReginaKeever partneredtoopenBayonarestaurant.Threeyearslater,spicerearned the1993JamesBeardAwardfor BestChef:southeast.In2010,she wasinductedintotheJamesBeard Foundation’sWho’sWhoofFoodand BeverageinAmerica.

Thesameyear,shelaunchedMondo, acasual,family-stylerestauranton HarrisonAvenueinLakeview.she closedthatlocationofMondoin2019, buttherestaurantlivesonatLouis ArmstrongInternationalAirport. In2016,spiceropenedRosedale, locatedinaformerpolicestationinthe NavarreneighborhoodnearDelgado CommunityCollege.

THISWEEKWEDRAWYOURATTENTIONTOTHEWORKOFPULITZERPRIZE-WINNING Times-PicayuneeditorialcartoonistWaltHandelsman,whosecareerinNew Orleansbegan35yearsagothismonth.

AnativeofBaltimore,Handelsmanholdsdegreesinarttherapyandadvertising. Heworkedforanadagencybeforebecominganeditorialcartoonistforachainof suburbanweeklynewspapersnearhishometown.

In1985,hemovedtoThescrantonTimesinPennsylvania,wherehiswork wassyndicatedtomorethan75publications,includingTheNewYorkTimes, WashingtonPost,NewsweekandtheNationalReview.InAugust1989,hejoined TheTimes-Picayune,replacingfellowPulitzer-winnerMikeLuckovich,who leftfortheAtlantaJournal-Constitution.InNewOrleans,Handelsmanwonall ofthemajornationalawardsforeditorialcartooning,includinghisfirstPulitzer Prizein1997.

In2001,heleftforNewsdayinNewYork.There,hetaughthimselfFlash animationandin2007becamethefirstpersontowinaPulitzerPrizefor animatedcartoons.

HandelsmanreturnedtoLouisianain2013ascartoonistatTheAdvocate, whichin2019purchasedTheTimes-Picayune.Bothnewspapers,likeGambit, areownedbyGeorgesMediaGroup.

Handelsmanhascompiledhisworkintotenbooks,including“DrawMe sumpthin’Mister!”“PoliticalGumbo”and“I’mDrawingasFastasICan!!!”

BLAKEVIEW

OUR NOTENEMY

NewOrleans is wagingwaron thepoor and small businesses butletsmajor problemsfester

BY JOHN STANTON| Gambit editor

OVERA24-HOURPERIODEARLIERTHISMONTH,

NewOrleans conductedmultiplesweepsofso-called“undesirables”intheFrenchQuarterand Bywateraspartofwhatofficialscastasamuch-neededqualityoflifeenforcementpush

Aspartofthepush,MayorLaToyaCantrellmarshalledresourcesfromtheNew OrleansPoliceDepartment,theDepartmentofPublicWorks,parkingenforcementandevenGov.JeffLandry’sstatepolicecontingent,TroopNOLA,toissue warnings,confiscateitemsandinsomecasesmakearrests

Thegoalwasto“maketheEighthDistrictanuisance-freeenvironmentforall residents,businesses,touristsandstakeholderstoenjoyandfeelsafeinthearea,” accordingtointernalNOPDdocumentsobtainedbyTheTimes-Picayune.

Giventheresources,coordinationandfanfarewithwhichthecityconductedthe sweeps,you’dthinkNewOrleanswasengagedinsomesortofmassiveanti-mob pushtargetingtheworstcriminalsandrulebreakerstheCrescentCityhadtooffer

Butthetargetsofthismuscular—andinmanycasesarmed—enforcement actionweren’tgangleaders,mobbossesorpeoplepocketingmillionsofftheir long-termviolationsofcityordinances.Instead,NewOrleansuseditsmightto takedowntarotcardreaders,buskersmakingchangeforphotoswiththeirpet snake,unhousedpeoplestrugglingwithaddictionandschoolchildrendrumming onbucketsfortips

Truly,itwasaveritableroguesgalleryofscofflaws.

Meanwhile,overintheCentralBusinessDistrict,PlazaTowercontinuesto collapseinslow-motion,andthelongneglectednavalbaseinBywater(wherethe anti-unhousedsweepstookplace)rotsawayinpeace,twinmonumentstothe city’slackofinterestinusingitspowertofixproblems.

Andinanalmosttoo-perfect-to-be-truetwist,asthecitywasroustingsecond gradersplayingbucketsfortourists,theSewerage&WaterBoard’spoorplanning plungedNewOrleansintoatwo-day,nearcitywideboilwateradvisorywhichmay ormaynothavebeencausedbyastraymylarballoon.

Turnsoutthatthesedaystheonlypeoplewhocanreally“DoWhatchaWanna” inNewOrleansarethosewithenoughmoneyorconnectionstodoso. Insomerespects,ofcourse,moneyandinfluencehavealwaysbeenthekeys tosuccessfullykeepingthegovernmentoffyourback.That’sbeenarealitysince humansfirstformedtribalsocieties—andit’sbeenapointofcontentionforthe restofuseversince.

AndNewOrleanshasbeennoexception.Everygenerationisrepletewith examplesofwealthybusinesspeopleand publicofficialsignoringanynumberof citylawsandsometimesbasicmoralityin waysthatregularNewOrleanianscould neverdo.

Landdevelopers,construction companies,oilandgasinterestsandtech companiesemploylegionsoflawyersand lobbyiststoprotectthemfromenforcementactions.Soontheonehand,it’s notsurprisingthatthecityhasn’tmade anyseriousefforttoforcedevelopersto actuallydosomethingwiththenavalbase orPlazaTower

ThesamegoesforS&WB.Whileits leadersmayhavetooccasionallyget verballyabusedbytheNewOrleansCity Council,theycansleeppeacefullyat nightknowingmembersofTroopNOLA aren’tgoingtorunuponthemduringa boardmeetingandforcethemtofixits problemsorfindnewjobs.

CouncilBudgetChairmanJoeGiarrusso acknowledgedthisreality.

“Sometimespeoplewhoarepoorer havelessresources,andgovernmentis usedtorunningoverthosepeople [but] whenpeopleofmeansgetinvolved,they say,‘Well,thismaybeaproblem’”and governmentwillslowdownandworkwith them,Giarrussosaid

WHATISNEW,THOUGH,isthe city’sseeminglyintentionaleffortto targetpoorpeople,smallbusinessesand otherslackingthepowerandconnections toprotectthemselves.Thisimpulseto activelytargetthelowestofhangingfruit mayhavestartedbeforethepandemic lockdowns,butithasbecomemuchmore pervasiveintheyearssince

Itstartedtobecomeobviousin2021 whenthecitybegantargetingvendors atsecondlines—whohavelongbeen sellingcolddrinks,beersandfoodduring

PHOTOBYMATTHEW HINTON /THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

parades.By2023,NOPDandother agencieswereactivelytargeting secondlines,particularlyunderthe ClaiborneBridge,shuttingdownunpermittedvendors.

Thatsummer,thecityexpanded itsanti-vendingpushontoSt.Claude Avenue,whichastringofpopularbars, clubsandrestaurantshaveturnedintoa bustlingnightlifehub.Then,sweepsof BourbonStreetbegan

Thenthisspring,thecitybegantargetingartmarkets.Thesesmall,oftenDIY eventshavelongbeenapartoflifein NewOrleans.Butthepandemic—and thesubsequenteconomicdownturn— turnedthemintocriticallifelinesforlocal artists,aspiringchefsandotherswho haveusedthemtohelpmake endsmeet

Thislow-hangingfruitapproachto governancecanalsobeseeninhow thecityhandlesMardiGras.Whilethe wellorganizedandestablishedparades cansuccessfullylobbythecityforroute changes,inrecentyearsthesmaller walkingandDIYkreweshavefaced increasinglydifficultroadblocks.

Krewesareforcedtoshortenand changetheirroutesonaseemingly yearlybasis.Theircostsforpoliceand permitsaren’tsetuntilsolateinthe processitcanbedifficultforthemto raisethenecessarymoney.Insome instances,they’vebeenforcedtoparade onnightsthataretraditionallyquiet duringCarnival,makingitdifficultfor organizerstorecruitenoughmembers tomarch.

Butthere’sbeennosimilaruptickin enforcementagainstwealthyinterestsin thecity.Ifanything,they’regettingaway withevenmore

InthecaseofPlazaTower,thebuilding hasbeenabandonedforsolongthat ithasphysicallyhurtresidents:Debris fromthebuildingfellandinjuredacyclist in2021,andamanfellfromthetower anddiedlastyear.

Butnotonlyhasthecityletthe buildingstayvacant,it’sactuallyplanningtowrapitupintimefortheSuper BowlsotheNFLandtouristswon’t havetobebotheredwiththecrumbling monumenttoNewOrleans’deterioratinginfrastructure.

Infact,CityHallcan’tevenmusterup thepoliticalwilltofixitsowninternal problems.Anewreportfromthe LouisianaLegislativeAuditoronceagain confirmedwhateveryoneintownhas knownforyears:Thecity’sinabilityto payitsbillsontimehasresulted incontractorsnotfinishingstreetrepairs,replacingstreetlightsand generallykeepingupNewOrleans’ basicinfrastructure.

Butdon’tletthecity’srevenueoffices findoutyou’resellingcolddrinksata secondlinewithoutapermit.

“It’sapervasiveproblem,”Giarrusso acknowledged,adding“Idon’t understandhowwemakemountains outofmolehillsandmolehillsout ofmountains.”

FORDECADES,ANDARGUABLY CENTURIES,

NewOrleanshasnot onlytoleratedbutopenlyembracedthe notionofthegreymarket,inwhichhardworkingmicrobusinessesandthoseon thefringesofthebroadersystemwere abletofindspacetoearnalivingwithout theinterferenceofgovernment.

Infact,eventodaythere’splenty ofexampleswheregovernmentand quasi-governmententitiesworkwith people.Taketherecentdustupbetween musiciansandotherperformersand theFrenchMarketCorporation(FMC),a quasi-governmentalentitythatoperates theFrenchMarketandthebroader FrenchMarketDistrict

Themarkethasbeeninoperationin oneform(andlocation)oranothersince 1780.Itandthesurroundingareahave

PHOTOBYBRETT DUKE /THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

BY NI CE GU YS NO LA

alsoplayedhosttoinnumerablelegal,partlylegal,illegal andotherwisebusinesses overitsnearly250-year history.Asaresult,ithaslong beenadestinationforvisitors andevenmanylocals.

That’s,ofcourse,madeit primerealestateformusicians,fortunetellersandotherbuskers,whicheventually ledtoconflictsbetweenthese performersandthemarket.In 2016,theFrenchMarketand themayor’sOfficeofCultural Economyworkedwiththe MusicandCulturalCoalition ofNewOrleanstocreateaset ofrulesgoverningthearea, whichaccordingtoMaCCNO broughtitintolinewiththe restoftheFrenchQuarter Lastweek,however, thingsseemedtochange whensecuritypersonnel begantellingperformersthey neededspecialpermitsfrom theFrenchMarketDistrictto performinthearea.Given thattheareaencompasses notjustthephysicalmarket itselfbutstretchestothe UpperPontalbabuildingon JacksonSquare,thiswasa majorchangeinwherethey couldwork.

Inasocialmediapost, MaCCNOargueditappeared thatFMChad“secretlydecidedtoundothat[agreement], butdidn’ttellperformers, staff,orthepublic.Andof course,theFrenchMarket Corporationregularlyuses thesesamemusiciansintheir ownpromotion.”

Inotherinstancesinthecity,thiswouldhaveledtolinesbeing drawninthesand,likelydrawnintheCantrelladministration andeventuallythecitycouncil.Thecitycouldhavedeployed NOPDtoconductsweeps,causingmonthsoryearsofbadblood beforethecouncilultimatelysteppedinwithasolutionthat didn’treallyfit.

Butthat’snotwhathappened.Instead,MaCCNOandthe FrenchMarketDistricttalked,determinedtheguardswere actingoverzealouslyandthatnochangehadbeenmade.Everythingappears,atleastfornow,tobebacktonormal. Noarrestswereneeded.Noprotestsoccurred.Council MemberFreddieKing,whosedistrictincludestheQuarter, didn’thavetoholdaseriesofpainfulcommunitymeetingswith variousfactionsfightingthisandotherwarsinthecomment period,andnoneworrevisedregulationsweredraftedand consideredbythecouncil

Isthisallentirelylegal?Maybe?Butdoesitmatter?Welltothe performers,themarketandthevisitorswhowanttoenjoyboth no,notreally

Inacitythatgetshardertoliveinonaneardailybasis,governmentshouldbefindingwaystoreversethatsadtrend,whether it’sourterribleroads,havingtochoosebetweenairconditioning orpayingtherentor,Godforbid,makingsomewealthyland developerliveuptotheirpromises.

Butifallthatisstilljusttoomuchforcityleaderstocontendwith, theleasttheycandoisgetoffourbacksandleaveusallbe.

Organizinganartmarket inNewOrleansisn’teasy. Here’showcityrulesmake iteven harder.

