Gambit Digital Edition: October 21, 2024

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Turningthe corner

TheNOLAProject opensits season with

IN ANTOINETTE NWANDU’S “PASS OVER,” MOSESAND KITCHHANGOUT on a street corner.The twoyoung Blackmen chat,repeatcomic bits andsharedjokes andsingsnippetsofsongs.Sometimes they dreamofgetting offthe corner Kitchtells Moseshewants to sharehis “promisedlandtop ten” of things he hopestoone dayhave. Mosesissouron theidea, butKitch starts hislist.

“WhatdoIwant,”Kitch says “New AirJordans.Not thrift storenew Newnew.”

It is astretch.Moses andKitch have been on thecorneralongtime. They even sleepthereunder alonestreetlight. They mayhavebeentherefor ages. If they seem similartothe twovagabondsinSamuelBeckett’s “Waiting for Godot,”it’sbecause Nwandu modeled her work on it.But her play is much more visceral andgroundedinthe constraints of institutional racism.

TheNOLAProject opensits season with “PassOver” at theNew Orleans AfricanAmericanMuseum(NOAAM) in Treme. TheshowrunsOct.24-Nov. 9 andwillbeperformed outdoors in the museum’s SanctuaryGarden.

Veteranstage andfilmactor Martin “Bats” Bradford andcomedianand actorDcPaulplaythe twomen.

Director TenajJackson balances the tragicomedy’shumor andthe harder edgesofNwandu’sstory.

“Weleanintothe sweetmoments betweenthe twoguys,”Jackson says “They’re living theirlives on thestreet corner.There is alot happeningaround them andtothem,but they stillfindjoy wheretheycan getit.”

Mosesand Kitchtalkabout gettingoff theblock,but they don’tleave.They have almost no possessions, save a hoodie that they share. Forfood, they have afew pizzacruststhey’ve stashed.

Then Mister wandersintothe scene He’s white, stuffy,and hasa stiltedway of talking, introducinghimselfwith agrand,“Why, salutationsand good eveningtoyou,fellas.”Heconstantly declares hiswondermentatthe world, “Goshgolly gee.”

Mosesand Kitchspeak in much more rawterms.Misterisuncertain if he can usethe N-word,and Mosesand Kitchlet himknowthey’re notcomfortable with Mister attempting to,soherefrains. Buthehas apicnicbasketfulloffood that he says he’s taking to hismother. He shares itscontentswiththem, including everything from dimsum andgojiberries to collardgreensand pintobeans.

‘PassOver’

by Will Coviello |

Another visitorisnot as kind,and Mosesand Kitchmay be stuckonthe corner becauseotherswantthemto stay there. At onepoint,theylistpeople they know whowerekilled.

Mosescompareshis situationtothe Israelites wantingtoescapeegypt,and he wondersifthe seawould part forhim andKitch

At times, they sharemuchmore plainspokenjokes aboutbeing stuck. Kitchsings partsofthe themesongto “The Jeffersons.”

Nwandu’s comedicelementsare clear.

“Inone of theearlyrehearsals, oneofthe actors said,‘Oh,thisislike ‘Groundhog Day,’” Jacksonsays. “These characters live thesame moment everyday untiltheydecideto breakout of it.”

references to recent popularculture separate Nwandu’s work from Beckett’s abstractions.The NOLA Projectalso adds asoundtrackwithsnippetsof Kendrick Lamarand othermusic

Theshowpremiered in chicagoin 2017, andthen an adaptedversion

wasfilmedbySpike Lee. Following thepandemic, a production of “Pass Over”was oneof thefirst playsto open on Broadway in NewYork. There arethree versions of theplay, with differentendings, Jacksonsays.

Nwandu wrotethe play in thewakeof thekillingofTrayvon Martin.The threat of violence against youngBlack men loomsinthe work In some ways, theproduction picksupwhere the NOLAProject left off. Last season, it produced “The coloredMuseum” at andinpartnership with NOAAM. Dc Paul also performed in thework, which satirizesracist characterizationsof Blackpeople. Jacksonco-directed “colored Museum,” as well as “TellItToMeSweet”and “School Girls; Or,the AfricanMean GirlsPlay.” This is thefirst work she’sdirecting sincebeing namedthe company’s ar tistic director in August.She performed in productionsdatingbackto “catch theWall” in 2011.She of ficially joined thecompany in 2022,and she also brieflyservedasassociate ar tistic director forthe radicalBuf foons.

TheNOLAProject hastwo more plays in theworks butwon’t announce the next production anddates untillatefall, Jacksonsays.

As artistic director,Jackson is also focusing on making theatermore accessible andbringingthe company to differentneighborhoods,though theNOLAProject hasproducedshows across thecityattheatersand outdoor venues.For Halloween, company memberswilltellspookystories at a hauntedhouse presentedbythe Lafitte Greenway andNOrD.

“It’smakingsuremorecommunities have access to seeart,” Jacksonsays.

“PassOver” runs Oct. 24-Nov.9.Tickets $20-$60via nolaproject.com.

OakStreetPo-boyFest

OakStreetrestaurants andvendors from across thecity servetraditional andcreativepo-boys at Po-Boy Fest Thereare sixmusic stages alongOak Street betweenS.carrolltonAvenue andeagle Street.The lineup includes Shantytown Underground, Mia Borders, Kidchocolate, eric Johanson andmore. There’salsoaSaintsgame watching area,a kids’zoneand an artmarket. From 10 a.m. to 6p.m. Sunday,Oct.27. Admissionisfree, but attendeesmustpurchaseawristband to buysandwiches. Wristbands are $10inadvance,$15 at thegate. For informationvisit poboyfest.com.

Thee Sacred Souls

TheCalifornia-basedsoulband releasedtheir sophomorealbum, “Got aStory to Tell,” earlierthis month. Amid therevival of retro-soul, Thee Sacred Soulspay homage to the classics of the’60sand ’70s,addinga modern twisttothe sounds of Motown andchicano soul.TheeHeart Tones, youngrisingstars in thechicano Soul genre, open at 8p.m.Tuesday,Oct.22, at TheFillmore. Ticketsare available vialivenation.com.

BeatsAntique

Theexperimentalworld fusion and electronic band incorporates visuals, costumingand hypnotic danceintheir shows. They performwithelectronic danceproducerand pianist, Haywyre, at 8p.m.Wednesday,Oct.23, at the JoyTheater.Tickets startat$20 viaticketmaster.com.

TopTaco

Thetasting eventwithaDay of the Dead themefeaturestacos andcocktails from more than 30 restaurants, pop-upsand others.Winnerswillbe chosen fortop dishes anddrinks. There also is live music, acostume contest, a silent disco, amechanicalbull, amezcal tastingtentand more.General admission is at 7p.m.Thursday, Oct. 24,and VIPoffersearlyentrance. At Lafreniere

PH OT OBYI AN MC NULTY / TH ET IM ES-P IC AY UN E

PH OT OP ROVI DE D BY NO LA PR OJ EC T

Everytownfor GunSafety, an organization focusedongun violence prevention,recently gave a$100,000 grantto Ubuntu VillageNOL Atosupport itsworkinNew Orleans. The Black-ledNew Orleansgroup takesacommunity-focused approach to intervene in tense situations before they escalate into violence.Italsoadvocates forrestorative justiceprograms andoffersmentorshipand youth developmentinthe city.

OP EN IN G GA MB IT

City can’tkeeptrafc lights on

NEWORLEANS’ STRUGGLING

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKSHAS

FAILED to adequatelymaintaintraffic signalsthroughoutthe city,leading to hazardousconditionsonroadways, accordingtothe NewOrleans Office of InspectorGeneral

Louisiana nowtreats17-yearolds as adults in cour t, even though thevastmajorityofthose teenswerearrestedfor non-violent crimes understate law, Verite News found. Statelawmakers earlierthisyear passed legislation allowing 17-year-olds to be chargedasadultsinaneffor tto combat violentcrime.Since the lawwentintoeffect, though, only 13%ofteens arrested in Orleans, Jeffersonand east Batonrouge parishes were accusedofviolent crimes

In a20-page report released Oct. 16,the OIGsaidthe city’s traffic signal office is severely understaffed, whichleads to extensivedelaysin repairsand prevents theofficefrom conducting maintenance. It also foundthatthe department,orDPW, hasfailedtoupdatedataonmaintenanceand performance, making it impossible to know thetrueextentof thoseproblems.

“Operational trafficsignals are essentialtomaintaining public safety, as malfunctioning signalscan lead to dangerousand congestedtraffic conditions whilealsoimpedingcommerce,”wrote Inspector General ed Michel in astatement

Avenue.Aninvestigation of department leaderswas launched last week by thechief Administrative Officer’s office,after public worksemployees told thecouncil that they have been routinelysubjected to insults, harassment,and retaliationbysupervisors. In alitanyofissuesidentifiedbythe inspector generalduringits inspection into thetraffic signal division, whichitbegan conducting in April, staffing challenges appeared to be amongthe most acute.

THENUMBEROFERAST OURSHOWS TAYLOR SWIFT IS EXPECTED TO PLAY BY DEC. 82024.

By thetimeTaylorSwift wraps up her world tour shewillhaveplayedinover50citieson five continents,embarkedonthe highestgrossingtourofall time andpositively impacted localeconomies,not to mention creating memories of alifetimefor herfans. Thetourstarted in March2023.

C’ ES T WH AT ?

Louisianaand otherstates that have enactedanti-transgender laws have seen up to a72% increase in suicideattempts amongtrans andnonbinary youth over thelastfiveyears,a new studyhas found. Therepor tinthe journalNatureHuman Behavior is believed to be thefirst to draw a direct connection betweenantitranslegislationand therisein suicideattemptsamong youth.

In response,DPW staffers listed severalplanned action items: workingwiththe city’s civilService Department to increase payfor staff, purchasing upgraded equipment, and updating arecentlypurchased asset management software.

Thereportcomes as thepublic worksdepartmenthas come under scrutiny in recent months.InJune, TheTimes-Picayunereportedthat thecity’straffic lights canremain broken formonthsbecause of understaffing or issueshiringcontractors, creating safety hazardsonbustling thoroughfaressuchasclaiborne

PriortoMay 2024,DPW employed only twopeopletomaintainthe city’s 462traffic signals, andone of thoseemployees wasrestrictedfrom certaindutiesdue to an injury.ByJuly, DPW hadhired an additional traffic signalstechnicianand threeworkers. Butthose newhiresstill left thecity farunderstaffedcomparedtoother cities:A2019surveyofjurisdictions across thecountry foundthatagencies with fewerthan450 trafficsignals employed about21peopletodo trafficsignalwork, whilethose with between450 and1,000 signalshad about44peopledoing that work

In theabsence of in-house staff, the department hasreliedonemergency contractstocompleterepairsin recent years, buthas hadchallenges findingcontractors.InJune, the Times-Picayunereportedthat, during thefirst half of 2024,the city sought bids from contractorsfor signal repair work on threedifferent occasions. All threetimes,nocontractors responded, andthe lights didn’t getfixed. —Sophie Kasakove /The Times-Picayune

Taylor Swift’sboyfriend Travis Kelcehas said he doesn’t like Creole food.Whatrestaurant wouldchange hismind?

38%

TH UM BS UP / TH UM BS DO WN TH E CO

Abrokentraffic lightatthe intersection of St.Charles andNashville avenuesonMay 13,2024. STAF FP HO TO BY CH RI SG RA NG ER

Our election recommendations

EARLYVOTINGINTHE 2024 ELECTION BEGANIN LOUISIANA ON FRIDAY,OCT.18,and continues(except for Sundays) throughTuesday,Oct.29. In addition to the national contestbetween Vice PresidentKamalaHarris andformerPresident Donald Trump, thelocal ballot will includeone proposed stateconstitutionalamendment, twoproposedchanges to theNew Orleanscitycharter, andsomelocal electionsand referenda.

We urge allregisteredvoterstoexercisetheir franchiseassoonaspossible. Voting is your most important rightasacitizen.There’snoreasontowaitfor Nov. 5 to cast your ballot,and everyreasontodoitearly.Here areour recommendations.

Congress: SteveScalise,TroyCarter

SoutheastLouisiana’s twomembers of congress, republican HouseMajorityLeaderSteve Scaliseof Metairie andDemocratTroycarterofNew Orleans, are both prohibitivefavorites to winre-election on Nov. 5. Butwethink it’s worthnotingthatdespite theirdisparate viewsonhot-buttonnationalissues, they consistently work well together forsouth Louisiana. In that respect, thesetwo mencould teachtheir colleagues alot aboutbuildingbipartisancoalitions. Scaliserepresents Louisiana’sFirst District,which compriseslarge chunks of

NewOrleans’conservativesuburbs;carter, aDemocrat, represents themostlyliberal Second District,anchored by NewOrleans.Theyhaveteameduptoprovide millions of dollarsinfunding forimprovedflood protection and disaster relief,coastal restoration, drainage projects and other critical infrastructure.While we differ with each of them on certainissues, we acknowledgethateachreflects theviews of most voters in theirrespectivedistricts.We encouragethembothtofocus even more on thenonpartisanchallengesfaced by alltheir constituents

StateConstitutional Amendment:Dedicating

AlternateOfshore Energy Revenues to Coastal Restoration – YES

Thesoleproposedstate constitutional amendmentwould requirethe state’sshare of federalfunds from alternative energyproductionleasesinthe Gulf of Mexico to go into Louisiana’scoastal protection andrestoration fund currently, federalroyalties received by thestate from oil andgas production go into thefund. Theamendment wouldcreateparityamong allforms of energy production in theGulf, whichwillmaintainalong-term source of fundingfor coastalrestoration efforts.

NewOrleans CharterAmendment 1: Dedicating 2% of General Revenues to AfordableHousing – YES

This proposed amendmenttothe city charterwould set aside2%ofthe city’s “general fund”(whichisroughly one-thirdofthe entire city budget)toaffordablehousing in NewOrleans.In2026, thefirst year of theproposed

dedication,thatwould be an estimated$17 million–on topoffederal housing dollars. Theamendment also provides foremergenciesbyauthorizingthe city council, by unanimous vote,tooverride thededication. creating adedicated fundingstreamfor affordable housingwill allowthe city to finallymakegoodonthe perennialpolitical promiseofactiononthisissue.

NewOrleans CharterAmendment 2: Adding aWorkers Bill of Rights – YES

This amendmentwould adda WorkersBillofrightsto thecitycharter’s existing Bill of rights.The measureis entirely aspirational;those rights wouldvestonlyinsofar as they alignwithstate or federallaw.Nevertheless, we believethisisanimportant statementtomakeonbehalf of workers. It proclaimsthe rightofevery NewOrleans resident to enjoyafairlivingwage, safe work environment,comprehensive health care,paidtimeoff and othercommon-senserights.

Formoreinformation aboutthe election andballot items, checkout theelectionguidesofthe League of WomenVotersofLouisiana (www.lwvofla.org )and the councilfor ABetterLouisiana (www.cabl.org)

@GambitBlake |askblake@gambitweekly.com

Hey Blake, We heardsomething about Taylor Swiftperformingat theSuperdome.Who was thefirst big-name actto performthere?

Dear reader,

AN ALL-STAR LINEUPCHRISTENEDTHE SUPERDOME forits firstbig show on Aug. 29,1975. More than 40,000 people turned outtosee comedian BobHope headline ashowwithactorsraquel Welch, TellySavalas andDorothy Lamour, aNew Orleansnativeand Hope’s former “roadto. ”movie co-star.

Also appearing were singersDiahann carrolland TanyaTuckerand local starsPeteFountainand Al Hirt NewOrleansStates-Item writer Marjorie roehlreportedthe evening beganwithGov.edwin edwardsquipping of Welchthat“noteven(Superdomepromoter) Dave Dixoncould find anything wrongwith her seatingconfiguration.”

Hope’s one-liners aboutthe Dome included that when he wasinvaudeville, he “playedcitiessmaller than this.” Unfortunately, thecavernous building’s soundsystemfailedatone pointduringthe show,which roehl foundlackluster.

“The performancewhen it wasgood wasvery, very good andwhen it was bad, it looked as though it couldhave used twoweeks of rehearsal,”she wrote. “Perhaps thevastnessofthe

Superdomeisapoorsetting forthis type of show.”

Threedayslater,the Allman Brothers Band headlinedthe “Pride of Dixie” concertwiththe Marshall Tucker Band, charlie Daniels Band andWet Willie

“The blue jean,platformshoegenerationrushedintothe Superdomewith afury,”wrote ValerieM.HaynesinThe Times-Picayune.“Some on crutches, othersinwheelchairs,girls in hotpants flickering theirfalse eyelashes, guys wearingjeans andcowboyhats—itseemedas though almost everyone wasthere.”

That included Greg gAllman’sthenwife cher,who accompanied him.

Then,onSep.5,1975, it wasthe sounds of Motown that filled the Superdome, as theO’Jays, Temptations andIsley Brothersperformed.The JacksonFive, commodores andFour Tops played theDomeafew weeks laterinabenefitfor theSicklecell Anemia Foundation.

THIS WEEK WE REMEMBER JUDGEJ.SKELLYWRIGHT,the federaljudge knownfor his 1956 ruling whichordered theintegration of NewOrleans public schools. Wright wassworn in to theU.S.Districtcourt forthe easternDistrictofLouisiana 75 years ago, on Oct. 26,1949.

Born in 1911 in NewOrleans,James Skelly Wright graduatedfromWarren easton High School andLoyolaUniversity, whereheearnedbothundergraduate andlaw degrees.

Wright served in thecoast GuardduringWorld WarIIand said that witnessing segregationthere wasa turningpoint forhim in race relations. “I wasinsensitive to theproblem most of my life,” he said in a1981Times-Picayuneinterview

In 1948,Wrightwas appointedU.S.AttorneybyPresident HarryS.Truman. He served oneyearbeforea spot openedonthe federalbench andTruman appointedhim judge.

In 1956,two yearsafter theU.S.Supreme courtdeclaredsegregatedpublicschools unconstitutional in Brownv.Board of education, Wright didthe same in NewOrleans He encounteredstiff opposition,including from Gov. Jimmie Davisand segregationiststate lawmakers. Wright’s actionsignited afirestorm of hatred.Hewas hanged in effigy,and someoneburnedacross on hislawn.

Afterfouryears of resistance,fourBlack girlsentered WilliamFrantzand McDonogh 19 elementary schoolsonNov.14, 1960

AccordingtoaLoyolaUniversitydigital exhibit, Wright’s other landmark decisionsincludedorderingthe desegregationofcityParkpools,Louisiana public sporting events andNew Orleansbuses andstreetcars.

In 1962,President John F. Kennedynamed Wright to theDistrictofcolumbiacircuit courtofAppeals.Heserveduntil retiring in 1987.Hediedthe followingyear.

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BL AK E VI EW

Pete Fountain with BobHope at theSuperdome in 1975

TAYL OR SW IF T AVery GU ID ET ON EW OR LE AN S

BY JO HN ST AN TO N|

WIT HT ENSOFT HOUSAN DS OF PEOPLE flooding NewOrleans forTaylorSwift’s threenightErasTourstand at theCaesars Superdome, Gambit wanted to help Swifties experience more of thecitythantheymight normally see. Whilehitting theFrenchQuarter,shoppingalong MagazineStreet andpre-gaminginthe CBDand WarehouseDistrict areencouraged, there’sawhole lotmoretoNew Orleansthanthe obvioustourist stops.

Gambit Editor John Stantondecided to take “SaylorTwift”—averyrealpersonand definitely nota cardboardcutoutofTaylorSwift —onatour of some of thecoolest spotsintown. From localart marketstoplacestowatch football before Sunday night’sshow, here’s ourguide to NewOrleans (Taylor’sVersion).

HAVE ACOCKTAILATR BAR 1431 RoyalSt.;3p.m.toclosing Mon.-Fri., noon to closingSat.-Sun.

YOU’ VE ARRIVED in NewOrleans,dropped your bags at thehotel andare readytosee thesights. Do what 11 outof10localsdoand head straight to the bar—inthiscase, RBar

With itslovelyoutdoor seatingspace anda staff full of Swiftsuper fans,RBar is theperfect spot to startyourtimeinthe city.It’safavoriteofvisitors andlocalsalike andhas awideselection of beersand cocktails, includinga couple of frozen concoctions that’llhelpshake offthe travel blahsinnotime.

CHECKOUT THESKELETONHOUSE

6000 St.Charles Ave.

EVERYOCTOBER, thegrounds of this statelyUptownmansion aretransformed into aspookyart installation.It’sbecomeone of thecity’smostvisited andiconicHalloween traditions,and this year theownershavegiven it aSwiftie spin.It’samust-seefor anybodyintownthistimeofyear, anditmight just be oneofthe most Instagrammablespots in thecity.

GO ON DOWN TO THEAUDUBON ZOO

6500 Magazine St.; 10 a.m. to 5p.m.daily

AF TERSNAPPINGAFEW SELFIES at theSkeletonHouse,you canheadto theAudubon Zoo, whichishands down oneofthe best zoos outthere. In addition to your standard lions, tigers andbears, AudubonZoo also boasts theiconicMonkeyHill, oneofthe highestpointsinthe city,aswellassomeofthe amazinglocal wildlife from Louisiana, includinga very rare whitealligator

Plus,inhonor of theErasTour, thezoo is offering ahostofTaylor-centricexperiences,including friendshipbracelets andphoto opsand themed enrichment activities forthe animals.

AndspeakingofAudubon ....

GO TO FRENCH MEN STREET

Frenchmen Street between EsplanadeAvenueand RoyalStreet NO TRIP TO NE WORLEANS is complete withouthearing some localmusic,soonce you’ve gotten your delicious beveragesatRBar,heada couple blocks over to FrenchmenStreet.

Although it’s just afew blocks long,the Marignystrip of FrenchmenStreetpretty much hasitall,music-wise. The clubsthere offerupvirtually everystyle of NewOrleans music, includingbrass bands, traditionaljazz, blues, funk and occasionally bounce.

VISITTHE AQUA RIUM

AN DI NSECTA RIUM

1Canal Street;10a.m.to5 p.m. daily

THE AUDUBONINSTITUTE also runs theAquarium and Insectarium,located at thebaseofCanal Street next to the French Quarter. Petstingrays at theaquarium andwalk throughthe underwater tunnel full of more stingraysand fish. At theinsectarium,besuretostopatBug Appétittosample some bug-infusedbut delicioussnacksand to enjoythe magicalbutterfly garden overlookingthe MississippiRiver.Likethe zoo, both will also be decked outinSwift decorand activities.

Plus,there’s theFrenchmen Street nightmarket, wheredozensofNew Orleans’ best artists areselling theirwares.And no visittothe stripiscomplete withoutatattoofromDowntown Tattoo,which boasts some of thefinesttattooers andpiercersinthe South.

Deadly Dapper's Tiare Maumasishows Saylor some of herjewelry at the

Saylor Twiftatthe AudubonZoo

Saylor Twiftatthe AudubonAquarium

Frenchmen Street market

SEEBURLESQUE

AT THEORIGI NA L

NITE CA P

1300 St.Bernard Ave.,second floor; 6p.m.to11p.m. Thu.-Sat., 11 a.m. to 6p.m.Sun

BURLESQUEHAS LONG BEEN

AMAINSTAY of thenightlife scene in NewOrleans.Asa venue, TheOriginalNiteCap (a recently remodeledold-school speakeasy) maybethe newkid on theburlesque block, butitalready boasts arosterfullofsomeofthe city’s best performers,including owner andoperatorBella Blue Bellahosts aburlesque brunch on Sundays. Plus,their cocktail programistop notch.

WATCHA

SA IN TS GA ME AT BJ’S LOUNGE

4301 Burgundy St.; 1p.m.toclosing

NE WORLEANS LOVESTHE SAINTS –somuchsothat, in fact,itborders on theunhealthy at times. Butwatchinga Saints game in aSaintsbar in New Orleansisaone-of-a-kind experience.BJ’sinthe Bywater is oneofdozensofbarsacross thecitywhere locals gather on Sundaystowatch thegame. On many weeks, regulars will have apotluck at thebar,and there’s almost always redbeansor gumbofor folkstoenjoy.Luckily forall youSwiftie football fans, Sunday’s 3p.m.kickoff means youcan catchthe game before Swift’sfinal nightkicks offat theSuperdome.