BY KAYLEE POCHE

NEWORLEANSMAYORLATOYA

CANTRELL’SDECISIONtoenforcea decades-oldtaxenforcementruleonart marketsearlierthisyearisshiningalight onabrokenpermittingsystemmarketorganizersandvendorssayneedssignificant changestomakeitworkproperly andeffectively.

Puttingonanartmarketisnoeasytask evenunderthebestofcircumstances.Organizersmustfindavenue,recruitvendors andarrangeforpower,musicandpromotion.It’sajobthatcouldgiveevenveteran catwranglersnightmares

Buttheeventisworththeeffortinmost cases,organizerssay.Thatis,untiltheyrun intothenightmareofregulatoryredtape thatCityHallhascreatedoverthedecades AsNewOrleans’marketscenehasgrown, sohasthedifficultyorganizersandvendors havehadindealingwiththecity,theysay.

“Welovethiscommunity,andwe’retryingtocreateit,butit’sjustgettingsohard,” saysMichelleIngram,founderofFreret StreetMarketandFest.

Evenbeforethecitystartedrequiring bondsformarketsandotherspecialevents inApril,organizerssaysuccessfullyputting onaneventinthecityhasmeantovercomingoneregulatoryhurdleafterthenext

Theyciteinconsistenciesincosts,requirementsandevenwhattheyaretoldby cityofficialsandemployees,leadingtoan unwelcomingenvironmentthatdiscourages organizersfromwantingtocontinue.

AnnaSchnitzler,founderofartistnonprofitBayouYachtClub,saiditallbecame toomuchtocontinue.Whilethebondrequirementwasthebreakingpoint,theyfelt likeitwasbecomingharderandharderto hostanartmarketinthecity.BayouYacht ClubshutdowntheirmarketsinJune.

“Theinconsistenciesandunpredictability oftheeventpermittingprocessasawhole havemadeituntenabletohostanart marketinthiscity,”SchnitzlertoldtheNew OrleansCityCouncilearlierthismonth

Last-minute surprises

LISATOURTELOTANDOTHERS startedplanningastreetfestivalfortheVeteransofForeignWarsoftheU.S.(VFW)10 monthsout.EarlyontheywenttotheNew OrleansPoliceDepartmenttoaskthem tosignoffontheevent,sincetheywere goingtoclosestreetsduringit.Tourtelot

PHOTOBY SOPHIA GERMER / THETIMES-PICAYUNE

CrowdsfillFreretStreetatthe2024FreretStreetFestival. PHOTOBYSOPHIAGERMER/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE

saysNOPDtoldthemtheyweren’t requiredtohaveofficersthere.

AccordingtoTourtelot,amonthbeforetheevent,thecitytoldthemthey actuallywouldneedtohireseveral policeofficers,includingasupervisor, foralongerperiodoftimethanthe hoursoftheirevent.

Tourtelotsaysthecostofdoing socameouttoaround$3,500. Thatalonewastwicethebudgetfor theirevent.

“Itfeltlikewewerebeingextorted,”shesays.“Butwedecidedto moveforwardwithitanyway,onlyto haveNOPDthenturnaroundtheday beforeoureventandsay,nope,we don’thaveanyofficerswhocanstand thisduty,sowe’renotgoingtosignoff onthis.”

Luckily,oneofthemembersofthe planningteamfoundaworkaroundin thenickoftime

Thatwasatthesametimethey weretryingtofigureoutthecity’s thenbrand-newimplementationof thebondpolicy Theyhadtrouble evenfindingsomeoneattheBureau ofRevenueofficewhoknewthedetailsofthepolicy.Theyfinallyfigured itoutandsecuredabond meredays beforetheeventstarted.

“WegottheNOPDsignoffbythe skinofourteeth.Wegotthebondby theskinofourteeth.Allofthiswas literallycomingdowntolikethose36 hoursbeforetheevent,andforsomethingthatwehadbeenplanningfor almostayear,”Tourtelotsays.“We justgotthissenseoverandoverand overagainthatthecitywasovertly hostiletothesekindsofevents.”

TheCantrelladministrationdidnot respondtoarequestforcommenton

thisoranyotherissueorganizersand vendorsraisedtoGambit

‘It’s just this huge middle finger’

OTHERORGANIZERSSAYthey alsohavefelthostilityfromthecity whentryingtogetpermitted forevents

WhenBayouYachtClubwastrying tohostanartmarketearlierthisyear aspartoftheChampagneStrollat MagazineStreet,Schnitzlersaysthe citymisunderstoodthetypeofevent theywereputtingon

Cityemployees“werelikesnarky withmeandtellingmethatIwas tryingtohostaparade.Theywere accusatoryalmostaboutit,”Schnitzlersays.

Shesaysherstoryisjustoneofmany

“I’veheardsomanystoriestoo aboutvendorswhohavegonetoCity Hallandbeentreatedverypoorly tryingtogetthelicense,andtheir experienceswereconsistentinsome ways,andthenitwasinconsistentin whetherornottheyweregoingtobe abletogetit,”shesays

Togetmanypermits,organizers andvendorsmustphysicallyvisitCity Hall.Andalthoughthecitytoutsa “One-StopShop”permittingoffice, theyoftenendupgoingbackand forthbetweendifferentcitydepartmentstogetthepermitstheyneed WhentheyarriveatCityHall,the One-StopShoppermittingoffice waitingareaisfurnishedwithcushion-lessboxy,modularseatsresemblingmerchandisedisplaytables.

ThewaitingareaforthepermitofficeatNewOrleansCityHall.

PHOTO BY LISA TOURTELOT

“It’slikeyouwalkin,andit’sjust thishugemiddlefinger,”Tourtelot says,“like,‘Wedon’twantyouhere, andsinceyou’rehere,we’regoing tomakeyouasuncomfortableas humanlypossible.’”

Vendors struggling too

VENDORSSAYgettinglicensedto sellartandgoodsatspecialeventsis nowalkinthepark,either

Schnitzler,whoalsosellsstationery andartatmarkets,saysvendors needtwoseparatelicensestovend atamarket,ahome-basedbusiness occupationallicensetodobusiness inthecityingeneralandaspecial eventpermit

AccordingtoSchnitzler,theyalso needtwoseparatetaxaccountswith thecity,inadditiontoasalestax accountwiththestate,andtofile returnsmonthly,eveniftheydon’tsell anythingthatmonth.

“Mostartistsareunawareofhow thisworks,howtopayorwhotoask forhelp,”Schnitzlersays.

DreGlass,avendorandmarket organizer,sayswhenshewasapplying foranoccupationallicenseforherhot sauceandpreservesbusinessOnce AroundtheKitchenduringthepandemic,thecityrejecteditformonths Whentheyfinallysentherthelicense,itwasalreadyexpired,shesays

“Iemailedtheguy Iwaslike, ‘Mydude,thisisexpired,’andthe responseIgotbackwas,‘No,itisn’t,’” Glasssays.“Thistook,like,sixweeks toclearup.”

Thenallofasudden,shereceiveda mysteriousmanilaenvelopeinthemail.

“Itjustshowedupinthemail,this unmarkedenvelopewithwhatlooked likeasecondgrader’shandwriting addressedtome,nottothebusiness Therewasnostamponit,”shesays. “Itwasareused,like8x11manila envelope.Itwastapedshut.”

Shehadnoideawhatitwasorthatit wasfromthecityuntilsheopenedit “Ialmostthrewitinthetrash,andit wasmyoccupationallicense,”shesays

Permitting complications

PERMITSTOVENDatspecial eventsare$50yearly,butit’snotas simpleasbuyingapermitandbeing coveredforayear

Vendorscan’tgettheirpermitto sellatspecialeventsuntilanevent

organizeracceptsthemintoanevent andincludesthemonalistofevent vendorstheorganizergivestothecity.

VendorsalsohavetogotoCity Hallinperson,whichcanbehardfor peoplewhoworkduringthedayand peoplewhohavelimitedtransportationaccess

“Itjustbecomesareallyfrustrating andjustanannoyingtask,”Glasssays.

AllbusinesslicensesexpireonDec. 31,creatingabacklogoflicensesthe citymustrenew.It’salsounfortunate timingforthosebusinessownerswho getlicensedlaterintheyeartosell overthewinterholidayseason

Ingram,ofFreretMarket,says she’sbroughttheissueupatmultiple meetingswithcityofficials.

Organizersandvendorsalso complainthatsometimesthecity doesn’tgivespecialeventspermits untilthedaybeforeoreventhedayof theevent.

It’s“justaridiculous,worrisome thing,”Glasssays “Theseare smallbusinesses.”

Reputation for red tape

ORGANIZERSSAY theredtape keepssomesmallbusinessownersin theareafromvendinginNewOrleans.

“Ihavelostcountlessvendorsbecauseoftheprocesstoactuallyobtain thespecialeventoccupationallicense fromthecity,”Ingramsays.“It’soverwhelming It’sburdensome.”

Tourtelotexperiencedthesame thingwhentryingtorecruitvendors forherveteran-focusedfestival.

“Whenwewouldtellthemwhere theeventwas,theywouldjustgo,‘Oh no,no,no.Ihavetodoallthesethings inordertobelegallysquarewiththe cityofNewOrleans soIjustdon’t botherwiththeseevents,’”shesays

Asaresult,theylostoutonseveral potentialvendors,includingveteran-ownedbusinesses

Thesehurdlescanmakeplayingby therulesdifficult,especiallyforbrand newbusinessownerswhomaybe learninghowtomaketheirfirstsales.

Organizersandvendorssaythe cityshouldmakethespecialevents permittingprocesssimplerandmore consistentandprovideeducation classesandresourcestowalkpeople throughthestepsneeded Theyalso wantmorepermitstobeavailable onlineratherthanin-persononly.

“Inacitythathashadsomething liketheFrenchMarketfor200years, you’dthinkwe’dbeabletofigureit out,”Glasssays.

Learning Experiences

With online games,virtual tutoringsessionsand an interactivetechcenter, theNew OrleansPublic Libraryhas free resourcesfor students of all ages

BY SA RAH RA VIT S

MAYBEYOURTWEENNEEDS

HELP withgeometryhomeworkand you’veforgottenhowtodomath.Perhaps yourtoddlerneedsaboostwhilelearningtheirABCsoryourteenagerwantsto honetheirwritingskillsforastellarcollege application.Whatevertheissueis,theNew OrleansPublicLibraryhasplentyoffree resourcestohelpkidsofallagesinandout oftheclassroom

Throughabountyofonlineprograms atnolalibrary.org,locallibrarieshave plentyofresourcestohelpkidsinarangeof subjects.Allyouhavetodoissignupfora librarycard.

OneespeciallypopularprogramisABCmouseEarlyLearningAcademy,whichis gearedtowardyoungerkids.

It’saninteractiveplatformthathelpskids aged2-8learnphonics,socialstudiesand generalliteracyskillsthroughgames,short videosandactivitysuggestionsthatinspire youngpeopletogetcreative

Normally,theprogramhasamonthly subscriptionfee,butM’issaFleming,youth outreachlibrarianattheNewOrleans PublicLibrary,wantseveryonetoknow theycanaccessitforfreethroughthe library’swebsite

“Ican’ttellyouhowmanytimesIsee parents’lookofdisbeliefandjoythatit’s free—andbetrayalthatnoonetoldthem sooner,”Flemingsayswithalaugh.

Theplatformisespeciallypopular becauseitaccommodatesdifferentstyles oflearning

“Whenyougiveakidanopportunityto learnsomethingfromsevendifferentangles,atleastoneofthemmighthelpprime them,”Flemingsays.Thedevelopers“puta lotofeffortintomakingsureit’saccessible tomanydifferentlevels.”

Anotherlibraryprogramcardholders canaccessisHomeworkLouisiana,which providesawealthofresourcesforkidsof allageswhoneedsomeextrahelpoutside theclassroom

Throughthatprogram,kidshavedirect accesstotutorswhohelptheminavariety

ofsubjects.Flemingsaysit’sahigh-quality service,anditsgoalisforallkids,regardless ofeconomicstatus,tohaveaccesstoa tutoriftheyneedit.

It’salsohelpfulforchildrenandparents whoareSpanishspeakerstryingtolearn English,astherearetranslatorsandprogramsforthem

Flemingsaystheprogramalsoassists studentswithwritingessays,allowingthem tosubmittheirpapersandgetfeedback within12hours.

“It’snotjusthelpfulforkids,it’shelpfulforteachers,too,”Flemingsays, especiallybecausealotofschoolsinNew Orleanshavelargeclassrooms,spreading teachersthin.

Forolderkids,Flemingrecommends usingLearningExpress,aself-guided programthathelpsprepfortestslikethe ACT,SATandAPexams.Therealsoare tutorialswithtipsonhowtohonecollege applicationessays.Theservicecanbeused intandemwithHomeworkLouisiana,or justonitsown

FlemingsaysLearningExpresscan savefamiliesthousandsofdollarsontest prepcourses.

Whiletheseprogramsareallonline, thelibraryofferssomein-personlearning opportunities,too.

Forexample,BestBuyTeenTechCenter atthemainbranchdowntownallowscreativetypes,aged13-18,accesstoallkinds ofnewtechnology,likevideoproduction tools,musicrecordingequipment,graphic designprograms,sewingmachinesand 3-Dprinters.ThereareevenVRheadsets forgaming.

Flemingsayskidscandesignstickersand buttonsonthespotandwalkawaywith tangibleproductstheycreated.

“Alotofpeopledon’tknowaboutit,” theysay.“Butifakidislookingforan amazingin-personexperience,Icannot recommenditenough.It’sacoolplaceto hangoutafterschoolandlearnnewthings.” Formoreinformation,visitnolalibrary.org.

Kids at the Best Buy Teen Tech Center PHOTO PR OV IDED BY THE NEW ORLE ANS PUBLI CL IB RA RY

ANew Orleans Public Librarycardwill grant access to allkinds of free programs to help students with homework and learning.

PH OTOP ROVIDED BY THE NEW ORLE ANS PUBLIC LIBR ARY

PHOTO PR OV IDED BY THE NEW ORLE ANS

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Meet Dr.Duggan

IearnedmyBachelorofArtsinMolecular Biology with aCertificateinEngineering Biology from PrincetonUniversity. Imoved to NewYorkand then livedinBuenos Aires forsix months before headingto TulaneUniversitySchoolofMedicine. After completing my training,Imoved back to my hometown of Oakland, California,to complete my residency at UCSFBenioff Children’s Hospital. NewOrleans had alreadycapturedmyheart during medical school,soin2013, Ireturnedtothe city I love.Outside of work,Ilovespendingtime with my family andindulging in simple joys likerollerskating.I’m also committedto maintainingahealthy work-lifebalance, especially when it comestohelping parentsnavigatethe challenges of the back-to-schoolseason.

My journeyinmedicinehas been deeply fulfilling, andI’m proudtobepartofthe Children’s HospitalNew Orleansteam, whereweput children first everyday.

Tell us aboutChildren’s Hospital’s ThriveKids Program

Changing thehealthofageneration begins at school,soChildren’s Hospital NewOrleans createdthe ThriveKids StudentWellnessProgram -the first studentwellnessinitiativeacrossLouisiana that allows forcarecoordinationamongst students andfamilies, school nursesand school mental health professionals.

By workingtogether with schoolsacross thestate,our pediatricexperts providethe tools, education, inspiration andexpertise to help allkids grow up healthy-and thrive.Weunderstandthateachschoolis unique,and we work to best supportour school partners in JeffersonParishand NewOrleans Public Schoolsand Agenda forChildren with awiderange of programs andservices,customizedbased on each school’s specificneeds.

Commitment to communityhas been part of Children’s Hospital’sDNA throughoutits 69-yearhistory.ThriveKids wasbornout of that same commitment andisanother wayweare workingto shapeahealthier andsafer future forour kids from birth through graduation. To learnmoreabout ThriveKids,visitchnola.org/thrivekids.

Meet OurKrewe Children’s Hospital NewOrleans

Dr.HannahDuggan

THRIVEKIDS PEDIATRICIAN

Questions& Answers

Howlong have youbeenin NewOrleans?

Imoved to NewOrleans formedical school in 2006 butmoved away forabout 3years during my residency

If youcould turn into an animal, what woulditbeand why?

Apenguin,it’sbeen my favorite animal sinceI wasakid.Also, IwishIwereabetterswimmer andI’m uselessinthe cold so maybebeing a penguinwould help

What will youmissmost aboutsummer?

Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, theCoolZoo at Audubon Zooand watching theOlympics.

If youcould pick one superpower, what wouldyou choose?

Sincemyactual superpower is being unappetizing to mosquitoes,Iwould choose to fly!

What’s one thingabout ThriveKids that you’re most proudof?

To stay healthy, children need ageappropriateimmunizations,regular preventive care andtimelymedical treatmentfor both acute andchronic illnessesand injuries.A lack

of access to healthcare,and thesignificant barriersfacing many of theyoung families in ourcommunity make stayingontop of healthcare difficult.ThriveKids doesn’t wait for kids to show up at ourhospitalbut brings care directly to them with innovative school-based programs designed to advancetheir health andwellbeing

What’s one thingyou wish thecommunity knew about ThriveKids?

We help allkids andfamiliesfind medicaland behavioralhealthcareregardless of wherethey live,where they go to school or if theirfamily hasinsurance

As aparentand pediatrician, what’s one tipyou wouldgive otherfamiliesduringback-toschool time?

Be sure thekids getagood night’ssleep,plan aheadasmuchaspossibleand keep an open mind as youenter this newschoolyear!

DRINKS

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ENTERTAINMENT

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& SERVICES

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Best local rug store

Best locallyowned bookstore

Best locallyowned bridal shop

Best locallyowned Carnival supply store

Best locallyowned children’s store

Best locallyowned furniturestore

Bestlocallyowned jewelrystore

Bestlocallyowned kitchen design store

Best locallyowned men’s clothing store

Best locallyowned music store

Best locallyowned pet supply store

Best locally owned shoe store

Best locally owned storefor home decor /accents

Best locally owned women’s boutique

Best New Orleans

neighborhood grocery

Best Northshore

neighborhood grocery

Best pet boarding/day care business

Best pet grooming business

Best place to buy agift

Best place to buy CBD and THC products

Best place to buy consignment clothing

Best place to buy eyewear

Best place to buy vintage / consignment furniture

Best place to buy vintage clothing

Best smoke shop

Best thriftstore

Best vape shop

Best veterinary/animal clinic

Best woman-owned small business

PERSONALCARE +WELLNESS

Best barbershop

Best day spa

Best dentist

Best dermatology practice

Best hair salon

Best health club/fitnessstudio

Best hospital

Best locally ownedpharmacy

Best medspa

Best peircer

Best peircing shop

Best place for mental health care

Best place to buy adulttoys

Best place to get a manicure/pedicure

Best place to get amassage

Best place to get waxed

Best tattoo artist

Best tattoo shop

Best yoga studio

LOCAL LIFE

Best artgallery

Best assisted living/ retirementcommunity

Best dog park

Best family friendly/ kid friendly places/activites

Best golf course

Best grammar school

Best highschool

Best kept local secret

Best local artist (painter,sculptor,etc)

Bestlocal coffee shop to work/study

Best museum

Best nonprofit

Best nursery/ preschool

Best park

Best paved street

Best place to get married

Best pool

Best pothole (provide street name, intersection, etc)

Best real estate agent

Best real estate office

Best summer camp

VISITOR

RECOMMENDATIONS

Best 24 hour bar

Best bail bondsman

Best bar for day drinking

Best bed and breakfast

Best daquiri

Best FrenchQuarter restaurant

Best haunted /ghost tour

Best hotel

Best hotel bar

Best IV lounge

Best place to cure ahangover

Best place to get amuffuletta

Best place to get late night food

Best street for shopping

Best swamptour

Best Uptownhotel

MEDIA

Best local food social media account

Best local social media account

Best local investigative reporter

Best local radiopersonality

Best local TV news anchor

Best local TV sportscaster

Best local TV station

Best local TV weathercaster

Best radiostation

BACKTOSCHOOL

Christ Episcopal School

Early Childhood Campus 120 S. NewHampshireStreet, Covington, LA 70433 985-892-9156

Christwood BoulevardCampus 80 Christwood Boulevard, Covington, LA 70433 985-871-9902

Christepiscopalschool.org

DiscoverChristEpiscopalSchool, amissionand ministry of Christ Episcopal Church celebrating its 40th year.Weare acoeducational college preparatory dayschool forstudents in early pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school, with its 650+ students,isset on twounique, idyllic campusesinCovington,and ourgoal is to prepareour students forlivingin God’sworld, with all their rights and privileges,dutiesand responsibilities

The philosophyofChristEpiscopal School reflects the reasons for its origin: to provide asuperior academic opportunitywithin the framework of awarm and nurturing Christian environment.

University ViewAcademy

3113 ValleyCreek Drive,Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 421-2900 |universityview.academy

UniversityViewAcademyisa Louisiana-based K-12 tuition-free online public charter school available to students statewide from any parish.Asone of themostinnovative virtualcharter schoolsinLouisiana,weoffera unique online environmentwithcertified teachers andprovencurricula that allowstudent families theflexibilityand freedom to learnina waythatfits theirlifestyle needs. UVAalsooffers an earlycollege high school program that allows ourstudents to earn afreetwo-year associatesdegreefromapartner communityortechnical collegeby either attending classes on campus or online via dual enrollment. www.universityview.academy

MountCarmel Academy

7027 Milne Boulevard, NewOrleans, LA 70124 (504) 288-7626 |Mcacubs.com

The MountCarmel Academyexperience is filled withopportunities foreach studenttopursue her passions,uncovernew talents,grow spiritually and discover the personGod createdher to become. Students collaborate with peers, view failures as opportunities forgrowthand approachour ever-changing and complexworld with an inquisitivemind. Small classsizes (average of 15) ensure an interactive and inclusive learning environment.Students are encouraged to expandtheir interests andbecome active participants in the community. Exploreour campus,meetour students and teachers, andlearn moreatour Open HouseonOctober 10 at 3-7:30 RSVP on mcacubs.com

Louisiana Academyof Performing Arts (LAAPA)

2020 Dickory Avenue #201, Harahan,LA70123 (504) 208-2301 |laapa.com

Join the Funthis Fall! LearntoPLAY, DANCE, SING,ORACT! Take lessons with our exceptional teachersina positive& fun environment. LAAPAworkswithbrand newbeginners to advanced students preparing forauditions,recordingsessions, etc. All programs arestructured with the opportunitytotailor their educational experience to their preciseinterests and goals. Classesare available eitheronline or on campus at the River Ridge School of Music &dance in Harahan and on theNorthshoreat The Covington School of Music in Covingtonand theMandeville School of MusicinMandeville

St. Andrew’sEpiscopal School

8012 OakStreet NewOrleans, LA 70118 (504) 861-3743 |saesnola.org

Established in 1957,the mission of St.Andrew’s EpiscopalSchool (12 months to eighth grade), is to educate andinspirethe mind, body,and spirit of each individual child with asenseofexcellence and to promotesocial responsibilityinanurturing environment thatvaluesfaith, reason, and diversity. St.Andrew’s is unique, with a small student-to-teacher ratio.Wecreate an environmentwhereour experienced and caring facultyknows and loves everychild.Wefocus on “Cherishing Childhood, Developing Character,and Cultivating Leaders. In addition to arobust academic program,enhanced by state-of-the-art technology, foreign languages, fine arts,and athletics, communityservice rounds out the St.Andrew’s experience.

Atonement Lutheran

6500 Riverside Drive, Metairie, LA 70003 (504) 887-0225 |alcs.org

AtonementLutheran School is committedtoproviding ahigh caliber Christ-centerededucational opportunityfor allour students.Weare Pre-K –8th Grade and offer quality academic training in allareas of instruction. We serveadiversity of educational needs, while instilling responsiblecitizenshiptraitsand values.Wecelebrate theuniqueness and value of each child as agiftofGod/Westrongly believe we are involved in ateam effort with parents and willdoour best to have open linesofcommination andwillprovide andask forsupport as we build acaringatmospherefor families.Join us forour upcoming OpenHouseisonWednesday,October 23 from5-7pm

Educators forQualityAlternatives

1614OrethaCastleHaley Boulevard,New Orleans, Louisiana 70113 (504) 267-9060 |eqaschools.org

EQASchoolsisa forward-thinking network that integrates academicexcellence with the development of Emotional Intelligence and Social-Emotional Learning skills.Byofferinga comprehensivecurriculum thatprioritizes both cognitivegrowthand emotional well-being, EQASchoolspreparesstudentsfor awell-rounded andsuccessful future.Through engaging courses, real-world learning, and valuable resources,our network ensures thatstudents not onlyexcel in traditionalacademic subjects but also cultivateessential life skills likeselfawarenessand effectivecommunication.Thisapproach equips students to navigate challenges with resilience,fostering holisticdevelopment.Notably, we provideadditional supportby offering free childcareservices to studentparents,reinforcingour commitmenttoinclusivity andaccessibility.

Alice and Amelia

NOLA Gifts &Decor

5101 WEsplanade Avenue #1, Metairie, LA 70006 (504) 407-3532 |Nolagiftsanddecoronline.com

It’sBack to School timeand Nola Gifts and Decor is the place to geaux to showyourschool spirit.Door hangers, garden flags, ornaments,socks, tumblers, wall decor from Clay Creations, and so much more.Collegecarepackages arefilledwith necessitatesand surprised thatevery college studentcan usefor their dorm or apartment. Check out our websiteatNolagiftsanddecoronline.com. Custom orders welcome.