GO ON A TOUR OF NEW ORLEANS’ WORLD- CL ASS POTHOLES

Citywide; self-guided tours availableonInstagram: @lookatthisfuckinstreet

SHOP LIKE A LOCA LATTHE BAYOUGARDENS ARTM ARKET

315N.RendonSt.;5p.m to 1a.m.Oct.24

LOOKINGFOR SOME THING COOL to remember your Eras trip to NewOrleans butdon’t want to wasteyourmoney at ajanky T-shirtshop? Tryone of themanylocal arts markets in town

Topofthe list forany local Swiftieorfor folkswho getto town earlyshouldbethe Bayou GardensmarketonThursday, Oct. 24.Withmorethantwo dozenvendors,the market is a greatsamplingofthe artistsand othermakersNew Orleanshas to offer. An addedbonus is the fact that themarketisheldat theBayou Beer andWineGarden, whichhas food andtonsof wines, beersand otherdrinks.

WORD ON THESTREE T is that no city in Americahas acollection of potholes quitelikeNew Orleans. From miniaturecraters to veritablelakes with theirown aquaticecosystems, thecity’s potholes aresecondtonone. Experience them foryourself— by choice or by accident

DreGlass proprietor of Once Around theKitchen,and Saylor Twift, discussing jams.Glasswillbe sellingher goodsatthe BayouArt Market Oct. 24.

Saylor Twiftatthe Original NightCap

Saylor Twift in apothole

Join th ecelebration by suppor tin gthe nu me ro us fe stivals, sh owsa nd events through out th em on th

TR AN SF ORM AT IO N Taylor

NewOrleans dragqueens

create Taylor Swif tinspired lo oks ahead of her arrival

BY KA YL EE PO CH E

DR AG QUEENSHAVELONG

EMUL ATED popdivas.Think Dolly Parton,BritneySpears, Mariah Carey andWhitney Houston.

So it makessense that with TaylorSwift coming to NewOrleans forthree nights of her Eras Tour, localdragartists have been in high demand.Itseems thewhole city is vyingfor Swifties’attention to carve outtheir ownslice of thesweet, sweetSwift economy.

Luckilyfor fans,thatmeans there will be oodles of TaylorSwift events around town featuringNew Orleans’ mega talented performers.

Gambitspent an afternoonat

AllWaysLoungewithtwo of New Orleans’ full-timedragqueens, London Manchester andDebbie with aD,to watchthemcomplete Swift-inspiredlooks aheadoftheir Swift-themed shows.

Debbie went with amodernSwift look,choosingtopairablack beaded sequin leotardwithatulle piece from designer EddieCouture with awavyblondewig with ahighpony by Carmen Adore. Hergo-to “wig wizard”locally is NatalieChosa

Thefit,which also featured ablack coil necklace,was in line with the

bejeweledleotardsSwift’s been wearingonher Eras Tour,while also feelingreminiscent of theaesthetics of her 2017album “Reputation.”

Meanwhile, London dida country-inspired look as anod to Swift’searliestalbums, whichare characterizedbya faux butarguably adorable countrytwang.She wore adenim number,featuring apaisley jacket with rhinestoneschaps lined with fringe.Underneathwas apurplepaisley twopiece set.

Thecostume wasdesignedby Shea ONeilout of LosAngeles,who London hasbeenworking with fora

fewyears.Her platinum blonde wig, also with ahighpony, is from Wigon My Head

MEET THEQUEENS

CJ CARVER,who performs as LondonManchester, wasborninBaton Rougeand movedtoNew Orleans in 2019 aftergraduatingfromLSU. He starteddoing drag in college afterthe barmanager at Splash,an LGBTQnightclub in BatonRouge, recruitedhim andtoldhim,“You’re gonnabea drag queen.” PA GE 18

London Manchester andDebbiewitha D

Weekend Specials

“I said that Iwould do it one time,” London says,laughing. “HereIam.”

Nearly nine yearslater,London nowworks full-timeasa drag queen. SheperformsatOzinthe French QuarteronWednesdays andSundays andisthe show director at Splash,the same place shegot herstart andlearned from themoreexperienced queens. ShealsoperformswithChoke Hole (dragwrestling )and does events at “whereverelsethe checkclears.”

London even opened up for Chappell Roan when shecame to NewOrleans last October, just before Roan’s ascent to superstardom.

London’s favorite Swiftalbum is “Reputation.”“Iloved thesound shehad on that album, andthe overalldarkaesthetic of that era waseverythingtome,”she says Joey Olsen, whoperformsin drag as Debbie with aD,cameto NewOrleans in 2011 to gettheir master’s in public health at Tulane and“forlove.”Theyworkedinthe HIVfield foradecade, including as theprogramsmanager at CrescentCare before becoming a full-timedragartisttwo yearsago.

“She gotthe degree,she gotthe man, andthenshe starteddoing makeup,” Debbie laughs.

Debbie firststarted doingdrag in 2018,the same year she“draguated”fromthe NewOrleans

forevermoment.”But shestill considersherself a“‘Midnights era queen”atheart.

WA RMINGU P

BOTH DEBBIE ANDLONDON rolled up with giantsuitcases filled with wigs andcostumes.

Debbie walked into theAllWays dressing room with abag full of mascaratubes.She’d stoppedat thebeautysupplystore to pick up anew tube.The employee said some mighthavedried outand told her to just go aheadand take them all.

“Anybodyneedmascara?” she says with alaugh Debbiethenwhipped outher blackmakeupbox,lined with red fabric andcompletewithpop-out organizational compartments

Meanwhile, London changed into acustomwhite bathrobe,the back monogrammedwithgold lettersreading “BiteSized Beauty,” to beginher transformation. Herplangoing in?Tolet the brushesspeak to her.

Drag Workshop.In2019, shewas featured in PoppyTooker’s“Drag QueenBrunch.”She wasbecomingmorewell-known, andwhile that came with more gigs,she knew it couldcomewithbacklash.

“I realized that once thebrunches startedand thecookbook happened,thatmyfacewas going to be outthere,and Iwas like,am IOKwiththis? Becausethere is alot of controversyarounddrag queens, andthingsonlygot worse over thelastcoupleyears,” she says.“Iwas like,amI OK with beingthisvisible?Because it is political, andIwillget pulled into stuffeventually, at some point.”

Debbie hostsashowatOzevery Tuesday, whichwillhavesome Swiftactsaroundher visit, and adragbrunchatSaint John on Sundays.And shemakes public health informationavailable at hershows,including aboutPrEP, a medication that helpsprevent HIV infection, andDoxyPEP,which canhelpprevent STIs up to 72 hoursafter exposure

Debbie’s favorite Swiftsongis theleadsingleoff “Reputation,” “LookWhatYou Made Me Do,” whichshe calls“thevibeand the

It took yearsofhoningtheir makeup skills to gettothe level they’reatnow.Londonlearned alot from theolder queens at Splash,aswellasonline, while Debbie learnedmostlyfrom YouTubetutorials andtaking screenshotsofsomeone’s face andtryingtorecreatethatmakeup look,which shedid alot during thepandemic.

“There wasaglow-up period for sure,” shesays.

Swiftdoesn’t wear superelaboratemakeup. Herlookismostly characterizedbyacat eye(“sharp enough to kill aman,” shesings) anda redlip with acupid’s bow, mentionedincountless lyrics: “red lipclassic thingthatyou like,” “crimson redpaint on my lips,” “red lips androsycheeks” and so forth.

Swift’smakeupartisthas said her signaturered is PatMcGrath Labs LiquiLustLegendary Wear mattelipstick. ButDebbieswears by Fenty’sIconThe Fill SemiMatteRefillableLipstickinshade TheMVP

Betweenthatand theirDiamond Balm highlighter, “Fenty is it,” Debbie proclaims.

Meanwhile, London uses Maybellinelip products,including crayons, liners andglosses

Sinceshe wasgoing foralook inspired by youngTaylor, she didn’t go full red, insteadopting forMaybelline’sColor Sensational

ShapingLip Liner in Rich Chocolateand topping it with Lifter GlossinStone

‘JUSTK EEPBLENDING’

LONDON STARTEDBYTAPINGDOWN her eyebrows andpowderingher face.She then begantoadd concealerand contouring her forehead andouter edge of theface. Debbie also coveredher eyebrows and addedpowder andconcealer around above her nose andaroundher eyes andchin. She hadareference photopulledupand shewas reshapingher face by replicatingthe highlights andlowlights.Bothadded blush.

When it comestoblending, Debbiesays, “When youthink you’re done,doitmore. That’s probably thebestpiece of advice Igot at thedragworkshop.”

London agrees.“Just keep blending,” they sing to thetuneofDory’s“just keep swimming” chantin“FindingNemo.”

Next,itwas time forbrows whichtheydrew on abovetheir real brows. Debbie went fora brownbrowwitha similararchtoSwift’s,while London went fora thickerbrown brow with less of an arch Eyemakeupisone of themosttime-consuming partsofthe process. Both didcat eyes, obviously, butLondondid athicker,moredramaticversion that extended past theinner eye, usingdarkereye shadow to create asmoky eye. Debbiewentinthinner with theeyeliner, using alight eyeshadowtobring outher blue eyes Anddon’t forget thefakelashes.

Once they didtheir lips,theyusedagenerous amount of finishingspray to ensure thelooks couldstand thetestoftime.

It’s alongprocess andalot of work,which is why, thequeensreveal, they sometimes sleepindrag, especially if they have ashowin themorning.

“Let me tell you, it’s notthe best sleepyou’ve ever gotten,” Debbie says Forstarters, youhavetolie on your back,and youcan’t roll over or move around much at all. London callsita“vampiremummy nap” and wasplanningtotakeone afterwewrapped up at AllWays.

FI NISHINGTOUCHES

BOTH DEBBIE ANDLONDON finished their makeup at thesametime, around twohours later. Now, it wastimetoplaydress up They helped each other pick wigs before puttingonpadding —and then layers andlayers of tights to coverupsaidpadding

Thequeenssuitedupintheir custom outfits, helpingeachother with zippersalong theway. Then they took to theAllWays Lounge’s TwilightRoomstage to pose foraphotoshoot.

“I don’tknowabout you, butIfeellikedrag should only be viewed from oneangle,” Londonsaysaswephotographher

“Drunk,” Debbiequips

Find London Manchester on Instagram andTikTok@TheeBiteSizedBeautyand at facebook.com/theebitesizedbeauty Find DebbiewithaDonIns tagram @debbiewithad,TikTok@debbie.with.a.d andatdebbiewithad.com

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TAYL OR TA KE OV ER

Getintothe Swif tie spirit with danceparties,b oozy brunches,bracelet-makingeventsand more

BY SA RA HR AV IT SA ND MAD DI ES PI NN ER

NE WORLE ANSISCHOCK-FULL

OF events tailored forTaylorSwift fans this week.Restaurantsand bars arepayingtribute to Swiftwithdrink specials andupdated menu items, and thereare danceparties,dragbrunches,bracelet-making parties, comedy showsand more across thecity.

30 00 KI NGM AN ST .# 101 |M ET AI RI E sa in tlys ki n. co m ASKABOUT OUR TREATNOW/PAY LATERPROGRAM Book Your FREE ConsulationHere! W E’R E R E A DY NEW OR LE A NS!

Go to Fa ce bo ok forV ideos, Sp ecials an dmoreB efore& Af ers

THROUGH OC T. 24

BeatrixBellDandcraf ted Bracelet-Making Party

TheFrenchQuarter location of this jewelrystore hostsaseriesof friendshipbracelet-making parties throughout theweekleading up to theconcerts. Thestore will provide allthe supplies.Classes startat5p.m and6p.m.Tickets availablethrough eventbrite.com.

shopping.Buy ticketsand find more info at fringe-co.com.

OC T. 24

Eras EveCelebration

TheUptownboutiquehotel TheChloe kicksoff theconcert weekendat6 p.m. by hostinga frontlawnparty with aSwiftie-inspiredDJset from Blair Eliseand avinyl pop-up from Peaches Records. Formoreinformation,check thechloenola.com

KaraokeNight and Concert Ticket Raff le

DatDog’s Freret Street location hosts Thursday nightkaraoke anda ticket raffle ($10 each)thatwillhelpsend luckywinners to Swift’sFridaynight set. From 6p.m.-8p.m.For more information, checkdatdog.com.

OC T. 24-27

Eras Extras

LoewsNew OrleansHotel hostsa face-glitter sparklestation anda 360-degree photobooth.Alive broadcastofthe Kidd Kraddick MorningShowishappening in thelobby Oct. 25.There will be achancetomeet thehosts on Thursday,Oct.24, at Bar Peters,which will be servingSwiftiethemed libations, includingmocktails, allweekend.For more information, visitloewshotels.com/new-orleans/ new-orleans-concerts

OZ:Unof ficialSwif ties Af terParty

TheFrenchQuarter gaydance club hostslate-nightTaylorSwift themed events starting Thursday andafter each nightofthe tour,withspecial prizes andguests. On Saturdaynight, therewillbea TaylorSwift lookalike contestwitha$300cashprize, and Sunday nighthas adragshowfeaturing Taylor SwiftimpersonatorTaylorSummers.For ticketsand more information,check outozneworleans.com.