4432 Magazine St, NewOrleans, LA 504-402-6206 |Shopaliceandamelia.com

Alice and Amelia hasanassortmentof localcollegiate gear to getyou ready for gamedays!Fromtotebags, to face glitter, to dorm accessories we have all the clothing andgiftstoget your school year started! Alice and Amelia strives to bring youaunique selectionofeye-pleasing and practical gifts originating from small women ownedand family businesses.Stop byour storeonMagazineStreet to shop for your back-to-school needs

R.E.A.D.(ReadingEnrichment and Development)

921S.CarrolltonAve.,New Orleans, La 70118 (504)-495-0233 |readnola.com

Jenifer@readnola.com

Register forR.E.A.D.(Reading Enrichmentand Development) to participate in our dynamic, early literacy program. Children ages 4monthsold through 4yearsold attend each classwiththeir grown-up. Our program isbuiltaroundbooks, movement,music,art, and themed activities.Throughcreativeplay, children develop their skills and bringbooksand languageinto their dailylives.This classisdesigned to makepositive connections between you, your child, andreading starting at an early age. Incorporating booksintothose special times of connection helps children associate reading with positive feelings. Fall Registration is NowOpen! Classesrun from Sept.11-Dec. 7. Early registration runs throughmidnightofAugust31, 2023

Southern Charm Home&Gifts

5928 WMetairie Avenue #11, Metairie, LA 70003 (504) 655-0178 | southerncharmhomeandgifts.myshoplocal.com

At Southern Charm, you’ll findacharming array of apparel, accessories,home decor,and more, perfect forshowcasing your school pride!

From t-shirts,sweatshirts, PJsand socksto earrings, necklaces,bracelets and more, we’ve gotsomething to suit your personal style. Add some flair to your dormorstudy space with unique pillows,throws, anddecorativeaccents. SouthernCharmalsohasdoormats,doorhangers, and garden flags, so youcan show the neighbors which team you’re cheering on next gameday!

Visit us todayand gear up forthe year ahead— let’s make this your most charming year yet! 5928 W Metairie Ave#11, Metairie, LA 70003

Yvonne LaFleur

8131 Hampson Street, NewOrleans, LA 70118 (504) 866-9666 |yvonnelafleur.com

Yvonne La Fleur is afashion emporium featuring ball gowns,wedding gowns,partydresses, suits,classic sportswear,custom hats,lingerie, magicpants, accessories,&her ownsignature fragrance. All alterations arefreeand done on the premises by ourexpertseamstresses. We have served clients forsix decades.The NewOrleans fashion experience is astepbackintimeand a step forwardinfashion.

Mondaythru Saturday10am-6pm

StuartHall School forBoys

2032S Carrollton Ave.,New Orleans, LA 70118 504-861-1954 |Stuarthall.org

Stuart Hall School forBoysisanon-profit privateschool where boys developintellectually,physically and spiritually.Stuart Hall is the only school in the greaterNew Orleans area to offer aCatholic, independent, all-boy education in atraditional elementary school configuration(PK3-7th grade). Faith, scholarship, leadershipand honor arethe foundations upon which Stuart Hall builds future community leaderswho have an unselfishcommitmenttothe service of others. At the heart of its missionisthe belief that “Education is formation, not just information.”Stuart Hall School forBoysdoes not discriminate basedonrace, religion, color, or national or ethnic origin in theadministrationofits employment,admissions, educationalor athletic policies.Learn moreatstuarthall.org

Arden Cahill Academy

3101WallBoulevard, Gretna, LA 70056 (504) 392-0902 ardencahillacademy.com

ArdenCahillAcademy co mb ines as tr ong education with the unique qualities of an outdoor countryenvironment minutes from downtown. Nestled along Bayou Fatma in Gretna,the 12acrecampus currently serves students from six weeksinits InfantCenter through 12th grade in its High School Horsestables,apetting farm,a STEAMLab,art studios, band andmusic rooms,and a300-seattheatermakethe ArdenCahillAcademy campus unique.For more informationon registration, please call 504-392-0902 or visit ardencahillacademy. com. Toursare scheduleddaily by appointment. Interested families areencouragedtoattend atour or come to theFallOpenHouse on October 24

Nola Boo

517Metairie Road,Metairie,LA 504-510-4655 |nolaboo.com

Nola Boo wascreated by aNew Orleans girl wholoves her cityand lovesher Louisianasportsteams! She alsocombined her love of both with fashion. Located on MetaireRoadnear the tracks, Nola Boooffers gameday gear,the latest clothingtrends, accessories,and home decor.Toget youready forthe school year Nola Boo has just received shipmentofgameday shirts and accessoriestoget youinthe spirit.Followthem on Facebook and Instagram and download their app. Shop from home, online at nolaboo com or come in and sayhiboo!

Children’s HospitalNew Orleans

chnola.org

Children’sHospital NewOrleans supportsfamilies fora healthy back-to-school season

As families preparefor the back-to-school season, Children’s Hospital NewOrleans is committedtosupporting the health and wellbeing of children.Fromcomprehensive physical examstomentalhealth resources,the hospital and its ThriveKids StudentWellnessProgram provide essential servicestoensurestudents areready forasuccessful year.Additionally,flushotclinics areavailable to help protectchildren from seasonal illnesses. With afocus on physical and mental health, Children’sHospital is here to assist families every step of theway. Formoreinformationabout theseprograms, visit www.chnola.org/ ThriveKids

Ochsner Children’s Hospital

1514Jefferson Hwy,Jefferson,LA70121 (866) 624-7637 |ochsner.org/locations/ochsner-childrens

At Ochsner Children’sHospital, our toppriorityisproviding exceptional care foryourexceptionalkid. We offera levelof pediatric care unmatched foreverything fromwell-childcheck-ups and immunizations to cancer care and organtransplants. Forthree consecutiveyears, OchsnerChildren’s Hospital has ranked No.1 in Louisiana and is among thenation’stop 50 children’shospitals by U.S. News &World Report.Through our expert care,weare shaping a healthier futurefor ouryoungest patients.Visit ochsner.org/childrens to learn moreorto schedule an appointment.

Discovery Fusion

Discoveryfusion.org

At Discovery Schools, we arededicated to providinga dynamic andengaging learning experience. Our virtuallearning program, Discovery Fusion, enables students to learn from anywhere, anytime.Discovery Fusion offers arobust supportsystemwhere studentscan schedulein-person or virtual instructional supportwith ateacher as needed.Withstudent achievementasthe central focus,weinvolvestudents,parents, and teachers throughout the learning process. Ourexperienced leadership team anddedicatedteachersare committed to deliveringanexceptionallearning experience foreach student. Discovery Fusion currently serves Louisiana students in grades5th-8th and will expand to serve studentsingrades 1st-12th. To learn more, visit DiscoveryFusion.org

Discovery Schools

Discoveryhsf.org

Discoveryour child’sunique potential at Discovery Schools.Our Schools offer meaningful and engaging learning opportunitiessoall students thrive. Since 2013,Discovery hasgrown into a high-performing charter school network, operating twoschools in Jefferson Parish: Kenner Discovery,serving gradesPre-K -12th, andDr. John OchsnerDiscovery, serving grades Pre-K -8.Werecognizeeach child is unique, and understanding howa child learns is important. We offer various support servicestoaccommodate alltypes of learners.Through astrongacademic program, healthsciences integration, and arobust athleticprogram, studentscan discovertalents,exploreopportunities, and achieve success.Tolearnmore, visit discoveryhsf.org.

Ben Franklin HighSchool

2001 Leon CSimon Dr., NewOrleans, LA 70122 (504) 286-2600 |Bfhsla.org

Benjamin Franklin HighSchool has been fostering futures since 1957! With curious and creativehigh-achieving students from every ZIP code in the city, the school revels in its diversity. Afive-timeBlueRibbonschoolthatoffers numerouselectives, Advanced Placement classes,20sports teams, and over 50 clubs, BenFranklin challenges studentsand allows them to discover theirpassions. Visitbfhsla.org to learnmore, and attend Open HouseonThursday,Oct.10, from 5:30 p.m. to 8p.m. to experience firsthandthe commitment to fosteringexcellence thatdefines this school. We look forwardtowelcoming you!

De La SalleHigh School

5300 St. Charles Avenue, NewOrleans, LA 70115 (504)895-5717|delasallenola.com

Rooted in the Lasallianheritage and tradition of the Christian Brothers, De La Salle High School excels in guiding young menand womenofvaried backgrounds to develop spiritually,intellectually, physically,and socially.AtDeLaSalle,we seeour students as the uniqueindividuals theyare,and we challengethem to reach their full potential, both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities. Our aim is to wholly developeach child so thatheorshe will leave with the skills and knowledgenecessaryforcollegiatesuccess.

APROVEN ONLINE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE FOR LOUISIANA FAMILIES.

University View AcademyisaLouisiana-basedK-12tuition-free online publiccharter school available to students statewide from any parish.Asone of the mostinnovative virtual charter schools in Louisiana, we offer aunique online environment with certified teachers and proven curricula thatallow student families the flexibility and freedom to learn in away thatfitstheir lifestyle needs. University View Academy alsooffers an earlycollege high school program thatallows our students to earn afreetwo-year associates degree from apartner community or technical college by either attending classes on campus or online via dual enrollment. This incredible program offers UVAstudents the opportunity toget ahead on their four-year degree while still qualifying for TOPS when they graduate from high school.

4.7STARS

StudentFamilySurvey

Love of the orF CoffeeCoffee Crawl

AUGUST19-SEPTEMBER2

Getready forabrew-tifultwo-week adventureatyourown pace with ourCoffee Crawl! ExploreNOLA’slocal coffeeshops from August19toSeptember2 andindulge in your favorite brews forachanceto WIN!

HOWTOPARTICIPATE:

1. Visitthe participatingcoffee shopslistedinour guide.

2. Snap aphoto whileyou’rethere! Whetherit’saselfie with your cuporapicture of your coffee with theshopinview, make it fun!

3. Submit your photos by emailing them to vip@gambitweekly.com

OR sharethemonInstagram, tagging@gambitneworleans by Monday,September2,2024.

Complete allthe stopsonthe crawlfor achancetowin our GrandPrize: theMoccamaster KBGVSelectmodelhome brewingsystem, plus FREE VIPentry foryou andaguest to theNOLACoffee Festival on September27-28!

Participants whotakepartinthe crawlbut don’tfinish allthe stops will stillbeeligiblefor additional prizes.These includeaticketto theNOLACoffee Festival,gift cardsfromparticipating coffee shops, andmore! Your prizes will depend on howmanyshops you visitand thephotosyou submit So,the more youdiscover, the higher your chancesofwinning

Questions?Email vip@gambitweekly.com

EvolveCoffee+Matcha

400HARRISONAVE., NEWORLEANS,LA70124

3304WESPLANADE AVENSTE B7, METAIRIE,LA70002

EVOLVECOFFEENOLA.COM

Evolve Coffee+Matcha, locatedinLakeview andMetairie, offerspremium ceremonial gradematchaand sustainablysourced coffeefromMojoCoffee

CurrentCrop

3931MAGAZINE ST., NEWORLEANS,LA70115

CURRENTCROPROASTING.COM

Coffeeloverscan explorehands-onworkshops rangingfrombrewing basics androasting techniques to coffeecocktails andpastrypairings.

CaféBonAmi

822PERDIDO ST.,UNIT E NEWORLEANS,LA70112

CAFEBONAMI.COM

LocatedinNew Orleans’ CBD, Café BonAmi offersexpertlybrewedcoffee,locally made pastries,and deliciousdishesin amodernatmospherefor meetingfriends

FORTHE LOVE OF COFFEECRAWL

TwelfthNightCoffee

628N RAMPARTST., NEWORLEANS,LA70112

TWELFTHNIGHTCOFFEE.COM

TwelfthNight Coffeeisacozy, French Quartercaféhighlightingespresso, matcha andpastrieswhile celebrating itsNew Orleansheritage. Tryarich Café au Lait or refreshing NewOrleans Iced Coffeewithchicory!

LowerCoastCoffee

4228MAGAZINE ST, NEWORLEANS,LA70115

LOWERCOASTCOFFEE.COM

LowerCoastCoffeeoffersthevibrant flavorsofNewOrleanswithcrafted espressodrinks,coldbrew,matcha,and flavoredtea.Thecaféisopendailyfrom 7a.m.to5:30p.m.andhostsChildren’s StoryTimeeverySaturdayat9:30a.m.

NOLABeans

762HARRISONAVE., NEWORLEANS,LA70124

NOLABEANS.COM

NolaBeans,inLakeview,isnowunder newownership.NewownerAllisonis enhancingthemenu,drinkselections, andservicequality.NolaBeans embodiesaloveforreading,localart, andgeekyhobbies,servingasasafe andwelcomingspace.

Hey!Cafe

4300SDERBIGNYST., NEWORLEANS,LA70125

HEYCAFE.BIZ

Hey! Cafe,located in Historic Broadmoor, hasactivelysupported NewOrleans’creativeculture by facilitating aspiritedhospitality setting andhosting artand musichappenings.

TheCoffeehouse

3700PARISRD., CHALMETTE,LA70043

THECOFFEEHOUSEARABI.COM

TheCoffeehousecreates awelcoming environment forall customers. Visitors canenjoy avariety of hot, iced, or blendeddrinks, alongwith signaturecoldbrews andteas. The Coffeehouse offersdine-in drive-thru, mobile orders

TrumpetandDrum

3642MAGAZINE ST, NEWORLEANS,LA70115

@TRUMPETANDDRUM

TrumpetandDrumCoffeeoffersunique menuitemslikethePB&JLatte,Blackberry CreamColdBrew,BlueberryMatcha, &more!Thecaféalsocultivatesasense ofcommunity,withavarietyofseating options,cozyrooms,andacharming gardenpatiointheback

UndergrowthCoffee

4332MAGAZINE ST, NEWORLEANS,LA70115

UNDERGROWTHCOFFEE.COM

UndergrowthCoffee Shop and Roasterieisone of NewOrleans premierLGBTQ-operatedcafeand restaurants. Trythe 100% vegan CoconutNectarlatte,madewith house-recipecoconut milk

LuzianneCafe

481GIROD ST., NEWORLEANS,LA,7013O LUZIANNECAFE.COM

At Luzianne Café,inthe heartof theWarehouse District,savor their signaturecoffee andtea,refreshing mimosas, andother delightful drinks alongsideall-day breakfastand lunchfavorites

PirateKingCoffee

320EXCHANGEPL, NEWORLEANS,LA70130

@PIRATEKINGCOFFEE

Veteranowned,locatedintheHistoric FrenchQuarter,whereyoucan “AwakenYourInnerPirate”!

GospelCoffee

501TCHOUPITOULAS ST., NEWORLEANS,LA70130

GOSPELCOFFEENOLA.COM

Locatedinthe KimptonHotel Fontenot in theCBD,GospelCoffee andBoozy Treats is aplayful cafe with some heart andsoul. It’s aplace forgood coffee alongsidecheekytreatslikeboozeinfusedshakesand frozencustard with allthe fixings

PJ’sCoffee

PJSCOFFEE.COM

Awarmcup of PJ’s Coffee, located in NewOrleans,offers avariety of hotdrinks, organicteas, andiced beveragesmadewithoriginalcold brew.PJ’sservesonlythe top1% of specialtyArabica beansfor a gourmetcoffee experience

Paribeaenderspel ilicium autparum el inctur,temquenihiliquodit umin

GreaterNew OrleansFoundationhelps land major climateresiliency grants forSoutheast Louisiana

Paribeaenderspel ilicium autparum el inctur,temque nihiliquodit umin

BY AMANDA MCELFRESH|AMCELFRESH@THEADVOCATE.COM

This articleisbrought to youbythe GreaterNew OrleansFoundation.

TheUnitedHouma Nation (UHN)has been awarded $56.5 million in federal fundstoimplementlarge portionsofits comprehensiveplantoadvance resilience.The grantisthe first awardstemming from a2023Greater NewOrleans Foundation (Foundation) competitioninhonor of its100th anniversary that wasdesignedtoinspire great ideas for resilient infrastructure andispartofover $300 million in newfederal grants for projectsthat theFoundationhas helped catalyze

Thefunding wasannouncedbythe U.S. Department of Commerceand theNationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on July 26,2024. It will go toward fourphasesofthe UHN’splan–enhancingthe central community resilience hub, establishing andenhancingsatellite communityresilience hubs in each of itssix service area parishes,strengthening and expanding communications,and exploring community-led migration strategies in thefaceofland loss and increasedstormactivity.Afifthphaseoftheplan focusesonbuildingcapacityforeconomicdevelopment “Thisisfor ourpeople. This is for thenext generationstocomeaswellasour elders who have worked so hard to reachthispoint,” said UHN PrincipalChief Lora AnnChaisson. “Our people have participated in so many studiesand meetings. That work has finally paid off.” Throughthe Next 100Years Challenge, the Foundation awardedatotal of $1.2 million to 10 winners,including theUHN,and fiverunners-up, basedontheir ideas for resilientinfrastructure projectsthatheldsignificantpromise for earning state and federal dollars.

“Our goal with theNext100 YearsChallenge was to leverage our investment with tens of millions in state and federal dollars,and theUHN’s$56.5 million grant, oneofthe eight biggest grants NOAA made nationwide,isthe first proofpoint of what we hope will be many more,” said Andy Kopplin,President andCEO of theGreater New OrleansFoundation.

In addition,the Foundation will receive$1.2 million from NOAA that theFoundationand Tulane’s ByWaterInstitute will invest to support implementation of theGreater New OrleansUrban WaterPlan, particularly to supportlow-income communitiesofcolor that aremostvulnerable to flooding. Since2016, theFoundationhas also supportedthe developmentofthe City of New Orleans’ ClimateActionPlan. Recently,the City wonnearly$50 million from theEnvironmental

Protection Agency,which will go toward implementing theplantoprovide solarpanels and batterystorage to low-income families, repopulate thecity’streecanopywithnew treestoreducethe urbanheatisland effect, and expand bike shareaccess

As for theUHN plan, Kopplin notedthatone majorphase callsfor them to renovate thetribal headquartersintoahurricane-fortifiedcommunity resilience hubwithasolar-powered micro-grid and independentsourceofpotable water.

“AfterHurricane Ida, Iwitnessed thetribe doing heroic work providingfoodand water, clothing and cleaning supplies –all withouthavingpower or runningwater at theirstorm-damagedbuilding,” he said.“Imaginehow theUHN will be abletobetter servetheir members and thebroader community in future stormeventsiftheir headquartersis storm-proof and canoperate independentlywith theelectricity and watertheyproduce.”

Across thetribe’s six-parish serviceareain Terrebonne,Lafourche,Jefferson, St.Mary, St. Bernardand PlaqueminesParishesinSoutheast Louisiana, itslands have been particularly vulnerabletocoastalerosion and stormdamage.

“You canvisibly seethe land loss,” ChiefChaisson said.“Places that used to have homesand land for livestockare allwater now, with no indication that thereeverwas land there. We live wherethe land is disappearing. We have hadavisiontoaddress that for alongtime. This fundingwillhelpustomake that vision areality.The developmentofthisplan will benefit our tribal citizensfor generations.”

TheUHN’sparticipationinthe Next 100Years Challengealsointroducedits leaderstoThe Water Institutewho helped with proposalwriting and strategy development. That collaboration will continue as implementation of theplanbegins. LanorCurole, UHNtribaladministrator,saidthe inputfromThe WaterInstitute staff wasinvaluable in helpingthe tribeformalize itsplans and recognize

the good work itsmembers were alreadydoing. “Theypointed outthatweweredoing resiliency hubs.We’re always so focusedonour community work that we hadnever realized we were already doingsomebestpractices,” Curole said.“By the Foundation matching us with TheWater Institute, we were abletosolidifywhatour plan needed, make some tweaks,and putthingsinmore technicalterms.Itwas very validating to know that we alreadyhad theright systemsinplace andlearn that we couldmakethingsevenbetter.”

Kopplinnoted that themostrecentfunding awards arethe latest in aseriesofmajor resiliencegrants over thepastseveral months.Mostnotably, theDepartmentofEnergyawarded more than $200 milliontothe statelastfalltoexpand The Community LighthouseProject initiative pioneered in NewOrleans by theFoundationand Together Louisiana to installsolar panels and battery storage at churchesand nonprofitsthatsupport communitiesafterdisasters.The Foundation wasa catalyst for theproject in NewOrleans,awardinga $1 million granttokickstart itsimplementation “Climate-proofing theGreater NewOrleans region is goingtotakeall of theseeffortsand more in the coming decades. But, it is doable,”Kopplin said “These newgrantsare vitalnextsteps in our work to become themostresilient coastalcommunity in Americaand an affirmationthatweare headed in theright direction.”

TheGreater NewOrleans Foundation is dedicated to driving positive impact by championing charitablegiving,strengthening nonprofits, and leadingcivicprojectsinour thirteen-parishregion of SoutheastLouisiana.For more information, visit www.gnof.org.

EAT+DRINK

Gravytrain

TroyBrocatohighlightshisCajunrootsatnewspot byBethD’Addono |

CUTCHEFTROYBROCATO,andtheman bleedsgravy.

“Icanmakemesomebrown gravy,”saysBrocato,whogrewup inalittletowncalledBelleville,north ofLafayette.

HismomwascountryCajunand hisdadwassicilian,sohemakesred gravytoo

Heserveshishome-grown LouisianacuisineatBrocato’sKitchen, includingpo-boys,gumboandaspectacularmacaroniandcheese,outof thelow-slungbuildingat422s.Broad st.,whereAddisNolahaditsstart.

It’safamilybusiness.Brocato’s ex-wifeCherieBenetrixDillenkoffer handlesthefrontofthehouse,and theirsonAnthonyisbyhisdad’sside inthekitchen

Brocatocomesbyhisculinary pedigreehonestly.OntheCajunside, thelategreatchefPaulPrudhomme washisuncle.Andbothhisgrandmotherscookedathisschoolcafeteriawhenhewasgrowingup

Intentonleavingsmalltownlife, BrocatobecameacookintheNavy whenhewas17.Fouryearslater,his momsenthimtoworkforhisuncle atK-Paul’sLouisianaKitcheninthe FrenchQuarter.

“I’donlybeentoNewOrleansa fewtimesinmylifeatthatpoint,”he says.“Istartedchoppingonions,alot ofonions.”

Hisinvaluableeducationwith Prudhommelasted13years

“Hetaughtmeeverything,”Brocato says.“Howtodevelopmypalate. Howtolayerflavors.Atfirst,everybodythoughthe’dgivemespecial treatment,butthatwasn’ttrue.He washardonmesometimes,which nowIunderstand.Iwasaknuckleheadkid.Buthewasthenicestperson you’deverwanttomeet.”

Hisfirststabatrunninghisownplace wasalunchspotonN.Romanstreet, whichheopenedafewweeksbefore HurricaneKatrinahit.Hedidn’thave floodinsuranceandlostboththebusinessandhishouseinLakeview,hesays Next,heopenedtheshortlived Brocato’sEatDatinNewOrleansEast

Brocato’sKitchenchef TroyBrocato(frontleft)with CherieBenetrixDillenkoffer, cookEricMcDonald(backleft) andAnthonyBrocato PHOTOBYCHERYLGERBER/ GAMBIT

offCrowderBoulevard,aCajunstyle meatandthreespot.Thenhiscatering businesstookoff.In2010,hegota regulargigdoingstaffcateringforJazz Fest.Finally,in2022,hegotoutfront withaboothservingbarbecueBuffalo oysters,sweetcornandshrimpand okragumbo.

Thatgumboisonthenewmenu atBrocato’sKitchen,thedarkand smokyrouxstuddedwiththick slicesofandouillesourcedfromthe traditionalCajunsmokehouseKelly’s CountryMeatBlockinOpelousas. Themenuisanchoredbya$12.99 dailyspecial,andthereisanimpressivelineupofpo-boys,availableby thehalforwholewithaside.The house-maderoastbeefisafrontrunner,witharichgravymadefrom lowandslowcookinginhouse-made

beefstock.There’s hotsausage,ofcourse, friedseafoodandfor thevegetarians,a tomatocaprese.

OnMondays,it’sred beanswithachoiceof sausage,friedporkchop, chickentendersorfried catfish.Dailyspecials alsoincludemeatloaf smotheredingravy,lasagnaandwhitebeans. sidesincludecollard greens,fries—withor withoutgravy—and friedokra.TheRocky& Carlo’s-inspiredbaked macaroniisthereal showstopper.Heusesal dentebucatini,ablend ofcheddar,Monterey jackandcolbycheeses, andeggsandcreamfor anairy,custardbase. There’safriedchicken platterwithmeat sourcedfromafarm nearhisoldhometown.Basketsof frieditemsincludeshrimp,catfish, oysters,aporkchoporchickentenderswithaside.

The“HotBroad,”wasAnthony’s idea,asandwichthatpairsthin, smashburger-stylebeefpatties withhotsausagepattiesandpepper jackcheeseonabun.Anthonyalso dreamtupthegumbeauxfries,toppingthickcutfrieswiththickgumbo andmeltedmozzarella.

Heandhisdadsometimesbutt heads,heacknowledges,“butit’s reallybecausewe’rethesameperson.”

ThereareclubandCaesarsalads, andbyearlyseptember,asaladbar willgracethediningroom.

AnotherofTroyBrocato’sfavorite dishesisCajunmeatballstew,though he’snotsureNewOrleansisreadyforit.

“IgrewupwithCajun-stylemeatballsandbrowngravyoverrice,”he says.“ButwhenI’veputitonasaspecial,nobody’sheardofithere.They’re missingsomethinggood.”

FORK +CENTER

Emaildining@gambitweekly.com

Barforaging

BANANASFOSTERISANATURALFINALE ATPALACECAFE,theCanalstreet restaurantfromDickieBrennan&Co., onebranchofthefamilythatcreatedthe NewOrleansclassicgenerationsago.

Thesedays,though,thebananapeels normallydiscardedwhenthedessertis madearecarefullycollectedforacocktailexpertworkingbehindthescenesat thecompany’sdowntownrestaurants.