Pop-up Shop

Fringe &Co.,anonlineand pop-up shop knownfor itssequined, one-ofa-kind finds, hostspre-parties starting on Thursday.There are10Eras-inspired selfie backdrops,champagne on tapfor purchase,a friendship-bracelet making stationand

Radio Birdand Zony Mash Presents: MidnightsLive KarmonicString Quartet

Thesymphony-basedstringgroup RadioBirdQuartet puts aclassical spin on TaylorSwift’s “Midnights”album at Zony Mash.Doors open at 7p.m., and theshowstartsat8.There will be a photobooth,immersive wall mapping projectionsand themed cocktails, in addition to thebrewery’s signature craftbeers.For more information, checkzonymashbeer.com.

Swif tmasEve featuring DJ Warm Adviceatthe RabbitHole

Adance partyand pregameparty sets thetonestartingat9p.m. Formoreinformation,check rabbitholenola.com.

Swif tie BarCrawl in Slidell Luna Tequila, Olde TownePizza Co., Tacos&Beer, TheBrass Monkey DraughtEmporium,Whiskey and Ashe,and Arcade on Careyall offer Swiftie-themed cocktailsatthisneighborhoodbar crawlinOld Town Slidell. Attendeeswho download apunch card andhit up allsix spotswillreceive agoodiebag

Trivia–Taylor’sVersion Trivia gamesatthe HolidayInn Downtown-Superdome includeabeginner’s

versionat6p.m., whilediehard Swifties cancompete over deep cuts at 8p.m.duringadvancedtrivia. Tickets areavailableatticketstripe.com.

OC T. 25-26

Silent Disco

Garden District Book Shop hostsa silent discoatThe Rink from 7-9:30 p.m. on Friday andSaturdaynights. Wireless headphones featuremultiple channels of music. Therealsowillbe themed drinks andsnacks. Tickets andinformation availableon eventbrite.com.

This Is Our Era: Swif ties

Pre- Concert Party

Virgin Hotelhosts pre-concertparties throughout theweekend starting at 4 p.m. inside theirDreamboat venue. Therewillbefriendshipbracelet making,airbrushtattoos,Swiftthemed drinks andmore. Gettickets on eventbrite.com.

OC T. 25-27

Swif tie Animal Fun

At theAudubon Aquarium,Insectarium andZoo,therewillbea“Taylor Swifttakeover.”Visitorscan make friendship braceletsand pose forpics at varioushabitatsthathavebeen Swiftie-fied,plusthe animals will be gettingspecial TaylorSwift-themed enrichment.For information, check audubonnatureinsitute.org/tickets.

Swif ties' Eras Drag Brunch

TheVirginHotel hostsdragqueens andbrunchspecialsoverthe weekend during theErasTourfrom10a.m.-2 p.m. at CommonsClub. They’resold out, buttoget on thewaitlist, email commonsclubres@virginhotels.com.

Tayp op Brunch at Mayp op Chef MichaelGulotta’s acclaimed fusion restaurant Maypop turnsinto Taypop forthe weekendwitha series of themed brunches with festive cocktailsand mocktailsstartingat 11 a.m. Forinformation,visit maypoprestaurant.com

OC T. 25

Cruel Summer: ATaylor Swif tDanceParty

HouseofBlues hostsadance part yat8 p.m. Fortickets,visit houseofblues.com.

ShakeitOff DanceParty

TheHoliday InnDowntown-Superdome hostsanall-agesdance party starting at 7p.m.withaDJspinning Taylor’sVersion hits throughthe eras.Thereisacashbar,withprizesfor thebestdance movesand costumes

Ticketsavailable at ticketstripe.com/ SwiftieConvention-ShakeItOffDanceParty.

OC T. 26

ATaylor Swif tRave

Amidnightraveafter Night2of thetourkeeps theparty goingwith remixes,mashups andoriginaltracks, accompanied by lasers,neonlights, balloons andmoreatthe Orpheum Theater. Doorsopenat11p.m.For information, checkorpheumnola.net

Eras BalconyBash

Tableauinthe French Quarterhosts abalcony partyat2-5 p.m. featuring food,drinks, bracelet-makingstations andlife-sizedcutouts of TaylorSwift andTravisKelce forphoto ops. Tickets areavailablevia eventbrite.com.

Nolé Events: TotallyTaylor Drag Brunch

Nolé SpecialEventsVenue presents a themed drag brunch with specialperformancesfromDebbiewithaDand more.Tickets includeaccesstothe brunch buffet,bottomlessmimosas andmargaritas andreservedseating forthe drag performances.Get tickets viaeventbrite.com.

“D owninFlames”:A (Celebratory) Swif tie Roast

Aroast by localcomedians and self-proclaimedTaylorSwift scholars takesplace at HouseofBlues starting at 9p.m.For information visithouseofblues.com.

“Waitlisted: ADrag, Taylor Swif tConcert Paro dy” Drag queenDebbiewithaDstars in this concertparodyatthe AllWays Lounge.For information, visittheallwayslounge.net.

OC T. 27

Teardrops &Tassels (Taylor’sVersion)

Avariety show starting at 6:30 p.m. will incorporatedrag, burlesqueand cabaretwithperformerspayingtribute to severalofSwift’s Eras at theAllWays Lounge.Spectatorsare encouraged to dressupfor aSwift-themed costumecontest.For tickets, email nicolita.capedevielle@gmail.com.

End of an Era: Taylor Swif t

DanceParty

Shakeoff theremnantsofyourglitter andsequins at adance partyatRabbit Hole at 8p.m.For information, visit rabbitholenola.com.Get ticketson eventbrite.com.

OC T. 28

“L ookWhat YouMade Me

Do:ATaylor Swif tCabaret” Prolongthe festivitieswithacabaret show at theAllWays Lounge Oct. 28 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Costumes encouraged.For information, visit theallwayslounge.net.

EA T+D RI NK

Holy mole

Aguasantaopens on OakStreet by Beth D’Addono |

AKITCHEN WITHOUTRULES

That’s what chef Luis Nava intends forAguasanta,the restaurant he and business partner Ulyssescampos openedat8312Oak St.inmid-September.It’safollow-up to La Tia Taqueria andcantina, whichheand athird partner, LeoVasquez,opened in Metairie in 2022.But Aguasantais notwhatlocal dinersmay expect in a LatinAmericanrestaurant.

“Ifone dayI want to cook ablack pastawithsquid,which comesfrom Italy, Ican’t consider that Mexican,” says Nava,a native of colima on Mexico’s Pacificcoast.“Thenext daymaybe aduckconfitflauta, whichismoreonthe Latinside, butconfitisFrench. This is more newAmericancuisine.”

Nava,aself-trainedchefwitha PhDineconomics,cites chef enrique Olvera as an influence. Olvera’s landmark Mexico city restaurant,Pujol, leadsthe wayinapplyingFrenchand AsiantechniquestoMexican dishes

“Our cuisineissomuchmorethan chilis andbeef,”Navasays.

Aguasanta, whichmeansholy water, took over thespace that previously wasoccupiedbyMagasin Vietnamese café,Mukbang Seafood andthe sushi barchiba.Thatsushi barisstill in place, butnow it is a seafoodbar offering ceviche, tiradito, aguachileand rawoysters

Therestaurant’s design is modern andbright, with whitewalls lined with whimsicalpaintings,someof whichNavacreated himself. Aneon logo depictingafontofholywater glowsonthe back wall.Astarburst sunand othereye-catchingsculpturesare scatteredthroughoutthe space. Alongbar alongthe side wall is thepurview of campos,who createdacocktailmenutomatch the kitchen’smodernsensibilities and global influences

Thechefmixes cuisines in many dishes.The La Tiadumplings area favorite borrowed from theMetairie restaurant.Wontonwrappersare stuffedwithseasonedpork, friedand served on abed of mole

“Mymom’s grandmawould saythe mole is Mexican, butthe traditionisto only servemolewithchicken,” Nava says.“Ibelieve that social mediahas spread globalization. So,atthe end of theday,whatreallyisauthentic?

NewOrleans is famous forits creole cuisine, whichusedoriginalFrench cookingasits inspiration.”

Another dish,crabarancini, features theSicilianfried rice ballsfilledwith crab,cheeseand bits of redpepper, alldrizzledwithapoblano sauce. Therealsoare baostuffed with slowcooked brisketand topped with bits of pickledonions, carrot andcilantro. roastedlocal oystersswapsmoky chilis,Oaxacacheeseand chorizofor theusual garlicky Parmesan topping. There’salsocantonese-stylefriedrice spiked with chickenadobo.

Themenuincludessomered meat Awood-fired14-ouncerib-eye would be at home in anysteakhousewith itssideofcrispyfriesand creamy

peppercorn sauce. Aguasanta’sbirria is made with lamb insteadofbeef. There’salsoan Anguscheeseburger dressedwith American cheese, grilledvegetables andchipotleaioli

It’s served surfand-turf stylewith aspear of fried shrimp tempura.

“That’ssomethingcommon whereIcomefrom in colima,”the chef says On thecoldside, Nava serves a cucumber-encased roundofsalmon tartare, with cured gems of bright orange fish mixed with bits of redonion andavocado, topped with microgreens, adrizzle of salsamacha oiland cracklings Shrimp aguachilegetsthe tropical treatment, with theraw seafood marinatedina sweet, acidic pineapplebroth andservedwithcrispycorn andslicedjalapeno.

Fordessert,a Basque-style cheesecake incorporates mole into its chocolatelid.

At thebar,campos’ cocktail menu hasclassic drinks anda rangeof flavors, from herb-infused gininthe citrus-forward Herbal elixir to the Aguasanta, ablend of moonshine, maraschino liquor andtortillasalt

“I love thediversity of my customers,” campos says.“Irespect everyliquor andtry to mixtobring outits potential.” campos originally went to culinary school butlater focusedonthe bar. He welcomes inputfromhis guests andwillcreatea custom cocktail to meet theirtaste

“Wewanttopleaseour customers always,” Nava says.“Butwewantto challengethemtoo.”

Grandesaward

EMERIL’S RESTAURANT HASALWAYS BEEN ABOUTDESTINATIONDINING, giventhe fame of founderemeril Lagasse. Butsince anew elegantly revamped editionofthe restaurant openedlastyear, it hasbeendrawing more attentiononaglobalstage That nowincludesanaccolade shared by some of theworld’s most renowned restaurants.

Last week,emeril’swas inducted into LesGrandes Tables du Monde, an organization foundedinFranceto recognize superb restaurants. Thegroup turns70thisyearand dubs itself “the most exclusiveclub” of 195restaurants in 23 countries. With theadditionofemeril’sinthe 2025 group, only 13 American restaurantsshare thedistinction,including Jean-Georges in NewYorkand the French LaundryinNapaValley. emeril’s firstopenedin1990. Last year it reopened with thecelebrity chef’s sone.J.Lagasse directingit.

emeril’s nowservescheftasting menusexclusively (currently $215) andwas redesigned from kitchento dining room around this more refined approach.The aimistofocus the experience,the work andattention of therestaurantdowntoahigh-touch approach foreachofthose tables Therestaurantisnow expanding service. Starting Nov. 1, it will add Friday lunch. This will follow the

Emeril Lagasseand sonE.J.Lagasse at Emeril’s restaurant.

UlyssesCamposand Luis Nava opened Aguasanta.

PH OT OBYC HE RY LG ER BE R/ GA MB IT

FASHIONISTA

tastingmenuformatofdinner, with four coursesfor $125

Lunchwilloffer dishes from the dinner menu,including aredesigned versionofthe housesignature banana cream pie.

“I want it to be theemeril’sexperience,but when youdon’t have time fordinner,”e.J.Lagasse says

During lunch, therestaurantwill also servea shortà la cart menu throughThe Wine Baratemeril’s, theattachedloungethatnow hasits ownentrance. That meansyou can drop in to sample just adishortwo on aFridayafternoon

Lagassesaysthe additional service hasapersonalresonance forhim too.

“I grew up watching Friday lunch at emeril’s,” he says.“It wassomethingIwantedtodoand lotoflocals have been asking forit.”

LesGrandes Tables du Monde recognitionisthe second such global honorfor therestaurantthis year.earlier, emeril’s wasnamed to thelistof80restaurants recommended worldwidebythe Frenchbasedluxurytravelassociation relais &châteaux

Both guides arefollowedbya well-heeledset whobooktravel around theirspecificrecommendations. That’s whyLagasse sees the accoladesasawin forthe larger New Orleanshospitality community.

“It’sthe extensionofour goal to help representNew Orleanson aglobalscale,assomanygreat restaurantsand hotels do in the city,” he says. —Ian McNulty/ TheTimes-Picayune

Nor-Joeonthe go

FORDECADES, AN OLDBRICK WAREHOUSEINOLD METAIRIE by the railroad tracks hasbeenthe placefor agreat muffuletta anda sliceofold countryItalian ambience between shelvesofimportedfoods andcases of freshpastas.

says theopportunitytoexpandretail production anddistributionisa big reason behind themove.

“We’ll miss ourold neighborhood, andyou hate to give up theold essenceofthe store,”Subervielle says.“Butit’sabout ourproduction. It wasn’t compatible with what we need to do.”

Full production should be running in time forthe holidays,and thenew retail location will likelyopenfirst. It will have Nor-Joe’smuffulettas of course,and otherspecialties Suberviellehas addedinrecent years, includingthe cannoliking cake andcheesewheel pasta(tossed in ahollowedParmesanwheel).

With increasedproduction,NorJoecould expand with additional retail locationsaroundthe metro area,hesays.

“The goal allalong when Icame in herewas to expand beyond one store, andthat’sstill thegoal.” Suberviellesays.

Mark Suberviellebought Nor-JoeImports in 2016.

Butnow Nor-JoeImports is on themove.

Thedelihas shut itsdoors at 504 Frisco Ave.,withplans to reopen in a newlocationsoon.

Nor-Joeowner Mark Subervielle confirmedthe deli’s newhome wouldstill be in Metairie,now on Veterans Memorial Boulevard, but said he wasn’t readytoannounce theaddress

In addition to anew retail location,heplans to open aseparate production facility forNor-Joe’s productlineoflasagnas, marinated cheeses, seasonings andsuch. That wasall underthe same roof at the original location,and Subervielle

Nor-Joewas namedfor itsfounders, NormaSchif fmannand Joe Giglio,alocal couple whostarted outsellinghand-made mozzarella. They developedthe business into asupplierofspecialty foodsfor many restaurantsaroundthe area, andopenedtheir storeinthe early1990s.

Themuffulettabecameahouse specialty, made with adistinctive olivesalad thickwithshreddedcarrot andamix of blackand greenolives that practicallysqueakswithoil Butby2016, thebusinesshad fadedand theold storewas up forsale. Subervielle, arealestate agent, eventually bought it and beganarevival ef fort,including astreetfair-styleMuf fuletta Festival to reintroducethe store to locals —Ian McNulty/ TheTimes-Picayune

Owen Ryan

chef

by Will Coviello

CHEF OWEN RYAN WORKED AT MAYPOP BEFORE THEPANDEMIC shut down the restaurant.Hepivoted andstarted his ownpop-up, catawampus.For the past twoyears,he’sbeeninresidence at courtyardBrewery servingroti roll ups, chickenand rice,hand-cut french friesand more.catawampus is open 4-10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdaysand 2-10 p.m. Fridays. See @catawampus_cook on Instagram formoreinformation

Howdid youget interested in cooking?

OWEN RYAN: Ihavebeencooking sinceIwas alittlekid.Ilearned from my grandmaalittlebit,and then Igot really into it.When Iwas in elementary school,Iwas making eg gs Benedict formyself.

Igot asubscriptiontoFinecooking Magazine,which is nowdefunct. Iwould flip throughitand puta papercliponeachrecipethatI would want to make.Then my momand Iwould cook throughthe magazine Ikeptdoing it anddoing it.Iworked in arestaurantinhighschooland whileIwas in collegeinAsheville, Northcarolina.

IknewIwanted to cook.Myparents areboththerapists, andtheysaw a lotofclients whowerechefs and worked 60 hoursa week andnever sawtheir family.Ialwaysthought it wasagoodthing to want to do,but maybenot acareer.

When Igot outofcollege,Istarted abusinesscalledTechTeam, where Ihelpedold people learnhow to use technology.We’ddoseminarsabout howtouse an iPhone andthingslike that.After twoyears,Iwas like,Ilike beingmyown boss,but Ishoulddo somethingIwanttodo. So Imoved to NewOrleans andgot ajob at Maypop.I learned aton.

Howdid youstart your pop-up?

R: Iwas cookinga lotduringthe pandemic,but notprofessionally. My friend Jillian(Duran) hadstarted this icecream pop-up,rahmHaus. We hadcookedtogether at Maypop.She texted me andasked me if Iwanted to do afoodpop-up. Shewas doing her icecream pop-up andthought it wouldbegoodiftherewas food there too. Isaidyes,and Ihad five days to take allmycooking andfigureout what to serve.

Idid chickenoverriceand friedfeta bites. Ihad just gotten back from New York,wheremymom is from.chicken over rice is thebestthing to eatthere forme. It’s late-night, halal-cart grilled chickenoveryellowricewithwhite sauce. My versionissimilar,but the sauces aredifferent.I make chicken over rice now(at thepop-up)

That wasatcourtyard Brewery. Then thepop-upwas mobile forabout ayear. Iwas at Parleaux breweryand Okay Bar, andIdid partiesand festivals andthingslikethat.

At courtyard, therewas akitchen attached to thebrewery.Itwas huge Outdoorpop-ups aren’t my favorite thing, becauseyou have to builda kitchen everytime, anditcan rain or be windy. Once you’ve done it for awhile,you seethe pitfalls.Sowe renovatedthe kitchen, andIhavebeen therefor abouttwo years.

Ijustwentand staged in Lisbon, Portugal,for amonth at arestaurant called SeM. That waseye-opening with newtechniquesand ways of doing everything.Their thingiszerowaste So Ihavebeenworking that into what I do with fermenting andusing koji IworkatAcamaya rightnow.I am thereone dayaweek. Ihavelearned aton with trialand error, butIwantto learnmorefrommentors.

It’s also cool that pop-upscollaboratea lot. Ihave collaborated with MatchbookKitchen at Barrel Proofand Kusina,a Filipino pop-up.You’reso mobile that youcan do amenutogether.

What do youserve at Catawampus?

R: Ihaveaconsistent menu with roti roll ups. Imakemy ownrotidough and pressitmyself. It’s laborintensive,but it’s good.That’sthe ethosofwhatwedo. even though we’rea pop-up,wemakea lotofthingsin-house that youmight expect people to buy. We make friedshallots. Ourfrenchfries are hand cut. We make them ourselvesand soak them.It’dbe easier to buythem at restaurant Depot. Butour thingisthatitseems casual,but when youtaste it,you seethere’sa lot of thoughtthatwentintoit. Itry to source from farmersmarkets There’sonly so much Ican do at the prices Ihave. Icould do more with a restaurant.But Iliketoget unique things that they have,and Iliketo supportthe farmersmarkets.

Therollupishouse-maderoti bread, yellow rice,citrus-curry marinatedchicken andsalsa verde —but it’s Spanishinstead of the tomatilloMexican kind.Soit’sareally herbysauce.Thenweadd awhite yogurt-mayo-cumin-coriandersauce anda Guatemalan hotsauce.Thenwe addlettuce,tomatoand friedshallots. Thereare threekinds of roll ups. We have chickenoverrice. We addeda friedchicken sandwich that’s gotten popular. We usepickled ginger,which is what sets it apart. Wingshavegotten popular. Themostpopular aresalt andvinegar wingswhere we usethree differentkinds of vinegarpowder.I’m betweenfarmersmarketstuff and what people want when they’redrinkingata brewery.

Idoaspecial everyweekthat’snot in thesameveinasthose things.Last week it wasa French dipsandwich. This week it wasa twicebaked sweetdumpling squash that Igot locally.

WI NE OF TH E WEEK

La Crema Sonoma Coast PinotNoir

With notesofred berries, black licorice, and exotic teanotes.

Palate:Red cherry, plum,and boysenberry, subtle hints of espresso and cocoawithnotes of spiceand toast. Firm yetintegratedtannins and bright acidity drivesalong finish.

PH OT OP ROVI DE D BY OW EN RYAN

Out to eatisanindexofGambitcontract advertisers. Unlessnoted,addressesare forNew Orleans and all accept credit cards. Updates:email willc@gambitweekly.com or call (504)483-3106

AngeloBrocato’s 214N.CarrolltonAve., (504)486 -1465;angelobrocatoicecream. com— This Mid-city sweetshopservesits owngelato, spumoni, Italianices, cannolis, biscotti,fig cookies, tiramisu,macaroons andmore. Therealsoare coffee drinks No reservations.Lunch anddinner Tue.-Sun. $

Annunciation 1016 Annunciation St., (504)568-0245; annunciationrestaurant. com— Gulf Drum Yvonne is served with brownbuttersauce with mushroomsand artichokehearts. Therealsoare seafood pastadishes, steaks,lambchops and more.reservationsrecommended Dinner Thu.-Mon. $$$

Bamboula’s 514Frenchmen St.; bamboulasmusic.com— Thelivemusic venue’s kitchen offers amenuoftraditional andcreativecreoledishes, such as creole crawfish crepes with goat cheese andchardonnay sauce. reservations accepted.Lunch, dinner andlate-nightdaily $$

TheBlueCrabRestaurantand Oyster Bar— 118HarborViewCourt,Slidell, (985)315-7001; 7900 LakeshoreDrive, (504)284-2898; thebluecrabnola.com

Basinbarbecueshrimpare served with rosemary garlic butter sauceovercheese gritswithacheesebiscuit.The menu includes po-poys, friedseafood platters, rawand char-grilled oysters, boiled seafood in season,and more.Outdoor seating available. No reservations.Lakeview: Lunchand dinner Tue.-Sun.Slidell: LunchWed.-Fri.,dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun $$

Broussard’s— 819Conti St., (504)5813866;broussards.com— rainbowtrout amandine is served with tassoand corn macque chouxand creole meuniere sauce. Brunch includes Benedicts,chicken and wafflesand more.reservationsrecommended.Outdoor seatingavailable.Dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$

Cafe Normandie— HigginsHotel,480 Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504) 528-1941;higginshotelnola.com/dining The menu combinesclassic French dishes andLouisiana itemslikecrabbeignetswithherbaioli Sandwiches includepo-boys,amuffuletta on flatbreadand aburger. No reservations. Breakfastand lunchdaily $$ TheCommissary— 634OrangeSt.,(504) 274-1850;thecommissarynola.com— A smoked turkey sandwich is served with bacon,tomatojam,herbedcream cheese, arugulaand herbvinaigrette on honeyoat bread. The menu includes dips,salads, sandwiches,boudinballs,fried oystersand more.Noreservations. Outdoorseating available. LunchTue.-Sat. $$ Curio— 301Royal St., (504)717-4198; curionola.com— Thecreativecreole menu includes blackenedGulfshrimp served with chickenand andouillejambalaya.Therealsoare crab cakes, shrimp andgrits,crawfishetouffee, po-boysand more.reservationsaccepted. Lunchand dinner daily. $$

Dahla— 611O’Keefe Ave.,(504) 766-6602; dahlarestaurant.com— Themenuincludes popularThaidisheslikepad thai,drunken noodles, curries andfried rice.crispy

$ —average dinner entrée under$10

$$ —$11-$20

$$$ —$20-up

skinnedduckbasil is prepared with vegetables andThaibasil.Deliveryavailable. reservations accepted.Lunch anddinner Mon.-Sat $$

Desire Oyster Bar— RoyalSonesta New Orleans, 300Bourbon St., (504)586-0300; sonesta.com/desireoysterbar— Amenufull of Gulf seafoodincludeschar-grilledoysters topped with Parmesan andherbs.The menu also includespo-boys,po-boys,gumbo, blackenedfish, friedseafood platters andmore. reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily. $$

Dickie Brennan’sBourbon House— 14 4Bourbon St., (504)522-0111;bourbonhouse.com— There’saseafood raw barwithraw andchar-broiledoysters, fish dip, crab fingers, shrimp andmore. redfishonthe Half-shell is cooked skinon andservedwithcrab-boiled potatoes,friseeand lemonbuerreblanc reservations accepted.Lunch and dinner daily. $$$