Thepeelsarerenderedintoanoleo saccharum,atypeoffragrantsyrup It’snowasubtlebutdefiningingredientforacocktailmadewithMonkey shoulderscotcharoundthecorner atsisterrestaurantDickieBrennan’s steakhouse.Itlendsdepthandflavor tothedrink,thoughitdoesn’ttaste obviouslyofbanana.

Itwasacharacteristicplaybysusie Bohnstengel,thehousemixologistand spiritseducatoratDickieBrennan& Co.she’sbeenintegratingkitchenand baratthislargerestaurantgroup,and changingboth.

MixologistandspiritseducatorSusie Bohnstengeltakesacreativeapproachto drinksatDickieBrennanrestaurants.

PHOTOBYIAN

“Iliketodothingsalittleunconventional,alittleunexpected,”shesays. Hernichehasbeentoessentially “upcycle”ingredientsthatarecustomarilyconsignedtothetrash.That’snot simplytousemoreofwhat’sonhand butalsotocreatenewflavorsfora growingarsenalofcocktailingredients withaculinaryconnection. someofherdrinksatthesteakhouse aredubbed“farmersmarketmartinis.” ButBohnstengeldoesn’tneedtoshop thefarmersmarket.Instead,she’sa

MCNULTY /THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

regularpresenceathercompany’s restaurantkitchens,collectingingredientsfromwhatthechefsarealready usingandnormallywouldbetossing.

Recentlyitwastheliquidfromcans ofRomatomatoesatBourbonHouse shemadethisintotomatowater,a fragrantflavorboosterforacocktail withchipotle-infusedMilagrotequila andwatermelon-limezingertea

“WhenIfirstproposedthisideaat therestaurants,theythoughtI wascrazy,soIhavetoprovethem wrong,”shesays.“I’velearned throughexperience,andbypestering chefsaboutwhatthey’redoing, whatthey’reusing.”

shestartedbyturningjettisoned kitcheningredientsintoshrubs,an age-oldcocktailingredient,usually madewithfruit,sugarandvinegar toaddsour,tartorsweetelements toadrink.Eggplant,tomatoand mushroomstemshaveallbeenfodder forthese “Itgoesfullcirclewhenthechefs usetheseshrubsandsyrupsintheir dishes,”shesays.

Herdrinksarefoundonthelists atPalaceCafe,BourbonHouse, TableauandDickieBrennan’s steakhouse,whichisalsoherhome base.Here,sherunswhatshecalls her“lab”inasmallstationinthe cornerofthekitchen.

Theotherrestaurantskeepsmall binsforitemsshe’srequestedfrom theirmenuproduction,orsometimes ingredientsthechefshavelearnedthat shemightwant.Thesebinscanlook likegrabbagsofingredients,whatthe chefsnowcall“susie’sbits.”

Withthisapproach,yourstandard barorderattheserestaurantsmight notbestandardanymore.That’s whystaffnowaskaboutanypossible allergies,evenfordrinksthatwouldn’t normallypromptsuch.

Fat-washingspiritsisawell-known practice,infusingthealcoholwiththe oilandflavorof,say,butterorbacon. Bohnstengelhasdonethiswithandouillefora“redbeansandryecocktail.” LessfamiliarwillbeherGouda-infused ryesyrup,whichgivesahintofthe smokycheesewithasaltyaccentand richflavor.Thisandothersyrupsarefor her“unexpectedsazeracs,”boundfor thesteakhousecocktaillistinthefall someofherothercontributionsto therestaurant’sbarprogramarealittle moreconventional.Ifyouappreciate Irishwhiskeybeyondabarshot,raise aglassforBohnstengel’sworkatthe steakhouse.she’sgrowntheIrishwhiskeycollectiontherefromaboutadozen labelstomorethan50,apointofpride nowforherbossDickieBrennan. sixofBohnstengel’scocktails willbefeaturedattheupcoming

steakhousesummerPicnic.Forone nighteachAugust,thiseventturnsthe steakhouseintoanair-conditioned indoorfestivalofbeef,withchefs fromthecompany’sdifferentrestaurantscreatingself-servestationsfor variouspreparations.

Theeventhasmorerecently becomeashowcaseofLouisiana grass-fedbeeffromCoastalPlains MeatCompany,GonsoulinLand& CattleandCrescentBarFPurveyors There’safun,countryfairfeeltoitall, completewithmuchcowboyattire andvintagecountryandwestern tunesfromDJMatty.—IanMcNulty/ TheTimes-Picayune

CrazierJohnnie’s ITSTARTEDWITHSAUCEANDSEASONINGMIXREVIVINGtheCrazyJohnnie’s steakHousename.Thatlitafirefor countlesspeoplewhorememberthis low-keylegendofMetairie’sdining past.soonitwillalsolightthegrillsona newrestaurant.

Latelastyear,MikeLandrycooked upaplantobringbackthesauces andseasoningsfromCrazyJohnnie’s, whichclosedadecadeearlier.

Theresponsewentthroughthe roofaspeopleclamoredforthe stuffwithrekindledmemoriesofa favoriterestaurant.soon,Landryhad assembledateamtoservetherestaurant’sfamousfiletmignonpo-boys withpop-upsatoutdoormarketsin JeffersonParish

Nowplansareadvancingforanew restaurantundertheCrazyJohnnie’s nameinMetairie

Landryandhispartnershaveleased theformerCityBarMetairielocation at3560VeteransMemorialBlvd.,a fewblocksfromtheoriginalrestaurant’shome

Hesaysathoroughrenovationis intheworksthatwilltransformthe space.Pendingpermits,therestaurant couldbereadytoopeninearlyfall.

Themenuwillfollowthetemplate fromtheolddays,ledbysteaks,“crazy potatoes,”thehousetakeonNew Orleansstylebarbecueshrimpandthe filetmignonpo-boy.

Landry,whoisrelatedtothefamily thatonceranCrazyJohnnie’s,is assemblingstaffandthatincludes manywhopreviouslyworkedatthe restaurant.OneofthoseisElroy “Honey”Mayberry,whohasbeen manningthegrillatpop-ups

Landrysaysheoriginallyhadno intentionofopeningarestaurant, buttheoutpouringofgoodwillsince bringingbackthesauceandseasoning createdamomentumofitsown.

“It’sabsolutelyhappeningnow,I don’tevenhaveachoice,”hesays —IanMcNulty/TheTimes-Picayune

KevinAlker& RyanGuillory

OldAlkerDistillery

byWillCoviello

KEVINALKER’SFAMILYCAMETONEW

ORLEANSIN1848andstartedabusinessmakingoakbarrels,whichthey shippeduprivertowhiskeydistillers andbacktoEurope.Generationslater, he’sgottenmoredirectlyinvolvedin thespiritsbusinessbyopeningthe OldAlkerDistilleryonOakstreet. OldAlkermakesbourbon,vodka,gin andsomeliqueurs,andthedistillery’s baropenedAug.2.Atthebar,Ryan Guillorymakescocktailstohighlight thespirits.Formoreinformation, visitoldalkerdistillery.com.

Howdidyouget interestedindistilling?

KEVINALKER: Ihadplayedaround makingstuff.Idon’tthinkIever madeanythingyouwouldhaveput inabottle.

Idoveinaboutsixyearsago.In2018, IwaslookingforwhatIwasgoingto doinmyretirementafter30yearsin theprintbusiness.Imadethedecision andwentonthisjourneyaroundthe countryandspentalotoftimeatdistilleries.IjoinedtheAmericanDistillers Institute,whichisacraftdistillers organization.Ijoinedthecommunity andmetpeople.Imetaconsultant namedIansmiley,andwetalkedabout productionmethodsandthingsbefore weputtogetherourplan.

AtfirstIwantedtodistill,andinmy mindyouputitinabottleandputit onashelf.AsImetdistillersaround thecountry,Ibecameawarethatthe businessmodelformostofthemwas basedonthefrontofthehouseand toursandtastings.Basicallythefront ofthehousesupportsthebackofthe house,becauseittakesyearsformany oftheseproductstobeready.Youget peopletocomeinandtouryourfacility,andIfiguredNewOrleanswouldbe agreatplacetodothat.

LookingaroundNewOrleans,alot ofbusinesseslikethisareinoutofthe wayplacesbecauseofthewarehousing andall.Idecidedtodotheopposite andputmineinthemiddleofacool environmentwithalotofpeople

Whatspiritsdid youwanttofocuson?

KA: In2018,whenIdecidedIwas goingtodothis,Iantoldmeyou’vegot togetsomethingmadeforwhenyou

open.Ithoughtwe’dopeninthree yearsandhaveathree-year-oldbourbon.Itturnedintoasixyearjourney, sotheywereinstorageforalotlonger, buttheplussidewasthatwehadasixyear-oldbourbon.

ThespiritsIwantedtofocusonare agedspirts:rumandwhiskey,and bourboninparticular.Iwasn’tgoingto makevodkaandginatfirst.Butasthe frontofthehousebecameapriority,I knewIneededtohavespiritstoallow thebartohavesomenicecocktails andtastings.

Forourgin,wehaveacitrus-forward ginwithjuniperintheback.Everything hereiscraftintheback,andwe’re continuingthatfeelintothefront (Asadistillery)wecanonlysell andmakedrinkswithwhatwemake, sowedecidedtodoawholelotof liqueursaswell.Wehaveamaretto, acoffeeliqueurandachocolate liqueur.Wehavestrawberryliqueur triplesecintheworksrightnow.The wholelineexpandedbecausewe wantedtohavearobustexperiencein thefrontofthehouse

Rightnow,weareemptyingsome ofthosebarrelsofbourbon,andwe arebackfillingthemwithrum.Agreat seconduseforabourbonbarrelisrum. We’regoingtomakerumforthenext fewmonths.We’reacoupleofmonths awayfromhavingaclearrumatthe bar,andearlynextyear,we’llhave ouramberrum.We’remakingrumfor threemonths,andthenwe’regoing totransitiontobourbonforfourtosix monthsafterthat.

Whatcanguests getatthedistillery?

RYANGUILLORY: Wehaveallthe toolsweneedtomakeincredible

cocktails.We’reslightlylimited becausewehavetomake(spirits)ourselves.IfIwanttousevermouth,Ihave tomakeit.Iambuildingalotofoleos, cordialsanddifferentsyrups

Oneofmyfavoritedrinksisthe Cupidshuffle,whichisaclassicshaken cream-stylecocktail.Itusesourvodka, ourchocolateliqueur,ourraspberry oleoandcream

KA: It’salmostadessertdrink, butit’snotheavylikeyouthinkit wouldbe.It’slikeachocolate coveredraspberry

RG: Withourginandtonic,I’ve foundthatifyoucarbonatetheentire cocktail,itmakesitamuchbetter experience.Iamaddingourgin,a tonicsyrup,alittlebitoflimejuice andsomewaterandcarbonatingthe entirething.

Withascrewdriverorgreyhound,it makesadifferenceifthejuicesareas freshasyoucanmakethem.

Forwhiskey,wehaveanoldfashioned.Iamdoingamintjuleprecipe straightfromtheKentuckyDerby.The CaneandAbelisasnowballcocktail.I makeablackberryandvinegarshrub andaddthattobourbonandlimesec andbitters.Ipouritovershavedice.It lookslikeasnowball

KA: Atthispoint,weareacouple weeksin.We’reinthefirstphase. Ourwebsitewillallowpeopletobook toursandtastingssoon.Thenext phaseisgoingtobedistribution We’regoingtoself-distribute.Asfar asIknow,we’rethefirstdistillerin Louisianathat’sgoingtoself-distribute.Regionaldistributionisinthe futureforus.It’snotnowbecauseof ourproductionlevels.

WINE OF TH E WEEK

Pale pinkincolor, this rosé opens with pomegranate,strawberry, and citrus zest on the nose. Lightinbody with vibrantacidity,flavors of grapefruit, yellowpeach, and melon lead to a crisp, refreshing finish with pleasantfruit notes.