Dickie Brennan’sSteakhouse 716Iberville St., (504)522-2467; dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com— The menu includes avariety of steaks,plussearedGulffish, lobsterpasta, barbecue shrimp andmore. A6-ounce filetmignonisservedwithfried oysters, creamed spinach, potatoes andbearnaise reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sat $$$

El Pavo Real 4401 S. BroadAve., (504) 266-2022;elpavorealnola.com— Themenu includes tacos, enchiladas,quesadillas, ceviche. tamalesand more.Pescado Vera cruz features sauteedGulffishtoppedwith tomatoes,olives, onionand capers,served with rice andstringbeans.Outdoor seating available. No reservations.Lunch andearly dinner Tue.-Sat $$

Juan’s Flying Burrito— 515Baronne St., (504)529-5825; 2018 Magazine St., (504) 569-0000;4724S.CarrolltonAve., (504)486-9950; 8140 OakSt.,(504) 897-4800;juansflyingburrito.com The Flying Burritoincludessteak,shrimp, chicken, cheddarjackcheese, blackbeans, rice,guacamole andsalsa.The menu also includes tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, nachos,saladsand more.Outdoor seatingavailable. No reservations.Lunch anddinner Thu.-Tue $$ Katie’sRestaurant— 3701 IbervilleSt., (504)488-6582; katiesinmidcity.com— Thecajun cubanwithroasted pork,ham, cheese andpickles.The eclectic menu also includes char-grilled oysters, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, friedseafood platters, pasta, salads andmore. Delivery available. reservations accepted forlarge parties. Lunchand dinner daily. $$

Kilroy’s Bar— HigginsHotel,480 Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504) 528-1941;higginshotelnola.com/dining The barmenuincludes sandwiches,saladsand flatbreads,including onetoppedwithpeach,prosciutto, stracciatella cheese,arugula andpecans. No reservations.DinnerWed.-Sat. $$ Legacy Kitchen’sCraft Tavern 700 TchoupitoulasSt.,(504) 613-2350; legacykitchen.com Themenuincludes oysters, flatbreads,burgers,sandwiches, salads andaNOL AStyle GritsBowltopped

with bacon, cheddarand apoached eg g. reservations accepted.Breakfast,lunch anddinnerdaily $$

Legacy KitchenSteak &Chop— 91 Westbank Expressway,Gretna, (504) 513-2606;legacykitchen.com Themenu includes filets mignonsand bone-inribeyes,aswellasburgers,saladsand seafood dishes.reservationsaccepted. Outdoor seatingavailable.Lunch anddinner Mon.-Sat $$ LuzianneCafe— 481Girod St., (504)2651972;luziannecafe.com— Boudin Benedict features twopoached eg gs over boudin and an englishmuffin, served with greentomato chow chow andhollandaise.Noreservations. Delivery available. Breakfastand lunchWed.-Sun. $$ Mikimoto — 3301 S. Carrollton Ave.,(504) 488-1881;mikimotosushi.com TheSouth carrollton roll includes tuna tataki,avocado andsnowcrab. Themenualsohas noodle dishes,teriyakiand more.reservations accepted.Deliveryavailable. LunchSun.Fri.,dinnerdaily $$ Mosca’s— 4137 Highway90West, Westwego,(504) 436-8950;moscasrestaurant.com This family-style eatery serves Italiandishesand specialtiesincluding chickenalagrande, shrimp Mosca, baked oystersMosca andchicken cacciatore reservations accepted.Dinner Wed.-Sat cash only $$$

Mother’s Restaurant 401Poydras St., (504)523-9656; mothersrestaurant.net— This counter-servicespotservespo-boys dressedwithslicedcabbage andcreole favoriteslikejambalaya,crawfishetouf fee, redbeans andriceand more.Breakfast is availableall day. Delivery available. No reservations.Breakfast,lunch and dinner daily. $$

Neyow’sCreoleCafe— 3332 BienvilleSt., (504)827-5474; neyows.com The menu includes redbeans andricewithfried chickenorporkchops,aswellasshrimp creole,seafood platters,po-boys,chargrilledand rawoysters,saladsand more Side itemsinclude carrot souffle, macand cheese,cornbread dressing,sweet potato tots andmore. No reservations.Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$ Nice Guys Bar& Grill— 7910 EarhartBlvd., (504)302-2404; niceguysbarandgrillnola. com— char-grilled oystersare topped with cheese andgarlicbutter, andother optionsinclude oystersrockefeller and loaded oysters. Thecreativemenualso includes seafoodbread,a cajun-lobster potato,wings,quesadillas,burgers,salads, sandwiches,seafood pasta, loaded friesand more.Noreservations. Lunchdaily,dinner Mon.-Sat $$$

Orleans GrapevineWineBar &Bistro — 720Orleans Ave.,(504) 523-1930; orleansgrapevine.com— The wine baroffers cheese boards andappetizerstonoshwith wines. Themenuincludescreolepasta with shrimp andandouille in tomato cream sauce. reservations accepted forlarge parties. Outdoorseating available. Dinner Thu.-Sun $$

Palace Cafe 605Canal St., (504) 523-1661;palacecafe.com— The contemporary creole menu includes crabmeat cheesecake with mushroomsand creole meuniere sauce. Outdoorseating available. reservations recommended. Breakfastand lunchWed.-Fri.,dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun. $$$

Parish Grill— 4650W.Esplanade Ave.,Suite 100, Metairie,(504) 345-2878;parishgrill.com— The menu includes burgers, sandwiches,pizza andsauteed andouille with figdip,bluecheeseand toastpoints. reservations accepted.Lunch anddinner Mon.-Sat $$

PeacockRoom— KimptonHotel Fontenot, 501Tchoupitoulas St., (504)324-3073; peacockroomnola.com— At brunch,braised shortrib grilladesare served over gritswith mushrooms, apoached eg gand shaved truffle. reservations accepted.Dinner Wed.-Mon., brunch Sun. $$

Rosie’sonthe Roof HigginsHotel,480 Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504) 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining— The roof top barhas amenuofsandwiches, burgers andsmall plates.crabbeignetsare made with Gulf crabmeat andmascarponeand served with herb aioli. No reservations Dinner daily. $$

Tableau — 616St. PeterSt.,(504) 9343463;tableaufrenchquarter.com— The menu features traditionaland creative creole dishes.Pasta bouillabaissefeatures squidink mafaldine, littleneck clams, Gulf shrimp,squid,seafood broth, rouilleand herbedbreadcrumbs.Outdoor seating availableonthe balcony. reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Thu.-Sun $$$

Tacklebox— 817CommonSt.,(504) 827-1651;legacykitchen.com The menu includesraw andchar-broiledoysters, seafoodplatters, po-boys, friedchicken, crab andcornbisqueand more.redfish St charlesisservedwithgarlic-herbbutter, asparagus, mushroomsand crawfish cornbread. reservations accepted.Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily. $$

Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza— 1212 S. ClearviewParkway,Elmwood, (504)733-3803; 2125 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie,(504) 510-4282;4024 CanalSt.,(504) 302-1133;4218Magazine St., (504)894-855 4; 70488Highway 21, Covington,(985) 234-9420;theospizza. com— AMarilynnPotaSupreme pieis topped with mozzarella,pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, mushrooms, bell peppersand onions.Therealsoare salads, sandwiches,wings,breadsticks andmore. Delivery available. Lunchand dinner Tue.-Sat $

Tito’s Ceviche& Pisco— 1433 St.Charles Ave.,(504) 35 4-1342;5015MagazineSt., (504)267-7612; titoscevichepisco.com— The Peruvian menu includes several typesofceviche,aswellassteak and seafooddishes. Traditionallomosaltado features sauteedbeeftenderlointips, onions,tomatoes, soysauce andpisco, served with potatoes andrice. Outdoor seatingavailableonMagazineStreet. Delivery available. reservations accepted.Lunch anddinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$

TheVintage — 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144;thevintagenola.com— There’sa full coffee drinks menu andbaked goodsand beignets,aswellasafullbar.The menu has flatbreads,cheeseboards, smallplatesand apressed veggie sandwich with avocado, onions,arugula,red pepper andpepper jack cheese.Noreservations. Delivery and outdoorseating available. Breakfast, lunch anddinner daily. $$

Park in Metairie.General admissionis $85via toptaconola.com.

TremeFall Fest

Theninth annual TremeFallFestival features JamesAndrews &The Crescent City AllStars with John Boutte,DoreenKetchens, TBcBrass Band with Ha Sizzle andAnjelika “Jelly”Joseph, TheJames rivers Movement andmore. Therewillbea second line,children’sactivitiesand food,art andcraftsvendors.At11 a.m. to 6p.m.Saturday, Oct. 26,on the1100block of HenrietteDelille Street.Friends of Tremepresentsthe festival to highlightthe historyand cultureofthe neighborhood.Free admission. Formoreinformation, visittremefest.org

Japan Fest

Thecelebration of Japanese popular andtraditional culture features dance, taikodrumming, martial arts demonstrations,music by local J-rock band PuriKura Panic, teaceremonies, cosplaycostumes, Zazen meditation,Japanesefoodand more. From 10 a.m. to 4p.m.Saturday, Oct. 26,atthe NewOrleans Museum of Art. Admission$10 foradults, $5 forNOMAmembers,and free for attendeesunder 20.Visit noma.org fordetails.

Morning40Federation

At theannualMorning 40 FederationHalloween show,the self-deprecating NinthWardgroup that formed back in thelate1990s performs asignature blendofsleazy drunkrocktunes celebratingdegeneracyinNew Orleans. Fans cansing alongtofavorites like “Stinky,”“Gin Instead of Whiskey” and“Dumpster Juice.”The TinMen open at 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26,atSantosBar Ticketsare $20. Forinformation and tickets, visitsantosbar.com

‘The Pellarious Pursuit’

NewOrleans hip-hopartistPell brings hisstory to thestage with the musical, “The PellariousPursuit.” TheplaychroniclesPell’slifeand his ascent from Dollar General cashier to touringperformer.While humorous, themusical delivers socialcommentary andoffersanuplifting storyto thosewho mayfeeldiscouraged in theirpursuit of adream.The show runs forone nightonly,at7p.m Thursday, Oct. 24,atToulouse Theatre. Ticketsstart at $30and are availablevia toulousetheatre.com.

LabyrinthinConcert

JimHenson’s1986fantasy film starredDavid Bowie,Jennifer connelly anda cast of puppets. “Labyrinth:Inconcert”isascreeningthatpreserves Bowie’soriginal vocals butwithaliveband. At 7p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22,atthe Orpheum Theater. Ticketsstart at $34.50 viaticketmaster.com.

Matt BoothQuintet

BassistMattBoothhas played with John “Papa” Gros,Aurora Nealand, JohnnyVidacovichand many other NewOrleansgreats as well as co-leadingthe groups extended,Palindromes andSome Antics.“SunPrints,”Booth’s new albumasleadper former,ishis firstmadeupentirelyoforiginal compositions.But whileBooth is guiding theship, he givesspace forthe record’s otherexcellent players: trumpeterSteve Lands, saxophonistSam Taylor, pianist Oscarrossignoliand drummer PeterVarnado.Thatquintet will performa“SunPrints” releaseshow at 8p.m.Wednesday,Oct.23, at cafe Istanbul.Findmoreinfoat cafeistanbulnola.com

WobbleFest

NewOrleans queendivaBig Freediahas partnered with local cannabis brandcrescentcanna fora newsparkling THcenerg y drinkappropriately called Wobble Freediacelebratesthe collab with abounceshowalsofeaturing HaSizzle,BJSo cole andFly Boi Keno at 7p.m.Thursday, Oct. 24, at theBroadside.Tickets are$22.19 viabroadsidenola.com

ShaneTorres

Comedian ShaneTorresmay have single-handedlyrevived Guy Fieri’simage afew yearsago af ter aviral conanappearance,a bitthat also appeared on hisfirst comedy album, “established 1981.” Last year,Torresreleasedhis firstfilmed special, “The Blue eyed Mexican,” produced by Bert Kreischer, who Torres hasrecentlybeentouring with.Off-stage,Torresco-hosts with Kyle Kinane thepodcast No Accounting forTaste (which has been on summer hiatus)and is a regularonAll Fantasyevery thing. A NewOrleansfavorite, Torres returns to town at 8p.m.Friday, Oct. 25,at theHowlin’ Wolf.Tickets are$22 vialaughlife.standuptix.com.

Monday nday

Wednesday 3FRIED CATFISH FILETS W/ 1SIDE $8.99 -All Day Dungenes &SnowCab with conand potatoes Daily! now Cabwith tatoes

Tuesdays

RAWOYS TERS

$10Dozen $1 ozen 11AM -9PM DineinOnly

CHARGRILLEDOYSTERS(TRADITIONAL)

$19.95/dozen 4PM -9PM

Tuesday/Tursday

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25TH -SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27TH IN OU RF ON TEN OT ERA

T& TPEACOCK BRUNCH PEACOCK ROOM OCT2610AM -3PM Reservations at peacockroomnola.com

ERAS BAR KING BRASSERIE &BAR OPENBRUNCH ANDDINNER OCT25-27 7AM -10PM Reservations at kingbrasserieandbar.com

ERAS BEAUTY

CANARY BALLROOM OCT25-27 10AM- 6PM Email to Book: erasbeautytour@facesofvirtue.com

KITTEN YOGA CANARYBALLROOM OCT26-27 9:30 -10:30 AM Reserveyourspotvia our QR code or on Eventbrite

FO rc OMPLeTe MUSIc LI ST IN GS AND MOre eV eNT ST AKING PL Ac e IN THe Ne WO rLe ANS Are A, VISIT CA LEND AR .G AMBIT WEEKL Y. CO M

To learn moreabout adding your event to the music calendar, please email listingsedit@gambitweekly.com

MONDAY21

21 AMENDMENT — Jelly roll Stompers Duo,8pm

ALLWAYS LOUNGE— Betsy Propane & TheAccessories, 7pm

BACCHANAL — ByronAsher,6pm

BAMBOULAS Therug cutters, 1pm; Jonroniger Band, 5:30 pm; LesGetrex &creole cookin’, 9pm

BJ’S redBeans and Blues with Washboardchazand Jonathan Freilich, 9pm

BLUE NILE WhereY’atBrass Band, 9pm

BOURBON OBAR Tifany Hall, 4pm; Kid Merv, 8pm

FRITZEL’S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — MatineeAll Star Band, 1pm; TinMen, 5pm; richard“Piano”Scott and Friends, 8pm

SANTOS UltraSunn, 9pm

TUESDAY22

BAMBOULAS — TheVillians, 1:15pm; Giselle Anguizola Quartet, 5:30 pm; caitie B. and TheHand Me Downs, 9pm

BOURBON OBAR — Dr.Zach, 4pm; Ingrid Lucia, 8pm

CHICKIE WAHWAH — calebcaudleand TheSweet critters,8 pm

THE FILLMORE Thee Sacred Souls, 7pm

FRITZEL’S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — richard“Piano”Scott,1pm; colinMyers Band, 5pm; Fritzels All Star Band w/Jamil Sharif,8pm

MARIGNY OPERAHOUSE Gabrielle cavassawith JefParker feat. Noa Jamir,8pm

SATURN BAR— cabellis Tour with Wilmah and Twanz,9 pm

WEDNESDAY23

BAMBOULAS J.J. and the A-OKs, 1:15 pm; Boardwalker and the 3Finger Swingers, 5:30 pm;The Queenand Friendz,9pm

BLUE NILE New Breed Brass Band, 9:30 pm

BOURBON OBAR GaryBrown, 4pm; Serabee, 8pm

THE FILLMORE — Opeth, 6:30 pm

FRITZEL’S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — richard“Piano”Scott,1pm; Bourbon Street Stars, 5pm; Fritzels All Star Band w/Kevin rayclark, 8pm

THE JOYTHEATRE Beats Antiqueand Haywyre,8pm

LONGUE VUE HOUSE&GARDENS

Twilight at Longue Vue, 5pm

NEWORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM An Díaz, YokattaBrothers, 2pm

PRYTANIA THEATRES AT CANALPLACE

— Philip Melancon, 7pm

SANTOS Beats Antique Afterparty with random rab, New Thousand and Wake An Blake, 10 pm

TOULOUSE THEATRE — Superchunk’s 30th Anniversaryof“Foolish”with Quivers,8pm

THURSDAY 24

BAMBOULAS— calebNelson and His Hot5,1:15 pm; christina Kaminis and TheMix, 5:30 pm;BAMBOULAS—Wolfe John’s BluesBand, 9pm

BJ’S LOUNGE BYWATER — Sally Baby’s SilverDollars,9pm

BLUE NILE— IrvinMayfeld’sMusic church, 9&11pm

BOURBONOBAR — JerryDugger, 4pm; Davis rogan, 8pm

CHICKIE WAHWAH — Gold connections record release Show,8pm; Alexis and The Sanity feat. Arsène Delay,10:30 pm

FRITZEL’S EUROPEANJAZZCLUB— richard“Piano”Scott,12pm; Doyle cooperBand, 2pm; John Saavedra Band, 5pm; Fritzels AllStarBandw/Kevin ray clark, 8pm

MARIGNYOPERA HOUSE Autumn Dominguez,8pm

PEACOCKROOM, HOTEL FONTENOT— Da Lovebirdswithrobin Barnes and Pat casey ,8pm

ROCK ‘N’ BOWL — chubbycarrier& BayouSwamp Band, 8pm

ST.ANGELAMERICI SCHOOL GYM— Halloween concert, 7pm

TOULOUSE THEATRE — TThe Pellarious Pursuit feat. Pell, 7pm

VAUGHAN’SLOUNGE — coreyHenry & the Treme Funktet, 10:30 pm

FRIDAY 25

BAMBOULAS— TheNew Orleans rug cutters, 11 am;Felipe Antonio Quinteto, 2:15 pm; LesGetrexand creole cooking, 6:30 pm; Bettis and 3rdDegree Brass Band ,10pm

BJ’S — crush Diamond and Malevitus, 9pm

BLUE NILE — ThecaesarBrothers’ FunkBox,8pm; Kermit rufnsand the BBQSwingers, 11 pm

BLUE NILE BALCONY ROOM — Ambush reggae,10pm

BOURBONOBAR — ellen Smith &April Spain, 4pm; Mem Shannon Trio,8pm

BOURBONSTREETHONKY TONK — The BadSandys,8 pm

CAESARS SUPERDOME

Taylor Swift, 7pm

FRITZEL’S EUROPEANJAZZ

CLUB — Danny rubio’sPocket Band, 12:30 pm; SamFriend Jazz Band, 2:30 pm; Woodis/LangeBand, 6pm; Fritzels All Star Band w/Kevin rayclark, 9pm

THE GOAT Aurelio Voltairew/Tomb Of Nick cage, The Quaalords, 9pm

HISTORIC BK

HOUSE&GARDENS

— Dusky Waters &rachelMaxann,6pm

HOLY DIVER NOLA— Dog Park Dissidents, Tincan collective, 9pm

NEWORLEANSJAZZMUSEUM

Geovane Santos Trio,2pm

NOLABREWING — Dave Jordan Trio,7pm

ROCK ‘N’ BOWL — Paperchase, 8:30 pm

THE RINK Swiftie Silent Discoatthe rink, 7pm

THE REPUBLIC ABratHalloween, 10 pm; Hells Gala Afters,3am

SATURDAY 26

30°/-90°— Daphne Parker Powell, 2pm

BAMBOULAS— TheJaywalkers, 11 am; Boardwalker andthe 3Finger Swingers, 2:15 pm;edWills Blues4Sale,6:30pm; PaggyPrineand Southern Soul, 10 pm

BLUE NILE George Brown Band,7pm

BLUE NILE BALCONY ROOM — TheNext LevelBand,10pm

BMC -BALCONY MUSIC CLUB — Kyanté& the Krü, 7pm

BOURBONO BAR— Brian Wingard, 4pm; TheBluesMasters,8pm

CAESARSSUPERDOME

Taylor Swift, 7pm

CHICKIE WAHWAH DeHD,8pm

COURTYARD BREWERY — Sariyah Idan, 7pm

THE DOMINO — SetDeFlo,11pm

FRITZEL’S EUROPEANJAZZCLUB— richard“Piano”Scott,12:30 pm; Steve Detroy Band, 2:30 pm;Bourbon Matinee All Star Band w/chuck Brackman,6pm; Fritzels All Star Band w/JamilSharif,9pm

HOLY DIVER NOLA — Scollkeeper, Absolum, Infuriator,9pm

NOLABREWING Demroots, 7pm

PIROGUE’S WHISKEYBAYOU — TheStacks, 8pm

Morning40Federationplays theirannualHalloween show Saturday, Oct. 26 at Santos Bar.

PRYTANIA THEATRES AT CANAL PLACE

— Philip Melancon, 7pm

SANTOS Morning 40 Federation feat. TheTin Men, 10 pm

SATURN BAR— PleasureSavior Presents: electricFeel, 10 pm

SUNDAY 27

BAMBOULAS AaronLevinson and Friends, 10:30 am;Youse, 1:15 pm; Midnight Brawlers, 5:30 pm; ed Wills Blues4Sale, 9pm

BJ’S LOUNGE BYWATER James Mcclaskey and the rhythm Band,9 pm BLUE NILE— TheBaked Potatoes, 8pm; Street Legends Brass Band,10:30 pm

BOURBON OBAR — MarcStone, 4pm; KennyBrown &the KB express, 8pm BOURBON STREETHONKYTONK TheBad Sandys, 8pm CAESARSSUPERDOME — Taylor Swift, 7pm

FRITZEL’S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB

Doyle cooper Band, 12:30 pm; Sazerac Jazz Band, 5pm; Fritzels All Star Band w/ MikeFulton, 8pm

THEJOY THEATRE — Vivacious Burlesque experience: Devil’sNight, 8pm

SANTOS — Pig, Unitcode: machine, 9pm

TELL ME BAR— Feenin’with Mikey Ofine and DJ Madspinnz,8pm

Discover theinsider tips forhosting a magical celebrationinNew Orleans. Ourguide features thebestparty planners, retailers, andvenuestohelpyou create an unforgettableholiday gathering.

ISSUE DATE : NOVE MBER 4

AD RESERVATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 25

Personal love songs

by JakeClapp

GABRIELLE CAVASSAISNOSTRANGER

TO TOURING.The NewOrleans-based vocalist,who shared firstplace in the 2021 InternationalSarah VaughanJazz Vocalcompetition,has hitthe road with her ownbandand with theNew Orleans Jazz Orchestra. Butthe last year hasled cavassatomorecities, bigger platforms andbrighterlights.

Last year,acclaimed saxophonistJoshuaredmaninvited cavassa to be thefeaturedvocalistonhis album, “WhereAre We,” recorded at esplanadeStudios andreleasedon Blue Note records. Thealbum of jazz standardsand interpretationsofsongs by BruceSpringsteen,SufjanStevens andotherswas well-received—with cavassa’srichvoice consistently praised by outletslikeDownBeat.

That hasled to awhirlwindyearof touring, an appearance on NPr’sTiny Desk,and cavassasigning herown deal with Blue Note just acoupleof months ago.

Thetourhas been “prettyrigorous, andIsortoflovethatbecause it makes youfocus on themusic so much,” cavassasays. “Being in Josh’s band as opposedtoleading my ownband, I’m gettingtohavethisexperienceasa member of agroup that is performing on such adeeplevel.I’verelishedinthe opportunitytolearn from them.” cavassa, though,isexcited to return to her ownmusic andthe work forher ownBlueNotedebut.She’s also looking forwardtofinally having anotherNew Orleansshow.

On Tuesday, Oct. 22,cavassa will performatthe MarignyOpera House with guitarist Jeff Parker,withwhom cavassaisworking on newmusic Singer-songwriterNoa Jamir, whose debutalbum “cicada” wasreleasedin July,willopenthe show Aprolificmusician, Parker is in town from chicagowiththe post-rock band Tortoise forashowOct.19 at theHotel St.Vincent.cavassa sawit as agoodoppor tunitytoworkonsome newmaterial, do ashowand prepare forrecording.

cavassa’sBlueNoterelease —still in theearlystages—follows her independent,2020debut album, whichshe co-produced with drummerJamison ross.Withawarmmix of jazz and soul in original compositions andsome covers,including Germaine Bazzle’s “To YouMyLove,”cavassa’s firstfull-length is full of romance. She’sa“loveroflove songs,”she says Butromance canoften come with drama. It’s notalwaysbeautiful skies

andsmoothseas. cavassasaysher new musicwillexplore some darker themes. romanceis“asacredtopic in music,” cavassasays. “Itbringsupsomany otherfeelings. Butthereare other aspectstothat, andthat’ssomething I’mtryingtobehonestwithmyself about. Is it love or is it obsession?