DISTRIBUTED BY

RyanGuilloryandKevinAlker(front) PHOTOPROVIDEDBYOLD ALKERDISTILLERY

MichaelDavid Rosé

ServingStudentsinGrades

Health

DiverseCo-Curricular

Experienced

Strong

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—Amenufull ofGulfseafoodincludeschar-grilledoysters toppedwithParmesanandherbs.Themenu alsoincludespo-boys,po-boys,gumbo, blackenedfish,friedseafoodplatters andmore.Reservationsrecommended. Breakfast,lunchanddinnerdaily.$$

DickieBrennan’sBourbonHouse—144 BourbonSt.,(504)522-0111;bourbonhouse.com—There’saseafoodrawbar withrawandchar-broiledoysters,fishdip, crabfingers,shrimpandmore.Redfishon theHalf-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 The FlyingBurritoincludessteak,shrimp, chicken,cheddarjackcheese,blackbeans, rice,guacamoleandsalsa.Themenualso includestacos,quesadillas,enchiladas, fajitas,nachos,saladsandmore.Outdoor seatingavailable.Noreservations.Lunch anddinnerThu.-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.$$ LegacyKitchen’sCraftTavern—700 TchoupitoulasSt.,(504)613-2350; legacykitchen.com Themenuincludes oysters,flatbreads,burgers,sandwiches, saladsandaNOLAstyleGritsBowltopped withbacon,cheddarandapoachedegg. Reservationsaccepted.Breakfast,lunch anddinnerdaily $$ 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.Breakfastis availableallday.Deliveryavailable. Noreservations.Breakfast,lunchand dinnerdaily.$$ NewOrleansHamburger&SeafoodCo.— 817VeteransMemorialBlvd.,Metairie, (504)837-8580;1005S.Clearview Parkway,Jefferson,(504)734-1122; 2515BManhattanBlvd.,Harvey,(504) 684-6050;4141St.CharlesAve.,(504) 247-9753;6920VeteransMemorialBlvd., Metairie,(504)455-1272;nohsc.com The menurangesfromburgerstoItaliandishes, friedseafoodplatters,po-boys,saladsand more.Thin-friedCatfishLafitteisserved overricepilaf.Deliveryavailable.Lunch anddinnerdaily $$ 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-grilledoystersaretopped withcheeseandgarlicbutter,andother optionsincludeoystersRockefellerand loadedoysters.Thecreativemenualso includesseafoodbread,aCajun-lobster potato,wings,quesadillas,burgers,salads, sandwiches,seafoodpasta,loadedfriesand more.Noreservations.Lunchdaily,dinner Mon.-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—ThecontemporaryCreolemenuincludescrabmeat cheesecakewithmushroomsandCreole meunieresauce.Outdoorseatingavailable.

Reservationsrecommended.Breakfastand lunchWed.-Fri.,dinnerWed.-sun.,brunch sat.-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, 480AndrewHigginsBlvd.,(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,bellpeppersandonions.There alsoaresalads,sandwiches,wings,breadsticksandmore.Deliveryavailable.Lunch anddinnerTue.-sat $

Tito’sCeviche&Pisco—1433St.Charles Ave.,(504)354-1342;5015MagazineSt., (504)267-7612;titoscevichepisco.com—The Peruvianmenuincludesseveraltypesof ceviche,aswellassteakandseafooddishes. Traditionallomosaltadofeaturessauteed beeftenderlointips,onions,tomatoes,soy sauceandpisco,servedwithpotatoesand rice.OutdoorseatingavailableonMagazine street.Deliveryavailable.Reservations accepted.LunchanddinnerMon.-sat., brunchsun.$$$

TheVintage 3121MagazineSt.,(504) 324-7144;thevintagenola.com—There’sa fullcoffeedrinksmenuandbakedgoodsand beignets,aswellasafullbar.Themenuhas flatbreads,cheeseboards,smallplatesand apressedveggiesandwichwithavocado, onions,arugula,redpepperandpepper jackcheese.Noreservations.Deliveryand outdoorseatingavailable.Breakfast,lunch anddinnerdaily.$$

ARTS &ENTERTAINMENT

theWorld.”NewOrleansnativesean Pattonopensforhimat8p.m.sunday, Aug.25,atTipitina’s.Tickets$35 viatipitinas.com.

RuPaul’sDragRace

AllStarsLive

Starsof“RuPaul’sDragRace” performinaliveshow.Thetour featuresAngeria,Gottmik,Jorgeous, PlastiqueTiara,RoxxxyAndrews, shannelandVanessaVanjie.At8p.m. sunday,Aug.25,attheMahaliaJackson Theater.Tickets$59.50-$279.50via mahaliajacksontheater.com.

Jane’sAddiction &LoveandRockets

LosAngeles’Jane’sAddictionandthe BritishgroupLoveandRocketsoccupieddifferentspotsonthespectrum ofrisingaltrockinthelate1980s.But thebandsaretogetherinthisthrowback tour,andafter14years,it’sareunionfor PerryFarrell,DaveNavarroandotherthe originalmembersofJane’sAddiction.At 7p.m.sunday,Aug.25,attheFillmore Findticketsviafillmorenola.com.

NewOrleansSaints vs.TennesseeTitans

TheNewOrleansSaintsconclude theirpreseasonscheduleagainst theTennesseeTitansattheCaesars superdome.At1p.m.sunday,Aug. 25.Findticketsandinformationat neworleanssaints.com.

‘KatrinaBabies’

LocalfilmmakerEdwardBuckleswas 13yearsoldwhenHurricaneKatrina andtheleveefailuresdevastatedNew Orleans.Hisfilm“KatrinaBabies” documentstheexperiencesofhis peersduringandafterthestormand givesvoicetohisgeneration’slosses, displacementandtrauma.Buckles leadsadiscussionafterascreening at6p.m.Wednesday,Aug.21,at NOMA.Admissionisfree.Finddetails atnoma.org.

PunkBlackBlockParty

Mediaplatformandeventsorganizer

PunkBlackisallaboutbuildingup spacesforBIPOCpunkmusiciansand artiststhroughconcertsandfestivals acrossthecountry,includingseveral eventsinNewOrleansinthelastfew years.They’renowthrowingtheirlargestNewOrleanseventalongst.Claude Avenueonsaturday,Aug.24,with musicatsiberiaandHi-HoLounge, karaokeatKajun’sandburlesque performancesatTheAllWaysLounge &Cabaret.Thelineupoftouringand

localbandsincludesKaonashi,uniity, BeingHvman,screamingunderwater, LisbonGirls,CodeBlackandmore Ticketsare$37.20viadice.fm.Find moreinfoatpunkblack.com.

TeenaMay

Singer-songwriterTeenaMayplays amixoffolkandpopandseemsto haveaboundlesspooloforiginals andcoversshecanpullfrom.Maywill bejoinedbyCaryHudsonandDrew Youngforasinger-songwriternight hostedbytheCuttingEdgeConference at7p.m.Wednesday,Aug.21,at Buffa’s.Ticketsare$10.Findmore infoatbuffasbar.com.

IanLara

NewYorkcomedianIanLarahas beenonatear,releasingspecialson ComedyCentralandHBOin2022. He’scomingtoNewOrleansfortwo nightsofshowsatJunkDrawerCoffee. At7and9p.m.Friday,Aug.23, andsaturday,Aug.24.Tickets$25 viaeventbrite.com.

BlackFlag

BythetimeHenryRollinshadjoined BlackFlagin1981,thehardcore bandhadalreadyhadacollectionof ground-breakingEPs,whichwasbundledupintothe1983compilation“The FirstFourYears.”Today,BlackFlagis stillhelddownbyguitaristGregGinn andincludesvocalistMikeVallelyand morerecentadditionsbassistAustin searsanddrummerCharlesWiley.The bandisontheroadthissummerplaying“TheFirstFourYears”infulland stopsatsouthportHallat7:30p.m. Friday,Aug.23.Ticketsare$43.18 viasouthporthall.com

Drag-Tanic

DragperformerToraHimancaptains anightofunsinkableentertainmentwith“Drag-Tanic.”Theshipof QueensfeaturesLaveauContraire, DebbiewithaD,MuffyVanderbilt, KatrinaWatersandKozmik.At8:30 p.m.Wednesday,Aug.21,at AllWaysLounge.Tickets$25-$45 viaeventbrite.com.

LalahHathaway

ThedaughterofsoulsingerDonny Hathaway,LalahHathawaywent intothefamilybusinessandcollected fiveofherownR&BGrammyawards, includingBestR&BAlbumfor“Lalah HathawayLive.”InJune,shereleased herlatestalbum,“Vantablack.”she performsat7p.m.sunday,Aug.25, atOrpheumTheater.Findtickets viaorpheumnola.net

AUGUST17&18

JumboFriedSoftshell Crab over crab cake toppedw/ NewOrleans stylebbq butter ThinFriedPaneedPorkRibeye over linguiniw/red gravy

Paneed Pork RibeyePoboy w/ mozzarella cheese andred gravy

Baked Salmon served over seasoned sautéedspinach & mushroomstoppedwithcreamyflorentine sauce Mushroom &Spinach Stuffed Chicken toppedwithflorentine saucew/ garlic mashed potatoes &veggies Slow Smoked BbqBrisket served with baked Mac&Cheese andcandied sweetpotatos

FORCOMPLETE MusIC LIsTINGs AND MORE EVENTsTAKINGPLACE IN THE NEWORLEANs AREA, VIsIT CALENDAR.GAMBITWEEKLY.COM

Tolearnmoreaboutaddingyourevent tothemusiccalendar,pleaseemail listingsedit@gambitweekly.com

MONDAY19

BAMBOULAS JonRonierBand,5:30 pm;LesGetrexandCreoleCooking,9pm

BJ'SLOUNGEBYWATER—RedBeans andBluesw/WashboardChaz& JonathanFreilich,9pm

BOURBONOBAR KidMerv,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— MatineeAllstarBand,1pm;TinMen, 5pm;Richard"Piano"scottand Friends,8pm

TUESDAY20

BAMBOULAS AaronLevinsonand Friends,5:30pm;CaitieB.andTheHand MeDowns,9pm

BOURBONOBAR—IngridLucia,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB

Richard“Piano”scott,1pm;ColinMyers Band,5pm;FritzelsAllstarBandW/Tom Fischer,8pm

ROCK'N'BOWL JavierOlondo& Asheson,8pm

THERABBITHOLE—RebirthBrass Band,8pm

WEDNESDAY21

BAMBOULAS—CalebNelsonandHisHot 5,5:30pm;TheQueenandFriendz,9pm BLUENILE NewBreedBrassBand, 9:30pm

BOURBONOBAR E.T.Band,8pm FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— Richard"Piano"scott,1pm;Bourbon streetstars,5pm;FritzelsAllstarBank w/ChuckBrackman,8pm

PRYTANIATHEATRESATCANALPLACE PhilipMelancon,7pm

THURSDAY22

BAMBOULAS ChristinaKaminisand TheMix,5:30pm;WolfeJohn'sBlues Band,9pm

BJ'SLOUNGEBYWATER—DickDeluxe Revue,9pm

BLUENILE WhereY'atBrass Band,9pm

BOURBONOBAR ClarenceJohnson Trio,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB—

Richard"Piano"scott,12:30pm;Doyle CooperBand,2:30pm;Johnsaavedra Band,6pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— FritzelsAllstarBandw/KevinRay Clark,8pm

PEACOCKROOM,HOTELFONTENOT— DaLovebirdswithRobinBarnesandPat Casey,8pm

ROCK'N'BOWL—HoraceTrahan& OssunExpress,8pm

SANTOS IVandthestrangeBand,Holy Locust,9pm

THEGOAT—ThePause,Mars&Other Planets,VantaVega,9pm

FRIDAY23

BAMBOULAS—FelipeAntonioQuinteto, 1:15pm;LesGetrexandCreoleCooking, 6:30pm;Bettisand3rdDegreeBrass Band,10pm

BJ'SLOUNGEBYWATER Miss MarthaandherGoodtimeGang+ RoseVaughn,9pm

BLUENILE—TheCaesarBrothers FunkBox,8pm;KermitRuffinsandthe Barbecueswingers,11pm

BOURBONOBAR—Ellensmith&April spain,4pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— MatineeAllstarBandw/RossHoppe, DwayneBurns,2:30pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— Richard“Piano”scott,12:30pm;sazarac Allstars,6pm;FritzelsAllstarBandw/ KevinRayClark,9pm

NOLABREWING—TheRiver Benders,7pm

ROCK'N'BOWL—Groovy7,8:30pm

SATURDAY24

30°/-90°—Audrey&theCrawZaddies,5pm

BAMBOULAS—JohnnyMastroBlues, 6:30pm;PaggyPrineandsouthern soul,10pm

BAMBOULAS—TheJaywalkers,1:15pm

BJ'SLOUNGEBYWATER WhipAppeal +GrapeCandy,9pm

BLUENILE GeorgeBrownBand,8pm; TheNextLevelBand,11pm

BOURBONOBAR—BrianWingard,4pm; TheBluesMasters,8pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— Richard"Piano"scott,12:30pm;steve DetroyBand,2:30pm;BourbonMatinee AllstarBandw/ChuckBrackman,6pm; FritzelsAllstarBandw/KevinRay Clark,9pm

NOLABREWING—Otra,7pm

PRYTANIATHEATRESATCANALPLACE —PhilipMelancon,7pm

ROCK'N'BOWL EaglesvsFLeetwood Mac,8:30pm

SANTOS—HeavyTempleandValleyof thesun,9pm

WILDLOTUSYOGA—ElectricYat Quartet,7pm

WashboardChazplaysBJ’s August19withJonathanFreilich. PHOTOBYMICHAEL DEMOCKER / THETIMES-PICAYUNE

SUNDAY25

BAMBOULAS—Youse,1:15pm; MidnightBrawlers,5:30pm;EdWills Blues4sale,9pm

BJ'SLOUNGEBYWATER James McClaskeyandtheRhythmBand,9pm

BLUENILE—streetLegendsBrass Band,10:30pm

BOURBONOBAR—Marcstone,4pm; samPrice,8pm FRITZEL'SEUROPEANJAZZCLUB— DoyleCooperBand,12:30pm;Matinee AllstarBandw/RossHoppe,Dwayne Burns,5pm;FritzelsAllstarBandw/Mike Fulton,8pm

ORPHEUMTHEATER LalahHathaway,7pm

SANTOS—BerlinTaxiw/Libson Girls,8pm

DANCE

Dreamteam

byWillCoviello

ONITSFIFTHANNIVERSARY,KESHAMCKEY’S KMDANCEPROJECT presentedashowcase ofshortworksatthe ContemporaryArts Center,whereshewas finishingasouthern Crossingsartistresidencyandthefull-length multi-disciplinarypiece “RawFruit.”