There’ssuchapureand beautiful side to allofthese standardsthatI’ve integrated into what Idomusically.But there’salsoa side to them that couldbe sador painful.”

cavassawas born in escondido, california, andwhile herfamily, especially herfatherand grandmother, hadgreat tasteinmusic,she says,they weren’tafamilyofmusicians.She fell in love with oldrock‘n’ roll,Bob Dylanand indierock, andcavassa really connected with BillieHoliday

“The wayIcametomusic wasreally independent,”she says.“It wassomethingIviewedasmyspecial place. It wasall aboutmyenjoyment of it.”

cavassastarted seekingout any opportunitytosing, either in aschool production or in achoir at afriend’s church.She received aBachelorof Arts in MusicfromSan FranciscoState University,while also performing at jazz clubsaroundSan Francisco.

Afterashort vacation in NewOrleans, cavassadecided shewas readyfor a change andmoved to thecityin2017.

“OnceIwas here,IfeltlikeIwas really in theright place,”cavassa says.She had“averyoverwhelming, intuitive feelingabout music. Ifeltlike[New Orleans] hadalot to teachme.”

Cavassaand Parker performat8p.m Tuesday, Oct. 22,at MarignyOpera House. Ticketsare $20sug gested donation.Findmore info at gabriellecavassa.com.

Vocalist GabrielleCavassa recentlysignedtoBlue NoteRecords.

Toxic love

by Will Coviello

NEWJERSEYHAS GOTTEN ABAD REPUTATION.everyonehas heardthe jokes aboutcorruption, toxicwaste dumps andpeoplenot living in townsbut at particular highwayexits.

That made it theperfect settingfor the 1984 low-budget horror flick, “The Toxic Avenger.”The film drew acultfollowing andbecameripematerialfor ahorror comedy rock musical, whichopened off-Broadway in NewYorkin2008.

rivertownTheatersfor thePerforming Arts putthe musicalonits schedule for Halloween, andthe monstertalerun amok opensFriday, Oct. 25.

“It’ssucha hidden gem, butnoone knowsit,”saysGaryrucker, who’s directingthe show forrivertown.“If my audience canget past thetitle,they’re goingtoloveit.”

In themusical,scientist Melvin Ferd theThird sets outtoclean up allthe toxicwaste dumpsinhis town.While doingresearchatthe library, he shares hisplanwithSarah,a beautifulbut not always helpfulblind librarian.excited

by each other’swork, romantic sparks fly—and then fizzle when sherealizes he’s notattractive.

Soon Melvin discoversthe town’s mayorisgetting kickbacksfor allowing allthe toxicwaste to be dumped in theirtown. She’sgot bigambitions anddoesn’t want thenerdy scientist gettinginher way. So shedispatches acoupleofgoons to throwhim in one of thewaste pits,but he risesfromthe muck andvowstoclean up thecorruption,too.New Jersey’s firstsuperhero is born

Theoriginalfilmwas oneofmany ridiculoustitlesfor director and producer Lloyd Kaufman. (Healsohas alonglistofactingcredits,including in theoriginal“rocky.”) Hismovies also include“Poultrygeist:Night of thechicken Dead”and “class of Nuke ’emHigh.”But “Toxic Avenger” was hismostsuccessfulfranchise,and he churnedout sequelsinwhich thetoxic superherotraveledtoJapan andother absurd premises

Themusical hasloosely thesame story, butthe creative team hadtheir ownvision, andit’supdated from the 1980s. Themusical scorewas written by DavidBryan,the keyboardistfor NewJerseybandBon Jovi.The book waswritten by JoeDiPietro, whois knownfor theshow“ILoveYou,You’re Perfect, Nowchange.”Anativeofthe Garden State, DiPietro worked in some musicaltheater references andleaned heavilyintoJerseyhumor

“Bruce Springsteenmakes an appearance,because of course he does,” rucker says.

Whiletwo actors play Toxieand Sarah, thethree othercastmembers play dozensofcharacters, making quickchanges

part of theslapstick.everythingabout theschemeisgratuitous.

“The mayorissowonderfully,openly corrupt,”ruckersays. “She thinks she’s goingtobegovernor.”

Themusic is mainstream,and rivertownisusing afour-piecerockband.

“The scoreisgreat,” rucker says. “There’ssomemusical theaterstuff, an ’80s love ballad,and aBruce Springsteentribute.”

Themusical wonthe Outercritics circle Awardfor OutstandingNew OffBroadway Musicalwhen it openedin NewYork. Butthe franchisejustkeeps going, includingwithacomic book series.Aremakeofthe original film was made last year.

“I am dyingtosee it,” rucker says “It’sgot PeterDinklageinit. everything I’ve read aboutitsaysit’sbad.But the firstone wasbad.Justrelease it.Noone is expectingittobegood.”

“The ToxicAvenger”runsOct.25Nov. 10.Tickets are$41-$55 viarivertowntheaters.com

Becomea supporter of local journalism today(or give amembershipasa gift) andyou will receive:

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Not giving up

In ‘You MustStand Up,’ Amanda Becker highlights womenfghting forabortionrightspostDobbs.

by KayleePoche

OVER HERNEARLYTWO DECADES COVERINGNATIONALPOLITICS,reporter

Amanda Becker hasseenalot.Still,she says shenever expected to witnessan election cycle“completely dominated” by reproductive healthcarethe waythis fall’s hasbeen.

“We’ve gone from apresident who struggledtosay thewordabortionto anominee whosaidthe word abortion multiple timesonstage,” says Becker,a Washingtoncorrespondent at The19th. “I didn’t thinkIwould ever seethislevel of comfortamong politicianstalking aboutwomen’s health andrights.”

It’s adirectresultofthe Supreme court’sDobbs ruling in 2022 that there is no constitutional righttoabortion, directly overturningits 1973 decision that legalizedabortionnationally. That ultimately allowedLouisiana’s near total abortion bantotakeeffect.

In herbook“YouMustStand Up:The Fightfor Abortion rights in Post-Dobbs America,”published last month, Becker chronicles thechaotic year afterthe ruling by followingthe womenpushingbackagainst it andadvocatingfor reproductive rights

Amanda Becker,authorof “You Must StandUp”

That includes people like Gabrielle Goodrick of camelbackFamilyPlanning, an abortion clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, androbin Martyand Leah Torres of theWestAlabama Women’scenterin Tuscaloosa,Alabama,a former abortion clinic that despitethe state’sabortion banremains open to provideother forms of low-cost healthcare.

“Theyrefusetoliveinaworld where they observeanniversaries of thedate they lost theirrights—theyare fighting

to create theworld in whichtheyget them back,”Beckerwrites.

As apolitical reporter,Beckersees that fightasone notsolelyabout abor tion rights —but oneabout democracyitself.

“Abortionlawsinthiscountry right noware asignofdemocraticerosion becausetheydon’t representthe will of thepeople, even in theplacesthat they’reinplace,” shesays.

‘Identifying minority viewpoints as such’

In aPew research center poll from May, 63%ofrespondents said abortion should be legalinall or most cases, with just 36%sayingitshouldbeillegal in all or most cases. even in Louisiana, apoll commissioned by TheTimes-Picayune this year foundthat54% believed thestate should allowabortions up to 15 weeks, with 41%sayingthe state should keep itsnear totalabortionban

Becker says shebelievesindayto-day coverage of abortion,there does need to be anti-abortionviews in stories. Butshe believes themedia overrepresents,and sometimeseven misrepresents, thoseviewpoints.

“I should notbereading storiesthat are, by design,50-50 becausethatis distorting what Americansbelieve and what Americanswant,”she says.“I thinkweneedtobeverycareful when we’representingminorityviewpointsto identify them as such.”

Becker points to coverage of the republican Party’splatformstance on abor tion as an exampleofthe mainstream mediafumblingonabortion coverage.

Becausethe partyplatformdidn’t includeanationalban at acertain number of weeks, as it hadinthe past,outlets ranheadlines abouthow republicanshad “softened” their stance on abortion

Butthatwasn’tthe case.Inreality, republicanshad gone much further by callingfor fetusestohavethe same legalrightsasaperson. That couldend up banningabortioninall stages of pregnancy.

Shesaysshe believes covering the issue this waywas “incrediblymisleadingtoreaders andviewers andaudience membersconsuming this news,who mightcomeawayfromthatthinking they seea softer,gentler republican Partyonthe issueofabortion, when,in reality, they’rejustembracing adifferentpathtoachieve fetalpersonhood.”

Girl,soconfusing

In “You Must StandUp,” Becker delves into how afterthe Dobbsruling, many states didn’t know whichoftheir severalconflicting abortion laws was in effect

In Louisiana, thestate’s abortion bans were challenged in court, and differentjudgeskeptgoing back andforth between puttingthemonholdand lettingthemtakeeffect, forcingclinics to keep openingand closingatthe whimsofjudges.

“Ifyou were adoctorin Louisianatryingtokeep up,injustovera month, abor tion went from legal to illegaltolegal fornow, to illegalfor now, to legal againfor now, to illegal pendingthe outcomeof theunderlyinglawsuit,” Becker writes Nearlytwo anda half yearslater,lawsuits continue to play out. “Thingsare only more confusingnow than they were a couple weeksafter Dobbs, if that’s even possible,” Becker says Shecites theSupreme court’sdecision to reject tworeproductivehealth care casesearlierthismonth.

Meanwhile, Project2025calls fora Trumphealth department to revisitthat interpretation of thelaw.

“We’re goingtosee this legalchaos continue as long as states have wildly differentapproachestoregulating abortion,” Becker says Abortionsrightsonthe ballot

Thepresidentialelectionnextmonth, Becker says,has thepower to heavily impact abortion rights andaccess, even if neitherDemocrats have thevotes in congress to legalize abortion nationally norrepublicans to pass anationalban. Thereare “all theseother nuanced things that administrationscan do to protectorcurtail abortion access,” Becker says Forone,under afutureTrump administration,the Food andDrug Administration couldrevokeits approval of mifepristone,a pill used in medicationabortion. Project 2025 callsfor taking that step,which wouldremovethe drug from the U.S. market altogether

TheBiden administration hassaidthe federalemergency MedicalTreatment andLabor Act, whichrequiresemergencydepartments to treatorstabilize anyone regardless of theirability to pay, meanstheycan’t deny emergency abortions. Theadministrationhas sued severalstateswithstrictabortionbans underthisinterpretation.

TheBiden administration hasbeen workingtoprotect abor tion access, andifKamalaHarrisiselected,her administration wouldlikelycontinue that work andbuild upon it.While it maysound like apurelystylistic difference,Beckersaysitwould make adif ferencetohaveapresident whois more comfor tablediscussingabortion than JoeBiden hasbeen.

“Tohaveamessenger at thetop who’sabletotalkabout theseissues in anatural waythatfeels organicto people is afar more effectivemessengerrelated to reproductive rights than someonewho struggles, as thecurrent presidenthas frankly, to talk about some of this,” shesays.

Harris,she adds,could “use thebully pulpit,touse themegaphone of theWhite Houseinaway that couldbemoreimpactful, givenher abilitytotalkabout this.”

At thesametime, Becker says that by showingpeoplecanvassing, organizingand findingcreativewaystowork around bans in thenameofabortion access,she hopestoencourage people to getinvolvedonanissue they’re passionate about.

‘I feel like we’vebeenalittlebit lackadaisicalabout ourdemocracy over the course of my adultlifetime, certainly,” shesays. “You have to getout thereand do more than vote if youwanttohave an impact.”

PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

LEAVE AT THE END

By Frank A. Longo

to bards

made with vegetable “hearts”

who’s a spin doc

36 Lummoxes

Mambo great Puente

Japanese noodle

Match arbiter

Kinfolk: Abbr 45 Stockholm is its cap.

Failed to be

Toe feature

In battle 51 Given to sulking

Bits of land in la mer

Fielder Roush

Having paid to be freed from custody

Stopped from wobbling

beasts

What the last words of eight key answers in this puzzle are slangy synonyms of

Well-muscled

“I say!” sayer

“no”

Cubes in miso soup

Give it a whirl

Dual radio designation

88 Devices reproducing

Org. for docs

“Today” co-host Kotb

Rappers and poets, e.g.

Make a pick

French for “king”

Squid’s squirt

Act litigiously

Climbed up

City in west Texas

Having more climbing plants

Best-suited

Anwar with a Peace Nobel

Greased up

Opera tune 118 Butter slices

Lymph bump 123 Sooner than, in poetry

Actress Vardalos

Sinful

Folk rocker DiFranco

Cola cubes

Exist

Devitalize