Thepandemicdelayed herplanstotour“Raw Fruit”byafewyears, butthecompanyhas takenittoNewYork andAlabama.There areupcomingshowsin southCarolinabeforeitreturnstoNew Orleansforanotherrunearlynextyear Inthemeantime,KMDancehasbeen workingonashowcasetocelebrateits 10thanniversary.Thatshow,“Building Dreams,”runsAug.23-25attheCAC.

The10-yearmilestonehasinformed someoftheworks.

“We’rebeingreflectiveaboutwhere wecamefromandwhoarealltheartists wholaidthefoundationforustodo whatwedo,”McKeysays.

McKeyalongwithlongtimecompany memberandcollaboratorCatherine Caldwelldevised“RawFruit”asa broadlookatthehistoryandcultural traditionsthataffectedBlacklives, identityandmatrilinealrelationshipsin NewOrleans.For“BuildingDreams,” theyworkedfromanewperspectiveto createtheshortpiece“FromWithin.”

“Wehavebeencenteringourprocessesaroundjoyandcelebration,and beingabletotakeastepbackandhave afeelingaboutwhatjoylookslike,what ittasteslike,”McKeysays.

Thepieceusestheentirecastof17 dancersperforminginthe10worksin “BuildingDreams.”It’ssettoasongby thesouthAfricanacappellagroupThe Joyandapercussion-basedpieceby Malianartistscalled“KunfeTa.”

Theprogramisvaried,with11 contributingchoreographers,manyof whomalsoperform.Therosterreflects KMDanceProject’snetworkofrelationshipsinthelocaldancecommunity andbeyond.

JoshuaP.Bellisafashiondesigner aswellasachoreographer.He designeddressesforthethreedancers in“Prime3,”whichimaginesthe womenasgoddesses.

KehindeIshangiisacompany veteranandcurrentlyonthedance facultyatFloridastateuniversity.Her

piece,“TheLiberationofMs.sophia,” isaboutsteppingintoconfidence, self-loveandacceptance,McKeysays It’sasoloworkthatwillbeperformed byCaldwell

“Rire:tojoketorib”byAmari Pattersonisanepisodicworkinthree partsthatreflectsonlossesdueto HurricaneKatrinaandwhatisgained fromcopingwiththem

Oneofthepiecesisafilm.Jeremy Guytonpreviouslycontributedafilmed pieceaboutexploringhisrelationship withhisadoptiveparents.Thenew pieceisacontinuationofitfollowing hismother’sdeath.Hewentthrough thefamilyhouseandmementoslike photographstoexaminetherelationshipinanewlight.

Theshowalsoincludesworksby cyancian,Ceylonseiber,Celine seiber,KristalJonesandMillenique MarieBrown.

Theprogramalsofeaturesapreview ofadocumentaryfilmMcKeyand Caldwellhavebeenworkingonabout thecompany’stiestotheirmany mentors.Thefilmhasinterviewswith dancersandchoreographersincludingAusettuaAmorAmenkum,Nicole Buckles,LulaElzy,KaiKnight,Maritza Mercado-Narcisse,GreerE.Mendy andothers.

“They’retalkingabouttheirteachers andsettingthefoundationsforusin NewOrleansandwhattheirexperienceswere,”McKeysays.

Thecompletedfilmwillpremierein latefallorearlynextyear,McKeysays. Ticketsare$16.22-$21.29via cacno.org.Formoreinformation aboutKMDanceProject,goto kmdanceproject.org

KMDanceProject performs‘RawFruit.’ PROVIDED PHOTOBYMELISSA CARDONA

GOINGOUT

LiveO.A.K.

byWillCoviello

NIKKIMINERISTHEREIGNINGQUEENof theKreweofO.A.K.,whichisknown fortwoannualcostumedparades.The newroyaltyascendstotheirthronesat theparadeandballontheFridaybefore FatTuesday,andtheyreignagainatthe Augustevent,MidsummerMardiGras Thenearly40-year-oldkreweheld its2005paradelessthantwodays beforeHurricaneKatrinamadelandfall, butthatwasn’tadeterrenttomany dedicatedrevelers.

“IwasstillincostumewhenIdecided toevacuate,”Minersays.“Ididn’tknow ifIwasgoingtoevacuate,butIknewI wasgoingtodoMidsummerMardiGras.”

MinerandtheKreweofO.A.K.are backthissaturday,Aug.24,foran eventthathasgrowntoincludemany Carnivalkrewesamongitshundredsof marchersandbands.Theparadelineup beginsat6p.m.,anditdepartsat7 p.m.onaroutethroughtheCarrollton neighborhoodbeforereturningtothe MapleLeaf,wheretherewillbelive musiconanoutdoorstage,aswellas

numerousafter-partiesaroundOak steetandbeyond

TheKreweofO.A.K.takestheMaple LeafBarforahome.

“EverytimeIwalkintotheMapleLeaf, everybodystopswhatthey’redoingand screams,‘Allhail,myQueen,”Minersays.

There’saceremonywithQueen MinerandKingAndrewQuaidfromthe balconyoftheMapleLeafat6:30p.m. saturday.At7p.m.,theparadeheads downOakstreetanddoesalargeloop onCarrolltonAvenue.There’smusic outsidetheMapleLeaf,andtheKrewe ofO.A.K.holdsitsballinside O.A.K.’sofficialthemeis“BigTitty Takeover,”whichreferstotheMaple Leaf’sFacebookpagebeinghijacked duringJazzFest,sayskrewespokesmanRyanGuillory.

“WegothackedinthemiddleofJazz Fest,”Guillorysays.“spammersstarted postingverylargebreastedwomenon ourpageoverandoveragain.”

Inadditiontobeingamemberof O.A.K.,Minerstartedthedancetroupe

KingAndrewQuaidandQueenNikkiMinerrule overtheKreweofO.A.K.’sCarnivalparade. PHOTOPROVIDEDBYNIKKI MINER

TapDataswellasthedanceschool,City ParkMovementandArt,whichteaches avarietyofdancestylestostudents3 yearsoldthroughadults.

shestartedTapDat,atap-dancing Carnivalgroup,tobealittledifferent fromotherwomen’sdancetroupes.For theO.A.K.CarnivalparadeinFebruary, sherequestedthatparadegoerswear tapshoes,andmorethanahundred did,shesays.

TapDatisamongthefirstCarnival groupstoofficiallyparticipatein MidsummerMardiGras.Theparadeis free,butasitssizehasgrown,there’s beenmorecoordination.Thereisoften acontingentfromtheIntergalactic KreweofChewbacchus.Thespace Vikingsarebringingtheirnewdance troupe,theVal-Carre,andadecorated musicwagon.

Alsoparticipatingthisyeararethe KreweofOvernightMarignade,Krewe ofsexualLumberjackswithultimate Talents(s.L.u.T.),acoupleofKrewedu Vieuxsubkrewes,theBayouBabesand Jamettesdancegroupsandmore. Inrecentyears,afterpartieshave proliferatedalongOakstreetand nearbyblocks.TheKreweofOvernight MarignadehasanafterpartyatCarrollton stationwithmusicbyTheLoveMuscles andCardboardCowboy.

Thisyear,thespaceVikingsare holdingaMidnightsunafterpartyat southportHall,whichisaboutseven blocksfromtheMapleLeaf.space VikingsfounderBrennansteeleiscreatingaspectacleofvideoprojection,and therewillbeseveralDJs,mostofthem associatedwithCarnivalkrewes,like DTRfromsharknadeauxandDirtysouth Housefroms.L.u.T.(TicketstoMidnight sunare$20viaspacevikings.org.)

ForinformationaboutMidsummerMardi Gras,gotofacebook.com/koak69

Children'sPrograms

Sprouts: Childrenunder 5and their parents/ caretakersmeetinour interactiveDiscovery Garden forearly childhood enrichment.

VueCrew: Kids ages 5to10learn gardening techniques, makenature-based art, and exploretheirconnectiontothe naturalworld.

PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

PUZZLING PERJURY

By Frank A. Longo

ACROSS

1Illuminated like quaint old streets

7“Taxi” mechanic Gravas

12Shut noisily

16“If u ask me ...”

19Full of mischief

20Dam on the Nile

21Very angry

23What you may feel after doing something very bad

25In a messy way

26Be worthy of

27Feudal sovereign

29Big name in car rental

30Bad-mouth

31Currency in 60-Down

32Hosp zones

33James of “Gunsmoke”

35Sly plan

38Somewhat

42Shed for watercrafts

44In terms (not using technical jargon)

46“Fernando” group

48Ballet bend

49Settle the bill

50Bi- x four

51Top 40 DJ Casey

53“My life open book”

55Clothing supporter 59Smidgens

61Wild West’s Wyatt

65North of Iran-Contra

66Decks in a boxing ring

67Mediocre

68Loan shark

70New York Giants legend

72Certain cereal bran

74In a macabre manner

75Down East dweller

76“Night” writer Wiesel

77PE place

79Allayed

80Wintour of fashion

81Thus far

83Major leaguer, e.g.

85Endure

NEWPRICE

Entertainer’s 3BD/2.5BA,2-Story, HomeisCraftedfrom 8WeldedContainers w/aSteelL-beam Framing&MetalRoof Floor-to-CeilingGlass Windows&Porcelain Floors.OpenConcept MeticulouslyDesigned CustomKitchen.PlentyofNat’lLight.SlidingDoorsOpen toEntertainer’sBkyd.LotsofEnergyEfficiencyUpgrades Everydetailexudeselegance&functionality.Gated Drivewayfor2cars!Locationprovideseasyaccessto Uptown,CBD,FrQuarter,I-10&WestBank!$549,000

87Fossil rock

89Debt security

90Biceps locale

93Spiced tea 95Dueling tool

96Close enough to touch 100 People tending butting beasts

Hunger sign

Et (and others)

Banked (on) 107 Diner bill 109 Gallery stuff 111 Get decayed

112 Terse confession

113 “Hold on just a minute!”

117 Planted “pet”

119 Nutty holiday dessert

122 Commit perjury or what literally can be found eight times in this puzzle

125 Unsticks, as a sticker

126 Fifth wheel?

127 Caron of “Lili”

128 Letters before esses

129 Doing the job

130 1941 Oscar winner Mary

131 Park board

DOWN

1They may be AWOL

2Old Glory’s home

3Very eye-catching

4Pick-me-up

5Atoll part

6E’en if 7Señora, say

8Court great Arthur

9Little branch

10“Citizen” of film

11Trig measure

12Cousin of a custard apple

13“Casablanca” character Ilsa

14ABA mem.

15Med. scan

16“Uncle!”

17Actress McCarthy

18Homeric epic

22“A Bell for --” (1944 novel)

24Hoppy brew

28Sky sphere

DELIGHTFULCRAFTSMANCOTTAGE

3BR,2BAHomeon QuietBlock.Enter intoaLovelySun Room.Architectural FeaturesincldOrig WoodFloors& PictureMoulding inLivingAreas& Bdrms.LargeDen w/BuiltinBookshelves&LotsofNaturalLight.Huge Bdrmon2ndFloor.Driveway&Carport.LrgBackyard w/Patio&HotTub.Locationprovideseasyaccessto Uptown,Downtown&1-10 $465,000

30Broadband inits.

31Gossipy sort

33Up for debate

34Emu’s cousin

36Full of feeling

37Bush knife

39Fundraisers with food

40Bridge beam

41“Wipeout” channel

43Et (and others)

45Descended

47Vowel string

52Color of a forest “carpet”

54Computer system modeled on the human brain

55Punctuation causing pausing

56Fake fat brand

57Wagering everything

58Viscid

60Japan’s capital

62Come about

63Find new tenants for

64Marvel superhero Kitty

67That gal

69“Listen, pal!”

71Threw away

73Donate 10%

78African land

82Galaxy unit

83Supplication

84Hint of color

86Dull hurt

88Tablet extra

90Great-grandfather of Nero

91Certain stag or doe

92Intentions to do evil

94Phishing crime

97TV antennas

98Zagreb locale

99Fedora or fez

101 -- wave

102 Paulo

104 Accumulate

108 Raft wood

110 Ruby-hued

113 Hotel room service, often

114 Helpful hints

115 Oven output

116 Irish money

117 Ontario tribe

118 Nylons, e.g.

120 Intel org.

121 Chili holder

123 Urban trains

124 Whack down